You'll protect me, won't you my prince?

The duo and their personas held their stances, taut as the dragon eyes went from one to the other. It snarled, splaying cold air for every growl. Saki unintentionally took a few steps back, the sudden cold sending a shiver down her spine.

It didn't go unnoticed by the dragon, roaring whiling raising it's body towards the sky before flying towards the Junes Senpai. A hitched breath left her as she stood frozen.

King cursed as Zetsubo made his way towards them. The dragon roared again, releasing a spiral energy wave of ice. Without her user moving, Fujin had little choice but to tank the attack. Thankfully she didn't have to, the caped warrior getting in front of them and splitting the wave in half. He quickly looked to make sure the two were ok before jumping, clashing his sword with it's talons. King rushed over to Saki, still in a small daze. A tap on her shoulder brought her back to her senses.

"Hey you alright?"

"Sorry… I—I don't know what came over me."

"Don't sweat it. I've started to notice everyone tenses up when seeing their weakness."

A clash rang through their ears, looking up as the dragon circled around Zetsubo, frequently clawing at the warrior in a zig zag motion. Faster and faster, Zetsubo found it harder to keep deflecting the talon strikes.

Stop staring and help him!... She looked at Fujin, who seemed to waiting for the word. A nod was all the wind goddess needed to join in the fray. The dragon currently had Zetsubo pinned in the air, both claws trying to reach his chest only being held back by steel. Fujin's hands came together and shot a dark ball at the dragon.

The dragon quickly back off as the ball shot passed them. Zetsubo spun his body counterclockwise, swinging his blade right down to which the dragon shifted and the blade hit nothing but air. Using that moment, the dragon spun it's own body, using the momentum to whack Zetsubo in the jaw with it's tail.

"Tch." King groaned, a bit of blood rolling down his mouth. "It's really fast. Senpai, think you can slow it down?" A smirk rose on her face as she looked to her persona.

"Leave it to me! Fujin!" Saki beckons and Fujin takes her bag of wind and spins it, round and round as a ball of wind starts to form in the center. The dragon currently had Zetsubo back on the defensive, blocking most of the strikes to the best of his ability. "It's ready!"

"Zetsubo!" King called out. The warrior blocked one more attack before pushing it back and flying away. The dragon flew off in hot pursuit, spewing an Icy breath attempting to slow him down. Zetsubo crossed his arms taking the blast head on. King cross his arms, feeling a chill run down his spine. Thank god I'm resistant to Ice it still kinda hurts. The persona users watched as the dragon drew closer, talons out ready to strike. They smirked before Zetsubo moved to the right coming face to face with Fujin, a giant ball of condensed wind being held within her hands.

With a palm, she pressed into it, a giant circular wave of wind blasting out the ball. It hit the dragon dead on, it roared out as it tried to move, fruitless as while the wind didn't hurt it as much, it's force was too much. It's movement stopped, Zetsubo's eyes lit up, raising his sword as he flew towards the dragon. With all his strength he swung down.

N-no!

"Yukiko" screamed out in horror unable to bear her protector being split in two.

"Yes! We got it!" King cheered as Saki sighed in relief.

A clang reverbed out throughout the springs, everyone blinking in confusion as Zetsubo's sword not only fail to cut the dragon in half, but the warrior was also reeling back, sword above his head as he vibrated away.

"…Huh." King blinked, his eyes being replace with a black dots.

"It's immune to physical attacks…" Saki followed, her eyes doing the same.

Ahaha! O-of course! My prince is very strong!

"Yukiko" laughed nervously as the duo blinked at her.

King was the first to shake out of it, face palming at his realization that he was completely useless. The dragon seemed to pick up on that as it's eyes turned to the wind goddess. With the warrior still shaking she was vulnerable. It roared, releasing and icy wave that blew away the wind away and went straight for her.

"Shit, Zetsubo come on!" King cried out but it was too late, blast it Fujin dead on. She dispersed as Saki screamed out, her body slumped. "S-senpai!" He quickly kneeled down. He tried to touch her but flinched at how cold she felt. Still grabbing her shoulder, he shook her. "D-damn hey wake up!" A small groan left her. Thank God! He sighed in relief. Zetsubo! Stop messing around! He yelled at his persona as he finally stopped shaking.

He quickly took a look, seeing as Fujin was nowhere around and Saki was around, he could only assumed what happened. He looked towards the dragon who was roaring in victory. His eyes darken as a bright green aura stared to glow around him. Sukukaja? King questioned as Zetsubo dashed towards the dragon faster then before, punching it right in the nose. It didn't react to the punch but got irritated regardless, swinging it's talons at the warrior only for him to vanish. After a few moments they saw him a few feet behind the dragon.

