*November 13th, 2030*

(POV: Third)

The threat had been exterminated, removed from the world of the living. Lost about, thrown about, and discarded, Alvis was gone. Eirik and Sinblade have given themselves up. Gale was captured and interrogated. The three hands of The Will of Kyoya had fallen. The Fifth Omni Cavalry had done their duty. The Purgatory Knights had defended their home. The threat of Kyoya's past coming up to destroy him had been squashed, removed, and defeated. Bringing the survivors to Earth was no easy feat. Everyone had to rest but, once it ended, they knew that they had to bring these men to justice. The Cavalry surveyed everything closely. Demios and Liam were off to the side, with the former watching everything from afar. They were waiting for Ms. Fridrik to relieve them of their duties, or maybe something more?

The six Cavalry Dragons stood in their SD forms among their human partners. The Buddy Police and their District of Monster/Multiverse Welfare had organized to interrogate everyone on the scene. However, to the dismay of Arkaid and Alliot, CJ had managed to get a quick interview in before taking off on his own. Word had already spread of the people involved in the case, and there was no doubt in his mind that she would find out how terrible everything had fallen apart. Melanie and Rikka took to the front, answering the questions that even someone like Mizaru struggled with.

A familiar, green dragon made his way on the team. In his SD form, the serpent-like, horned dragon approached the crowd of officers and agents. At his side was a fellow member of the Cavalry, Fuad. He looked nervously around, which was different from his much more hearty and loving demeanor. As soon as he saw his comrades, Fuad raced to them. His pudgy body nearly bounced about as he grappled Alliot by the neck. He could see just how sad the orange dragon had become, digging his head into his green scarf. "Hohoho! Alliot, my friend! Why are you so glum, chum?! It is a relief knowing that my comrades are safe! I should have been there!"

"H-Hey! Get off!"

Meglax expressed complete disagreement with the hearty fellow. "You shouldn't. What made us succeed was the unified Buddy Skill. Without it, I wouldn't have been surprised if we lost someone."

"Meglax! How could you express such distrust in your comrades!" Fuad heartily returned. "When things get rougher, that's when we shine the brightest!"

"Pardon, but if you're here, then where is-" He immediately glanced to the left, seeing their leader before him. "Lord Tenbu!" The other Cavalry members immediately came to his side, kneeling before the one they swore to protect and serve. "It has been too long since we've seen you. How has the defensive force in your sanctuary come around?"

Lord Tenbu gestured his servants to stand. He smirked, feeling calmer about being around ones he truly treasured like family. "They have yet to reach the same standard as you; they may be strong, but they are not as personable, but it will take time. I am rather patient; I must be so for the sake of newcomers, and for your purpose of being here."

Rikka nodded to him. "I … understand that you want our second buddies to go to America." That familiar thought ate at Alliot the most. He dug his head deeper into his green scarf; one could barely even see his eyes as his eye draped over them. "To… find buddies of their own … right?"

Melanie sighed. "Do we really need to say goodbye?"

Finally, Tenbu surveyed the Cavalry Dragons. Each one possessed a will to seek strength, that was without question. However, he saw how Arkaid was satisfied with herself. She knew that she was on the right path, and was willing to follow CJ to the end. It made the Omni Lord wonder where that man had gone. As he noticed the demeanors of both Doble and Mizaru, he saw the content in their eyes. They had also found individuals they would gladly serve with. But, as Lord Tenbu saw Merak, Meglax, and Fuad, there was something missing. He could feel that they were still not truly on their own, in a way. "It depends on what your buddies truly wish." Alliot's mind blanked. It was a choice? No… was it? Last time he thought he had no choice? However, it soon became clear that this only made things difficult for him; now he had no excuse. "I've been thinking about it since the news. Originally it was a direct demand, but after such an experience, I imagine that you have all become incredibly close. So now, I wish to know your input. Fuad is certainly going now that the armordragons have been trained sufficiently, but he cannot go alone."

