(First off, yes, I was inspired by a certain story. It was totally worth it, too. Second off, I really tried to find a villain Disney song for this to work. In the end, I decided to go with RWBY. I hope that is fine with everyone. If anyone has a suggestion for a better Disney villain song, let me know! I am curious about what people think! Enjoy!)

"Oi! Wake up, ya baker!" Duncan's loud voice echoed in Francis's head.

He felt a sharp pain at his back before crying out. He opened his eyes and found his face resting on Rajesh's lap. He shot up and scurried away only to find himself into the arms of Duncan who raised a brow at his behavior.

"What is this?" Francis asked in disbelief as he found himself around the Princes of Spade as well as a few more familiar faces, "What happened? Where am I?"

"I believe that should be my line, baker" Duncan said seriously, "My little brother was with you last and he's nowhere to be seen. Where is he?"

"Ses frères? Mon dieu! Arthur est un prince! Tu es son frère!" Francis exclaimed as he bowed his head to them and realized that Arthur wasn't with him at all, "Arthur wasn't with moi? Then, where is he?"

Duncan growled in frustration as Francis turned his attention to Rajesh who was tending to his unconscious little sister!

"What happened?!" Francis exclaimed until he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Roderich!

"She's fine. You were in a similar state as her. She'll wake up with Yao's skills" Roderich reassured him before he sent a glare to Duncan, "Better than his idea, mind you"

Francis raised a brow as Yao answered annoyed, "His bright idea was to get a pot of hot water and dip your hand in it. This would make you wet yourself"

The baker raised a brow and held an expression of utter bewilderment at the news he received. Though, this did explain why Arthur was used to pranks and roughhousing along with his brutish nature.

"As for what happened to them and you" Rajesh spoke in a pondering tone, "They drank the beverages. It was tainted with something, but I cannot tell you what that is. Only someone of the water element could possibly determine that"

Francis offered, "Let me see it. I should be able to determine the cause"

"Ah, no" Duncan answered flatly, "What's important right now is finding Arthur. Everyone else was accounted for at the party. He's the only person not present and that's a good sign for many reasons. Since you were the last person to be seen with him, we have a different task for ya. You're going to find Arthur"

Surprised by his older brother's declaration, Francis was stunned as he turned his attention to the unconscious guests and knights. Would it be ok for him to leave everyone, including his friends and sister to them? He wasn't confident in their abilities and didn't want to leave his own little sister in their hands.

"What are you waiting for, Francis?" Yao asked as he laid Clarisse on her back and felt her arm, "Get going and save nǐ de ài! We can handle things here! You've left me in charge of your bakery and little sister before. I promise that nothing bad will happen to her"

The baker looked at his chief who held a confident expression. The oldest Prince of Spade waved him off as Francis turned to him.

"Hey, I've had to watch out for four younger brothers. We've got this" Duncan promised with his voice strong yet concerned, "I am trusting you to find our youngest and bring him back to us, ok?"

It was then that Francis realized Duncan's truth. Duncan was terrified that Arthur was not with them. He is their older brother and was his job to watch over them. Since their youngest brother wasn't here, it terrified him. Francis understood that since he took care of Clarisse by himself. He had to do this.

"D'accord" Francis answered with fortitude, "I'll find and bring him back to you safe and sound. I only have one question, where do I start searching for mon petit lapin?"

Duncan snorted at the nickname as Gilbert arrived with a stern expression.

"I saw Antonio with him. I know where they are heading" Gilbert said seriously, "I will go with you. He is our best friend, so we will handle this. You get the people awake and checked on"

It surprised Francis that Antonio was present with Arthur along with Gilbert's concern over the matter. Regardless, Francis agreed with Gilbert.

"We're off! Good luck! We will return!" Francis shouted as he and Gilbert ran to leave everyone in the care of their friends until they were alone, "Do you know why Antonio did this?"

"No, but something isn't right. That much I know" Gilbert answered firmly, "I followed them until Antonio reached the castle's abandon cellar. Neither have come out yet"

Francis's eyes were wide as dread filled his body. A cellar?! If the baker was correct, then the prince was in grave danger! They had to hurry before it was too late!

