Ray leapt out of his seat and rushed to the escape hatch. He opened it and made his way onto the plane wing.

"Ray! What are-" Kenny's question was cut short as Ray leapt off the wing and slammed his blade onto his chest. Green light erupted from him as he combined with Drigger.

"Believe me NOW, Kenny?" Tyson asked. Kenny nodded, his face white. Then he fainted.

Ray in Drigger's body was falling, but he had no concern whatsoever. He could land on his feet.

But Kai couldn't. He was still falling, but the ground was approaching with each passing second.

KAI!

Kai hit the ground.

NO!

Ray landed and separated from Drigger. He ran over to his friend. "Kai.."

"Ray?" Kai asked very weakly. He was only just awake.

"The mark-"

"I...J know."

It had covered about three quarters of his face. He was weakening with every passing second. Drigger entered Ray's thoughts.

The Black Mark is no longer controlling him; it is killing him.

Kai looked up at Ray. "I...I know when...I'm beaten.."

Ray stared. "No, Kai. I'm still here. I'll help you. It's not the end."

"It's..not...." Kai let go of his blade, clutched in his hand. It rolled over next to Ray's. Drigger and Dranzer leapt out.

Kai's attention was drawn to his hand. The Mark-it was fading. His strength was returning.

That's its weakness. Kai realized. Faith.

The Dark One suddenly appeared in front of him.

You!

He glared at Kai, who'd regained all his strength.

You got rid of it.

Kai nodded, taking off his wristguard. No, the Black Mark was no longer there.

But then, he spotted a smirk on the Dark One's face. He heard Dranzer screech behind him.

Kai spun round.

The Black Mark covered two thirds of her entire body.

"DRANZER!!!" Kai ran over to his bitbeast. But he was starting to weaken again. They had a bond so strong they shared the same pain.

Kai finally fell against Dranzer, who collapsed.

She looked at Kai. She looked as if she were trying to speak, but all that came out was a bird's cry.

"You can't even speak, can you?" Kai asked Dranzer, who shook her head slowly.

Drigger walked over.

I will protect her. You must flee.

Kai glared up at him. "I'm not leaving Dranzer."

"And I'm not leaving you either, Drigger." Ray said.

Drigger stared at his master.

Sometimes, I wonder why I ever left you...

!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!

NG: I think two or three chappies left. But don't worry, this is a TRILOGY! Yessiry! And the third story's the longest! ^_^

Kai: NOOOO! NOW YOU'RE TORTURING MY BITBEAST!

NG: ZIP DA LIP, KAI! Anywayz, I'll upload the next chappie shortly.

2BC