Kise, Gohan, Asuka, and a beat up Miroku ventured into the cave of the serpents. Droplets of water would drip from the ceiling from time to time, filling the cave with constant sound. The inside was murky and damp, barely visible moving forward. Kise took point in leading the group.

"They like to leer in the shadows and strike their victims with either their tail or fangs. They can also inflict poison if they bite into you with their fangs. Individually they aren't too much of a threat, but they can be a hassle when they're together. You've all handled yourself well against them so far, but this'll be different now."

"Different how," Gohan asked.

"We're in their domain. Not to mention we've been fighting the small fry. The serpents can grow to abnormal sizes. At the very end of the cave, lies the queen. That's who we need to kill."

"It is reassuring to have you with us Kise. You've dealt with these demons before." Miroku said.

"It doesn't matter if I couldn't finish it the first time. Because of me, Luke's father was killed."

"Why do you say it's your fault," Asuka asked.

"Because I wasn't strong enough to kill them. Now I'm here to correct my mistake."

"You want revenge for your fallen comrade. I see you harbor deep hatred for what they've done to your friend and village," Miroku said.

"More than you know…"

Suddenly a voice echoed throughout the cave, laughing maliciously.

"Ohohohoho, I never thought I would see you here again Kise."

Kise and the others readied themselves, waiting for something to attack them in the shadows.

"Where's that voice coming from," Asuka asked looking around.

"That's the queen. Stay on guard everyone."

"You have more allies with you this time. I do hope you don't abandon them like you did your poor friend."

"Abandon? What does she mean Kise," Gohan asked eyeing Kise.

"She's talking nonsense! I came back to finish what I started!"

"Finish what you started you say? Well, if you would like to leave more bodies for me to feast upon, I'll be happy to oblige!"

Hissing sounds started to come from within the cave. Hordes of serpents started slithering along the ground and the walls.

"Devour them my children!"

The serpents attacked all at once and the group dodged the attack.

"Remember to keep away from their poisonous fangs!" Kise yelled.

Everyone nodded and got to work defeating the serpents. Gohan and Kise were slicing and dicing the serpents, letting the bodies pile up within the cave. Miroku began swatting them with his staff, and Asuka were pummeling them with her fists one by one.

"This is getting intense!" Asuka said slamming a serpent against the wall.

"Getting tired Asuka?" Gohan said as he stabbed a serpent in its head.

"In your dreams! I'm just getting started!"

The serpent queen started talking to them once more.

"What a lively bunch you've able to assemble Kise. What lies did you feed them this time?"

Kise stopped fighting completely and started shouting at the queen. "Shut up! Just shut the hell up! You don't know anything about me!"

"I know you did not have the strength to defeat me all those years ago. You are nothing but a broken old man who needs to lament and die for his weakness!"

"AHHHHH!" Kise started to see red as the taunts of the queen got to him. He began swinging his sword wildly, killing every serpent in sight.

"I will kill you; I WILL KILL YOU!" He repeated over and over. He slammed his sword into the walls and into the ground, shaking the whole cavern.

"Kise, all the snakes are dead now! Chill out!"

Asuka went over to Kise and tried calming him down, but with his constant flailing, he ended up elbowing her in the mouth, knocking her down.

"Asuka!" Miroku and Gohan both yelled.

"You don't know me! I'll kill all of you! I'll-" Gohan socked Kise in the jaw, knocking him down on the floor.

"Why you little…" Gohan had his sword pointed at his throat, and Miroku had his staff pointed at him too.

"Calm down," Gohan said. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to control yourself. Otherwise, us three can handle this without you."

"I'd advise you heed Gohan's words Kise. We cannot lose our cool, not now."

Kise looked at them both, still seething from the queen's words. He closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.

"Sorry, I lost my temper back there." He got to his feet and dusted himself off. "I'm sorry I hit you Asuka."

"Yeah, you better be," she said getting up and rubbing her mouth.

Miroku quickly went over to her and put a handkerchief on the side of her mouth.

"You're bleeding, this should help."

Asuka took the handkerchief and held it to her mouth. "Nothing perverted this time?"

"Now's not the time for foolishness. We must press on. Is everyone prepared to continue?"

The group nodded and continued onward.