Arthur groaned as he faintly felt something wet hit his face. He picked himself and noticed water was around him. He quickly scurried from it and saw water was pouring into the cell he was trapped in. How was he in a cell with his phobia?! As much as he claimed that nothing feared him, that was false. Arthur is terrified of the water because he cannot swim. Now, he's in a room filled with it! There was no way he was going to stay here! He picked himself up only to fall and found his ankle chained to a wall! He stared at the chain as dread pooled his stomach. Someone didn't want him to escape his fate with his phobia.

"Well, that took you long enough. I even took a little siesta" Antonio spoke as he was sitting on the stony, cobble steps of the cellar in a laidback manner, "Buenos dias prince Arthur! Did you sleep well?"

The prince scurried away from the Duke of Diamonds who stood up and laughed when he noticed the fear in the prince's eyes as water was spreading through the cell. What did the duke want with him of all people? Arthur couldn't make sense of it, but ever since he crossed paths with Antonio, the duke would always state his distaste for him. Arthur wanted an answer, but the prince realized he could not do that right now. No, he must figure out how to escape, but another dreadful question appeared in his mind.

"Where am I? What happened to me?" Arthur demanded as he felt his hair and tried to think about what happened last night before his eyes were wide, "You... did something to the drinks, didn't you? What happened to my brothers?!"

"Tch, tus hermanos estan bien" Antonio answered with a wave of his hand as he stood up and stretched, "Luckily, they were never my target! It was you, principito! So, in a few minutes, this room will fill up with water, and I know you cannot swim! So, enjoy your last minutes alive!"

Arthur's eyes were wide as he noticed how small the room was and terrified that he was correct about what the chain was for. He can't die here! He couldn't leave his friends and Francis! He wouldn't leave his partner who understood him so well! The prince turned to Antonio to reason with him until his eyes were wide when the pair caught something worth his attention. It was a ring that was cursed was dark magic!

"No! Wait! Antonio!" Arthur shouted as he lunged forward only to fall into the rising water, "That ring! Get it off your finger before it corrupts you!"

The possessed Duke of Diamonds only laughed before mocking in a dark tone and bow, "Pirincipito, no me importa. For you will perish here! With no one to claim the throne, your precious kingdom will fall apart and during the chaos, I will gain mucho dinero y su corazón! Me gusta mucho eso!"

His laughter echoed around the prince as the possessed Antonio climbed the steps to then locking the iron bars that belonged to the cell. The duke twirled the longing keys that can unlock the cell and chain holding the prince. With a flick of his wrist, the duke tossed the keys to the other end of the cell, just barely out of Arthur's reach. Possessed Antonio's laughter was fading as Arthur lunged to fall into the rising water to grab the keys. The prince groaned until he looked at his hands and thought about his magic before shaking his head at the idea. He had lightning magic which was useful in most situations. In this scenario, not so much. He could invertedly kill himself with the water washing over him if he tried to use it to break the chain holding him.

"Am I going to die here?" Arthur wondered in a shaky voice until he shook his head at the thought.

He wasn't going to die here and let the kingdom fall to ruin. No, he was not going to let that happen. He shook his head with new resolve and struggled to find a way to break the chain off his ankle before the water rose to the point where he could not support himself and breath.

"Hurry! I don't know how long he has for!" Francis exclaimed as he and Gilbert ran towards the cellar.

"I know, I know!" Gilbert shouted as they ran around the castle and found the cellar.

Gilbert did stop Francis from charging recklessly into the cellar and hid behind a few bushes. Both nearly gasped at the sight of their close friend, Antonio, leaving it without Arthur.

The Clover prince spoke in disbelief and concerned, "I can't believe it... Why is he doing this?"

"It doesn't matter. We will ask him later" Francis urged as he stared at Gilbert in an almost desperate manner with fear in his voice, "We need to find Arthur. Il ne peut pas nager!"

"Ja, ja!" Gilbert said as he grabbed Francis's arm to calm him down before noticing a window, "There! Be quiet and go through it. I'll ensure that no one else is there"

"Merci, Gilbert" Francis said in utter relief.

