"Akio, get him out of here!" Commanded Kyanè before heading off into a fight she knew she could not win.

Akio and Monty moved out of the way as the shadowy copycats followed.

The clones engaged.

The first clone kicked but was smacked aside by the creature's heavy tail. The second clone dodged a tail strike then threw a punch but the thing's tail was too fast. It blocked the strike and a shockwave explode through the air upon impact, knocking over cars and shattering windows.

The beast flicked its tail once more and the second clone was knocked into the sky.

Kyanè herself joined in. She fainted and evaded the tail strikes but barely. She couldn't seem to find an opening in the monster's defense even though she was faster than sound.

Kyanè backed off, allowing the clones to take point. She then joined the fight once more. Each blow that was deflected by the creature's tail emitted a shockwave through the air.

Kyanè and the clones tried their hardest to land a strike, all the while the monster used its tail to defend itself and attack, it's arm still folded across its chest and Akio noticed that the creature hadn't been pushed from its spot atop the building.

The two clones turned into black spears after getting behind the monster. They then quickly jabbed through its tail, pinning it down to the building. The creature looked behind itself at the spears.

Kyanè appeared in front of it.

She jabbed her fiery sword towards the creature's chest with great swiftness.

"No way." Monty said in disbelief.

The creature caught the blade made of fire. The flames that seared his fingers formed smoke.

Kyanè's flames were as hot as lava. She could not control the temperature of her flames very well, hinting the use of her cylinder-like device the flames protruded from that served to condense the heat.

The creature pulled the sword, yanking Kyanè along with it before backhanding her. She went soaring down in front of Monty, creating a crater in the steel road.

The night skinned being grunted as it pulled his tail from the ground. He then flicked his tail towards them, sending the spears to impale the ground in front of Kyanè.

Suddenly multiple large explosions destroyed the building the Darkness Champion was standing on. Kyanè strained to use a barrier made of shadows to shield the three of them.

"Impressive human." The creature praised​. "It has been over six years since a mortal has wounded me in combat. However, if this is the extent of your abilities, you have no hope of defeating me. Survive today so that you may live to get stronger."

Kyanè got up as the dust cleared. She had a cut on her cheek, her right eye was closed as blood leaked over the lid. "Any chance of you going back to where you came from?" her tone was hopeful.

"I cannot. Not until we find our master or until we slaughter every human in your city."

"Then I'll fight you till my last breath!" Kyanè said holding up her blade. The spears turned back into humanoid form. "Get the hell out of here! Go search for any divine Knight!"

She then launched herself at the monster. The clones followed suit.

Akio's head whipped in Monty's direction. "Monty. We have to go. Now."

She watched the drakon yank an arrow out of his arm with a grunt.

"You are unable to fully utilize the life support skill." Akio warned as he pulled out a second arrow. "You'll bleed out."

"Then how about patching me up?" He asked. Then howled as he pulled out the last.

Akio nodded. She ripped the side of her dress. She wrapped it around one of his gashes. She then ripped the lower half of her blouse exposing her belly button. She wrapped it around the exposed wounds.

"Thanks." Monty said, picking up his scythe. He started towards the battle but Akio grabbed his shoulder.

"You don't stand a chance. You'll only be in the way. We should go get reinforce—"

"You mean just leave her by herself?" Monty snapped at her, pain and grief exposing themselves in his eyes. "I won't abandon a comrade!"

Akio's expression was relaxed, her voice steady as she glared at Monty. "Are you looking for redemption through death?" She questioned​ referring to the story of his sister's death.

"No!... Maybe... I don't know! The one thing I know for sure is that Manty wouldn't run away and I won't either. Not this time."

He snatched away from Akio's grip and headed into the fry.

Akio watched Monty fight alongside Kyanè despite her protest. The two fought together with Monty being careful not to get in the way of the two shadowy clones. With Monty fighting, the monster was forced to move about. Its arms were still folded across its chest as it dodged, blocked and countered with its heavy tail.

The emerald-haired girl bit her bottom lip, debating on whether to follow orders or fight at her comrade's side.

They had no chance of winning.

They all knew that.

Yet the two of them fought with their heart and soul. Akio knew joining in would be absurd.

