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The stagnant, musty, and murky darkness enveloped them as they entered the castle. However, in the same instant, the looming darkness burst in the brightness of a sea of glowing candlelight. The bare room held only the candles and ancient suits of armor piled high like palace guards. The walls, floor and ceiling retained their freshness, unstained by time, the blinding blizzard, or the miasma surrounding the castle. The dark stone matched the sloped stone foundation of the outside. While the dead world surrounding it had once been alive, this inner sanctum held a cold sterility that continued to spread down the dark and narrow hallway in front of them. The darkness seemed to engulf the rest of the path for eternity.

“It seems I’ve led us down a narrow path…” Nick scowled.

“What else could we have done?” Brian gripped his staff and sighed, “It’s clear that we were trapped from the moment we got our invitation, with or without the box.”

Minako put her hands to her heart. If the box is here, where is it? Is it waiting somewhere deep within the chasms of darkness? It’s like it’s sealed and hidden in a tomb from everyone except for brave treasure hunters. Am I a treasure hunter? Am I brave enough? If we can find it, then I can restore everything that was taken from them. My wishes haven’t changed, I still want all the same things for everyone I love. The demons have suffered too much… Renee has suffered too much. It’s time for everything to end. Minako shut her eyes quickly. Can I depend on their powers here? Or maybe they can depend on whatever small power I have. Darkness and the color red shroud the box… No. I know for sure this time... It’s not only red, it’s definitely blood. My sisters came to this place ages ago, then struggled and fought their way down the same narrow path only to suffer and die. They were revered sacrifices for protecting their countries, but Emeradotouhou continued to attack them ruthlessly. They were cursed, but we’ll all have peace soon. Renee is coming to this castle and I’m supposed to fight her until only one of us wins. Maybe even if she wins, the conquered countries can still have peace… That’s not true. I saw her eyes, there wasn’t any wavering, concern, or Renee left in them at all. If the Renee I know is gone, then I will fight her. I’ve been trying not to spill anyone’s blood... I’ve been trying to only give her love because I love her… But it’s too late, I can’t only love her now, she made that clear. Minako clenched her hand into a fist. I’ll wait for her and I’ll fight back.

“Minako…” Nick’s worry penetrated her thoughts.

She turned to face him.

He bit his lip and furrowed his brow as he gripped her hand tightly. “Do you sense it anywhere?”

“Not here…” she glanced away from him, but gripped his hand back. “But it feels like it’s very close.”

He smiled, “Then let’s keep going. Brian, why don’t you lead the way.”

“Because you’re scared, Nick?” He chuckled.

“Because you’re like a candle! You’re always leading!”

Minako frowned. Can Nick keep us safe in the darkness if he really had been raised there? This darkness seems different than Nick’s stagnant and cold darkness, it’s more ominous and threatening.

Brian started walking down the cold and sterile hallway. The others followed him in their typical order. Minako put her hands to her heart again. What can our powers do here? Brian can’t use his transportation power, but can he still use his barrier powers and sutras? Kevin can always use his powers to heal us, but what if too many of us get hurt? What can AJ’s shapeshifting powers do? Howie has his sword, but his powers are just as mysterious as Nick’s powers… And Nick has his strength and his determination, but what else is inside him? When he became that other Nick, his power increased enormously, but what are his demonic powers? Could he use them if he needed to?

Amnesia… Did his powers disappear with his memories? Kevin called it selective amnesia… What happened that Nick forgot the reason he was in the darkness? What happened to make him forget everything about his childhood or his powers? Maybe the reason it always hurts him so much when I’m sad is because his heart already shattered. How did he pick up the pieces? It’s hard keeping my heart together. Renee…

Hatred consumed her. What else can I do besides fight her? What could I have said? Renee refuses to listen to reason... I don’t have any more choices. How can I love someone who refuses to be loved? It’s hard to hate her no matter how much it hurts, no matter how long I cry. It’s endless pain and suffering… But we’ve been together too long for me to really hate her. She clenched her free hand tightly. I really thought love was enough, but I’ll need the Holy box’s powers to rescue Renee from the darkness... That foul demon always stands by her side and taints her. She always clings to him and calls out his name while he smirks and draws blood. Are Nick and I any better? We’ve been together almost every moment since the beginning, holding each other tightly, making promises to each other, worrying about the future, crying together, and smiling together… Maybe Renee and I are both corrupted... Can our hearts only hold one love?

