Disclaimer: Clamp owns all of the characters involved except the ones I invented. Oh, and Betheel and Bezkaniel are not mine either, they're my friend.
Couple: KuroXFai

"Fai..." Kurogane let out, almost plaintively. He raised his eyes in the almost lifeless mage's eyes, except for the anger that could be seen a little, anger towards him.

The king chuckled. "Well well, it seems that it has been decided my dear Kurogane! My little Fai will be your opponent."

The ninja didn't know what to say, too shocked by the news. He turned his head towards Ashura for a moment, then went back to Fai who still hadn't moved from his fighting position. He gazed at him for some time, hoping that the mage would finally pull himself together and announce to him that it was only a stupid joke and that they wouldn't fight against each other after all.

But his hopes were in vain since Fai finally moved from the spot he had been so that he could run towards Kurogane, arm above him, ready to hit him.

The ninja avoided just in time, getting up quickly and moving aside a bit farther away so that he could gain some milliseconds of time to digest the news.

"Fai!" He observed the mage pull out his bloodied hand from the wall that he had destroyed while carrying his blow, blow that could have seriously hurt Kurogane, which frightened him slightly even though he would never admit it. "Fai, listen to me dammit!" He avoided the hand that tried to hit him with great strength and speed for a second time as the mage once again launched an assault. "I don't want to fight with you, isn't that obvious? I said stop, dammit!"

But his words never reached him since he kept on attacking and attacking Kurogane. The way he was moving almost looked like a dance. He twirled from a side, then to the other, always while swinging his arms with strength and grace towards the ninja. His feet ran with weightlessness on the floor; it was almost as if he wasn't even touching it.

The pain didn't seem to reach him either, his hand was now in blood for the few times he had hit the wall instead of his principal target. Kurogane hadn't even seen him flinch once, either it would have been a wince or a light frowning.

Ashura was observing the scene calmly, his cheek resting on his hand, a smirk on his face. Seeing the ninja avoid all of his favourite toy's attacks made him laugh. "Come on, Kurogane! You must understand by now that he can't hear you. You'll have to fight back at some point. If not, you'll surely get tired for nothing and it will be easier for my sweet doll to attack you."

While he avoided the countless attacks, Kurogane growled as an answer, "I know that, thank you!" But still, he didn't listen to Ashura's advice and he wasn't about to listen to him either. To hurt Fai was simply out of the question! Only thinking about it made him wince. He would never forgive himself if he did. "And Fai is certainly not your doll!" He added ferociously.

This retort earned him a moment of inattention, although minor. However, it was enough for Fai to finally hit Kurogane on the shoulder. The latter let out a cry of pain and placed a hand on his wounded shoulder. While he carried on avoiding the age, he groaned in pain as he noted the damages.

The mage hadn't miss him at all; he could feel his joint completely dislocated. He hissed and stepped back to avoid another attack Fai was throwing him.

"Fai... please..." The ninja begged softly, his hand still on his shoulder. Yes, he was begging. But he usually never begged for anything. This meant that he really was desperate, that he couldn't find any solution.

The mage stopped moving completely all of a sudden, bending in half before standing up straight again, as if he had bowed at the end of his show. Or the action could also be compared to one of a puppet being pulled by strings. Worried, it was Kurogane's turn to stop, wondering what could be happening.

Suddenly, Fai clutched his fists tightly, his joints becoming as white as snow, as if he was trying to fight something back, or that he was about to do it. Seeing him do such a thing, Kurogane thought that he would finally be able to take back the control of his body, even just a little. He had lowered his head, his blond hair falling on his face, hiding his eyes. This meant that Kurogane couldn't see if there were any changes in his non-expression. Which gave him slight hope.

"Fai...?"

But he soon realised he had been completely wrong in his assumptions when he saw Fai raising his arm and started to write runes around him.

He was planning to hit Kurogane with magic.

When he understood this, his eyes widened and he frantically searched for something around him that could protect him. He found nothing though, except ruins of the floor and the walls. He could have used them as a shield, but he doubted they would be strong enough to hold Fai's magic. Moreover, they weren't high enough to protect his entire body.

He turned his head back to the mage just in time to see an energy ray of blue electricity that was shot his way at a phenomenal speed. He ran out of the way just in time but, unfortunately for him, Fai was already preparing another spell.

Observing the ninja, Ashura's evil laugh burst out. "What's going on, Kurogane? Did you actually believe that this dear little puppet could have had a moment of lucidity?"