Woah you gotten faster. Hurry and lead the dragon away! Zetsubo nodded, looking at the dragon and wagging his finger at it. King held back a laugh because he swore he saw Zetsubo wink as the dragon got pissed off. Seizing the moment he flew back to the long spring, the dragon following with all it's might barely keeping up. 8. 9. 10! King recalled him just when the dragon struck, hitting nothing but air. The dragon looked around in confusion as King quickly summoning his persona again to heal Saki, heat and color returning to her body as hers fluttered open. She looked from King to Zetsubo to the giant spring in the middle before gasping.

"You ok?" King asked worryingly as she slowly sat up. Saki nodded as she rubbed her forehead, embarrassment catching up to her quickly. She was suppose to be helpful and instead was being a burden.

Again… "Y-yeah. So-" Saki started before being cut off.

"Sorry… I didn't know it was immune to physical attacks." King frowned, eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry to ask but can you still fight? I need your help." Saki stared at him. Surprised that not only that he wasn't upset for failing, still wanted to rely on her. A feeling of pride over took her, determined not to fail him again as she nodded.

"What do you need me to do?" with a small smirk, King leaned in and whispered before Saki grinned in return. "Yukiko" sneered at the two's willingness to keep fighting. Didn't they already see that her prince was invincible.

I don't know what you're planning but my prince won't lose to you!

"I guess we'll soon see won't we?" King teased as Saki summoned Fujin again. Zetsubo can you give that to Fujin too?

Of course. Zetsubo responded emitting the same green aura on the wind goddess.

"That's new." Saki commented as King scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

"I uh… got it after you got knocked out." King shyly replied, acknowledging how cliché that must've sound. Saki hummed deep in thought before commanding Fujin to start her part of the plan.

The dragon flew back seeing that the girl and beast on cloud were back. It growled taking a deep breath aiming for the two persona users, only for it's jaw to be snap shut by Zetsubo. The icy breath went back inside it's body, it didn't hurt but left the dragon in a coughing fit as it looked as Zetsubo flicked it on the head before flying away. The dragon snarled, about to gave chase but stopped. It stopped to think. Blue…fast…annoying…doesn't hurt. It glanced at Fujin who was spinning her bag of wind again. Green...unsure…might hurt… weak… The dragon turned to Fujin and flew straight for her. King flinched not expecting the dragon to straight up ignore Zetsubo.

These shadows sure are something… ok then Zetsubo go after Yukiko! His persona looked back at his user in skepticism before nodding. "Hey prince! Your princess is in danger!"

The dragon stopped in it's tracks instantly turning indeed to see the the warrior heading straight for it's princess. It roared as it's body snapped, darting straight for him. As soon as the dragon reached, Zetsubo turned and tackled the dragon. He wrapped his arms around it's body as the dragon wiggled harshly. It started clawing at Zetsubo's back, King holding back the screams as he felt every sharp stab course through his own back. Zetsubo kept pushing the dragon farther and farther until all the two could see was stream.

They were in the center of the Hot spring.

"S-Senpai!" King's voice hoarse out.

"Fujin! Do it!" Saki commanded. Fujin appeared above the both of them, another giant ball of condensed wind in her hands. The dragon seemed to realize what was happening but it was too late. A gust of wind blasted the two down towards the spring. It's water bubbling rapid as if trying to claim a victim. The dragon clawed ever more at Zetsubo, but he absolutely refused to let go. The two began to spin with the wind as they got closer to the water. With all his might, Zetsubo launched the beast into the water before being recalled by King. A giant wave splashed upwards, and all that could be heard was the wailing of the dragon.

Fujin wasn't done yet, feeling humiliated for being taken out in one hit she lifted her hand a dark ball forming. The dragon continued to splash in agony unaware of it's impending doom as the ball crashed into it. It got sent all the way to the bottom of the the spring, it's body oozing black as the water followed it to who knows where. The water in the spring became to spin like a typhoon, going down like a drain. The wind goddess watched as the last of the water left, leaving nothing but a giant hole at the bottom. She swung her bag of wind in victory before disappearing.

The duo sighed; King kneeling trying to ignore the stabbing pains in his back, while Saki sat on her butt still feeling a bit chilly from the attack.

"I think…" King panted as Saki looked over too him. "I think Fujin gave her prince the royal flush." A stupid grin was left on his face as he snickered. Saki just blinked before rolling her eyes a small smile following.

"That's really bad." She retorted only causing King to laugh a little harder.

I-impossible!

The two looked at "Yukiko" who looked like she was on the verge of tears.

S-she's not suppose to lose!

She's the only one who makes this stupid place bearable!

I-if she's weak… then what am I?...

King groaned as he got up, slowly walking towards "Yukiko". She backed away in fear as he neared closer.

N-no! Get away from me!