Merak nodded back. "Lord Tenbu, if I may," the knightly dragon returned. "I will proudly serve Melanie if the time calls for it, yet I cannot feel completely satisfied with my partnership. Her eyes follow that of Mizaru. The two of them share a bond that I cannot hope to achieve unless I set out for my own partner. I believe that I need to find a partner that I too can share such a bond. Only then will I find my true strength, maybe even go beyond that."

The Omni Lord acknowledged the knight's words. "Very well. You are dismissed." Merak looked over at Melanie, seeing her innocent eyes. This was a decision he felt was necessary to make. In his eyes, he needed to find someone that he could share a true partner's bond.

Meglax sighed before bowing to his Lord. "If I may, Lord Tenbu," the bowman began. "I have achieved my Super form. It has granted me powers that have allowed me to proudly serve my comrades, no, my friends. However, it was done, not solely because of my current buddy, but due to my connection with my brother. Many of my brethren may see it odd for me to leave when I have achieved a great deal. Even so, I too seek the sake personal partnership that two buddies will share, perhaps even more." His eyes trailed off, looking at Rikka and Doble with a confident tip of the hat. "When I see those two, I see that my work is done; I don't need to look after my brother anymore. Rikka already does a fine job of that. Now, I believe that it is the time I find someone for myself. Find the one true buddy that will guide me to even further my strength."

Rikka chuckled. "You better find someone else as kickass as me, otherwise I'll be sorely disappointed."

Doble couldn't help but agree. "Don't bring a corporate crony, okay?" He laughed openly. "I doubt we'll get another like CJ, so be careful who you pick, Brother."

"Of course, Doble."

Lord Tenbu agreed. "Very well. You are dismissed." Finally, his eyes turned to the last one remaining. Alliot couldn't even garner the courage to look at his Lord Tenbu in the eye. Even though he kneeled, he did so with a weakened resolve. "Wielder of the Shining Bunker, Light Rim Alliot." Those words brought the orange dragon back to his senses. He weakly gazed up, at the mercy of the dragon of authority. "Long before, you stood before me with a will hardened and unmoving. Now you kneel with a trembling heart. What concerns you, Alliot?"

"I… I'm just not sure if… I am sorry, Lord Tenbu, for my behavior," Alliot stumbled over his reply. The words he wished to say were tumbling out of his mouth, unfiltered by his mind. "I've… I've been through a lot with my buddy, Lord Tenbu," he slowly began, looking to the side. "I don't wish to leave his side. After what he said to me, I cannot see it right to leave him. However…." He grasped at his chest, diverting his eyes. "I can't discard this putrid feeling; the feeling that I'm just some third to him. Even though he says that there's always a home here, I cannot find myself settled with that." The others looked at the insecure soul, watching as he struggled to state the meaning behind it all. Arkaid couldn't help but look away, for she felt the same at times; insecure over the idea of saying, being unworthy to have a partner; such thoughts worried her. "Not only that, if it is true that I need to leave… then I will; I don't want to stay here and hold the others back." He sighed, morosely weighing his options. "But what if there's a chance that I can reach this strength here? What if I can get stronger with CJ? I value one's skill and prestige, but my buddy's involvement in those two things reveals his commitment and the sort of passion I like in someone. I just…. I just don't know which side I want to go on." He drearily looked up to Lord Tenbu, looking back the Lord's solemn eyes. "Lord Tenbu, after all of this, I don't want to be with a buddy that isn't CJ. However, I can't help but feel like I'll be holding him back."

"… The way I see it, you have doubts about what he can."

"I, I don't get it," Alliot stuttered. "I don't doubt him at all! He was willing to give his life for me! How can I doubt a man with such conviction?"

"Why do you see it impossible to gather such strength with him?"

"Because… Because he's already close to Arkaid." He unconsciously glanced over to the light-blue scaled dragon. She was too guilty to look back. Was her happiness really coming at the cost of Alliot's? She hated such a thought. "I just think it will be impossible."