She had grown to like her new team but she wasn't sure about throwing her life away here​. Not when she still had a dream of her own to turn into reality.

Watching Kyanè and Monty put their life on the line in a battle they couldn't win reminded Akio of her father and siblings. An image of her sister's bloody face flashed in her mind. She shook her head to remove tge image.

I'm so afraid I can hardly keep myself standing. I'd only be committing suicide.

She took a step back, ready to tell the other Knights to flee if they want to live and escape herself.

There are people I must protect today so they can smile again tomorrow. Kariah-Belle's old saying popped into her head.

It was something her father used to say too.

Akio clenched her dagger, slightly annoyed.

Dammit Kariah-Belle. She thought. You rubbed off on me more than I realized.

She dashed for the creature. Its tail raised to attack Monty. Akio appeared behind it and thrust her dagger for the back​ the its neck.

The monster reacted, grabbing her by her ankle with its tail and slammed her into Kyanè who had tried to attack the beast from another angle. He then swatted away the two shadowy clones.

"Why didn't you retreat!?" Kyanè snapped as she got back on her feet. "Being your senior makes me your squad leader in emergencies! News flash: this is an emergency!"

Akio's stared into Kyanè's amethyst-colored eyes with her usual cool demeanor. "I apologize Kyanè. I understand you're trying to protect us but we're Knights too. We are prepared to protect this capital and our comrades with our very lives just like you. Stupid? Indeed, regardless I stand by my decision."

Soon enough, Monty came tumbling next to them, groaning. "I'm gonna feel that one in the morning... If I survive till then."

Kyanè sighed as she shook her head. A small smirk appearing on her face. "Master Van has picked a courageous pair. However, courage alone won't get us out of of this one." She looked deeper into Akio's eyes and asked, "Are you sure you're prepared to die? Even if we manage to keep him entertained for long, there's no confirmation that reinforcements will show. Our deaths could end up being in vain."

"That doesn't matter." Monty said. "The only thing that matters now is protecting those who can't protect themselves?"

Akio nodded her agreement.

Her senior looked over to the few remaining Knights. "The rest of you search for any divine Knights. They should've been here by now."

One Knight looked as if she was going to protest but Kyanè interrupted her. "With my shadow copycats running around would put you in even more danger. My team and I will by you time."

Another Knight placed a hand on the reluctant woman's shoulder. "Understood Shadow Fire. Good luck." He then tugged on his squad mate's shoulder. "Let's go. We'll only be in the way here."

With that, the few Knights that survived the earlier battle began their search for any divine Knights.

Akio wished she could go with them. However, the desire to keep the members of her squad alive for as long as possible outweighed her fear of death.

Barely.

"Very well," Kyanè said facing the monster. The beast seemed to be waiting on them. "Don't take any unnecessary risk. Cover each other's blind spots, let's do this!"

"You've chosen death?" The creature asked​ as the three master Knights closed in, it unfolded its arms. "So be it."

The battle raged on, even with Kyanè's clones and her experience the trio stood no chance.

The three equipped their Nurolink. The young woman gave orders and directions but even with their practiced formations, they just couldn't keep up. The group tried to keep the destruction to a minimum but the night skinned monster begun using both arms and each blow had enough force to destroy multiple city blocks so the three had to avoid getting caught off guard.

Akio's headache started to pick up. It felt like her brain was banging against her temple with a hammer. Her heart pounded in her chest.

She looked over to Monty. His shirt had been torn and ripped from taking a few too many hits. He was breathing heavily. His mana hull having been reformed three times already, he couldn't maintain both his scythe and his hull so he opted for the hull.

Which wasn't much help since Kyanè was the only who could get close. Though even with her speed she could just get into striking range but not long enough to land a hit.

His reaction time is unreal. Akio said in the Nurolink.

Tell me about it. Kyanè agreed.

Akio's stomach felt as though it tried to twist itself into knots.

She watched as a black flame raged to life around the creature's hand.

"I'm impressed. The Knights from this planet hold great potential." It said as it raised its fiery hand. "Each of you would've grown quite powerful. It's a shame I have to kill you here."

Ambers made of dark matter collected above his hands as he spoke. Little white particle​s shined within as a giant fiery sword was made above the creature.

