The war is now official for everyone.
Enjoy ^^
"How could've this happen ?" thought Andrew, shaking his pen.
He spent the whole evening and the morning after reflecting on what Diana said. He was having a crush on Cassandra. Andrew Hambridge fell in love with a witch. Of all people. That must be a joke. The ring announcing the end of his class interrupted his thoughts. The young man gathered his stuff, then got out. He couldn't help but think about his situation again. He walked in the corridor, completely oblivious of his surroundings. Girls greeted him but he didn't even notice them. He arrived outside. There, he found a bunch he collapsed on. The weather was still fine. Andrew put his forearm on his forehead.
" Cassandra …" he muttered.
" Yes ?"
He saw her face just above him, her hair surrounding him.
"WAAH !"
He jumped and almost fell off the bunch.
" W-w-w-what are you doing here ?" he exclaimed, his heart beating so much he thought he'd lost it.
" Ohmmm … I'm studying here." she said, an eyebrow frowned.
"I mean why are you scaring me that way ?" he corrected.
"I wonder that as well."
" Ugh ! You and your damn habit of moving in silence. I almost had a heart attack."
"That I saw. The question is why, and why did you call me ?" asked Cassandra.
Ooooh craaap ! Andrew suddenly wished he could teleport himself just like a witch.
" I … was wondering if the link was still functioning here." he answered with a smile.
Fake smile, true lie.
"Why wouldn't it work ? I didn't remove it." she resumed, with surprise.
" Just to know."
Cassandra looked at him with suspicion. Andrew changed topic by asking the reason of her presence. The young girl announced the arrival of her clan. He immediately looked serious. The Goblins were planning a real battle, face to face. So Drakoniaes were to reinforce the defense here, then to form a battle plan.
"So … are you going with them ?" questioned Andrew.
" Of course I'll go."
" Do you really have to ?"
" What is wrong with you today ? We'll need all our strength to end this war. No need to even ask." she said.
" I am perfectly aware we're on war. It's just … I don't want something to happen to you, is all."
He blushed when said that.
"That's nice of you. But us Drakoniaes have a strong protective instinct. My whole family will be there. I'll end up crazy if I don't go. There's also people here I must protect. Witches … and others." she smiled.
Andrew turned his head, blushing again.
" Hey Andrew, are you okay today ? You're acting weird." she worried.
Oh f*£& !
" Y-yes ! I-I must go. Franck, waiting, class project, all this."
Aaaand he left quite fast. Cassandra sighed. She had other things in mind for now. Hambridge leaned against a wall, his heart pounding crazily. He tried to calm down. Funny, but the last time he felt that way was when the Lovelove Bee had stung him. But this time it was for real. No bee, no spell involved. It was his true feelings. His feelings for a witch. Oh, when his father will have wind of this … Andrew sighed. Again, what he should he do ? Being irritated with this question and the torment of his feelings, he set to go to the library, hoping to find there a book which will allow him to forget all this for a moment. So he went there. He looked at the books stored there.
" Hm ?" he thought.
Andrew pulled out a book. It was … about Ann Draekis. The founder of the Drakoniaes, the dragon slayer witch. Darn, he went here to forget about them for five minutes, not dive in their story. So he put the book back. Let's seeeee … ah, maybe that one, stories about a witch explorer. That would do it. Andrew chose a table and sat to begin his reading.
One hour later, as he was totally immersed in the story, he heard a hubbub around him. Little by little others came in to say something to their comrades. Andrew rose his head. Something was happening. He caught sight of Louis, not far away from him. Andrew closed his book and approached him.
"Is something the matter ?" he asked.
"Not really. Apparently, we're having guests."
"Guests ? Like who ?"
"Dunno."
"I'll go check it out. Wanna tag along ?"
" Well why not. I've got nothing better to do." said Louis.
They led to the dining room, following the gathering of witches. The young girls went to see who had arrived in their school. Being taller it was easier for the boys to have a look.
" That's … that's the Drakoniae clan !" said Andrew.
Most of the heads around turned to him.
" The what now ?" repeated Louis.
" Drakoniae. The warrior witches, Cassandra's family. Our main force in this war. I completely forgot she told me they were coming." explained Hambridge.
He noticed Lucy, carrying a spear, talking with the headmistress.