Arkaid huffed. "If I may," she began. "It wasn't impossible for Meglax."

"But that only happened because of his bond with Doble."

"Regardless, it was still a bond!" Arkaid exclaimed back. "Yes, CJ is closer to me than you, but that doesn't mean you are without the benefits of a true buddy. Maybe to Merak and Meglax, but for you, for you personally, you may be different. While Meglax was closer to Doble, while Merak just sought his knightly duties, you specifically were focused on your friendship with my precious one." The others were affected by the strong words of the magician. She appeared to grow taller than the rest, standing above all of them. "The others may follow such guidelines, but you don't have to. As your height already suggests, you are different from them."

At first, Alliot wanted to yell at her for bringing up his height. How dare she hit a nerve like that. Yet… something within him knew that there was a reason for it. He remembered how CJ treated him. He became speechless, remembering how hastily CJ apologized for the error. He was very sincere about it, always making sure to keep himself from hitting such fragile buttons. From where he stood, even CJ admitted that he didn't feel like he did enough for him. But… after hearing such words, Alliot felt nothing but regret. He wished he never said that he didn't feel valued enough. He spoke like he had forgotten about his pride, his own worth. Had he grown too dependent and soft? Ridiculous, just ridiculous. What was more ridiculous was that, when CJ was getting close to his dying breath, he thought of Alliot and what he said. It pierced him. Abrupt pains filled his beating heart. "… I… I think I need to think about it more."

Tasuku's voice rose over some of the other agents. The Cavalry turned, facing the Child of Destiny as well as Jackknife. The two of them had Eirik and Sinblade in their handcuffs, restricting them from any further movement. The child buddy police officer spoke with authority over Eirik. "I'll have the agents read you your rights. However, I hope you understand that you will be jailed for your crimes."

"Whatever is necessary, officer," Eirik morosely returned. He barely found the will to look at the Cavalry. All he had to do was know that CJ wasn't there. "So… my brother really is dead." He wearily glanced over to his subdued buddy monster. Sinblade looked back, undeterred by the abysmal situation they were in. "I'm surprised you didn't run, partner."

"When facing Azi Dahaka, I swore to truly be your buddy once again," Sinblade returned in his low, foreboding voice. "As your buddy, I shall follow you wherever you go. Until our very own end."

"… Thank you," Eirik muttered weakly. "Now I know I'm not completely alone…." The sounds of a struggling few perked his ears. The fallen leader sighed as Ms. Fridrik kept the rabid Gale at bay. The boy struggled, yelling derogatory slurs at every individual he could see. Ms. Fridrik struggled to hold her own; this body had too much energy even for her. Halia had to intervene, swooping in with her extended wings. She sent the crook to the ground, subduing and quieting him instantly. Eirik sighed, refusing to look at his fallen comrade. "Just give up, Gale," Eirik returned with a hallow sigh. "We lost. This is the end."

"Pah! Fuck you!" Gale spat in Eirik's direction. "You screwed us! When we get in there, you're dead! You're so dead!"

"I'm sorry I couldn't get you a trusted friend," Eirik murmured lowly. "But I can't feel bad for you; my failure to give my brother the immortality he dreamed of remains stained on my mind."

Liam needed to be on his own. He couldn't forget; he couldn't forget the sensation that came before him on the battlefield. Even now, the intense burn that scorched his entire body could be remembered. A sudden shock of fear shot into his chest, where Demios had stabbed him out of mercy. Liam, no doubt in his mind, was thankful for his buddy for ending the pain. Even so, he couldn't forget how it felt to suffocate. He couldn't forget how he truly died a horrible, painful death before the curse brought him back. He felt weak, for he began to think about pulling out. Should he think about leaving the Purgatory Knights? No, he thought. Tasuku left, and he was labeled a traitor. Liam couldn't leave. Still, Tasuku didn't go through anything that Liam did. Maybe that gave Liam an excuse? No, he couldn't accept that.

