The Battle of Geffenia

Episode 8

Blood-stained Twilight

"There shall be twelve medals... because we were twelve warriors."

Six trees exploded altogether, destroying the surrounding area. Seiai quickly replanted the seeds and accelerated their growth to continue with the training.

"The sky is still dark."-commented Lenan.

"Yes, and there is a reason for it."-said Seiai.

The assassin resumed his training, slowly adapting to this new power. All of the sudden, he remembered the previous encounters with the beasts. He had one question that bothered him:

"Is there any connection between certain monster and weather change?"

"Absolutely, but it all depends on how strong that monster is."-Answered the guardian-"Which means that an overpowered Poring would bring a sunny and happy day to those near it."

Suddenly, a small and dark fiend with spiky ears appeared in front of them. He carried a fork, and made a slightly annoying sound.

"Didn't you say...that no one would be able to enter your magical barrier?"-asked Lenan.

"Yes, I said that."-answered Seiai.

"Then, what in Hel, is that Deviruchi doing here?"-asked Lenan somewhat surprised of something suspicious.

"Oh wells, that's not a common Deviruchi."-Answered Seiai-"That's Devi-kun."

"Yes, remember my name, pathetic human!"-yelled the demon.

"Calm down, Devi-kun"

A gentle voice filled Lenan's ears. He turned his head, seeking the source of that voice; finding a green haired lady with an ebony gown approaching.

"I am Mana."-she said.

"From the look if it... you are another Guardian..."-said Lenan.

"Bingo, human, you won a Jellopy!!"-yelled Devi-kun.

"Hehehe, feisty and sarcastically as usual."-Said Seiai-"Do not mind the little fiend; he thinks of himself to be more powerful that the Elite Guardian."

"So, is he the one?"-asked Mana.

"Yes, still not fully prepared, but everything is going as written."-answered Seiai.

"He is kind of cute."-said Mana giggling.

"Is there something more dangerous than being 100 poisonous and explosive, complemented by that certain "cuteness"?-said Seiai smiling.

Devi-kun hopped towards the assassin, trying to get a closer look.

"Hmm... I could use someone like you to command my army of minions."-he said.

"His army of evil Andre Eggs and Pupas."-thought Seiai.

"Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to work by myself."-said Lenan.

"You've got the darkness in you."-said Devi-kun.

The assassin remained silent, as if the little fiend said no word.

"I see it, it is hatred."-Said Devi-kun-"It drives your vengeance, which is the source of your determination... fused with your willpower. It is something like the Yggdrasil Berry for the Asura Strike Champion."
"That was very metaphoric..."-said Seiai laughing-"Devi-kun the poet... you should sell your books to... Whispers..."

"Silence!!"-Yelled Devi-kun pointing his fork at the guardian-"If I stab you with my fork... will you die?"

"Do not mind him much."-Said Mana-"He loves to play the evil menace... wherever we go."

"Well, it is time for you guys to disappear."-said Seiai.

"Nice to meet you, LenanKuras."-said Mana.

No response came from the assassin, but she could see in his dark eyes that he was pleased to see someone like her. The mistress and the devilish fiend evaporated, leaving no trace.

"That was one bizarre duo..."-said Lenan.

"Indeed, but never tell them that."-said Seiai smiling.

. . . . .

Two days have passed since the appearance of Atroce...

"I have not faced a serious opponent since I arrived here."-said Gabe.

"What were you fighting the day I found you in the middle of the forest then?"-asked Mist.

"Some Champion."-answered Gabe.

"Just some champion?"-Asked Mist-"Your body was severely damaged. You were lucky Blue was there to heal your wounds."

"I... I just feel I have to prove myself."-said Gabe.

"More than what you have done up until now?"-Said Mist-"Come on, you are an Assassin Cross. Only half of all assassins get promoted and seek mastery in a certain area."

"Or die trying to become an Assassin Cross."-Said Gabe interrupting-"Yeah, I know that."

"What's the most important rule in assassination?"-asked Mist.

"Never face an enemy that can jeopardize your life."-answered Gabe.

