Asukem, his sword sheathed, found himself far from Kittienia. He was in a desperate flight; his life was teetering on the edge as Stagnar relentlessly pursued him, his every step echoing with the threat of imminent capture. Meanwhile, Kittienia was wrestling with her fears, which were not related to Stagnar but centered around her panther companion. Nightclaw, or K'witkwaka, was no longer the familiar panther; she now had eerie glowing red eyes, casting ominous shadows as horns sprouted from her head. Stagnar had corrupted K'witkwaka, transforming her into a Sin Kin, a sight that sent shivers down Kittienia's spine.

Before all the events involving Asukem, Stagnar gazed at Kittienia with a slight tilt. In a bone-chilling whisper, he declared, "Don't assume you can spoil my enjoyment with Asukem. I've got something special for you too, young tribal one." Stagnar waved and directed his claw towards Kittienia, causing eerie red eyes to materialize from the darkness. With a sinister tone, Stagnar commanded, "End her life." At that moment, K'witkwaka revealed herself to Kittienia in her Sin Kin form, roaring in anger and hate. The scene was filled with a chilling silence, broken only by the sound of K'witkwaka's roar and Kittienia's gasp of fear, the sunlight casting an eerie glow on the twisted form of the once-familiar panther.

Stagnar began chasing Asukem, prompting Kittienia to shake her head and step back. She hesitated, holding her hands out as if pleading for a reason or trying to communicate with the panther. "Wait, K'witkwaka, it's me, Kittienia," she said with concern. K'witkwaka didn't recognize her; the panther glared and inched closer, preparing to attack. With a fierce roar, K'witkwaka leaped towards Kittienia. She braced, caught the panther, and threw it over her shoulder. K'witkwaka landed gracefully, turned back to face Kittienia, and resumed assault. Despite the aggression, Kittienia skillfully evaded the attacks, her heart pounding with the realization that she could not harm her beloved panther, which she considered a part of her family. The tension in the air was palpable as the battle between the two unfolded, each move carrying the weight of their relationship, the outcome uncertain, and the stakes high.

Kittienia's battle with her panther ended when she stumbled over a rock while trying to evade its attack. K'witkwaka lunged at Kittienia, but she skillfully used her foot to flip the panther over and launch it away. However, K'witkwaka quickly recovered, landed on its feet, and leaped at her again. Just then, Asukem stepped in the panther's path and grabbed hold of it. K'witkwaka struggled in Asukem's arms and sank its teeth into his shoulder. Asukem fought against any aggression despite the pain, growling, "Ah! It's nice to see you too, kitty, kitty." Asukem gently stroked the panther while enduring the pain. As the panther's claws and fangs dug into him, he declared, "But now, stay calm and be healed." With that, he announced, "Sin Seal!"  The air seemed to hold its breath as Asukem's powers took effect, filling the scene with a glimmer of hope. 

K'witkwaka cried out in anguish and sadness as she released Asukem and began to tend to his injuries. The horns on her head disappeared, and the shadows emanating from her ceased. The malice in her eyes vanished utterly, revealing her transformation back into the panther everyone recognized. The atmosphere was filled with relief and happiness as the panther was restored to its former self, a beacon of hope amid despair, a symbol of the power of love and friendship to overcome even the darkest forces.

Asukem released his grip on K'witkwaka as the panther approached kittienia, its ears drooping and sadness evident in its eyes. Slowly, it inched closer to kittienia, as if seeking forgiveness, and began to lick her while softly whimpering. Overwhelmed with joy, kittienia couldn't help but cry tears of happiness as she playfully pushed K'witkwaka away. Amidst laughter and teary eyes, she exclaimed, "No, stop! It tickles, K'witkwaka, stop!" She was overjoyed to see the panther return to its usual self. Asukem's eyes welled up with tears as memories of him and his little sister flooded his mind. Trying to hold back his emotions, he said, "Well, at least I've saved someone else's family member. It's a win for me."

