Chapter 12

Battle Worn

Solomon's Chambers

Tatsumaru is standing between Mitsuru and Yaichiro. Yaichiro swings his lance, bringing it down fast and strong. Using what little strength he has left, Tatsumaru places a shield around Mitsuru and Solomon, and dodges the lance at the same time. Yaichiro strikes again. Tatsumaru dodges the attacks with surprising ease.

As the fight continues and gradually intensifies beyond Tatsumaru's current capabilities, he begins to get weaker. Yaichiro infuses his lance with Fire and again attacks the weakening Dark Master. Tatsumaru doesn't have the time or the strength to dodge the coming attack.

The lance slices through Tatsumaru's right shoulder and down to his left hip. Yaichiro laughs victoriously. Tatsumaru's eyes open wide with shock; he collapses to the floor bleeding to death. Mitsuru grabs hold of Tatsumaru and makes him vanish from the room. He then stands to confront the Black Dragon of Destruction. "You now face me, you Godforsaken bastard!" Mitsuru yelled in sheer outrage. His anger once again flowing off him in thick waves.