After those words, Mist walked away quietly, knowing he delivered his message.

"How do you feel, Cecil?"-asked Blue.

"Better, but I still can not move my right arm."-he answered.

"It will heal quickly."-said Blue.

"You do not seem to be afraid anymore..."-he said.

"I am starting to feel like I've known these people for a long time."-she said smiling.

Zel approached Blue, asking her to cast Assumptio on everyone. She followed the command gladly.

A father approached his daughter, covered in guilt and filled with shame.

"I am sorry."-He said-"Sorry I've abandoned you like that."

Plushe hugged the old man and kissed his forehead.

"I knew... that deep inside that demon; your mind wouldn't be controlled."-She said-"You just needed a light to guide you."

"Two souls in one body..."-thought Zel-"I know how hard it can be..."

A falcon returned back to its master bearing no bad news.

"Strange, no one is near..."-thought Aqua.

"The air smells like rust."-said Winshley.

"And rotten flesh."-Added Mirage staring at Chass's corpse-"Wouldn't it be better to bury him here?"

"This land is cursed!!"-yelled Zel, angrily gazing at the assassin.

. . . . .

"This will end soon."-said Callaghan.

"What if he cannot succeed?"-whispered a female voice.

"Then you will seal my victory."-he answered.

An evil laugh embraced their evil bodies... slowly fainting...

. . . . .

"Where is that Deviruchi?"-asked Seiai with a bored look in his face.

He continued watching Lenan progressing on his training. The assassin moved as far as possible from the perimeter and closed his right fist, exploding several trees. He sheathed his sword and walked towards the guardian with a smile.

"So... you are ready..."-said Seiai-"There is not much left for me to do then."

"All I can say is..."-said Lenan-"Thanks for your help."

"One more thing..."-said Seiai giving him an Iron Wrist and a transparent bottle; a bottle that contained some kind of dirty water and was held by a skeleton hand from the bottom.

"Cursed Water?"-Said Lenan-"I do not need this..."

"It is not for you."-Said Seiai-"But for he who needs it."

The assassin began walking towards the barrier limits. The moment he stood close, the barrier disappeared. He continued walking for several minutes; but something told him to look back. And there he was, Seiai, sitting on the same spot, keeping the same distance; as if Lenan did not move one foot away.

"Pretty amazing, uh?"-Said the Guardian-"You see, you can only bypass my barrier if and only if I desire it."

"What's the meaning of this?"-asked Lenan slowly showing a change in his mood.

"I am bored, and I still must test your development."-Said Seiai smiling-"And there is no better test than... FIGHTING YOUR OWN SELF!!"

Immediately, after his last words, a reflection of Lenan appeared. It showed no hesitation.

"Human versus Clone... who will emerge victorious?"-thought Seiai smiling lightly.

Lenan cloaked himself in no time.

"That was one cheap blow..."-he thought.

Seiai appeared behind the assassin, wielding a pair of Infiltrators, alerting him.

"What's wrong, Lenny?"-Asked Seiai-"Time to fight!! Ruwach!!

The clone dashed madly towards Lenan with hope of piercing his chest. Lenan dodged the attack quickly, receiving only a scratch in his left arm. The clone continued attacking, but this time its target was the guardian that moments ago stood behind the assassin. Seiai did not sweat; he dodged the attacks with ease.

"This is my chance."-Thought Lenan aiming at the clone-"Soul Destroyer!!"

Four energy waves flew towards the clone who was distracted, trying to hurt the guardian. Seiai cloaked after the waves made contact with the target, leaving the clone thirsty for more action.

"Using me as a distraction so he can concentrate on dealing damage..."-thought Seiai-"Basic assassination strategy... basic and dangerous."

The clone began casting Meteor Assault all over the forest, trying to reveal any of the two.

"Keep wasting your energy, clone."-thought Lenan.

"Can't beat your own self, Lenny?"-whispered Seiai quickly approaching the assassin.

Lenan moved away from him, preventing the guardian from revealing him once again.

"Do not worry."-He whispered-"I will not reveal you this time."

"Do you expect me to trust that last sentence?"-whispered Lenan.