Demios could feel the war brewing in his buddy's heart. He had witnessed such a sight before; many other members of the Purgatory Knights display the yearning to leave at some point. Normally, he would tell his troops to suck it up, pull up their bootstraps and march on. Other times, when it was clear that people were suffering and not just having a common state of sadness, he would talk to them. He would level with them and understand their mindsets. With Liam, he didn't know where to begin. Liam died in a gruesome way, and it wasn't even because of his own mistake.

Demios couldn't get over the fact that he released Liam into his own demise.

His eyes were innocent, for his Super Deformed form was active. He figured that the cute appearance of his smaller form would make himself more approachable to his companion. When Liam couldn't will himself to bat an eye, Demios feared for him. Things were going much faster than he thought. Liam wasn't raised like a soldier. He wasn't raised to be like him; he was a common citizen, simply afraid of death, and he was thrust into a war zone. Demios wondered why he didn't stop him. Of course, he knew why; Demios is the Leader of the Purgatory Knights! He's supposed to lead! But things were different for Liam; Demios couldn't tell if Liam resented him for dropping him to his death. In reality, Liam didn't blame him at all. He didn't blame Demios for dropping him since Demios himself went through intense pain from a horrible attack.

But Demios couldn't bring himself to speak up about such a fear. 'Maybe I've just become soft,' Demios thought. 'Or… it really was my fault. I've failed my buddy. I left him to die.'

It was because of this that he was finally able to speak a bit of his mind. However, it wasn't about how he deeply felt. He wasn't ready to truly state his feelings. What if Liam looked up to him like a leader instead of an honest friend? Demios couldn't know; for a millennium or more, Demios has been weary, exhausted, and cruel to his enemies. He was known for being tough, not soft. Even so, that didn't remove him from his feelings. Instead of admitting to what he felt, he told Liam that it was okay. "If you wish to leave, then I will not blame you."

"… What?" Liam, in his sullen voice, turned to his buddy. "What are you on about?"

"I know that you are suffering," Demios returned. "I know that the pains of your death have scarred your mind."

"I'll get over it, like," Liam returned with a half-assed shrug. "The Purgatory Knights are supposed to get over it."

"I just… don't know if you can take it," Demios muttered weakly. He was on the cusp of speaking his mind. He dearly wanted to. He truly, certainly wanted to. He wanted to release his feelings. However, his mind had already geared him towards the same path of that gruff and tough leader persona that he had worn for more than a millennium. "It was my fault that you fell, so it is my responsibility. In my eyes, I have betrayed you. I have broken an oath."

"Demios, you didn't betray me," Liam argued. "You fought beside me. I'm just dealing with … what I still remember."

"… As long as that's the case," Demios returned lowly. He looked away, keeping watch so that all interviewers would be directed to him. "Even if that may be the case, I will be keeping you out of Darkness Dragon World affairs for the time being."

"Now why are you doing that?" His buddy yelled. "I told you, I am fine! There's nothing to worry about, I promise." The two of them looked at each other. Both of them had so much to say, but they worried too much.

Liam, what if you were to speak your mind? Would you be afraid that doing so might make you look weak? Would it make you appear too weak to serve with him? Demios, what if you were to truly speak your mind? What if you discarded your persona once again and opened up to him, explaining that you think he resents you and wishes to go on his own? Are you truly so afraid of revealing a small portion of the real you? You weren't an evildoer. Before the disaster that made you go forge into Darkness Dragon World, you were a young dragon with a dream to protect others, a simple and innocent endeavor. Would either of you want to try? No, of course not. Neither one of you would want to. You both look up to each other too much to possibly see any possible flaws in them. You are both afraid to just reveal your weaknesses. If only you two were to just speak! Speak! With words!

