I sat beside the unconscious Hank in a hospital bed. I watched in silence as multiple dragon doctors helped take care of him. I couldn't tell if what I did was wrong, or good. I knew that the entire thing was a trap. I followed Hank and Hoy to make sure nothing terrible happened to them. 

 

I can't do this alone, and losing them to a trap would be devastating. The Azorian doctors spent several minutes doing surgery on Hank. They were making sure that Hoy's beheading doesn't kill Hank as well. Not only that, but ensuring Hank's body adapted to the sudden change in the new dominant holder of Hank. 

 

After about thirty minutes into the operation. Bellhic called to me from the doorway of the surgical ward. I looked over to him, before standing up and following him out. We walked into the hallway, where Bellhic rubbed his claw against his mouth and chin. As though he was trying to make word of the situation. 

 

It didn't take long until he looked me in the eyes, "How's he doing?" Bellhic asked with worry in the tone of his voice. 

 

"I think he's going to recover, they're getting close to patching him up." I looked over to the window that gave a view of the surgical ward. I watched as the doctors continued operating as normal on Hank. 

 

"Good.. good." He sighed as his claw remained on his chin. "We um. . . We made permanent reservations for all of the Hunkles that we were able to save. They should be all perfectly safe now until our supervision." I nodded in response, feeling more relaxed and relieved to hear such news. 

 

"Thank you for coming to help us. I wasn't expecting things to take such a harsh turn." He nodded without saying a word, showing his approval. He remained in silence as his eyes drifted toward the sword in my hand. His eyes lit up from just looking at it. Then, he looked up to me in curiosity. 

 

"If what you told of us is true, then I believe you may be the answer we've been searching for in stopping the Robanians once and for all." I nod in agreement, feeling good to hear that he believes us now. "However, we still don't feel comfortable in assisting this battle. We still recommend the downfall of the battleships first, before making any significant movements." 

 

"And that we will deal with. As soon as Hank can get up." When I said this, Bellhic shook his head. 

 

"I'm afraid, Hank may require some time to heal. That may take longer than a day." When he said this with disappointment, I frowned. "With Hoy gone, he needs tons of rest and physical therapy to be able to handle the changes in his body." 

 

"You guys don't have the technology to make changes go faster?" 

 

Bellhic nodded, "Well yes, but also no. For as much as we are able to give him full control of his body. Unfortunately, his brain has never fully gotten used to his other side of the body. He needs to be able to exercise his brain into being capable of registering his other half. That may take some time. . ." 

 

I sighed in disappointment, looking down at the floor as I brushed my hand through my hair. Attempting to think of any other way to comprehend this situation. Trying to find solutions to what I can do next. "I can't wait and let them cause more damage than what they already did. They destroyed an entire planet for goodness sake." 

 

"I know, and I perfectly understand. However, you need to understand the power the Grandmaster poses. If you are caught off guard, he could kill you. We need you, and losing you would be very terrible." I groan and grunt as I looked through the window toward Hank and the dragon doctors. I didn't know what I could do, but I have to decide fast. Otherwise, they could be attacking more planets without me knowing.

 

I know they aren't stupid enough of attacking Azorians. So, this may be the only safest place around in the time being. At least, not until they grow in more power and decide it's time to strike. This made me worried and slightly panicked. I was backed in the corner now and have to make a rough decision. 

 

I look back to Bellhic and sighed disappointingly. "I think I'm going to stay here with Hank for a bit." 

 

Bellhic's expression lit up as he remembered something. "Oh! That reminds me, that grim reaper person was recovered and in custody in case you're interested." 

 

My expression also shifted into curiosity as well when I heard the news, "Has he said anything?" 

 

"Unfortunately no, I was hoping you could get him to talk." I started to picture the grim reaper in my head. Then, my thoughts went over to the moment when Hank and Hoy pinned him to the ground. The fact that he didn't continue attacking, started to get me curious about his motives. Why didn't he just continue attacking? Why did it seem so easy to capture him? He could've escaped this entire time and yet he didn't. 

 

I look through the window toward Hank. The absence of Hoy being the result of the Reaper's trap. I knew that it'd be a good idea to get some answers. Hell, maybe even reveal the true identity of the reaper. It'd give me a good idea on what I'm truly dealing with. 

