Episode 2: Death's Gambit

As Kid got closer to the top, the attacks of Free began to lessen until eventually, they stopped. It was only natural that his ice magic had to have a range limit. Anyway, Kid was safe for the moment. At the top of the colossal tower of ice, he was at a much better advantage. Up there, he had a bird's eye view of the area, he saw the locations of his enemies and he was able to detect if there were anymore hidden surprises waiting for him. And most importantly, he could rest and reassess the situation.

A purple light began to emanate from the castle. The witch's soul had swelled up in size and was bustling with magical activity. Something was up. But what could he do? He only intended to spy on the enemy from afar. That's why he didn't bring Liz and Patty. So he had no weapons, no backup, and no means of contacting Shibusen. Although Kid can create a direct line to the Shinigami, he thought it best not to. This wasn't because he didn't want to look like a fool for going out on his own, but more on his strained-relationship with the old man. He was on his way to becoming a fully fledged death god, and yet his father still considers him to be quite a handful.

A problem child…

He didn't know where those thoughts came from. But they were right. Due to his father's lack of trust, confidence and support, it was the impression Kid kept receiving. Yet, all in all it was to be expected. If your father was the GREAT and POWERFUL Shinigami or at least a living legend in his own right, that begs the question:

How can you top that?

The answer was painfully obvious.

You can't…

Suddenly, "DEMON EYE CANON!" roared Free in his werewolf form. The green energy blast decimated a portion of the base of the tower. With its foundation weakened, the ice structure began to grow unstable.

Kid immediately got on his board and tried to make a beeline for the castle. He had no time to think of a plan of attack. The only reasonable strategy was to retreat. However, if everything that was happening here was related to what Blair said about Vajra, then it was his responsibility as a shinigami to stop it. No matter what the cost.

Meanwhile, down below, "Lupus, lupi, lupus, lupi," Free was chanting while Eruka supported him with her Magic Calculation. Unfortunately for Kid, the combination resulted in stronger and more frequent ice magic.

'Don't these guys ever give up?' thought Kid. Frost spikes appeared out of thin air and almost trapped him in a cage. He barely managed to avoid it at the expense of his board. He re-summoned it back and decided to take his chances back on the leaning tower of ice. At least there were some blind spots there that could give him some much needed cover since it appeared that the ice magic of Free was more effective in mid-air than it was on land.

"Eruka," signaled Free. She understood. With a pat of the foot, Tadpole Johnson carried her closer towards Kid. By doing this, she was able to spot him and focus Free's magic which enabled the werewolf to attack with more range and accuracy. Both magic casters did not break or cease their chanting at any point.

'It keeps getting worse,' Kid thought after he made a wrong turn at the last frost spike and ended up smashing through the sharp point of the next. Thankfully, the wound was minimal, but it was already clear that there was no way he could keep this up and not get snagged again.

He needed to create a window of opportunity. Something must disrupt or break Free's concentration long enough for Kid to get out of range of his ice magic. However, with Magic Calculation in effect, the frost spikes prevented him from venturing no more than ten meters away from the tower. And with the frost spikes growing ever deadlier by the second, he couldn't reach the base without being impaled.

"I have to do something!" he was getting frustrated.

No matter what…

"Yes! No matter what!" he was desperate. He searched frantically for anything of use. Then, he spotted Eruka floating not too far away from his position.

"That's it!" He quickly altered course. He was really put to the limit. The frost spikes came at him with increasing persistency, but he shredded like never before. He dodged those that came from the side and used the ones coming from below as ramps. He was hit a few times but they were merely scratches. He moved in a serpentine fashion to hide his motives and to make it appear as though he was only trying to get to the bottom while actually creeping closer and closer to his target. So, by the time Eruka became aware, Kid was already at striking distance.

Eruka had to choose quickly between continuing her Magic Calculation and hope that Kid gets hit by a frost spike or get the hell out of there. She chose the latter, of course. She broke concentration and ordered Tadpole Johnson to flee, but it was far too late.

"Gotcha!" Kid grabbed her as he jumped unto the slow-moving familiar.

"Let go, you sicko!" she struggled but to no avail. He was gripping her hand tightly while his right arm was wrapped around her neck. Kid held her close, really close. This only caused her greater discomfort since she has never been in such close proximity with a guy before.

"Make him stop!" he demanded. Free's frost spikes were still coming towards them. Eruka had no choice but to comply for her sake. Fortunately, her high-pitched scream was able to reach Free.

"Eruka!" the werewolf broke his concentration and the spikes stopped. Kid was relieved that his strategy worked.

"That was close," he let go of her. Her immediate thought was to get away, but she couldn't. She also couldn't fight back because using her Egg Bombs would harm her as well. So in conclusion, she was at the mercy of her captor. She didn't know what this person would do to her and that scared her. All she could do now was to turn around and face him. He looked straight at her eyes, but then placed his hand on her chest. Eruka was startled.

"Thank you," he smiled and then pushed her off.