You know, I wanted to extend this longer, but I have no energy to expand this arc, so this arc end this chapter, then will move to the ending bit of Gakusen. A bit shorter, but this is due to me being a bit stuck on how to carry this on for the chapter.

Hero_King_Gilgamesh: Don't worry about the tying in, I made this story a while ago when it should have been tird in :) Thanks for the encouragement!

"Dad?" Lyynesta asked in disbelief.

The man who I had let live lowered his pistol and said, "Lyynesta."

Sylvia watched the exchange with wide-eyes. "So you came to kill your daughter too?" she growled, "I would gladly listen to 'Yes' and shoot you."

"Actually," he waved behind him and about five men entered the room, weapons drawn but lowered, "The opposite. I'm sorry, daughter. I wish I could have returned sooner." Lyynesta never lowered her weapon, "Why the change of heart, huh?"

He pointed to a gash in his cheek and his daughter noticed as she looked. "You'll have to thank the boy there. He let me gain a second chance." They all looked at me and I waved nervously. Lyynesta stared in awe then returned her attention to her father.

"What did he do?" He laughed then held his cheek when he winced, "Beat me with a baton again and again, until I gave away the location that held Sylvia here. Then he was about to shoot me but didn't. It was then he gave me another chance and I slowly took out big members of the mafia and they started falling apart. I managed to gather up these guys when I saw them."

Lyynesta's father turned to me and held out a hand, "Hideki Ichirou. I owe you a debt, Ethan."

"No, it's fine. I'll decline because you are my friend's father. I don't want to make a wrong choice and piss off Lyynesta."

He bellowed a laugh that came from his stomach and Lyynesta hit me. "You know, with him as my dad, I wouldn't care less." She turned to her father, "Just because Ethan let you live doesn't mean that I will accept you yet."

He nodded grimly, "Not that I can yet." This made her look curiously at him then glance at me. "I still need to clean up a lot. So far, our group has taken out the disoriented members, but we still need to take out the ringleaders. I only took out the big, main group run by Nguyen, but I have his successor group and the rouge groups. Then I will return, truly will."

"..." Lyynesta only watched.

"Lyynesta," Hideki pleaded. "I'm sorry, daughter, for abandoning you. I never wanted to. I had to, to protect Liddy. You have to understand, I only left to join Nguyen to protect the two of you. I-I didn't think he'd kill her!" Hideki broke into tears and Lyynesta's cold act faded. "I'm so sorry. They would have killed you too, but I swore loyalty. That is why you are alive up to today, and why they went here this day. Just because I swore complete loyalty, but I never meant it. I'm just so glad that Ethan allowed me to live today and was here at this moment. I wouldn't know what to do if you were killed too. You are all I have now, my daughter."

Lyynesta tentatively hugged him and cried over her father's shoulders, "I'm sorry, Dad. I...didn't know. I never did until now. I should have understood years earlier. I took those moments as you abandoning us. I didn't remember your anguish then. I could see it clearly now."

I turned to Sylvia, who was wiping tears off her cheeks. I slowly walked to her. She saw me and stood before running to me to cry onto me. Sylvia whispered, "She's mentioned she had a father, but I never really knew anything about him. I didn't know he was part of the mafia. I guess that's the reason why she doesn't talk about him."

I nodded as I looked at the family, then at the men who (some) removed their sunglasses to wipe their own tears. Hideki looked up and grew serious as the last tears fell, "But Lyynesta. As I said, I cannot return as of yet. I still have much to do to get rid of the remaining mafia leaders."

"Dad...you don't ha-"

"I do," he cut her off. "They will find out, so they won't let you or me go. This time, it isn't going to be me who dies, but you."

"That's fine," she smiled, "As long as we are a family again, mom, you, and I."

Hideki shook his head and gestured to me and Sylvia, "And they won't let those two go too. It'll be chaos if I don't handle this. I need to do this. To finish this. End this mafia branch. With Nguyen dead, there are others willing and wanting to take his place. I will get rid of those men."

"Will you come back?" she looked up with pleading eyes, "You must come back."

"I will, but I want your help." He turned to me, "You too. You show extraordinary skill. I don't know where it came or comes from, and I won't ask. But I can use it. Are you willing to help?"

I shifted from side to side, "I could," I said finally. "If I remember correctly, I will have a free week to do this. It's supposed to be a break week, but if I could give it up to keep order, I will."