They walked on for awhile deeper in, and they were seeing more and more eggs along the walls. They still remained on guard, as the serpents could hatch at any given time. The cave started to shake violently, causing everyone to be thrown off balance.

"Is this an earthquake?" Gohan holding onto the walls.

"I don't think so. The cave has started to become unstable from the battle." Kise said.

"Or maybe it's because a certain someone was flailing around like a monkey." Asuka joked.

After awhile the cave stopped shaking. Keeping their wits about them, they kept going.

"We're getting closer to the queen's den. Not much farther now." Kise said.

"What was she talking about when we were fighting," Gohan asked.

"Are we really doing this again," Kise groaned.

"Pardon my rudeness, but I'm also curious." Miroku chimed in. "That demon seemed to be getting under your skin during the battle and-"

"I said that's enough!" Kise cut Miroku and turned toward them. "Why are you wasting time talking when we have a job to do?"

"I think you owe us an explanation." Gohan got in Kise's face.

"What did you say?"

"I've been skeptical ever since that battle. She said you abandoned Leim? What happened here in this cave all those years ago?"

Miroku also took a step towards Kise. "We cannot move forward unless you tell us the truth. Demons tend to deceive and come up with all sorts of trickery, but you reacted to brazen, almost as if you didn't want to accept what she was saying."

Asuka kept quiet, waiting to see how things would unfold. Kise gritted his teeth and looked down in defeat. "It's true, I abandoned my best friend to die."

Asuka, Miroku, and Gohan all looked at Kise with shock and disappointment. Kise turned around and walked forward ahead. "We need to keep moving though. I'll tell you along the way."

They all continued forward, getting closer and closer toward the queen. There was a small area filled with water, and rocks able to take them to the other side. Kise pointed to the other end of the cave.

"We just need to cross this field of water to get to the other side. Make sure you watch your step. Use the rocks to jump across." Kise crossed the path with no issues. The other took the same path. They made their way on the other side and kept walking. Kise took a deep breath.

"Me and Leim entered this cave to kill the queen. I personally didn't think we were going to win, but I couldn't let him fight alone. It was getting dangerous, and more serpents were surrounding us. We began to get overwhelmed, but Leim never lost hope. He was a good man, a man who could stare death in the face, and fought with everything he had. He never backed down though, no matter how hard it got. He was the bravest son of a bitch I ever met…" Kise stopped walking and hung his head in defeat. His shoulders started shaking, few tears falling from his face.

"And what did I do? I ran away… I ran away! The first opportunity I saw to escape I took it! I'll admit out of the two of us, Leim was stronger. I assumed he could handle it himself. When I looked back, I saw his face. The face of someone who had their whole friendship and trust betrayed. That face has haunted me for years!"

"I lied and said he died allowing me to escape. He was deemed a hero, and me the survivor of the cave. I made a promise to look after his son, but even that was difficult. Seeing him every day, it reminds me too much of Leim. I could never tell him what happened to his father. I just wouldn't be able to handle it…"

Miroku went next to Kise and put a hand on his shoulder. "Luke deserves to know what happened to his father; you owe him that much. If you really want a new beginning with Luke, and for yourself, you must confess your sins."

"You're right. I know you're right. I'm just scared that he wouldn't want anything to do with me anymore. He'll end up hating me for abandoning his father."

"The outcome may not be what your hope for, but it is the first step into finding peace within yourself. You know Luke has the right to know about this. What happens afterwards is all up to him."

Kise took several deep breaths, then moved forward. "When all of this is said and done, I'll tell him what happened. I'll tell him how fearless his dad was. I don't want to run away from it anymore."

"Good man." Miroku smiled and walked behind him.

Gohan and Asuka were silent, still taking in Kise's story.

"That was pretty heavy huh Gohan," Asuka asked.

"I understand now why Kise reacted so harshly towards me and rejecting training me. He hated himself all those years ago."

"I hope he does find peace after this. Keeping all of those emotions bottled up is just…"

"It would definitely break a man's spirit for sure. Hopefully everything will be better once we end all of this."

"We better get a move on then."

The four finally reached the end of the cave. It was a giant open area that had slime running down the walls. The demonic energy grew stronger with each step they took, along with the eggs around the cave and on the ceiling. The queen was there, sticking out its tongue and squinting at the group.