The said ninja kept all replies to himself, not wanting to betray his thoughts. Although it must have already been done since the king was mocking him openly.

Then, an idea struck him. Maybe he would be able to save Fai from the king's grasp if he hurt and distract the latter!

He kept his gaze focused on Fai as to not show his idea. However, he did search for a way to reach the throne where Ashura seated. The only problem was that Fai kept attacking him so that he could not go to him.

And he couldn't use his sword in fear of wounding Fai. Wait a second...

His sword...

He unsheathed the weapon and, at the very moment the mage launched his spell, placed it before him so that the magical attack would hit it. The blade pressed against him under the impact of the energy ray, but he kept on the best he could since he couldn't use his now useless other arm.

The ray was so powerful that it made him slid on the floor backwards, slowly, and he thought with annoyance and slight fear that he would lose his balance.

It was then that the spell was finally reflected by the metal of the sword and it rebounded to its invoker, making the blade crack. The magic had been so powerful that it was amazing it hadn't broke yet.

Fai didn't seem to realise what had just happened and was hit head-on by the energy. Immediately, his body was thrown backwards and he landed hard on the wall, breaking some parts. And like a simple rag doll, he fell on the ground, not moving anymore, unconscious. After all, even if he couldn't feel pain, his body wasn't strong enough to bear such wounds.

Seeing him in such a state, Kurogane's heart stopped and it took everything out of him not to rush to the mage's side. He couldn't allow himself to since he had to take care of Ashura first. How shocked was he, however, when the latter stood up quickly and rushed to the unconscious man's side with panic. "Fai!" The samurai truly was surprised. So this man really cared for Fai? That wasn't something he had expected. He did just bewitch him.

But now was his chance! Without any noise, Kurogane went forward to where Ashura was standing, sword lifted above his head and, when he was near, lowered it with all his strength towards the demon king's back. And yet, it instantly met with a rigid surface which pushed his sword away in a tinkling sound. Ashura's sceptre had just appeared and it was a perfect replica of Fai's, except for the fact that it seemed heavier and it contained even more crystals.

The king stood up slowly, laughing softly, laugh that sounded strangely wrong. The soft laugh became louder and louder, making the king look mad. "So you think you can beat me?" He declared with his strange laugh, his eyes burning with an intense fury and madness. Kurogane couldn't help the smirk that placed itself on his lips. "At least with you, I won't have to hold up!" He could feel the overwhelming adrenaline flooding in his veins. He wanted to make that atrocious man pay for what he had dared do to their companion. "You'll regret that you ever hurt him, I can assure you." And without another word, he launched himself towards Ashura, sword at his side before he hit Ashura on the arm. The latter countered with his sceptre and he once again pushed the sword back. It was like this for a while, the sword and sceptre meeting in sparks, both unable to take the upper hand over the other. Even if they backed away for a mere moment, taking the time to analyse what they could do to the other, each time there weapons met again, they were synchronized. They were, of course, of equal strength.

Finally, Ashura couldn't take it and he took some steps backward so that he could stop and place his sceptre before him. If physical attacks couldn't work on the ninja, magic would surely do! He was far more stronger than his dear doll, Kurogane wouldn't be able to avoid him then, even if he tried the same trick he had done on Fai.

The samurai, understanding what the other was trying, threw himself on the latter while he was conjuring his spell in order to stop him. "I won't let you do such a thing, you idiot!" He cried out in anger and mockery before the stupidity of his opponent. However, he soon realised that he might not be as stupid as he seemed when his sword collided with an invisible shield. It seemed Ashura had planned everything. "You coward! Remove that stupid shield and fight!"

Ashura only chuckled evilly. "And you think that, simply because you insult me, I will waste the chance that will allow me of getting rid of you?" He pointed out with evidence and Kurogane was forced to admit that Ashura would indeed not remove the shield simply because of words. All that was left for the warrior was a way to avoid the spell.

He started to search for a place that would hide him during the time he would think of a solution, knowing perfectly well that this king's magic would be a whole lot stronger than the mage's. And yet, this king seemed to notice his intentions since he declared with mockery, "So you think that hiding will help you finding a solution? Don't be such a fool! My magic will be enough to shatter any temporary shield you would find, taking you with it! It's pointless!" He burst out laughing evilly, satisfied of his plan. He would finally be rid of this bothersome ninja and he would finally have Fai for him alone and forever. Nothing would come in his way!

