Clashing Blades - Arc 5

Chapter 22
''4 Months Later ''

It’s been getting worse.

The effects of Skeith on me were beginning to take huge tolls on me. Not only the headaches now, but I’d randomly fall to the ground in a fit of pain or cough up blood every now and again out of nowhere. I could be fine one second and suddenly start hearing voices and my vision could get faded and dizzy and I could lose my sense of balance and fall flat on my face, then two seconds later I’d be fine again. It wasn’t fun at all.

For some reason, though, they never happened when I was around Misaki, so I took to sticking with her as much as possible to avoid being metaphorically punched in the face constantly.

It was Christmas time in Aincrad now, and holiday spirits hung in the air like the many lights and decorations that were strung up on and between buildings. Luciad was especially lively, getting its own giant Christmas tree right in the middle of town, its light being visible all across the city and beyond. Snow was falling lightly down, and all around people were busier than normal, gathering Christmas stuff; presents, decorations and the like. Seemed like Misaki and myself as well as the rest of the guild were the only ones who actually had free time. Trinity had suggested we have a bit of a Christmas party, but I was the first to decline, due to my disposition towards parties, seeing as even my own birthday wasn’t high on my list of things to get excited about.

But I had to admit, my spirits were lightened with the holiday season. It was hard not to feel enlightened just a bit while seeing all the lights and hearing sounds and smelling the sweet aromas of holiday treats just about everywhere you went. It was nice to know that even while we were trapped in a death game people could still celebrate the holidays.

I had also been keeping a close watch on Asuka these past few months. But as far as I could tell nothing was out of the ordinary, which was good news. I was beginning to think that Kamui’s words were without merit. One less thing to worry about I guess.

Misaki and I were walking through town, enjoying the holiday spirits.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I just love this time of year!” Misaki said, spinning once on her heel.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hm.” I adjust the collar on my winter cloak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, come on!” She nudges me with her elbow. “You can’t tell me that you don’t like the holidays.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, I do.” I say. “But I don’t make a big deal out of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Right, you don’t really get into all these festivities.” Misaki said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, not really.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Misaki and I keep walking until we get to the center of town, where the big ass tree was. People were gathered all around it, sitting on the benches circling it. I saw more than a few couples there as well, and I couldn’t help the fact that Misaki and I looked the same. I could imagine she was thinking the same thing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You hear Asuka’s birthday is coming up soon?” Misaki asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That so?” I say. “When?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“The 21st.” She said. “I don’t exactly know what to get her… what about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well I’d have to think about it.” I say. “Don’t really know what she could use.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I think on that for a bit, then come up with something.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, I know!” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">11 Days Later ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I had to lean against Misaki as she pretty much carried me to Adeline’s. My limbs were tired, and there was a gash in my forehead, from which blood had flowed down my face. The bleeding had stopped by the time we got there, but the blood wasn’t washed off. Misaki opens the door for us, and we step inside. I wave wearily to Asuka.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Heyyyy.” I say, completely exhausted. “I heard… it was your birthday today…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi!” She shouted, rushing over to me. “Are you okay?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He’s fine.” Misaki assured. “Just cut it a bit close getting you your birthday present.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Aww.” She said. “You went through trouble just to get me a present? You’re so sweet.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Shut up.” I say as Bedivere quickly came to my aid, wiping off the blood from my face and healing all other minor wounds. Before long I’m good as new.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Thanks.” I say to Bedivere who nods in approval.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You should really take it easy, Ishi.” She warned. “We don’t want you dying on us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m fine.” I smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Basically everyone who was at my party was here for Asuka’s as well. It must kind of suck having your birthday slightly played down since it’s so close to Christmas, something I thankfully don’t have to worry about, with my birthday being right in the middle of the year, but we had a party for her anyway. She was 19 now as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So what’d you get me?” Asuka asked, trying her best not to sound greedy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Here.” I say, handing her a small cloth bag. She opens it up and pulls out a clump of jet black metal. The stares at it completely appalled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi…” She says. “Is… is this what I think it is?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Depends on what you think it is.” I point out. “If you think it’s Hellkarium, then you’d be right.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How the hell did you get Hellkarium?!” She shouted excitedly. “And this much too!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s… not important.” I say, recalling the close shave I had getting the stuff. “Just…  happy birthday.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Aw, thank you!” Asuka swung her arms around my neck in a big hug, just about squeezing the life out of me before releasing me and inspecting the Hellkarium further.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We got cake!” Agravaine cheered, bringing out said cake and placing it on a table. Before she could steal all of it for herself, however, Trinity quickly grabbed her by the collar of her top and pulled her back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Na-ah.” She said. “The birthday girl gets the first slice.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">So we spent the rest of the day at Asuka’s party until it was getting late, and we all decided to call it a day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I decided to go out and train a bit, while the rest of the group decided to pack it in and get to sleep. I was a bit restless, however, and thought it better to train a bit to wind down a bit. I was still getting used to the feelings of fatigue that came with Skeith as well as the pain, and I figured I could use the workout.