AN: Hope you enjoy reading~


Chapter 28:

Panchos had not come to the Pocket Netherworld to seek revenge against Red Magnus, like some had feared. No, he had come seeking help. He did not want the Seedling. He did not want its power, what it supposedly promised.

No. He had been warned about it.

He wanted nothing to do with it.

That was honestly music to Samuel's ears. The strength of Aufero depended on how willing the victim wanted to be saved and on their consent. Panchos did not want the Seedling and he wanted to be saved, so the power of Aufero and its effect was immediately, regardless of how long it had been residing in Panchos' body, baring six minutes.

It was close, however. If Panchos hesitated, or if Samuel had been elsewhere, he would not have made it.

Six minutes was not a long time.

An eternity when facing someone near invincible in battle. But far too short when trying to save a life.

Samuel dropped down to his knees and sat back on his heels as he pulled an unconscious Panchos across his lap and cradled his head in the crook of his elbow. His breathing was laboured and shallow and he still have black matter oozing from the corner of his mouth, but the Seedling had been removed entirely. Killia and Red Magnus was making short work of its physical presence.

Panchos was going to live.

Samuel had not expected to conduct another 'cleansing' so shortly after saving Zeroken. That was not just a random coincidence. Panchos did not want the Seedling, so it was obviously forced upon him by another. And Samuel feared he knew who that other was.

"Samuel, how is he?" Killia asked as he and Red Magnus made their way over to him.

"He's unconscious, but that's a good thing," Samuel replied. "He's body is already starting to heal. He's expelled most of the toxin. He just needs rest now."

"Why Panchos?" Red Magnus, his face twisted into a scowl, but his eyes downcast. Clearly in distressed at how close he came to losing Panchos for a second time.

Samuel felt a twinge of guilt. "Red Magnus, I'm so sorry. It's because of me. Fearcher must be responsible for this. He likely targeted Panchos in order to cause disorder amongst our ranks. And to make you hate me."

Red Magnus reeled his head back and practically snorted in disbelief. "What? Who does that guy take me for? I know this isn't your fault, S-Man. It's completely that Fearcher bastard's fault."

He then proceeded to bristle wildly, making no attempt to mask his protective anger. "Arrgh, I'm super going to take that guy's head, rotate it one-eighty degrees, stick it on a pike, and then shove it right up his ass when I get my hands on him for what he tried to do to Panchos!"

Killia nodded his head in both acceptance and understanding. "It was fortunate that Panchos had the good sense to seek us out for help, and not give into the euphoria that Seedlings offer. How did he know, though?"

Red Magnus calmed down ever-so-slightly to answer. "I warned Panchos and the others. I made super sure they knew the dangers. I nearly lost them once. I didn't want to lose them again."

A small smile made its way onto Killia's lips. "And Panchos trusted you more than that feeling of euphoria."

"I guess that means you truly are his most trusted and treasured Overlord," Samuel added.

Red Magnus was taken aback by their observations. "Y-yeah, I guess so."

"He's going to be ok," Samuel reiterated as he turned his attention back to the material artist resting in his arms. "He just needs a bit more rest than Zeroken as the Seedling was in his body for longer. Thankfully, he was able to get here in time and I was able to get to him in time."

But they could not rely on luck alone any longer. He needed to find Fearcher and put an end to his little schemes. Before someone close to them died.

"For now; Red Magnus, can you take Panchos to the hospital?" Samuel requested. "He'll need his rest."

Red Magnus nodded his head without hesitation. "Right." He knelt in front of Samuel and with his help, he carefully slipped an arm under Panchos' head and shoulders, and another under his knees. He pushed himself to his feet slowly, so not to jostle Panchos, though he was unlikely to awaken.

For someone who was usually so reckless and rowdy, Red Magnus made 'super sure' to be extra gentle and cautious while carrying Panchos to the hospital.

As Red Magnus walked away with his precious cargo, Killia offered his hand toward Samuel. Samuel looked at his hand before he slipped his hand into his, offering him a tired smile as he pulled him to his feet.

"You all right?" he asked.

"Yeah. These cleansings take a lot of energy, but I don't mind. Better than the alternative."

Much better than the alternative.

With his hand still clasped in Killia's, Samuel felt a slight frown tug at his lips. "What are we going to do about that Netherworld? I don't know how Fearcher moved from there to the one that Panchos and the others of Scorching Flame had been hiding, but I know he was responsible for what happened to him."

