The inside of the second warehouse was alight, the embers casting a ghastly glow across the walls and the broken casks of saltpeter. The smoke was thick, and cloying, burning at Asuna's lungs. Dunwell was nowhere to be seen. Asuna paused letting her senses adjust, listening for anything strange over the groans of wood and the cracking of the fires. She'd always found her senses growing acute in the middle of a fight, like her brain was overclocking to examine everything around her with preternatural attention to detail. Dunwell's strategy probably would have worked if she'd been any less aware of her surroundings.

It would have been a perfect attack if the windspell hadn't had the briefest charge up. She knew the sound from hearing it when Wales cast it himself, a faint, sharp hissing as the air built up before release. She jumped back as the smoke above her parted. The stone floor where she had just been standing shattered as the wind bullet impacted.

Another hiss and she rolled forward as a smoldering wooden beam at her side was blasted into ash and embers. Through the smoke, from the corner of her eye, Asuna saw a shadow, larger and more solid than those cast by the flames, she spun around and struck out. Dunwell countered with a quick parry with his cane that left him out of position. Asuna tried to take advantage of the opening only to receive a powerful kick to the stomach that bounced her back and left her momentarily winded.

Dunwell kicked up a cloud of spilled saltpeter, drawing it into the shape of a thin blade around his cane. Caramella had told her about this, some sort of abrasive attack. Guarding wouldn't work. She danced back, evading the mages thrusts. Her feet caught on something, a fallen cask, or a push cart, she stumbled to regain her footing as Dunwell saw his opening.

The shape of the dust cloud changed, extending and broadening. It was no longer a duelist's blade, it had transformed into a broadsword. Dunwell swung his cane one handed, and Asuna ducked, feeling a few loose locks of hair parting company with her scalp. Another strike came, overhead and fast and she side stepped, a wood and stone wall behind her exploding into sparks and splinters.

Asuna realized almost too late what was happening, Dunwell was driving her back into the corner of the warehouse where the stone walls and intact roof would give her no place to run or evade. She was trapped! There was only one thing left to do, she had to finish this with the next strike. 'I'm sorry Kino.' She thought as her rapier reached out to meet Dunwell's next attack.

She had always loved this type of Rapier even after she had traded up. Her attacks had always felt so light and swift and perfectly aimed. A rush of confidence would come each time she held the blade in her hands, like she could take any challenge.

The blade struck Dunwell's wind-saltpeter sword and for an instant it resisted, the Aincrad alloy glowing white hot as particles of saltpeter struck, heated, and began to react. A hot metallic chemical scent filled the air as the beautiful sword was eaten away. Asuna pressed forward, sacrificing her rapier to still Dunwell's attack for one moment. The mage's eyes widened as Asuna sank beneath his blade, and a balled fist came up into his sternum.

There was a satisfying oomph as Dunwell was thrown off his feet. She hadn't been able to put much power behind it, but her Faerie strength should have been more than enough to lay the mage out flat. Or it would have been if he hadn't fallen back with the blow to spare himself.

With grace that was surprising for a man of his years, the mage converted his fall into a backwards roll, coming up in a crouch, clutching his stomach as he leveled his wand. Asuna moved without hesitation, in her right hand the remains of her sword ended jaggedly twelve centimeters from the hilt, the edges still glowing sullen red. In this physical world the sword had not disintegrated into particle effects when it had been destroyed. It wasn't much but it would have to do.

Asuna locked blades with Dunwell, the hilt of her ruined sword and the hand span of remaining blade pressed against the wood and brass shaft of the mage's cane wand. Again for his apparent age, Dunwell proved startlingly strong, using the leverage offered by his now longer cane, he barred his right arm across the cane's shaft just below its tip to hold Asuna at bay. It was only a partial success as his boots began to skid across the floor and the shaft of the focus began to creak under the abuse.

For heartbeat, the two locked eyes for the first time and Asuna trembled. Soft brown looked into sullen gray and she saw no hint of fear or regret. He'd killed people, innocent people, but this man wouldn't beg for mercy even if she demanded it. At that moment, Asuna knew why killing could come so easily.