“This is endless…” Nick’s empty voice rang through her thoughts.

Minako gripped his hand tighter as she glanced at him, then leaned against his shoulder.

He wrapped his arm around her and clenched his other fist, “It’s just trying to lose us in this maze!”

“It’s a straight path, how can it be a maze?” AJ rubbed his chin.

“But all we’re doing is walking… If he wanted to get rid of us wouldn’t he…” Nick began mumbling.

AJ turned to Minako and smiled as he kept pace with her, “I’m still not sure what you see in him…”

Minako managed a weak smile despite her otherwise ominous thoughts, “There’s plenty of great things about him.” She patted Nick’s arm.

“WATCH WHERE YOU’RE STEPPING!” Nick shouted.

“What?” Brian froze and turned back toward him.

Kevin and Howie turned as well. Howie frowned and pursed his lips as he reached for his sword. Kevin reached his hand back and touched Nick’s shoulder.

Nick’s hands began to shake as he stopped walking. “I don’t… know…” He laughed weakly, “That just came from nowhere… Must be… my imagination acting up…” He brushed his hair back with his hands. “I’m fine. Let’s keep going.” He grabbed Minako’s hand and pulled her forward as he started walking.

Brian, Howie and Kevin turned back around and started walking again.

“And his good points are coming out, when?” AJ laughed.

“All the time,” Minako beamed. That sudden outburst, though… Wait… What was that word he said he remembered from before Kevin healed him? Mountain? “Nick!” Minako pulled his hand back as she tried to catch up with him, but her foot caught a lip in the floor and she started falling.

“Minako, it’s okay...” He turned to smile at her, but grabbed her arm quickly and pulled her toward him, keeping her upright. “Are you okay? Be careful!” He frowned as he pulled her against his chest.

“N-Nick…” AJ stammered.

Minako laughed, “It’s really dark, I didn’t see it.”

“P-Priestess…”

“Keep holding my hand and I’ll keep you safe.” Nick smiled.

“D-Doctor…”

Minako gripped Nick’s cheek and brushed her thumb against it, “Okay.”

“P-Priest…”

Nick smiled warmly and gave Minako a kiss.

“Y-Your Majesty…”

“What, AJ?!” they all turned to face him.

AJ jumped back from surprise, but pointed wordlessly in the direction of the entrance at stone slabs falling from the ceiling.

The slabs either featured a face of stone spikes or a smooth side. As they dropped, they alternated between the two faces. First the spikes would point toward them, then the smooth face, then spiked, then smooth. At that moment, a new slab began to fall.

He turned back to them. “Umm… Why are we just standing here staring at them?”

Everyone flinched as they gaped at each other, but quickly jolted back to attention. Brian, Howie, and Kevin turned and sprinted from the falling slabs. Nick grabbed Minako’s hand and forcefully pulled her away from the slabs. She stumbled, but caught her hand on his back. AJ ran after them. A glowing light appeared ahead of them inside an arched doorway.

“There’s a room up ahead!” Brian shouted back, “Maybe that’s where the box is!”

The first three made it to the looming arch within moments. The walls rumbled around them, then a slab fell between them, trapping AJ, Nick, and Minako.

“Minako!” “Pandora!” they heard the faint cry of the others.

AJ put his hand to his head, “So… It makes no difference to them whether we live or die…” He clenched his fist and growled.

“It matters!” Nick exclaimed.

“Nick! AJ!”

Nick gestured to the slab, “See.”

“The spikes…” Minako pointed behind them.

Nick and AJ turned to see a spiked slab slowly sliding across the ground toward them. The ground creaked, cracked, and shook beneath the slab.

Nick clenched his fist and growled, “Kevin told me not to do anything reckless!” He smirked and began laughing, “I guess I’ll have to apologize because it’s a promise I can’t keep after all!” Nick slammed his fist into the inward pointing spikes. Blood began streaming down his hand as small cracks began to form on the face of the slab before it shattered.

Much to their surprise, a slab with a smooth face had fallen while they were trapped.

Nick clenched his fist and let out a growl, “This is getting frustrating!!” He kicked the offending slab and it also shattered.

The walls shook around them, but they could see the others standing inside the arch. However, a slabbed creaked and moaned against the tip of the arch as it began descending. Above them, another slab also tried to shake free from the ceiling.

“Hurry!” Brian screamed, “You can make it!”