" I heard about the Drakoniaes. It seems they have dragon blood in their veins." said a girl.
"Drakonic." corrected Andrew, despite himself.
Cassandra was there, behind her mother with her cousin.
" So, is it true they possess superhuman strength ?" asked another girl.
"Yes." answered Hambridge without taking eyes off Cassandra.
The witches seemed impressed. There weren't only witches over there, but also werewolves, as Andrew could guess seeing Ronan, probably fairies judging by the clothes … the meeting ended, and the clan was coming to the exit. So everyone cleared road. The Drakoniaes exited without caring about people. Cassandra only glanced at her friend. Andrew frowned as he saw her getting away. She wasn't wearing her school uniform, but vesture of the SMU.
" Wow. They sure are scary." commented Louis.
"Typical of the clan. And you haven't met the leader."
Hambridge felt like going after them to know what was going on. After a debate, he moved. He found them outside, the witches hand in the air. Andrew remarked Ronan, then decided to come to him.
" Hello Ronan."
" Oh hi Andrew ! How are you doing since this charming ball at your school ?" smiled the wolf.
"Much better, I got to say. And you ? What brings you here ?"
" I'm fine for now, and for what brings me here … let's say that the scent of war became stronger than ever." responded Ronan.
" The … scent of war ?" repeated Andrew, puzzled.
" Yep. This is it. We're going to fight the Goblins head on. We're reinforcing the protections here before going with other witches from here and there. Up until now, it was just skirmishes, but they have gathered their main force. So in one word : nor we win … or the country is doomed." specified Ronan watching the witches in action.
Andrew felt like the ground under his feet just opened. This was it. War … real war, real fight. He felt safe in here so it seemed unreal. Maybe his fear kept him from fully realizing it. Maybe his bodyguard seemed so strong that he believed nothing could possibly defeat her. But now, no more denial. The enemy was numerous this time. A whole army. He looked at Cassandra. She was going. He wanted to go to her, catch her and lock her in her room, preventing her from going to a battle she might never come back from. Why did she had to go ? What was her own mother thinking ? Cassandra was still a teenager, too young for a war. He had to do something. He had to ! Unfortunately for him, his body was like stuck in the ground. He couldn't move.
The Drakoniaes ended their spells. Time to leave. They gathered and walked. Ronan said goodbye to Andrew before joining the group. That awaken him. He called his friend and ran to her. Cassandra said to continue to her family, she'll catch up.
" You're really going to fight ?" asked Andrew.
"Yes."
" But … you're too young for a war !" he exclaimed.
"You didn't think that when I was appointed to protect you." she noticed.
Andrew opened his mouth. Point taken. He never really thought about it, since she had always shelved him from her fights. Andrew knew Goblins were real, that they wanted to conquer the country and kill every witch. But … it seemed far until now. Now the war was at his door. It couldn't be avoided anymore.
"Don't go. Please." he breathed.
Cassandra smiled softly.
"I have to. That's my duty."
" Your duty, until now, is still to protect me. I still need you around me. So, you must stay here." he objected.
She smiled larger.
"I am protecting you. I'm protecting everyone by going. They're the ones behind the mess you went through during months, and I'll make them pay for that."
" That's too dangerous."
" It has been since the beginning. I must go now. I'll see you later. Take care of you."
Cassandra touched his shoulder gently, before turning and leaving.
" I'll wait for you, and if you don't come back still in one piece you'll have me to deal with !" he said.
"Sounds interesting !"
Andrew watched her until she disappeared from his sight. Then he sighed and got back inside. She left. Left to battle in a war. The most dangerous event of all. And he couldn't do anything but wait. His steps brought him back to the library. His book was still here, but he didn't feel like reading for now. Instead he sat, or rather collapsed on the chair.
"Hey." he heard.
Franck was here, looking concerned.
" You look terrible, did something happened ?" asked the blonde.
" Cassandra just left with her clan. They're going head on with the Goblins. Like in a real war." confessed Andrew.
"Oh. So this is ? Final confrontation you think ?"
" I don't know. Somehow I hope."
Franck frowned. He had never seen his friend looking so worried. Andrew must really hold Cassandra dear. He sat next to him.
" It's okay. She'll definitely come back."