They climb through the window and land inside the abandon cellar. Both shared a nod with Gilbert running towards the entrance as Francis ran towards the deeper areas. Francis found the metal bars and grabbed it to give it a shake before realizing that he stepped into the water. His eyes were wide as Arthur hinted to him about his fear of water!

He began to panic as he shook the bars with more strength and shout in a loud and clear manner in search for his beloved partner, "Arthur! Arthur! Are you there?!"

As Arthur noticed the water rising and felt nothing but fear for dying, he felt a jolt of relief when he heard Francis's voice. It was clear and strong as well as giving relief to him.

The prince replied with wide eyes of relief and horror to yell with all his might, "Francis! I am here! But that bastard chained me here! I don't know how to get out of here!"

Francis could hear the panic in his voice as he tried to find a quick and easy solution. He wasn't as strong as Gilbert nor Antonio. He couldn't break down the bars. He thought about Arthur and got an idea when it came to his partner and amazing skills.

"Use your magic! Strike the bars off!" Francis shouted strongly and in a reassuring tone, "Use the full power of it and hit the center of the bars! Don't hit lower! If you need to, aim higher! Do you understand me?!"

"A-alright!" Arthur replied as he turned over to face the bars and calm his shaking breath.

He gathered lighting to his right hand, raised it above his head, and threw a bolt of lightning with all his might to zap the door off! Francis quickly stepped to side and covered his head. The door fell with a clatter as Francis quickly recovered to turn and enter the cell to find a terrifying sight.

Arthur was on the steps of the cell with the water reaching his chest. He was heaving heavily as well as shaking in fear and some relief. Arthur was honestly relieved to see Francis standing there, but with the water ever present, it frightened him completely. Francis didn't waste any time and rushed to embrace and hold Arthur close, only reluctantly pulling away to see Arthur's face and the rising water.

"What do I need to do?" Francis asked calmly as he placed his hands on Arthur's shoulders to give it a soothing rub.

"I am chained to the wall. The key is on the other side of the room" Arthur explained as he leaned into Francis to relax for even a moment.

"D'accord" Francis replied before pressing a kiss to Arthur's right cheek and letting him go to lean on the steps, "Be right back"

He jumped into the water and swam a bit to grab the keys. As much as he didn't want to leave his partner, but he had to grab the keys to then swim to the surface. He grinned to raise the keys to give Arthur relief that the keys were with him.

"Ah! I've got it! Now, hang on, mon lapin! I shall rescue you!" Francis reassured with a wink before taking another big breath before diving back to find Arthur's leg.

He blinked a couple of times until he adjusted to see Arthur's lower half in the water. He swam to him to gently hold Arthur's leg and insert the keys into the lock. With a dull click, Francis freed Arthur and roughly pulled the chain off the leg. Arthur scurried away from the water with a hand over his chest to feel his beating heart. He was at the edge and waited for Francis to surface. Francis dropped the keys and swam up to then crawl to the steps. Arthur wasted no time to grab and help his partner out of the rising water.

Both collapsed outside of the cell and on their sides. They were breathing heavily, utterly exhausted, and still holding their hands. They slowly turned to gazed at each other, relief that neither was harmed throughout that whole ordeal. Francis was the one who sat up and pulled Arthur into a warm embrace despite the water being cold to both.

"Oh, mon amour, I am so relieved" Francis spoke in utter relief and soft tone while running a hand through Arthur's hair.

Arthur finally felt safe enough to cry and be held before speaking in a shaky yet relieved tone, "Thank you, thank you so much. I was .... Frightened. Francis....!"

The prince cried into the arms of his beloved partner. He finally cried out his worries and fears of death. Francis only stroked Arthur's back whispered calm and loving phrases and gave the prince's head kisses. They remained in that embrace, fully relieved that the other was truly safe from harm.

"Well, at least he is still Tony. He even forgot to lock the gate! What a loser! Honestly, he's doomed without us! Right Francis? Oh, I got it" Gilbert commented with a soft and understanding smile before turning around to give them some privacy, "Well, I suppose we can wait a bit. We're not in a rush anymore either. Ja, have your moment"

Once Arthur had calmed down, he sat in front of Francis with Gilbert joining them. Both were alarmed when Arthur confirmed that Antonio was one who brought him to the cellar to drown. However, they were even more alarmed to hear his latter explanation.

