Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Sky Fortress
As the sun slowly concluded its daily journey, a short distance above the distant horizon, the Lucavi horde began to truly falter. With the loss of their leadership in the valley the demons, composed mostly of mindless pawns following the orders of those that held sway over them, became fearful and even more unorganized. They attacked with less fervor than before, and fell back more quickly.
In short order Agrias and Zalbag, with the aid of the Hokuten knights at their side, had cut their way to the heart of the Lucavi forces. It was only then, as dozens of the creatures that had assailed them for the entire afternoon retreated, that the two knights were allowed a measure of respite. Agrias leaned heavily against the Beoulve, her head resting wearily on his shoulder, as they watched the battle continue in their absence.
They were both born of war, thrown into the midst of the conflict with Ordallia as soon as they were old enough to hold a sword. Standing amidst the corpses of fallen demons, their armor scored and splashed with the blood of their enemies, the knights were at home. A comfortable silence was maintained, Agrias slipping one hand into Zalbag's, as the Hokuten pressed onward around them.
"Lady Oaks." A mounted knight shouted, weaving through the soldiers to rush to her side. "Finally I have found you. Her Majesty requests your presence with the rear guard."
"What?" Agrias choked, spinning toward the knight in shock, concern overriding tact. "Ovelia is here?"
"Yes, she and Lord Hyral have asked for you."
"Return and inform them I am on my way."
The knight nodded, departing hastily, and without a word Agrias stalked after him. Zalbag fell into step beside her, as the knights threaded through the Bervenian regiment, their pace grueling.
"I have no idea why the Queen was brought here," Agrias said calmly. "But if Delita is responsible, I may have to kill him."
"I'm quite sure murdering your regent is frowned upon, isn't it?" Zalbag shot back, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.
Agrias threw him a quick glare, rolling her eyes, and continued on unabated. Of course she had been exaggerating, but Delita would certainly be answering to her if he had endangered Ovelia in such a way. The battlefield was no place for royalty.
Slipping out of the front lines, Agrias jogged toward the banner of Ivalice, Delita's vanguard stepping out of her way. In moments she joined some of Ramza's allies, resting near the personal guard assigned to the Queen. Agrias wasted no time in coming to the young woman's side, the blood on Ovelia's robes setting her teeth on edge.
"Your Majesty, are you hurt?" She asked, a note of fear in her voice.
"I'm fine, Agrias. This is not my blood." The woman said calmly, the smile that barely touched her lips missing the innocence it once held.
"What are you doing here? This is no place for you."
"That's what I told her." Delita said with a slight shake of the head and a smile, approaching with a handful of Nanten Knights. "I should have locked her up before we left Lesalia."
Agrias glared at him, before turning her gaze on the others that had been gathered with them. Olan and Valmafra sat in the trampled grass, the sorceress' head resting upon the shoulder of the young Nanten. Not far from them, the young Galthana man stood alone, his gaze distant. It took Agrias only a moment to realize his sister was absent, and she had the tact to not ask of her whereabouts. As she glanced back at Zalbag, she noticed Beowulf and Reis as well, flanked by a small contingent of Lionel Gryphons.
"The battle is nearly won," Delita began calmly. "Here, at least. As satisfying as that is, we all know that it isn't the end of this conflict. The Lucavi still remain, looking down at us like some profane gods."
"Then let us rise to meet them." Zalbag suggested casually, one hand resting on his sword.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple." Beowulf explained. "The Valefor was lost, along with its captain, and even now what few suitable mounts we have must remain in the skies, in case the demons return."
"There must be some way to reach the garrison." Agrias said, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
Silence fell across the gathered warriors, each seeking a route into the sky. If they couldn't get to Bethla, where Izlude and Ramza had already set foot, this victory would be short lived. The Lucavi could simply drift away, and begin to bring more of their kind into the world of man. It would be a battle of attrition, repeated over and over, and in the end there would be more demons than men walking the earth.
"I can do it." Val said suddenly, wincing as she clambered to her feet. "With a little effort, I think I'll be able to get a small group up into the fort."
"How?" Delita asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Magic, of course." The sorceress replied, rolling her eyes.
"Let's get to it then." The gruff, familiar voice announced Gaff's presence before he arrived, and the others turned toward him.
