AN: This week has been a little bit chaotic, but thankfully I managed to get this chapter done. It was an interesting one and I needed the distraction, so that helped. But forgive me if it's not up to my usual standard. As for next week's update, I don't know. My father is in the hospital with an infection due entirely to a GP's incompetence. The next week is a little iffy right now. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading.

Chapter 14:

On a bed in the hospital of the Pocket Netherworld, Usalia laid perfectly still, even as she gasped for air, sweat beading across her brow and cheeks.

Gathered around the bed stood Killia and the others, feeling helpless and at a loss at what to do. Only Samuel stood close to Usalia's bedside, his hand over the injury site, constantly using Espoir in the desperate attempt to keep the venom isolated, and to stop it from attacking her vital organs.

"Samuel, can you help her?" Killia asked him desperately.

"I'm trying," Samuel returned, slightly breathless. "But Espoir isn't enough. It's not strong enough. There has to be another spell."

Another spell? Was there another spell beyond Espoir?

"K-Killia." Samuel stuttered for a moment before he purposely righted his posture, squaring his shoulders to maintain a stance of strength. "I'll keep her alive for as long as I can. Check the library. There has to be s-something there."

"B-but…"

Majorita said Usalia had less than an hour left to live. So, time was ticking away. That wasn't enough time. How long could Samuel keep Usalia alive?

He would…he would do it for as long as necessary. No matter the cost to himself. He was…a martyr, after all.

Zeroken grabbed him by the elbow in an attempt to get his attention. "B-bro, if he keeps this up, we might lose Samuel, too."

Killia swallowed thickly and nodded, not trusting his voice. He squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to block out the low, violent hiss from his Other-Self.

He couldn't let both Usalia and Samuel die. He couldn't lose both of them. But he couldn't sacrifice one to save the other. The one he saved wouldn't forgive him. There had to be something he could do!

Damn it, Killia, think!

"Everyone, step back!"

Killia was greatly startled by Christo suddenly raising his voice. "What?"

"I just remembered an old spell that has been passed down through my family," Christo explained as he moved to stand on the other side of Usalia's bed. "One that goes beyond Espoir. I can save Usalia!"

Samuel looked across to Christo expectantly. "What should I-?"

"Stay there. One more Espoir as I get ready, please."

"Right."

Christo turned his back toward the bed for a moment, seemingly taking a moment to prepare himself. Samuel stayed where he stood, dutifully uttering another Espoir spell to stem the venom from spreading. Killia stood back with the others but remained close regardless. And waited with bated breath for what Christo was to do.

Finally, he turned back toward the bed, his face set in determination.

He stepped closer toward the bed and raised his hands over Usalia as a bright, white light immersed him.

The others were surprised by the bright, shining light that Christo emitted, yet Killia wasn't. He had received healing from Christo before, and knew it was vastly different to those of the other healers.

Instead, Killia was preoccupied by a feeling of nostalgia.

That light, that warmth…Killia had encountered it somewhere before. But where…?

Wait…Samuel. That warmth. He was certain he had experienced a similar warmth from Samuel whenever he healed him!

The light surrounding Usalia soon died down and Samuel took a slow, cautious step away from the bed.

Killia and the others were startled greatly when Usalia suddenly sat up in bed. She not only did that; she stood up on the bed and proceeded to jump off of it. Like she had never been on the verge of death, held on only be Samuel's healing.

It was…a miracle. That was the only way to describe it.

Or, perhaps, a divine intervention?

"Wh-what happened?" she asked as she looked around, confused before suddenly looking excited. "It…doesn't hurt anymore, plip!"

Christo breathed a sigh of relief. "Whew…Looks like it worked."

Samuel also sighed and swayed backwards. Killia immediately stepped forward and caught him by the shoulders, allowing him to rest his back against his chest. "Are you all right?"

"Y-yeah," Samuel replied with an exhausted nod of his head but a smile on his lips, nonetheless. "Just a little tired."

"I'm impressed, Lil' C-Sto!" Red Magnus said boisterously. "What in the red hell did you do?"

Christo seemed unsettled by the attention. "A-as I said, I just remembered an old spell. One that has been passed down through the generations. It's an ancient spell. Hardly ever used as Espoir is more than efficient. I simply forgot that I had it."

He wasn't being entirely truthful, but the explanation sounded reasonable regardless.

"We're relieved that you remembered," Killia said as he helped Samuel to sit on the foot of the hospital bed, giving him time to catch his breath.