A new figure entered the scene with an eagle-like creature lurking on her shoulder. "Am I interrupting a lover's quarrel?" The two partners saw Ms. Fridrik entering their domain. Halia eyed them closely, observing them in hopes that neither one would freak out from meeting under such circumstances. This was an oddity, especially since the agents and officers were still less than a block away. Out from Ms. Fridrik's coat was another envelope. She placed it into Liam's right hand, smirking at him. "Just sent those criminals away, figured I'd talk to you two. Your Intel got us in the door. Plus, not every duo can be credited for taking down a deity."

Demios sighed back to her. "Unfortunately, the costs were mighty."

"So I've heard," Ms. Fridrik replied. She thought she knew what he meant, but her sights were only on the wounded officers and agents from the initial raid, as well as the death of Alvis. Her face warped, expressing nothing but a grim, lost expression. "I trusted him. Knowing that he's responsible for all of that chaos… it is difficult to take in, I'll be honest."

"So, you do have a vulnerable side?"

"Watch your tongue," Ms. Fridrik returned sharply. Demios grinned back, thinking he had the upper hand. However, her next line crushed his confidence. "Alvis was CJ's friend too. Take this seriously."

"R-right," Demios sighed back. "My apologies."

"You're forgiven, but only because you took care of the rough stuff," she returned with a nod. "You know, you two certainly could continue working 'u-t-t' if you'd wish." Under the table. Of course, this would continue. Demios was curious, but then Liam pulled out the contents of the large envelope. He hastily put it back inside, soon staring back at Ms. Fridrik in sheer awe. "Your payment, but also the information I felt you definitely were owed. Burn it. Destroy it. I don't give a damn what you do with it."

Liam was speechless. His eyes continued scrolling through all the details. There were many subjects, but they were narrowed down to a fine point. He kept reading, seeing his name mentioned every so often until, finally, he saw his line in a row of six other people. He took in a nervous gulp; they had made a decent amount of progress in the investigation, but then he looked at the date. "… September 20th?"

"They couldn't shrink that list anymore, and I was given responsibility to seek you out, but you know where that went," she snickered. "Plus, the investigation was put on hold due to lack of interest," Ms. Fridrik returned. "Like you said back then, you killed criminals. Not just petty criminals either. However, no harm in sniping this."

"But… how? Why?"

"Well, I've been planning on doing this since the raid on the DMW building happened. Currently, this is under the 'stolen evidence' that The Will apparently stole from the building in the short time they were in there." She smirked slyly. "Right now, they think members of The Will did this just because they wanted the evidence of their gang's doing removed from our records. But… yeah, you know the drill," she continued with a confident shrug. Liam teared up. He was staring at the evidence that could have destroyed him. Demios looked over the documents too. The two of them were completely speechless. "As for why, like I said, I believe that you and I could work with each other. But for now, we can't talk too much; I don't want to get too involved with you right now, so I'll call you when everything is back up."

Demios looked back at the blonde woman. Her means of keeping the peace reflected his own. Her methods could be discerned as dishonest, but she had kept her side of the bargain. The evidence of their wrongdoings was theirs now. They could do whatever they deemed necessary. He pondered for a moment; he found himself lost in thought about the decision until he took another look at Liam. He nodded. "We'll keep in touch."

Ms. Fridrik was satisfied. She casually waved to the two of them as she walked away, leaving the two behind. She began to walk back to the others when she passed Tasuku and Jackknife. She just so happened to overhear them when Halia reacted to a specific namedrop. She was happy to hear CJ's name being said, by Tasuku as well. "CJ, Melanie, and Rikka are definitely solid candidates. I just want to tell them about the idea already."

Jackknife appreciated his partner's excitement. He could tell how much CJ and Arkaid have grown together, but he couldn't help but notice that CJ wasn't around for long. Something was definitely on his mind. "Give him time. They deserve it after what they have all been through."

"That is true," Tasuku agreed with a reaffirming nod. "Though when should we tell them? Maybe during the week. Count Dawn is impatient for them. To serve under a new division is definitely interesting, to say the least."