AJ sprinted ahead then cowered behind Kevin after he made it through the arch.

“Go, Minako!” Nick shouted.

Minako turned back to him, “Nick!”

“I’ll follow you and protect you from the ones behind us! Go!” Nick gave her a rapid push and she started running toward the arch, but stumbled a few feet from the door and fell. Nick started to run toward her, but Brian pulled her into the room. Nick let out a sigh of relief and smiled. He glanced at the stone slab behind him that inched closer each moment as it nipped at his heels. He stared ahead at the slab covering half the arch.

“It’s too far down.” He growled, but waved to the others with his hand, “Stand back!!” He began sprinting as fast as he could.

“NICK!!!” Minako shrieked and reached her hand through the doorway.

Kevin and Howie disappeared into the room. AJ skittered across the floor as he cowered behind them. Brian pulled Minako away from the door.

“NICK!!!”

“Minako, it’s going to be okay!” Brian struggled as he kept trying to pry her from the door.

“I’ll make it! I promise! Trust Brian!” Nick shouted

Brian finally pried Minako from the doorway and they disappeared into the room.

Nick dropped into a slide, clearing the arch moments before the slab fell to the ground and locked them inside. Nick put his hand to his chest and gulped air.

“NICK!!!” Minako shrieked as she tore from Brian’s grasp and ran toward Nick. She dropped to her knees and sobbed as she thrust her arms around his shoulders.

Nick wrapped his arms around her tightly, “I know, it was a close call. But I told you I’d make it.”

Kevin shook his head as he ran his hand on his forehead, “Nick, you do realize the consequence for your reckless behavior is death, right?”

“Why would I die now, when I’ve only begun to live?” Nick smiled.

Minako pulled Nick closer to her.

Nick held her closely and ran his hand through her hair, “I’m really fine, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Don’t cry, Priestess!” AJ smiled, “We can’t die before we get to the box!”

Minako buried her head in Nick’s chest.

“Not the rest of us…” Nick replied dryly, “Though you might…”

AJ cowered behind Kevin again. Kevin ran his hand down his cheek to his chin as he stepped toward Nick. He paused and shook his head as he let out an exasperated sigh. Instead of speaking, he scanned their surroundings quickly. The long room was empty except for the candles lining the walls.

“What is concerning you?” Howie asked.

“Don’t you hear it?”

Howie glanced at the ground. It shook as a few small stones bounced against it and rolled by their feet.

“Footsteps…” Kevin furrowed his brow.

“Who would enter my chamber?” A distant voice rattled through the silence.

Had their host finally come to call on them?

Nick stood slowly, still holding Minako tightly. He squeezed her for a moment, then released her and started walking toward the back of the room.

“You don’t know what it is!” AJ hissed.

Nick took another step forward toward the empty center of the room. “We’re the Sapphire demons. We’re here to claim the box.” He scanned the room again, “Where are you?!”

“Sapphire demons… Didn’t they all die in the brutal wars?”

“No… We’re very much alive.”

A pair of glowing red eyes appeared as dust and dirt began to fill the room. “Let me see your face…”

Nick stepped back, but the dusty dirt stroked against his face. Nick clenched his eyes shut and flinched away. It’s like a windy day or a ghost… But also warm like a hand...

“Nicky…”

Nick choked and pulled backward. Nicky… He put his hand to his head and clenched his eyes shut. It stings. There’s too much dust… Tears lapped down his cheeks. No... Nicky… Is my heart breaking? It’s not the same kind of pain as when Minako called me Nick, but… It feels like something I should know...

“Nick!!” Minako ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Who’s there?” Her voice shook, “Stop hurting him! He doesn’t remember!”

“Doesn’t remember…”

Minako held Nick close to her, “It’s okay Nick! It’s okay if you don’t know!”

“Woman,” the voice sneered, “Who are you?”

Minako continued to hold Nick closely, but remained silent.

“Come to me woman!”

She turned toward the bellow. In the barren room, a figure clad in blood red armor stood within the smoky dirt. His chest plate, abdomen plate, back plate, and shoulder plates were all spherical. The plates surrounding his upper thighs resembled ovals. Large wings towered from his back and clawed hands held a bloody sword.

“A demon?” Minako clenched Nick tighter as she gaped at the creature.

“Woman!” the demon sneered.

“Stay beside Nick, Pandora!” Howie pulled his sword from its scabbard.

