Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Eater.

So it's been a little while since I updated. I kindof got sucked into other things but now we're back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Black Star and Tsubaki raced up the mountain path. The forest blurred by them and their feet kicked up clouds of dust and dirt along the beaten path. Every dozen yards they would pass by stones lining the pathway, etched with kanji and symbols. Were they not rushing so frantically, they would have enjoyed the scenic vistas of the mountain's forest. Tall trees with dark wood and plentiful leaves lined either side of the trail.

"Come on Tsubaki we gotta hurry." Blackstar called impatiently. He stopped for a moment over the crest of a hill and looked back. Tsubaki caught up with him a second later. She leaned over for a second with her hands on her knees and panted for breath.

"Right… sorry…" She huffed.

"We can't let these Pantheon jerks get their hands on another medallion." Blackstar said emphatically. Tsubaki nodded in agreement, still trying to catch her breath. Blackstar, however, seemed unfazed and started up again at his breakneck pace. Ever since his loss to Red Fist, Blackstar had become much more serious. As soon as they had landed in Japan, he insisted they get to the medallion as fast as possible. Tsubaki knew that he likely felt guilty for losing the Medallion of Power right from under his fingers. She felt even more guilty for not supporting him during his fight. However, she knew that saying that much would only wound his pride even more. So the two continued as they always had. With Blackstar recklessly leading the charge, and Tsubaki following dutifully behind.

"This gizmo says we're nearly there." Blackstar noted to his partner. Tsubaki nodded silently, still keeping a concerned eye on her partner. As they rounded a turn in the trail they came upon a magnificent sight. Standing before them was a large, red, Torii gate. It towered over their heads. On either post of the gate was a ceremonial white rope tied around the post. Tsubaki, being native to Japan, instantly recognized the significance. The Torii gate was known as the boundary between the normal human world and lands of spiritual significance. Blackstar, however, seemed to pay no heed to the marker and continued onward.

"We've gotta keep an eye out for Sad Jack." He reminded her. "Of course." Tsubaki agreed. Sad Jack was the only member of Pantheon that had yet to be spotted since the attack on the Academy a little over a month ago. It was a fact that deeply unnerved Tsubaki. The serial killer was notorious for killing both meisters and their weapon partners. While normally she had the utmost confidence in her meister, she worried that his recent loss may have left him unbalanced. Not to mention she knew she herself was a rare weapon, and if they did encounter the deranged man, she would definitely be a target. Blackstar's voice roused her from her thoughts as they continued down the trail.

"Tsubaki, up ahead." Blackstar called out. Ahead of them was another Torii gate atop a hill. As they neared the gate and crested the hill, they glimpsed the area beyond. A picturesque scene of a large pool of water being fed by a stream lay before them. The water was a crystal blue tone and its surface was placid and calm. Near them, a sandy beach bordered the edge of the pool with only a few rocks and twigs scattered about. At the far end of the pool was a rocky cliff face, covered with vines, moss, and other vegetation. A shrine sat to their left, decorated with ropes and paper charms. Its overall appearance suggested that it had been maintained but only sporadically. Its wood was ancient and gave off an earthy smell. Small dishes and candles sat on the altar, covered in dust. The strangest sight, however, was that of a large boulder sitting on an island in the middle of the lake. The boulder was about ten yards off the shore. Mysteriously a series of kanji was carved in the stone, rough but still legible.

"All right so where's this medallion then?" Blackstar spoke and began to look around them. He put his hand against his forehead and looked around seriously. Tsubaki approached the shrine as Blackstar began his search. The shrine was small, only about a little taller than the average person, and had the classical peaked Japanese roof. She noted the state of neglect it was in. Some of its wood was cracked and splintered and its decorative elements were in desperate need of renovation. The sight of it filled her with a sense of melancholy, but she wasn't sure why. But their tracker indicated that the medallion they searched for was not contained within it, so she dismissed the shrine. Tsubaki turned back to her partner who stood on the shoreline staring at the boulder.