"Yes, well, it was Samuel mentioning the possibility of a spell beyond Espoir that jarred my memory," Christo insisted.

"I don't feel any pain, plip!" Usalia announced, which was a relief, before she turned to everyone and gave a questioning tilt of her head. "What happened?"

Killia sighed. "You were poisoned by Majorita. Samuel was able to keep the venom at bay by the continuous use of Espoir, giving Christo time to remember an ancient spell to remove the venom completely."

That was the gist of it. He didn't want her to know how close to death she actually was. He certainly didn't want her to know about the possibility that should, could have taken Samuel with her.

"Christo! Samuel!" Usalia hurried over to the two and grabbed each by the hand. "Thank you for saving my life, plip!"

Samuel patted the back of Usalia's hand as he smiled at her. "Think nothing of it, Bunny Princess. You're a cherished member of our little family, after all. It was all Christo, though. He's the MVP here."

"N-not at all," Christo replied, still rather uncomfortable by the attention. "Samuel's healing gave me the time and knowledge needed to do what had to be done. I couldn't have done it without him."

Family…

Were they…?

"Christo." Seraphina suddenly approached their two healers and eyed Christo critically. "There is something bothering me, I'm afraid. There is something that Majorita said that I don't understand."

Usalia released her hold on Christo's hand but kept a hold of Samuel's and stepped back to allow the two to talk.

"Oh? And what is it?" Christo asked as he hid his uncertainty by readjusting his glasses.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "If I remember correctly, didn't Majorita declare that 'there was no possible way to neutralise that poison in this Netherverse'? The venom could not have been cured by ordinary healing magic. So, how could you?"

A flicker of panic appeared on Christo's face before he played it off with a dismissive shrug. "I-It's simple, really. My magic is beyond that of ordinary demons, because I am an Overlord."

"Is that so?"

"What's up with you, Sera?" Red Magnus asked. "You're awfully suspicious of Lil' C-Sto all of a sudden."

"I'm quite well read, as you can imagine," Seraphina explained, briefly looking over at Red Magnus, before promptly turning her sharp, critical gaze back toward Christo. "And the magic that Christo used is similar to that of Angel magic I read about in literature."

Christo spluttered and paled, and it was easy to tell in his eyes that he was inwardly panicking. "A-angel magic? Me? What nonsense! Besides that, Samuel kept the venom at bay, did he not?"

Samuel nodded his head, unconcerned by Seraphina's grilling. "For the most part. Besides, why are we taking Majorita for her word? Of course, she would think she could develop a poison that would have no known cure. She's such a belligerent child."

He did raise a good point.

"Y-yes, exactly!" Christo readily agreed, perhaps a little too quickly. "The Netherverse is so vast, after all. With endless mysteries and possibilities."

Killia wasn't so sure, and he wasn't so willing to brush that aside. Samuel held back the poison and Christo removed it completely. Killia knew of Christo's…quirk. But Samuel? Could he also be…?

It would explain so much. About his lack of knowledge of the Netherverse. How undemonic he acts. Killia had been healed by Samuel numerous times before, and it was unlike that of the other demon healers that work with the Rebel Army.

But those scars on his back. And his skills.

Killia knew little of Celestia, but surely the realm of angels wasn't as brutal as that of demons?

Nevertheless, Seraphina's line of questioning was intrusive and unwarranted. Christo had just saved the life of their teammate, possibly saved the lives of two. She had no right to be interrogating him the way she was. It would be best that Killia stepped in.

"Seraphina, please leave my saviours alone, plip!"

However, it seemed that he didn't need to when Usalia placed herself firmly, and rather protectively in front of Christo.

"I will not have you interrogating my saviours after they just saved my life!"

Seraphina regarded Usalia quietly for a moment. She then nodded her head, willing to listen. Willing to back down. "Very well. I suppose we should be grateful for miracles."

That conversation was over. For now. Killia doubted that Seraphina was willing to let it drop, however.

For now, they could breathe a sigh of relief. But not for very long. With Usalia safe and healthy, and with Christo able to remove any poison that Majorita could throw at them, they had to return to Toto Bunny, to destroy the Magical Spear.

They had gotten lucky. Next time, they may not.

They needed to be careful.

Killia turned his attention toward Samuel, quickly taking note that he still looked pale and weary from having to repeatedly use Espoir and likely Mega Heal to keep Usalia alive. Though, knowing him as well as he did, he hid the vast majority of his exhaustion.

"Let's take a moment to catch our breaths before we return to Toto Bunny," Killia instructed. "Samuel, do you want to stay here and rest?"

