Ace: What's that suppose to mean?

Zaldo: Are you perhaps... him?

Ace: Of course not! I was transported into this world out of the blue! So I don't know what you are talking about!

Zaldo: If so... prove it!

Zaldo released an immense amout of aura.

Ace also released his own too.

Zaldo: What I hate the most are liers.. And possibly, you're also the reason why our master was killed. It was all part of your plan!!

Ace: I guess words aren't enough to make you believe what I'm saying... therefore...

Both of them charged at each other and exchanged blows.

Both: ... We'll let our fist do the talking!!

Ace backed up a bit and stood his ground.

Ace: 100% strength on!!

Zaldo: Like hell that's goin to work!!

Zaldo punched Ace, but Ace deflected it.

Ace: Of course it will.

Zaldo grinned. Suddenly, Ace's arms blew up.

Ace was screaming in pain.

Zaldo: My magic can make things blow up in my command. And by using it on your arms, you won't be able to attack nor defend.

Zaldo once again charged at Ace.

***

Deep inside Ace.... the cage where Rogue is was about to break.

Shade: I guess, it's about time you came out eventually.

***

As Ace was screaming in pain.. he is slowly losing his sanity and his eyes was about to turn red.

Zaldo: It's ove--!

Suddenly, Zaldo's feet was frozen, while Ace's full body was completely frozen.

Ash: I only took my eyes off of you people, and this happens.

Blue: Both of you are coming with us.

Zaldo: Let me go!! He's the person who let our master die!!

Ash: So.. she died eh. She knew that this day would come, but what makes you think that Ace was responsible for her death.

Zaldo was out of words.

Ash looks at Ace who was completely frozen.

Ash: That Ice will minimize the pain on Ace's wounds.

Blue: I called him. He'll be here in a minute.

Ash: Good to know.

Zaldo: Who are you talking about?

Ash: The person who healed me earlier.

***
Meanwhile...

Stella: Are you sure to left them there?

Azumi: They'll figure this on their own. For now, let's focus on keeping this world at peace.

Stella: So far... the enemy didn't started any move yet.

Azumi: That's good to hear. Now then, how can they fight their next opponent.

Stella: Are you saying we should help them?

Azumi: No, before she left... she told me that one of their members can finally defeat this enemy of theirs.

Stella: I see..

Azumi: Now then.. shall we go back?

Stella: As you wish, master.

Azumi and Stella went back to their headquarters.

***

At the same time...

Suddenly... the ice that was surrounding Ace cracked.

Blue: What?!

Ash: What's wrong?!

Blue: My ice started to crack on Ace!

Ash: What?!

The ice broke... and Ace was free..

Ash: Ace..?

Zaldo quickly raised his guards up.

Ace was just standing, looking at the ground.

Ash: Stand your ground.

Blue: Understood.

Ace roared loudly.

Ash: That is not Ace..!

***

At an unknown location...

A girl was walking beside the seashore.

She looked at the distance when she heard something..

???: That voice.... Ace?

To be continued...