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I decided to take on the Minotaurs around Vespera, seeing as they provided a decent enough challenge without being too terribly life threatening, and choose to work on Aphelion, seeing as I haven’t had any real combat time with it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I bring out my newest blade and test it out by swinging it a few times in the cold air, getting the feel for it being slightly heavier than what I was accustomed to. I challenge the first monster I see, readying myself as it charged at me, emitting a bull-like roar as I sidestep its charge, letting it run past me as I quickly slash upwards with Aphelion, gashing deep into its side and killing it instantly. I inspect the blade, finding it much to my liking, before running up to the next Minotaur and stabbing it in the chest, before withdrawing and spinning once, performing a quick downwards slash that ended the rest of its HP.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I’m met with another pain in my head as Skeith whispered to me. I heard it calling my name, constantly urging me to bring destruction upon all I saw. I wouldn’t have that. I shake my head in an effort to get those thoughts out of my head and resume my training, Shifting up to another Minotaur and stabbing it in the side before swiping it outwards and slashing the one next to it, ending with a powerful downwards swing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I grab another Minotaur by the head with Gilgamesh, throwing it aside as another raised a battle axe behind me. I evade the blow and watch as the Minotaur killed his own ally, before stabbing him in the back and kicking him off my blade. Another three came at me at once. I Shift to the first, slicing it three times quickly, killing it, before swinging back hard and nailing another in the legs, sending it into the snow, and in the same strike raising upwards and slicing the other in the chest, killing it. I finish off my impaling the one on the ground through the back, shattering it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Feels nice.” I comment on my new sword, inspecting it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I charge the blade up with runic energy from my glove and swipe the air, a white energy trail following the blade. I sheath the blade and take a deep sigh, before holding out my left hand and letting Skeith form in the palm. I look at the thing in my hand for just a few seconds before the pain forces me to regress. I look up at the starry sky, the moon illuminating the wilderness around me, already white with snow. Streaks of white frost were carried low to the ground by the wind, sweeping past my feet, making my cloak flutter outwards. I sight deeply, sending a puff of steam from my mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s really late, you know.” I hear Misaki say as she comes up behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I wheel around and look at her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How do you always know where I am?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She shrugs and stands next to me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Aren’t you tired?” She asks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Maybe a bit.” I say. “But not too much. I’d rather spend a bit more time out here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I see.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We stay in silence for a few seconds after.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You know…” Misaki said to break the silence. “We haven’t sparred in a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, we haven’t.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well? Why don’t we?” She asks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I don’t think I’m all that up for it…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Come on. I’ll go easy on you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Heh…” I ready my blade and back up a bit. “No you won’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh you know me so well.” She smiles, unsheathing her own sword and readying herself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We step towards each other, tapping our blades together once before we slide into each other, pushing against one another before sliding off and simultaneously making a strike, our blades bouncing off each other before we both spin back and make a downwards slash, locking blades there.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We back off of each other, and move inwards again, striking at each other a few times, before Misaki jumps over me and delivers a downwards slash from above, which I defend against. She lands behind me and slashes at me from behind. I duck under her blow and sweep my leg back, tripping her and putting her onto the ground. Before I can take advantage however, she flips back up onto her hands and spins a kick my way. I back up to evade the kick, and she flips back upright onto her feet. Now it was my turn. I Shift up to her, not giving her much time to react, and slash upwards, forcing her to parry with her blade, before rearing back and delivering a powerful momentum assisted horizontal spin strike that hit her hard, putting her a bit off balance. She regains it quickly, however, and moves in to attack me again. I sidestep her blow and land a good with Gilgamesh to her side, taking out a bit of her HP, but not really doing too much.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">This time, she backs up before running to my side, attempting to flank me. I see it coming and brace my sword up to defend, blocking her strike and letting her sail past me, before I grab her by the back of her collar and pull her to me, bringing my blade up to her neck, but at the same time she used the momentum of my pull to spin around and place her blade at my neck. We stood so close that only our blades separated us, staring into each other’s eyes for what seemed like longer than it actually was before we back off, deciding to call it a draw for now.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’ve improved, Ishi.” She commented, sheathing her sword to her side.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You too.” I say, rubbing my neck to make sure there weren’t any small cuts there.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We should probably head back now, huh?” Misaki asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah.” I nod.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We take the walk to the road connecting Vespera and Talmia and head back to Talmia together. Misaki held my hand the entire way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">4 Days Later ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“IT’S CHRISTMAS!” Agravaine cheered, running around us randomly, Trinity helpless to stop her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">So we went through with Trinity’s Christmas party idea, much to her delight, and we got together at Adeline’s for it. We didn’t have any presents for each other, deciding that with the number of people attending we wouldn’t have enough money for just one for each.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Well I would, because I’m a living bank, but I didn’t know what to get for everybody, so I just went with everyone else and didn’t get anything for anyone. Fair’s fair.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We spent pretty much the entire day hanging out, not only at Adeline’s, but we went out just to have fun. We spent time at the Christmas parade and fair that was set up in Talmia, enjoying all the fun activities there. Even I got into the spirit of things, getting my own little Santa hat to wear all day, and even participating in some activities, since Iskandar successfully charisma’d me to do it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Misaki contributed to that as well, I’ll admit.