"A cursed ring? Does such a thing exist?" Francis asked in fear.

Gilbert crossed his arms over his chest before suggesting, "Well, maybe. Clover isn't known for magic, but I've heard of tales about cursed jewelry. I do not know if that is the same thing as what Arthur is referencing. Do we know anyone else who knows more?"

"Dylan" Arthur answered simply, "And Sean. Both are traversed in areas of dark magic and legends. I am sure they'll know something about this"

Understanding what they need to do, they returned to the castle and found it lively with an anxious atmosphere present. The guards were running about with orders and helping the remaining guests with recovery.

"Well, it looks like they're ok" Gilbert said in relief until a guard approached the trio and bowed, "Ja, ja, tell us where to go already"

Arthur shook his head at Gilbert's lack of manners with Francis only laughing at his friend's manners. The guard carried out his orders and lead them to a private chamber where they were greeted by Arthur's brothers, Clarisse, Yao and João.

"ARTHUR!" his brothers shouted in relief with a crying Dylan hugging him and relieved Liam at his side.

Duncan could finally breathe as he ruffled Arthur's hair. Clarisse rushed to embrace Francis with Gilbert noticing Roderich was not in the room.

"There's a reason for that" Yao spoke as he realized that everyone changed into their regular clothes, "He's with Rajesh, Iryna, and Laura. I believe Duncan should be heading there now as well"

"Aye, aye. That was the deal" Duncan said with a shake of his head before walking away with a relieved expression.

He left the room as everyone turned to the trio. They explained what had happened with Dylan horrified.

"Do you know anything about a ring like this?" Gilbert asked as he leaned against a wall.

Arthur shook his head before concluding something terrible, "I believe he's the one who also attacked Vlad and Lukas. It was Antonio who reported it to us. He must've found the ring that took control of him and attacked them"

A silence fell between them as Francis tilted his head side-to-side with a confused expression.

"What is it?" Clarisse asked curiously to her big brother.

"Excusez-moi" Francis interjected, "I don't know anything about magic. I can barely understand that I have an elemental power, but I am confused about something. Why would Antonio even pick up a ring? What triggered him to behave in such a manner? This is nothing like the friend I had spoken to before the ball"

Gilbert nodded his head in agreement as well with João even more distraught at the situation his brother created. Dylan remained quiet throughout their discussion before realizing something about it.

"A fight broke out near the border of Spade and Deck" Dylan recalled as everyone turned to him, "At first, we believed it to be a fight that had gone out of hand with a fire adding to it as well. Antonio must've saw the fight and rushed to help. He probably found the ring and put it on his finger which led to this. Vlad and Lukas would've rushed to put a stop to fight and fire too. But this is all speculation. Sean's going to have the full story since he is with them and using his magic to heal them. I think we all know what we need to do"

They needed to return to the Kingdom of Spade and find out everything that happened at the border as well as talking with Sean about Vlad and Lukas. However, they would also need a way for Antonio to be with them in order to get that ring off his finger.

João couldn't take it anymore. He had to speak his peace on the matter. Antonio is his brother. He was always there for him and worked to find better lives for themselves. He would see him even giving their food to the local orphanage to help feed and care for some of the kids. This isn't counting the times when he would always help Laura and the kingdom without asking for much when he was working as a knight.

"But can we save him?" João asked in an almost desperate manner, "I know meu irmão. He wouldn't do anything like this! He's fun person! Please tell me we can do something!"

Arthur saw the concern over João's expression. He was deeply worried for his brother. Arthur had been on the receiving end of that kind of care and worry. Recently as well. João has been a good friend to him and would love to talk with him more about their interests.

"I am sure we will find a way" Arthur stated in a promising tone as his brothers were surprised to hear this, "I don't know that solution yet, but I promise we will find a way. There has to be one. I believe in it"

João finally collapsed with Gilbert and Yao catching him. Francis smiled in relief as well. He wanted to find a way to save his friend, and he was sure his love would find a solution.

As for the meeting, Duncan arrived to find Laura in distress with Iryna rubbing her back in a soothing manner. Rajesh seemed annoyed to be the person attending the meeting with Roderich staring at him.