Andrew lowed eyes without answering. He was scared. Afraid for her. When diner time came, Andrew didn't show. He just stayed at his window where he could see the Ley Line entrance.
In the city, the battle had already begun. Emily was running in a street. She jumped on a wall after casting a spell, continued running for a while then jumped again. She landed in the middle of Goblins. Her hammer hit the ground, creating stakes that pierced her opponents. The Drakoniae moved to avoid any counterattack. However a shout behind her informed the young warrior of an enemy arrival. A screeching sound resonated, and a Goblin fell cut in two.
" Earth wrath." announced Emily, raising her hammer.
" Furious swords." added Cassandra.
A downpour of lightening rocks and swords gushed, decimating dozens of adversaries.
" Gee ! We keep killing them and more are coming !" said Emily.
"The night is about to fall. We should join the others." responded Cassandra.
" Oh shit !"
A volley of arrows was coming. The girls just had time to create a magical shield. Suddenly, the ground under their feet cracked. They fell in the subway station.
" Ouch ! You okay Cassy ?"
"Urgh ! I'll do as if."
Having a hand on the floor, Cassy perceived vibrations. Oh no, don't tell me a train was arriving !
" Crap !" exclaimed Emily.
Vines emerged and imprisoned them.
" That's … not good." resumed Cassandra.
"Like hell we're gonna be crashed ! RAAAAAH !" roared Emily.
She broke the vines and ran to what was coming. And it was a train indeed. His highlights switched on, trying to blind the Drakoniae. But Emily saw that coming. Creating a protective shield before her which acted as giant sunglasses, she rushed to the train. An awful metallic sound filled the place. Cassandra broke her vines while Emily was running. Other Goblins were here, pointing their arrows at her. When suddenly, a wagon crashed them.
" You gotta try harder than this to got us Drakoniaes." warned Emily.
"Let's go before others arrive." said Cassandra.
They climbed on the train to get out. Sounds of battle were coming from everywhere. The witches got on their brooms and decollated.
"That's one hell of a mess." noticed Emily.
Buildings under them has taken serious damages, cars were upside down, ground fissured. Cassandra saw werewolves fighting against each other. So, some of them joined the Goblins after all. Farther, she spotted a drakon. The beast was pitched. It appeared people were clinging on it. One of its eyes was ripped. The drakon had a very painful roar before collapsing. Eyes were its weak point, the only part of it not protected by scales more solid than titanium.
" Cassandra ! Emily !" they heard.
" Cousin Leana." responded Emily.
" There you are ! Your mothers sent me to check on you." announced Leana.
" We're fine, well as much as we can be in the middle of a war." said Cassandra.
" How are things going ?" asked Emily.
" It's hard to tell. I'd say we're on equal strength. They're numerous, which counterbalance our strength."
" We need more allies, or a way to tip scales in our favour." intervened Cassandra.
"That we know. The question is what or who." replied Leana.
Little by little, sounds of battle ended. Time to regroup and count the dead. The witches flew to a camp located in the forest. The landed before two guards surrounding a huge tree. One of the guard pointed a device on each of them. That was a control to know if they were enemies in disguise, or cursed by them.
" Perfect. You're good to go." said a guard.
Leana led way. She touched the trunk. An opening appeared, that they crossed. Inside, the Witches' army. Fairies were busy healing wounded people, with some of the Drakoniaes. Cassandra noticed her mother, in the middle of the camp.
" There they are !" exclaimed Sacha, Emily's mother.
Lucy went to hug her daughter. The four witches went inside a tent. The youngest reported their battle.
" You've done well, both of you." commented Lucy.
" Thanks mom, but what are we going to do from now ?" asked Cassandra.
" Finding other allies is an idea, although we already ask to all of them. Maybe we can try again. That's why I'm also thinking about sending you two to Luna Nova. Go to the Arcturus forest. Magical creatures intend to gather in order to debate of their position in this war." announced Lucy.
" So you want us to intervene there, and convince them to join us. Well, let's tempt it." agreed Cassandra.
" Hoping the Goblins will give us time to go back." said Emily.
" They will. They too have to regroup to form strategy like us. Which make me think that it's possible you meet them at the gathering." replied Lucy.
" So when are we leaving then ?" asked Emily.