He relaxed, "Thank you." He turned towards the door and spoke into an earpiece. After a moment, he returned his attention to me, "You have a call sign if I recall. We will need this and refrain from calling each other's actual name. Falco, because I usually do the recce and I have an uncanny sixth sense if something will go wrong."

I raised my hand, "Nephilim. I tend to have the luck of a fictional combat practitioner, so I adopted his true name for my call sign."

The first man was a bull of a man, with a sturdy build, large features, crewcut, and to top off the goony look, sunglasses, "Bull. But I'm not stupid, so don't think so. I simply hold my thoughts until they are needed."

"Decoy. Don't ask. I was stupid then and the name stuck."

"Hunter. I haven't ever given up chasing prey," He grinned, "and they never escaped."

"Yoda. Named so after the master Jedi because I can't explain for shit."

"Hotshot. Don't know why. They say I'm too arrogant." He rolled his eyes, "I don't see how."

When one man walked through the door, he widened his eyes, "Oh, done already?"

I pointed, "Let me guess, your name is Deadeye because you snipe well."

He chuckled and the sniper was slung over his back. I was surprised that it isn't a Lux. I was even more surprised when I saw it was the famed Barrett M107. "Skyguy, actually. It's due to a kill I made during my time in there, it was a lucky shot. They still won't believe me, even if I reminded them that the helo jerked to the side when I fired. Good guess though."

Skyguy turned to Hideki, or Falco, "How about the two girls?"

Bull spoke first, "Hey, for the purple hair. How about Victoria? You know, for Victoria's Secret? Also for Roman goddess of victory, Victoria. Should give us some indirect help."

All agreed without hesitation, except Sylvia, who reluctantly took in the name.

Yoda then pointed at Lyynesta, "How about Rebeka for her? Pretty badass if you ask me, probably good enough for Bourne's partner-in-crime." Hotshot thought for a moment then nodded. "That is the first time I've heard something sensible."

Yoda started to protest, "Hey, I do say sensible things! You just don't comprehend the meaning of those suggestions I throw out to give aid in such situations where time is vital for the well-being of all those involved!"

"Like that!" Everyone in the group laughed but the teens, and Yoda simply shrugged hopelessly. Hideki turned to me and said, "We'll go clean up the house. By the way, watch your step out the door, we left some men there."

Hours later:

"Nephilim reporting. Lock on the eye. Proceed to follow?"

"This is Falco, keep an eye on him, Yoda is around the corner, he'll subdue him, follow the target."

"Roger." I jogged through the crowd as I turned away from the mafia successor's countersurveillence and went to the successor himself. Or, 'successor.' There was only a fight to get that position, and this man declared himself the successor to avoid getting in a fight. It wasn't that he didn't want bloodshed, he was just too lazy to fight, but that didn't make him less dangerous. His plans were just as malicious as every other leader there was.

As I pushed through, I thought he caught my eye, but it must have been the trick of the light. I slowed down and saw him turn the corner, allowing me to speed up again. Once I turned the corner, I bumped into him and he glared as he stared suspiciously, "Sorry, sorry. I didn't expect anyone around the corner."

I brushed past him and took out my phone, looking down at it before raising it up, as if trying to get a signal. I saw him watch me and I dialed a number. It picked up on the third ring, "...What is the heat state?"

"Nuclear. He's onto me if I'm not burned already. He may know we are following, not us specifically, but he's going to be alert."

"Understood, get out." I put him on hold, positive that everyone got the message. The phone was special in that they were all linked in such a way that when one person makes a call, all other phones will be dialed at the same time, but they cannot say anything for the caller to hear but the receiver of the message. I turned and saw him following me now, but failing to act casual.

"I'll need Victoria to enter the restaurant at the end of the alley. Need to act like I'm on a date." I stopped at the restaurant and took a look around, seeing the man slow down when I stopped and turned.

"Rebeka is closer, we'll drop her off and keep Victoria on the hunt." I smirked then hung up, entering the restaurant after taking one more look around. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pass by as I ordered food from the waiter, pointing to the omelet on the menu and held up two fingers so the man could see properly. Speaking of which, I'll call the man Kokabiel, a man who was like Hideki before succumbing to power, just like Kokabiel was an angel before he became a Fallen Angel. Kokabiel saw my two fingers and started back, but not before bumping into Lyynesta. He widened his eyes at her appearance and she didn't take a second glance as she walked in and sat down in front of me, smiling and giving a tiny nod, mouthing, 'Tracker in place, we'll know where he is soon.'