"That's up to you... colleague..."-whispered Seiai smiling.

Seiai became dazzled by the clone's upcoming attack, which at the same time, made him laugh out loud. The clone did not pay attention to the noise; and this alerted Lenan. The assassin desperately turned his head towards the clone's location. And there it was, with a sword drenched in poison, it moved fast towards the closest tree.

"Oh, no."-Thought Lenan-"It is using it."

After piercing the first target, It dashed towards the second repeating the same pattern.

"I've got to stop him."-Thought Lenan-"Soul Destroyer!!"

The clone succeeded in damaging the tree and it quickly dodged the wave, receiving only part of the damage. Its attention was shifted towards the attacker. It moved towards him, hoping to thrust his head, but it could only pierce the tree behind the target. Lenan slid back away from the clone and used Soul Destroyer once again. But this time, the clone could not evade it. It moved towards the original at full speed, with both swords; his mission: termination. Both assassins exchanged blows, and in the middle of the intense battle, the clone slashed Lenan and the tree closer to it. The wound began to turn purple immediately. Lenan covered it with a light blue powder he had in a small pocket stopping it from spreading.

"It's been four trees already..."-he thought-"At this rate, I will fall for my own skill..."

"Come on, Lenny."-Said Seiai-"The solution is not in your arsenal, but in your head."

"Last attack was a close one."-he thought.

Suddenly, his last thought began to enlighten him.

"A close one... That's it!"-he thought.

He moved away one more time and provoked the clone into following him; it chased him ready to either kill him, or continue the preparations for its ultimate attack. Lenan stopped in front of a tree, and turned away, facing his opponent. He felt the blades threatening his life, increasing his adrenaline. At the right moment, he dodged the attack, causing the clone's swords get stuck in the tree.

"Venom Splasher!!"-He whispered-"Your time has come to an end."

The clone showed no emotion. It stood there, aware of its demise. But nothing stopped him from a chance of taking its death bringer with it. It used Soul Destroyer until the detonation took place.

"The only reason I do not like to use Venom Splasher is because it leaves a reddish mess after it... If you know what I mean."-Said Seiai healing Lenan's wounds-"Well done, Lenny. You are free to go."

. . . . .

"Wake everyone up…."-said Aqua while looking at the horizon.

"What time is it?"-asked Levitas.

"Twilight."-answered Mist.

"What's happening?"-asked Zel.

"They are here…"-answered Aqua-"It took them some time…"

"Assumptio!!"-said Plushe protecting the party for any incoming attack.

"Any idea what are they?"-asked Gabe.

"Juperos' monsters…"-answered Winshley.

"From the ruins?"-asked Zel astonished.

"Yes…"-answered Winshley.

One of the machines teleported itself in front of the party, immediately, after Winshley's answers.

"What the…"-thought Mirage.

"Re-call!!"-yelled the robot summoning the rest of them.

There he stood, Vesper Newton; the brilliant professor who turned himself into a machine. Four Apocalypses surrounded him.

"Cecil, stand up."-Said Zel-"You must fight."

"I guess I have to choose between wielding my spear and carrying my shield…"-he thought.

"I-den-ti-fying tar-get"-said Vesper.

"What's he doing?"-asked Gabe.

"Gathering information on our abilities."-answered Winshley.

"You seem to know many things about this thing…"-said Gabe.

"In our Magic Academy, we learn about Juperos; especially about what caused it to collapse, and about Vesper."-said Winshley.

"Interesting, I must say."-added Aqua.

A loud noise alerted the fighters, and the Apocalypses began to circulate around their master.

"They seem to be synchronized."-thought Mist.

"Something stinks here…"-said Zel.

"Do not let down your guard."-said Mist.

Suddenly the monster deactivated itself, and the minions.

"Hmm… what is happening?"-asked Blue.

Mirage approached one of the Apocalypses and punched it. He received no response.

"Mirage…"-said Mist.

"Don't worry, It's OK."-he said smiling.

He punched it two more times, hoping for an answer. Nothing could quench his thirst, other than blood or painful cries of his tortured preys. Suddenly, a metallic shriek filled his ears. The robot was alive again.

