Okay, devoted readers, sorry for the wait, but here is the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Zatch Bell is the property of Makoto Raiku.

Chapter 12

The unleashed energy charged the air around us. The noise and chaos of the battle stopped suddenly and silence reigned for a fleeting moment. I looked around me, trying to stay on my feet. Bao Zakeruga always took a lot out of me. My chest heaved with the excruciating effort of breathing. I leaned against Zatch, managing to look around at our allies. Everyone seemed to be barely standing, except maybe Brago. All those on our side were bleeding, bruised, and looked like the lucky few that managed to survive in a combat movie. I felt Zatch lean against me until we were both holding each other up.

The entire castle was wrecked. Bao Zakeruga had literally disintegrated the roof, and now the moonless night occupied the space above us. The walls enclosing the room were gone, and ultimately, the once majestic castle lay in complete ruins. The partygoers, which had been stationed in the middle of the room, had been released by Li-en and Wonrei and were now quickly dispersing in one fluid movement. It didn't seem like any of them were seriously injured, unless the terrified expressions on their faces counted as such.

It felt liberating to be done with the battle, but I still had plenty of unanswered questions. I most wanted to know how the heck the mamodo returned in the first place. And why, for that matter. There was only one person who could give me those answers.

I looked toward the stage, which miraculously still stood, wincing at the pain that the simple gesture caused. A figure was strewn on the floor, face down. Kory lied deathly still, not even a twitch to indicate he was still alive. Not good. I tried to muster the energy to move toward him, but instead I collapsed. Slowly, Zatch pulled me up.

"Are you okay, Kiyo?" he asked, concern dominating any other emotion in his golden eyes as it always did.

"I'm fine," I lied, gritting my teeth against the pain. "We have to…go see…if Kory is...alright," I told him, managing a small smile as he began helping me forward. Everyone else followed me once they were sure all other bystanders were out of the building. Megumi and Tia hovered close by, and I felt an arm latch around my torso, keeping me steady.

I clenched my jaw in an attempt to hold back any sounds that might give away my agony. As we carefully picked our way through the destruction, my vision began to blur. Every breath, every step, suddenly brought on a fresh onslaught of acute torture to my failing body. I fought to keep my hold on consciousness, willing the dizziness and distress to fade. It was no use. I felt the darkness quickly gaining ground, pushing my feeble efforts to stay awake back with more force every time.

"Kiyo!" I heard Zatch's distant voice calling to me, his own cries soon echoed by the rest of the crew. "Kiyo, we're almost to Kory. Please stay awake for a little longer."

I'm trying, I tried to answer, but all that came out was a gasp or something to that effect. Even though I still stood, I couldn't remain conscious any longer. Slowly and unwillingly, my wavering ties to reality broke and I drifted. Away from the battle won. Away from awaiting answers.

This chapter was extremely short, but I really like the way it turned out, so let me know about your thoughts on it! Review!

Cocoacharm15