"Hmmm…" Blackstar hummed in thought. His eyes narrowed as he tried to make out the writing on the stone. "I can't figure out what it says." Blackstar commented. Tsubaki turned to regard the boulder. She squinted her eyes to read the far away text. "It's written in Japanese. It says 'Face your regrets'." Tsubaki explained.

"Oh well no wonder I couldn't read it." Blackstar noted. "But what does face your regrets mean?" He asked. Tsubaki frowned. "I'm not sure." She muttered quietly. Yet despite Tsubaki's hesitance, she felt something pulling her toward the lake. It was as though the calm waters were beckoning her forth. She felt as if there was something waiting for her just beneath the surface of the water. "I think we need to go into the water." She said softly. Blackstar looked at her curiously. "Why?" He questioned her.

"I'm not sure. I can't quite explain it." She said even as she stepped towards the water's edge. "But something's telling me to enter the water." Tsubaki entered the pool, heedless of her attire. Blackstar followed behind her, shouting at her to wait up. But Tsubaki couldn't hear him. It was as though she were in a trance. All she could do was step further and further into the water. Once she had submerged herself waist deep, a profound sadness came over her. The loneliness, depression, and anxiety that had plagued her before she met Blackstar, came bubbling back to the surface. She felt stray tears sting at the corners of her eyes. A second later they left warm trails down her cheeks as they began to fall. She turned to look at her partner, wondering if only she was affected. To her surprise, Blackstar's eyes were large and watery. Huge tears fell from his eyes in an almost comical fashion.

"Hey – Tsubaki- what's up with this water?" He asked between tears. Tsubaki turned away from him and looked down into the water's surface. Between the gentle ripples of the water, she spied her reflection. It wobbled around with the motion of the water but for the most part it looked exactly like her. But a second later she noticed something odd. Her reflection's face had a very different expression from hers. Her eyes were not weeping but instead wore a sinister expression. Before she had time to even think on it, the reflection's smile widened with malice and a pair of blue tinted hands reached up out of the water. They grabbed her by her shoulders and pulled her down beneath the surface before she could react.

Her lungs reflexively tried to suck in as much air as they could before her head dunked under the water. The sensation was still unpleasant and she still felt the hands grip on her shoulders. They pulled her further and further down even as she struggled against them desperately. Her eyes flashed open in panic but saw only darkness and the bubbles caused by her thrashing in the water. Distantly she sensed Blackstar's presence also struggling against something pulling him into the water. She felt more hands grab her and pull her down. And then suddenly she felt as though she were falling. The water still surrounded her, but she fell through it as if it were air. Strangely she began to hear noises around her. The unmistakable sound of sobbing reached her ears. She turned her head to the side and began to see dim lights in the distance. A strange compilation of shadows and silhouettes came into view. A man, on his knees with his head in his hands and shaking with sobs. In front of him, the outline of what looked to be a casket. But her attention was drawn away from the imagery by purple light ahead of her.

All of a sudden, she felt her body break through the surface of the lake. Fresh air filled her lungs as she panted and coughed for breath. Surprisingly, she could kneel on the surface of the water. Her clothes and hair were still wet from the plunge. As she recovered she gazed up above her at an unusual sight, a night sky. It was a black canvas, painted with shining stars, clouds of colorful nebulas, and swirling galaxies. The milky way arced from horizon to horizon. It would have been breathtaking if not for her current circumstances and the fact that it had been broad daylight but a moment ago. The stars danced above in the heavens in dazzling formations. Yet Tsubaki could still not shake the sense of melancholy that it inspired in her. Before she could take in much more of her surroundings, she was startled by a familiar voice.

"Tsubaki…" The voice called from behind her. The young woman was filled with an odd mix of dread, hope, and shock at the sound. She recognized the voice but couldn't accept that she heard it. Slowly she turned around, pausing halfway before fully snapping around to look at him. Just as she did, the sky above shifted from night to day. The clouds over head floated in a blue sky. The water beneath her feet reflected it perfectly. Standing in front of her, only mere feet away was Masamune, her brother. She stared at him in shock for several long silent seconds. Finally, she broke into tears. She rubbed her face, wiping the tears away as her face screwed up in a strange mix of sadness and relief. She ran over to him, wrapping her arms around his body and planting her head against his shoulder.