The frown on Killia's lips indicated that he had thought the same. "Honestly, I don't know. He must have had his eye on Panchos for a while, and decided to strike now in order to unnerve us. Or to send Red Magnus into a rage."

Knowing Fearcher, it was both.

"Samuel."

The serious tone in Christo's voice prompted both Samuel and Killia to immediately turn away from each other and toward teammate.

"Panchos had awakened briefly," Christo explained quickly, handing Samuel a roughly folded scrape of paper. "And he had a message for you."

"For me?" Samuel felt greatly uneasy when he unfolded the paper.

'If you value the lives of your companions, meet me at the magical spear. Alone. There is much for us to discuss, dear Samuel.'

There was no signature at the end of the note, and it was not necessary. He immediately knew who had sent it.

"What's wrong?" Killia asked.

Samuel folded the note in half. "Fearcher is waiting for me at the magical spear. He wants me to come alone."

"That's not going to happen."

Samuel gave a half chuckle at Killia's instant protectiveness. Needless to say, really.

He sighed a moment later. "Fearcher just used Panchos as a messenger. No, he was the message. For some reason, the wardens of Nugatory are obsessed with me. I don't understand it."

Killia placed his hand on Samuel's shoulder. "They want you to succumb to your demonic side."

Samuel nodded. He understood that, he just had no idea why. "And I fear what they'll do in order to achieve that. If…if Ronny wasn't able to do it, then what will?"

"Nothing will." Killia squeezed his shoulder. "You don't have a truly demonic side. It's not in your nature."

"Yeah, but not in their minds."

"True."

Samuel reached up and placed his hand atop of Killia's. "…I have to go, one way or another."

Killia nodded. "We'll all go."

"I'll gather the others," Christo said simply before he turned on his heel and walked away.

Samuel drew in a deep breath through his nose. He did not know what the wardens of Nugatory want with him or what Fearcher had planned for him, for them, at the spear. But after two close calls, he could not afford to risk another.

There was no other choice; he had to face Fearcher and hope that no one else was hurt before.

… … … … …

Upon returning to the Netherworld, the constant ticking of the clocktowers were more ominous than before.

Another thing that was also unnerving was the fact that there were no Lost Soldiers for them to battle through. Either Fearcher was working alongside the Lost Army or the Lost had been themselves victimised by Fearcher and the Seedlings that had once been in his possession.

Either scenario was possible. Perhaps even both. And knowing Void Dark, he would not even care as long as his magical spears gathered him the energy he wanted and required.

It did not take them long to discover the magical spear, located the broken remains of a clocktower. And stood before those remains and the spear that ruthlessly continued to steal energy from the Netherworld was, of course, Fearcher.

Samuel stepped forward with Killia by his side, everyone staying back a few steps, but remaining close. Protectively close. Although, Samuel sensed that Red Magnus was on the verge of launching himself at Fearcher for what he did to both Panchos and Zeroken. He lingered back, however, as said Wolf Pup was part of their group, he insisting on joining, and Red Magnus took on the role of keeping an eye on him.

Which Samuel was thankful for. He was not sure what kind of stunt Fearcher would pull next.

"You got my message, yes?" Fearcher said, as if it was some kind of greeting. "Though, I did suggest you come alone."

"Did you really think we would allow that to happen?" Killia retorted smoothly.

Fearcher, however, ignored him as he levelled his gaze upon Samuel. "Saved another life, perhaps?"

Samuel nodded. "I did."

"Unfortunate. Then again, you were too good at your job, Samuel."

He said that with such spite. He had been hoping that Samuel would suffer two loses, hadn't he?

"I know what you're trying to do," Samuel said with a glare and took a step forward. "Trying to kill my angel side in order for me to become truly demonic. Hellekin tried. It didn't work. If taking Ronny's life, if ruining the lives of the Halflings, if forcing me into a life of servitude for countless years didn't send me demonic, nothing in that pathetic head of yours will."

Fearcher narrowed his eyes, his gaze so filled with hatred that Samuel almost instinctively took a step backward, but he managed to hold his ground. "…You've grown quite the spine, Samuel," he sneered.

Yeah, he supposed he had.

"That's what happens when I'm allowed to actually be myself. And it's all thanks to everyone here."

"Nonsense," Fearcher scoffed with pure distain. "Half-breeds like you will never be a true anything. You're not a demon. You're not an angel. You're a curse. A manifestation of a sin. You shouldn't exist."

