My heart feels like it's crawling out my throat as I watch her, especially the way she immediately draws a sword against me. After all we've been through together, and now I am simply an enemy in her eyes.

No, they're not her eyes. They're being used by someone, something else.

I wish I'd had a chance to speak with Genta at greater length, to discover how he'd finally swept Tono from the evil's grasp. Can I do the same for Chiaki?

I have to.

I keep my Shinkenmaru in hand, but lower it slightly. I won't be the first to strike at a friend.

"Chiaki." I repeat finally, trying to keep my voice even. "What are you doing here?"