The Dark Knight was not alone as he approached them, the twin assassins limping along in his wake from outside of the battlefield. Celia supported her sister as they trudged ahead, both women looking as though they'd been through hell. The first thing Agrias noticed, aside from the blood that coated the three late arrivals, was the massive golden sword in Gaff's hand, glinting in the waning light of day.
"That's Excalibur." Olan noted quietly, his gaze locking onto the aging knight. "Then… my father?"
"He died well, in combat, with the Marquis of Limberry."
"What of Elmdore?" The astrologist asked, swallowing hard.
"I would ask him, but it may be difficult for the man to speak without a head."
Olan nodded, falling silent as his gaze crawled across the grass. Val reached down, gently touching his shoulder in a comforting gesture. The twins collapsed onto the earth, and without a word Ovelia went to their aid. Agrias stared at the sword in Gaff's hand in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. Orlandu was the most powerful warrior she had ever met, and it was a shock to all gathered to know he had been slain.
"You're certain you can get us into the fort?" Delita asked, finally breaking the silence, his gaze locked onto Valmafra.
"Yes." She replied. "It is simply a matter of who will be going. I would be nothing but a burden to you, having expended myself so. I'll remain here."
"Zalbag and I will go." Agrias answered with conviction, knowing already that the Beoulve would approve.
"I still got some fight in me." Gaff added, adjusting his grip on the Excalibur. "Will our fearless regent be joining the incursion?"
"Don't be foolish." Delita began, casting his gaze onto the Dark Knight. "Of course I am."
"If you'll have me, I will depart with you as well." Beowulf said, turning to his lover. "Reis, I have to..."
"I understand, and I wouldn't have you any other way." The woman replied, kissing him chastely.
"Then let's go." Olan said, rising abruptly to his feet. "Let's send them back to the Abyss."
"You're coming?" Gaff asked, raising an eyebrow slowly.
"Why wouldn't I?" Olan shot back, slightly offended. "I have as much reason to fight as any of you."
"Right, but, well, I always thought of you as more poet than warrior."
Agrias sputtered, but managed not to laugh. She was immediately contrite, remembering that Olan had just lost his only family. Olan shot the Dark Knight a withering stare, as Val too had to cover her mouth for a moment.
"I'm quite proficient at war; as much as you, I dare say. You probably were unaware that with the right calculations, it's possible to bring very powerful spells to bear with-"
"Olan," Val interrupted, taking his hand. "We know you're more than capable. Gaff was speaking in jest."
"Of course, of course." Gaff said, smirking. "Just don't forget your book."
Wordlessly Olan stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at the knight, and took Excalibur from his grasp. Gaff relinquished the sword without incident, clapping the young astrologist on the shoulder with a smile.
"The old softie would have wanted you to have it."
"I should hope so." Olan shot back. "In your hands it would be probably be traded for a pint of ale within a week."
"Can't argue that!" Gaff replied, laughing.
"Perhaps we could make for the garrison now?" Delita asked, his voice rising above the scattered chuckles from the gathered knights and soldiers.
"Of course." Olan replied. "Where do you want us Val?"
"Gather together here," The woman said, motioning for a small clearing. "Just be sure to remain still, or you might end up with part of you staying here with the rest of us. It wouldn't be pretty."
As Agrias took her place among the others, a man limped toward them. It took the Holy Knight a moment to recognize him for the blood on his face and the tightly wrapped remnants of one arm, and with some surprise she realized it was Wiegraf who had been thrashed so. The man looked as though he shouldn't have been able to stand, let alone walk, yet he came to a halt near the Queen without so much as a grimace.
"Wiegraf." Delita called, his gaze locked onto the man. "Should we fail to return, can I trust you to see the Queen safely back to Lesalia? To protect her, as you already have?"
The former Knight of Death stared at Delita impassively for a long moment, before finally nodding in agreement. Agrias watched him warily, as the knight calmly moved his sword to a more comfortable position on his hip, to enable him to draw it without strain on his missing limb.
"He fought one of the Lucavi away, in defense of the Queen." Delita whispered from her side. "If not for Wiegraf, she'd no doubt be dead."
Agrias shot a glance at the regent, taking in his words as Olan slipped his father's sword across his back and joined them. She wasn't keen on placing her complete trust in Wiegraf, but she couldn't help but appreciate his sacrifice to protect Ovelia. For now, at least, she would allow him some measure of her confidence.
