Koga shouted as his blade came down on thin air yet again. He heard the sound of hooves landing behind him and instinctively rolled to his left. The sound of a blade parting air whizzed passed his airborne legs as he turned around to face his foe. The Knight was already moving toward him, her weapon flashing as she swung it at the ground to her left. A Magic Cut fell into the earth while she kicked her horse into a full gallop at Koga. Her blade rose while a purple aura encased it from guard to tip. Koga raised his weapon, planning to dodge under the attack and try to strike at her steed's front legs. When his opponent was close he got down to one knee, his blade moving horizontally toward his targets.

The Knight's horse leapt over his attack while her weapon sliced out at his body. Not able to move out of his attack, Koga's left shoulder was sliced by the Demon Silver weapon. He felt the numbness in his chest from the prior wound get worse, but it didn't stop him from moving. With grit teeth he got to his feet and turned around. He back-stepped away, trying to make distance between himself and the rider. The Knight turned her steed around and charged at him, weapon already poised for another attack.

Koga kept backing up, looking around for something he could use to his advantage. A glance over his shoulder revealed that he was backing toward a tree. An idea forming in his mind, he turned and ran straight at the large tree. With blade held to his right he ran as far up the side of the tree as he could, momentum carrying him to the half way point of the trunk. Once there he sheathed his sword, turned to face his foe, then kicked off the tree into the air. The Knight's horse jumped into the air as well, the Blade Of Salvation moving to strike at Koga's other shoulder as the two closed on each other. Koga waited until he could see the whites of his opponent's eyes before unsheathing his blade and aiming for her neck. The Blade of Salvation moved to intercept his attack, and found itself being knocked away from the surprising force behind the strike.

Koga moved to take advantage of the opening. His sword flashed forward as he tried to stab at the still airborne enemy...but then the Magic Cut from before came out of the ground. It cut through his arm at the elbow, sapping the force behind his attack as the two passed each other. He audibly cursed as he hit the ground grabbing his right arm as it began to fall limp. Turning, he saw the Magic Cut disintegrate into the air while his opponent trotted her horse around to face him. She, or more precisely, the Blade spoke with an air of quiet confidence about him, "I hope you are starting to understand how outmatched you are. If you simply-"

"Silence!" Koga stabbed his right arm to get the feeling back into it. He glared at his opponent, teeth barred as the flames in his eyes burned bright. A growl rose from his throat as he shouted, "I grow tired of hearing your puppet's prattle. I swear that when this battle is over, I will cut her to pieces and let the blood drip down my throat as she dies screaming!"

Koga didn't notice how his words managed to unnerve his opponent. The only thing he could see was an enemy that he needed to defeat. Reaching down he gathered up as much dirt and grass as he could in his left hand before tossing it out at his opponent. Dashing to the left, he did the same thing in an attempt to throw off her vision. After doing this for a third time, he ended up directly across from her right side. Then he shot forward, spinning on his heel as he aimed to cut into both her leg and the horse's side. But, once again, the blade came down and blocked his attack before it even got close. Grunting, he moved with the parry and launched a sloppy kick at his opponent. The horse easily dodged away from the attack but it did allow him to get his footing back.

He got to his feet and tried to ready himself for another attack. But when he put his left foot forward, he instantly lost all feeling in it. His eyes widened as the feeling spread to his right and left shoulders, forcing him to lose his balance. He put weight onto his right leg and turned his blade toward the earth. Forcing both hands onto his weapon's guard he managed to stop himself from completely falling. He grit his teeth and spoke, "Wh-what is this? My body..."

He looked down at his chest and gasped as he saw the chest wound he had received. It was far larger now, the cracks covering up most of his torso and pulsing with a deeper purple light. He tried to use his will to burn it away, but it seemed to only be able to clear the farthest edges of the cracks. And the progress was so slow that it wouldn't be gone fast enough.

"So this is your limit," his head whipped up at his foe's voice. The Knight was slowly trotting toward him, her horse's gait steady and without any urgency. Her emotionless eyes were focused on him as she held her blade to the side. The aura around it shimmered as she spoke, "Though your will is certainly strong. The fact that you're able to hold your blade at all is a testament to that. But that matters little. The Heart Scar I gave you has been slowly spreading Mamono Mana throughout your body. And all the attacks that have connected only served to hasten that spread. Even if you manage to clear some of it, you will remain immobile long enough for me to save you. Now, close your eyes. This will only take a moment."

