Chapter 29

"Akko, I believe we went down this hallway already."

Akko stopped walking and looked around "I don't think so. See that rock? It's new!"

"You kicked it in frustration about ten minutes ago."

" I did?"

If Diana had had hands right at that moment she would have face palmed "Yes."

"Oh. Ugh!" Akko kicked out at the rock and sent it flying down the hallway and into the dark beyond.

"Akko you need to calm down. Getting frustrated will only make it harder to- Do you hear that?"

"I can't hear anything over you yelling at me…"

"Akko!"

"Alright alright, I'm listening." She stopped talking and listened. It took a second but then she pinpointed it "Its sounds like something heavy being dragged on the ground."

"I think we need to leave."

"Yeah, I think I agree." Akko got up and started to back down the hallway, moving away from where she thought the sound was coming from, but despite that, it only seemed to grow louder.

Finally, it was almost on top of them when Diana pinpointed the source through the gloom "Akko turn around!"

Akko whirled around and lifted Diana in time to catch a giant snake's open mouth with her. For a second she stood there, pushing back against the snake while Diana's edge cut into its open mouth. She could see its massive fangs, as long as her hand and dripping with an evil looking venom. Finally, she managed to push hard and force the snake back. It dropped down and turned, slithering back a few feet before turning around yet again, looking Akko and Diana over while blood dripped from its mouth.

Akko looked at it with wide eyes. The thing had to be over twenty feet long and as thick as a drain pipe. Its scales where coal black and it seemed to have red diamonds along the length of its back. She shifted into her modified en garde stance and tried to break down her opponent. No claws or talons, not spikes on its body. All she had to worry about was its head.

The snake sat there, its tongue blipping in and out. It soon became clear she would have to take the offensive. She shifted a bit and then charged forwards toward the snake. It reared and lunged, but Akko was faster. She ducked to the right and spun while lunging out with Diana but before she could make contact something heavy hit her from behind and sent her flying back over the snakes head. She'd forgotten about the tail.

She landed with a thud several feet away, the sudden impact knocking the air from her lungs She heard the dragging sound and rolled, springing up as the snake lunged at the space she had just occupied. It hit its head on the floor, dazing itself.

Akko saw her opening and took it. She lunged out and ran Diana through the snake. However, it thrashed and jerked away before Akko could pull her partner back out, breaking her grip and causing her to lose her weapon.

"Distract it for a moment!"

"How? Why?"

"Just do it!"

Akko blinked. Distract a large, angry, dangerous snake. Got it. "Hey you over grown inch worm!" The snakes eyes narrowed. Akko then turned around and shook her butt at it before blowing a raspberry. She turned back around, ready to duck the attack she knew was coming, but never had to.

While the snake had been focused on Akko, Diana had changed and yanked her arm out of the snake. Leaving it in the form of a blade, she then swung her arm and lopped the snakes head off. It fell to the ground with a thunk and the body went limp, blood trickling out of the stump where the head had been attached.

Akko looked up at Diana, who was pulling out a handkerchief and using it to clean the blood off the blade before turning it back into her hand "Are you alright?"

"Yes, are you?"

"Probably going to have some new bruises, but other than that I'm alright."

Diana nodded "We should get going." She changed again and landed in Akkos hand.

The meister turned and went to walk away "I really need to get you a scabbard."

"I may have something at home you can use. Rapiers run in the family. I'll ask Anna to look around and see what she can find."

"Really? You're all rapiers?"

"Most of us. There were a few bows and scythes as well. One battle axe and my great uncle Hogan was a Scottish Claymore."

"You had a great uncle Hogan?"

"Yes. We don't really discuss him much. He, um, was a little odd."

"Odd as in putting a sock in the freezer to make it snow odd?"

"Odd as in skipping through the fields without any- Stop moving for a second."

Akko stopped walking. It took a second but then she picked up on it. A popping and cracking noise. Like someone was cracking their knuckles over and over again.

She whipped around, Diana at the ready, in time to see two heads burst out of the stump where the snakes first head had been. It reared and hissed, both sets of eyes filled with hate and malice.

Akko was in trouble "D-Diana?"

For once, however, the straight-A student had no idea "I-I don't- run!"

Not needing to be told twice, Akko turned tail and bolted down the hallway. The snake hissed and tore after her, both heads locked onto her fleeing form.

She hung a left and found herself at a dead end. This was really, really bad. Akko turned back around as the snake slithered towards her slowly, its body gliding easily across the slick floor.

Then Akko got her big idea.

She bent down and picked up a big rock, hefting it before flinging it at the snake, pegging it in one of its two heads. While it was distracted, she raced forwards and vaulted over the snake, its head snapping at her she hung a left and sped off "Is it still following us?"