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Caught in our holiday revels, time flew by quickly, and before we knew it, it was getting dark. It was at this time that we all decided to call it a day and bid each other adieu. I decided to stay out a little bit longer, however, parting ways with my friends to take a night walk, which was as bright as day thanks to all the Christmas lights. I wasn’t the only one out this late. A lot of people were still celebrating on the streets. I head for the large Christmas tree in the middle of the town, and find an empty bench that I sit myself down on. Other couples were sitting on the other benches circling the tree, talking to each other, hugging, kissing… I was the only one who was here alone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">It didn’t stay that way for long.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’s up with you and staying out late?” Misaki said, as she came to sit down next to me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Thought you went off to bed.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well I was, but I decided to check in on you before I did.” She smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That so?” I look to the tree in front of us, its lights flashing in an array of colors, ornaments sparkling and ribbons of red and gold shining.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Misaki took my hand in hers. I look to her. She was smiling, staring right into my eyes as I stared into hers. Her green eyes sparkled almost as much as the lights of the tree they were reflecting. She looked up, and a blush took to her cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Mistletoe.” She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Before she could react, I bring out my blade and cut the mistletoe cleanly off its branch, grabbing it and throwing it into the ground, stomping on it once before sitting back down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Fuck that cliché shit.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What mistletoe?” I say. “I don’t see any mistletoe.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She only laughed, before she brought her hand to my cheek, smiling lightly. I could feel my own cheeks heating up a bit as she closed the distance. Our lips met, and though I knew it wasn’t the first time, it definitely felt like it. We stayed locked with each other for a few seconds before she put a bit more weight on me, pushing me down onto my back. Now on top of me, she kept at it, moaning lightly under our passionate kiss. I couldn’t help but get into it a bit myself, and as much as I hate cheesy clichés like this, I’d be damned if it didn’t feel like I was in heaven.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">After what seemed like eternity, we finally part. Misaki looks down on me, and I look back up at her, both of us holding a blush on our faces. We sit back up, and go for it again, holding each other in our arms, rekindled love sparking in both of us.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Best Christmas ever.

Chapter 23
<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">1 Week Later ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Agh, dammit!” I curse quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I had that same damn dream again. It played out slightly different this time, though… I had lasted even longer than before, and the scenery around us had gotten slightly clearer… I had no idea why I was having this recurring dream, but there really wasn’t anything I could do about them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I shake my head and get dressed, ready to take on the day. I step down the stairs, a little slower than usual, more tired than I ought to be.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hey, Ishi.” Adeline said. “You don’t look so good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m fine.” I tell her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Up all night partying, huh?” She laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It was new years… I just need to eat something is all, I’ll be good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif""> “Don’t know how well that logic holds in a game, but sure.” Adeline quickly got me my usual breakfast and I chow down. Adeline comes by with her own breakfast and sits down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We’ve been here for  over a year.” She said. “Hard to believe, huh?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah…” I stare out the window, poking my egss with my fork obliviously, before I clutch my head with another headache. “Dammit…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That thing is really taking it out on you…” Adeline said worriedly. “Are you okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m fine.” I say. “With any luck I’ll find a way so I won’t have to worry about that anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I hope so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">It was at this time Misaki walked through the front door and noticed me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Good morning, Ishi.” She said, walking over and giving me a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hey.” I say as she sits down next to me. “What’s up?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Just thought I’d stop by.” She told me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You and her got back together, then?” Adeline asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well that’s wonderful!” She said. “I’m happy for you two. I always thought you made a great couple; I couldn’t understand why you broke up in the first place.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hm.” I take a bite of my eggs and look out the window.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So, Adeline.” Misaki said. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. How’d you and Ishi meet?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh? He never told you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“She never asked.” I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well it was about a year ago…” Adeline remembered. “Back when he was still part of the guild, earlier in the game. I think it was… January 2023? It was when I had first opened my tavern, so yeah. I had been targeted by this group of player killers, five of them if I remember correctly. They were going to kill me, but Ishi stepped in. Got in a tussle with all five at once but managed to beat them back, almost getting killed himself. After that I offered him a room for free here to keep as long as he wants.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, so that’s why you live here?” Misaki asks me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah.” I say, taking a sip of milk.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Of course Ishi’s not here most of the time.” Adeline told her. “He’s usually off on some grand adventure I have to skip out on to run my tavern. Usually just has breakfast here, sometimes lunch and or dinner, and sleeps.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah, pretty much.” I say finishing up my breakfast and heading out, Misaki following.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Have fun, you two.” Adeline says cheerfully as we head out to HQ.