"How's it going?" Duncan asked as he took his seat with them and trying to break the ice.

He noticed that Antonio wasn't present in the room, but he wasn't with his brothers. That was all the relief he would need for now. He waited for his fellow royals to speak on the rather stressful matter.

"Right now, everyone is awake and unharmed" Roderich spoke first in a calm tone, "We can take comfort that no one was hurt"

Duncan couldn't agree more. He knew the beverages seemed odd and refused a drink. He assumed Liam would've picked up on this with his element, and he also believed Dylan would've noticed it too. Though, one was distracted, and the other was exhausted. He would let that go for now.

"You found Arthur, right?" Laura asked nervously as she gazed up at Duncan.

He blinked before laughing to reassure her, "Yes, lassie. He's fine. His still Arthur. We've really got nothing to worry about with him. Thank that baker and Gilbert. They found him"

She visibly relaxed as Duncan noted that she didn't want anything to happen to his brother. He confirmed that she didn't place the ring on Antonio's finger nor wanted this to happen. Yes, the oldest brother did know Laura, but they only corresponded through letters. He didn't know if she was going to attempt anything, or if she had a hand with the ring.

Speaking of the ring, Duncan focused on Iryna. She didn't drink the beverages either that night. He wondered why and if she knew anything about the ring in question as well. They knew of the raids in her kingdom as she tried everything to quell it.

"I don't understand" Iryna expressed in a concerned tone, "How could something like this have happened? We had guards. Everything was checked. What did we miss?"

Duncan also wanted to know that as well. How did the beverages change so quickly? Diamonds was known for their strong constructions, craftsmanship, and grand fields. They weren't known for magic at all. Assuming the beverages were changed due to magic or an element. Unless it was an element. Duncan knew water element could possibly change it, but that would be tricky. That was when the oldest prince's eyes were wide. It was an element, and he was sure he knew of the holder.

"I don't know" Laura expressed with concern, "But as of now, we will need to hold an event to reassure the people that everything is fine. No one was hurt and steps are being made to ensure the people are safe. I do not know where to even start"

Seizing the opportunity, Duncan offered, "Why not leave that to Princes of Spade, Laura?"

Everyone stared at him with curious expressions as the prince held himself with pride.

"You need to fix up things here, Laura" Duncan stated strongly with a grin, "It would be a good idea to take things off your plate and have you help your people here. You need to be there for your people. If we need anything, we can use our magic to reach you to inform you of anything that we need"

Laura was very relieved by his aid as the prince only held a confident expression.

"And what would you have the rest of us do?" Roderich asked as he raised a brow at Duncan, "You seem confident despite not being under the influence of the beverage. Any reason why?"

Duncan shrugged before confirming, "Well, with those I care about safe, I am more relieved than ever! Knowing that Laura is under the pressure should be enough for us to do something and help when she needs it! Speaking of help, Iryna, I think it would be best if you return to your kingdom as well. We need to ensure the boarders to her kingdom are secured"

"That is a sound idea" Iryna confessed with a sigh, "It was the attack at my boarder with yours that caused this. I should do something about it"

Rajesh shook his head to reassure, "No one could have foreseen this, Princess Iryna. It is important that we take the steps to counter it before anything else happens next. I will return to my kingdom to ensure of the boarder to be safe as well. I will assume the Princes of Spade will also have a hand in communication by using their magic, correct?"

"Aye!" Duncan answered with a hearty grin as Rajesh only smiled in reply.

Roderich stood up and took a bow before everyone in the room.

"Then, I believe we have everything we need to ensure of their safety" Roderich announced with a smile, "I'll have Gilbert send word to our kingdom about the situation as well. Vash and Eirika are there and watching over it. For now, we should appear calm and collected before the people. Only speak of this between us"

The rest agreed before breaking off in separate groups. Princess Iryna and Advisor Rajesh departed from the Kingdom of Diamonds. Rajesh had a feeling he would leave to his kingdom before his prince would. Regardless, he trusted the brothers to help him with his prince.

