I wake up at the training grounds. Another day, another small margine my power grows. I've actually grown a lot since I woke up. Sure it took me a couple of weeks to get back where I was, but now my power has returned in full, with a little more too.

For now though, guy's gotta eat.

I start into town, listening to an instrumental guitar song. I begin to think lyrics as I walk, to go with the instrumental, just to pass the time.

People stare at me, they seem to pierce my soul with their judging gaze.

They,
They think that I'm insane.
But that's not the truth.

They,
They claim they can help me,
They just don't seem to understand.

They, can't comprehend,
The true meaning,
Of this threat.

I continue walking down the streets towards Hellfire. Hopefully M.S. isn't working there today. It's... difficult enough as is to keep going like this. My... feelings for her only make it harder.

As I walk, I see a few of my friends in the crowd, or friends who I'll have to kill in the war. Nothing personal, it just has to be done.

The instrumental picks up, and I continue my lyrics.

They,
Just don't seem to get it.
It's really kinda sad.

They,
Just don't understand,
I'm doing this for them.

Because if I don't,
Stand up to Edgar and Gen,
Who else is going to?

No matter what happens,
I don't care what it takes,
I have to protect them, protect everyone.

I enter Hellfire and order a Blue Flame Cheeseburger to go. I see M.S. in the kitchen. Don't do it, don't you dare.

She smiles sweetly, so very sweetly, and I wave back.

Gods damn it!

The instrumental takes a more relaxed turn. I think up another verse on the spot. This verse comes more naturally than the others.

My precious metal,
Beautiful as shining gold.
I will protect you.

Edgar will never hurt you.
I'm going to erase him,
Just wait a little longer.

When this is all over,
I'll be able to love you.
The day will come soon.

Although let's be honest,
You deserve so much better,
I've been an asshole.

I've been a monster,
It had to be done,
But you shouldn't forgive me.

Find someone better,
Someone who can love you,
Find someone else who's love is true.

M.S. hands me my order. I don't speak, and neither does she. I begin to leave.

Don't look back. Just keep looking forward. You can't get distracted. Edgar has to be stopped.

I leave without looking back and return to my training...

"Well at least we know he's recovered," the King of Hell smiles, "physically anyways."

"If only he'd get better mentally," I reply, "emotionally. I mean, he at least waved to me, but you could see on his face he was instantly mad at himself for it.

"He is still damaged by what he's seen," the King of Hell reminds, "and losing the happy ending was the straw that broke the camel's back."

"True," I reply, "but do you ever wonder, even just occasionally, if there was anything we could've done differently? Anything at all?"

"What would that even be?" The King of Hell inquires, "we did all we could. Some people can't be saved before they snap. Some people don't want to be saved. Some people just can't be saved. At least, not at first glance. Reaper is the second of these two. He doesn't want to be saved cause being saved means he can't save us from the Author. Or, that's how I think he sees it."

"That..." I reply, "makes a lot of sense considering his personality."

"Yeah," the King of Hell replies, "anyways, we should close up. With the festival and all today..."

"Oh," I reply, "right."

"You go on ahead," the King of Hell smiles, "see if Reaper is gonna participate in the festivities."

"Thanks dad," I smile.

"Anytime," he smiles back.

I head outside, and manage to catch up with Reaper.

"Hey Reaper!" I exclaim.

Gods dammit. OK. Guess I'm doing this. Try to act cold, and she'll go away.

"Hey," I greet, hiding the warmth that seeing her brings, the sunshine she is in a literally sunless place.

"I was just wondering," she asks, "if you're gonna be at the festival."

Ah yes, the Hollow War. A battle between all who wish to join in which there are one or two winners. You can team up with your significant other if you like. They tend to set aside an area and place a barrier around it. You in that barrier, you better be ready. May be a good chance to test my abilities, but I won't go out of my way fro it. Especially since R.C. hosts the damn thing.

"Eh," I shrug, "if I'm in the barrier, then whatever."

And he's back to acting cold. Great. Oh well, I know it's an act. I can get through to him. I can see him hiding his smile.

"Alright then," I smile, getting a devious idea, "see you if you're in."

"Sure," he replies, walking back to the training ground.

I call R.C...

I get a call from M.S. Why do I get the feeling it's about Reaper...

...

Oh, of course. Hey readers. Didn't expect you guys, but I guess that's why, huh?

"Hey," I greet, "what's up?"

"Can I attend the meting to determine where he Hollow War is?" M.S. asks.

"Sure," I reply, "but why the sudden interest? I thought you didn't like the unnecessary violence."

"It's about Reaper," she explains, "I'll explain the details when I arrive."

"Alright. See you soon."

"See you soon."

I hang up. I smile and begin to feel excited; like a kid in a candy store. This could be my chance to help Reaper. Maybe I can MAKE him WANT to be saved.

I dash towards R.C.'s castle, with hope in my heart...