"I thought I'd never see you again." She cried as she hugged him tightly. As her tears began to slow she noticed something odd. Her beloved brother was stiff and rigid and did not return her embrace. She looked up at his face in confusion. Masamune looked back at her with an expression of contempt. "Nii-san, what's wrong?" She asked innocently as she released him. Her brother continued to gaze at her coldly, with abject hatred in his eyes. Tsubaki began to back away slowly at this point, fearful and unsure.

"You killed me Tsubaki…" He said coldly. His voice held no malice, only a blank statement of truth. "You didn't save me. It's your fault that I died." He asserted. Tsubaki was shocked. She didn't expect these words from him after they had made peace those many years ago. "Everything that I did, that I became, was because of you." He accused her and stepped towards her threateningly. Tears began to fall from Tsubaki's eyes once again as she realized her brother still blamed her. Her hands came to her chest as she felt it tighten with sorrow and despair.

"Nii-san, you know I didn't mean for it to happen." She pleaded with him. "I never meant to overshadow you." Tsubaki explained desperately. Masamune continued to advance towards her. His eyes were hard and his face held a calm hatred.

"Of course you didn't. Because that's just what you are. A mediocre flower that blooms without a fragrance." He said spitefully. Tsubaki fell to her knees, her legs splaying out to her sides, and cradled her face in her hands. "I hated your existence." He continued. "If you had never been born, I would have rightfully inherited our clan's powers." He said. Tears ran unbidden down her cheeks. Emotions that she thought she had put behind her came suddenly rushing back to the surface. Her sorrow at losing her beloved brother, her sadness when she realized he hated her, her despair at having to kill him. "Instead I had to watch as you wasted your potential. You are nothing but cowardly. You content yourself with having others walk all over you and misuse your abilities. It makes me sick." He spat venomously.

"Why are you telling me all this again?" Tsubaki asked quietly without looking up from her hands.

"Because I despise you. Because I wish to see you suffer, to feel true despair." Masamune explained.

Tsubaki sniffed and stifled back a sob. She dropped her hands from her face and balled them into fists. She looked up at her brother, meeting his gaze. Her eyes were red and puffy from the tears, but her face held a resolute expression. She stood from the floor beneath her. Her posture was tall and proud. After wiping the errant remnants of her outburst from her face she spoke back to Masamune.

"You are not my brother." Tsubaki said firmly. Masamune narrowed his eyes at her. "Nii-san may have resented me, but deep down he did care for me. I know because I've felt it." She said putting a hand to her chest. "Who are you? What are you?" She asked determined. Masamune stared at her for several seconds. He closed his eyes and smirked.

At that moment his appearance began to fade away. His body dissolved into hundreds of petals floating away into a non-existent wind. In his place was another figure revealed as the petals drifted off. It was a mirror image of Tsubaki herself. However, this Tsubaki was nearly nude and had long black stripes that coiled around her body and face. Her hair was let down in a wild flowing black mane. This other Tsubaki looked back at the original and grinned madly.

"I'm you…" The doppleganger said to her. Tsubaki narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "I'm the negative part of you." She continued further. "The part of you that hates yourself, the part of you that tells you you're no good." Pseudo-Tsubaki explained. "I am the real you. All of the thoughts that you keep hidden from others. They all form me." She said gesturing broadly. Tsubaki regarded her skeptically.

"If that's true then why did you appear as my brother at first? Why are you here at all?" She asked calmly.