A large man walked in making me look up and he took a glance at us then walked over slowly to sit behind Lyynesta. I thought I saw him turn slightly to make one ear closer to us. She saw my expression but I shook my head, "You're still wearing that even at this weather?" I nodded to her t-shirt and she looked down at it and her shorts. I, on the other hand, wore a hoodie, long sleeve, and t-shirt, my bottom being jeans.

She shrugged and crossed her arms, "We had the heater on in the car, so I took off my jacket. Didn't notice the cold when...Uncle dropped me off, only just before I entered."

I laughed, but not too loudly, "I'll lend you my hoodie when we get out."

"Acting like the tough guy?"

I smirked, "Yes, to keep you from getting a cold. Besides, I have two layers, not too much, but will be enough."

Lyynesta smiled, "All I need is to see you, your yellow hair is what is keeping me from getting cold. As long as I think about the sun while looking at you, I'll stay warm." I looked up and made space as the omelets were served. I didn't notice how she meant it instead of acting. I simply was trying to act casual, but continuously talking may raise that man's suspicions. I gestured to the food.

"Let's finish breakfast and go, shall we?" Her face fell and I leaned forward, "Lyynesta?"

She started, "Oh, nothing! Let's eat." We finished and left after paying. She held my arm as we left the man's field of vision and said, "Let's hold on." I waited as she took out her phone and made the camera face us.

"Wait. A selfie?"

"You'll see, say cheese!" She beamed as she looked up and I smiled reluctantly. Then her smile faded as she clenched my shoulder. I focused on the screen and saw the man leave the restaurant, "Not a coincidence. Let's find a place to take him down."

She put the phone down and started moving, I said softly as I followed, "Now you're talking. Can't wait to see if it's all perfect timing or he's with Kokabiel."

"Cockywho?"

"Kobabiel, name I gave the mafia dude."

"Oh," she faced me and made sure the man saw as she gave a mischievous grin, tiptoeing and kissing me, surprising me as she slid a hand up my shirt. I pulled her into the alley.

"What are you doing?" I hissed.

"Luring him, and checking," I softened when her eyes fell. We walked further then made a turn.

"What now? I glanced over my shoulder to see him 'casually' checking his watch. She pulled me to the first turn then breathed. "I got it, let's follow up. But let's wait a moment first."

"Follow up?" she squeaked.

"Well, you were the one who acted like you started it."

I held up a hand and backed up against the wall while crouching when we heard soft talking, "...Yeah. You heard, the boy you bumped into may be a normal civilian...Listened to them as you said, he and his girlfriend were acting cuddly...I am following them, they took a selfie just when I walked out, bad timing, but they don't seem to know, too busy taking in the sights...We're at an alley, the girl dragged him in...Don't know, probably wants him in her...No, nobody's here. I'll listen and move no matter what, they can't suspect if you think they are. Give me a moment."

I turned to Lyynesta, "Quickly, do something...uh, moan loudly."

"What?" she gasped, "But-"

"Come on, you wanted this," I said a little loud and clamped my mouth. She shot her head and we listened.

"Heard them...Yeah, girl is having second thoughts, maybe. Guy said, and quote, 'Come on, you wanted this.'...Understood." Lyynesta forced out a moan and I shook my head.

"That sounds like a damn cat is constipating. You can do better."

"But I can't just force it! I need somethi-HAAAH!" she blurted as I squeezed her breast and she blushed so hard, her face became a tomato. "Oh, that felt so good~" she purred. "Again." I reluctantly complied, "Haa~"

As she unsuccessfully slowed her breathing, we heard him mutter, "Yeah, they're starting. I'll go."

"Gimme your bra."

"What?" she uttered, but unclasped it nonetheless. I held it and looked up at the roof and at her. I jumped and pushed off walls until I was high enough to grab onto the edge of the roof, climbing up. I crawled over and peeked over the edge then dropped down as the man turned the corner and spoke some words at a vulnerable Lyynesta. He turned at the landing, but was too slow. I wrapped her bra around his throat and pulled.