She scuttled away, trying to get away from the ones who killed her prince only to trip over the real Yukiko. King drew closer, his eyes having a blank look as he stared at the two Yukikos. "Yukiko" held her arms up too her chest and closed her eyes, resigning to whatever fate they had for her. She flinched as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"You're pretty strong Yukiko."

Her body froze, not comprehending what was said. She opened her eyes to see concerned eyes staring at her.

"I'm… kinda sorry we killed your prince, but you're not weak at all Yukiko." King weakly apologized. "Let…let me help you." He begged. "Yukiko" mouth opened and shut as she slowly nodded. She fixed herself, letting Yukiko lay on her lap as he kneeled, the cloud on his glove hand glowing as he neared her chest. He looked at "Yukiko" who watched on nervously. "I won't hurt you." He comforted. With another nod from her his hand rested on her chest.

His eyes widened as his hand seeped through her body, a yellow glow surrounding her chest. His hand moved around searching for something. It found what it was looking for as he felt a shock course through his body. He hissed away from it only for his hand to lean back towards it. King frowned before sighing and in one swift motion latched onto it. The object hissed and crackled as King pulled it out of her body. What the heck…?

It was a ball of static. The best way to describe it was those scribbles from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. He couldn't explain it in any other way as the ball started to crack, streams of light coming out before bursting around the three. King squints, waiting out the brightness. After some time everything dims downs as the two Yukiko's come into vision. His brows furrowed in surprise, when he sees "Yukiko". Her face is cleared up and now she's wearing the same pink dress she does when they run into her at the castle. She looks at herself then her sleeping self before looking at King. A mischievous grin and sultry gaze bores into him as he blushes from the sudden attention.

You said I was strong right?

Pfft! I doubt it but I learned something.

My prince simply wasn't strong enough.

So I think I'll go searching for a stronger one.

The new "Yukiko" looks King up and down. A strange shiver going down his spine as she licks her lips.

How bout it stud~ wanna be my new prince?

King opened his mouth only to slam it shut multiple times. He knew the answer right away was to say no. Oh god, would it really be that bad? He quickly shook off the dirty thoughts that was starting to follow. "S-sorry, I don't think I'm prince m-material." He looked away, trying to scratch the blush his cheeks. She pouted before giving up all together. She lifted up Yukiko and gave him a smile.

That's a shame.

Come on then! Let's fine ourselves a strong prince!

With that the girl ran off into the fog giggling. King just sat there agape as Saki walked up to him. She bent down, putting a hand to her cheek as she poked him with her other one. " You looked like you were enjoying yourself." King slowly turn his head to the smug grin of his Senpai. His lips curling downwards as his brows twitched.

"You… can't prove nothing!... Woah hey, the static is gone!" King pointed out. They looked around, not a speck of it around. Without the hiss of the white noise, it sounded much more peaceful as they heard the calming waters of the springs around them. He did note that one spring still had the rising steam but decided to worry about it later. He snapped his fingers, allowing them to return back.

They returned back to the school roof. The two groaning from the pain now that the adrenaline rush ended.

"My freaking back hurts…" King complained as he slumped against the wall.

"I'm so tired…" Saki followed, sitting across from him. "But we did it! Amagi should be safe now right?"

"Yea. As long as that commercial shows up we should be good."

"I think it's raining tonight so we'll know for sure."

That's kinda convenient. King hummed in agreement as slowly got up. He held out a hand for her to take. She took it gratefully as he pulled her up. She patted herself before putting her hands behind her back.

"Well I have work tomorrow, so I'll be going on ahead." Saki said as she headed for the door. "I'll try to stay up for the channel." Saki said, although she was mentally sighing. Her body ached for rest to the point she would pass out the moment she hit her bed.

"Nah don't push yourself, I'll let you know if we succeeded or not in the morning." He said with a thumbs up. If she had to work and it was as tiring as Yosuke said it was, he wasn't gonna let kill herself for something that only last a few seconds.

"Alright. Thanks!" Saki beamed, feeling bad but grateful for having an understanding friend. She started to walk only to see King walking right beside her.

"I just realized I was gonna go straight home too… but It felt too awkward to ask now." King sweat dropped.

"Pfft!" Saki giggled earning a frown from the dreadlock boy. "You really are weird Shimi-kun."

"Ah whatever!" King pouted before a wry grin rose from him.

The two separated at his house, King giving Saki a wave before heading inside. He got inside and saw that his mom was sitting in the living room watching TV. She was still in her work clothes so it probably wasn't that long ago.

"Huh. Well this is rare. You're home early today."

"I got out for good behavior." She teased before patting a seat next to her. He rolled his eyes but smiled as he took a sit next to her. "So how's school?" She asked leaning into him. He scratched his cheek trying to think of something but all that came out was.

"It's about the same?" She pouted, reaching for his cheeks and pinching him lightly.

