The battle lasted three days.
On the third day, when the defenders were exhausted and the demons seemed endless, Malachar stepped forward.
"Enough," the First Blade said. "This is tedious. I challenge the Light Bringer to single combat. If he wins, my army will withdraw. If I win..." It smiled. "You know what happens if I win."
Lee stepped forward. "I accept."
"Lee, no!" Kira grabbed his arm. "That thing is a general of the Hollow King! It's killed thousands!"
"Then I'll be the one who stops it."
"You can't "
"I can. I will." Lee gently removed her hand. "Trust me, Kira. I've never let you down before."
Kira's eyes filled with tears. "You'd better come back."
"I always do."
Lee walked out to meet Malachar.
The battlefield was littered with bodies human and demon alike. The ground was soaked with blood. The sky was grey with smoke.
Malachar stood in the center of it all, its chains rattling, its coffin dragging behind it.
"You're brave," Malachar said. "Foolish, but brave."
"I've been told," Lee said.
"Any last words?"
Lee raised Onyx Tempest. The golden light blazed from his chest, from his sword, from his eyes.
"Yeah," he said. "Tell your master I'm coming for him next."
Malachar laughed a grinding, terrible sound and attacked.