Amaya struggled, trying to escape from the chains around her wrist, but they wouldn't break. A strong hand was grabbing her collar, dragging her down a long, stone hallway.
Draagggggg…
Soon enough, they were in a giant space. There were many dark mages gathering in groups. There were just so many it was like seeing an army.
[Enemies: 5,678]
The Dark mage holding on to her, continued to drag her a long way forward, until they reached a throne where a strange man in black armor sat. The mage let go of Amaya, throwing her to the floor.
Thump!
"I have brought the woman you asked for." said the Dark mage before bowing.
"Well done. Let everything proceed as planned. Pull back our forces from the forest." said the man in with black armor.
Amaya stood up and glared at him.
"I'm here. Now give Emi back!"
One of the dark mages from behind, kicked and knocked her back to the floor before stomping on her arms and hands.
Stomp. Crush. Crush.
"That's enough!" shouted the man in black armor.
At his command, the Dark mages topped their violent actions and bowed.
Ignoring the pain she was in, Amaya got back on her feet.
"Where is Emi?"
"Do not worry. We will keep our promise and return the child. Only if you join our cause, that is." the man in armor stated.
It didn't seem right. If it was to save Emi, Amaya would join in a heartbeat, but how did she know Emi was actually still alive. She needed proof.
"Show me that she's okay first. Then we'll talk."
"I had a feeling you would say that. So I took the liberty of taking the girl out of her cell for this situation."
The man in armor clapped his hand together. A Dark Mage from the crowd cm forward, ecorting a little girl in chains, over to the throne. The little girl had fox-like ears and wore dirty clothes. One her wrists, her chains. This girl was none other than Emi. Amaya's heart felt relief and tears began to fall down her cheek. After all this time, all the issues and all the hard work, she was finally able to see Emi.
"Finally…." Amaya wanted to step forward and hug Emi, but something wasn't right. It wasn't right at all.
Emi's expression was blank and the look in her eyes were practically soulless.
"Emi?" Amaya spoke to try to get her attention, but was ignored. Emi's soulless eyes stared down at the floor, she didn't even seem to recognize Amaya's voice.
"What did you guys do to her?!" Amaya shouted in anger.
"As you can see, the girl is still alive. Right now, she is an empty vessel. Before you get upset, let me explain that this is only a precaution. It's to prevent you from taking her and trying to run off. She will be returned to normal once I'm sure of your loyalty to this organization."
Even with the explanation, it didn't feel like their actions could be justified. Amaya clenched her fist in frustration and bit her bottom lip until blood dripped down her chin.
The man in armor continued.
"Do make your decision fast. We do need to relocate to a different hideout. We wouldn't want the knights to find us before then."
"What Happened to Jean and the other knights after I was knocked unconscious?" Amaya asked.
The man in armor nearly frowned at hearing the question, it was like he flet bad for her.
"Oh no. I wish you did not ask. The conclusion of that battle isn't something you would like to hear. I'll have someone else explain that to you."
The man then nodded at one of the mages in the crowd.
A woman with long red hair, who wore a mask stepped forward. It was the girl named 'Aika' who was locking swords with Jean, prior to Amay being knocked out.
"The result of the battle? Everyone involved in that battle ceases to exist. Asie from me, that's it."
Failure. Amaya felt nothing but emptiness. She had planned so hard and promised to herself that she would prevent so many deaths. But here she was, hearing about the losses.
'Jean and all those knights lost their lives. And now Emi is only an empty vessel. And now, I'm trapped into working for the Dark Mages. This is because of me. I wasn't smart enough, strong enough or fair enough to prevent any of these problems. I guess a bad ending is my fate.'
[You have met the requirements to become a Disciple of Darkness]
'Why? Why? Why? Why? Why is all of this bad luck drawn to me? Why am I so useless? How? How? How? How? How do I carry on from here? How did things end up this bad?'
The man in armor stood up and clapped his hands
"If I haven't introduced myself already. I am the dark king, Silas Cross. Now, make your decision. It's been five hours since that last battle. The knight may be catching on to our tracks."
Amaya's expression was that of someone who finally lost all hope. She was helpless and powerless, giving up even the slightest thought of a savior.
"....."
"Speak up."
"I…"
"Time isn't stopping. Hurry yourself."
"I agree to w-"
Blast!
An explosion struck the entrance of the room, sending dark mages flying into the air. A cloud of smoke covered the dorway.
"What is this?! Who dares enter my sanctuary?" said Silas.
Tmp.Tmp..Tmp.
The sound of boots echoed and a familiar man with blue-hair walked out of the smoke.
"Sanctuary? This place can't be all too safe for you if I'm here. I've come for the one who you have taken as your prisoner."
It was Ace. Pulling his sword out, he followed up his speech.
"Now, make it easy for me and I'll assure you that your weaker members will be spared."
Silas shook his head.
"No...No no nononononono. Out of all the people to come here, why did it have to be you? I'm not in my best form, so I'll leave you to my underlings while I take my leave."
"You're not going anywhere!" Ace shouted as he prepared to charge at Silas.
Amay watched as hundreds of Dark mages crowded onto Ace and attacked him. Magic spells were casted, and weapons were being carelessly swung around.
"Defense Push! 59%"
An explosion of wind left Ace's body, tearing the surrounding enemies to fleshy bits.
Blast!
[Enemies: 4,997]
Over six hundred mages had been killed by his simple attack. It was too much of an amazing feat that all the others started to retreat instead of rather face their opponent.
The giant room slowly started to clear and only two enemies stepped up to the challenge.
The first one, was a girl with red hair and a white mask (Aika)
The second one was an all to familiar face. Another girl, but her hair was long and purple, while her eyes were white and cold.
There was no doubt about it, she was Isla, the girl with 100 lives.
Ace found himself actually feeling nervous.
"There's no way….How are you still alive?"
"You see, let me tell you a little something about myself. Even when I die, I don't." said Isla.
The girl with red hair stepped forward.
"I have heard much about you, Ace. Even for someone with your power, you are outclassed here."
"I don't know who you are, but I feel like we've met before. Who are you?" Ace asked.
"My name is Aika and my purpose is to serve the dark mages."
She then drew out two swords. One glowing silver, while the other was dark red.
Both of these Blades, Ace recognized them. More exactly, he knew those weapons very well. They were both Mythical weapons that belonged to a very important person.
Ace grew uneasy and his heart pumped fast. It was no secret that he was in shock as sweat trickled down his cheek.
'Those weapons...Why are they here?!'
His eyes observed Aika's purple eyes and red hair.
'It shouldn't be possible. Is that really you?'
Aika's similarities were all similar to the long-gone protector named 'Leona'
Ace took a step forward and demanded "You! Remove your mask!"
"I have been strictly ordered to never remove my mask. I won't comply with you."
Continuing the conversation would be a waste of time. Now, it was time for Ace to get the battle started.
"I apologize, but it seems like there's no reason to keep our talk going. Now, brace yourselves."