The castle trembles harshly as Alice sprints through the spiral staircase! She bursts through a wooden door and arrives on the second floor! Her heart nearly explodes from out of her chest as the calling of Annabelle gives her the strength to keep going!

She stands in the castle's ballroom, an open, empty space with one side having huge, intricate windows that span across the entire side of a wall. The moonlight shimmers throughout the ballroom, encasing the armor sets placed in each corner in a dazzling glow as the harsh raindrops slam across the windows.

"Alice!" Annebelle's voice becomes clearer!

With the sounds of multiple metal footsteps coming from the staircase, Alice dashes across the black and white tiles and readies for a strike!

However, just in the nick of time, her ears pick up on something and she instinctively jumps back!

The floor shatters in front of her as a pumped-up Roy comes out of the hole! He completely towers over her with his sheer mass and bulk as he closes the distance and throws a punch! Alice crosses her arms to block, but with the force of a raging bull, his fist connects and Alice is thrown across the ballroom! Her entire back slams into the wall, smashing it to pieces as Alice drops onto the floor, lying defeated.

Amidst the pain and agony, Alice grits her teeth and slowly gets back up. Her entire vision is nothing but a blur, with her head swaying from side to side like a ship in a heavy tide.

Her wounds carry a heavy toll on her body, the sensation of her blood running along with her skin burns like a flame. She breathes her dying breath, with Alice's shoulder nearly falling off, her eyes transport her back into the ballroom.

"Drop your sword and your punishment will be quick!"

Many knights surround every side of the room, she takes a glance to find every escape option no longer available.

She can no longer escape, she has to fight her way through or be killed by the hand of these monsters.

And with the aching pain engulfing her body as a reminder, her chances of victory are next to none, she's backed up into a corner. . At this point, any sane person would just give up and let fate take its course, with the odds stacked against her, fighting back will only make her death more painful.

She knows this to be true, painfully true. These words have come to haunt her every waken day, every day she is ostracized from the rest of the knights, every day she is forced to carry the burden of hers and her sister's upon her shoulders, every day the edges of a dagger appears more tempting than ever before, every day has been an uphill battle, with Alice constantly getting kicked down that hill.

If her situation isn't worse enough, Yokubo's three vanguards stand in front of the knight carrying Annabelle. Their shadows tower over Alice's slumped-up body as their wry chuckles mark the end of her escape with Annabelle.

Despair envelopes the room as the moonlight disappears from the room. They stand confidently, knowing full well the leverage they have on her. One of them would be more than enough to beat her, let alone her injuries which weigh her down.

"Hehehe, well look who we have here. A traitor amongst the knights, a failure of a knight who can't even get the job done, how shameful," Mask remarks as he excitingly sharpens his claws.

"I can't wait to see the look on your face when I cut you to pieces, I want you to make the same expressions your grandpa and grandma did when I ripped them in half. . Hahahaha!"

Roy cracks his neck and knuckles.

"No hard feelings puny one, but your death won't be an easy one."

Leonardo steps up, and holds the handle of his sword, he stares deeply into Alice for quite some time, before he speaks. Unlike the others, Leo almost seems hesitant.

"Seeing you grow throughout the years has been a ride, to say the least, you were much weaker back then . . but the look in your eyes has never changed since day one. It was clear that one day, we will be clashing blades with one another. That's why we trained you, for this one fateful duel."

His eyes glare onto Alice as he sheathes his blade, and takes a stance.

"Now Alice, show me what you're truly made of. Show me the warrior spirit that lies within you, show me what you've made until you draw your last breath. Until you die by my hands, the hands that bested your father."

They all step forth and prepare themselves for the upcoming battle.

With cold blood dripping from off of her face, death is inevitable.

Alice's body becomes unstable, on the verge of falling. Her sword starts to slip out of her hands as her body craves eternal slumber. The cold breeze hugs her tightly, whispering the time she has remaining.

Her sister flails and thrashes in the knight's arms.

"Run Alice! Run!"

She manages to slip one of her arms and desperately reaches for her sister! From amidst her desperation, she calls out to her sister, her voice filled with the utmost heartbreak and sadness.

"Run Alice . . . Please run away. ."

Witnessing her sister leaves her on the verge of crying. Her heart begins to race, but her fragile body leaves her powerless to do anything. Powerless and helpless, just like that night. An overwhelming amount of emotions flooded her broken heart as she breaks down, some of the relief, some of the happiness, but especially of sadness. As she knows that the reason why Alice would be even here in the first place, is because of her . .