"Time to die!!"-Said the robot-"Self-Des-truct!!"

Battle Theme: Hearts Burst Into Fire- Bullet for My Valentine

A loud and powerful bang, and a bright light; it all happened in seconds. Everyone was pushed back by the explosion. A white smoke covered the affected region.

"I will not die in a place like this!"-yelled Winshley struggling to stand up.

"That was unfair."-Said Mirage-"I think I got some broken ribs…"

One by one stood up slowly, confused about this sneak attack.

"Take care of Mirage."-said Zel.

Blue ran towards the injured assassin escorted by Mist and covered by Aqua. Plushe healed the rest, who only received minor wounds. Vesper laughed when he realized that he could not kill a single person. The Apocalypse that was detonated began to reconstruct itself slowly. Mist and Aqua slowly retrieved Mirage.

"Is that all you've got?!"-Said Mirage laughing-"This is pitiful."

"Shut up."-Said Mist-"Look at you, almost dead, and you still want to mock him?"

"Yes, pi-ti-ful…"-said Vesper dashing towards the warriors.

"He is attacking…"-said Aqua.

"Blue, run!"-yelled Mist while grabbing Mirage.

"She will not make it…"-thought Aqua.-"I will not be able to knock him back but I can stop his movement for a second… Falcon Assault!!"

Aqua's beloved falcon attacked Vesper with no hesitation and flew high disappearing in the clouds. Winshley cast a Fireball, which shifted Vesper's attention. It dashed towards the wizard threatening his life.

"Get out of the way!!"-Said Winshley-"Meteor Storm!!"

Gabe hid himself while Mist, Blue and Aqua dragged Mirage out of the danger zone. The mighty power of fire punished the machine constantly. The earth burned, and an evil metallic laugh shook the wizard's idea of victory.

"That…was just a mockery of MY POWER!!"-Yelled Vesper-"Meteor Storm!!"

"Oh no…"-thought Mist-"Get out!!"

The flames around the robot's head began to intensify while the rain of meteors assaulted the young wizard. Mist sprinted around the affected area, trying to sneak behind the robot. He revealed the deadly blades of his katars while targeting the machine's back.

"Sonic Blow!!"-he whispered striking eight times.

Vesper chuckled, he remained unharmed. In front of him, there stood a destroyed Apocalypse. Mist was astonished by the reaction speed of the machine, and retreated to keep himself out of danger. The Apocalypses began to surround their leader covering him.

"Guard!!"-they said.

Winshley moved forward, challenging the machines.

"Not so fast, wizard."-Said Gabe-"I, too, want to kill this thing."

The wizard gazed at Vesper with a burning anger. Winshley held his staff firmly and remembered that his magic caused slight damage on Vesper. He wanted to know why.

"Sense!!"-he said.

He was not amazed. His thoughts were confirmed: he was facing a Holy property monster.

"My damage is reduced by half…This will not be easy..."-he thought.

"Mystical Amplification!!"

"Do not worry."-Said Aqua-"We will support you."

"Enough said, then."-said Mist enchanting his weapon with deadly poison.

"Time to kill."-Said Levitas-"Mystical Amplification!!"

"Enchant Deadly Poison!!"-whispered Gabe.

"Need a reckless hand?"-said Zel smiling.

Mist rushed towards one of the Apocalypses catching it off guard. He began slicing it until it stopped functioning. Zel's target fell quickly after, defeated by his powerful Bashes. Aqua's falcon pierced the third machine like a needle pierces skin. The forth machine target Levitas with a Darkness Jupitel, electrocuting him.

"Impressive."-Said the old man-"Let's see if you can handle this... Frost Diver!!"

The machine was frozen in seconds, from head to toe. It tried breaking the ice from inside, but it was too thick. Levitas' left hand began to gather energy, making it visible in the form of electricity.

"Jupitel Thunder!!"-he yelled deactivating the robot.

Gabe dashed towards Vesper, after the Apocalypses were destroyed. His target noticed the danger immediately. Winshley cast Fire Bolt, even though he knew it won't be doing sufficient damage.