“Pandora…”

“Howie?” Brian gripped his staff, holding it at attention.

“The armor is Rubiihoppou’s, but it is the armor they wore during the siege!”

The ruby eyes flickered and danced as the demon smirked, “You are one of the remaining Priestesses? How do I know that you are not truly the Pandora of Emeradotouhou? They would be the type to trick and kidnap Nicky...”

Trick and kidnap? Nick’s hands shook as he gripped his head. These are my...

Minako’s hands shook as she tightened her grip on Nick, but she stared at the ground, avoiding the glowing eyes of the armored soldier. “Pandora of the emeralds… She and I were separated by this world of killing and death. She became cold and unfeeling, she isn’t the friend I remember… Her demons are cold and calculating, happy to spill the blood of others. I tried to give her my whole heart, but apparently I’m the one who broke and betrayed her...” Minako’s tear filled stare bored through the demon, “So now we have to fight and die.”

The soldier stepped toward her, “You sleep and call this world a horror?!”

The room rattled again as rocks shot from the wall toward the sapphire demons. Brian quickly raised a barrier around the four closest to the wall, but the rocks slammed against Nick and Minako, knocking them backward. Nick crumpled to the ground in a heap as Minako hit the wall behind her, then fell to the ground. Cuts ran down her arms and legs as her tears fell from her eyes. Why? This feels like the cold and dark shrine room in Emeradotouhou’s palace. It hurt, but Renee only watched as the general thrust me into the walls. This demon is a blood red embodiment of him! I tried so hard to reach out to her and hold her safely! But it was too late and her heart was already closed and emptied of love! My love is a waste to her, but... She glanced at the other sapphire demons in Brian’s barrier, then at Nick trembling on the ground, clutching his head and hyperventilating. But it’s not to them! Minako stood on shaking legs. “Why?!” She held her shaking hands close to her heart as she clutched them together, “Why are you hurting us?!” She began walking back toward the soldier, “We never attacked your country or started a war! I only… I only came to help them get back the box!”

“‘Where is the Sapphire Pandora?’ ‘She is sleeping…’ ‘Why won’t she come?’ ‘She is selfish…’ ‘Will she rescue me?’ ‘No…’ So many times he asked… Betrayer!” The demon soldier slid the blade of his sword through his hand, wiping the dried and aged blood from it as he replaced it with fresh blood from his hand.

Nick wrapped his arms around his shoulders and curled into a tight ball as he continued to tremble. Where is the Sapphire Pandora? I’ve asked that question so many times in the deep darkness. Why did she refuse to come? Did God love her too much to send her down? Why does this demon know that?

Minako continued walking forward slowly as blood dripped down her arms and legs. She winced, “I’m going to help my friends...”

The soldier smirked, “Friends? Selfish priestesses do not deserve the box, whether they are Sapphire or Emerald. Both slept while there was hell. Pitiful demons will die.”

Minako continued to walk toward him, “You’re angry because we slept while you fought for your life in this castle? I’m sorry we’re a decade late to your battle, Ruby Cardinal Demon!”

Brian gasped as he disintegrated his barrier, “Ruby cardinal demon!” He turned toward the blocked door, “Then that deathly miasma surrounding this place is a barrier made from the anger in your souls! Minako!” He started running toward her.

The soldier pointed his sword toward Minako, “Move, Priestess. I will savor killing you last for sleeping!” He swept his sword up and brought it down with a clean slice. The ground began cracking and shot rocks toward Minako and the sapphire demons. One rock knocked Brian back, but most of the rocks hit Minako and thrust her against the wall. Blood trickled down her cheeks and limbs as she sunk to the floor.

“Why do you still stand in my way, Priestess?” the soldier growled.

Minako’s eyes filled with tears, “Don’t… Don’t kill… my friends…”

The soldier’s eyes seared as he slashed his sword through the air, shooting more rocks toward Minako and slamming her against the wall again.

“Minako!” “Priestess!” “Pandora!” They shouted simultaneously.

Nick flinched on the ground. Minako… He gripped his head and sat up shakily. He scanned the room and his eyes fell on her trembling body as she tried to stand. “Minako!” He crawled to her and thrust his arms around her, pulling her to his chest.

The soldier raised his sword again. “Now Priestess, if you are willing to wait patiently for your turn, let me destroy your demons.” He pointed the sword toward Nick, “I’ll start with the traitor!”