Kurogane had to admit that covering himself would be useless. The only solution left was to repeat the same tactic he had used during his fight with Fai. The chances that it would work this time were slim and the warrior knew it perfectly well. But he had to try and believe in his victory because he didn't really want to die. All was left to do was to hope his sword would hold on long enough.

Ashura finished his incantation and a burst of light formed itself at the end of the king's sceptre. With an evil smile, he sent it towards Kurogane with the single intention of killing him. The latter raised his sword to take the blow, silently praying that it would go well.

The energy hit him head-on, much stronger than what Fai had sent him. And it was mainly with willpower that he was able to resist, forcing his feet not to slide on the floor so that he would fall.

"It's no use resisting! You won't be able to get out of this alive!" Exclaimed Ashura with a laugh, increasing the power of his ray. Kurogane resisted even more and heard his blade crack. His eyes shot open in horror when he thought that it would break, but realised it was still holding on, at least just a little. With a powerful roar, he pushed the ray which shot back to the demon king. Dismayed with so much force, he avoided the attack only seconds before it would have hit him with furious eyes. "You thought you could defeat me just like you did with Fai?" He asked with a mix of anger and mockery.

"No. However, I do believe I'm going to defeat you now!"

Ashura's eyes widened when he felt the sword plunge into his heart. He had been so preoccupied by the fact that Kurogane had sent back his attack and that he had to avoid it that he had completely forgotten to maintain his shield. Now, everything was over, he had lost. "No!" He cried out in an impulse of stubbornness and he quickly muttered a formula between his teeth. To die without dragging this horrible ninja with him was out of the question!

Kurogane caught sight of the ray only too late and believed that, this time, he would really be done for, not having the time to withdraw the sword out of Ashura's body to protect himself. He had not expected someone to push him away to receive the blow in his place and he fell on the ground with half his sword, the other half still lingering inside the king's body.

When he turned around, he saw Fai who landed several meters away with a groan of pain. His eyes widened in horror and he was on his feet and to Fai's side in a matter of seconds. "Fai! Are you alright?" He asked in a fast voice, betraying the worry that he couldn't hold anymore.

The blond mage, who seemed to have gone back to his old self, smiled gently. "O-of course! My prince charming came to rescue me, why wouldn't I be?" He teased weakly. His body had taken a lot since the spell had bounced back to him. It was amazing that he was still holding on. "Idiot." Kurogane sighed with a mix of discouragement and amusement. Fai always found a way to joke around, even in this sort of situation. "Come on, we're going back." He declared as he installed the mage comfortably on his back.

"N-no… Fai, please..." Ashura begged behind them. He was crawling weakly on the floor, blood flowing abundantly out of his chest, forming a red puddle all around him. He reached out to them as if to catch and stop them.

However, Fai didn't have so much as a glance at him. His face stayed neutral. "Let's leave Kurogane." He said feebly, but coldly. A smile came upon his lips, his face suddenly becoming terrifying. It was clear that the best solution would be to leave quickly. The ninja nodded and, without a glance to the dying king, ran out of the room. They then could hear Ashura letting out a horrifying cry of fury before the silence took over. For good.

They arrived quickly at the castle's entrance where Syaoran and Mokona were waiting for them with impatience and worry. When they saw that the both of them were safe, they sighed in relief before they smiled. "Fai!" Mokona exclaimed, almost with tears in its eyes. The mage simply smiled back reassuringly, waving his hand, too tired to do much more. All he wished for was to get out of this place and quick.

Syaoran closed the distance between them and he removed the necklace he was wearing, putting it on Kurogane's shoulder and then on Fai's neck. Instantly, their wounds closed and they both felt better even if they were still tired.

"Thanks. So, did you have any problems?" Kurogane asked as he observed the doors. He had expected the demons to try and force their way in, but it strangely was completely silent.

The boy shook his head. "No, none. It's strange, it's as if they forgot our presence completely, because I haven't heard any noise from outside, not even shouts from the guards to show that they're searching for us." The boy frowned. "I wonder if it's a trap to lower our guard when we'll leave." And he might just be right. Everything was too shady.

He let out an almost discouraged sigh and went forward. Besides, they had to get out and, if really it was an ambush, the demons would be waiting for them all around the castle. They would simply have to fight to slip out of this place. Kurogane had enough strength left to do so and the kid would be able to help since he had, after all, not fought.

The ninja pushed the doors and his eyes widened with surprise at the scene before him. Outside, everything was deserted. There wasn't any demon around, there wasn't any living soul. For a moment, the warrior wondered if they were hidden, but he didn't see how it would be useful to them. After all, it would have been simpler to just circle the castle and wait.