Asukem perked up immediately when Leo came into view, making his way over with a slow gait. Asukem waved enthusiastically, calling him, "Hey Leo, Over here!" Nightclaw and Kittienia both turned their attention towards Leo. Nightclaw positioned herself in front of Kittienia, appearing protective. Kittienia wiped away her tears, watching intently as she inquired, "K'witkwaka, what's going on? That's Leo.""

Asukem glanced at Nightclaw before turning his attention back to Leo. Seeing Leo charging at them with his battle axe raised, Asukem braced himself. As Leo brought the axe down, Asukem caught it with his demonic claw, locking his eyes with Leo, whose gaze was malice. Leo taunted, "I will defeat you; I am superior! Get ready to meet your end, Asukem!"

Asukem knew Leo's corruption and how his pride had controlled him. Gathering positive energy within his human fist, Asukem swiftly moved the axe aside and delivered a mighty blow. Asukem released his grip on the axe, Leo stumbled back a few steps, creating distance between them. Holding his index finger upon his chest, Asukem resumed a praying stance and shouted in disappointment, "You'll never defeat me with such power; in fact, it only made you weaker than me. Allowing your pride to consume you, Leo, was your downfall. Now, let go of your sins and be free! Sin Seal!"

Leo let out a piercing scream of agony as the sacred chains pierced the exact spot where Asukem had struck him. Collapsing to his knees, he cried angrily and frustrated, "Even with all that power, I couldn't defeat you!" His voice filled with anguish; he continued to yell, "What is wrong with me?" Asukem approached him, wearing a puzzled expression. "What are you talking about, Leo? You possess great strength!" Asukem knelt and placed a comforting hand on Leo's shoulder. A gentle smile adorned his face as he inquired, "Why do you think I allowed you to face Volmanica alone?" Leo looked up, meeting Asukem's gaze, and replied, "I believe you did it solely to aid my sister and assist in the search for K'witkwaka."

Asukem's frustration peaks, and he exclaims, "I would never abandon my friends to fend for themselves if I knew they couldn't handle it!" Leo's eyes widen in disbelief, and he lets out a fierce roar while pounding the ground, consumed by self-pity. "I'm utterly useless. What kind of person am I to attack someone who considers me a friend?" In an instant, Leo forcefully smashes his head against the ground, repeatedly muttering, "Idiot, Idiot, I'm such an idiot! I don't deserve to be your friend, Asukem!" His voice, filled with remorse, echoes in the air.

Asukem acted swiftly to prevent Leo from harming himself. He firmly held Leo's shoulders, making eye contact as blood trickled down his face and tears welled up in his eyes. Leo, with a whimper, asked, "Asukem?" He begged for forgiveness, bowing his head towards Asukem, "Please forgive my foolishness. In return, let me show you I can be a good friend!" Asukem smiled and replied, "Just focus on your strength, Leo. I admire your humility, and I forgive you. You don't have to prove anything to me." A gentle smile appeared as he playfully added, "But remember, I'm still stronger than you."

Kittienia was taken aback by Leo's unexpected display of humility, a side of him she had never witnessed before. Asukem assisted Leo in standing up, and together, they made their way back to the village of the Tribal Folk. It was a journey for Asukem, Leo, Kittienia, and K'witkwaka or Nightclaw to locate the village. Still, they eventually spotted it thanks to a signal fire in the sky. Upon arriving, Asukem, Leo, K'witkwaka, and Kittienia were greeted with warm smiles and cheers. Chieftain Tiggerson guided Leo to his tent for treatment, while Kittienia pitched in to help organize things in the village. Gimp and the panther, K'witkwaka or Nightclaw, were engaged in a playful interaction, and Grant was regaling everyone with tales of his battle against the poachers. A stack of wood and stones resembling a bonfire hinted at preparations being made by the villagers of the Tribal Folk.