"Yes! Akko what are you doing?"

"Trust me!"

Diana sighed. What choice did she have?

Akko continued to run. Finally, she hung a right and Diana realized where they were, and what Akko's plan was. The shorter girl ran right at the pit she had almost fallen into earlier and jumped clean over it, sticking the landing and managing to keep going. She got a few feet ahead before turning in time to see the snake start to try and go over the pit, but realizing too late it couldn't get over. It fell down the hole with a final angry hiss.

Akko stood there panting, not quite believing that worked.

Diana couldn't either "That worked?"

Her partner stood looking at the pit, a bit dumbfounded "Yeah. M-maybe we should go before it grows wings and comes flying at us."

"I doubt it would- you know what, perhaps we should keep moving." It sprouted two heads. Who knew what else it could do.

(~*~*~*~*~*~)

Arya and Trixie rounded a corner and almost crashed into Akko and Diana. Akko fell and Arya staggered but managed to stay upright.

Trixie held out her hand and helped the meister up while Diana changed into her human form "Where's Azusa?"

The redhead shook her head "She stayed behind to give us time to get out. Cerces dead but the other witch, the one who's running the show, she's alive and even stronger. We need to get out and get help."

"Akko figured out how to contact Lord Death from here. Back up will be arriving tomorrow."

Trixie and Arya looked at each other, and that's when Akko noticed who Arya was carrying

"Professor Ursula!"

"A...Ak-ko…." Ursula's weak voice sounded from behind Arya. Trixie went behind Arya, and helped her get the meister off her back and set her down gently against the wall. The raven-haired meister winced and instinctively wrapped her arm around her side while Akko came over and knelt next to her.

"Professor…"

"Akko...you shouldn't… have come after us." her voice was quiet and hoarse. She was clearly in pain.

"I know but I didn't want you to die! I heard Professor Orix say they wouldn't send anyone for a week!"

"You-you could die in here."

"But so could you!"

"I'm not t-that-" she started to cough and then groaned in pain.

Trixie knelt and gently touched her sides "There's swelling. We really need to get her out o' here."

Arya nodded "Akko, I want you to try and run point with Trixie while I carry Ursula out."

"But- I don't know if we can work together. We worked that one time but this is going to be long term and I don't know if I can do it long term."

"You need to try and make it work, alright? That's part of learning to be a meister, learning to flex with all different types of souls." Arya gave her a soft, reassuring smile before taking the scabbard off her back and tossing it to Akko. Then Trixie helped her get Ursula back on her back "Use that to hold on to Diana. Stay sharp, stay alert and think. You can do this."

Akko nodded. The reassuring words from her mentor made her feel better. She didn't question if she felt Akko could do it. She stated a fact. A simple fact that sounded as sure and confident as saying there were stars shining in a clear night sky. Everyone had always told her they wouldn't pair with her, she was too hard to work with, too out of control. She couldn't count the times she was left without a partner during Battle Arts class, back before she met Diana, because of it. Then she met Diana, but even that relationship had been forced a bit by Professor Ursula.

And now here she was with a professional team saying that they knew she could do it. Any shadow of doubt vanished from her head and she burst into a confident grin as Diana came forwards "Akko.."

What did she say? They were headed into the last leg of the mission. And this would be the most dangerous part. She didn't like the fact that she wouldn't be actively protecting her friend and partner ether. But before she could open her mouth Akko was taking her hands and pulling her into a hug "Don't worry, we can do this!"

"I know I just- please be careful Akko. And make sure you mind your footwork."

"Yes Diana."

"And make sure to keep your elbow up when you're firing. If it drifts down your aim will be off and you'll miss."

"Diana-."

"Also, Keep your bow arm straight and your elbow rotated correctly or the string-"

"Diana!" Akko cut the blonde off. She reached out and took her hands "You make it sound like I'm going off to war! I'm going to be right here, and you'll literally have my back. I've got this!"

Diana sighed "Just, be careful. Alright?"

"Of course! Aren't I always?"

The small joke caused Diana to smile a little and relax "I believe in you Akko. That's our magic right?"

With that Diana changed in a flash of light, landing in her meisters hand. There was a moment where she felt the comfort of Akko's grip, and then she sheathed her and it was gone.

Meanwhile, Trixie helped Arya get Ursula on her back before changing and landing in Akkos hands.