Koga barred his teeth while struggling to make his body move. His head, hips, and thighs all thrashed while small azure flames burned away at the wounds on his chest and arms. However, no matter what he did, it wasn't enough. Soon the shadow of his foe fell over him. He glared up into the face of his opponent as she raised the Blade Of Salvation high. His mind screamed at his body to move, defiance burning even when faced with the end.

The blade came down...but stopped as a loud crack was heard from Koga's right.

The Knight's eyes opened wide as her horse danced away from a projectile aimed for her head. The shot whizzed just to the right of her head, cutting off some of her hair with its passing. As Koga felt hope kindle in his heart, he turned to the source of the noise...and felt two emotions as he beheld his savior.

Gratefulness and shame.

For riding out of the forest, astride a horse of her own, with Matilda hanging onto her collar, came the Good Hunter. In her left hand she held the Evelyn, its barrel smoking from her recently fired shot. In her right was a long silver straight sword with a scabbard far too large for it on her back. She pulled on her horse's reins, making it whinny as it came to a sudden halt within the clearing. The Good Hunter wasted no time. She dropped from her saddle, sheathing her weapons as she hit the ground running.

"Koga!" she shouted while coming to a stop next to him. She crouched and pulled her glove off, Matilda letting go of her neck and landing on her own two feet. Selina didn't even hesitate to place her bare hand onto Koga's chest, "Are you hurt? Do you need more medical aid?"

"Good Hunter, I...apologize," Koga looked away from Selina, grip on his blade tightening as she purged the Mamono Mana from his body, "That you have to see me in such a sorry state. I am deeply sorry for failing you in this way."

Selina shook her head, watching as the Heart Scar on Koga's chest rapidly shrunk beneath her palm, "Don't talk nonsense. Focus on recovering." By the time Matilda rushed over to Koga's left it had already diminished to the size of her palm. The cuts on his shoulder and arms disappeared as well, while strength returned to his arms. Selina turned her gaze to check on Matilda. The Doll was staring at the Knight, a frown on her face as her single eye kept focus on it. Selina spoke, "Do you know who that is, Matilda?"

"Matilda?" Koga followed the Huntress' gaze, eyes widening as he beheld the Living Doll standing to his left.

Matilda held up a hand in greeting, "We'll explain later. Just know that I'm another who was saved by the Good Hunter, Koga. Good Hunter, the enemy we face is a Dullahan."

"A Dullahan? But she still has her head," Selina pointed out, remembering the tales of the dark riders from her home.

Matilda shook her head, "No, look at her neck. That choker keeps her head from falling off. As long as it's in place, her head will remain on her neck."

"I see," Selina stood up, taking her hand off Koga once the Heart Scar was completely gone. She unsheathed her sword and gun, taking a step forward to face the Mamono before her, "So, if I were to remove her head then the battle will be over?"

"Normally it would, as a Dullahan holds all her mana within her body. Her Ger head acts as a seal keeping it all contained. Knocking the head off would make end the fight as she'd become the same as any other single Mamono. Lustful and focused entirely on finding a man to assault."

Matilda moved to Koga, grabbing his arm in both her hands, "However, that is no ordinary Dullahan. It's a wielder of the Blade Of Salvation."

Matilda pointed toward the blade held in the Dullahan's right hand. Selina observed it, eyes narrowing as she took in it's make up. The metal of its blade reminded her of the rapier she took from Teresa. She spread her legs while holding her blade and gun steady, "Would I be correct in assuming that is the name of a powerful weapon?"

"A living weapon to be precise. Unlike a Cursed Sword, the Blade Of Salvation was once a normal weapon. It was used by the Lescatie Nobles to execute those they labeled as traitors. But when Lescatie Fell, Druella's magic reforged the blade into a living magical weapon. It can sense those who carry hatred of Mamono and seeks them out, with the plan to decapitate them like it did so many others. Those it decapitates do not die. Instead, males are put into a half dead state, their fluctuating Spirit Energy attracting other undead Mamono to rape them, while females are instantly turned into more Dullahan."

Selina nodded while her eyes locked onto her foe. The Dullahan was frowning, her own confused stare meeting Selina's focused one. She remained silent as her horse pawed the ground with one of its hooves. After a few more moments of silence, it raised its blade and pointed it at Selina, "You. I do not know who or what you are. But I believe I should stay away from you."