"I hope you don't plan on having the extra help keep you away from your own work," Jack jokingly replied.

"Of course not, Jack. Their kind of work is outside our scope."

"They'd have to serve outside the system," Jack continued. "They may be around long after we're gone. That still means we need to set the foundation of the Omni Force."

(POV: First)

When I thought about it, Alvis was not a changed man at the time of his death. Like the deck he played, just like the sort of way he played buddyfight, he was just like that. I could remember his chant, the statement he stated when he challenged Tetsuya back at Aibo academy. The adult with the heart of a joy-filled chilled who wished to pursue happiness and fun, this was what I remembered him saying. "Here, there, and everywhere. Our magic is so crazy you'll want to risk it all! It's time! Gambling with Magic!"

He did exactly what he would have done.

He witnessed the power within me. It was Crazy.

He saw a chance for immortality and was willing to risk it all.

When he took that power from me, he certainly was gambling with magic.

He risked it all to try and be with me.

It was difficult portraying just how I felt to Abigail. Bozo was silently whimpering in her arms, licking her saddened arms. When I told her, she didn't say anything. She wouldn't even look at me anymore. To her, she had only heard the following; "I killed the man you loved." This was the only thing she would hear, regardless of how much I said, how much I shouted, how much I plead. She just couldn't see past that horrible truth. She turned around, leaving me alone in the airport. I watched her go through the inspection gate without looking back once. Going back to America, she was hoping to leave the memory of me behind.

And that was that. That was the last I ever saw of her.

I lost four of some of my closest friends in the span of two days.

Sitri and Alvis were gone from my life. Abigail and Sitri left.

I cannot blame Abigail. I did kill Alvis. Alvis died because of me, and I had to live with that due to the new power within me. Alvis, who risked everything to have something like it, and Abigail, the one who simply wished for us to be together. Her prancy, upbeat personality was what enabled me to feel better. Despite her antics, I always found it possible to trust her. And now, because of my error, she was gone. Somewhere, my mind stopped functioning. By the time I managed to come back to my senses, I realized that I was sitting on a wooden bench beside some river. I was in the much more urban side of town, gazing upon the river and the large pedestrian bridge that stretched across it. If I were content, I'd recognize the beauty of such an object. Under the cherry blossom trees and sounds of kids playing behind me, it would be a decent idea to bring Arkaid here. However, I couldn't think of her at all. I just wanted to be alone.

But that couldn't happen, now could it? I merely left out a sigh, soon hearing the sound of soft wiggles. It was getting louder, so I soon thought that it was approaching me, whatever it was. Lord Tenbu was floating before me, residing in his SD form. It had been a while since the two of us talked, so it was stunning to see that I was now in his company. Instinctively, I moved over, allowing him to rest his serpentine body. He looked cheerfully at me, so I didn't believe that there was any reason for formalities. "You've been holding yourself well," Lord Tenbu began. He sat himself down, coiling the lower half of his body. He gazed out at the river with me. "You know, I do appreciate that you kept your promise. You said you would perform your duty for Arkaid's sake, and for Alliot's sake as well." He chuckled happily to himself. "… Yeah, you and Arkaid have gotten really close, and that gave you a reason to keep going. Truly, you are a great example of what the bonds between buddies can accomplish, even if you aren't the strongest, you have a big heart."

"… Too bad that also makes me sensitive," I morosely returned. "Thank you for the kind words."

Lord Tenbu mumbled quietly. I could tell that I was becoming an annoyance in some way. He must have hoped that he would break me free of this funk, but he was wrong. "Do you plan on getting like this after every death?" Such a question caught me off guard, though my broken will left me with the appearance that I lacked energy. I woefully glanced over, seeing his stern eyes. "It appears you haven't truly accepted your duties, or have you?"

"I have," I returned bleakly. "I accepted the fact that others will die, but this is different," I took in another deep breath. I wanted him to leave. I wanted to be left alone just a little bit. "Alvis died … and Sitri got involved … all because of their fixation on me. All of this happened because of me."