 

I met with Bellhic's eyes, I nodded to him. Giving him approval that I want to meet the reaper immediately. He nodded slightly, before beginning to lead me the way. My grip on the sword tightened as my thoughts focused on the Reaper. If he makes a single move, I won't hesitate to kill him.

 

~ ~ ~ 

 

We arrived at a prison ward ten minutes after we left the hospital. We got to the cells where they kept various prisoners captive. We walked up to a cell door numbered seventy-six. Two other dragon prison guards led us to the cell. One of them took out their key and unlocked the door. They both held very advanced guns that weren't familiar to me from home. Only looked like stuff from sci-fi movies. 

 

He held open the door and let us in. Bellhic and I walked into the cell. The Reaper was behind multiple layers of energy fields within the cell itself. I can only see a small opening beneath that allowed for foods and drinks for the prisoners. The reaper appeared to still contain the same clothing. With the energy cuffs still strapped around its wrists. We walked up to the energy field separating us. 

 

I placed my hand to the field, feeling its static energy against my hand. Reaper was staring at us with intent, but didn't make a single move. Bellhic stood behind me as I stared back at the Reaper. Eventually, I retreated my hand from the energy and let it fall to my side. Still gripping my sword tightly just in case. 

 

I knew that the energy was keeping him contained. However, I wasn't taking any chances. As our eyes met with each other, I was finally able to let out a question. "Who exactly are you?" The Reaper tilted its head as I asked the question, acknowledging the question. Only, it didn't try to answer it. "What do you want from us?" 

 

Still, Reaper didn't respond but still showed signs of acknowledging my questions. I was getting slightly annoyed by the lack of response from him. My eyes looked over to Bellhic, unsure what to do to get him to speak. Bellhic shrugged and sighed, turning around to face the door. I decided to ask one more question as I looked back over Reaper. "Are you good?" 

 

I expected to hear no reply, but instead he mumbled something. Surprised, our eyes met again. This time, Reaper's expression was pleased. Since I didn't hear his response, I was confused about what he said. "What was that?" His expression still showed a pleased expression, as though the question peaked his interest. 

 

"What's truly good, when there is no evil?" The question caught me off guard. "Am I evil? Or is calling evil subjective?" I was left speechless, unsure how to respond. I decided to continue listening to him. "My form of good, is to show the true sides of life. Having too much good is not always a good thing. Sometimes, you need the negative to provide good." 

 

"What are you trying to say?" I was beginning to lose track of the conversation's direction. He took a second to think, before responding. 

 

"I am good. . ." He paused, looking to the floor before meeting with my eyes again. "But I'm also not. . ." 

 

"You can't be evil and good simultaneously." 

 

"Oh, but you can. You just need to find your heart in it all." I stare confused. 

 

Then, I decided to change the subject. "What do you want?" He goes silent, his expression fading from please to disappointment. At first, I thought he wasn't going to respond. Then, I heard him speak again. 

 

"It's not what I want. . . It's what you want." My expression changed to complete confusion, my expression showing that I had no idea what he's talking about. "What do you want from me, Mr. Floyd? Is there a real reason you came to me, is it not?" I was taking back from the question, unsure what to say from it. Then, he continued speaking casually. 

 

"You came to see who I am under the mask, didn't ya?" 

 

"How did you know?" He chuckled and huffed, instantly telling that a smirk appeared under the mask. 

 

"Because Floyd, I know you, just like you know me." My expression turned to confusion, but watched as the reaper raised their hands up to their mask and hood. They begin to slowly uncover themselves. When their full face was revealed, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. Besides the obvious black veins beneath his eyes and neck, I could tell that he was none other than Peter himself. 

 

However, the black veins and his eyes being completely void of color besides blackness made me realize he wasn't himself. The smirk turned to a large grin as he recognized my surprised expression. "Shocked? I know, I would be too." 

 

"W-Why? How?" Trying to make sense of the situation, the sword loosens as I'm left in awe. "What the hell happened to you since I left?" 