A second later, the Dullahan blurred into motion. Its horse charged forth, aiming to go around Selina's right side to get at Koga and Matilda. Koga pushed himself to his feet but he wouldn't be fast enough to strike at the oncoming horsewoman. However, before the Dullahan could reach him Selina moved to intercept the foe. She swung her blade at the rider who barely managed to dodge away from the attack. Quickly, Selina aimed her gun at the enemy and fired twice in rapid succession. The first bullet the Dullahan blocked, but the second managed to hit her in her wounded shoulder. She grunted as the shot knocked off her pauldron and sent a spray of blood spurting out behind her.

Koga managed to get his feet under him, crouching as he beheld the wound the Huntress made. His eyes darted to Selina who was already moving to take advantage of her opponent's surprise at the damage. Her silver blade shined as she slashed out at the rider, her attack nowhere near hitting her target. However, as she moved she pulled the large scabbard off her back. She shoved her sword into the scabbard and a loud clicking sound echoed through the air. She took the handle of her blade in hand while swinging the now greatsword in an overhead swing. Its elongated blade had the range she needed to strike her foe.

Eyes widening, the Dullahan brought up her blade while bidding her horse to leap backward. As the sword got close, her other hand moved to hold the hilt as well. Even as her horse started to dance away, the length of the greatsword allowed it to hit her even as she was moving. The second she felt the blade connect with her own she felt her arms buckle. The force of the blow sent her horse flying back far faster than she had wanted. It landed on its hooves, but nearly tripped over itself as the shock from the blow traveled through it. The Dullahan's arms trembled as she tried to recover from the shock.

The Huntress lifted Ludwig's Holy Blade up and placed it nonchalantly on her shoulder. Weapons such as these weren't usually in her arsenal. But taking into account where she was going, she figured it would be prudent to get used to every weapon she could use. Just in case she needed to be versatile. She glared at her opponent as the sun glinted off her blade's edge. The Dullahan, meanwhile, was staring at the Huntress with shock written all over face.

Koga pushed himself to his feet, pulling his sword from the ground and yanking his arm from Matilda's grip. He moved to step toward the Huntress, but felt something pull on his coat. He looked down and locked eyes with Matilda. She had a serious expression on her face, head shaking back and forth, "Don't. You'll lose."

"What?" Koga's voice was filled with indignation and confusion.

"You can't beat the Blade Of Salvation. Not as you are now," she explained further while the Huntress moved to attack her foe. The Mamono had Nelly move away, launching Magic Cuts at the Huntress as she tried to get around her. But the projectiles were either dodged, deflected, or simply ran through as the Huntress moved to intercept the Rider.

"How would you know?!" Koga barely kept the growl out of his voice. Part of him understood that, whoever Matilda was, she was at least allied to the Good Hunter. But her saying that he had no chance at defeating the Blade Of Salvation buried that understanding in a haze of anger, "You were not here while I was fighting it!"

Matilda shook her head, "No, I was not. But I know how the Blade Of Salvation works. And I can see in your eyes why your blade won't reach it, save for when you get lucky. And the Blade knows it too. Look at it."

Matilda pointed toward the Huntress' battle. Sure enough, while the Knight did send Magic Cuts at the Huntress, she never tried to close the distance and attack her like with Koga. Instead, she would get well out of Selina's sword range then turn to Koga and Matilda. But when she tried to charge them, the Huntress would quickly fire her gun and drive her back. Matilda continued while the two battled, "She knows that fighting the Huntress is a fool's errand. But even now she is trying to engage you in combat. Because she knows that you would be easier to defeat. That's why you-"

"Enough," Koga yanked his arm out of Matilda's grip. The small Doll stumbled forward while Koga fast walked toward the battlefield. He held his sword in both hands while increasing his speed, "I will not stand here when my enemy is right in front of me. I am far from finished with this monster."

"Koga, no!" Matilda's words fell on deaf ears. Koga was dashing toward the battle, completely ignoring her concerns. He got close just as the Dullahan dodged another attack from the Huntress. She had unsheathed her silver sword, giving her more speed and agility while allowing her to wield the Evelyn once more. Her latest attack had sent the Mamono far toward the edge of the clearing with a tree to her horse's flank. Seeing an opening, Koga ran in with his blade held in both hands. He leapt into the air eyes locked on the Dullahan's sword arm. As he attacked the Huntress was aiming her gun at the rider with her finger on the trigger. She pulled the trigger just as Koga slashed down.