"You blame yourself despite the fact you had no control over it."

"I can't help but feel like I could've."

Lord Tenbu huffed. "You appear to be confusing such a mentality with the one you truly have; the mentality that you just didn't like what happened, so you feel like you could've done something. Such a mentality in this situation is like that of a child." His stern voice sent me into silence. Fine, I was wrong about everything. Happy, Tenbu? I was wrong. Good. You're right, I'm wrong. I'm a child. Give up on me and fly away. "You need to understand that these are things you're going to have to deal with."

"So you're saying I can't grieve?"

"I never said that," Lord Tenbu returned. "But you're doing more than grieving. You left your buddies. They worry about you. You never told them where you went." … He was right. I did leave them. I went after Abigail, but I never returned. I didn't even know how long I was gone. "For all they knew, something bad happened to you. Word is spreading of the endeavors of the Cavalry, and if a terrible person caught wind of that and went after you, then that would be the last Arkaid and Alliot would know." My hands curled into fists, constricting my knees. "They told me what you did in Darkness Dragon World. Arkaid told me of your strength. Alliot told me of your courage. The others told me how you unified them under my name. Yet, you bring yourself here. You sulk, alone, away from the ones closest to you."

"… I don't want to burden them." I was breathless the moment those words left my mouth. Weakly, I began to crumble as my heart poured. "I am in love with Arkaid. She is the one I treasure more than anything. And when on that wreched, dark world I found out that she has been suffering. I cannot be weak for her. I need to be there for her, and Alliot too! I... I just can't make him feel like he's just some third wheel." Finally, I glanced at the dragon lord with whimpering eyes. "They're hurting, and the last thing I want to do is add to that pain."

"… There we go," Lord Tenbu mused with content. That left me befuddled. Without saying much, he turned away from me and singled out the corner of another building. It was very close by. My heart suddenly raced; someone was listening in?! "Arkaid! Alliot! You can come out now."

I was gripped with fear. Damn it; they heard me. This was the exact reason why I left them. I didn't want them to worry about me because of the specifics of my feelings! I didn't want to burden them! The first I saw was Arkaid. She rushed to me in her normal, graceful and beautiful form. Such words weren't enough to describe her. I felt the need to look away. I didn't want this. I saw her face contorted with worry. The last thing I wanted for her was to worry about me. Goddamn it! My eyes didn't want to see her. I kept them closed, hearing as she came closer and closer.

But then, everything changed. I felt her arms wrap around my shoulders. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was locked in the comfort of her embrace. It was becoming difficult to breathe. I felt my throat drying as kept shutting my eyes, foreshadowing the tears. Her voice was that of a calm mother, speaking kindly to her child. She spoke with a warmth that transcended her cold-blooded race. There was nothing else I wanted to hear but her voice. "I will always be here for you, just like you've been there for me." She tightened her embrace, showing her desire for me. She did not want to let me go. "So please, never be afraid to speak to me. All I want is to keep you happy."

I couldn't stop it. My arms held her close as I wheezed pathetically. Despite my intolerable weakness, she refused to let go of me. "I love you, Arkaid."

"I love you too." She quelled my sadness, striking it dead as if she pierced it with a spear. Slowly, we released each other from our embrace. Our eyes were lost in each other. Her normally cold, blue eyes were soft and warm. The ocean within them was one of the calm ones that make every summer night become so peaceful. I just wanted to gaze at them forever. Such a yearning for that sense took us both. But then, Arkaid and I realized something at the same time. We both turned to Alliot. He was in his SD form for some particular reason. He looked embarrassed, completely flushed with his eyes diverted away. His arms were crossed as he eagerly tapped his foot. He looked positively grumpy. Arkaid chuckled at the display. "Come on, Alliot," she playfully commanded him over. "We didn't forget you."

