One last aura. One last foe before the festival actually starts. This part is actually just for kicks. Winner gets to be the guest of honor, so if I win...

No. I should leave and train. Even if I win, I have to be ready to protect them. I have to be stronger. I know the Void War is soon. I just don't know HOW soon. If I'm not ready then-

"Hey Reaper," M.S. grips my hand, distracting me from my thoughts before they begin to spiral out of control. They do that when I train sometimes. It just sorta happens. If I focus to much on the Author I can have... anxiety issues. "What's your plan after we win this thing anyways?"

"Train," I reply, "fulfill my role."

Ugh! He's at it again! Why can't he just be himself again!?! Did loosing our happy ending that much? I have to at least try to buy some time. Stall him from going back to the training grounds. I know he's in there somewhere, and I've seen his true self shine through. If I can just get more time with him...

I have an idea.

"Why not come to the festival?" I smile, "could be fun."

I should say no. I know I should, but looking into the eyes of my Precious Metal, I can't seem to do it. I should just say no, but I can't do it. She deserves better than that. Better than me...

"Why not go with someone else?" I ask, "I'm sure there's tons of guys who'd love to go with you."

"Is that what you think?"  I ask, shocked.

"Look," Reaper's expression softens, he turns away, the look on  his face appears sad and hurt, "you can do better, and I'm busy with the Author Slayers. You deserve better."

"Reaper," I smile and grab his  other hand, "you know that's not what I want. You are good enough for me. You just need to be like you were, before all this."

"I have to keep training," Reaper sighs, "I still have to."

"But do you have to today? If we win, we'll be the guests of honor! Come on, it'll be fun! It's just one day anyways, and so far, you've already spent some of it with me, why not spend the rest with me?"

"I..." he hesitates, "fine, but only if we BOTH survive against this last opponent."

"Really?" I smile with hope in my eyes.

I know better than to do this, but I love her to much than to ruin her beautiful smile.

I kiss her on the cheek and smile at her. I hug her and reply, "I promise. Now, come on, let's figure out who we're up against."

Holding hands, we enter the park, which is decorated with skeletons conjured up by necromancer, bat streamers, and decorative fake ghosts. In the center, in a white robe, stands the father of the Unwinged Angel. He turns and smiles at us, standing above us at ten feet tall, and wielding a powerful, holy aura.

M.S. and I exchange a look. We both know we're in deep shit.

The King of Heaven is our final opponent...