A/N: Hi all! It's been a tiring couple days but following the next chapter, the battle truly kicks off. Thanks Xros-Hero for enjoying and I hope this one catches your eye too!

XXIII. Favor

"We will all have our answers."

Yuu felt a weariness in his bones.

He had no idea what was going on anymore.

They had grabbed Akari, who was somehow semi-conscious and injured, and then, within minutes, Taiki was there. It was just like the first time. Except even he could feel that it wasn't.

The supreme nothing in those eyes said everything. But those weren't the same eyes.

The ones that had stared at each of them were grey, yet the red light had not left them, intense and full of... relief. Relief? That they were still alive? That the game was still going? What reason could he have to feel that now, or ever? He, who was trying to kill them, who was he to look so... proud?

Well, Yuu decided, he wouldn't die. He couldn't. His friend... he had already died. He had already... told him... not to lose to anyone. So Yuu wouldn't lose.

Taiki's smile was so faint; it was, by some standard, almost beautiful. He looked at them all and spoke, words that were so gentle it carved a painful wound into his chest.

Quite like the first time. For a moment, he felt his tears trying to burn the corners of his eyes. Then he pulled them back and glared.

The voice spoke, rather a murmur. It was almost inaudible, over the sound of the air ripping. "May you choose life."

Akari stirred weakly. "Tai...ki..." Her amber eyes, even semi-conscious, were raw, hurt.

He shook his head. "Not yet." He vanished.

The silence in the air was practically screaming. "What... what was that?" Nene whispered.

"Him," Zenjirou said quietly. "Who else?"

Kiriha shook his head. "Not what you meant... was it?"

Nene shook her head. "I... that was... that was Taiki-kun... but it wasn't him either. It was the other one. They were both standing in the same place... and..." She clicked her tongue, eyes swirling around the room for the right words.. "Asking the same thing." Her violet gaze locked on the black tear in front of them and she reached her free hand to rest on her Xros Loader. "May you choose life. May you choose to fight."

Yuu wriggled from her side and slowly pulled himself to his feet. She wanted something, more than she had when she had hunted him. That look was back in her eyes again, and a smile was rising on her face. It was dangerous and even a little chilly. Yet... he liked seeing it there. There was a resolve he didn't have... or thought about.

Well, why don't you?

That voice again. Because I'm scared. Because there's no way to change anything.

Are you really someone who gives up that easily? Aren't you stronger than that?

I don't know!

Then find out. Because I am.

Tears of realization welled up in his eyes and he wiped them away. "I'm going," he announced and without looking back, he bolted into the black portal.

Taiki-san... his sempai had always been looking out for him.