Duncan and Roderich returned to their friends with Laura following them. They entered the private room to see everyone here and calmed down after everything. They exchanged stories and updates before deciding that it would be best for the Princes of Spade, the Bonnefoy siblings, Yao, and anyone else to return to their kingdom.

"You will save him, yes?" Laura asked as she lowered her head and gripped her dress tightly.

Arthur stared at her with a perplexed expression until he recognized her expression and turned to Francis who gave his love a raised brow expression. Arthur's memories flashed back to the baker's expression when he was hurt from Dražen's strike. Giving Francis's hand a squeeze, Arthur approached Laura.

He rarely gave his brothers' physical affections, but he embraced Laura! Everyone stared at the prince who held Laura close who was equally stunned before returning the hug and crying! João was ready to rush to his princess's aid, but Dylan held João's arm back and shook his head.

"I know what you're feeling, Laura" Arthur reassured as he brought her to sit down with him, "You love him, don't you? That's wonderful that you've found love for yourself, my good friend. I know the feeling since I've found it as well. I will do everything I can to save him for you, my friend"

She nodded and hugged Arthur who comforted the princess. Francis only stared at them with a calm expression as Gilbert leaned against his friend. They waited in silence until Arthur gently released the princess who shared a nod. He helped her stand before turning to everyone.

"So, I believe we should return to our home, but most of us are not in proper shape to do so, are we?" Arthur asked as he tried to hide his nervous expression and couldn't face Francis either, "Laura, may we stay here for a couple of days until we depart to my kingdom?"

"Of course. Thank you again, Arthur. I am not sure how I will ever repay you for this but thank you" she said in relief as she turned to everyone else, "You may use your rooms to recover before your departure. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask"

With that, they returned to their rooms with Arthur not facing Francis which hurt the baker a bit. He did have a feeling that the prince was flustered and disappointed with himself about who he is. Francis wondered how he would help the prince open to him again.

"I knew that Arthur was not who he claimed to be!" Clarisse stated as they were resting in their room.

He shook his head at her who went on a rant about how everyone they knew was a member of a royal family. Francis had to laugh at that. Ironic or not, it was a little funny to say the least. He stared outside of the window and wondered something. Antonio wasn't with them. If he wasn't in the castle, where could he be? Now that the baker thought about it even more, João and Laura didn't seem aware of where he was either. Where did Antonio go?

"Stop! No mas!" Antonio shouted as he crumpled to the forest's floor to resist the darkness, "Mentiste! I didn't want to hurt them with my element! How dare you!"

He let out a strangled cry before hugging himself in utter pain. The ring whipped violently to snap the duke in a rough manner. Antonio cried out as the darkness roughly held him down.

"Are you so daft that you fail to comprehend your situation?" the darkness spoke again with annoyance laced in his voice, "Your mind is clear as a meadow, but I assumed it your open views on the kingdoms than your intelligence itself. I plan to destroy them for everything they've done in the past and will do in the future. The purpose for my creation is to bring about the end of the monarchs! I will achieve my goals to no end. I will ensure of it even if your soul will be crushed in the process!"

A violent clash of darkness burst above Antonio who only stared with wide, olive-colored eyes to see the darkness clouding his entire vision! Too weak to resist, the darkness lunged into Antonio who let out a fatal cry before his entire body went limp to the effects of the darkness in the ring. When his body finally rose with his brown hair covering his expressions, but it was no longer Antonio Fernández Carriedo in control. The olive-colored eyes that shown with life and desire to help those important to him changed to burning, destructive Granada colored eyes!

"Ah, it has been so long since I've had a vessel to use" the ring commented as it observed the vessel, "I wonder what I could with this body and the element it holds"

Holding the vessel's hand out, vines began to grow and wrap around a twig. The ring clenched its hand to have the vines crush the twig with ease. It chuckled before standing up and taking the axe from its side before staring at it with much interest.

"And he has all this power too" the ring stated with interest in its voice, "And he's never used it for anything other helping those he cares about and himself? That it is quite sad itself. He should do more with it than that!"

Taking a swing, it struck the ground to have a giant, olive vine grows for it to wrap around a tree and break it in half! Satisfied with the powers and abilities the vessel had, the ring marched forward and found itself staring at the Kingdom of Spade.