"That was just one of the many forms I can choose to take. It was the form that represented your greatest regret and I thought it would be fitting." The double said with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "As for why I'm here, that's because this is the only place I can come to the surface. Here I am able to free myself, instead of being repressed and locked away." She explained. "And now that I'm free I will never go back." She exclaimed defiantly. At that moment, a ninjato materialized in the fake's hand. The doppelganger leaped forward at the real Tsubaki forcing her to jump backwards to avoid the strike. She continued her advance, taking wild swings at her with the blade. Tsubaki narrowly avoided each of them until she finally could form her own knife to go on the offensive with.

The twins clashed together, their knives each holding the other at bay. Their eyes were hardened and desperate. They continually broke off from each other and attacked again. The water rippled below their feet as they fought. They flipped and spun around each other, trying to get an advantage over the other. But they were both evenly matched. The evil twin charged desperately at Tsubaki, her dagger's edge flashing in the light. Tsubaki repelled her with a strike to the chest but was sliced by the blade in retaliation. All throughout the match the wild looking Tsubaki shouted taunts and insults at her. But Tsubaki remained calm despite the jabs.

"You are weak!" She shouted as she sliced at her. "You will never amount to anything." She called again. "You are a despicable person who killed her own flesh and blood!" She shouted once more as she thrusted her ninjato at Tsubaki. Tsubaki took the stab in the shoulder and the clone smiled devilishly as the wound seeped with blood. But she was alarmed as Tsubaki used the opening to attack her in kind. She slashed across her neck and shoulder causing the evil twin to drop her weapon. Tsubaki followed up with several more slashes cutting her skin. The doppelganger eventually was able to flip out of her reach. She stared at Tsubaki with hatred and tears in her eyes.

The clone grasped a katana from thin air and held it in front of her in a ready stance. The blade poised vertically and aimed at Tsubaki. In turn, she dropped her ninjato and replaced it with a kusarigama. The evil twin charged at her, lifting the sword above her head in preparation for a downward strike. Tsubaki leapt to meet her, the chains of her weapon flowing behind her. They inched closer and closer together. The swing of the sword was swift and brutal, sending a shockwave rippling across the lake where they stood. But her blade met no target as Tsubaki dodged at the last second, avoiding the strike completely. The clone had just enough time to turn around before the sickle flew towards her. The chains wrapped around her body completely. Her arms and legs were tangled by the steel chains, preventing her movement. The clone struggled fruitlessly against the bindings but could not escape. Tsubaki calmly stepped over to her, the other end of her weapon gripped in her hand.

"I'm not going back! You can't make me!" The other Tsubaki wailed with a hint of despair. Tears flowed from her eyes even as she grit her teeth in desperation. She panted heavily, her body struggling against her bindings. She looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown as Tsubaki drew closer.

"I'm not going to." Tsubaki said softly. The other Tsubaki froze and looked at her counterpart bewildered. Tsubaki smiled at her sadly, her face still bearing the marks of her own tears. Slowly she started loosening the chains that bound her 'sisters' arms and legs. Once she was free, the other Tsubaki gazed at her hands in perplexion. "I- I don't – don't understand…" She questioned. But she was even more confused as Tsubaki pulled her in for a tight hug. The other girl stood frozen in place even as she cried.

"I thought I had made peace with my decision." Tsubaki began. "But you made me realize that I was still blaming myself even though I know he had forgiven me." Tsubaki explained.

"You can't possibly know that." The other girl retorted. Tsubaki broke their hug and held her duplicate at arms-length by her shoulders.

"But I do." She said. "Every time I take the form of the enchanted sword, I can feel his presence next to me." She explained. "It's like a part of him lives within me now." She said putting a hand to her heart. "You said that I had been repressing you. You were right, I just never could admit it until now. I bottled up all my negative emotions because I didn't want to deal with the sadness that lurked inside my heart. But now that I've realized what I've been doing, I have to accept you as part of myself. I'm still sad about my brother, and I mourn his loss every day. But I can't let my sadness and self-doubt stop me from being who I want to be." Tsubaki explained tearfully. The other Tsubaki looked at her with awe and understanding in her eyes. Her face screwed up with relief and she grabbed Tsubaki around her shoulders, hugging her back intensely. Tsubaki returned the gesture, feeling a warmth envelop her body and then slowly fade away. When she opened her eyes, she saw her twin was gone, but she could feel her presence inside her.