He struggled to free himself, but as his airflow was cut off, his efforts diminished greatly and I smirked as his eyes looked at me in disbelief as he lost consciousness. I tossed it back to her and when she put it on, "What the hell is your bra made of? I just thought that it could rip, but it didn't even tear. What the fuck? Did you buy it off a battle bra store or something?"

She shrugged. "What about him?"

I struggled to toss him over my shoulder, "Give him to Hideki. Actually, could you give me your bra again? I could use it as binds. Maybe your entire set of underwear will help."

She punched me, "Just shut up. I bought it off the mall."

"Battle underwear mall," I corrected and she rolled her eyes, irritated.

"Whatever."

I pulled her close with my free arm and gave her a peck. "Thanks though. I think you deserve more than a peck for the entire act."

She hugged my arm, "No, I owe you more...Thanks to you, Sylvia's safe, and...and my father is back. But...if this goes wron-" She choked on her words, unable to go further.

I pulled my arm free and made her look up, "Lyynesta. We got this. Most of us but you and Sylvia can pull this off as if we can whip out our phones. Your dad will be safe and the mafia will be torn down like nothing. There's nothing they could do. Doom is imminent for their entire infrastructure. Once the leaders are all taken down at the future meeting, there would be nobody to pick up the slack. They'll all be hunted by the entire Rontlicht police force."

She steeled her resolve and nodded, "Right. I remember my dad and all the guys with him now. They all joined the army together, one of the elite forces. They could do it."

"That's the spirit. Have faith," I hugged her and she pulled away. Lyynesta hesitated for a moment then grabbed my head and kissed me on the lips. It was full of love, full of passion, maybe even lust. She put all her feelings into that one kiss.

But I couldn't do it.

I pulled away, "Lyynest-"

"Don't say it," she looked at the floor, "I know what you'll say. But I can't stop liking you, when we first met, you brought the thugs off of me-"

"That was you?" I was bewildered. One day, about a month or so after I joined Seidoukan, I was returning to Claudia's house (As she and her father invited me to stay until the dorms were opened in the academy) when I bumped into her. She was facing a normal street gang, but was handling herself well until one drew a gun. I immediately got to work and popped the arm out of its socket and tore it. The group was so surprised, it allowed the girl to clean up the rest. She left without another word, probably in case if I was one who was in league with them, acting as the 'hero.'

Seeing her now, I saw the similarity of the hair and eyes, also her determination in serious situations. Such as when Sylvia was kidnapped and when she faced her father just two days ago. "It was. I never got to thank you for that...Then when Sylvia got kidnapped, you went through lengths and even risked your semi-final round to help me search. When you brought my dad back..." She glanced at the unconscious man and nudged him to make sure he was still out cold. He was. "You...just have too much willingness to help, and to protect all those you care for. Too much like Julis, that I could see why she likes you, as you share that same quality as her."

"..." I didn't say anything. All this was too much. Sylvia, Julis, Claudia, and now Lyynesta? After my past, this was like life's way of payment to me. But...I shook my head and took a shuddering breath.

"Let's get going."

Night, one day later:

Hideki tapped the aerial view of the yard, "Okay, so the beacon sent signals up until about this area. I had interrogated the guy we got, and the areas match. This is where they'll meet tonight. We did a recce with the drone and watched for about ten minutes. Hopefully they didn't see, else they would be alert. Luckily, I don't think anyone even bothered to glance up, that's what I didn't expect."

"What have we found?" Skyguy asked, inspecting the entire yard.

"Guards stalk the area, but they only do it for show. I don't expect them to be able to handle us."

I raised a hand, "Wait, why not?"

He smiled wolfishly, "First off, they look like the Michelin Man, you don't need that much gear. Their gun is just as decked out. We all know why that shows something, but what about you three?"

Lyynesta and Sylvia looked confused, but a light bulb appeared above my head, "Ah, you only need the bare essentials. All that fancy assortments are redundant if your gun works fine and you can aim fine."

"Precisely. Now," he tapped the small shed, "That is a guard shack, we could call the guards' attention by going there. Or in this case, you three. Tut. I will explain. If one of us goes, that may draw suspicions, but the three of you, teenagers on a night out, you could act lost, and we take out the guards from behind. There aren't cameras as far as I saw, so we would be fine unless some person happens to look out the window." Sylvia, Lyynesta and I shared unsure looks then finally agreed to do the job. "Nice. Now, weapons will be a slight problem, you either one, cannot let them see; or two, have none at all."