"You . . . You!" Asuna screamed as she pushed with all her might. Dunwell's cane went flying from his hands, the mage skidding back. His right hand rose to his mouth, and with a sharp exhalation, Dunwell let out a sharp trio of whistles.

"Kyuii!"

A moment later, the side of the warehouse shuddered.

"Kyuii!"

The wood and masonry creaked and gave way, collapsing in a shower of dust and debris as the ceiling between Asuna and Dunwell collapsed. Tree trunk like forelimbs crashed through the walls, tearing clumsily at the sides of the warehouse. A sleek draconic head, elongated and smooth when compared to the fire dragons she had seen before, burst through the wall.

The dragon's head swung towards her, its mouth opening wide. Ausuna knew what was about to happen. She ran, jumping up onto a row of casks and bursting through the thin wood shutters hung at head height along the back wall of the warehouse as the interior was washed with a short burst of flame. She came rolling to a stop, struggling to her feet as the entire wall began to collapse, the dragon battering it apart with its wings before settling facing Asuna.

The dust cloud spread out, enveloping the surroundings. Cylindrical corridor formed as her opponent stepped forward calmly from the wreckage wielding his retrieved cane-wand. Dunwell seemed utterly unfazed by the chaos around him.

Asuna stumbled back, holding what was left of her sword. Dunwell came to stand before his dragon, master and mount watching her calmly. Then, from the dust all around them, shadows began to take shape. To her left, three men in uniforms like Dunwell's own, and to her right, another four. She took another step back and shook her head softly. As she had told Prince Wales, she was the fastest of their group, if anyone could hope to escape a dragon, she knew it was her. This was all she could. She only hoped that Wales and the others had been able to flee.

Movement to her left caught her attention, a blur approaching swiftly and silently. The shape exploded from the dust and into the dim evening light and Asuna felt a hand closing in a cool, vice like grip around her right wrist, squeezing softly until she released the remnants of her sword. Asuna starred.

"Dunwell-sama." The man spoke calmly, looking past her to the wind mage.

This wasn't possible. Asuna thought. This wasn't possible. This wasn't possible. How could this be possible? Caramella and Kino had seen . . . Had seen him die . . . They'd wept for him as if he were their own family. But here he was, standing above her in the uniform of a Rebel soldier. Alive. Stopping her. Why?!

"Arguile . . ." Asuna whispered.

Behind the Faerie Swordsman, a dozen figures emerged through the smoke, more Mages and commoner soldiers.

"I apologize for my tardiness, Dunwell-sama. I have brought the reinforcements."

"Caramella we have to go now!" Ivan shouted he took hold of the rope hung over the side of the castle wall.

There were way to many dragons sweeping in the direction of the main gate for them to head out that way. Luckily, when this powder keg went off, literally, it was going to give Reconquista's eyes in the sky plenty else to worry about than a couple dozen pseudo humans fleeing for their lives.

"I know that!" Caramella cursed bitterly to herself. "But damn it, we have to make sure everyone gets out! Hey, Bart. How much time do we have left?"

The Royal Engineer at her side checked his pocket watch. "Seven minutes."

"Then leave me the watch, I'll wait five."

The mage gave her an uncertain look before shaking his head. "Lydel isn't back yet with your man."

"Damn it, Caramel." Ivan grunted.

"Ca-Ra-Mel-La." She said mechanically. "Ivan get out of here and go meet up with the others."

"I . . ." Ivan began only to be interrupted by a low roar.

Caramella paled, one of the dragon's had finally decided to sweep towards the castle, it had spotted them and was already beginning to swoop in, mouth opening to spit fire. "For God's sake, Ivan go!" Caramella shouted as she grabbed Bartholomew by his cloak and jumped down onto the roof of the mill building. Fire washed over the top of the castle, but judging by the lack of screaming, Ivan must have taken her advice for once and gotten clear.

"You okay!" Caramella asked asked as she carried Bart down from the top of the powder mill.

The man looked shaken by her little evasive maneuvers stunt but gave her a jerky nod. "Y-yeah."

"Okay, screw it, Ivan's right, it's too hot . . ." She bit off another curse " . . . to stay here. Lets get back up and over the wall before that oversized chicken makes another pass."