Samuel, however, shook his head, just as Killia expected him to. "I'm fine. I'm not sitting this one out. I want to help Usalia save Toto Bunny."

"It's ok," Usalia immediately insisted. "You've already done so much for me and Toto Bunny."

Samuel still stubbornly refused to think about himself. "Nope. I won't be persuaded. If roles were reversed, you'd insist, too."

Killia couldn't exactly fault that line of logic. He was right. He had a nasty habit of being right. Especially about topics Killia wanted to be stubborn over. "Alright. At least let's have something to eat before we leave."

Thankfully, Samuel nodded his head without argument. "I can agree to those terms," he said, smiling once more.

… … … … …

Being greeted by the sight of Bloodis after stepping foot inside Toto Bunny Castle was the last thing Killia expected.

Adviya Holy Water not working was the second last thing.

Luck was on their side for once, however, when they were interrupted by Majorita's (foolishly) loyal handmaids insisting that Bloodis was to leave the protection of the magical spear and the destruction of Toto Bunny to them and Majorita.

As much as he hated the idea of another Overlord and Netherworld having to deal with Bloodis, Killia was thankful that their impending battle was interrupted. With Samuel and Christo winded from having to heal Usalia, and everyone still on edge from nearly losing their companion, the very last thing anyone needed was a battle against Demon General Bloodis.

Still, Bloodis did not leave without a parting shot;

"Show me that true power, the one you revealed when we first met. For if you don't, I will not hesitate to kill you."

It was lucky that battling came second nature to him as they traversed their way through Toto Bunny Castle, for his mind was elsewhere.

Killia knew exactly what Bloodis was referring to.

But that 'true power' was his Other-Self; Tyrant Overlord Killidia.

He couldn't do that. He couldn't unleash his Other-Self. He couldn't go back to that kind of life. Even…even if he did, what good would it bring? Even his Other-Self was incapable of possessing, of using the Final Skill.

Even Tyrant Overlord Killidia was still a novice. The Ultimate Demon Technique could only be master when the Final Skill was learnt. Only then will all other skills reach their full potential.

He couldn't learn the skill. So, he ran away.

He was a novice. And a coward.

All he knew to reach the Final Skill, to change his evil heart to a pure heart…was to open his heart. To use his fists for the ones he cared about. For the ones he loved.

But who…?

Killia was jarred out of his musings by a loud sneeze.

He immediately flickered his gaze over to where Samuel stood, his brow furrowing in concern as he watched as Samuel pressed his hand over his mouth and nose to cover another sneeze. His back tensed and his shoulders heaved from the sneeze, which another promptly followed.

"You ok there, Samuel?" Zeroken asked as he patted him on the back, thinking that could help him somehow.

"If you don't stop sneezing, you'll give our position away," Seraphina sharply scolded.

Samuel responded by releasing another sneeze. "Sorry, I just can't stop sneezing all of a sudden."

"Lil' C-Sto is acting weird, too."

Christo presented Red Magnus with an indignant look. "Wh-what do you mean? I'm perfectly fine."

Killia stared at Christo for a moment. There was something off about him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it…

"Psst, Christo." Usalia tugged on Christo's sleeve to gain his attention. "Your horns are about to fall off."

Killia's gaze shot up toward his head and, hah, she was right. That was what was off about him; his horns had tilted to the side, clearly askew and not attached to his skull in any form or manner.

"Oh, right," Christo said, lifting his hands toward his hair without a second thought and adjusting his horns. "Let me fix that."

Silence promptly followed before Christo began to fumble over his words, hastily trying to explain that his horns weren't about to fall off. No, it was just an illusion. A poor excuse from Christo. Really, the man should have thought of something better.

Naturally, Seraphina wasn't about to let an opportunity to make him uncomfortably slip by.

She could be so antagonising. Killia had better say something to keep the peace and give the distinct hint for Seraphina to drop the subject. Though, he doubted she would for very long.

"I see what's happening here," Killia said. "Samuel's sneezing, Christo's horns falling off; there's no mistaking it."

Usalia immediately turned to him. "What is it, plip?"

"It's stress. There is a certain kind of demon that can get into sneezing fits or have their horns fall off when they're exhausted and under stress."

Zeroken's eyes widen in genuine shock. "R-really, Bro?"

Killia nodded his head, hoping that his face remained neutral. "Y-yeah."

Usalia turned around to look toward Samuel and Christo. "It must be because Christo and Samuel worked so hard to heal me, plip!"