Samuel pressed a hand against his chest, his fingers gripping at the material of his vest. He had heard all of that before. Numerous times. For as long as he could remember. "But I do exist."

Killia stepped up to stand by Samuel's side. "And he's been a blessing to us all. To me especially."

Samuel drew in sharp intake of air. Killia…

A blessing? He…no one had ever said such a thing about him before. He had only ever heard disparaging things said about him and Halflings. So, to be called a blessing…it was something he couldn't believe. Almost patronising, in a way.

But Killia had said it. He said it. And he…meant it.

He genuinely meant it.

Fearcher's eyes narrow further, yet his gaze was not entirely malicious. "I see, I see. Perhaps…"

"Don't even try it." Killia took a half step forward and abruptly took on a battle stance. "Actually, do try it. Let's see where that gets you."

Samuel could not help but smile softly. Killia, he was willing to fight for him. Fight a threat he did not know nor understand, for him.

Just like Samuel had done for him.

Fearcher stared at Killia through narrow eye. He appeared confident before, but that had waned somewhat as he looked him up and down. And his gaze shifted quickly back over toward Samuel's direction.

"You're willing to let even more demons get hurt because of you, Samuel?" he asked, his tone as snide and malicious as before.

"You're the one who's hurting others, not Samuel," Killia interrupted before Samuel had the chance to even formulate a response. "In fact, Samuel is trying to save others. And he's achieving that goal. Every member of the Rebel army has been warned about these Seedlings of yours. They know the risks and dangers, and how to defeat them. They trust and believe in Samuel's words. And they've been actively avoiding these Seedlings and Snap Draingons."

Samuel looked at Killia in surprise. "Killia…"

That…that was true, wasn't it? As far as he was aware, no one from the Rebel Army had died from the exposure of Seedlings. Samuel himself had written up the report detailing descriptions of Seedlings, what they should do if they encounter one, and what they should do if they encountered an enhanced victim.

Had he been saving lives?

"And that's why you're here, isn't it?" Killia continued. "No longer content with tricking demons with manipulations and lies. You couldn't deceive the Rebel Army. So, you came after Samuel directly. Isn't that it?"

Fearcher did not immediately respond. He did not snigger behind his hand. Did not scoff or even snarl. He did not even snarl out an insult. His non-reaction surprised Samuel immensely.

"…Not quite right," Overlord managed to utter out finally. "How unfortunate, perhaps."

"There was hesitation," Killia noted. "So, I'm not exactly wrong, either."

That did earn him a snarl as Fearcher jumped down from his perch. "Leader of the Rebel Army, you are quite the troublesome thorn. Yes, perhaps, I should rid of you. Yes. That should bring out Samuel's demonic side, perhaps."

Killia took on a battle stance once more. "You are welcome to try."

Yet, Samuel could not help his concern. There was no doubt that Killia was strong. He had defeated Bloodis on his own. And he would one day be the one to defeat Void Dark.

But Fearcher, he was considered both an Overlord and a warden. Samuel had known him for a very long time yet knew nothing of his strength. Not of his true strength. Only knew that he, along with the other wardens, were able to prevent Halflings from leaving Nugatory, and prevented those who had discovered the legendary Netherworld from unleashing chaos – and from leaving.

Samuel could not let Fearcher hurt anyone again. Could not let him get away with hurting another. He had to find a way to punish him for all the pain and suffering he had caused over the countless years.

There had to be a way to use his malice and aggression against him. All the while protecting and saving those Samuel has come to love and care for.

"What says you, Samuel?" Fearcher sneered, nothing but malevolent delight in his voice. "Are you prepared to witness the death of someone so precious, Samuel?"

Samuel stepped forward; his hand clutched over his heart. "…No."

Never again.

Never again was he going to let someone force him to stand on the sidelines and watch as another be hurt, as another died in front of him. Never again.

Not ever again.

"You asked me before if I was willing to let more demons be hurt because of me, and the answer is; no."

A bright, white light engulfed Samuel without warning, originating from his heart and swirling around him. His eyes widen in amazement and disbelief, as well as fear, worried that something similar to that had happened with Hellekin may repeat itself. But the light was warm, comforting, and oddly familiar.

The light was similar to the light that Killia had emitted when he…discovered his Overload skill. The same with Zeroken, Red Magnus, and little Usalia.

Had his heart…mended itself, or rather had he decided to stop being a victim of Nugatory and its wardens? Maybe a bit of both.