"You always say that!" She whined. "How about friends? You never talk about them." She didn't want to say it outright but she was worried about his lack of social activity. Her son would usually stay in his room all day if he wasn't going to school or out for a jog.

He winced. He couldn't talk about them cause he never really had friends. "Well ok, I made a friend recently." He held back a snicker seeing how his mom's eyes lit up. "You remember the girl in the hospital?"

"Oh! Konishi-san! Oh you became friends with her?!" she said clapping her hands together. With an embarrassed nod, she smiled. "That sounds so sweet! I feel like she needs friend. I don't hear it often but sometimes I hear people talking badly about her." She said somberly while King hummed in agreement. "Seriously I'm happy you made a friend!" She quickly perked back up, a small smirk appearing on her lips. "So which one is your type, Konishi or Nakamura?"

"I knew it was coming!" King flicked his pest of a mother in the forehead, A snicker radiating from her.

"But seriously, I'm glad. It's only been a feel weeks but it looks like you changed a little." She beamed. King frowned but it eventually turned to a smile as the two continued to talk about other things, his mind lingering on how he at least became much braver than before.

Maybe just a bit.

Midnight neared, his mom already going to bed and wishing him goodnight as King stared a TV in his room, yawning as he struggled not to lay down. He heard the rain smacking against the window as he look at the time. 30 seconds left. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. He held his phone out towards the TV, prepared to press record. He knew that the recording with the DVR wouldn't work so he wanted to try it with his phone. Not for perverted reasons he assure you. He was simply curious, he promises.

The Tv suddenly turns on and Yukiko appears making a kissy from the bottom of the screen.

"Good Evening!" Yukiko waved with a wink. "Today, I, Yukiko Amagi am going guy hunting to grab me a stud muffin!" She fires hand off like a gun. "It's a non- scripted hunt!" She beckons the screen to pan over to the castle behind her, a red vortex swirling out from the door. "Yukiko's Hunt for prince charming! I'm fired up! My unmentionables ready to go!" As she winks, actually patting herself down there before drawing a heart with both her hands. "As well as my heart!" She giggles before running off to the castle, the screen starting to pan up as she does so. "Here I go!" And with that the TV shut off.

King stared for a few more moments before sighing and laying back on his bed. We actually did it! They should be able to take care of the rest from here! What's tommorow? He scrolled through his phone, looking for the calendar app and saw that it would be April 20th. So 9 days… Yea I know they can do it before then! If nothing else I just have to barge in there myself. That aside…

A wicked grin comes, scrolled to his video app and clicked on his most recent recording. As the video started up, he hoped for the commercial to pop up again but all he got was a black screen. He clicks his tongue turning off his phone, a single tear running down his cheek as a small blush appears.

It's never easy!

"…" Within another house, a boy sat, speechless at what he just saw. Ringing slightly startles him as he looks over his shoulder. His phone was ringing the caller ID being Yosuke Hanamura. He picks it up instantly. "Hello?" There's a pause but he can here the small gasp of surprise.

"Oh good you're awake. So… you saw it too right?"

April 20th

King decided to wait by his front door, texting Saki that he would walk with her today. A few minutes pass before he sees her, arms over her head stretching. "Morning senpai, ready to… go?" He paused, holding back a snort as she rubbed her eyes. She's kind off a dork in her own way. With a nod the two headed off.

"So she'll be ok now?" Saki asked before yawning. As she expected, she passed out as soon as she hit her bed. King gave a small thumbs up while nodding. A sighed escaped her as she smiled. "That's good, I don't know what we would've happened if that wasn't the end of it."

Oh Senpai… we only just begun. "You're telling me, but at least we can relax for a bit."

Saki smiled again before becoming serious. "Hey." She leans in, King slightly turning his head in confusion. "I know you through Amagi in, but you never threw me in right? That means there's someone out here who can do the same thing right?" King slowly nodded starting to understand where this was going. "I… I want to find the person who threw me in. I want to find out way they wanted me to die!..." Saki said in a harsh whisper, clenching her fist looking straight at the floor. King just looked a bit of sympathy and regret knowing that he can't just tell her right now.

I don't know what Izanami will do! King cursed as he put a hand on her shoulder. She flinched as her head rose up to see a grin and a thumbs up. "Of course, you didn't even have to ask to be honest."

"Of course not." She slightly teased before smiling. "Seriously, thanks Shimi-kun."

"It's what friends are for." King smiled again before pondering. "Also I think stealing food?" he pointed out as Saki chortled, slightly pushing him away.

"Don't tempt me, my brother says I have a knack for doing that a lot to him." The conversation spiraled off to them talking about food as they neared the school. Saki smiling all the way there except for when King commented on the fact that she seems like the type to steal food.

This is kind of nice.