The Dullahan's weapon danced through the air, holding the hilt in one hand while her other reached out to grab at the airborne Koga. As her sword parried Koga's strike, her other hand grabbed him by the arm and yanked him in front of her. The bullet meant for her struck Koga in the torso as he was sent sprawling to the ground on her left. Grunting as a sharp pain shot through his stomach, he pushed himself to his knees and turned to see what the Knight was doing. His eyes widened as the Blade Of Salvation shined in the light of the sun, its edge inches from his neck.

There was a loud ping as the blade was forced back by a bullet, making its wielder click her tongue in annoyance. She was forced back as Selina got in front of Koga, weapons at the ready and body tensed. She glanced over her shoulder at Koga, eyes silently asking if he was alright. Stunned he could only nod while staring at the Huntress' back. Selina returned the nod before focusing on her enemy yet again.

The Knight pulled her horse to a stop and stared at the Huntress. Confusion was written all over her face, while her steed moved to allow her a clear line of sight on the Huntress. She spoke, voice no longer carrying its confident tone, "Stranger, why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" Selina spoke, moving to block Koga's body with her own. She saw Matilda rushing to them out the corner of her eye. Wanting to stop her opponent from seeing the small doll, she stepped forward to keep its attention on her, "Protecting my friend from your attacks?"

"Fighting me at all," the Knight sounded genuinely perplexed. She raised her weapon up so that it could be seen by all in attendance, "I am the Blade Of Salvation. I can sense the hatred and anger others have toward Mamono. I can feel the emotions that guide them to fight against us. Those horrid, burning, painful feelings that only drive them to commit sin after sin."

Her eyes narrowed as she focused back on the Huntress, "But you...I don't feel that from you. You have no hatred in your heart. You hold no grudge against Mamono. You don't swing your weapon out of malice. But if that is true...then why are you fighting me? Those who do not hate Mamono have no reason to fight them."

Selina's expression didn't change. Her sharp eyes locked with the Knight's while her voice remained steady, "The answer to that is simple. You are attempting to corrupt Koga without his explicit consent. That is all the reason I need."

The Knight's expression softened, "Ah, I see. You simply misunderstand. What I do will help that Ochimusha. It will remove the hatred in his heart and help him realize how wonderful it is to be with a Mamono. He will have a wife, a family, and a home to make him whole."

But to the Knight's surprise, the Huntress shook her head, "No, I understand that. Understand that is why you are trying to change him."

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The Knight's eyes widened, "Wait...you understand."

"Yes. I hold no hatred in my heart. For you or Mamono as a whole."

"Then...why are you fighting me?"

Selina aimed her gun at the Dullahan's head. The weapon clicked as she readied it to fire, "It's as I said. I understand you. I understand why you are trying to do what you're doing. And it's because I understand you, that I also understand why I have to stop you."

Evelyn barked as she fired, the Huntress moving as well to close the distance with her foe. The Dullahan managed to block the bullet, but was forced to dodge away from the Huntress' attack. Koga watched in awe as the two continued to battle a sense of shame beginning to fill his heart. He had been so easily thrown aside and used as a shield. How was he so outmatched? His hatred flamed ever brighter while his grip on his blade tightened.

The sound of tiny feet rushing his way pulled his attention away from the battle. He looked to his left to see Matilda moving to his side. She knelt down and placed her hands on his stomach, "How bad is it?"

Koga grunted, "I will live. And the wound has already regenerated."

Matilda looked closely at the bullet hole. Sure enough, the wound was closing itself up as they spoke. She nodded before turning to Koga with a frown on her face, "Do you understand now? You can't beat her as you are."

"Then what am I supposed to do?!" Koga shouted through grit teeth, helplessness beginning to seep in. The grip on his sword's hilt made his knuckles turn white, "Do you expect me to just sit here?! Watch as the woman I swore myself to fights without me at her side? To admit defeat and not even attempt to avenge my fallen steed?!"

He pushed himself onto a knee, one hand moving to grasp at his chest, "The heart I hear beating in my chest. The flames of hatred that burn within me. They scream for me to cut her down. To slice her apart. To drink her blood at-"

Koga felt something light smack him across the face. He blinked, suddenly silenced by both the shock and incredulity of the action. He slowly moved his face back as he met the singular eye of the Living Doll that had slapped him.

Matilda.