"Ahhhh, I'm impressed you've made it this far. Especially you Kise, I didn't think you would stick around this long."

Kise wasted no time in taking out his sword and charging straight at the queen.

"I'm done talking! Today will be the day I avenge Leim!" Kise used both hands to thrust his sword into the body, but the hardened scales made it near impossible to penetrate. The queen laughed and slapped Kise away with its tail.

"Kise!" Everyone yelled.

"My scales have gotten stronger over the years. Your dull blade won't be able to pierce this."

Gohan helped Kise to his feet.

"Are you alright?"

"Sure, never been better." He said with a hint of sarcasm.

Gohan took a step forward and unsheathed the Z-sword. "I'm confident my sword can do the job." He ran at the queen to attack next.

"Gohan, above you!" Miroku pointed.

A serpent burst out the egg and lunged at Gohan. Instead of dodging, he shot his sword upward, slashing the serpent in two.

"Thanks for the warning."

The queen glared at Gohan. She didn't speak but stared at him with deep hunger in her eyes. Gohan pointed his sword at the queen.

"Just glaring at me won't kill me you know."

"You're right, that's why I need to feast upon you first!" One after another the serpents were bursting from their eggs. Some were babies, others were fully grown. They were clearly outnumbered. The queen slapped her tail on the ground, causing the cave to shake even more. "Isn't this scene familiar Kise? Years ago, your friend was fighting to the bitter end but you! I could feel your fighting spirit slipping. I knew it was only a matter of time until you ran away!"
"I've decided not to dwell on the past anymore. It won't bring Leim back, but I can atone for what I did by killing you now!"

"Such empty words will not- hmmm…" The queen stretched her neck out and squinted her eyes again. "You do resemble the man from years ago."

"What the hell are you blabbing about now?"

"Is that true Kise?"

Kise's heart sank after hearing the voice behind him. Everyone turned seeing Luke quivering, holding nothing but a kitchen knife.

"Luke… Why did you come here? You aren't supposed to be here!"

"Just answer my question Kise!" Kise froze hearing Luke raising his voice. He couldn't find any way around the situation, too many things were going on in his head at once. The queen hissed at Kise.

"It seems Kise is too star struck to answer. How about I explain for you young one. I was there at the battle you know hahaha! Tell me, the one who gave his life here before, you are his son are you not?"

"I… I am," he answered with hesitation in his voice.

"Then I will keep this brief. Your father and Kise waged battle against me but were soon going to meet their end. Knowing this, he decided to run away, leaving your father to die a gruesome death."

Luke dropped the kitchen knife and stared wide eyed at Kise. He couldn't find his voice, as if he was suffocating. Kise was slowly walking towards Luke.

"Let's talk about this later, okay? I promise to explain everything once we-"

"It's a lie, right? You're joking right? Dad would talk about you all the time, saying you two were best friends…" Every step Kise took, Luke took a step back.

"Luke just-"

"ANSWER MY DAMN QUESTION!" Luke's rage echoed throughout the cave.

The queen took great pleasure in seeing Kise brake for the second time. Gohan, Asuka, and Miroku could only watch as Kise's spirit broke. Barely above a whisper, Kise answered.

"Yes, what you heard is true. I abandoned your father when he needed me most. I left him to die all on his own…"

The cave was quiet. Luke looked at Kise with resent, and disappointment in his eyes. Those were the eyes Kise feared to see one day. The look Leim gave him, is the same look Luke is giving him now.

"Now you know the truth. Lament the broken man, nothing can be done for him. The only thing I can give him is a swift death!" Without warning, the serpents lunged at Kise and Luke.

"Nooo!" Kise lunged and pushed Luke out the way. One managed to sink its teeth into Kise neck, another his right leg. Kise dropped to his hands and knees, writhing in pain.

"Kise!" Everyone yelled. Gohan struck the two serpents with his sword, both lying dead on the floor.

"Don't move too much Kise. We'll take care of everything." Gohan urged.

Miroku looked where the serpents bit him. He shook his head.

"It's only a matter of time until the poison kills him. We must take him to a hospital."

