The huge mass of searing flames born from the collision of Epona and the Reverse Aura Phoenix was thrusted away by the momentum of the sudden impact, crashing into the rock face with an earthshaking boom.

Llew could only stare in horror as he imagined his comrade's slight figure within the blazing wreckage.

But just then, a shape broke free from the burning vortex and landed messily on the ground next to Llew.

Epona coughed haggardly. Her navy armor and Mushi's gold armor were both charred black and cracked at the joints and edges. The sword in her hand was broken and bent, damaged from the heat of the roaring flames.

"Epona!" Llew shouted. "What in the world are you doing here?!"

"I wanted to help," replied the girl.

"You idiot! How could you do something so reckless?!"

"I just.. don't want to be useless anymore!" Tears flew from her eyes glazed over with determination.

Shaken by her display of resolve, Llew couldn't find any words to say.

Unfortunately, the Reverse Aura Phoenix had recovered from the blow and was now screeching fiercely as it swooped towards them.

"I'll distract it! You think of something!" And with a whip of reins, Mushi took off into the night sky.

The insect darted back and forth, dodging the phoenix's beak and claws as the pair battled in mid-air. Epona swung her blade at the monster at each opportunity but to no avail. The physical weapon failed to inflict any damage on the ethereal creature.

Llew glanced at the Blaster Blade. He knew that the legendary weapon could create blasts of energy, but he didn't know exactly how.

Focusing all his concentration on his sword, he tried a few swings. But no lightning came forth. He cursed.

Meanwhile, both Epona and Mushi were tiring.

Desperate, Llew screamed. "Epona! It's no use! We can't beat that thing! Let's retreat!"

Despite her fatigue, Epona resumed her assault with renewed vigour. "No!"

"What are you saying?!"

"I'm not giving up! And you're not giving up either!"

"We can leave now and come back later when it's safer! If we die we won't save anybody!"

"That's not what I want to hear from a hero!"

Llew froze.

"They only let heroes in here!" Epona continued. "Doesn't that mean you should be able to fight off this thing?!"

The Reverse Aura Phoenix swatted at her with its wings, flinging her into the vegetation.

"Epona!"

Gritting his teeth, Llew charged. He took a mighty leap and slashed at the bird's neck.

Unhurt, it retaliated with a flaming strike that knocked him into the earth.

Groaning, he got back on his feet and unleashed another flurry of blows at the phoenix.

It swept its tail, once again sending Llew back into the hard soil before engulfing him with a conical stream of fire.

But Llew got back up again, using the Blaster Blade to support his wounded body. Knight protocol dictated survival. Survival translated into opportunity. Opportunity for growth, for evolution, to live and fight another
day. But he wasn't just some knight anymore. Epona was right. He was a hero. He was..

"BLASTER BLADE!"

Swiping his blade in a whirlwind around him, he erased the inferno that besieged him.

Blue sparks flashed in the air, tracing the path of the holy sword.

A hero's duty wasn't to run away. A hero's duty was to fight. To grow, and evolve, in the heat of battle. To overcome all odds! That was what it meant to be a hero!

So.. you finally seek my power? So be it! The sword known as the Blaster Blade.. shall be your sword!

A pillar of light stemmed from Llew's feet.. then vanished.

"Thank you," muttered the knight.

He could feel it now. Where it had been faint before, the connection between him and the Blaster Blade was stronger now. Deeper. Till now, the sword had only recognised him as its 'owner'. But now, the sword finally recognised him as its 'master'. And the condition had been..

"To become a hero."

He finally understood what those words entailed. Despite his unavering determination to save Salome and solve the mystery behind the Blaster Blade, there had always been a trace of weakness in his mind. His heart had been lacking. Fear, and a lack of confidence in his own strength. But that was all behind him now. The weakness was still there, but with Epona's help, he had gained the courage to cast it aside, and unlock his full potential.

"I won't run away anymore. Not from anything!"

The Reverse Aura Phoenix lunged forward.

Llew held out the Blaster Blade in the stance that Gancelot had showed him.

SLASH!

Blue lightning cleaved a path through the blazing form of the phoenix.

The flames reduced to mere ashes, and the unconscious figure of Phoenix was left behind.

Llew caught her as she fell.

Despite her rampage as the Reverse Aura Phoenix, her skin and clothes were clean and spotless. Not a single mark smeared her slim body.

She opened her eyes lazily. "What.. happened?"

"It's alright," Llew smiled. "The nightmare's over."

The darkness of the sky had brightened into a mild, pacific blue.

Dawn was breaking.

There was a creak as the door of the hut swung open..