"I'll get the guns and hide them. Sylvia can hold mine for me."

"Good," Hideki turned back to the map, "Next up, nothing much. I couldn't see any guards that patrol the perimeter, the only guards I can see during the time were the shifts. Now, because we only spent ten minutes, I'm not sure whether it is ten minutes. If it is, we only have that much time to work and take out the guards. Then we need to have two people posted to watch the area, taking out the new shift, the only problem then is the lack of guards inside.

"Hopefully by the time that happens, we will have taken out all the leaders."

Hotshot nodded, "Yup. I could see what will happen. How about Skyguy and I watch once the guards are taken out?"

"No," Lyynesta said, "We will need the experienced ones to raid the home. The three of us could watch. Ethan and I could shoot, and Sylvia can smack the shit out of anyone who comes near."

There was a slight hesitation, and Lyynesta added, "Besides, we can count on Ethan."

"Yeah, yeah..."

Counting on me...

"Well move early morning. The Festa shouldn't start until noon. Then, once we're done, Ethan," Hideki nodded, "Good luck in your final against Ayato and Julis." I nodded and thanked him. The rest of the team joined in with their encouragement and we went to get the rest we would need for tomorrow.

Morning, Phoenix Festa Final Day 5am:

"Uh," I called to the two men outside. "Excuse me, do you know where the Sakura Harbor is?" I put my hand in my back pocket and they tensed. I slowly held up the map and waved it and they nodded. I walked up slowly and so did Lyynesta and Sylvia. One man narrowed his eyes.

"You sound familiar."

"Ah, I'm a voice actor for a few movies, I should sound familiar."

"Oh?" the man raised an eyebrow and looked at his partner, "Like?"

"Uh, Night Raid? The movie made to show the aftermath of the Revolution in Akame Ga Kill? I was the voice actor for Natu." The man nodded and gestured for me to open the map, I did so and when their attention was diverted, there was two quick pops and their heads snapped to the side. I spoke in the radio, "Clear. Just move into the house. We got the guards."

There was silence then the radio came to life, first a chuckle, "Nice job, kiddo. Well move now. Keep watching the guard shack and make sure nobody is alerted."

"Roger." I dragged the bodies into the shack and we lie in wait for the next ones. Or...Lyynesta and Sylvia did, but I went outside and ducked behind the bushes to watch. Nobody came out despite what I believed. Fifteen minutes passed, but nobody. When twenty passed, I heard gunshots at a high floor and saw flashes on the fifth floor. One body fell out the window and landed with a thud I laughed, "Ouch."

"Falco, how'd it go?"

There was silence, then a anxious voice, "Nephilim, you want to get to one of the cars now. This is not good."

"What? What's up?"

"The mission to get you to resign didn't work. They're going to drive a damn car bomb right into the doors."

"But..." I frowned, "That's not possible. Ther-"

"There's a barrier to protect the spectators from the fighters in the arena," came his sharp reply, "But is there a protection from the outside?"

I didn't understand what was wrong about the situation. Then a few moments passed and it sunk in. If there were to harm the spectators, the drivers simply had to drive through the doors, crash through the hallways, and out onto the bleachers. They could easily kill hundreds if not thousands if we don't stop them. We were the only ones here who knew that this will happen. Today.

Just because the final between Ayato, Julis, Kirito, and I is taking place today.

In a few hours. I stood and got ready to run to the garage. "Do you know how to drive?"

"Not much, don't bother running down. I'll handle it. I just have to find a similar car, right?" He confirmed but I frowned. I glanced at Sylvia and Lyynesta, who both gave encouraging nods. I smiled hesitantly back and stood, going for the garage. The most obvious place for a car, right? Walking inside, I inhaled as I took car keys off the key ring and once I entered the car, I exhaled. Placing both of my hands on the steering wheel, I looked at the far wall and started the car.

Driving out from under the roof and exiting the driveway onto the road, I flipped on the high-beam lights and sped up towards the arena. I saw car zoom by that looked like this and keyed the radio, "Saw a vehicle, Victoria and Rebeka, stay down. Falco and co. watch for it. Entering soon."

"Acknowledged. Wonder if they know something. This'll be fun."

I pressed on the gas pedal and drove quicker, thinking. If I wanted to take a path that wouldn't rouse suspicions, perfect for lying in wait when everyone is gathering around, and get a quick path to the stadium, where would I go? Another condition would be visibility. This is too early for cars to drive around and I'm sure I am pretty suspicious right now too.