Akio felt fear squeeze her heart.

This was it. The young woman could feel the intense mana coming from the sword. She remembered a similar feeling from the Darkness Tamer way back when.

"Die with your honor intact human Knights." The creature lowered its hand at them and the sword darted towards them.

Akio closed her eye and waited for impact, expecting either great pain or no pain at all.

She heard a loud crash than an explosion that blew her away. After understanding​ she wasn't dead, she open her eye.

A woman with orange/yellow hair standing in front of Monty, Kyanè and herself.

"Lady Ahmeal" Star Titannia appeared next to the woman. Her Stardust armor was dented and broken in different places. Her large stardust sword was broken. "Please stay back. Kaden would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you."

"Ha!" exclaimed the woman. "I'm a warrior first and foremost. Kaden knows that better than anyone. Also, Titannia, you shouldn't push yourself anymore. That cherub fruit won't sustain you for long."

She then turned to face Akio and her team. She smiled brightly. "Thank you, master Knights. You fought well for this nation. Leave the rest to me."

Kyanè gave a low bow and Akio followed her example. "Queen Ahmeal..." Kyanè said. "We were only upholding our duty. No need to thank us, your majesty."

Ahmeal chuckled. "So these are your students eh Van? They will indeed grow to be splendid Knights."

Master Van appeared next to Monty, helping the young man keep his balance. Black and silver fur covered him entirely. Dry blood decorated his fur. "Thank you Lady Ahmeal. They are fine Master Knights. Even if they don't follow protocol."

"I'm sorry Master. If we didn't stay that monster would've leveled the shopping district."

Van gave her a warm smile. "I understand Kyanè. As Lady Ahmeal stated, you've all done well."

Being praised by not only her Master but a queen as well gave Akio a small sense of accomplishment. Akio knew the real storm would start now.

Queen Ahmeal turned her attention to the night-skinned being. It stood with its arms once again crossed over his chest.

Waiting.

"I will be your opponent from here on," Ahmeal said an orange and yellow flame forming in the palm of her hand. The flames​ then hardened into a sword with an elegant blade design.

"Very well. It makes no difference to me." The creature declared.

"Hmmmm? Your comrades did not show signs of speaking our language. Pardon my surprise."

"My brothers feel no need to speak to mortals. They enjoy spilling​ blood, as do I. The only difference is I desire worthy opponents to sharpen my skills."

"I see." Ahmeal nodded. "I too prefer to battle someone worthwhile as well. Before we do battle, I have one question. Why after all this time has your kind come back to Lore?"

"Our Master." The creature answered. Akio saw Van and Iris exchange a look. Whoever that thing's master was, Akio suspected was even worse news than the creature before them.

It then formed a sword made of dark matter. This time the form wasn't that of a dancing flame, but it was solid. "Now if we are done talking, let us fight!"

It rushed at Ahmeal.

"Well someone's a battle fanatic." Ahmeal mumbled getting into a stance.

"Lady Ahmeal, be careful." Iris warned.

"I know!" Ahmeal responded by taking to the sky. A reddish-orange mana hull surrounded her.

The monster followed, appearing​ in front of Ahmeal. The beast swung it's sword and Ahmeal used her sword to block, sparks flew and a shock wave rumbled the air.

The creature then used its tail to attack but Ahmeal was fast. She dodged, spinning out of the way and swung her blade to attack. The creature blocked but the force of the hit sent the creature hurtling through a small building.

So strong. Akio thought in awe. So fast. My eyes can just barely keep up.

"If you hold back you'll die." Ahmeal stated. Her expression was serious. "Show me your true power, Darkness."

Darkness? Those monsters that almost destroyed the human race?

Akio was in disbelief. She never imagined she'd see the Darkness in her lifetime. The history books didn't do the alien justice.

The creature tossed some rubble off itself. "Very well. I will show my true strength!"

The two stars on it's body began to shine. Some kind of dark energy began swirling​ around it, consuming it completely.

A storm clouds began to form in the sky.

When the dark energy dissipated the creature's midnight, armor like skin was more defined and decorated. It's skin like a blank canvas for the purple and blue nebula cloud to move about on. It now had wings as well.