Eyes furrowed, he turned around towards Syaoran who shrugged with bewilderment, not understanding anymore then his mentor did. Kurogane sighed and went outside with carefulness, verifying if they were indeed hidden. When nothing happened, Fai smiled. "There really is no one. At least, we'll be able to leave in peace and quiet." He declared happily, although tiredness was betraying his voice. The other three simply nodded before they started to go back. They travelled on the same path as the afternoon without any incident and soon reached the human village in ruins that served as a demon base on Ulirka. Once again, they were surprised to see that the village was deserted. It was as if all the demons were gone once the king had been assassinated.

Not understanding what was going on and thinking this was more than shady, Kurogane continued forward, more on his guards. To lower his guard simply because there was no one around was out of the question. It was even the best time to strengthen it.

The sky was covered by dark, black clouds, blocking all light that could be provided by the moon or stars, making their ascent difficult. And the more they came forward, the more they could here shouts in the distance. Now intrigued, they walked faster before they stopped dead before the horrible show. They understood now why there hadn't been any demons in Jigoku. There, right in front of them, the demons gave themselves up to a war without any mercy against the angels, blood bursting forth everywhere. Cries of rage and pain could be heard in both clans, but also cries of fear and horror could be heard from the humans who were unlucky enough to find themselves between the two as they tried to escape.

Kurogane, trying to analyse the situation, suddenly saw a little blond demon, who didn't seem older than fifteen, at the head of the demon clan, battling against a six wings angel that the little group had never seen. Surely it was the last of the archangels that they had never met.

His vivid red eyes were greedy for blood and showed madness, madness to kill. "Don't think you can win, Maniel! Now that I got my place back as demon king, you won't survive!"

The ninja, suddenly angry, wanted to throw himself in the flow to slaughter those demons. However, Fai brought him back to reality. "Kurogane, we have to find Sakura-chan!" He exclaimed harshly. The warrior came back to himself and ran in the well's direction so that they could get the princess, Syaoran on his hills. But before they could reach it, the princess was already coming towards them, Darel at her side. He must have stayed near her to protect her. An expression of relief crossed their faces as they saw that everyone was safe and sound. "Glad that you came back. I'll leave her to you, leave this place immediately. It's much too dangerous. Now that Hisoka has taken back his rightful place as king, he won't let anyone live. Especially now that the barrier protecting our city has been destroyed." He went on about quickly, his eyes drifting a lot on the battle field.

"The barrier's been destroyed?" Syaoran questioned with shock. "But... how?"

This got a sigh from Darel and he smiled sadly. "The Archangels are the guardians of the barrier. When half or more of them die, it automatically destroys itself." And they all understood at once which archangels had succumbed. Although they did have difficulties understanding how Raphael had died.

"Now leave, you cannot stay here!" Darel exclaimed as he tried to move them away. The group wanted to protest. They wanted to stay and help, wanted to pay them back. But as they were about to say this, Mokona's wings appeared on his back and the little creature flew off, opening its huge mouth before sucking the four companions to transport them into another world.

A/N : I know, I can't believe I'm still alive too .__.
Although by the time I've said those words, now I must be really dead because of everyone xD
I am truly sorry for abandoning this. To defend myself, I blocked on the fighting scene one year ago (and some months). And since I blocked, I got bored and completely abandoned it. I know it's not an excuse, but anyways... I tried making something, but I'm not really satisfied with it... And it's not corrected either, I don't have any beta anymore (he he....)

There's only the epilogue left. Really, it's all that's left. It's almost done in French (it won't be long), and I hope I'll finish it soon. I won't make any promises, seeing how's it been for me since the last chapter. *Eyes the "I will finish it, I promise!" in the last chapter and smacks her head*

As for my other fanfic, I doubt I'll finish it. I had two more chapters written in French, but after one year, all my ideas are gone (that's college's fault) I could translate my two chapters, but again, I can't promise, and I think it would be more cruel to leave you at the sixth chapter than the fourth.

I'm really, truly sorry everyone. Will you find it in your heart to forgive me? *Hopeful eyes*

By the way, some of you might have noticed I posted a Tales of Symphonia fanfiction in French. Well, it's actually a collab with my friend Little Rosebud and she posted it in English. I know, I know, smack me in the head for doing such advertising. But could you do it for her? I want her to have lots of reviews (personally, I don't care about me xD)

Anyways, thank you everyone for reading! And for reviewing! You are all so nice, I really can't thank you enough! Hope to see you in the last chapter (he he...).