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Arriving at HQ, we enter the main room and find Knight and Gawain discussing matters… with Hao.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hao?” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He turns to me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ah, Ishi.” He said. “Good to see you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’re you doing here?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We were just discussing more information he’s come across.” Knight explained. “The Guardians of Darkness are apparently becoming more aggressive. After we recruited Iskandar’s army we set up bases in strategic cities on strategic floors, each headed by a member of our guild, with a number of the army stationed there. The Guardians of Darkness have begun to move on us, taking Agravaine and Vincent’s bases in Fort Maria, 29th floor, and Noresther, 9th floor, respectively.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“These are strategic locations that we need to protect.” Gawain added. “They can help us greatly in the future.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That said, we’re working to recapture them right now, so you needn’t help with that.” Knight said. “Hao was explaining that they are planning to move on Camlann now, to take the base headed by Gawain there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Camlann is a highly strategic location.” Hao said. “It makes sense that they’d attempt to capture your base there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How do you know?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He was silent at that.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Forgive me if I say I don’t trust you.” I say. “But the fact you know all this leads to more suspicion than I like.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I have information that is useful to you.” Hao said. “It shouldn’t matter to you what my motivations are or how I obtain such information.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I draw my blade and point it straight at his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Lancelot.” Knight said with caution.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You may be giving us information but that doesn’t mean you’re on our side.” I say. “I want to know how you know what you know and why you’re sharing it with us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Hao stayed silent for a few seconds, the tip of my sword inches away from him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Put your weapon down.” Knight ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I hesitate to do so, but follow my orders, withdrawing and putting my Arondight in its sheath.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You don’t actually trust him, do you?” I ask him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We don’t have much of a say.” He answered. “He’s giving us information that we need. We don’t know why, but he’s been right with everything he’s told us so far, so we have no reason not to believe him now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He’s not on our side.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He’s a supporter to our cause.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi.” Misaki grabbed my arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I know you don’t trust me.” Hao said. “But we are allies of circumstance. We share a common enemy, so it matters not where my allegiances lie.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“My ass…” I mutter.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Lancelot.” Knight caught my attention. “We’ve more pressing matters right now. Gawain is heading to Camlann to meet with the enemy and keep them from taking our base. You and Misaki will go with. More than likely they have a larger force than they did for the other two, so your support will be necessary.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I give Hao one last glare which he brushes off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Fine.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We’re heading out now.” Gawain said, moving to the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Misaki and I follow him, leaving the building and heading to Camlann.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We arrive at Camlann and walk through the city to the base. It was a medium sized garrison with banners adorned with the Court’s insignia around it. Around 20 soldiers of Iskandar’s army were stationed outside, waiting to receive the enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How long do we have to wait?” Misaki asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Not long.” Gawain said. “If Hao’s information is true they should be arriving within a half hour.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That’ll give us time to prepare.” Misaki noted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We’ve been prepared.” Gawain told her. “I had called ahead and told the men to get ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright, then.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi.” Gawain says. “You can do this, right? You’ll have to kill.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I give him a look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Not like I haven’t killed before, Gawain.” I say. “I realize now that it was inevitable… I couldn’t avoid it forever. It’s just the kind of person I am.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I see…” Gawain looks ahead. “Just don’t lose your way, Blade Master. We’re counting on that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I won’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The half hour flew by quick, and before long we saw a decent sized force coming around the corner, all dressed in black. We knew immediately who it was. We didn’t give them a chance to attack first.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Gawain raised his hand and flicked his fingers forward.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Archers fire.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">A large volley of arrows bore downwards on the enemy numbers from atop the walls of the base, most hitting their mark, killing a few of the enemy and making the others scatter. They ran at us, weapons drawn. Gawain brought out his large two handed claymore, Mordred, and ran headfirst at the biggest enemy he could find, bracing his blade up against a large battle axe, blocking it before spinning around and swinging downwards hard, slamming his blade into the ground after it was done cleaving through the poor guy, killing him instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">The fight was on in full force at this point, and I pick my targets, rushing up to one and placing a finger of Gilgamesh on him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Chain Lightning.