Kin paused on his way to the door, tightening his grip on the hilt as he turned. The voice behind him didn't sound very hostile, it had a tinge of regret in it. A slim man with flaming red eyes of a Red Phoenix, black hair, and a resigned expression stepped out of the shadows. The man had a long sword as well, similar in length to his own. But that was not what drew in his eye, it was the tattoo of a dove in flight on the warrior's exposed arm. He had seen this tattoo on his father and Alastor enough times to know what it meant.

"What's a Dove doing working with bandits?" Kin demanded, anger once more heating his blood. "How can someone who swore to uphold the peace help enslave women and sell them like they were dogs?"

The Dove paused, giving the boy another glance. 'That outfit and the way you stand, are you a Dove trainee boy?"

Kin shook his head, moving his other hand to hold his blade ready in both hands. "No, but my mentors were Doves."

The man put his sword away, which confused the youth to no end. "That's even more impressive. Now, you said something about enslaving people. How did you know they were doing that here?"

Kin blinked, still unsure what this man's goal was. "We found the girls when we invaded through the cellar. They are already outside the fort by now and on their way to our camp. They are out of your reach now, bandit."

Then he did something even more unexpected that forced Kin to lower his sword. The man started crying.

"Finally, it's over then."

"What do you mean, you're not going to stop me from opening this door?"

"Shadows no, boy. I was only helping the bandits cause they had my wife hidden with the other girls meant for the market. We don't have time to go into the full story right now. I never would've helped them if they hadn't pressed a blade to her throat. My Kimiko is my whole life."

Relief swelled in Kin's heart as he released his stance, glad he didn't have to fight a Dove. Having heard her name, his mind raced through the prisoners he had seen. "Is she a Blue Phoenix woman, petite with long black hair?"

The grin the warrior gave him was warmer than the summer sun. "Yes! So she was there when you saved the girls?"

Kin confirmed this with a nod. "Yes, she was one of them. She's dirty and she's in ragged clothing but she is otherwise unharmed."

"Thank you, boy. You have saved me from a fate worse than death. It's been two months since I have held her in my arms. Do you need me to help you clear out this rabble? Now they cannot bend me to their will, I would make them pay."

Kin shook his head. "Go check on your wife first, she should know your alright. If you want to rejoin us after, you are welcome too. I could not imagine going two months without seeing the love of my life."

"Smart, kid. What's your name? I want to be able to give you a proper thank you later." The man began to walk the way Kin came.

"It's Kin. Kin Hearthstone."

"Huh, never imagined I would owe everything to Clan Hearthstone. My name is Einar. Tell the head of your family I owe them a favor."

"I'm kind of a rogue Hearthstone." Kin admitted as the man paused at the door. He turned around with a chuckle.

"Well, that suits me fine. That favor is yours to call in, whenever you're in Lakeside City. Fair well, Kin."

Kin watched Einar leave before heading to the door and removing the bar. With his mission complete, he headed back into the main foyer. He followed the path the others had taken earlier, a few passed out bandits. A minute later, he came upon the scene of a battle. Four bandits lay on the ground, one of them was dead from blood loss and the other three were out cold. There were also two of the young townsfolk on the ground. One was a young man, he was dead from his slit throat. He grimaced, what a horrible way to go. There was also a young woman, she was still breathing but it was shallow. The bandit had not known what he was doing when he knocked her out. He hoped Hillevi would be able to save her later.

He rose after inspecting the scene and continued down the path, there was a few spots of blood every few feet. This lead Kin to a spot where he found Signe and most of the remaining invasion force resting. They were tending to their injuries as best they could. Kin did a quick headcount and noticed two of the men were missing. One of them was the one that had tried to stop him and Hugh earlier. Signe looked up at him and gave a faint smile.

"Hey, did you get the doors open?"

Kin knelt and examined the side that she was clutching. He was not a healer but he had seen enough injuries on hunting trips to know this was not fatal. Provided she didn't move around too much of course.

"Yes, the doors are open and with luck our reinforcements should be on their way soon. Where are the other two men that were with you? The ones that had been on guard duty before."

Signe rolled her eyes. "They insisted on checking on the hermit. I tried to tell them he would be fine but they ran off anyways."

Kin sighed and took out a bandage from his belt pouch. "Here, use this on yourself. Try to not move around too much." He rose and looked at the others. "She is in your hands. I'll grab the other two and we will regroup with the reinforcements. I hope they are in better shape than we are."