'Do you thing this is over?"-Said Vesper-"You are to-ta-lly wrong! Call Slave!!"

After his words, his eyes glowed blue-like and the minions began to reassemble themselves.

"Great... I officially consider this... a failure."-said Levitas.

"Let's do it one more time."-Said Aqua aiming at his target-"Falcon Assault!!"

Zel moved towards the rest of the machines and landed in the middle. His recklessness could not resist the temptation. The minions attacked him consistently, but they could not cause severe injuries due to his Guard. He raised his Flamberge, and an ivory cross of light blinded the enemies.

"Grand Cross!!"-He yelled destroying everything but the leader-"No damage..."

He fell back while looking at Winshley, like if he was about to ask the obvious.

"That thing's element is ...holy..."-he thought.

"Time to end this!!"-Said Gabe attacking Vesper from behind-"Sonic Blow!!"

All eight hits made contact with the metallic skin. But something was wrong. Vesper was not the machine he stabbed with all his strength. In front of him stood another Apocalypse. The robotic laugh confirmed failure.

"Damn it, he sacrificed one of his minions to protect himself."-thought Mist.

"New strategy?"-asked Aqua.

"No, we wear him down!"-Said Zel panting-"Maybe then, we can find out why his minions come back to life."

Mist dashed towards one of the reborn Apocalypses and stabbed it. He finished it off with a Meteor Assault. But it was pointless; once it was destroyed, it came back to life, unharmed. Cecil and Mirage watched the battle from a distance, not too far. Both were eager to join the action, but their injuries did not permit them so. They could be more of a burden than a helping hand.

"There is something fishy about this... robotic being."-said Cecil.

"That thing is fast, accurate, and strong against magic."-said Mirage struggling-"It will take long."

The party defeated the minions countless times; once again, Vesper's eyes began to glow blue-like.

"Those eyes..."-thought Mist-"There must be a connection..."

"Something... something about that monster..."-thought Mirage.

Mirage tried to stand up with the help of his sword, but his hand trembled once he put pressure on it. Plushe ran towards him while telling him to relax, but he did not listen. Once he stood up, he gathered all his force in one whistle, alerting Mist. Mirage pointed at the leader's head.

"The head...sounds logical..."-thought Mist.

Quickly after the minions were disabled, he moved towards Vesper. He jumped high enough to reach the head and attacked it with three Meteor Assaults. The machine remained still. He began swinging his arms, as if he was out of control. He began speaking in a foreign dialect, with a distorted voice.

"That was it! His head was the link between him and the minions."-said Levitas.

After some seconds, the minions returned back to life.

"That took some time..."-said Zel-"His reaction time was interrupted. New target! Head!!"

Gabe walked towards the young paladin and asked for his Devotion.

"That would be no problem."-Answered Zel-"Just don't get too far."

Gabe smiled with his eyes and moved forward with his idea. Levitas and Mist defeated the minions while Aqua aimed for Vesper's head. The machine was confused, now that his weakness was discovered. Suddenly, his heightened senses caused him to look up. Above his head, a green haired assassin descended while his Specialty Jurs glowed white. His blades became longer, sharper, and deadlier. One thrust was all he needed to guarantee survival, at least for himself.

"Supersonic Thrust!!"-he whispered while descending swiftly.

The impact left no mark, but it destroyed everything there was inside of it.

"He is really fast..."-thought Mirage.

A distorted metallic cry pierced everyone's ears causing them to bleed.

"Fire Bolt!!"-yelled Winshley enduring the pain.

"Now." destroy them all!"-yelled Zel.

"Jupitel Thunder!!"-said Levitas.

"Meteor Assault!!"-whispered Mist.

"Falcon Assault!!"-whispered Aqua.

"Holy Cross!!"-yelled Zel.

All four Apocalypses were annihilated in no time. A metallic chuckle, followed by an attempt to revive them, kept everyone ready of any surprise.

"Im-pre-ssive"-said Vesper while his eyes turned green-"Stage two co-mmen-cing. Po-wer Up!!"

. . . . .