"Well, it is time for the show to begin!" the ring declared before slamming the axe and letting it drag against the ground to have vines grow and whip at anything near it.

As it approached the boarder, knights surrounded him with their weapons drawn. Keeping the axe at its side, the ring snickered at their foolish attempt to stand in its way.

"Kill for kill, eye for eye!" it sang in delight as it swung its axe to create vines to whip and hold the knights in the air, "Blood for blood, it's time to die! Retribution tastes so sweet! Gone's the life that he had! Now revenge is all we crave! Retaliation's soon complete!"

The rough, dark green vines suspended the knights as the vessel held out a hand and prepared to snap its fingers to break the knights only for Antonio to rip control of his body back. He weakly held his head in his hand before lowering his hand to release the knights, motioning them to escape. The dark, green vines vanished into dark sparkles as Antonio struggled for control with his thoughts on those he deeply cared for.

"I was nowhere, I had no one, I felt nothing" Antonio replied as he struggled to fight with the ring for dominance over his body, "Not without a choice and not on my own. A princess's diamond brought a brand-new name, but you've stolen everything and now, estoy solo"

He took a few, staggering steps forward into the kingdom as a few people rushed to help him. the duke collapsed on his knees to cough out spots of darkness before covering his mouth to see the darkness dripping from him. Shaking and trembling, the duke would not let this darkness taint the people of Spade. The good people of Spade were concerned and tried to help him with the duke weakly gazing up at them. He felt a wave of exhaustion before shaking his head.

"I had one thing and you've taken it from me" Antiono whimpered in pain as he snapped against the ring, "A few lights, una linda dama! But you've made that end. They are everything to me! To help escape from the pain, and now it is all disarrayed! Me quitaste todo la vida! Me enviaste de vuelta a la nada!"

Refusing to lose its new vessel, the ring snapped control over Antonio's right hand, turned it into a fist, and slammed it against the ground to have vines burst and knock the people away! The vines held the people above as they screamed and cried out for help to be saved!

"Now you pay!/Ahora pagas!" both snapped to each other with Antonio grabbing his wrist to prevent himself from creating more vines.

Forcefully pulling his arm to the ground, Anotnio stared in horror at the vines growing out of control! It wasn't just in strength either! It was the power too! The people were fleeing from him with the vines grabbing them, preventing them from escaping! The ring relinquished control to the duke who released as many people before helping them escape.

"Don't worry!" Antonio reassured as he placed his hands on the vines to control it, "You'll be safe! Prometo!"

Using his element, he receded the vine and released a few people. A little girl was freed from the vines, so he slid across the ground to catch her safely in his arms. Antonio checked and was relieved to see no harm on her. She thanked him with tears on her expression before running to her frantic mother who took her daughter in her arms. They ran away from the vines as Antonio focused his attention on it. He took note of the different sizes and strength the vines had. Twirling his axe in hand and taking a few steps forward, the duke swung his axe to cut down the vines in his path.

"Get out of here! Vete de aquí!" Antonio urged them before a vine approached him with the chopped-up pieces being thrown around him!

Taking a swing, he blocked the coming vine and stood his ground to protect a few people who were recovering and fleeing behind him. Seeing the duke distracted, the ring ripped control from the duke who gasped in pain!

The ring snickered before taking control and taking a step to the side to let the vines grow and grab the people the duke saved with a malicious expression. The ring enjoyed hearing the people screaming and yelling from the powerful vines rising from the ground and breaking through the buildings. The vines continued to grab the people and knock out anyone who dared oppose it.

"Life for life, death for death, tit for tat! Just one last breath!" the ring sang as it swung the axe at anyone who dared approach it, "Absolution's nowhere near! Cue the scene, now it is time!"

The ring raised the vessel's hands upward as it tossed the axe behind it to create a large crack! Numerous vines grew and grabbed the knights to throw them to the ground! The ring let out a chuckle as it swung the head back to observe the destruction it created! It took pleasure at the sights and didn't even bother to recover the axe to use as a weapon.

"Reparation for your crime! Atonement Day is finally here!" the ring cheered before spinning to take steps towards the grand palace of Spade, "I had waited for this meeting, for this moment! Dreamed about the day I'd make your crawl! What a sweet release when you rest in peace!"