The townsfolk nodded and stood watching both directions for either threats or allies. Kin took off in the direction that Signe indicted.

***

Kin climbed the stairs and headed to the door where he could hear fighting coming from. There wasn't anyone standing in front of the doors so he poked his head in. Hugh and Colburn were fighting, their weapons moving faster than he could follow. Seeing no one else, he slipped back around the side of the door. This was Hugh's battle. He wouldn't interfere unless the hermit asked him to.

As he approached the stairs, he heard a scream coming from his right. There shouldn't be any fighting coming from that direction. Making a split decision, the youth took off running in that direction. The doors all looked the same on this floor and he wondered if there had been barracks for the Doves.

A minute later, he came across a large open room. The room was bare, not even a carpet on the rough wooden floor. There was another hallway like the one Kin came down on the other side of the room. He only had a moment to take this in though, before he saw two of his allies on the floor. The dark-haired young man with the scar lying in a pool of blood. He could tell the man was dead from his glazed eyes. The young-looking man with gray hair was down on one knee, bleeding from several shallow cuts. He was grasping a sword and raging at the death of the young man beside him. Shame blossomed in Kin as he realized he had not learned the names of these young men and one was dead. He had been so focused on getting stronger with Hugh and Simeon or spending time with Nami. He had only learned Signe's name because she was Hillevi's sister. Then his eye moved to the attacker.

The injured man's foe was making a lazy circle around him. He had a steel longsword in his hand and he doubted it was for show alone. The part that made Kin's blood run cold was the eyes of his enemy. They were the blazing red eyes of a Red Phoenix. From the look of joy on his face as he made another shallow cut on the man's shoulder with a lazy slash, he was enjoying this.

The man was so intent on his victim, he had failed to notice the young swordsman and Kin thanked his luck on that one. He drew his sword and began to walk towards the man. As he got closer he heard the bandit say.

"Well, done screaming are we? I guess I've had my fun. Farewell, trash." The villain brought his sword around in an arc meant to lop off the head of his victim. The man closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

With a shout, Kin dived forward, pushing his sword as far as he could from his body. His sword thrust between the two and there was a crisp sound as blade clashed against blade. The bandit looked surprised as Kin pushed him back with a two-handed swing. The bandit grimaced at the interception.

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"Why did you have to ruin my fun? Had you waited your turn, I would have played with you next, boy. No need to be so impatient."

The guy on his knees spoke next, Kin could tell he was crying. "It's you." He gasped,labouring to get out each word. "I'm sorry we…"

Kin cut him off with a shake of his head, never taking his eyes off the swordsman before him. "No, don't speak right now. You're too banged up. Rest, I'll try to hold him off until help arrives."

He heard the gasp from behind him. "Hold him off? You mean your gonna beat him for us, right?"

Kin shook his head. Even that brief exchange between their blades had told him the difference in their power. "Not this time. From that blow I blocked, I'm gonna hazard a guess that this man is Bjorg, the bandit king?"

His foe gave a mock bow, a smile appearing on his face. "Well, color me surprised. You were able to tell that from one blow? Your something special boy. Since you know my name, I would have yours before I send you to the next life."

His blood boiled in anger at the man's words but he tried to reign himself in. Being impulsive and reckless wouldn't only get himself killed. The man behind him would die as well. Once he had pushed down his feelings, he responded.

"Kin, my name is Kin."

"Kin, eh? That's an ancient name, a strong name. I approve, it suits you. I insulted you just now and you didn't charge me or say something stupid about taking me down. I'm impressed, the young are usually so hot-blooded." He readied his blade. "Enough chat, why don't we move onto the main event?"

"What, no villainous monologue?"

"Nah, not my style."

They both kicked off the ground at the same time, their blades meeting a few seconds later. Bjorg fought with a one-handed style, while Kin employed Alastor's two-handed style. That first blow rang out like a crack of thunder amid a storm. Both of them followed up with a series of ferocious attacks. With each parry and slash, Kin noticed the gap between them closing a little. Not enough to let him win, but this man was not quite on the level of his masters. This brought little comfort to the youth as he was still outmatched.

It didn't take long for Bjorg to force Kin into the defensive, unable to do anything but counter each attack. His heart accelerated as he tried to find some way to even out their battle again. His breathing became labored with each blow. He needed to regain control over himself before Bjorg noticed. Too late though, he noticed he was starting to become sloppy in his panic. Bjorg's sword bounced off the shoulder of his chain shirt. If he had not been wearing that, he would have taken a severe injury. As it was, there was a protest of pain from his limb that made him jump back, raising his blade as he did so.