"You understand nothing!" Koga actually flinched at the Doll's admonishment. She reached down and cupped his cheeks in her hands. With surprising strength she forced him to look her in her frustrated eyes. Once she had his attention, she began to explain, "Think for a second, Koga. The Blade Of Salvation can sense your hatred. It uses that hatred to track you down. And a Mamono's primary way of fighting is by taking advantage of their opponent's emotional state. Add to that the fact that she's willing a Living Weapon, and how she's seemingly able to block and counter all of your attacks but not the Good Hunter's. Think for a moment. Why is that?"

Koga's eyes moved from side to side as he took in Matilda's words. A frown began to come over his features as he considered her words. It was true that the blade had a preternatural ability to see his attacks coming. To the point where he could swear she somehow knew where he would strike...before...he made the...

His eyes widened as the realization hit him. He whispered aloud, "She's predicting my attacks by sensing my hatred."

Matilda nodded, "Exactly. Your hatred is like a beacon to her. And the brighter it burns, the easier it is for her to track it. And if you attack her with that hatred, she will turn it against you."

"But then what of the wound I gave her? I managed to strike her-"

"Even the most powerful defense can be overcome with skill and planning. But such actions require a clear mind and an even temper. And that's not something you currently have. If you believe me wrong, then tell me, have you even attempted to replicate her Magic Cuts?"

Koga froze as the Doll's words sunk in.

Matilda sighed, "As I thought. You do realize that technique isn't one unique to her? Anyone who wields a melee weapon and has sufficient mana can do it. But, so far, you have only been running at her and trying to hit her or her horse with your sword, have you not?"

Koga didn't answer. He wanted to turn his head away in shame, but Matilda had a firm grip on his cheeks. He grit his teeth as he answered, "You...are correct."

Then he met Matilda's gaze, "But then what would you have me do? Let go of all of my hate? Right this moment?" He didn't know if he could do so. He understood why he needed to, but the combination of losing Nobu and everything that had happened...it was too much. He couldn't simply stop hating the one who did all this to him?

To his surprise, Matilda shook her head, "I would not ask you to do that. Especially not after all of this."

"Then...then what should I do?"

Matilda looked Koga in the eye and spoke sternly, "Wayward wrath will only lead to ruin. Only wrath guided by a purpose you hold deep within your heart can lead you to true victory."

She took her hands off the stunned Koga's face. She stood up straight, bowed her head, then ran off toward the horse she and the Huntress had arrived on. Koga remained crouched in place for what felt like a long moment. He could hear the sounds of combat just out of sight, but they were muffled. Distant in comparison to the thoughts swirling in his mind.

He unconsciously moved his legs under him, the flames on his blade going out as he laid it across his lap. He placed both of his hands on his knees and then closed his eyes. He recalled his meditations from when he first returned to the world of the living. Of when he sat and contemplated on his hate after he first met the Good Hunter. The world around him began to fall away. The sounds of combat became quieter and quieter, until he couldn't hear them anymore. He was barely aware of the grass beneath and around him. The only thing he could fully perceive was his sword.

He took a deep breath then asked himself; What was his true purpose? What was he doing in this world yet again? The Good Hunter had given him a second chance. And he knew he wouldn't throw such a thing away. But what was he to do with it? He had said that he would be the Good Hunter's sword...but she made it clear that wasn't what she wanted of him. That he was free to do as he wished. He had sworn himself to her, but left because he couldn't take standing around doing nothing. When that was exactly what the Good Hunter wished to do. But he felt the need to take action.

And now here he was.

Sitting on the sidelines while his new Mistress fought his battles for him.

No. She was not his "Mistress". That was a foolish way to see her. The Huntress did not need a blade. She didn't need a retainer. She didn't even see him that way. He was a companion. A friend. An ally. She saw him as an equal. And upon realizing it, he was grateful for that. But he also knew that it meant his purpose couldn't be to serve her. She was someone who wished for peace. To live with her children in a home all her own. She had no desire to go out and kill the Mamono unless necessary.

But then...what of him?

He couldn't do that. Peace was not something he sought. But neither was conflict. If the only thing he cared about was killing Mamono, then why was he coming back to the Good Hunter in the first place? If she was not his Mistress, and his only goal was to be guided by his hatred to kill Mamono, then he wouldn't be here. He'd be trying to fight his way into the heart of Mamono Territory. Face off against the Demon Lord herself. Try to strike her down to end this once and for all.

Yet, he was here.

