As we return, our heroes battle for their very lives.

Twenty Five: World War Three

Robin looked up at his assailant. It seemed like this was his final moment. Both Tameranian weapons were being pointed right at his throat with Red X controlling the handle. But, for some reason, the brown haired boy didn't strike. He just stood there, unmoving, axes at the ready.

"Well?" said Robin. "Aren't you going to kill me?"

"Don't test me!" X warned.

"Then do it," he dared.

They stared each other down, trying to see who would break first. Both of them were panting furiously, sweat pouring down their faces. Robin could tell that their hearts were beating at the same time and at the same quick pace. In his eyes, Robin challenged him, dared him, gave him a clear shot.

Then, with a yell, X struck.

However, Robin was able to roll under him and out of the way. He then tripped him with a sweeping kick under his feet. X fell to the ground and Robin quickly grabbed an axe.

He got up just as fast as Robin's dodge and stood ready.

"Are you really prepared to die for them?"

They stood there for a moment, eyes locked. Suddenly, something behind Robin caught X's eye. Before Robin could see what it was, his axe was knocked out of his hand and he was pushed up against a building.

"Alright, since you're so fond of bargaining, I'll make you a deal. You can either stay here and try to turn me to the light side, or you can let me run. And don't follow me."

"Why would I do that?"

He moved his head so he could see the scene happening not far off. Kori was being held above the ground like a limp, battered rag doll by Komand'r, who was ready to give the final blow.

"What'll it be?" X asked slyly. Robin looked into his snide eyes and grew furious.

"We'll meet again," he said.

"I'm sure we will."

Then, he pushed him out of the way and took off towards her.

"KORI!" he shouted.

Komand'r whipped her head around saw the boy, and then shot a long, throbbing bolt of energy towards him.

He felt like he was being electrocuted and screamed in pain.

Kori heard his cries and her eyes shot open and she saw him. Purple light surrounded him and sweat and tears ran down his face. Then, she looked over at Komand'r, who was smiling psychotically at his pain.

With all the strength she could muster, Kori put her hands directly on her sisters heart – and blasted.

She first saw it in her eyes. They grew wide in shock and the energy around Robin ceased to throttle him and evaporated into thin air. Robin himself staggered to regain his balance. She looked down at her chest and let go of her sister. Blood poured out of a gaping hole where her heart used to be. She looked back up at her sister, eye twitching. Then, she fell backwards, motionless.

Robin rushed with the little strength he had left to catch Koriand'r who had blacked out.

Over on the other side, Raven and Garfield were still doing all they could to defend against Roarak. But their final attempts were futile as their strength began to leave them and fatigue began to slow down their movements.

While air born, Roarak had grabbed Raven and pulled her close.

"What's the use?" he taunted. "There is no way you could ever defeat me, so why even try?"

"They might not be able to defeat you," said a voice from behind. "But I can!"

The dragon turned to see Arella hovering there with a fleet of Tameranian ships right behind her.

"No!" said Roarak. "No! NO!"

Arella's eyes began to grow white, and she raised her hands like a bird.

"Steldon endon elderath, emoris bortum REX!" With that, the monster was encased in white light. Then, his being began to dissolve into what seemed like a book that Arella was holding.

Below, Bee, Roy, Garth, everyone began to cheer. They were winning. They cheered even more when the Tameranian army began to flood the battle field. Within minutes, the Gordanians were captured and cornered. Robin, who had been suspended in the same spot watching, was brought back down to Earth when he saw Roy running to him.

"Robin!" he sang. "Robin we won! Robin? Robin… what happened to you?… Robin… Robin…"

------

"Robin?…Can you hear me? Robin?"

Robin woke with his head throbbing like mad. He tried looking around, but his vision was fuzzy and his brain wasn't working. Although, he felt he was laying down. Not on the cold hard ground like what he remembered last, but soft, warm, gentle. His entire body was creaky and his bones seemed like they did not want to move.

"Are you alright?" said a deep, gruffly voice.

He looked over and saw Galfor's large figure sitting beside his bed.

"I think so," he said. It ached slightly to talk and his voice was horse and rough.

"You gave us quite a scare," he said. You had lost so much blood… I hope you do not mind Tameranian blood in your veins."

"Blood?" he asked thickly.

Galfor pointed to his neck. He lifted his hand (which felt like a rock) and placed it over his neck. He felt it thoroughly bandaged. It seemed like X had not missed him entirely. The shocking thing was that he did not even notice it until now.

"It's nothing to bad," he reassured. "Just a slice. You are very lucky."

"Where's Koriand'r?" he said automatically.

"She's fine. Princess Raven was able to heal her. She is a little battered, but she would have been dead if it wasn't for you."

Death… a thought came to Robin's mind.

"General," he said, "Komand'r's –"

"I know," he said. "Kori told me what happened. In a way, I'm almost glad. She was so emotionally distraught and twisted… it was torture even for her. I'm am just glad she is relived of her pain and I pray that X'Hal is merciful on her."

There was a small silence. Robin wasn't quite sure what he should feel. He should be happy that she wasn't around to try another hostile take over. And yet…

She was Koriand'r's sister. Even if she was evil, she was still her sister. And she was killed by her sister. But she had no problem killing Kori, so why should Kori have any problem killing Koma? Even with that, Koriand'r must be distraught with guilt.

Robin sighed; it was all to much for his brain to compute right now.

"You should rest," said Galfor, getting up. "When you are well enough, you are to leave for Earth."

Robin looked up at him.

"What? But… What about Koriand'r?"

He looked at him sternly.

"Did you forget our agreement? I allowed you to look for her only on the condition that you would leave as soon as you returned."

His head drooped. Of course; how could he forget?

"I'm sorry," he said, sincerely. "This is just how it must be."

Is this to be the fate of out two lovers? Will they never see each other again? And will we finally learn of the gunther knife? Tune in next chappie to find out!

T.