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">A large and powerful arc of electricity surged between five of them, shattering all of them instantly but giving me a bit of a backlash, hurting me slightly in the process. I recover quickly, however, and sidestep a blade, retaliating my spinning low and cutting upwards, slicing into his side before refraining and thrusting my blade through his stomach. I grab another blade with Gilgamesh and pull it forwards, kneeing a guy in the face, pushing him back and allowing me to punch him hard in the gut before impaling him in the same place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I duck under a horizontal swipe and dive roll away from another, spinning quickly and cutting down the guy behind me before engaging the two others who went at me, diving in between the two and grabbing the ankle of one, pulling and putting his face to the ground, quickly striking blades twice with his friend before sweeping into his guard and slicing him down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I take a quick look over to Misaki, watching her as she gracefully cuts down two opponents within seconds of each other, blocking another and curving her blade upwards, angling her sword to impale the guy right through the chest, kicking him back as he shattered and quickly evading three swipes from another, cutting him down in suit.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Misaki!” I shout, getting her attention.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I run up to her and grab her hand, throwing her outwards to slice another one with extra momentum, and still holding hands, she throws me out in the same fashion, allowing me to cut into my own. We work in tandem, cutting down enemies with masterful coordination while simultaneously defending each other at all points. We worked together to clear out a large portion of the enemy before breaking off and separating, free to take on our own lot again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We had already lost most of the 20 or so guys we had here, but they had lost most of their force as well. With just about 12 of them left, it wouldn’t be too difficult.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I cut down two more, before charging upwards and clawing at another with Gilgamesh, throwing Arondight into another, impaling him neatly and bringing out Aphelion to cut into another twice, before sheathing that and retrieving my blade from the other’s chest, punching him back as he shattered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Gawain finished the final two by punching one and bringing his broad sword down in a punishing blow, killing him instantly, before sweeping back and slicing the legs off another and spinning once, raising his blade and bringing it down on him in the air, cleaving him in two.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I look around to confirm that there were no more enemies before sheathing my weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That looks to be it.” Gawain said. “Good work.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How many did we lose?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Looks like… we’ve 7 left.” Misaki counted. “A bit more than I like…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah… but at least we kept the base.” I offer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Right…” Gawain sheathes his weapon to his back. “Well we should probably report back to Kni-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He stops suddenly, and in bewilderment looks down. It takes a few seconds for any of us to realize there was a blade going right through his chest. It gets pushed deeper through, before he is pushed off the blade and sent onto the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Kamui is standing there, his Hellkarium forged blade drawn.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“GAWAIN!” Misaki shouts.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Bastard!” I say menacingly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Misaki rushes in without thinking, slicing at Kamui twice, who effortlessly blocks her strikes, sending a hand out and grabbing her neck, lifting her up into the air.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“MISAKI!” I yell, drawing my weapons. “Put her DOWN!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He cuts into her hard, but doesn’t kill her, tossing her to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“DAMN YOU!” I Shift up to him, slamming my blade into his, before making two more quick strikes before Kamui makes a strike of his own. I see it coming and brace Gilgamesh up and make a quick upwards strike with Arondight, letting it go when it reached its height and flinging it up into the air, bringing out Aphelion and clashing blades with him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’ve improved.” Kamui said. “And this new blade… it was forged by Hephaestus wasn’t it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I don’t answer, just trying to push him back. He pushes on me harder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Even so…” He slams forward, throwing me back onto the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He raises his sword again and slashes down as Arondight comes back down, striking it and sending it my way. I don’t recover fast enough, and my own blade impales itself into my right shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Agh!” I stagger and trip back onto the ground as warm blood runs from the wound. I pull the blade out of my shoulder and drop it onto the ground, holding my shoulder as intense pain rippled through my body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Dammit…” I glare at him, feeling rage well up inside me as I could feel Skeith coming forth a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">At this point, the remaining 7 soldiers of Iskandar’s army made their go, being slain like they were nothing near instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Kamui sheathes his weapon and walks over to Misaki, picking her up and slinging her unconscious body over his shoulder. He doesn’t say a word as he leaves, teleporting out to who knows where.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“GOD DAMMIT!” I curse loudly, wincing at the pain in my shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I look to Gawain, who was still face down on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Shit, Gawain…” I rush over as quick as I can with my bad shoulder and flip him onto his back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Dammit…” Gawain curses. “Killed my Kamui, are you fucking kidding me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Gawain you’re not dead yet.” I say. “Come on, we can get you to Bedivere! She can-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No, Ishi…” He says. “HP is dropping too fast… I’m not gonna make it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Don’t say that! I’m not gonna let you die!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You need to… go after Misaki. Don’t waste your time on me…” His breathing was slow and steady, as if he was ready to die. “Do me a favor, will you? Take my sword with you… you understand, right? I might die but… my sword doesn’t have to.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Gawain…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He grabs his sword from the ground and puts it to my chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You know… it was named after my brother. He was killed by Kamui too… I always wanted to repay the fucker for that but… I guess I’m not going to… you can though. Don’t… you dare let Misaki die…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">He died after that, shattering right there on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I stayed silent after that, for whole minutes, just staring at Mordred. I stood up slowly, walking over to my own weapons on the ground, sheathing Aphelion to my side before retrieving Arondight, and sheathing it on my back, putting Mordred in my inventory.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re gonna pay for this, Kamui.” I say, Skeith sparking in my eye. “You… you’re going to die.”