Why? What was he doing here? What was his purpose? Where was he meant to point this "wayward wrath"? What cause was deserving of him-

It happened in an instant.

A passing second. A fleeting instant. A singular moment that was barely the length of a second. Yet it was all he needed. For he remembered yet again. Remembered what he had learned from Hel's words. Remembered the past that he had once forgotten. Remembered why he had died in the first place.

And remembered their names.

Segai Daigumi. Motobashi Sosho. Dema Kamaka. Hane Tsuntaro. Hiroto Hiro.

Those who he once called friend. Who were once his clan and closest confidants. Who fought alongside him against the Mamono. His friend and his lord.

Who were now lost and unable to find themselves.

Before his return, he would never have considered finding them. For he was no longer who he once was. He was Kogero. A Mamono. A monster that, if he had remembered his past, likely would've thought the same thing that the False Goddess did. That what happened to his friends was a "good thing". And they were "happier" now.

But now? Now he was Koga.

And he knew that those words were lies. He knew that his friends and lord were corrupted against their will. That they had no choice in the matter and could never return to themselves ever again. Their souls would never know peace.

Unless he freed them. It was the least he could do as the last remaining member of the Brotherhood Of Retribution.

He opened his eyes and the flames on his sword came to life. He gripped it firmly, pushing himself to his feet as he felt his rage abate. His environment came back into focus with his gaze quickly finding the ongoing battle between the Huntress and the Knight. His foe had just blocked an slash aimed at one of her steeds legs, again choosing to retreat rather than attack the Huntress. Sparks flew into the air as she backed away, frustration now marring her originally blank expression. Her head whipped toward him and her frustration was soon replaced by shock. Despite the distance between them, Koga heard her voice loud and clear, "You...your hatred. It's...it's receded. How is that possible?"

Koga didn't answer her. Instead he lifted his sword until it was high above his head. He held the handle with both hands, his left pointed toward his forehead. His legs slid through the air, the left pointing toward the Knight while his right was pointed at an angle. He focused his eyes on his opponent while mentally feeling out the mana flowing through his body. All that a Magic Cut was, was passing Mana into your weapon then launching it at a target. The technique was simple, but effective when used by a master. Koga was no master.

But he didn't have to be.

He just had to hit.

"Good Hunter," Koga's voice was loud and firm, his eyes glancing toward Selina. Selina glanced back, blade and gun held firmly in her hands. The two locked eyes for but a moment. Koga's voice softened as he spoke, "Forgive me, but I must ask for your assistance. Please, help me strike this opponent down."

Selina was silent for a moment. Then she shook her head, "Koga, you don't have to apologize for asking for help. I will gladly help you end this."

"Thank you," Koga's lips curled into a small smile. Then they turned back into a line as he prepared his attack. He felt his mana flow into the blade, knowledge of what would happen if he hit the Knight flooding his mind.

The Knight shook her confusion off and raised her sword, "No. While it has receded, that hatred I sensed is still there. I can't let you go. I need to save you! Hiya, Nelly!"

Her steed whinnied as it galloped straight toward Koga. Its rider raised her own sword in both hands, leaning a bit to the left so she could cut Koga's head off. Koga didn't flinch even as the thundering of hooves got closer. He was too focused on making sure his Magic Cut did what he needed it to do. If he used an attack similar to the one his opponent's, it quickly prove fruitless. Something as paltry as that could easily be deflected by a flick of her sword. He needed something more powerful than that. Something that couldn't easily be deflected nor evaded. And he believed he had an idea. Whether it would work or not...

As his grip on his blade tightened, one of the orbs that floated around the tip of his blade glowed a dull red.

His target was twenty steps away from him now.

Fifteen steps.

He readied his body.

Ten steps.

His opponent started to lower her sword.

At five steps, there was the sound of a bone being crushed in someone's hand.

Within moments Selina appeared next to the rider in a puff of smoke. The Dullahan's eyes widened as the Quickened Hunter seemed to flash from ten steps away to right next to her left side. Selina was in mid-swing, her greatsword moving toward the foe in an overhead arc. At this range, her attack was guaranteed to hit something. If the rider stopped now, it would hit her or her sword. If she kept going, it would hit her steed's flank. Her only other option was...

With a frustrated cry the Knight took a hand off her sword and pulled her steed's reins. The horse whinnied as it was forced to dance away from the Huntress' slash, horse's flank barely managing to avoid being severed by the greatsword. However, now the enemy was airborne.