"Leave me here Alice . . I'm already dead . . Can't you see . ."

Annabelle can not run, she can't fight, and even if Alice somehow manages to escape with her, she'll only serve to slow her down.

She's nothing more than dead weight, and with her heart beating slower by each day, and the nights becoming colder, she doesn't have much time left . .

It's too late to save her now, she has gone past the point of no return . .

The somber of the silent wind leaves her with a bittersweet smile, although she didn't tell Alice this, she knew she wasn't going to make it to past this week.

Her body is already beginning to fail her, her eyes have started to go blurry, her body is becoming unresponsive, she's beginning to suffer more heart attacks by the day, and frankly, her spirit has been broken beyond repair. This was the life she chose, she knew she was going to die inside these castle's walls, but it was worth it if it meant saving her sister from the same fate . .

"Thank you . . . . Thank you for remembering me . ." Annabelle almost cracks a smile as a tear of joy slips off her face.

Both tremendous happiness and sadness envelopes her soul, in just the blink of an eye, Annabelle had the fortune to witness her sister grow up so fast; even to the point of questioning herself if this was how it was like to have a child. Extreme gratitude surfaces on her face as she recalls all the fond memories she's experienced with her sister, from the moment Alice was born inside their house to the present day, not once has Annabelle ever gone a day without being grateful to have such a wonderful family and a sister who she loves dearly with all her heart.

She wishes she could spend more time with her sister, more happy times, but alas, she knows her wishes are but a mere fantasy, and does the only thing she knows will save her sister from a life of torture.

She stops resisting and reluctantly clings onto the knight.

"But this is where I belong Alice, there is no place for me outside these castle's walls. We both know it . . my time is up, Alice. Run away and live your life, enjoy life for the both of us, don't lose your chance because of me. I'm already one foot in the grave, and the last thing I want is to become the very reason that kills you. . . So please . . . I'm begging you, Alice . . . Please run away. ."

The knights slowly get closer towards Alice, but Leonardo commands them to stop with just a hand motion, letting the two sisters have their final moments.

After the pleading of her sister's words, Alice is left at a loss, not even sure anymore if she can still carry on.

She knows the position she's in right now, better than anyone else, Alice knows that the only way she'll have a chance to live, is if she runs away. She's not delusional, she knows she'll most likely die if she stays and fights. The real world is nothing compared to the fairy tales her father would read to her at night. Her story is the one tale, where the knight dies trying to rescue the princess from the scary dragon, there will be no happy ending this time around . .

But regardless, as the seconds go by in complete silence, Alice does not budge.

She remains there, standing firmly in front of her demise. Staring at death right in the eye. Her hands fidget harshly as a tear escapes her eye. Her nerves are starting to get to her, but despite the adrenaline rush, Alice lets out a heartbreaking smile.

Even with the odds stacked against her, even with her death almost inevitable, Alice is willing to take her chances. She'll fight a whole army, endure the toughest of punishments, and walk towards the end of the Earth for her sister's sake. They've both been on this journey together, leaving her sister here was never an option.

Alice gathers her strength and takes a battle stance.

" Just wait a little while longer sister."

Her smile brightens as the tears start rolling.

"We'll both be free . . . just like I promised."

Alice has made up her mind now, no force on Earth will change her mind.

Annabelle's eyes widen, she quickly shakes her head as panic spreads across her entire face! She begins to talk, but one of the knights quickly ties a cloth around her mouth, before moving her away from the action.

The three vanguards seem rather pleased with her decision, showing them once again her unyielding spirit.

One knight gestures to the rest of the knights to ready their bows.

"Take aim! Ready!"

Leonardo raises his sword in the air to signal the start of the battle!

"Such admirable courage Alice, show us what the top knight can do!"

As soon as Leo's sword goes down, all hell will break loose. All the archers and knights stand ready, upon his signal.

Alice's grip tightens as her breathing becomes steady.

" . . . I'm planning to . . ."

As soon as the lightning strikes! Leo directs the sword towards Alice! All three vanguards charge straight towards her! All the archers let their arrows cut the air as several knights charge at Alice from all angles!

Alice's body tenses up as she braces herself for the in-coming swarm of enemies!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meanwhile, inside the audience hall.