"Ok Akko, turn yer body sideways, feet shoulder-width apart. Now stand up straight and pull back the string, elbow up, good. Now let the arrow form, don't fight with it. Great job, now comes the hard part. Pull the string back and fire a practice arrow down the hall. It's going to feel a wee bit odd since the arrows are made of highly concentrated soul waves but ye'll adjust quickly. "

Akkos eyes widened as an arrow shimmered into existence, glowing with a very soft purplish pink light, versus the gold Arya always had. She loosed the arrow and felt a slight pop deep down inside her as the arrow left the bow and flew down the hall and out of sight.

Arya nodded approvingly "She's got it let's go."

Akko hesitated "Uh, which way?"

Arya looked around "You know I'm not totally sure. I was following Trixie."

"You dolt I was following you!"

" What do you mean you were following me I wasn't running point!"

"You always run point! Even when yer not running point yer running point!"

"Well, this time I wasn't!"

Diana sighed "So we're lost."

Akko nodded "I think so."

The blonde looked around "Ok. Well we know to stick to hallways without dust, they're the frequently used ones. I suppose we can follow the body trail from the guards we've dispatched along the way. "

"Aye, that's our best bet."

Akko started forward, keeping Trixie drawn and ready. Once in a while they ran into a guard, but dispatching them was easy.

Easy but different. She felt safe holding such a powerful weapon, but she didn't give her the comfort and confidence that came with Diana. Yes, she was slung across her back and within arm's reach, but Akko still didn't feel right. It was like something was missing.

They were just about in the middle of the hall when suddenly the wall blasted open, sending rock and rubble everywhere. The girls skidded to a halt and tried to figure out what had just happened. That was when Akko saw a glint of metal half buried under the rocks. She dropped Trixie and ran forward before beginning to dig. Soon she was pulling out a crossbow and scrambling back off the pile.

Looking over she saw a hole in a wall, and the wall on the other side of the room, and another hole, and another. Phrike had blasted Azusa threw the wall of the throne room, then the two rooms on the other side of that and into the hallway they were standing. Azusa had changed in order to avoid damage.

Meanwhile, Arya walked up to the part of the wall still standing and pressed her back against it before cautiously poking her head around to look through "Trix!" Phrike wasn't done fighting. Arya could just make her out through the gloom.

Trixie changed and got next to Arya, who moved back so her partner could look "Oh now wha- bloody hell here give me Ursula!" The redhead took Ursula from Arya, who in turn went over and took Azusa from Akko "Are you ok? Can you fight?"

The Death Scythe voice was weak but firm "Yes. Can you?"

Arya nodded "Girls go with Trixie and Ursula, she'll help you get out. I'll be right behind you."

Rather than run though, Akko took her place next to Arya and drew Diana "We won't leave you." No communication was necessary. On this, Akko and Diana were of one mind.

"Neither will we." their heads all turned in time to see Trixie setting Ursula down at her own request. She leaned against the wall and Trixie changed, landing in her hand "If you die...we wouldn't get out anyways. I'd r-rather die fighting. H-here, take your partner quickly."

Arya nodded and tossed Azusa to Ursula, who then tossed her Trixie "Ready?"

"Aye, for now. Let's rip her a new one shall we?"

Arya drew her bow "Aye."

This was stupid. All six of them knew it. But they also knew the others were all too stubborn to change their minds. After all, this is what they were trained to do. Kill witches. Stop the creation of kishins. Save the world. They all knew the risks of the job, they all signed on anyways.

Mist started to fill through the holes in the walls as the dim light grew dimmer still and a chill seemed to settle over the group. Then a pair of red eyes appeared in the gloom and began to almost glide towards them.

Somewhere in the back of Ursula's head, she remembered a quote about not firing until you see the whites of their eyes.

Diana could hear her blood pounding in her ears.

Arya set up a three arrow spread.

Akko's stomach growled.

There was silence as the eyes stopped moving. There was a crackling noise and suddenly the witch was illuminated by two balls of blue electricity, one in each hand and a wicked grin on her face.

Three arrows and a crossbow bolt flew through the air at Phrike. She twisted sideways to dodge two, then launched the balls of electricity at the other two before taking cover from the next volley.

Arya and Ursula continued to rapid fire at Phrike, keeping her pinned down. Then suddenly some of the rubble began to shake and flew at the teams. Arya ducked a brick and Akko actually managed to use Diana to deflect one. Rubble continued to fly, causing Akko to dive away from the hole before a particularly large rock flew at her head. Lightning followed the rocks, forcing Arya to move. Ursula managed to get out of the way just in time, but at the expense of aggravating her ribs further. She lay on the ground away from the hole, holding Azusa and struggling to sit up and breath.

Meanwhile, Arya was poping around the wall, shooting arrow after arrow through the hole and trying to dodge lightning and rubble at the same time.

Then Phrike laughed "Is that all you've got little meister? Did you forget I watched you fight already? "

"Arya she has a point. Ursula is out of the fight what do we do?"