" In two days. That's when the meeting will happen." said Sacha.
The girls nodded. For now, they were going to help with the healing.
At school, Andrew finally decided to go sleeping. He waited for three hours, but the Ley Line remained off. He could have bet on it. The following morning, he met Diana at the cafeteria. This one noticed his pale looking. The girl suggested a stroll during the day, so he could talk to someone of he wished. Hambridge thanked her and accepted. They'll chat after lunch.
" So, did you finally admit your feelings for Cassandra ?" asked Diana, once outside.
" Humm, well I'm still having trouble to accept that I've fell in love with a witch. But I do recognize that … I'm worried about her. Knowing she's probably fighting while we're quietly here …" he replied.
" Yes I know. I'm also concerned about how it'll end. But we have to trust the Drakoniaes. And you … continue to work on what you feel." smiled Diana.
" Hmph ! I don't know … it's true that Cassy took care of me like no one else since my mother. I'm happier than ever thanks to her. She also revealed the best parts of me. But I can't help but wonder if that was just part of her work."
" I don't think so. Her job was to protect you, not befriend you. That wouldn't be useful for the mission, so why would she do it if not by kindness ?" objected Diana.
" True … then again, our relationship was supposed to be professional. I mean, even if I have feelings for her, she probably just thinks we mustn't be more than friends. Cassy told me she met some of her friends during missions, so what if I just one more ?" continued Andrew.
" You won't know unless you start to court her."
Andrew blushed.
" Right but … you see, usually, I don't need to court girls as they're naturally attracted by me. However, Cassandra is really different from every girl I've met. She's younger than me but went through so much. I wonder how many missions she already accomplished. She's strong, brave, composed, mature, scary most of the time although it's just an appearance. Once you gain her respect you can trust her to support and help you. And me … I barely dare to contradict my father. What could she possibly like in me ?"
"Well, if she befriended you it surely means she saw something worthy in you. For how long have you two been together now ?" asked Diana.
" About six months. It feels like more, our lives sure have been busied."
"You don't say. Huh ?"
Franck was running to them. He stopped before them, a bit out of breath, before announcing that reporters were covering the war. It was broadcasted just now. Andrew followed him inside Luna Nova. A giant magical screen was installed in the dining room by students. And on it, a drakon in a street. Facing the beast, a little shape was approaching. The reporters were on a helicopter. The cameraman zoomed.
" Hey isn't that …" said Louis.
"Cassandra." answered Andrew with a strangled voice.
" It's a young witch ! She came to face that monster !" exclaimed a reporter.
" Isn't she a bit young ? And why is she alone ?" added his colleague.
On the screen, the drakon dived to her. Cassandra blocked him by the teeth, then turned brutally its head, overthrowing it.
" Wow ! " said the journalist.
Cassandra pulled and sent it against a building. The beast straightened and roared. Cassandra replied the same way : her roar was as loud as her opponent one.
" Hey look, the monster is hesitating. Looks like he understood he's facing a tough opponent."
But the drakon pulled it together. He crawled fast to the girl. And this one responded by using what Andrew recognized as dragon claws. It hit the drakon at its head, making him deviate from its trajectory. Cassandra arrived to send him a powerful kick. Her adversary rolled.
" What an incredible strength ! I didn't know witches were so strong !"
" Of course we are ! What is he thinking ?" exclaimed Akko.
Her exclamation made some of them around her laugh. Back to the fight. Cassandra was avoiding throws of poison. Then she punched the drakon, sending it backward again. She even broke some teeth. Realizing he was about to be defeated, the drakon decided to retreat. Alas for him, Cassandra wouldn't let him. She caught it by the tail. Roaring, the reptile turned its head in order to bite her. That's how the Drakoniae sent its tail right in its jaw. It allowed her to land on the muzzle. Then she rushed to an eye she croaked, then pulled out. Despite the drakon's blips, she went inside his head. The drakon shouted awfully, before collapsing, dead. Cassandra went out, completely red. A spell cleaned her.
" I am … speechless." commented a reporter.
" That's my Cassandra." thought Andrew with pride.
