Chapter 4: Death Match

     "Open the gate unto the plane of the gods!"

     Those words resonated in Janus's mind. Lying in his bed, he looked down at his bare ring finger on his right hand. Touching his cheek, he remembered Juri's words to forget everything. His deep blue eyes narrowed. He would show her that he was capable of bringing about the greatest revolution so that his dear sister would not have to endure so much strain. It was then decided; Janus would sneak into Juri's room and steal her signet to be granted access. It would be simple since Juri was asleep from tending to Tia's wounds.

     His small frame softly snuck into Juri's bedroom, slowly approaching the sleeping lioness. Slowing his own breathing motions, Janus moved even closer, and saw that the signet was around Juri's ring finger. At that moment, Janus held his breath and gently slipped the signet from Juri's finger, and ran out. He did it! He would show everyone!

     It had begun to cloud up in the dark night sky. There would be an awesome downpour and a show of lightning later, but now all that was present was thunder. Janus's small figure was seen running frantically towards the dueling arena. Juri's ring was easily recognized, granting Janus access.

     "Now, what were those words?" Janus thought. Would the higher power accept him? The words then came to him.

     "Darkness beyond twilight…open the gate unto the plane of the gods! Allow this celestial guardian passage!" He cried out, raising the ring.

     But light did not envelop this little boy; he was, instead, thrust into the air onto the plane of the gods, unarmed. His blue eyes widened. This was not supposed to happen! Immediately, he saw two of the shadow figures, their eyes glowing red and staring at him. One had two swords as arms while the other only had one. They stood on both sides of Janus, and their eyes became brighter. The winds picked up as a force stronger than gravity hit the innocent form of Janus. He screamed loudly in pain, causing an echo among the halls of Ohtori. A ball of bright light was released.

     At that same moment, Tia's eyes flashed open.

     "Janus!" She cried. This caused Juri to awaken and enter the other room.

     "What is it, Tia?"

     "Janus…I felt…a light go out…" Tia was in a cold sweat by now, and her face was pale. By this time, Juri had noticed her signet was missing.

     "It's gone…my signet!"

     "He's gone to the outer plane…I must go," Tia staggered to stand, but Juri held her.

     "You are extremely too weak. You'll be killed."

     "My brother is up there…" she looked at Juri, who nodded.

     "But I am going with you…"

     Tia nodded, and they both ran quickly towards the dueling arena. Tia could feel Janus's presence slightly. He had really gone to the outer plane.

     And there he was, lying, collapsed and torn on the ground of the arena. Tia could tell that something threw a force against him. Quickly, she ran towards the body of her beloved brother, and fell to her knees.

     "Janus…why?"

     "Tia…I didn't…want you hurt…" He staggered to speak.

     "Janus…stay with me…please. You're all I have. I'll be all alone…"

     "No…you are not alone…She will take…care of you…"

     "Janus…" Tia pulled him closer, her tears now falling, without hope of stopping.

     "I'm not…scared now…You'll beat…them all…Tia…I…love you…" His eyes closed at that moment, and his body eased up dramatically.

     Tia choked, "Janus!"

     Within a few moments, Janus's body faded away, a strange death. Juri knelt down by Tia and placed a hand on her shoulder.

     "No…Janus! JANUS!" Tia wailed a cry that echoed throughout all of Ohtori.

     In the distance, someone overlooked what was going on, and a crystallized tear fell.