Pamela tossed the sword around, avoiding the flaming blade. She stuck her tongue out at Zhormii, who was frantically attacking the mini-dome. I sat next to her, flinching every time the turned kijo pounded at the surface.

"He can't get us," Pamela sighed, stroking the handle of the weapon. She tossed it to me suddenly, and I fumbled, barely catching it.

She chuckled, then frowned. "How do you think Zachary's doing?"

"He can hold his own," I assured her, gaining a grip on the sword.

"I know, but - he's my cousin, y'know?" She looked up, then turned slightly towards the building we had come from.

"I know. I can't stop thinking about my sister." I touched the sword to my wrists, healing them, wishing the process was a little bit faster.

"Your sister!" Pamela exclaimed, sitting up suddenly, "She's kijo, right?"

I knew what she was thinking, but shook my head, "Do we even know if she's alive?"

"She's an alien from another planet," Pamela said assuredly, "She's probably more alive than the both of us put together."

"I wish Origami-!" But I stopped. Pamela put her hand on my shoulder, then got up.

"We can get rid of my uncle. I think he was bluffing about your sword not working, and if not, we can find your sister."

I nodded, getting up as well. I took the sword firmly in my hands and smiled weakly.

But then Pamela gasped.

Suddenly a sharp pain in my back caused me to scream. I turned in time only to see Zhormii flap once and thrust his feet into my head, knocking me over. He pinned me down with his knees on my chest, making it hard for me to breathe. I made a hopeless effort to stab at him with the sword, somehow still clenched firmly in my fist.

Pamela swooped in, recovered from her shock, and grabbed his arm, twisting it with all her might. He attempted to snatch the sword from me with his free hand, but she thrust her foot into his jaw, climbing aboard his back (further twisting his arm) until he let out a wounded houl and threw his wings at her, which she dodged with some effort. I stabbed at his knees repeatedly, willing him to get off of me. He finally did, having no choice but to retaliate against his niece who had been causing him quite some deal of nuisance.

With a great huff I was able to breathe again, and with all my might, whilst he was distracted by Pamela, I swung the flaming sword, aiming straight for his head.

But he wasn't as well distracted as I had thought.

He reached up and grabbed the blade of the sword, clenching his fist. I tried to retrieve the weapon, but his grip only grew stronger and, despite mine and Pamela's efforts, his concentration was unbroken.

But my sword was.