With a heavy, shuddering breath she began to walk. Off in the distance she spied a small building against the horizon. She made her way to the only landmark in sight rather quickly. As she neared, Tsubaki recognized the building as the shrine that she had seen in front of the lake. Only this shrine was immaculate. Its wood was polished and its colors vibrant. Multiple charms hung from its eaves and ceremonial white ropes wrapped around its poles. Most surprising however, was the presence of a stranger lounging on its front steps. He wore a dark green haori and loose pants of the same color. The outfit was tied at the waist with a white and blue string. His chest was bare and he wore simple wooden sandals with white socks. His hair was black and combed forward while he wore a short spiky ponytail in the back. His face was set in a perpetual grimace or scowl but his eyes showed nothing but sadness. The figure stood as Tsubaki approached.

"Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, you have triumphed over your regrets, and in doing so have passed my trial. I am Izanagi, I welcome and congratulate you." He said and bowed deeply. Tsubaki returned the bow in kind. "Know this, I grieve deeply for your loss and truly understand your sorrow." Izanagi spoke. Tsubaki thanked him graciously.

"Who was it that you lost?" Tsubaki asked him insightfully.

Izanagi seemed somewhat surprised at first, but his expression soon returned to its normal morose state. "My wife." He said calmly and folded his hands into the sleeves of his robe. "Just like you, I blamed myself and wallowed in my own sorrow for years. Eventually that sadness became part of who I am, and I was able to move on with life. Today you have also accomplished this same feat. Dare I say you have risen above it, far beyond my expectations." He complimented her. Tsubaki smiled and blushed lightly at the praise but did not deny it. "It is with great honor that I bestow upon you the Medallion of Sorrow." He said withdrawing the pendant from his sleeves. He presented it to Tsubaki with his palms open and outstretched. The medallion was simple, showcasing a single large teardrop with a thin triangle depicted as a reflection of light. Tsubaki accepted the medallion and placed it around her neck.

"Thank you, Izanagi-sama, I am honored." Tsubaki said and bowed once more. The older man returned the bow. "I must admit I am relieved that it was you who passed the trial and not one of the other two." Izanagi spoke.

"Other two?" Tsubaki repeated.

"Yes." Izanagi spoke and pointed to the water below them. A ripple formed in the water before it revealed an image of a large man struggling against an ever encroaching pit of blackness. "Sad Jack." Tsubaki whispered. She watched as he waved his arms about, thrashing against the tar like substance defiantly. The force of his arms pushing back a massive tide before it came slinking back to him.

"His sorrow is indeed great, but I feel he will never conquer it." Izanagi spoke as they watched. "He is too obsessive and single-minded to be worthy of my power." He said.

"What about my friend?" Tsubaki asked earnestly. Izanagi's eyes narrowed with an exasperated look.

"Oh yes, him." He said deadpan. With a wave of his hand the image morphed from Sad Jack to Blackstar. The young man sat atop a pile of beaten, battered, and bruised bodies. He laughed to himself sitting atop the pile. On closer inspection the individuals he had beaten all appeared to be shadow images of himself.

"I swear that boy doesn't know the meaning of the word sorrow." Izanagi sighed. "Nothing I threw at him made him even hesitate. It's as if his failures only give him more fuel." The man said. Tsubaki giggled, knowing exactly what Blackstar is like.

"You had best be going now. You may leave by walking that way." Izanagi said pointing off into the horizon. Tsubaki nodded and bowed one last time before skipping off into the distance. "A word of caution before you leave." Izanagi called after her. Tsubaki stopped and turned back to him. "Be wary of the other one. I do not think he will take losing the medallion well." He said ominously. Tsubaki nodded with a steeled face as she thanked him for his warning. She walked onwards towards the horizon. As she walked, her body began to feel sluggish, as though she were moving through water. A flash of light blinded her and the next thing she knew she emerged from the pool back into the real world. Up above her, night had fallen and the sky was an almost mirror image of the one she had seen on the other side. The ambient light from the moon and stars reflected off the water and lit up the clearing nicely, giving off a very elegant tone.