Well, not me, me, but my car me.

Where would I go to wait so I can hide right now, and not be seen driving to the arena, just as the battle would start. I'm probably making Kirito worry his ass off right now, and would cause confusion for the whole world, but...honestly, at this point. Saving thousands of lives matter more than a simple battle. And a wish. I veered left at an intersection, a small memory jogging in my mind. This was a perfect spot.

I stopped the car and threw the keys inside before locking the door and slamming it shut. For a few reasons, nobody can get inside without breaking in, the guys who could be ahead can't reverse out, and must go forward, and three, I wouldn't be needing it. I will simply hitch a ride without the guys knowing.

Now...if I was wrong, that would be a whole different story and everyone's screwed. Just because I didn't check before locking the keys in the car. I glanced around the corner and saw a car silently rumbling. I saw no license plate, the car looked like the one I drove, along with the one which went past me when I started here. Perfect.

I saw a flash near my waist, "Yeah?"

"Fun. Yup, you're right. Anyhow, they spilled the beans. Driving out in a few minutes and camping on Miyamoto Avenue. A small alleyway and the car looks just like all the ones here."

"Then I have it in sight," I replied. "Just around the corner. But they keep glancing in the rearview mirrors. I don't think I can get on."

"That's not all, they're moving to a truck down the road, they aren't using the car in front of you. They've already put all the explosives in the truck."

"Ah, so I disarm them this moment, right?" I moved away from the corner and jogged down my end until I reached my 'borrowed' car. I climbed over it and went down the sidewalk until I found a red CMG Canyon parked on the side. There was a tarp over the back and I shook my head as I lifted it and slid under. "Hideki, red wire or blue wire?"

I brought up a finger and coated it with a sharp shadow as I waited for his reply. When it came, it wasn't reassuring, "It's up to you to decide whether which leads to what. They wouldn't spill. Killed themselves with a fake tooth filled with arsenic once we got the info on those men near you. Sorry."

I cursed and Sylvia's voice broke in, "Hi-Falco, but...you can't find anything in the floor you are on?"

There was only silence, then, "No, Yoda is hacking all the comps up here with Skyguy, but they aren't getting anything. Not yet so far. You'll have to wait. We are going to speed it up right now, hold on, Nephilim. Hide in that toolbox those trucks come in. We have five minutes minimum."

"Great. I'll wait. Don't take your time." I slowly opened the lid and slid in, smelling metal for the next few minutes until I lifted the lid for air. I heard car doors slam from a distance away and then thumping on the back of the truck, some muttering and shuffling. I shrunk back and realized that I should have hid under the truck or something. They could check here at any moment.

"All good?"

"Gucci. Haha, let's go blow the kid up. You want to drive or have the satisfaction of pressing the button?"

"I'll drive." I heard a click then the sound of the tarp being pulled over and tying of ropes.

"What was that?"

Freezing and staying still, I strained to listen, "Ah, nothing. I just forgot to lock it when I removed the equipment." When the engine started, I pushed up but felt sweat roll down my neck. That's what he meant, he took something out of here...then didn't put down the latches.

Now I couldn't do anything. 'Bad news Hideki. I'm stuck in here."

"What do you mean? We just got info on the bombs."

"They locked the box with me inside."

"Not a problem, right? You can just use your powers and break out." He sounded stressed.

"No," I shook my head despite his inability to see me, "I can't. They'll activate the bomb, knowing I'm here. I have to predict when they'll press it, so I can contain the explosion. If I do anything too early, things are done."

"...Et-" Hideki started to say but Sylvia cut in.

"Ethan? Contain it? How?" I told her, and everyone because they were listening. "NO! You can't!"

"Sylvie. There's nothing I can do. Not in here. I'm done for regardless. I'm also running out of oxygen. No matter the case, I'm dead."

"I'm coming to get you!" I heard her scream.

"Us too kid, we aren't leaving you behin-"

"No," I said firmly, "Just don-"

I heard a sob, "Idiot! I'm not going to let you die, not now, not ever!"

"I know," I replied to Sylvia, "But this is the way it's meant to be." I unintentionally let go as there was a bounce and then rumbling. They drove quickly. Now I had no time. The radio flashed multiple times as everyone tried to contact me. I felt a crash as I suppose we hit the main doors then a bump as we hit the wall. I felt the driver speed up then one final crash as we hit a wall, "Thanks for everything guys. Sylvia...Lyyneheym."