Nevertheless, it was with gratitude that he allowed the light into his heart. And gladly received the power it offered. Hmm. He had the perfect Overload in mind.

Samuel pressed his hands against his chest and leaned forward slightly to arch his back, where he gathered a small pool of energy. And with a flourished, revealed the wings that had been hidden, taken from him for so long.

Six wings; three black on his right, and three white on his left. Quite large in size and length, which was mildly surprising.

He had denied himself of his Halfling heritage all his life. He…did not want to be ashamed of it anymore. It would take some time for him to be fully comfortable in revealing it to others, to strangers. But, one step at a time, he supposed. At least in his Overload form, he could display his heritage proudly.

He half expected the reveal of his wings to hurt, but they didn't. Which he was grateful for.

Should make dealing with Fearcher much easier to deal with.

As the light and the accompanying wind died down, and Samuel's Overload form was revealed, he heard the startled gasps from everyone present. Understandable, really.

"S-Samuel?" Killia questioned.

Samuel tilted his head toward him and smiled warmly as his gaze caught his. "It's all right," he reassured. "I've just discovered my Overload Skill."

Killia's eyes widen a fraction and his mouth dropped open slightly in surprise. He soon collected himself, and he returned his smile. "Quite the impressive form, I must say."

That earned him a chuckle from Samuel. "Thank you, but wait until you learn what I can do. Though, I may still need some of your assistance."

"As long as I can still get to give Fearcher a punch or six, I'll be more than happy to assist."

"Oh, you will."

"Have you forgotten something, Samuel?"

Samuel released a sigh. Of course, he had not, though it was not surprising that Fearcher would interject him into his conversation with Killia. That was how abusers operated, wasn't it? Attention to be on them at all times.

"Oh, don't worry; I'm getting to you," Samuel returned as he finally turned his gaze back to Fearcher, finding the Chimera eyeing him off with a narrow gaze.

"Quite the dramatic transformation," he scoffed. "You certainly have grown quite the spine, to be so brazenly showing off your sinful and wicked dual heritage, Samuel. Halflings were hidden away for a reason, yes? The horrors of war have caused trauma to your mind, perhaps?"

Samuel shook his head and stepped forward fearlessly. "I am done with being a placid pacifist. For too long I have allowed you and your ilk to lord over me and my Halfling siblings. We…all we wanted was freedom, to be ourselves, for someone to come along to free us. But we waited in vain. I'm not waiting anymore. I've found my freedom, and I've found those who I wish to fight for. And you, you will not harm anyone I care for ever again."

"Oh?" Fearcher leaned forward and sneered. "And what are you trying to do, Samuel?"

Samuel folded his arms loosely across his chest and flared his wings. He then floated lightly off the ground as he stared down at Fearcher with as much stoicism as he could muster. "I'm going to punish you in a way that will hurt you the most. I'm going to take away your ability to hurt others. Nothing terrifies and infuriates an abuser like you more than taking away their ability to abuse."

Fearcher sniggered behind his hand. "Oh?" he uttered again. "And how will you achieve that?"

"Try to attack, Fearcher. And see that no matter how many times you attack, no matter how powerful your attacks are; you won't be able to hurt anyone. In fact, you'll heal everyone instead. As long as I am here, in this form, you won't hurt anyone. Never again."

Fearcher's head reel back, in shock and disbelief. "Y-you're lying, perhaps?" he spluttered, clearly breaking out into a cold sweat.

Samuel would never put the lives at risk for a bluff. "Prove me wrong."

"Gladly!" Fearcher shrilled as he reeled back on his tail.

With a growl, Fearcher lunged forward, with Samuel as his intended target. Killia, however, immediately stepped in front of him and lifted an arm to fend off whatever attack Fearcher plan to unleash. Skidding to a stop in front of Killia, Fearcher pulled back his right hand, and with his clawed fingers pinched together into a tight dagger-like formation, he raised his arm over his head and brought it down sharply toward Killia's arm.

Samuel had seen Fearcher use that attack countless times in the past. It was strong enough to break an arm, if not sever it in two. But as his clawed hand arched in a slice motion and struck Killia's arm, a blue light appeared around Killia's entire body. Instead of the crunching of bone, like Fearcher no doubt expected, his hand bounced back as blue light flickered over Killia's arm.

Killia lifted his head up in a motion that represented surprise. He turned his hand toward himself and flexed his fingers, revealing that his arm was, indeed, in complete working order.