A splash of water next to her made Tsubaki turn her head. She was relieved to find Blackstar looking around confused. "Tsubaki? What just happ- Hey you got the medallion!" He exclaimed loudly. Tsubaki smiled at him but was taken by surprise as Blackstar wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air. She giggled happily as he spun her around in celebration. The pair exited the water together and shook off the dampness from their clothes.

Behind them a large splash drew their attention. Rising slowly from the lake, with water pouring off his hulking form, was Sad Jack. He looked around confused before spotting Tsubaki and Blackstar. At the sight of the medallion hanging from her neck, Sad Jack shook with emotion.

"No… NO!... NO NO NO NO!" Jack began to shout with a guttural yell. "That. Is. Mine! Give it to me!" He screamed hoarsely, shambling out of the water with his hand outstretched. Tsubaki transformed and let herself fall into Blackstar's grasp. Her meister stood resolutely in front of the maniac. Jack paused and shook himself with rage. He panted and stomped the ground in front of him like a toddler throwing a tantrum. "I need it! He said it would make me happy!" He screamed.

"Sorry pal, but you're gonna have to kill me if you want that medallion." Blackstar threatened, holding both ends of his kusarigama aloft. They watched as Sad Jack reached into his coat and pulled out a glowing orb. It was a pale moldy yellow color and glowed sickeningly in the dark. With a start, Sad Jack crushed the soul in his hand. The yellow lights exploded out and swirled around his palm. The glowing particles coalesced into a distinct form. With a flash the light faded, leaving a large, pointed drill grasped in Jack's hand. He squeezed on the drill's trigger and the motor revved to life, the drill bit swirling rapidly.

"I. Will. Get. Medallion!" Jack shouted and charged at them. He thrust his arm forward, the drill spinning menacingly. Blackstar leaped over the behemoth causing his attack to strike the ground instead. The earth exploded as the drill impacted, dirt and rocks being flung everywhere. Blackstar landed behind him and threw his blade at the pyscho's back. But the kusarigama bounced off harmlessly. Jack spun around lifting his drill from where it was stuck in the ground. "Give it back! Pleassseeee!" He wailed desperately. He charged once more swinging the rotating metal at Blackstar. But the lithe ninja easily dodged the drill piece. Instead Blackstar leaped upwards and onto his back. Blackstar wrapped the chain around Jack's neck and yanked upward trying to choke him. The metal dug slightly into Jack's flesh but did little else even as Blackstar hoisted with all his might.

"AAAAAHHHH!" Jack cried. He swung his drill up above his head. Blackstar was forced to dismount off the giant's shoulders and land a distance away. But he still had his grip on Tsubaki's form, and the chain was still wrapped tightly around Jack's neck. With both hands Blackstar attempted to apply even more tension on the chain. But Sad Jack was seemingly impervious. Instead he reached up with one hand to grab the chain. An odd glow surrounded his palm as he grasped the chain.

"Aggghhhh!" Tsubaki yelled a second later. Blackstar looked at his weapon with concern. "Tsubaki what's wrong?" He asked. The yellow light continued to discharge off Jack's hands, bolts of humming electricity travelling up and down the chain. "It- Hurts…" She ground out. "Switch forms hurry." He commanded. But try as she might, Tsubaki felt paralyzed. "I- can't…" She said weakly. Startled, Blackstar ran towards Jack. With a jump he sent a swift knee strike into Jack's jaw, knocking his head back and unwrapping the chain from around his neck. Propelling off the maniac's chest, Blackstar flipped over to his arm and stabbed Tsubaki's scythes into his arm. Jack dropped the chain in shock and the pair were able to get away from him. "Tsubaki you ok?" He finally asked once they were a safe distance away. Tsubaki panted, she felt weakened and panicked. "I – I can't – It's like his soul wavelength, was consuming me…" She breathed out. Blackstar scowled at Sad Jack from a distance. "Don't worry Tsubaki. I won't let him ever put his hands on you again." He said.