Chapter 24
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I storm into the main room at HQ. Hao was still there, talking with Knight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Lancelot?” Knight says. “Where’s Gawain and Misaki?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I walk over to Hao and grab him by the collar, lifting him up and slamming him into the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You son of a BITCH!” I shout. “Why didn’t you tell us he was going to be there, huh?! WHY?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’re… you talking about?” Hao struggled against my grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Kamui!” I shout. “You know what he did?! He killed Gawain! And he captured Misaki!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Gawain is dead?!” Knight said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You bastard!” I say, slamming the back of Hao’s head against the wall. “Why didn’t you tell us, huh?! WHY?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“There was no way for me to tell if he was going to be there or not!” He tried to explain. “He shouldn’t have been there! I don’t know why he would’ve led something that small himself!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Knight puts his hand on my good shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Put him down, Ishi.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I hesitate to do so, but I eventually do, letting him go and watching as he falls onto the ground. I wince from the pain in my shoulder, which had stopped bleeding at this point.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re hurt.” Knight said. “Let Bedivere help you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“To hell with that!” I say. “I need to go after Misaki! Kamui has her!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You won’t last in your current condition.” Knight said. “You need to heal first.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Fuck. That.” I say, turning to walk out of the building.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi?” I hear Kana say. “Hey, we’re back! I… oh God…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She notices my wounded shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi, are you alright?!” She and her sister rushed over to me, but I shrug them off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi.” Knight stood in my way. “I’ll send a force to look for Misaki. Right now you need to rest up.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“She could be dead by the time they find out where she is.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Wait, what happened?” Diana asked. “Is Misaki alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I punch a crater in the wall with Gilgamesh, causing everyone to jump back simultaneously. I stay there, fist imbedded in the wall, head down and eyes closed, breathing heavy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I feel a hand placed on my shoulder. It was Hao.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi, I’m sorry.” He said. “I had no idea, honest. I promise I’ll put all my work into finding her. With the sources I have it shouldn’t be too difficult, but right now you should do what Knight says and get healed up. You know how dangerous Kamui is, you need to be at your best before you take him on again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I sigh and turn to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You better.” I say, wincing at my shoulder again. “Dammit…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’ll call Bedivere to come over.” Knight said, messaging her before slumping in his chair and sighing. “Gawain…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What happened to Gawain?” Diana asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He was killed my Kamui.” I said plainly. “Misaki was captured.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, no…” Diana put her hands to her mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well let’s go find her, then!” Kana was quick to be irrational, briskly heading for the door. I grab her arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re dead if you try.” I say. “Kamui will kill you without thinking about it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“But Misaki’s our friend!” She says. “I can’t just sit by while-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’ll get her back.” I say. “Believe me, I will.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She relents at that, sighing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“A lot of shit’s been happening lately, huh?” She muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Bedivere crashed through the door at this  point.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I came as soon as I could!” She panted, exhausted from running. She then noticed my bloodied shoulder. “Ishi!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She rushed up to me, looking at my injury. “Are you alright?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s just pain.” I say casually. “Nothing I haven’t dealt with before- ngh!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I recoiled when she tried to touch it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Come on, let’s get a room.” Bedivere said. I ignore the implications I could get out of that sentence and follow her down the hall and to a private room. She has me sit on the bed as she closes the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Take off your jacket. Oh, and the shirt underneath.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Once again ignoring the implications I remove my blood stained jacket as well as the sleeveless undershirt, revealing my shoulder. Bedivere steps up and inspects it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well that’s bad…” She says. “You’re lucky I know a thing or two about medical practices in real life as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She began her treatment, cleaning up all the blood from my arm and the wound before applying some sort of ointment that stung like hell, after which she wrapped bandages around my shoulder, making them firm but not too tight to inhibit movement. She made sure I didn’t have any other major injuries, inspecting my body all around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Agh…” I say as she felt around me. “I’m pretty sure you got it, Bedivere. I’d tell you if there was anything else.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She ignored me, however, making sure to check everywhere. She stopped momentarily at my chest, though, feeling the area.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hm…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I just… never noticed how fit you are…” She looked around me again, this time not to look for injuries. She looked at my arms, trying to subtly test how strong they were.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Cut it out.” I say, retracting my arm quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ah!” Bedivere quickly realizes what she was doing and put on a heavy blush. “I-I’m sorry! Um… you can put your clothes back on… now…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I do just that, putting on my undershirt, and putting on my jacket, which had cleaned itself with me not having it on (thank you, game), pushing my arms through the sleeves and adjusting it so it fit on right.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You, ah… you should take it easy on that… shoulder.” Bedivere said shyly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Can’t.” I say. “I need to go after Misaki.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You really shouldn’t right now.” Bedivere cautioned. “Besides, you don’t even know where to start.