Unable to move like that again.

And directly in Koga's line of sight.

His arms were already in motion by the time the Dullahan realized her mistake. With a loud battle cry, Koga swung his blade down and a large Magic Cut of blue flames exploded toward his foe. The curved slash was as big as Koga was tall, and wide as a tree trunk. It charred the grass below as it barreled toward the still moving Dullahan. But Koga wasn't done. Spinning on his feet, he sent a horizontal Magic Cut following after the first. The Dullahan gasped and raised her sword, the aura on it glowing as bright as the morning sun as Koga's attacks hit her...and seemingly did nothing.

Both Magic Cuts passed through her and Nelly without causing any damage. The Knight blinked in surprise as Nelly landed. The horse shook its mane while the Dullahan examined herself. The only thing left over by Koga's attack was a strange blue cross across her and Nelly's bodies. But besides that...

"It didn't hurt?" the Dullahan said aloud. She looked up at Koga who was starting to sheathe his blade. He had dropped out of his stance and was slowly pushing his sword back into its scabbard. Seeing that made the Dullahan blush. She started to get flustered, both hands pressing against her cheeks, "Could this mean that...did you not hurt me on purpose? Did you choose to stop fighting and...if you want to make me your wife then that would be...I mean I still have much to do but I could see-"

"Hellfire Stance," Koga intoned as his guard got close to his scabbard, "Explosive Cut."

*Click*

The crosses left by Koga's attack started to glow a bright azure color. The Dullahan suddenly felt pain begin to swell up in her core. Confused, she placed a hand on her chest while looking down at the cross. It only got brighter and brighter as the second ticked by. She mouthed out, "What is thi-"

Her eyes widened as she realized what was happening.

But by the time she did, it was too late.

Three seconds had passed.

An instant later, the Dullahan exploded. Without even a moment to scream, she and her horse were consumed by an azure firestorm centered directly on her. As the force of the explosion sent shock-waves through the clearing, the Blade Of Salvation came flying out of the firestorm. It flipped through the air, heading straight toward Koga and Selina. Koga fell to one knee as he shouted, "Now, Good Hunter!"

Without hesitation, Selina held out her naked hand and grabbed the Blade Of Salvation once it was in range. The moment her skin made contact-

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA!" a loud, piercing shriek exploded through the clearing. It was so bad that Koga and Matilda had to cover their ears. Selina was the only one unaffected. She used her teeth to remove her other glove then grabbed the hilt of the weapon with both hands. As she did, the Blade Of Salvation continued to scream, "MONSTER! MONSTER MONSTER MONSTER MONSTER MONSTER! WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?! YOU SHOULDN'T EXIST! YOUR EXISTENCE IS A THREAT TO EVERYTHING THIS WORLD STANDS FOR! WHY ARE YOU HERE?! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?! RELEASE ME! OH BY LILITH'S TITS THE PAIN!"

"I was unaware that swords could feel anguish," Selina said, ignoring the Blade's protest. As she increased her grip, the weapon's body began to deteriorate in real time. Cracks started to appear along its edges that eventually expanded to its blade. Blackness began to seep into the red crystal in the center of its guard. The hilt started to crumble underneath Selina's hands while its purple sheen withered away.

"Waitwaitwaitwaitwait! If you do that, you'll be killing thousands of Mamono!" the Blade's words actually gave Selina pause. She loosened her grip but didn't let the sword drop to the ground. Seeing that it had a chance, the Blade continued, "When I was turned into a living weapon, it did more than just give me my current abilities. All those who fell by my blade before Lady Druella saved Lescatie were resurrected! Women came back as Dullahans, while men returned as their partially undead husbands! Not only am I connected to those I have saved today, but all those who died to me in the past as well. If you destroy me, you'll be killing them all. Husbands and wives, all dropping dead and leaving their children without anyone to guide and protect them."

"Don't listen to its lies, Good Hunter," Koga panted out, drained from using his technique, "It will say anything to save its hide."

"It is not a lie," Matilda called out, wincing at her own voice. She waited until the ringing in her ears stopped before she continued, "Everything it has said is the truth. I can attest to it."

"How do you...you! You're a Living Doll!" the Blade sounded surprised, "But...but you're different. How are you...what happened to you?"

Matilda placed a hand over her heart, "I was once part of the Sabbath, and was sent to do something terrible to the children of the Good Hunter. I failed. But in return I was enlightened to something far more beautiful. And allowed to live alongside the Good Hunter."