Arya leaned against the wall, suddenly a little unsure of herself. She couldn't get too close to Phrike and Akko could only attack at close range. They could have someone loop around through the throne room and then attack from behind but Phrike would be expecting that. Unless…

"Akko!"

The young brunette looked across the gap at the older meister. Arya made a come here gesture and then leaned around to fire several shots at Phrike, distracting her so Akko could dart across the opening "Akko, I have a plan."

"Yes!"

"Azusa will lay down fire from here while I creep around to the throne room. She blasted her way from there to here, so I should be able to follow her path. I'm going to lay down fire from behind and pull her attention, making her think I'm using the same attack strategy as before, but what won't realize is that while I'm hitting her with Tri-Axle Razor, you will resonate with Diana and take her out from behind."

"What?"

"You honestly think she's going to forget about a Death Scythe?"

"No. I think she's going to have her attention split down the middle while you move in for the kill."

"We won't let you down!" Akko was grinning from ear to ear, totally confident in herself and Diana. On the other hand, Diana was much less so

"We trust ye both."

Akko nodded while Azusa moved behind Arya to take her place " Ok when I move continue to lay down fire and try to hold her in place. I will be on the other side in under two minutes. Two minutes Akko. That's all. Once she turns around to fight me, you slip up behind her, resonate, and dispatch her. Do not hesitate with that part. Trust me. Do not hesitate."

Arya stepped out of the way before turning and racing off down the hall. Stepping forwards, Azusa changed her arm and opened fire.

She continued to fire, trying her best to keep Phrike occupied. The witch however just laughed at her and threw several balls of electricity at her " Oh what's wrong? Is the big bad Death Scythe too afraid to come out and play?"

"Give it a rest Phrike. I think you're the one too afraid to come out and play!" Azusa snapped back at her.

Diana made a face "Is it wise to provoke her right now?"

Akko shook her head "I don't think so." There was a sudden boom and the wall shook, cutting her off. She stepped back as the wall shook again "What is that?"

There was a crackling noise and then it clicked. Diana understood "Akko move the walls about to-"

There was a huge boom and the wall came down on top of the three.

(~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~)

Arya was on the other side, 20 feet behind Phrike when the wall fell. It almost seemed to happen in slow motion.

"Vip vip viper viper….Viper viper snake vip… Snake snake viper viper!" Phrikes hands began to glow red, then a gust of wind seemed to blow away from her, kicking up dust before hitting the wall next to the hole, right were Akko was hiding, collapsing in right on top of them.

The older meister stopped moving, a rush of cold rolling over her body as raw fear and panic hit her.

Trixie was in shock, but she got it together quicker "Arya move yer arse!"

Phrike turned around "Why so shocked? What did you think would happen? You sent a little student to fight the mighty Phrike and got her killed! This is all your fault! What kind of mister are you? You can't even protect the innocent!" She cackled and then that was it.

Something deep down inside Arya broke. She failed. She had gotten Akko and Diana killed. Possibly Azusa and Ursula too. She was useless as a meister. This witch needed to die. And she would do whatever it took to kill her, regardless of how badly it would injure her in the process.

"What's the matter, little girl? Sad you're playmates are gone?"

"Trixie we're doing it."

"Doing what? Wait no Arya you can't handle it!"

"Lets go! Soul Resonance!"

Arya threw her wavelength at Trixie, who had no choice but to catch it and throw it back at Arya, matching her speed. She was dead set on bypassing Tri-Axle and going to their second stage move. The one they had barely started to work with. The one that almost killed her the last time.

Trixie was forced to match Aryas almost frantic pace or risk seriously injuring her longtime friend. She could feel the connection warbling and fluctuating wildly. Trixie tried desperately to keep it under control but her grip started to slip and soon she lost it.

Everything seemed to slow down as it spiraled out of control. Arya's blood pressure climbed and climbed as her body was put under unimaginable strain. Her heart thundered against the wall of her chest like a drum, reminding Trixie of some sort of sick, twisted heavy metal song.

A wind picked up as the power continued to build in Trixie. Her blood was roaring in her ears, like she was standing under a massive waterfall.

And then it stopped.

All at once everything stopped as Arya suddenly went limp and fell to the ground. Trixie fell from her limp hand and hit the floor with a clatter as her meister hit the ground. She changed back and frantically checked for a pulse, yelling out words she didn't even hear.

There was nothing.

No pulse.

No breath.

Trixie started chest compressions but it was all in vain. She was gone. Her heart had given out. She was still screaming but there was nothing Trixie could do.

Arya was dead.

(I told you Kinoko-cha, no promises. *maniacal laugh*)