As Cassandra was getting away, other beasts came. Those were horse sized lizards. Cassandra stopped. Then she unsheathed her sword. A second later, all the newcomers were mincemeat. The Drakoniae resumed her walking. Precisely when a horde of Goblins emerged, riding the lizards, surrounding her. But before any of them could move, something crashed them. The dead drakon. Cassandra was lying on the floor, on purpose. Another Drakoniae went to help her straightening. An adult one Andrew didn't know. A reporter whistled, impressed. Unfortunately, it wasn't over yet. A giant hand made of earth emerged and tried to smash the witches. Those just had time to block it.
"Oh no !" exclaimed a reporter.
Stake of earth rushed to them. Andrew wanted to scream but it remained stuck in his throat. How would they be able to dodge that ? That's when the woman kicked Cassandra out of the hand. Then she rushed to other side. A spell broke every stake while she was running. A terrifying roar resonated. The Goblins sent pile of rocks to her, all in vain. The Drakoniae crashed them with her fists. Once in front of them, she literally slaughtered them bare hands, even using a lizard as a mace. Everyone could see her tearing a lizard head, crushing a Goblin's one, piercing another one's chest with great speed. They were fifty lizard riders, sent flying in the air. Every single one of them and their mount was killed in a bath of blood.
" T-this … isn't something you see every day." said the cameraman.
It ended as quickly as it begun. Nothing but pieces of corpses remained, with a furious Drakoniae bathed in blood in the middle. She begun to sway and fall. Cassandra was running to her. The journalists mentioned the arrival of another horde of Goblins. The young witch grabbed her fellow comrade, called her broom and left. Rocks were sent to them. Cassandra had to resort to all her agility to avoid them. Except that a huge one hit her. Reporters cussed, the youngsters in Luna Nova had a sound of fear. After that, the image on the screen went weird. It appeared the helicopter got hit. They were about to crash. Then… it stopped. The image was clear again. The door got teared and Emily appeared.
" What the hell are you doing here ? Wanna die or what ?" she yelled.
People at the school could see her extracting the reporters. The cameraman went back to pick up his machine.
"Hey what happened to your comrades ? We saw a big rock hitting them !" he asked.
"They're fine, I rescued them. Now get the hell out of here !" answered Emily.
Andrew had a sigh of relief.
"And how ? Our helicopter is unable to fly now."
That's when Cassandra landed. She seemed tired, carrying her comrade on her back.
"What are those doing here ?" she asked.
" Covering the war, apparently. I could catch their helico, but now they can't go back anymore."
Cassandra looked at the chopper. Its tail was missing indeed.
"No choice but to escort them." she decided.
"Is she okay ?" asked a reporter.
" Yes, just asleep. So, how are we going to process ?" replied Cassandra.
" Asleep ? How come ?"
" And how about you shut up for now ? We're in the middle of a war, not an interview okay ?" responded Emily.
Going by broom wasn't really possible : too many people to bring at the same time. If they had something that could replace it … not only that, but they had to determine the path as well. For now, they were on the top of a building. Cassandra suggested to call someone so they would pick up them. One of the reporter went to the chopper, when Emily caught him : Goblins were arriving. So the girls imprisoned everyone in a bubble, and fled. They jumped on another building.
" Maybe we should go by air now." suggested Emily.
" Would be faster that's for sure, but Goblins are surveying the sky. They'll spot us." objected Cassandra.
She created a rope they used to get on the ground. The goal was to bring the reported behind Luna Nova.
"Hey, I have an idea : let's go through the buildings. It should cover our scent and hide us." resumed Emily.
" Good plan. Let's do this."
Cassandra looked for an emergency entrance. They crossed the first building, exiting by a window. The group advanced that way for three hours, inside constructions, unnoticed by the enemy. They spotted Goblins thieving precious objects such as jewels or paintings. Suddenly, a battalion passed between them and the next buildings. Emily showed the ceiling. This time, they'll go from above.
" How many of them are here ?" asked a reporter.
"One thousand and five hundred. We killed a mere one hundred of them." responded Cassandra.
"Oh my god. So how did you plan to end this war then ?" questioned the chopper pilot.
"Not easily and not soon." said Emily.
"And what about our government ? Do they plan to use our army ?"
" Goblins can control what come from earth, that's how they've awaken the dead last time. Meaning they have power on metal as well. Know what that implies ?" answered Cassandra.