I felt the bomb hit the box from the outside then heard rapid beeping as there were distant screams. As I focused all my power into surrounding the truck, I pressed the radio once more, "I love you, Sylvie."

There was only surprised sounds from my side as the men gave shouts. The temperature dropped considerably and everything felt cold to the touch, all sounds from outside going silent. Then the temperature rose just a slight bit.

Just slightly.

Ayato and Julis looked up at the tremendous crash. Kirito looked a second later as everyone stopped talking to see the red truck shining as it crashed through the wall.

[Wha-]

At that moment, as the entire audience started to scatter and before the truck hit the stands, a sphere imitating a black hole surrounded the truck and warped reality, morphing the truck into shapes nothing could achieve, before it exploded, tearing the truck into multiple shards of plastic and metal. They flew out for a few meters, bright red from the heat of the explosion before being sucked right into the black hole. Everyone felt the heat brush over their skin before the pure frost washed over them.

Everyone's skin turned blue as the temperature dropped lower and lower and their panicked breaths were visible, before there was a crunch and the truck collapsed onto itself, falling onto the bleachers as a crumbled, condensed ball, the only thing untouched was a steel box, bright red and steaming. The temperature rising again, albeit slowly as everyone was silent. Kirito stared, "What the hell was that?"

They saw shadows at the hole in the wall and eight people appear. Ayato and Julis recognized Sylvia and Lyynesta, but were confused by the men in graphene armor wielding HK416s, aiming their guns before sprinting to the box. Two men unlatched the boxed and flung their hands at the heat of the exterior. When the seemingly lead man reached in and drew back, he spoke and everyone heard the words, "What the hell. It's the Artic in here!"

He dragged out a body and they heard an anguished scream. Julis recognized the boy who was brought out and she widened her eyes, running to jump over the wall and successfully doing so, the barrier turned off in the event. Ayato turned to see Saya and Kirin running up to them and Claudia running from the top of the sidelines, Kirito followed and they all saw Sylvia sobbing over the broken body of Ethan, smiling as he held the side of his shoulder that had melted with his shirt and the purple bruise when he was thrown into the side of the box, smoking slightly and wisps of dark energy flowing out of his body.

Lyynesta held onto the lead man's arm and put her face into the shirt sleeve as Julis crouched by Ethan and Sylvia and Claudia fell to her knees. They all looked up at the voice the spoke. "My god," Mathias muttered, "The boy just saved the lives of everyone here."

"Yes," the lead man spoke, "Yes he did."

"You are...?" Mathias turned to the soldiers.

"Hideki," the lead man answered, he faced Mathias, "If you'd like, we could explain everything that happened."

"That would be more than helpful," came the reply as Mathias looked sadly, "We lost the life of a boy who had one ahead of him. I would want to do all I can to repay him for this."

"I will. Mathias Mesa, right?"

"Yes."

Unknown:

I opened my eyes and felt water all around me. Realizing where I was, I struggled to no avail then shouted a muffled shout and the tank burst apart. I breathed heavily and noticed my clothes weren't wet at all. A scientist whirled around and I charged, grinning wolfishly and tore him apart. The satisfaction of no longer being imprisoned just cannot be taken away. I now had power, but...at the cost for...what?

My eagerness diminished, "Hideki? Takahashi? Shino?...Guys?" I walked over to the other tanks and saw their bodies, dead, beaten, bloody.

Lifeless.

My tank was in the center, the masterpiece, the spotlight of the Starpulse Generation. I slowly walked to the last tank, furthest from where I stood, passing my dead test subjects. The walk took a lifetime, was so slow, so tedious, so suspenseful. Was she there? Or not? I wanted to find out, but I couldn't. I was walking an endless hallway, seeing my dead comrades again and again, but each time I started past Hideki, they seemed to gain more life.

Dead life.

Their tubes were removed, the suction cups gone. Blood disappeared, wounds clean. Eyes closed, breathing normally. I looked up and around, seeing their eyes opening, but lifeless. This time I walked closer to the end without any setbacks. Ophellia was suspended in the liquid, breathing slowly and steadily. At just in front of the tank, I felt people staring at me. I turned and saw everyone turn their head slowly to face me. It was unnerving, but I turned back and touched the tank, "Ophellia?"