 

He chuckled as he raised his head up fully to meet my eye level better. "Such questions should wait till they have reason to be let out." Hearing the voice being massively different than Peter's, along with the change of physical appearance. The energy of the sword made me feel like something is causing him to be like this.

 

I shake my head as I take a few steps back, still speechless and utterly confused from the situation. "I-I don't know how to make sense of this situation. . .'' I look away from Peter as I look down to the floor, turning my body around as I place my hand to the wall to catch myself. My thoughts scatter throughout my brain as I'm stuck in comprehending everything. Peter's creepy chuckle startled me and Bellhic. 

 

Bellhic decided to come over to me and place his claw on my shoulder. "Hey, are you okay? Do you know this person?" He asked in a comforting tone. It took me a second, before I turned to him and told him to get me out of the room. He nods and goes over to the door and knocks on it. The guards on the other side open the door, which we walk out. I rush myself to leave the room, which Bellhic is confused by my behavior. "Hey, what's going on? Who is that guy?" 

 

I took a minute to breath, before finally speaking. "That's my friend. . . Peter." Bellhic's eyes widened when he heard this. "This. . . This shouldn't be possible." 

 

"There is probably some explanation about it. You should try and ask him again." 

 

"I tried, but he refused." Bellhic was left confused as he tried to think. He takes his claw off my shoulder and holds it up to his chin. I began wondering what happened when I left. What would've made Peter make such a harsh decision for himself. Hell, how do I know the real Peter is dead? I don't know what to make of this situation anymore. It's like the force from within me has disappeared, left with no more breathing room. 

 

The silence filled between us as we were left to think for ourselves. Eventually, Bellhic got an idea. He looked back over to me, "Hold on, I'm going to get something real quick. You just stay right here." I look back to him and nod, slightly confused, but I soon shrug it off. My eyes wander back to the door of Peter's cell. The two guards standing beside it patiently and motionless. One of them glances at me, resulting in me stepping forward to the cell. 

 

I ask them to let me in again, which they comply with. Upon instantly stepping inside the cell room, I was greeted by Peter's evil grin. The black veins and completely black eyes set me off a little. Though, I kept stepping forward to the energy field separating us. As soon as I got close enough, Peter also stepped toward me. Knowing that the field will keep me safe, I didn't get worried by this. Only more drawn to get closer to him. 

 

Right as we got five feet to each other. Peter chuckled and crossed his arms amongst his chest. "Happy to see me?" I didn't respond to his question. I was lost in his gaze as I tried to explain to myself why he's like this. I was beginning to make up theories. One of which was the thought that he always hated me, and wanted to kill me. Maybe, he hid the staff and clothes away until the time was right. Out in space with no laws, it's perfect for murdering somebody you hate. 

 

"Are you trying to kill me?" Peter's grin faded, licking his lips before speaking. 

 

"Now that escalated quickly." 

 

"What do you mean? You attacked me first!" He shook his head before pointing toward the Azorian guards standing outside the door. 

 

"I did that to stop you from escalating this war any further. Azorians don't want war, they want peace. You're about to embark war amongst the two most powerful forces. Doing that, would lead to countless amounts of deaths." 

 

"Maybe so, but at least Robanians can be stopped for their crimes." He smirked from this. 

 

"And then what? You will be called a hero?" My grip on the sword tightened again. "Robanians are doing what's necessary for the future." 

 

"Oh, so you work for them too huh?" 

 

He shakes his head. "I work alone. . ." He starts to walk idly to the right as he continues. "I simply just don't believe that a hero would just kill a race of Robanians that are just as valid for peace as you and I." 

 

"Are you blind?! They are doing it in a wrong way, they don't want peace! They want us all killed." He chuckled. "What's so funny?"

 

"We must have different definitions of peace." He claims with a snarky tone. "Robanians believe peace is only claimed when no threat is left in the universe to create problems. Stopping you from interfering, will allow them to accomplish that goal without any issues." 

 

"Well, I don't believe in that. I think that everyone getting along will do just as great of an effect, maybe even better than Robanians goals." Peter smirked, chuckling a little. 

 

"Oh really? Well, I'm pretty sure it can last for a while until one restarts the cycle of death and destruction." 

 

At this point, I was left speechless as I had no comeback for that. "Killing is not the answer." 