"Caramella!" Shio shouted as he and Lydel approached from the far side of the courtyard.

"Took you long enough!"

"The bastards dropped some mages on the far side of the castle, we had to deal with them first." Shio said. "Nothing like that over here?"

Caramella frowned, "Not that I know of." Her ears perked up as she heard the sound of boots running along the burned stones above them. She spun around, drawing her two handed sword as a petite silhouette plummeted from above, landing delicately less than a meter from Shio. The swordsman was already bringing his blade up to cut his opponent down when he froze. He looked like he was seeing a ghost. Probably because he was.

"Aki?" Shio stuttered.

"Hi Shio!" The small woman said brightly, an eery plastic smile spreading across her face.

It was Aki alright. Caramella had run into the young woman often enough to know her by name. She'd been one of the 'civilian' group leaders and well liked by everyone. Energetic and full of humor. They'd lost her at Skiesedge, she'd died trying to protect others. But here she was, pointy ears and all, either that or some alternate universe version of her that served in the Rebel Army. Caramella's instincts were already reacting, even as her mind returned only complete confusion.

"Shio, get back!" She shouted.

It was too late. That brief flash of hesitation had sealed Shio's fate. Aki's hand came up, batting aside Shio's sword hand, and then without a hint of mercy, she drew her saber and smoothly drove it beneath Shio's breastplate and through his heart. Shio gagged, looking bewildered as he stumbled back, his life escaping him.

"Bye Shio." Aki said equally brightly as the man fell to the ground

Caramella's fight or flight reflexes kicked into overdrive firmly on the fight side. Even before Shio had breathed his last breath, she was already on the attack, the bloody minded animal part of her brain taking control.

What the hell? What the hell was this? Because there was no way this was Aki. There was no way this was one of the SAO survivors she'd spent two weeks struggling alongside across the countryside of a Kingdom that wanted them all dead!

"What the hell!" Caramella roared as she clashed with the deranged nega-Aki before her. The mage's stumbled back confused at the sight of a Faerie killing one of her own. "What the hell are you?"

"I'm Aki!" The girl wearing Aki's face smiled. "Don't you remember me Caramella?" The girl leaned in. Despite Caramella's best efforts, she wasn't making much progress against her guard. "Remember, you shared that roasted apple with me? See, its really me?"

"Bullshit!" Caramella hissed as nega-Aki skipped back, a wide smile on her face. Bartholomew and Lydel had finally gotten over their confusion at seeing a Faerie murder another Faerie, both mages were now readying to cast. "Aki is dead!" She shook her head angrily. Wait, had anyone really seen Aki die?

"Dame Caramella, get back." Lydel grunted as he aimed his wand at nega-Aki.

"Wait!" Caramella raised a hand to stay the two mages. "Aki . . . what else do you remember. Tell me something that only Aki would know!" Caramella demanded. They hadn't been close, but there were a few things, after all, they'd lived closely together for two weeks.

Aki blinked rapidly and then nodded. "When we shared that apple and I gave it back, you bit the same spot and I joked about it being a second hand kiss. You went completely red!"

Caramella would have blushed at the memory at any other time. Now it only served to confirm the girl's identity. This probably wasn't a mage who'd interrogated her and put on her face as a disguise.

"Aki . . ." She said pleadingly. "Aki, you've been brainwashed. Do you understand?" Caramella didn't think it usually worked like this. Could you really take someone and turn them against their friends in less than a week? Then again, magic. "They must have done something to you. Drugged you."

The other woman tilted her head. "No, they didn't brainwash me." She said in a matter of fact tone. "My head's never been clearer. It's nice, I don't have any of those worries or lingering doubts. I'd think you'd like it too Caramella."

'Which just proves it.' Caramella thought as Aki took a step forward and then another step.

The swordswoman stepped back and prepared to guard. "Aki, please Aki, snap out of it! I don't want to hurt you, but I swear I'll fight you if you make me!"

"That's alright." Aki said. "I don't mind!"

The girl lunged forward with her rapier and then was stopped in her tracks. While she had been distracted with Caramella. Bartholomew had rushed in and delivered an air needle through Aki's chest.