All hell broke loose.

She opened her eyes suddenly and her mouth opened. Her tank exploded outward and I flew back, crashing into the ruins of my tank. I shrunk when I saw everyone look up and turn at me and theirs burst outwards too. They freed themselves.

"You couldn't help."

"She saw you as the leader."

"No..." I muttered as I curled up.

"Why didn't you get your powers earlier?"

"Only two of you survived."

"Just you and Ophelia."

"Don't you feel happy? You have a powerful Strega to aid you."

"No...!" I said. I was grabbed by the collar and hoisted up. It was the leader of the boys I killed years ago. Or...got killed by me indirectly.

"Your life is happy, isn't it? Want to rub it in our faces when you die?"

"NO!" I shouted at him, by anger boiling seeing him. But I couldn't do anything as I was dropped to the floor.

"Course you won't. You'll tell the entire world when you do so."

"Who will actually help you in your life?"

"Ethan, why did you let poor Takahashi die? You had your powers to help him. Yet you stood there and let him kill you."

"Greedy, greedy. You wanted the power of the Sharingan. You let him die for that. But served you right that you didn't get it."

"No...I DIDN'T WANT HIM TO DIE!" There was nobody to shout to, nobody to shout at. There were slow footsteps, cautious sounds that rang in the empty void of the facility.

"Ethan?" I looked up to see a hand, "Come on, let's go."

The girl smiled at me, but I didn't return it, "Lyynesta? You are being experimented on too?"

"No," she tilted her head, "I'm not."

"So...you ran the operation?"

She smiled sadly, "Neither that. I only want you to leave so you could help me. Nothing else. You are nothing but a tragic hero. I only want to use you for your abilities. You cannot help anyone."

I pulled my hand back, "Then get away!"

"Arara~ You don't have to be so rude when you are told the truth~" I turned to see Claudia. "Yes, I'm here too, but just to make sure you live to help us."

"Yes," I saw Julis walk into view, "As I do, you protect those that are important to you. That's why I like you, so you protect me as I protect you."

"That's why you are alive," Priscilla added, "Because you are strong enough to keep us alive. So we will keep you alive until you are nothing more than a walking corpse."

[GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!]

The facility exploded outward and I heard their screams. The wind was howling and snow blew sideways. I breathed heavily and stumbled at the exertion. Wandering for eternity, not knowing where I went, I looked up at a disapproving hum and saw a white-haired woman. "You are too dangerous, Ethan," Ophellia lamented, "I could see your path, and it won't travel much further. It's a short, but long, torturous path. I cannot mess with fate, but I have to for your sake. You act ignorant, but you know your inner turmoil."

Her miasma grabbed me and I started to suffocate, Impossible! She is too far away to harm me! My own power should repel it!

But I was dying nonetheless. When all went black, I heard quiet shuffling and murmurs. "Disappointing."

It was Cao Cao and I was in the main Asterisk stadium, for the semi-final fight. His eyes were half closed, and eyebrows scrunched, True Longinus pointed at me. The lights shone on this spot, blocking out the audience's faces. He shook his head, "God gave you silence, but...this was a negative silence. He didn't deem you worthy of even his attention. He forcibly shut me out. You are a disappointment."

I started at the tip of the spear, and instead of going for the badge at my chest, Cao Cao went for my eyes.

There was nothing in my view but a noose and a chair. I walked slowly to it, my mind controlled by an unknown being. But a voice spoke out of the gloom, "Are you sure you want to die that way?"

Kirito stepped from my side, holding out Elucidator, "How about a better way? Kill yourself using the traditional way of seppuku. Kill yourself with this before something else more horrible gets you."

Kirito grinned, "At least you could die with honor, even if this isn't the correct blade."

I slowly reached for the sword and held it. He pushed it into my hand and I turned it towards my abdomen. I pushed the blade and started cutting, slowly but surely. However, Kirito didn't kill me by decapitation when I finished, but stood there as I dropped the blade.

"Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted?" Kirito slowly morphed into Magnus Opus. "No? How about we get someone to?" She only walked away, laughing, as I slipped into pure darkness.

Finish. Hope you liked the chapter, not sure how to carry it on normally after this though. As in this event to volume six naturally. Ah well, I'll find a way *cough* timeskip after some comfort *cough*

Maybe.

Next time.