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’ll figure something out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi, you’ll just end up going around and getting nowhere by starting out nowhere.” She said. “Please, at least give your shoulder some more time to heal up. You know Misaki can handle herself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I think it over, realizing she was probably right. As much as I hated it, Misaki was tough as hell and could’ve given Gawain a run for his money in sheer determination, so I let up a bit and sat back down on the bed next to Bedivere, sighing and hanging my head low.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Bedivere puts a hand on my good shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi…” She begins. “I’m really sorry… about everything.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Don’t be.” I say. “It isn’t your fault. I just… I wasn’t strong enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi, don’t say that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s the truth.” I tell her. “If I was stronger I would’ve been able to stop Kamui from taking her. I would’ve been able to stop him from killing Gawain…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It wasn’t your fault.” She insists.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I know it wasn’t. But that doesn’t make me feel any less responsible.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We both hear the door open and we see Kana there, Diana behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Bedivere.” Kana says. “Is his shoulder good?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Um…” Bedivere starts. “Well, yes, but-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Great, let’s go.” Kana walks up to me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Huh? What- AGH!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She literally grabs my ear and lifts me up from it, dragging me out of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“OW! Owowowowow, dammit!” I say the whole way out of the room. “That’s my ear! I need that for hearing and shit!” I end up smacking my forehead onto the doorframe on the way out. “FUCK! That HURT! Let go of my ear!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She brings me out to the main room to leave the building, turning to Knight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We’re borrowing Ishi for a bit.” She said, before walking out with me in tow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah, just stand there.” I say. “You’re a real pal, Knight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">So we went on a walk together. Just the three of us. No idea why, I was trying to get away from the two the entire day so I could get at finding Misaki, but every time I’d try to bolt Kana would grab my ear hard. It frigging hurts.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">It was sunset by the time we got done with the playdate I was forced into, but I suspected that Kana planned it out to keep me from immediately going after Misaki and allowing me to give my shoulder at least a day’s rest. I didn’t care, though, I was pretty pissed by the time we were done. And Skeith was kicking my ass too, which just made me angrier.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We were sat down on a bench on a long bridge over a river in Camlann. I didn’t really want to be back here, on account of what had happened just this morning, but Kana insisted since it had the ‘most fun things to do’, since the place was so big. I didn’t care, though, I was pissed off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Now, wasn’t it a fun day today, Ishi?” Kana asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Fuck off.” I say, past my limit at this point.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Don’t have to be so mean.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, I’m sorry!” I say. “It’s just that I’m so agitated, because Gawain was just killed, Misaki was kidnapped, I’m coughing up blood every two god damn seconds because of Skeith, and you want to go out and fuck around all day!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well, to be fair it’s for your own good right now…” Diana suggested. “It’d be better for you to be in as good condition as possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“And you need to wait for Hao to give you some information as well!” Kana added.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Like I give a damn!” I shout. “Misaki could be dead right now! She could be dead and I get to say that I was on the town when she died! Why the hell did you do this, hah?! I don’t need any of this right now!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I don’t like it either, but none of us can do anything about it, right now.” Kana said. “The reason why we brought you around was because Knight wanted us to make sure you didn’t go off and get yourself killed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Knight put you up to this?” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He didn’t want you going out right now.” Diana said quietly. “He said he’s working with Hao right now to figure out where Misaki is and he wanted you to stay put until he had a location… and so you could recover.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Well he could’ve just said so himself.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“He knew you wouldn’t obey him on this one.” Kana said. “I said I’d take care of it and keep you occupied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“God dammit!” I sit back down on the bench, arms crossed and eyes closed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Diana, can you keep an eye on him?” Kana said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Huh? Why?” Her sister asks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Need to get something.” She says, running off across the bridge back into the city.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I stay completely silent with Diana for a few minutes, as Kana overlooks the river. I don’t stay silent forever, since I start coughing again, a small splatter of blood dotting the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“This fucking thing…” I mutter to myself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That doesn’t look too good…” Diana remarks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It sucks.” I say. “It never happened when I was around Misaki… gah…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m really sorry about that.” Diana said sincerely.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I don’t answer, looking down at the ground, at the small marks of blood on the stone of the bridge. It takes me a bit to realize Diana was looking at me. She quickly looked away when I noticed, a blush on her cheeks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What’s up with you?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh? Uhm… nothing… I just… nothing.” She says quickly. “You… you just remind me of… someone I care about.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Who’s that?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, it’s… not important…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I don’t press the matter, as I really didn’t care to know. I just sigh and get back to looking at my blood, so intently like it was going to jump at me or something.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Where’d you go off to anyway?” I ask. “You and Kana were gone for a few months.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“We were, ah… we were helping the Royal Knights.” She said. “They rescued us from a prison and we decided to help them out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You were in a prison?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah…” She said. “That meeting you saw was an agreement to a collaboration between us and the Royal Knights. Kana and I could stay with them and assist until their job was done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“And the fact that you’re back here means that they’re done now?” I figure.