" So … our weapons are useless against them ?" guessed the cameraman.
" Totally, yes. Us Drakoniaes are part of the government force, actually. Under the queen or the prime minister." revealed Cassandra.
" Eh ? I didn't know that !"
" Because you're not supposed to. But now, it's different."
Finally, Luna Nova was in sight. The Drakoniaes asked for the cameraman to switch off his device, so the enemy wouldn't have eyes on the school. The witches could finally use their broom for the end of the trip. The reporters were dropped off in the village for the refugee citizens. After that, time to rest a bit for school, before the next day mission.
" Hmm ? Andrew is calling me." noticed Cassandra.
"Then go to him. I'll take care of Leana." replied Emily.
"Ok thank you."
Emily took their cousin and got away. Meanwhile, Cassandra waited. Andrew exited after a few minutes, out of breath. He stopped a moment, trying to catch his breath. Then he just walked to her.
"Why did you run ?" she said with amusement.
" You're … back." he just answered.
"Told you I would. For a short period though. I have another mission tomorrow, in the Arcturus forest." she announced.
Andrew nodded. He thought he would hug her, since he was so glad to see her. He managed to restrain himself. He told her that the whole school have witnessed her fight. To what the young girl just sighed.
"What's your mission about tomorrow ?" asked Andrew, accompanying her.
"As you know now, our enemies are very numerous. Some species are already fighting alongside us, but some are still undecided."
" And you're going to convince them ?" he guessed.
" Yes. Tomorrow will be held a meeting gathering magical species, and especially the Council of Elders. The oldest beings of each magical species still alive today. If we manage to have them on our side, this should end the war." specified Cassandra.
" Then let me come with you." said Andrew.
Cassandra looked at him with surprise.
" I can be useful here. I'm used to those meeting and with diplomacy. Besides, non-magical species are also concerned."
" Hmmm … you got a point here. You more qualified than me to deal with all of them. Fine, I'll take you with me to the meeting. Which means I don't have enough time to teach you about them. But we'll do our best." she accepted.
" Don't worry, I haven't been lazy here. I studied your world and came to know some species." he revealed with a smile.
" Well ! If you wanted your father to have a heart attack, you couldn't have done a better job."
"Hahahaha ! Oh, which make me thinks : I have a message for you from him. Darn, I can't believe I forgot it. But you better sit before hearing it." remembered Andrew.
" Eh ?"
He accompanied her to the dining room. Most of the people here looked at her with impressed looks. Akko rushed to her, and begun to comment her fight with gestures and exclamations.
" Akko ! Cassy needs to rest after that, as you can guess. So don't overreact please." intervened Andrew.
" Oh … right. But that was sooooo impressive !" said the young girl.
" We know, we saw it as well. Now, let her pass will you."
Akko get out of the way. Cassandra thanked Andrew with a smile. Her friend still followed her, and announced she'll fetch a drink, while Andrew went for food. They came back fast. Lotte and Sucy arrived meanwhile. Cassandra thanked her friends, and asked about the famous message Andrew had for her.
" He wanted to thank you for what you've done for me. And he finally remembered your name."
Cassandra's drink went down the wrong way. Hambridge had to tap her back. Akko looked totally shocked.
" Oi ! It's a bit early for Halloween and way too late for April's fool."
" Snort ! But that's the truth." chuckled Andrew.
" Well, that's a good new isn't it ?" commented Lotte.
" Depends if you're superstitious or not." answered Cassandra.
" I also thought that the end of the world was close, after hearing that." informed Andrew.
" Maybe he ingested a hallucinogenic mushroom." suggested Sucy.
" If so, it would have been great if he had eaten it long ago." resumed Cassandra.
Akko laughed at that.
"Oi girls, it's my father you're talking about." reminded Andrew, amused though.
"That's why you should investigate. Apart from that, I'm exhausted so I hope you won't mind if I'm going to bed like right now." announced the Drakoniae, getting up.
"Of course no, Cassy. Good night, and sweet dreams." said Andrew.
"Oh yes ! I'll certainly dream that your father will worship me now. Sounds more like a nightmare, but an interesting one nonetheless." she responded, while walking away.
" Ugh ! What an impossible girl." commented Andrew, amused.
