Riovanes castle was exactly what people would have come to expect as the abode of Barinten. The monstrosity that Barinten called home had been designed to be an unbreakable fortress. Compared to most of the other castles, it lacked beauty and interior design. Still, this mattered little to Barinten. So long as he was in his impenetrable fortress, the "Weapon King" felt invincible.

Izlude was a bit too preoccupied to notice much about the castle. He and Alma had been ambushed by a strange wizard named Malak. Malak had refused to listen to reason and had attacked Izlude with magic immediately.

Izlude had been much stronger then the spell caster, and had no trouble dealing with him. However, Malak had brought ninjas, and one had captured Alma while Izlude had been fighting Malak. Izlude had no choice but to surrender or risk Alma's life. It had been a few hours since their capture, and Alma had been carried off by the ninjas to a separate section of the castle. Izlude had been lead by Malak to a large hallway.

Izlude was furious with himself. I don't know what I was thinking.. I should have known the coward would bring support with him! If only I had been better prepared.. I just hope that Alma is okay.. It's my fault she is in this mess in the first place.. I have to think of some way to free myself and save us both..

Malak noticed the look in Izlude's eyes and snickered. "I admire your creativity in creating a story about Zodiac Demons controlling the church. It is unfortunate for you that Lord Batinten and I happen to be more informed then you would have thought possible."

"What do you mean?"

Malak grinned. "Since your act will not fool me, I see no point in discussing the matter further."

Before Izlude could respond, a knight opened up a large bronze doorway. "Malak, Barinten is requiring your presence! Do you have the stones?"

"Of course I do. Do not underestimate my ability. I will be right in."

Malak pulled out a sword from his belt and pointed it at the unarmed Izlude. "Follow my lead. I'm sure Barinten would like to thank the person who has delivered the stones to him."

Izlude had no choice but to walk inside the large doorway, knife being held behind his back. Within the room stood two knights, a short and ugly man who had to be Barinten, and... Wiegraf! Vormav!!

Damn! The monster is here! What can I do!? I'll never have time to warn Wiegraf before the monster controlling my father attacks.. What the hell can I do.. THINK!!

Malak pushed Izlude down a small flight of stairs to face Vormav. Maybe my father is still inside that demon somewhere.. It may be the only chance.. I have to try...

"F, father... I'm sorry."

Vormav stared at Izlude. It did not take him long to realize what had happened. "I see..."

Barinten grinned happily, like a child who had received his very first toy. "We have both Scorpio and Taurus."

The expression of Vormav's face was horrible. Izlude did not see any traces left of his father. The man who stood before him was a furious monster, with dark black eyes filled with anger..

"Moron!"

Vormav stuck Izlude across the face. The pain from the blow was incredible. Izlude tasted blood, but did not break eye contact with the demon. I won't be afraid.. There must be some humanity still inside you, father.. That demon could not have destroyed you entirely!

Barinten found the sight of father injuring son highly amusing. "Is that any way to treat your son? I thought the church was a firm believer in honoring family?" He chuckled loudly at his own joke.

Suddenly, a third knight rushed into the room. "Excuse my interruption, sir! We have verified the intruder's identity! It is none other then Ramza and his companions!"

Barinten smiled. "Right on time. Malak, I'll give you the pleasure of taking care of him."

Malak bowed to Barinten and left the room, the knight following after him.

Vormav stopped staring at Izlude and turned back to Barinten. "What do you want?"

Barinten sat down in his seat and folded his hands. He still looked highly pleased with himself and appeared to be taking advantage of the situation. "I think you know what I want. Why must I repeat myself?"

"What if I refuse?"

"The Church's injustice will be exposed, that's all. Keep in mind that I also have in my possession the Germonik Scriptures. Don't you think Larg, Goltana, and the senate may be interested in them? I have more then enough evidence to shed light on your plans."

Vormav looked furious. He was tired of this pathetic man and the fun he seemed to be having. It was time to end his fun. In a horrible voice he muttered, "where is it?"

Barinten faked a gasp. "Oh, you know I can't tell you that. What would be the fun in telling you my hiding place?"

"Enough! Wiegraf, go after the wizard. I'll take care of these fools."

Wiegraf complied immediately. He took one look at Izlude, revealing the same horrible eyes that Vormav had, and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

NO! It has control of Wiegraf too?! Impossible!!

Barinten stood up and knocked his chair over, looking somewhat startled. "Don't do anything funny! The odds are against you! You may be strong, but you cannot deal with an entire army!"

Vormav smiled darkly. "Odds stacked against me? Quite the contrary. You should be worrying about your odds not mine, for the chance of your victory is nonexistent. What do you think your weak human troops can do to me?"