Dust falls from the chandelier as sway back and forth from the commotion in the hallways. Several screams arise beyond the doors, uttering their final cries before they let out a dying gasp, proving much-needed music into the quiet room.

Yokubo waits patiently, tapping his sharp, black nail onto the throne's hand to buy some time. Rather than seeming concerned about his men getting slaughtered behind those doors, Yokubo takes the time to gaze into the windows. Delighted with today's weather.

Not long after, the final steam echoes across the hallways, before it all turns into complete silence. Yokubo abruptly stops his finger, and his gaze suddenly shifts to the two massive doors.

A smile creeps along his face.

With the appetizer now over with, it is time for the full course meal . .

The two doors begin to move, echoing the creak as the margin gets larger. Light begins to seek through the doors, stopping directly beneath Yokubo's feet. Just as the doors open closely, a shadow invades the room.

The air grows stale; Yokubo's grin rises as his guest makes his grand appearance.

Axel stands in the middle of the entrance, with steam coming out of his nose as blood drips from the severed arm inside his mouth. Multiple corpses lie on his back, all mutilated and dismembered. Axel matches the warlord grin as he makes his way towards Yokubo, shaking off all the corpses one by one and spitting out the arm onto the carpet.

The storm rages on as the two finally meet each other, from one monster onto another.

"Ah, so you're the one causing havoc around my territory, the traitorous hero. I hope you enjoy the welcome party," says Yokubo, initiating the conversation.

Axel snickers, with all of his minor wounds healing up.

"It was quite welcoming, but sadly you have no one else to back you up, you're the only one left, not quite smart if you ask me."

Yokubo chuckles, pushing his smile to the absolute maximum. He doesn't appear to be concerned in the slightest as Axel points out the obvious.

"Humans are easily replaceable, mere ants getting stepped on by two goliaths such as you and I. Their only purpose in life is to satisfy us, the superior beings."

Yokubo stands up from his throne.

"I know why you're here, to kill me, isn't that right?"

Axel smiles wryly, lifting one hand towards Yokubo.

"Hehe, that's right."

A fireball sparks in between his hand, Yokubo lifts his arms to the sides.

"Then may I suggest a proposal?"

The room goes silent, and Yokubo leisurely walks down a few pairs of stairs knowing he's grabbed the reaper's attention until he's on equal grounds with Axel.

"The world has labeled you a monster Axel, but one thing you must know is that I'm a monster too. I know the struggles you're going through, I probably know you better than anyone in the world does. You and I might not be so different after all."

Axel's fireball starts dwindling, as his arm slowly goes down by Yokubo's persuasive voice.

"We're both deemed monsters, we both kill without hesitation, we both do whatever the hell we want, we Axel, are the same, we are not bound by society or pitty emotions anymore, we have broken the shackles of our humanity."

Yokubo's voice starts to slowly rise.

"We shouldn't be fighting Axel, we are brothers in arms. This is why I have a proposal for you."

Axel's eyes are peaked in interest, no longer gazing at Yokubo with those bloodthirsty eyes of his.

"Join me, Axel. I hate this kingdom just as equally as you do. With our powers combined, we can shake this nation to its very core and drown it with fear. I can give all the power, wealth, and women of the world if you so desire! It's as easy as snapping a finger, all you have to do is join me. How does that sound?"

Yokubo lays a tempting offer on the table, Axel seems pleased with everything he's been overall hearing.

"I like it."

They both appear to see eye to eye.

"I like it a lot."

Yokubo begins to speak with a delighted expression, but Axel cuts him off.

"However, I only have one purpose in this world, and that's something you cannot offer."

Yokubo's pupils shrink, not expecting this outcome to arise.

"What is it that I cannot offer?" He asks.

Axel smirks, "it's simple, I want revenge. ."

"Then we can go on this revenge quest together," he offers. Axel simply snickers and shakes his head.

"No . . . I walk my own path, alone."

Axel gets ready to attack as Yokubo lets out a sigh and frowns.

"That's such a shame."

His eyes dart back onto Axel and that sinister smile creeps back.

"To kill someone with such great potential."

Axel jerks his head in curiosity.

"What makes you say that? Overconfidence or stupidity?"

Yokubo lifts his arm and taps the side of his head closest to his eyes.

"I have a useful ability. The King's eye, I can see all your stats on display and measure them to mine."

"And what does that mean?" Axel asks.

Yokubo grins from ear to ear.

"It means this battle was already over before it even started. ."