-Michiko’s POV-

I was shocked enough to lose my ability to move. I just stood and watched as a long forgotten snake sided with us and saved Aesop. ‘How did Yidhra come back?!?! I thought Lucky had killed her!’ I quickly recovered from my shock and pulled Aesop up, seeing the lifeless look in his eyes. It was as if he was already dead, and that made my heart sting. I watched Yidhra battle Lucky, who was so beat up from The Exorcist that it seemed like Yidhra had a chance.

“FOR AESOP!!!” I heard Murro yell, then I saw him charge into the fight and headbutt Lucky off balance. I smiled, happy that this small group had become close friends in the short time we were together. Joseph unsteadily stood, watching the fight in awe. I could feel his pride and trust in them, even if he barely just met them. Emily threw her syringe at Lucky’s head and Helena smacked him with her cane. But when I turned my head, I saw Eli lying lifelessly on the other side of the cave, and my sadness returned. I don't think I will ever recover from his death, but I will at least get myself the courage to continue living for him.

I ran towards Lucky, then jumped onto his back and hit his head repeatedly while he flailed around and tried to get me off him. Murro actually started chanting and cheering me on, which made me feel like I was riding one of those bull rides at fairs. I actually started having a bit of fun and cracked a small smile, but then he flung me off and I fell backwards. Yidhra ran and caught me, helping me stand up. Lucky was breathing unnaturally, and I couldn’t help but notice that his eyes were strangely red.

“If I can’t become The King just because of some dumb death dude and his so-called friends, then maybe there shouldn’t be a world to rule at all!!” In a blinding rage he thrust his hand upwards and created a humongous ball of red energy, swirling with black particles that smelled of death. I gasped, and out of instinct, I ran in front of everyone. “What are you doing?!?! Emily shouted over the loud roar of wind and magic. “It’s my fault that you all are in this, so it’s going to be me that protects you!!” I answer. Tears form in my eyes when I think of how everyone is going to be hurt.

Suddenly, Helena steps up and holds my hand. “H-helena?” I say in wonder. She smiles at me. “We’re in this together,” she says. Emily steps up as well, holding Helena’s other hand. “Yeah. We were the ones who made the choice to come.” Joseph walks to me and holds my other hand, kissing it gently. “We’ll be with you… until the end.” I feel my eyes becoming wet as my heart warms. Everyone turned around to face Murro and Aesop, who were still in their spots. “Uh, yeah, what they said, but like, I don't do hand holding, okay?” Murro commented, then stood next to us while we giggled.

“Aesop?” I ask. He still has the dullness in his eyes, and he seems to barely have noticed that I was speaking to him. He stands up, and walks over to us. I smile seeing him making the choice to come, but then I suddenly get confused when he walks past us and keeps going forward. “What is he doing?” Yidhra asks, who stood with us as well. “I-I’m not sure,” Joseph said, as worry washed over me.

Lucky sees Aesop walking to him, and he laughs maniacally. “So, the death dude decides to be a hero, eh?” he said, still swirling around his magic in hand. Aesop stands there, unmoving. “I guess since you have nothing else to live for after that what’s-his-name seer died, you want to die as well?” I flinched when he mentioned Eli, but Joseph and Helena shared their warmth with me and comforted me.

Aesop’s head suddenly snaps up, and I notice a familiar red glow coming from his eyes as his silver locks of hair swirl around his face. He dashed forward, and grabbed Lucky’s wrist, a complete rage in both their faces. “Don't you dare mention him,” he says, and then in a blast, they take to the sky.

-3rd person POV-

Hair thrashing around wildly, Aesop flies up with Lucky, higher and higher. Past the caves, past the ground, high enough to see everything. “What are you doing?!?!” Lucky yelled, attempting to break free from Aesop’s iron grip. Aesop doesn’t say anything, only continues to go higher. Once they reach beyond the clouds, Lucky yells out a rage-filled scream, and then black feathery wings sprout from his back. He pulls away from Aesop and moves his hand up, continuing to grow the magic ball. Aesop’s own silver wings kept him afloat, shining from the light reflections of the sun.

“Don't move a single inch towards me, or I’ll blow up the entire world right now!!” Aesop doesn’t react, only stares. “What are you staring for?” Lucky asks, getting the chills from his blank eyes staring deep into his own. Aesop moves his hand up and points a finger at him, then says, “Your soul is tinted black. It must be brought down to h*ll.” Aesop then looks down, and shoots his own magic beam down below.