In a flurry of uncoordinated movements, Fearcher unleashed several more attacks, all of which Killia blocked with his arm casually. Boredly, even. Each time, a flicker of light was seen shimmering around him, each time Fearcher's attack doing nothing to harm him.

Panting heavily, Fearcher stumbled backwards, his eyes widening when it finally, finally dawned on him that his attacks were not working.

"See?" Samuel said as he continued to float on the spot. "You didn't see that coming, did you? This is the one thing I could think of that was both angelic and demonic. Protection and healing for those that I care for, and the inability to cause harm for those who are my enemies. What will you do now that you can't physically harm any of us, Fearcher?"

Fearcher looked frantic; wide eyed, bottom jaw dropped open as he panted, a light sheen of sweat on his skin. He stared unblinkingly at him as he slowly backed away. It was as though he could not comprehend not using violence and manipulation to be in control. And he probably couldn't. It was how he had managed for years, after all.

Spinning around abruptly, Fearcher moved to flee. But in a red blur, his path was blocked by none other than Red Magnus.

"Where do you think you're going?" Red Magnus asked, with a confident smirk on his lips. "We're not done talking here."

Fearcher floundered and attempted to choose another escape route, only for Samuel's companions to promptly surround him. Preventing him from escaping.

Fearcher whirled around to face Samuel, reared up on his tail and roared; "Want for me to rip those wings from your back again, Samuel?!"

That made Samuel's wings twitch.

Before he could respond, however, Killia was suddenly in front of Fearcher and had him by the throat, effortlessly lifting him up off the ground. The Chimera choked on his own breath as he frantically clutched at Killia's wrist, withering under his grasp.

"So, that was you, was it?" Killia stated more than asked, his tone icy. "Maybe I should rip that vile tongue right out of that mouth of yours?"

"Wait, Killia!" Red Magnus suddenly shouted before he flexed his muscles while simultaneously bristling. "I'm totally going to make him pay for what he did to Panchos!"

Zeroken jumped up and down on the spot for a moment. "I want a piece of him, too! Attacking me is one thing; but attacking me just to hurt everyone else is another thing entirely!"

"Usalia wants to fight, too!" Usalia announced, glaring with as much hatred as she could muster at Fearcher. "For what he did to Samuel!"

Christo readjusted his glasses. "I'm sure no one will mind if I participate."

"Of course, I'm not going to let Samuel show off in front of my Sir Killa." Seraphina threw her head back on a laugh. "Oh-hohoho~!"

Samuel smiled.

Everyone, thank you

"I'll leave Fearcher to you, then," Samuel said. "And don't worry, absolutely none of his attacks will hurt any of you. Not. A. Single. One. For however long as this battle last. Which, I assume, won't be that long."

Fearcher increased his struggling. "W-wait, S-Samuel…"

A slight frown tugged at Samuel's lips, and he sighed aloud. He floated forward, stopping by Killia's back and placing his hands upon his shoulders to stop him. To momentarily stop the battle. Killia tilted his head toward him, to look up at him with a questioning gaze. Samuel returned his gaze, silently conversing with him that he needed a moment. Just one moment before he could return to battle.

Killia nodded his head in acceptance.

Samuel turned his attention back to Fearcher. "There is one thing that I want to know; how did I leave Nugatory?" he asked.

Fearcher peered up at him with his beady black eyes. "If I tell you, will you spare me?"

Samuel paused as he thought about it. "I may consider it."

Surprisingly, Fearcher immediately launched into an answer. "It's simple, really. We kicked you out. Literally. A portal, and out you went. We had to; you see. You were far too good at your job. We need Seedlings. How could we gather Seedlings if you were destroying them?"

That…was it? That was the reason?

"You ambushed me?"

"Indeed. You wouldn't leave the others willingly. Unfortunate, perhaps."

Samuel drew in a sharp intake of air through his nose as his hands tightened on Killia's shoulders. Beneath his hands, he felt Killia shift, responding to him. Getting angry on his behalf.

"Will you spare me now?" Fearcher had the audacity to ask.

"No," Samuel immediately replied. "You've killed too many demons. This is your just punishment."

Samuel released his hands from Killia's shoulders, flaring his wings to take to the air, paying little attention to the babbling and pleading from Fearcher. He could not help but allow a bubble of anger to boil in his chest thinking to all the times Fearcher's own victims had pleaded for mercy, only to be mocked by him. Jeered at or ignored.

And he had the sheer audacity to expect, to all but demand pity from him.

"S-Samuel!"

"Goodbye, Fearcher."