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That’s right…” She said. “A lot happened…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“So what’d we get out of this agreement?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Call-upon assistance from the Royal Knights whenever we should need.” She explained. “We can call on them if we need extra help with our fight now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Why didn’t I hear about any of this until now?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You were doing your own thing, I guess.” She said. “You’re taking on a lot of things on your own, you know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I guess…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I cough a bit in my hand, this time no blood came out, but it still hurt.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ow…” I whisper.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">A few seconds later, I notice Diana looking at me weirdly again. She looks away when I notice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What?” I ask again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Nothing!” She quickly says, sitting up straight and looking ahead.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That person I remind you of must be really important to you.” I say. “Got your eye on someone?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Uh… you could say that… I guess…” She looked more than a bit flustered right now.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What, do I look like him or something?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No… you just… you act like him. You’re actually really similar…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That so?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Mhm.” She nods. “I never realized before. It’s strange…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">We stay silent for a few minutes. I begin to wonder what was taking Kana so long.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“How’s Knight taking Gawain’s death?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Not too good, I think.” She says. “He wasn’t himself when he was telling us to keep you on a leash… I don’t think he’ll be able to get over it for some time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Understandably.” I say. “Gawain’s been with him since day one. He was there when Knight founded Pendragon Court. I tell you, I’ve never seen any two people quite as loyal to each other as they were. They trusted each other like nothing else. Gawain would take these ludicrous orders from Knight that’d seem to get him killed, but Gawain would always know better. Gawain trusted his judgement unquestionably, and the same went for Knight trusting him. They were inseparable.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Like you and… Misaki?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah… like me and Misaki…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">A few more minutes went by and I catch her looking at me yet again. I sit up and take a deep sigh, turning to her. She doesn’t look away this time. She unexpectedly puts her hand on my cheek and stares right into my eyes. I back away just a tiny bit, but stare right back into hers. We stay like that for the longest time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You’re so much like him…” She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hey!” I hear Kana say. “I’m back!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Diana quickly backs off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Oh, hey.” I say, turning to Kana.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Did you get what you needed?” Diana asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Store was closed.” She said. “I’ll have to swing by tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I get a message at this point, and I open it up. It was from Hao. He said he found out somewhere I could check out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Op.” I say, jumping up. “Time to go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Hey, wait!” Kana shouts after me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I’m gone, however, and I immediately teleport back to HQ.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I bust through the door, probably hurting my arm in the process, and see Hao looking at maps with Knight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi.” Hao says. “Got something for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“What?” I say, rushing up to the table to look at the maps.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Hao points to a clear space on a large map. In the middle is a building of some sort, looked like a temple or something.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Arbiter’s Grounds.” He said. “23rd floor. It’s used as a prison for the Guardians of Darkness. Misaki could be there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Could be?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s likely.” Knight said. “Arbiter’s Grounds is a massive fortress right in the middle of the Harasa Desert. It’s an ideal place to keep prisoners of interest, possibly including Misaki.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Problem.” I say. “I’ve never been to that place. Not even that floor. I don’t have any waypoints I could teleport to.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That… is a problem…” Hao said. “If you’re quick, from the starting town on that floor, going straight for the town of Dendri at the edge of the desert, where you can get a horse, then crossing the desert… it would take about… 10 days.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“That’s way too long.” I say. “Who’s to say they won’t kill her before then?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“She could be used by them.” Knight said. “They won’t off her so lightly. She has time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Even so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“It’s your best shot, Ishi.” Hao said. “You need to get going now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi.” I hear Asuka say, entering the room. “I heard everything. I’m going with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“No.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yes.” She said back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I’m not doing this again, Asuka, I’m going alone. That’s final.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“She’s my friend too, you know!” She argues. “Let me come with!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Asuka… I can’t.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Why not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“I…” I hesitate to say it, but it’s the truth, so I do. “I already lost Misaki. I don’t want to lose you too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She stays there, taking in my honest words, before she smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Alright…” She said. “Okay.” She walked over to me and hugged me around my chest. “Just be careful, okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">I put my hands on her shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah. I will.” I say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Ishi!” Bedivere calls from across the room, between a doorway. “Take this!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">She tosses me a specialized medkit with various medical supplies.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“You know how to use it, right?” She asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">“Yeah.” I say. “Thanks.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman","serif"">Asuka lets me go and I nod to her, before leaving the building, immediately teleporting to the 23rd floor, starting town.