“Nick…” she clutched his shoulders.

Nick pulled them up, his legs shaking as he struggled to stand. “Minako… I won’t die… I’ll protect you.”

“Nick…”

He pulled her to his chest and his skin began flickering sapphire, “He won’t hurt you any more! I promise!”

“All traitors must die!” the soldier shrieked as he sliced the air with his sword again.

“NICK!” Her cry pierced the silence as a cloud of dirt surrounded Nick, Minako, and the soldier.

“We have to help him! He’s already hurt!” AJ shouted as he tried to run toward them, but Kevin pulled him back.

A drop of blood fell to the floor as the dust cleared.

The soldier laughed, “The traitor is no more!”

Nick opened his eyes as he steadied his hands against the ground, then brushed the dirt from his face, smearing blood on his forehead and cheeks. “It’s only a scratch…” he smiled, “See? I’ll protect you, Minako.”

“Nick…” Her voice smiled, but shook weakly.

Nick flinched. Why is her voice coming from above me? He thrust his hands against the ground and stood weakly, but pulled her into his arms like a gust. Her legs trembled as she stepped back into his arms, her breathing was shallow, but she gripped his hands tightly.

Nick growled, but his voice shook violently. “You dared to stain me with my beloved’s blood…” He started to crack his claws as his eyes began to glow sapphire.

“Nick…” Minako turned and brushed her hand through his hair.

The glowing subsided. “Minako…” He pulled her close again.

“Don’t become that! I’ll protect you and our future.” She gripped his cheek tightly. “I won’t let him force out your memories! You have to live! And I will too.”

“PRIESTESS!!! WHY WON’T YOU DIE?!?!”

The room rattled as rocks shot from the walls and flew toward them. Minako pulled from Nick’s embrace and pushed him to the ground moments before the rocks began to form a casing around her.

Nick clenched his fist and tried to stand. “I’ll get you out! I’ll protect you!”

She glanced down at him and brushed his cheek, “Nick… I’m going to protect you with my power… I promise… I’ll be okay… Let me protect you!” She released her hold on his cheek and held her arms tightly against her body.

“Minako!!” Nick thrust his hand toward her as the rocks sealed her entire body, like a beautiful sculpture in the otherwise empty room.

The soldier laughed maniacally, “Your Priestess is a statue now! This will be the tomb for you all!” He swung his sword and rocks began shooting from the walls again.

“Nick! I’ll make a barrier, come back to us!” Brian’s voice rang through the dust and rubble.

Nick clenched his fists, “No!! I’m going to fight! I promised!” He smashed one of the rocks with his fist. He glanced back at Brian and the barrier, then exhaled a pent up breath before running toward the soldier. “Why destroy us? We’re not the emerald demons! We’re not here for blood!”

“No one should have the box. If we failed, so too should the others belonging to the worthless priestesses who refused to descend.” The soldier swung his sword again.

“They were only waiting! They’ve descended now!” Nick shattered several rocks as he continued running toward him.

“How long will you go on battling me? Your friends have given up, your priestess is sealed. You, traitor, are the only one who still stands to attack.”

“Forever! I’ll fight forever! Because Minako was willing to protect me!”

“Will she rescue me?”

She will always rescue me!

Minako’s sculpted body began glowing a bright sapphire color. The soldier stepped back in alarm as the statue shattered and rocks burst from her body.

“Nick, stop... I’m keeping you safe...” Minako held her arms toward him as she walked toward him shakily.

Nick skidded to a stop, then turned and ran back toward her. “Minako!”

The room rattled as it filled with musty dirt again, knocking Nick and Minako to their knees. Nick growled as he whipped his head back toward the soldier to see that he was covered in a pile of rubble. Nick snarled, pushed himself from the ground and ran toward the pile. Once he reached it, he began lifting and throwing rocks from the soldier’s body. The rocks emanated a ruby glow, then exploded, hurtling Nick backward. He landed on the ground next to Minako and let out a yelp as he tried to pull himself up on his hands. In the pile’s place, the soldier’s form had become a stone statue.

Minako reached toward it weakly, “Ruby Cardinal Demon… He really did join the kings above the entrance…”

Nick struggled to sit, then flung his hand over his mouth, “Brian was right, when we lose--” He bit back a choked breath,

Minako flung her arms around his neck and pulled him toward her chest, “I promise! I won’t let it turn my friends to stone!”