"Then all we need to do is wrap this up quick right?" Asuka said punching her fist into her hand.

"Then I'll take care of the queen." Gohan said.

Kise slowly got to his feet and looked at Luke, his face drenched in sweat. "You okay Luke? They didn't bite you right?"

"No… no I'm okay."

"Good. Ugh…" His vision started to blur, but he picked up his sword gritting his teeth. "This isn't enough to kill me. You'll have to try harder than that!"

"I welcome the challenge you vile humans. Let the feasting begin!" The serpents all swarmed at once. Miroku swung his staff knocking the serpents out left and right.

"Kise, you must fall back immediately if your condition worsens! We'll make sure Luke is safe!"

"I appreciate that monk, but this is something I must see to the end. I will not go back to my former self!" Kise took a serpent by the head and slammed it into the ground.

"Do your thing Gohan, we got this!" Asuka heightened her senses to dodge the attacks of the serpents. She focused her energy into her fists, and each serpent exploded with just one punch.

Luke watched as everyone did their part in battling the serpents. He clenched his fist and stood once more, picking up the kitchen knife. I came here to help everyone, but what did I just hear? I just can't…

"Luke look out!" Kise yelled.

Two baby serpents came for Luke, but he gripped his knife ready for battle. He was much quicker than them as he stabbed one in the head. He dodged the baby serpent's fangs as he stepped on its tail and stabbed the other one. Both were dead at his feet.

"I did it. I did it…" Luke said surprised, proud of himself, and out of breath all at once.

"That was great Luke. Stick to taking out those babies, don't do anything reckless." Kise advised.

"Yeah okay!"

The queen charged at Gohan and used her head to headbutt him. With quick reflexes, he blocked the headbutt with his sword, but it was still able to push him backwards. She continued with constant strikes of its tail, but they were all blocked by his sword.

"Blocking will get your nowhere! It's going to be satisfying breaking that sword and ripping you apart!" Gohan lowered his sword and only smirked at the queen. He beckoned her over, taunting her.

"You dare challenge me? I will not be made a fool of a lowly human!" She charged again and bared her fangs at him. Gohan dodged to the side and struck at the side but didn't do any damage. Damn, it's still not enough!

She whipped her tail once more. Gohan barely blocked it, but it sent him careening across the cavern and into a wall, dropping his sword. Rocks started to drop from the ceiling, the cave shaking once more.

"Foolish boy. You taunt me with that pathetic power? Do not insult me!"

Gohan got up and chuckled. The queen only got more agitated.

"Is death amusing human?"

"Yours will be. Haven't you realized it yet?"

"Realized what?"

"Haaaaa!" Gohan fired ki blasts at the ceiling, causing more violent shaking.

"What is Gohan trying to do?!" Asuka asked trying to keep her balance.

"I'm not sure, but he seems confident in his plan, whatever it is." Miroku said.

"Your scales are strong, but even you can't withstand all the rubble that'll rain down. I plan to bury you here."

"You coward… You think that'll be enough to kill me?"

"Damage you yes. Kill you, no. This Z-sword however..." The Z-sword started to glow a whitish aura from Gohan's energy. The rest of the group finished killing the remainder of the serpents and looked on at Gohan's battle.

"Was this your plan the whole time," she asked.

"I thought it was a pretty solid plan. Coming into this cave, it was only a matter of time before it became unstable. I only sped up the process. Now, this should be more than enough to finish you off!" Gohan jumped high in the air and the Z-Sword started glowing a bright white aura. He swung downward, a giant wave of energy coming down on the queen.

"WAAAAAA!" She wailed loudly as her scales were destroyed and her skin became badly damaged from the sword.

"Incredible…" Kise said impressed.

"I'm glad it was enough energy to take her down, but we need to move. The whole cave is going to come down! Let's move everyone!" Gohan put his sword away and began sprinting towards the exit with everyone following.

The cave was beginning to crumble. Rocks and debris were filing the cave, making the terrain unstable.

"We're getting close to the entrance Luke. Just keep running!" Kise urged

"I know! We're all getting out of here together! Let's go!" Luke yelled at the group.

"Aren't you fired up little man!" Asuka said smiling.

"He isn't wrong however." Miroku added.