"No!" Caramella screamed. "What the hell have you done?!" They could have captured her and taken her back to Newcastle. The mages there might have been able to deprogram her. They could have saved her! Caramella was about to launch into a tirade as Aki's hands closed crushingly on Bartholomew's shoulders causing the mage to hiss in pain.

Aki Frowned. "Don't you know. Its rude to stick your hand into a girl's chest without introducing yourself?" Reaching back, Aki's right hand speared into Bart's ribcage with a sickening crunch. The mage's eyes went wide and then he screamed out as Aki squeezed at his insides.

"Bart!" Lydel shouted, trying to do something, but he couldn't get a clear shot. The life was squeezed from the mage in a matter of seconds and Aki easily cast him aside.

More than the second casual murder, Caramella felt her blood run cold as she got a good look at the hole in Aki's chest. She didn't care how high level she might have been, there was no way she should still be alive with something like that blown through her. That left only one thing. This world had magic after all.

"Get the infantry units to put out those fires. The mill is a lost cause but we can still save the Saltpeter and Sulfur stocks!" Sir Wells ordered the gathered Knights and soldiers before turning back to his commander.

Sir Terrance Dunwell calmly brushed himself off as he surveyed the wreckage. The Old Castle of Wallsend was gone now, and Reconquista's entire local store of black powder along with it. How . . . Unfortunate. He thought with disgust. The Garrison commander had assigned only a handful of mages and soldiers to the defense of the Castle, viewing his Fort as the priority and neglecting that the only reason one built a Fortress was to protect something.

"I must apologize Dunwell-sama." The Faerie swordsman at his side offered. "I did not expect Asuna-sama to be capable of doing such a thing so unflinchingly."

The entire left half of the man's face was covered in a thick Gauss bandage, a consideration made for Dunwell's men rather than the undead Fae's well being. Though Arguile assured that the 'Founder's Blessing' would restore him soon enough, few would be able to stomach the sight left by the Faerie Girl, Asuna, when she had driven the remains of her sword into Arguile's skull.

The blow had very briefly incapacitated the Zombie, a detail that Dunwell quietly filed away. So they weren't quite the golems of flesh that he had first thought.

"No matter." Dunwell said. "Sir Wells, what are the casualties?"

"Forty commoner soldiers and eight mages of the Castle garrison. Five of our response team mages, seventeen foot soldier, and Sir Candor's fire dragon. No losses among the Knights." Wells said and then frowned. "And apparently Aki is missing." He added as if reporting that a field cannon had been misplaced.

Thinking of the Zombies as weapons made things so much simpler. They were just tools that could move on their own and obey orders, or at least most orders. Aki seemed to view Cromwell's instructions for her to 'be happy' as a standing order of the highest priority.

"I do hope she wasn't completely destroyed." Arguile said. "It would be a shame to lose her skills."

"More likely buried beneath the castle rubble." Dunwell said, and she could stay that way if only for the ongoing attempts to rescue survivor's who might still be in the debris. As a matter of fact. "Arguile, you have a great deal of strength, please go lend it to the men searching for survivors."

"As you wish, Dunwell-sama." The undead Fae turned to obey his command and Dunwell watched him go with a faint sense of relief.

"Sir Wells, we've done all we can here. I want you to take command of the pursuit forces and sweep towards Newcastle. The survivors will no doubt try to return to the Fortress before morning."

The Mage Knight nodded, "Yes, Sir Dunwell! And you sir?"

Dunwell lifted a scrap of white fabric stained with blood. "I will deal with the Winged girl." In the confusion she had fled into the forest, but she was injured and without a weapon, and more importantly, she was separated from her comrades.

He examined the piece of cloth as he recalled that look of cold hatred in the girl's eyes. He couldn't blame her for raging, fate had set her on this path, and now she stood before the inevitable, just like him. But . . . They all had choices in how they fell.

When he was sure that the Faerie Swordsman was out of earshot, Dunwell added softly. "Take no risks Sir Wells. These Fae, and the Royalists with them are to be considered the most dangerous of opponents. Nothing but their complete destruction is acceptable."

"Sir?" Wells asked.

"I am telling you to ensure their complete immolation." Dunwell said, watching as understanding dawned.

"As you wish, Sir Dunwell."