He tried to regulate his breathing to regain some control over himself. But that wound had only terrified him more. He kept losing focus, imagining what would happen if he lost. Nami's reaction was stuck in his mind the worse this thought brought him some small level of control. His panic lessened, still a presence demanding his attention but he was able to swallow it. To his surprise, Bjorg stood there while he fought inside himself, not moving.

"Why didn't you attack?" The white-eyed youth asked as he began to circle Bjorg.

The bandit shrugged and followed him. "I don't know. I guess I like you kid, I wanna see what your gonna do to try and topple me, despite our difference in strength."

Kin gritted his teeth. He didn't need Bjorg's pity or acceptance. This man was a murderer and a thief and his words made no sense. Hadn't he been making the other men suffer a few minutes ago?

Bjorg interrupted his thoughts with a laugh. "If you're trying to logic out my motives, you can stop now. I do as I please, whenever I please it. Right now, it pleases me to see what you got, Kin. When you stop pleasing me, I'll kill you on the spot."

Kin blinked, unsure of how to respond. He had never met anyone like this villain before. Colburn, at least, had seemed to believe in his mission back in Heartsville. Now he learned that the head of that mission was a wildcard.

"So, wait, does that mean that everything was just for fun? All the raiding and planting of the Shade Shards, that was all on a lark?"

Bjorg shrugged. "I was bored. I had time to kill after all."

After saying this, Bjorg resumed the fight and their blades clashed again. Kin fought to try and control his fear as the fight continued, parrying each blow. He did his best to not give the bandit another opening. Having made one mistake though, his defense was not as disciplined as before. More than once, he had to jump out of the way of a slash he couldn't block in time. Each block and dodge were taking their toll. His breathing grew ragged and his sword's weight was becoming more obvious. Then it happened.

It wasn't even Bjorg's doing. Kin's left foot slid as it landed on a rough spot. Kin lost his balance for a brief moment but that was all it took. Bjorg didn't miss his chance and swung at the youth. The blade connected with his chain shirt. The item held firm, somehow, but that didn't shelter him from the force of the blow.

He fell onto his back, the breath knocked out of him. Brown spots swam before his vision as he struggled to regain his wind. As his vision cleared, a dark shadow loomed over him. Bjorg was looking down at him.

"Is that all you have, Kin? I'm a little disappointed. Ah well, this is goodbye."

He brought his sword up and Kin closed his eyes as he waited for the end. The sharp pain he was expecting never came though. Looking up, he saw the injured man he had been defending was standing between them. He held the hilt of his sword in one hand and the other was pressed against the blade, supporting the block. Before he rolled away and climbed to his feet, he could see the blood leaking from his ally's hand. As the swordsman regained his feet, he exclaimed.

"No, he's gonna kill you now."

The Red Phoenix townsman looked up at Kin with tears in his eyes as he somehow managed to push Bjorg back. "I had already given myself up for dead before you arrived. I've returned the favor. You have to live, Kin."

Bjorg snarled as he knocked the sword of the man aside and skewered him in one swift motion. "If you're done, I'm over this conversation."

He then kicked the young man off his sword. The blow much have been pretty strong as the body flew and slammed into a wall with a thud. To Kin's shock, the wall collapsed under the man's weight.

"Well, that wasn't supposed to happen."

Bjorg sounded very upset as the contents of the room beyond came into view. Shelves upon shelves of the dark Shade Crystals sat, ready for use. The very sight of so many of the foul things in one place flipped a switch in Kin and he turned to glare at Bjorg. Then he felt a pressure in his head again, the same as the one he had felt back at the temple, and heard the same voice.

'We meet again boy. So much darkness in one place, it's like a beacon to me. But I don't like what this man is doing. The suffering, the pain, all it. You must defeat him.'

Kin blinked as he looked around to see where the voice was coming from. "It's you again? Where are you?"

Bjorg stopped his advance on Kin. "What is it, who are you talking to?"

Kin turned to look at the bandit king. "You can't hear the voice?"

"No, that fall must rattled your brain lose. Don't worry, I'll silence the voice for you."

Bjorg tried to rush Kin but he felt his arm move on its own. He blocked the incoming blow and his other hand slammed into the bandit's chest. This send him flying backward. The voice in his head continued.