They all stopped at the large body of water they crossed earlier.

"We cross this and then we'll be at the exit. Are you holding up alright Kise," Gohan asked.

"I've never been poisoned before, so this is a new experience for me. I gotta say, not a good feeling."

"How can you make jokes at a time like this? I don't understand you sometimes," Luke said.

"We'll take you to Yusnaan and get you treated. Just hold out a little longer alright," Asuka urged.

"Sure, whatever you say."

Asuka and Miroku made their jumps across the water and made it to the other side.

"Luke, you go next. I'll be right behind you." Kise put a hand on Luke's shoulder but quickly shrugged it off. He didn't have any problems getting to the other side.

"This will be a nightmare once we get outta here," Kise sighed.

"Hopefully this'll be a new start for you two. You'll need to regain his trust but I'm sure he'll come around. Just give him time." Gohan said.

"Well hopefully we-"

"AHHHHHH!" Gohan and Kise turned around as they heard a blood curdling scream coming from behind. The cave started to collapse, and they needed to move quick.

"Sounds like she isn't completely dead," Gohan said shaking his head.

"That was a hell of a plan you did back there. We need to move though."

Gohan took out the Z-Sword and stood poised ready for battle. "You go ahead Kise. I'll slow her down as long as possible. You're poisoned so it'll take you the longest to cross. Don't worry about me!"

"Alright got it!" Kise took his time and started jumping from one rock to another.

She charged after Gohan and rammed her head into Gohan's sword. He was pushed back quite a bit, just barely getting knocked into the water.

"If I am to die here, I will be taking you lot with me!" She declared.

"I'll be damned if I lose my life here with you. Let's finish this!"

She tried swiping at him with her tail, but Gohan avoided her attack and managed to stab her in the body. She cried in agony as the sword found its way deep inside.

"I will not be the only one to perish!" She tossed and trashed around the cave, causing tremors inside. Gohan held onto the sword as his body was being slammed into the cavern walls. He gritted his teeth and held on for dear life.

I just need to make sure Kise and the others make it out safely. Then I'll make my escape, Gohan told himself.

Kise was one jump away from making it to the other side. Luke had his hand out.

"C'mon Kise! I got you!"

The queen jumped into the body of water, causing a whole ripping around the cave. Kise grabbed Luke's hand, but the shaking made him pull Luke into the water with him.

"LUKE!" Asuka and Miroku yelled.

"Don't worry, I'll get him before- blhhhhh!" Gohan yelled out to them before he was submerged in the water.

The queen, Gohan, Luke, and Kise were all underwater. She started charging at Luke and Kise. Luke was slightly conscious and Kise held onto him, trying to swim to the surface. Gohan took notice and took the sword out of the body and plunged it deep into the queen's head.

"You bastard… ugh…" she groaned while sinking to the bottom.

Finally being rid of the queen, Gohan swam over to Luke and Kise. Kise had Luke in his arms, his strength depleting by the second and his eyes growing heavy. He gave Luke to Gohan and nodded his head, almost like he was accepting what was about to happen. Gohan stared wide eyed but understood what he was trying to tell him. Gohan swam up to the surface, only looking down once. Kise closed his eyes and smiled, as he sunk down into the depths.

I'm still having a hard time picturing you as a dad Leim. A kid taking care of a kid.

Well can't argue with you there Kise. I do act childish sometimes. I really didn't picture myself as a dad but here we are.

You know what you need to do now right?

What's that?

C'mon dumbass isn't it obvious? you need to get stronger! You have your girlfriend and now a newborn child. You have something to fight for now.

I've always had something to fight for man. The village, the villagers, and you.

I don't need your protection I can handle myself.

I know you can, but I'm serious. Life is hard for us here. We all need to stick together if we wanna survive. Having a child will make it harder, but it does make me stronger. to overcome difficult times. I also have you backing me up. That's why If anything were to happen to me, Luke would still have someone to look after him.

What are you saying you idiot? You're the strongest guy I know. There's no way you would die. I'll just be his uncle that's cooler than the dad.

Thanks man I- HEY!

Haha. Listen, you're a great warrior, a great man to your girlfriend, a great father, and an even better friend.

Thanks Kise. For everything. -Leim & Kise