"I had no idea that could even happen," Zeroken murmured under his breath.

Hm, it seemed that in his attempt to protect Christo and Samuel, he had caused an irrational fear in Zeroken. It was sure to pass, though.

"Christo, Samuel; please, don't push yourselves," Usalia pleaded. "I will protect you, no matter what!"

Killia allowed himself to breath a small sigh of relief. Ok, that situation had been diffused for now. They needed to continue forward. They needed to get to the magical spear and destroy it as quickly as possible. They had been delayed long enough.

Majorita was going to be waiting for them.

She was going to be surprised.

Falling into the rhythm of battles was somewhat reassuring. Their enemies' movements were predictable, relying entirely on the Geo-panels. With their differing long ranged skills, they were able to dispose of the Geo-blocks, rendering them useless. All that followed was to knuckle down and go in guns a blazing. Their usual battleplan.

It didn't matter how many zombies Majorita threw at them; they weren't backing down.

Just one more floor to go.

"Achoo!"

Killia's brow furrowed. That wasn't Samuel who sneezed that time.

"Great," Christo mumbled as he pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his nose, shooting a disgruntle glare in Samuel's direction. "Now I'm sneezing."

"Don't look at me," Samuel shot back as he tried to suppress a shiver. "I didn't realise my stress was contagious."

"Samuel, are you cold?" Usalia asked as she rubbed her hand along his arm seemingly in an attempt to warm him up. "You're shivering, plip."

It was very sweet how attentive Usalia was being over their two healers. She was taking her role as their protector very seriously.

"I'm alright," Samuel replied, giving Usalia a reassuring smile, though it had less impact than usual as he continued to shiver. "Nothing to worry about."

"You're flushed in the face," Christo helpfully pointed out.

"So are you," Samuel retorted quickly.

A frown tugged at Killia's lips. That was…startling.

Fits of sneezing? Slight fever? Chills?

Killia remembered reading about a condition with those exact symptoms from a book in the library. True, many illnesses and viruses had those exact symptoms. But the illnesses of demons didn't affect…angels.

Of course, it was just a theory. But once they returned to the pocket Netherworld, he needed to track down that book. If he remembered correctly, there was a recipe of a tonic included. If his theory was accurate, if he created that tonic and gave it to both Samuel and Christo, and they were both cured, then Samuel was also…

"Hng."

Killia was immediately pulled out of his musings by Samuel making a quiet, purposely smothered noise of distress. "Something wrong?" he asked as he made his way to stand next to him.

Samuel managed a weak smile as he pressed a hand against his stomach. "No, it's nothing."

Killia wasn't having it. "You know you can't lie to me."

Samuel had the decency to look apologetic. "Sorry, sorry. Force of habit, I guess."

"Is Samuel still feeling unwell, plip?" Usalia asked.

"I guess so," Samuel finally admitted as he idly rubbed his thumb over his stomach. "I'm just feeling a little bit woozy for some reason. I guess it's because I haven't eaten for the last couple of days."

Killia was dumbfounded. "What? I remember specifically giving you some curry before we left."

Samuel sheepishly looked down at the floor. "Ah, well…"

Usalia suddenly latched onto his arm. "Did you give me your curry, plip?"

"You needed it more than me," Samuel insisted. "Besides, I'm used to it. I think."

Killia was left speechless. For the love of…he truly was a martyr.

"B-but you said you had already eaten, plip!" Usalia all but shouted as she shook his arm. "I didn't know I was taking food out of your mouth. No wonder you're feeling so unwell, plip. Especially after you spend so much energy healing me!"

"N-no, it's alright-"

"No, it's not alright," Killia interrupted. "As Usalia said, you need to eat, too. And you will. Even if I have to spoon-feed you myself."

The light flush on Samuel's cheek suddenly darkened considerably. "Th-there's no need to do that," he stuttered.

Killia had the strong urge to scold Samuel further, to tell him to have some self-preservation, when another band of Lost Soldiers had the audacity to show up. Interrupting their conversation and barring their way.

"Oh, look; enemies," Samuel said, almost sounding relieved. "Best get ready for battle you two."

Killia scowled. "Don't think you can battle your way out of this, Samuel."

Surprisingly, Usalia giggled as she followed Samuel.

Killia sighed as he prepared himself to battle his way through his enemies quickly. Faster than usual. Honestly, that Samuel. Once they defeated Majorita again (and they will), he was going to drag him back to the Pocket Netherworld and shovel some curry down his throat…