"Father? Please.. There must be some part of you still alive.. Fight it.. I know you can! Your will is stronger then any demon!"

Vormav ignored Izlude entirely. The sky outside suddenly turned dark, and a lightning bolt flashed outside, accompanied by a loud crash of thunder. "Don't underestimate us. Killing you is easy..."

Barinten tried to appear calm, but he was fooling nobody, not even his own two knights. "Are... Are you opposing me?! Guards!!"

Both knights standing next to Barinten drew their swords. Two additional knights rushed into the room as well, while Barinten ran behind the two nearest knights.

Vormav laughed loudly. It was a horrible laugh that frightened everyone in the room. "So much for the bravery of the Weapon King. I believe its time I show you what the Zodiac Stones can truly do!"

"NO! FATHER!!! DON'T GIVE IN!!"

Izlude's cries were ignored once more. Vormav pulled out his glowing Zodiac stone. The room turned bright yellow, and inhuman noises issued out of the light. When the light vanished, a horrible beast stood where Vormav had been. It resembled a lion, but the hideousness and horror of the creature was impossible to describe with words..

"AHH!" Barinten looked like he was going to faint at the sight before him. He vanished, having teleported to safety, but left his knights to fend for themselves. The knights stood trembling in fear. No training had ever prepared them for this..

Damnit.. It's too late.. My father is dead.. No...

"NOOOO! You bastard! You killed him!!"

Izlude had knocked one of the knights aside and had grabbed his sword. He pointed it at the monster, fury burning in his eyes.

"Foolish boy. I am your father! I have merged with Hashmalum and have become invincible!"

"LIAR!!!"

Hashmalum roared with laughter. "I admire your courage. You are correct, I killed him. Your father's spirit was too strong to do my bidding. I gave him the chance to wield infinite power, and he used all of his power to try and prevent my control over him. I did not wish for an unwilling host, so I decided to take complete control over the fool and send him to hell. Not to worry, you will join him there soon enough!"

"ARG!"

Izlude leaped into the air and aimed his blade at Hashmalum's heart. The demon was caught off guard by the strength and speed of Izlude, and could not react quickly enough. The sword cleaved into its chest.

While the blow would have killed any human, it did little harm to Hashmalum. Hashmalum used its sharp claws and pierced Izlude in the chest. Izlude screamed out in pain, and Hashmalum threw him into the wall, making a sickening crack.

"Not bad. You are the first human to surprise me with an attack. Now then, I think I'll clear out these vermin, before I finish you off."

The knights, still trembling, lost all rational thinking and charged at Hashmalum (even the knight who had lost his sword). Hashmalum raised its hands, and all of the knights were targeted with powerful demonic magic. None of them even had a chance to scream as the magic ripped them apart and killed them all instantly.

Izlude was injured, but managed to stand up despite the pain. The fury he felt within him fueled his body to limits that should not have been possible. I'll kill that bastard!! I swear it!!!

"FATHER! I WILL AVENGE YOU! POWER OF UNEARTHY LIGHT, RINSE AWAY EVIL! LUNA LANCE!"

Izlude had launched a special technique known only by Knight Blades. The sword he held grew bright, and suddenly, a bright light in the shape of a lance poured out of the weapon. The luna lance flew at Hashmalum, who formed a magical barrier in response. The lance tore right through the barrier, and hit Hashmalum once more in its already injured chest.

Hashmalum roared with fury. The attack had actually managed to injure it! "How can I be in pain?! I'm IMMORTAL!"

Hashmalum waved its hands again and targeted itself and Izlude with an unholy attack. The attack healed Hashmalum, but injured Izlude even further.

Izlude fell himself fall down against the stone floor and tried to lean up against the wall. It did no good though. His battered body, no matter how strong his will, could no longer move. No... Father.. I failed you.. I failed everyone..

Hashmalum stared at Izlude strangely. "I did not realize you had such power. Had I known, I would not have killed you. No matter, you would never serve our cause. Like your father, you will be stubborn until death. Remember, boy. Remember where your stubbornness has gotten you. It has earned you a slow and painful trip to hell, and nothing more. Enjoy an eternity of suffering.."

"You are wrong, demon. If I had been stubborn, I would still be serving you. No, I discovered the truth.. I may not have been able to stop you, but Ramza will triumph where I have failed.."

"Ramza will fail, just like you have. Now then, I will be off. I have more important matters to attend to. Enjoy your suffering.."

Hashmalum vanished, leaving Izlude in a great deal of pain. Ughhh.. I have to stay awake.. I have to destroy him.. I can't fail...

---

Izlude had nearly given up hope. He could not stay awake much longer, and it seemed that his body still was incapable of further movement. It was at this point that he heard a scream.

"Izlude!"

It's Alma! She's alive!! "Alma.."