The Blade spoke to Selina again, "I...I don't understand what she's saying. But it sounds to me like you let a Mamono live. If that's the case, and you truly do not hate Mamono, then please! Let me go! Not for my sake, but for the sake of all those who I have saved! Please! See reason!"

Selina remained silent for a long time, her expression unreadable. She was quiet for so long that the sun was beginning to fall behind the horizon. It was its orange light shined down on on her head, she spoke, "If you wish for me to let you go, then you must promise me something, Blade Of Salvation."

"Yes! Anything! Anything that's in my power to-"

"You must stop."

The Blade went silent.

Selina continued, "You must stop trying to 'save' people. Your methods of 'saving' others, only causes pain. Could you not see it in how hard Koga fought against you? Could you not see it in the eyes of those you have defeated before him? Did you ever think that, perhaps, that person's hatred of Mamono is in someways warranted? Did you ever think that not everyone wants nor needs to become a Mamono? That all you're doing by trying to 'save' others, is trapping them in a prison that they can never escape from."

The Huntress brought the blade up to her face. Her black eyes met the now black jewel that sat in the center of the guard, "If you wish for freedom, then promise...no, swear an oath to me. An oath that you will not try to 'save' anyone in this way ever again. That you will only ever go after those who truly wish for your salvation. Those that give their explicit consent to it. Not simply those who happen to harbor hatred in their hearts. Please. That is all I ask."

The Blade was silent. As was everyone else in the clearing. Koga watched the sword, his own eyes narrowed in suspicion. Matilda had her eyes closed while one hand held their horse's reins. Selina didn't once take her eyes off the Blade Of Salvation. An errant breeze blew by as the Huntress and the Blade stared each other down.

Then the Blade finally answered, its voice filled with regret, "I cannot do that. I am sorry. But something like that is impossible for me. Letting someone retain their hatred for Mamono, no matter how small, after knowing all the wonderful things they can do for others...it's simply too cruel."

Selina lowered her eyes, but nodded solemnly, "I see. Then, I too, am sorry. For that means I can't let you go."

Her grip on the Blade's hilt tightened again.

This time there was no screaming. The Blade remained silent as it accepted its fate. The cracks along its blade grew wider and wider. The crystal began to crack and shake in the guard. The hilt creaked louder and louder. The sword was pushed to its breaking point...then over it.

Then with a loud CRACK the Blade Of Salvation shattered in the Huntress' hands. Its blade, crystal, and guard turned to dust. The only thing that remained of it was the hilt.

----------------------------------------

"...Looks like she did," Archibald stretched his arms out as he lay his head in his wife's lap, "Just like you said she would."

His wife, a Banshee named Aghna, leaned over to look him the eyes. Tears were streaming down her face but her expression was one of peace, "You can feel it then? Lady Hel calling you back?"

"Yep," Archibald yawned while placing a hand over his heart, "This stopped beating a few seconds ago. And I'm starting to feel really cold despite laying against the warmest thing in the world."

A mirthless chuckle left his mouth. Aghna chuckled with him, running one of her pale hands down his cheek. He leaned into it as he lost feeling in his right arm. His sky blue eyes looked up into her pale dead ones, "Do you think that this could've been avoided? If the White Lilim had heeded your warning?"

The Banshee grimaced and shook her head, "No. For this was not the work of Lady Druella. It was but one of two possible endings. Both equally tragic. This one less so."

"Hard to believe the ending where I can't see you anymore is the less tragic one," Archibald chuckled while his lower half started to turn to dust. He used what strength he had left to reach his left arm up and cup his wife's cheek in his hand. Tears stained his cheeks but he still smiled, "But I guess there is a bright side. If I'm lucky, Lady Hel will reincarnate me here. And we can meet each other again."

Aghna said nothing in response. She simply smiled at her husband before leaning down and giving him one last kiss on the lips. He returned it, both closing their eyes and holding each other as he began to disappear. By the time the sun had set in the distance, her husband's body was gone. All that was left was dust. Dust that floated up into the sky and formed a column that rose above the clouds.

And it was but one of many that could be seen across Lescatie.

The Banshee stood and wept.

She wept for her husband, lost to the stubbornness of a living weapon.

She wept for the other husbands, those who now joined hers in the afterlife.

She wept for the Mamono, now without husbands to warm their beds at night.

And she wept for the future...for she knew that this was only the beginning.