"Beautiful!" Ahmeal expressed. Akio agreed. "Just like the books say. And your mana output has sky rocketed. I guess I'll have to go all out myself if I want to stand a chance."

The sinister mana rolling off the Darkness was enough to paralyze Akio with terror. She tried to swallow the lump that formed in her throat.

Suddenly a flash of light enveloped Ahmeal. Akio had to shield her eyes from the brightness. When she looked again, Ahmeal was clad in armor the same color as of her hair with shining particles flowing through it. She too had wings that seemed like dancing infernos.

"Been a while since I had to resort to this form. I'll warn you, my Celestial Flame blazes hotter than the sun."

Akio knew she wasn't bluffing. The young Knight could feel the incredible mana from where she stood. If not for her mastery of her craft the heat would be melting anything near her.

"Human! You are indeed a worthy opponent!" The creature shouted excitedly. "Let see whose power can destroy whom!"

He appeared in front of Ahmeal in an instant. The two unleashed a fury of barrages as lightning lit the storm clouds above.

Akio tried to track the fight buy her emerald green eyes couldn't keep up. All she could see were shockwaves and sparks as swords clashed. The buildings were occasionally destroyed as the two fought.

Suddenly Akio could see Ahmeal had stopped moving, a bright light forming in her hand. "Piercing Sun Beam!" She cried. A beam of a bluish white light shot out at the creature.

"Dark Blade of Chaos!" A huge sword of flaming dark matter formed above the Darkness champion and sailed at the beam with incredible speed. The sword had a nebula in it.

The two attacks clash. Creating a large explosion. A few buildings were blown away because of the massive explosion. Van and Iris put up a barrier to keep the master Knights from getting caught in the shock wave.

Rain fell hard as the storm intensified. Lightning bolts struck buildings.

The monster got behind Ahmeal and tried to slash her down. Ahmeal was on guard and was able to dodge. The two once again exchanged blows.

"Incredible." Akio said dumbfounded. "It's just like that day."

She noticed from her peripheral vision Iris had glanced at her.

Two minutes​ had passed by the time the two combatants started to slow down. Both having given it everything they had and were now running low on Life force​. They were worn, injured and were quickly reaching their limits.

"Mortal!" Let out the creature. "You were indeed a worthy opponent! Let us draw this battle to a conclusion!"

The beast floated into the sky. He lifted his arm and a gigantic black sword made of flaming dark matter was made above it.

Akio's legs buckled before she fell to her knees.

"Such mana." said Kyanè in both shock and awe. "He was holding back this much?"

"We were fodder the entire time." Monty gave a frustrated growl.

"I agree!" Called Ahmeal after catching her breath a bit. An enormous phoenix formed behind her. The phoenix was made​ of a bluish-white flame. Light particles shined and danced about. "Let us put an end to this! Solar craft: Celestial Sun Phoenix!"

The phoenix soared upwards at the creature, leaving a flaming trail in its wake.

"Grand Dark Blade of Chaos!" The thing yelled. Its sword flew at Ahmeal.

The two attacks clashed. This time instead of terminating each other, a shockwave formed that knocked down more buildings and took all the master Knights off their feet.

The two attacks pushed against each other, trying to cancel the other out and hit their target. The very earth itself giving way to the clashing of attacks.

The two warriors pushed the attacks with their will and mana. Grunting and shouting their defiance to losing. With such a fierce clash their muscles would be straining.

Finally, one of them gave way.

The creature's sword pushed back the firebird but with one last push of will, Ahmeal's phoenix shattered the sword and hit its target, exploding into blue-white flames upon impact. The flame was so violent that even from the ground Akio could feel the scorching temperature.

A bird's ferocious screech could be heard before a giant fiery image of the phoenix light the sky before turning into ambers. Akio could see the Darkness warrior falling from​ the sky.

It crashed through a pile of rubble.

Ahmeal landed on the ground then fell to her knees. She coughed up blood. What remained of her armor had reverted back to normal.

Iris rushed over. "Lady Ahmeal!"

"I'm fine." Ahmeal reassured the holy Knight. "Well, I'll live at least." She added with a weak chuckle then winced in pain.