Alma had ran to Izlude's side. Izlude noticed that she had tears in her eyes.

"Alma.. I'm sorry.. I failed.. I couldn't stop the Zodiac Demon.. It's power was horrible.."

Izlude coughed, and noticed blood coming out of his mouth.

Alma held up her hand. "Stop, don't talk. You are going to be fine! I can help you!"

"It's no use.. Not even the strongest healing powers could save me now.. The demon hit me with unholy magic.."

"No! You have to live! I'll save you!"

Alma used her healing powers, but it did not appear to have any affect. Amazing. She made the pain vanish..

"Alma, listen.. I can't stay awake much longer.. I need to tell you something very important."

Alma held his hand, she was sobbing now. "Izlude.. I'm so sorry..."

"Alma, its all right.. I don't feel any pain now.. Please, I need to tell you some things.. My father is dead.. The demon has complete control over his body.. Be sure to tell your brother that.."

Alma was still crying, but nodded all the same. "I will, but it won't matter. You can tell him yourself.. Just hold on a bit longer!"

Izlude went on. "That wizard, he stole two of the Zodiac Stones, but he failed to realize that I had three.. The third stone, Pisces, is in my pocket.. Tell Ramza to show it to Funeral.. Tell Funeral that I gave you the "holy word" and then tell him the story. He will believe you as long as you say that it was the "holy word".. You must tell both Funeral and your brother that the entire world is in danger.. These demons are ruthless monsters.. Tell them to use their power to get the people to join them.. We must not fight.. We have to unite together.. Tell my sister, Meliadol, as well.. She will believe you too.. I know she will.."

Alma nodded again. "Just hang on a bit longer! My brother will be here soon. He has a highly advanced priest that will be able to help you."

"Alma.. I'll hold on as long as I can, but I can hardly keep my eyes open.. I have to thank you for everything.. It was because of you that I learned of the truth.. I just pray that in death I may be more useful then I was in life.."

Alma continued to cry, and Izude coughed again. Should I tell her? I can't.. It would only cause her more pain.. No.. I need to tell her why I acted as I did.. I need her to know..

"I need to tell you one last thing, Alma. When I was forced to fight, I did it for one sole purpose. I always wanted to create a world where violence, war, anger, and pain no longer existed. A world where all people treated others with kindness and equality.. It was the only thing I ever really wanted.. The only thing.. I ever wished for.. I wanted to make my wish a reality.. I thought I could.. I failed.. Please.. Believe in Funeral.. He will be able to help you... Tell Ramza to trust in him... I'm sure that my sister will aid your brother too.. Make sure to tell them not to hesitate to kill the demon in control of my father.."

"I have the same wish Izlude! It can still be accomplished! Don't give up! Just stay awake a little bit longer.."

Izlude smiled faintly. "I had a feeling that you had the same wish.. I could sense it.. You are such a good person.. With your kindness and wisdom, people will listen to you.. I knew you were no ordinary girl the first moment I saw you, and I was right.. You will accomplish great things, Alma. I just know it.. Please, just don't lose faith.. I wish I could stay with you.. If you come across my sister, tell her I said I was sorry.."

"No! You can't die! BROTHER! ANYONE! HELP!"

"There's nothing that can be done.. Forgive me.. I can't hold on any longer.. So tired.. Can't... fight... it..."

Izlude felt his eyes closing, and could no longer keep them open. He saw darkness as his eyes shut..

Alma hugged him, tears still in her eyes. "Please.. Don't die.. I.. I..."

Izlude used all of his will to open his eyes again. Is it possible? Does she feel the same way? No, it couldn't be. I don't even know if I feel that way myself..

Alma struggled to finish the sentence, but finally did so. "I.. love you.."

When Izlude heard the end of the sentence, he realized that his doubts had been mistaken. Its true, I do love her.. There is no point in hiding it.. I never thought I'd feel such emotions towards anyone.. How strange that I only realize now that the feelings are genuine.. Why must I only realize it now? I just wish I could stay alive..

"Alma.. I... love you too... Forgive me..."

Izlude Tingel felt his eyelids shut for the last time. Despite having failed to stop Hashmalum, and despite leaving Meliadol, Funeral, and Alma behind; for the first time in his life, Izlude felt happy. The happiness only lasted for a second, but it was there nonetheless. Izlude realized during the last few seconds of his life what love felt like, and it felt better then anything he had ever imagined. In addition, he felt positive that his wish would be granted after all. He felt in his heart that Alma would make both of their wishes come true.

Izlude Tingel died peacefully in the embrace of Alma. Would the wish of the two become true? Would the seemingly never ending corruption, violence, pain, and terror one day come to an end? Would a world of peace and happiness for all be possible? Only time itself would tell...