"Are you up to do enchanted sword mode?" He asked even as Sad Jack stalked forward. Tsubaki swallowed. "Yes… yeah I think so…" She answered. Without a word more the two resonated their souls together. In a flash of light her weapon form shifted into a large katana with a black blade. Stripes of black surrounded Blackstar's face and his soul wavelength exploded out from him. Jack stopped to take in the pair. He looked them up and down. Then in a shocking maneuver, Sad Jack threw away his previous weapon. The drill clattered to the ground before dissolving into a mess of sickly yellow protoplasm that evaporated into the air. Jack reached into his jacket once more, pulling out another infected soul. This time the weapon took the form of an enormous sword. It was a Zanbato, with a wide blade and easily 2 meters long. Sad Jack lifted the giant broadsword like it was made of air. He pointed it at Blackstar threateningly.

Without a sound, Blackstar launched himself at Sad Jack. A second later an intense metal ringing noise sounded in the clearing as the two swords clashed. Jack had just managed to bring the weapon up in time to block the assassin's strike. Undeterred, Blackstar whipped around Sad Jack at breakneck speeds. He circled the giant monster and attacked with swings of his katana. The strikes landed successfully, but Jack's body was so dense it left only shallow gashes. With a mighty heave, Jack lifted his enormous sword into the air and down on the ground. The earth quaked beneath them and Blackstar was momentarily stunned. With surprising quickness, Jack lifted the sword again and swung it in a horizontal arc at the ninja. Blackstar was put on the defensive as the enormous sword cleaved through the air with every swing. He could actually feel the air move out of the way of the massive piece of steel.

Finally, Blackstar dodged out from under the gigantic blade and rebounded off a tree. He leapt high into the air and plunged down at Jack. He thrust his katana downwards, straight into Jack's shoulder. "AAAAGGHHHH" the monster screamed as a fount of blood erupted from the wound. Blackstar again leapt off the giant's body, withdrawing the blade as he did so. Jack gripped his wounded shoulder. His voice trembled as he babbled incoherently. With his opponent wounded, Blackstar went in for the kill. Drawing up the many shadows around him into a massive blade he charged at Jack ready for the final strike. But to his surprise, the monstrous man turned tail and fled into the woods. Unwilling to let his adversary escape, Blackstar followed after him. He traced the cries of pain and bloodstains for several feet. But he eventually lost track of Sad Jack. It was as though he had completely disappeared.

"Dammit" Blackstar cursed and punched a nearby tree. "How does someone that huge get away that easily?" He asked. Tsubaki calmed him by putting a hand on his shoulder.

"It doesn't matter. What's most important right now is that we get this medallion back to DWMA." She said. Blackstar sighed, knowing that she was right but still annoyed at not being able to find his prey. The pair began walking back the way they came, retracing their footsteps. For several minutes, a calm quiet laid between them. Unusual, especially for one such as Blackstar.

"So Tsubaki," He asked breaking their silence.

"What did you see in there? If you got the medallion, I'm sure you must have beat the challenge." He asked. Tsubaki smiled knowingly.

"Just something I've been ignoring for a long time." She said simply and left it at that.

This chapter was definitely partly an exploration of sadness and depression. As someone who struggles with depression I may have projected some of my own feelings onto Tsubaki a little. That being said I do think Tsubaki was a natural choice to represent Sorrow given her arc with Masamune. I definitely tried to incorporate a lot of elements into this chapter including the endless water surface of Tsubaki's Soul Scape, the ooze creatures that drowned blackstar and even what I could remember of the Naruto Scene where he faces his own reflection. Also yes I realize once again that I'm having characters take turns on the backseat for most of these chapters but I promise that should be over going forward.