 

"Is that what you said when you killed my- I mean their forces." Before I could say anything, the cut off in the sentence struck me as odd. Was he about to say something else? I looked back to the pupils of Peter's eyes. Beginning to examine them for a bit as I felt like I saw them before. I couldn't explain where, but they appeared familiar. 

 

That's when I got a memory from back on the Robanian ship a few months back. I remembered when Hank was possessed by the Headmaster. Their eyes were fully black, and the only way to stop it is by using the sword's energy to block it out. My grip on the sword tightened even more. I couldn't do it without getting permission first. 

 

Instead, I decided to wait patiently for Bellhic to return. Peter stared at me with his grin, "Looks like you can't say anything back after that." He turns around and places his hands behind his back. "Figures. . . I guess heroes are just one sided I suppose. Don't want to hear the full story, only stick to the side they are most comfortable with." 

 

I remain silent, folding my arms as I glance back to the door. With no sign of Hank anywhere, I was beginning to lose my patience. Luckily, I heard the door open and reveal Bellhic. This time, he was carrying the reaper's staff in his claw. "What are you doing?" I ask him in confusion. 

 

"I want to ask where he got this from, that's why I brought it." 

 

"Be careful, we don't understand his powers fully." I inform him, before walking over to him and leaning into his ear to tell him something. Bellhic let me, tilting his head to let me. "Besides. . . I think I know why he's behaving this way. I think the Robanian I left on earth possessed him." 

 

"Oh? How do we stop him?" Bellhic whispered, as I raised up the sword. 

 

"I need to use this to break the connection. However, doing so requires me to get close to him." Bellhic's expression turned to worry. 

 

"I don't think that's a good idea. . ." 

 

"Trust me, this'll work. Turn off the fields, I'll keep you safe." Bellhic gulped, as he raised up his claw and spoke into a receiver wrapped around his arm quietly. I turned back to Peter and raised up the sword in a defensive stance. I slowly began to approach Peter, as he watched us both with a grin still on his face. 

 

As soon as the field shut off, I began to walk more toward him. Though, Peter remained still and only continued to watch us. "Peter, I don't know what has gotten into you. However, I'm going to help you, okay?" I was almost able to reach my arm out to touch him. Though, Peter glanced over to Bellhic and the staff. That's when he moved so fast, that he tossed me to the floor. 

 

Peter used his energy to deform himself and escape from the handcuffs. He knocked Bellhic to the floor as he grabbed the staff. Bellhic instantly spoke into his receiver as he watched Peter escape toward the door. The two guards opened the door and attempted to use their advanced technological guns to stop him. However, they were pushed from the immense force of the energy and it escaped the room. 

 

I rushed over to Bellhic and helped him up to his claws. "Are you okay?" He nodded in response as he stood up on all fours again. "We need to stop him before he escapes." I rush out the door of the cellroom and begin to follow Peter. Bellhic called out to me and began following as well. Speaking into his receiver once more to call in reinforcements for an escaped convict. 

 

Using the energy of the sword, I begin to increase my speed. I begin to catch up to the dark energy rushing fast through the hallway. As I started to get closer, I saw the outline within Peter. He looked back to me in annoyance, before reaching out his arm in front of him. Suddenly, black energy ahead caused the roof and walls to cave in. 

 

I begin to increase my speed even further, allowing me to be right beside Peter. Right as we've reached the cave in. The dark energy of Peter poofed right through it without causing any destruction. I followed shortly afterwards, resulting in the clearing of the cave in. Finding myself on the other side in the middle of a field of grass. I looked behind me and noticed that I was inside a mountain. 

 

It was like the entire building was made inside a mountain and I never realized before. I decided to start looking around for Peter. Only for me to come empty handed. I growl in frustration, before calling out Peter's name. No response returned, before giving up not long after. I decided to fly back the way I came. 

 

When I returned back to Bellhic, my expression showed both annoyance and disappointment. Bellhic understood my expression and sighed in disappointment and guilt. We begin to make our way back to where Hank was being held in the surgical ward. Neither of us expected Peter to be the reaper. However, I knew clearly that Peter wasn't himself. I knew that the Robanian from earth was the culprit behind all of this.