Thoughts about his mentor, and his fallen friend poisoned his mind. All this time, he kept every drop of rage caged inside. He knew he must let it all out, but only at the right person, only at their killer. He then remembered his new friends, whom could still be fighting for their lives. He felt like he rested enough. He stood up while gripping his Authoritive Badge and dashed towards them, wondering if they are still alive.

. . . . .

"Let's kill him!"-Said Mist-"We are wasting too much time."

"Fire Pillar!! Meteor Storm!!"-yelled Winshley.

"Not so fast."-said Vesper.

His cannons began to power up while the party charged quickly. He paid no attention to the damage he was receiving.

"Tar-get: Low-est E-va-sion Rate."-thought Vesper.

His cannons rapidly aimed towards Levitas, and without vacillation, he released all the power.

"De-fense Dis-re-gard A-ttack!!"-he yelled.

The old wizard had no other choice but to try and defend himself with Energy Coat and Ice Walls. But the laser attack pierced the walls with ease. Plushe ran towards her beloved father praying for his life.

"What in Hel was that?!"-yelled Zel.

"Se-cond tar-get."-said Vesper aiming at Aqua.

"Devotion!!"-said the paladin protecting his friends.

"Re-a-na-li-zing tar-gets… Kill the pa-la-din."-Said the machine.-"De-fense Dis-re-gard A-ttack!!"

"Oh no, Zel!!"-Yelled Plushe-"Get out of there!!"

The paladin stood his ground unyieldingly, allocating his confidence on his defensive skills. Unfortunately, luck favored the other side. A cry of pain terrorized the rest. Mist's immediate response was to flee. He realized that his chances against the machine were faint. After several steps, Vesper intercepted the fleeing assassin's path, charging for another attack.

"You will not kill me!"-Yelled Mist-"Loki's Ultimate…"

"Assumptio!!"-yelled Blue running towards the threatened assassin.

"Die a-ssa-ssin!!"-said the machine.

Nothing was able to deflect the attack from its target. The blast sent Mist flying, but thanks to the holy protection, he cheated death.

"Damn it."-Thought Gabe-"I won't be able to reuse my skill soon…"

Instantly, after Gabe's thought, Vesper turned his head towards him; approaching slowly with a metallic chuckle.

"Are you ready to die, Gabriel?"-He said-"Good bye! De-fense Dis-re-gard A-ttack!!"

The assassin was appalled, he was certain of his own abilities; he knew he could not evade that. He crossed his arms to protect his chest and closed his eyes, waiting for death. He heard a loud bang, but he felt no pain. He began feeling a warm breeze embracing him. He opened his eyes slowly and a big pole stood in front of him. A red, orange and yellow colored pole blocked the attack. Mystical glyphs were engraved in it. At the top of it stood a dragon head with smoke and fire coming out of its nostrils.

"Allow me to introduce, Svarog, The Fire Totem."-said Winshley.

"Fire… it won't scratch me."-said Vesper laughing.

"It is said that no substance can withstand the power of Svarog's Flare."-said Winshley confidently.

The dragon spitted a small red ball which slowly traveled towards the machine. It stopped in front of the robot and exploded, forming a fiery cage around Vesper. A white flash dazzled everyone while the cage slowly closed itself melting the machine. Cries of pain echoed through the cursed plains of Geffenia. The light and smoke began to uncover the machine. The flames disappeared revealing a small black object. Gabe approached and grabbed it.

"That's called Vesper Core."-Said Winshley-"Unfortunately, I must say that the Flare did not melt…everything."

"I feel a sudden calmness when I hold this…"-said Gabe.

Plushe healed her injured father.

"Do not risk your life again, Dad."-she said.

The old man smiled, and caressed her silky face. Suddenly, her attention was shifted toward an enigmatic flower. Its purple and orange petals perplexed the priestess. She walked towards it slowly, as if she was hypnotized. She uprooted the magical flower and stared at it without blinking.

"ShE wIlL dIe…"

From far away, a familiar blue haired assassin approached at tremendous speed. Aqua identified him long before he left the woods, with a smile in his face.

"He is back…."