Each step the ring took, vines grew and whipped at the people before it let out a laugh and snapped its fingers to make vines appear to strike at the coming guards who stood in its path. Yes, there would be nothing to stop the ring from destroying those who wronged it.

"Yes, vengeance, justice, finally mine!" the ring declared in triumph before swaying its hips to clap and throw its head back, "And I'll watch you fall!"

It waved its hands downward to then have tomatoes grow. The tomatoes were released from the vines and crashed near the people. The tomatoes rolled to crush any obstacle in its path before bursting!

Antonio shook his head at the sight before lunging forward to grab control and hold himself back before casting his element to bring harm to the innocent people. He would not let the tomatoes crush the people nor trample them if he could help them. He disliked the ring for using his powers to create the vegetable that he grew to help him and his brother create a stable life.

"I had one thing, and you've taken it from me" Antonio weakly retorted before pulling himself away from the screaming people who were being helped by the knights, "A few lights, una linda dama! But you've made that end!"

Many fled from the duke who thought of another idea to prevent the ring from harming and causing more destruction to everyone around him. He created a plant that produced a sleeping fruit. If this ring needs his body as a vessel, then the duke would have to render himself useless to it.

Holding the sleeping fruit, the duke prepared to take a bite from it as he vowed, "They are everything to me! To help escape from the pain, and now it is all disarrayed! Me quitaste todo la vida! Me enviaste de vuelta a la nada!"

Knowing the duke was prepared to counter it, the ring prepared to take control back from him and cease his attempts to resist!

"Now you pay!/Ahora pagas!" both snapped to each other the ring grabbing the duke's wrist to prevent himself from eating the fruit! .

The ring crushed the fruit in the vessel's hand to have the juice drip. The ring smirked, impressed with the duke's attempts to stop him, but it would never be enough. Antonio could feel himself getting weaker. He knew it wouldn't long until he collapsed due to exhaustion. He wouldn't be able to hold the ring back. That won't be enough for the duke though, because Antonio would do everything he could to stall it.

"You want to destroy my life. Cause years of suffering" Antonio replied as he reflection on his memories with João, Gilbert, Francis, and Laura to grace his features with a hopeful smile, "Finally, I had a place to go"

Seeing the duke's weakened state and reflecting on his relationships, the ring violently snapped to hold his control on his vessel. Letting out a painful cry to fall in front of his axe with a weakened stare.

"But not anymore! Now, it's a war! There won't be peace! Not until I get what I came for!" the ring sang in triumph as it rose to the vessel's feet and holding itself high to take proud steps.

Feeling too weak to even grab control over his vessel, Antonio knew this was it until his friends and those he cared for could come and rescue him from this fate.

"I had one thing and you've taken it from me" Antonio whispered tiredly as he felt himself completely exhausted, "A few lights, una linda dama. But you've made that end... They are everything to me... To help escape from the pain, and now it is all disarrayed... Me quitaste todo la vida.. Me enviaste de vuelta a la nada..."

The ring ceased taking steps forward and only chuckled when it realized Antonio was finally too weak to resist and fell. Slowly, the ring began to laugh and wave its hands down to its sides to let the vines grow without restraint.

The ring twirled and swayed the hips before clapping along to the knights yelling orders, people fleeing for safety, and destruction of public property all around it. Yes, the ring took delight in this magnificent chaos with the powers slowly returning to it. It was positive that no one could stop it. After all, that method is hard to find since very few believe in the power of it. Taking amusing steps towards the Palace of Spade with the intent of bringing an end to it all and ignoring the duke's final words.

"I had one thing and you've taken it from me" Antiono whispered tiredly as he barely held his consciousness and wishes to his those he loved, "A few lights, una linda dama. But you've made that end... They are everything to me... To help escape from the pain, and now it is all disarrayed... Me quitaste todo la vida.. Me enviaste de vuelta a la nada... Ahora pagas...."

Closing his eyes, trusting his life to them, and his belief that they would stop everything before it falls apart, Antonio closed his eyes and losing complete control over his body to a ring of malice.