'How rude! We're having a conversation, get lost bug.'

To say he was freaking out about his body moving on its own would be an understatement.

'What was that? What do you want with me?'

'Good, you are learning. If you direct your thoughts to me, I can hear you as well as if you speak aloud. I cannot allow him to have his way with you while we speak. Though I do apologize for using your vessel without permission.'

'Vessel? Do you mean my body? Also, how can I defeat him? He's too strong.'

'Perhaps, perhaps not. I'm fuzzy on the details too. Now listen, I haven't much time left. There is more than one way to win. He might win this battle, but he must lose the war.'

Kin's eyes snapped to the crystals while Bjorg was standing up from the attack.

'Good, lad. He can't complete his mission without those. Do what you must. I hope you survive, young warrior. If you live, we will speak again one day.'

Then the pressure in Kin's head was gone. So many questions reeled in his mind but there would be no answers for now. Bjorg pointed his blade at the young swordsman.

"What was that, Kin? That burst of strength? And why were you talking to someone that wasn't there?"

Kin shrugged. "Sorry, I'd like to know that myself."

The bandit snarled and charged. "Then, let's finish this. You're beginning to bore me."

Kin met the blade of the bandit king with a sharp sound that reverberated around the room. The man started his assault again, forcing the youth on the defensive. As they fought, his eyes scanned both his foe and his goal. He started to move, trying to get his back to the crystal room. He managed to get about halfway turned around before there was a grunt from Bjorg. He jumped to block his access again.

"Alright, so I underestimated you, boy. You are quite devious in your way. Are you sure you don't want to join me? We could take the whole world together."

Kin blanched, bile biting his throat at the very thought. "Not for all the riches in the world, Bjorg."

The man nodded. "I thought that would be your response."

Without a further word, the bandit king stepped in and they started clashing once more. Frustration had built up in him through this entire fight. He had been played with, insulted, and the one he had stepped in to save might be dead. He had one sure-fire way to end this, but did he have the nerve to do it? He thought of his family waiting at home. Images of his twin sisters asking him to play with them flashed before his eyes. Next, he saw his mother, the gentle golden-eyed woman holding her arms for a hug. Then, he saw his father, arms crossed with a smug smile, a thumb held up to show his support. Then he saw Nami, her eyes burning with passion as she held her hand out to him.

He gulped down the urge to cry, he was doing this for them. Those Shade beasts wouldn't touch anyone again. He gritted his teeth and surrendered any defense, attacking Bjorg with a vicious howl. The bandit blinked at the shift and was unable to block as Kin slashed his left bicep. The villain jumped away from the crazed attack, giving him the opening he needed.

Kin winked at the bandit king. "Checkmate, Bjorg."

He then hurled his sword into the room with the crystals. As the sword flew through the air, time seemed to slow down. The bandit king roared in anger and terror as he stepped in and struck Kin in the chest with his blade. The armor once again held up, but Kin fell to the floor once more. The sharp pain in his chest told him something was broken and he coughed, something wet came out of his mouth. He glanced over and as he feared, it was his blood. Then the sword struck the crystals and there was a flash of dark purple light.

***

Kin lay on his back, his eyes able to see the wreckage of the crystal room. To his delight, not a single one of the Shade Shards were intact. He heard footsteps beside him and turned his eyes to look at Bjorg, who was glaring down at him in anger.

"So, that was what you were doing. You wrecked my supply of crystals. I admit I didn't think a swordsman would throw his sword away like that. I guess I'm done here, so I'll be taking my leave. But, this is goodbye Kin. You were more fun than I thought."

He raised his sword again to bring it down on the youth. Kin closed his eyes, a bit of blood already leaking from his mouth. He said a silent goodbye to everyone as the bandit brought the sword down on him. The blow didn't come yet again. There was the sound of footsteps coming from the door. He opened his eyes and looked at what had forced Bjorg to stop. The sword was being pushed away from the youth by an invisible force of some kind. Unable to process on what was happening, he turned towards the newcomer. Hugh was walking into the room, his body cut in several places but his ax was resting on his shoulder. His figure shimmered with a faint silver glow. One of his eyes was caked shut by blood from a wound above it.

"Good job, lad. I'll take this from here. You rest."

Kin forced a smile and nodded, too tired to speak. Darkness claimed him as he lay his head down on the floor.