"Heh, you say that like I was afraid you did!" The dragon returned with a throat-clearing cough. He walked over to us, but once he got close I grasped his small body, hoisting him onto my lap. There was little time for escape now. "I just wanted to come over and, you know, check on ya, see if my guy's doing alright. You two are busy, so I'll just-" Nope. Not a chance in hell. Arkaid and I, in unison, embraced him. He was stuck, now at our mercy. He couldn't struggle out of our bond this time. "Oh, Lord! You two are embarrassing me! LORD TENBU, PLEASE!"

The old dragon chuckled. "As your Lord, I don't see anything wrong here." He mused playfully.

"Eh?! Whaddya mean?!" He exclaimed. "Come on!... Lemme go!"

"If you must," Lord Tenbu returned. "Then I'd start by telling them your decision."

That line made everything stop. Arkaid lowered her head at the remark. She definitely knew. I was completely out of the loop, looking down to Alliot as Arkaid and I released him from our death-hug. He became solemn, soon leaping off of my lap as he returned to Tenbu's side. Lord Tenbu began to float off of the bench, residing beside him. This wasn't making any sense to me. Alliot said he would stick around. I just didn't get it. "I… I thought you were sticking around?"

Lord Tenbu gestured to Alliot. "The floor is yours, my Cavalry Dragon."

Alliot's eyes kept staring at the ground. He couldn't focus his attention on anything. The more time past, the more distraught he became. He finally decided to just speak, letting me hear his mind. "CJ… I'm going to America. I need to figure myself out."

"Alliot…."

"Let me finish, please," he pleaded. I quickly shut my mouth. "… There's no other buddy I want to be with than you, that hasn't changed. I promised you that I no longer would see myself as just 'some third,' but…. I just can't," Alliot sighed, gritting his teeth as he avoided eye contact. "I think I became softer. I used to derive off one's rank and power alone as a sign of who to follow. But… after spending time with you… I realized that you're not strong, but your conviction and character are immense. You would die for us, and gladly as well." He looked to me. I brushed the remaining tears from before, but I couldn't discern them from the new. He was saying his goodbye… wasn't he? "But… I need to find out something for myself. I need to find out myself. So, until I clear my head, I'll be going with the others."

Lord Tenbu completed Alliot's fault. "Your human companions have already said their goodbyes."

Alliot confirmed this. "It was sad, but it wasn't like this," the orange dragon muttered. His tone became too weak to muster. He was struggling to speak. "So please, don't see me any differently for leaving, ya hear? I know you had bad experiences with others leaving, but I couldn't go without saying goodbye to you, I-" He went silent, watching as I knelt to his side. He looked up at me, seeing my confident smile. I raised my right hand, ruffling his long, purple hair. He winced at first. He wasn't expecting me to do something like that. But, as he looked at me again, he realized that my mouth was struggling to stay shut. My lips quivered. If I tried to say anything, it would be incoherent for him to hear. I pulled my hand back, giving him a thumbs up as I wiped away the flowing tears. "… Thank you."

Lord Tenbu hummed with intrigue. "So… are you satisfied, Alliot?" He asked genuinely.

"Yeah…," he nodded back, turning to his Lord. "Yeah, I'm good."

"Good, then it is time for me to bring you to the others."

The two of them made their way up the street. Lord Tenbu looked back with a jolly expression. Why did he bother? Did he know something I didn't? In the moment, I couldn't tell. I was too captured by Alliot as he shyly looked back to me. In his own way, he was afraid of certain things. I didn't blame him for that. Oddly enough, he became softer, much more genuine in my short time with him. I sniffled again, soon feeling Arkaid's fingers interlock with my own. We turned to each other, soon hearing her voice once again. "Are you alright, CJ?" She asked. "Is there anything I can do?"

"You've done more than anyone has done for me, Arkaid," I returned with a sorrowful sniffle. I cleared my throat, watching as Alliot and Lord Tenbu slowly left my sight. "I'm fine. I'm just happy that I was able to say goodbye."