Everyone took Val's advice quite seriously as they gathered together, turning into statues for a moment. Agrias let her hand slip into Zalbag's, gripping it tightly as the sorceress closed her eyes. The ground beneath the Holy Knight began to shift, as a sense of weightlessness flooded into her. She stared straight ahead, her eyes swimming out of focus, until a flash of light and a tremendous pressure moved her through time and space.
The Holy Knight stumbled as her feet met stone, and the haze of white disappeared. It had only taken the span of a heartbeat to move the warriors from the earth to the sky, and Agrias found they were standing just inside the outer wall of Bethla Garrison. Dark, ominous clouds drifted in circles above them, rumbling angrily as though they had a mind of their own.
Without hesitation Agrias and the others strode further into the fort, drawing their blades in anticipation of an ambush. No doubt the Lucavi were already aware of their arrival, and the warriors prepared themselves for the pending attack. After they passed through the inner palisade of the fortress Agrias grew nervous, but maintained some small hope that they had infiltrated the stronghold undetected.
That hope faded as they reached the inner courtyard of the fort, and saw the Lucavi that stood guard within. Three of the beasts waited for them, blocking the entrance the inner sanctum of Bethla, their massive frames towering over the warriors. Agrias sized the demons up quickly, taking up a position next to Zalbag.
"It doesn't matter to me who you want," Delita said calmly, glancing at the others before aiming the tip of his sword at the horned Lucavi in the center. "But I call that one."
Izlude shoved the heavy door inward, his face a mask of calm, knowing already what waited for him within. He could sense the presence of his father before even crossing the threshold; the demon within Vormav radiating the dark nature of its birth. As he stepped inside, Izlude spared only a passing glance at the war room before his gaze fell upon the creature he despised. He'd had countless meetings in this very room, seated with Ramza and the Blades, and he could have navigated it with his eyes closed.
His footsteps were hollow as Izlude strode to the center of the room, his gaze impassive, and Vormav smiled darkly at him. Beneath the veneer of humanity, the true nature of Hashmal's dark soul was revealed in all its horror. Swirling just beneath the surface, the darkness was easily visible to Izlude's adapted eyes. As he watched the roiling, surging evil, the young knight snarled.
"You plucked up the courage to come here alone?" Vormav began, laughing. "Perhaps you aren't the coward I always thought you to be, just incredibly stupid."
Izlude said nothing in response, cocking his head to one side. He regarded the remnants of his father without emotion, his gaze cool and distant. For a long moment silence reigned over the room, and Vormav frowned, perplexed. He'd clearly expected Izlude to show some reaction to harsh words, and hadn't realized that the youngest Tingel was already far past that.
"You were always such a disappointment, even as a child." Vormav continued, seeking to break through the stoic gaze that remained trained on him. "I had hoped my son would have some measure of discipline and skill, but you were clumsy and hopeless. Hell, you spent your days clinging to your mother's skirt, as other boys your age were already practicing swordplay in the hopes of one day having a purpose. Even your sister, harlot that she was, possessed the fortitude to aid our cause, to save your feeble life. You were simply too weak, weren't you?"
"Is that it?" Izlude replied casually, a slight chuckle drifting through the room. "As far as last words go, those are rather pathetic. Now if you're quite finished…"
Vormav's face instantly darkened, and he growled, the emotions of the beast within giving the man's form an expression it had never held. Seething hate enveloped the former Templar's face, overcoming the smug smirk that had touched his lips only a moment before. With a hiss of steel scraping across leather, Vormav drew the sword at his hip, stalking murderously toward his son.
Izlude stood calmly in his path, narrowing his eyes as the Lucavi approached. As Vormav neared him he snarled, lunging forward, confident in his own skill with a blade. The younger knight stood his ground until the last moment, not even bothering to draw his own sword, until the point of Vormav's blade flashed toward his stomach.
Shifting his stance, Izlude shuffled to the side, the movement smooth and deceptively swift. Deflecting the thrust to the side with his elbow, the knight penetrated Vormav's guard, snapping his forearm up to strike the older man in the throat. Reeling back, hindered by his human form's need for air, Vormav hissed. Izlude strode away, smoothly drawing his sword, and turned to face his corrupted patriarch.
The young Tingel's face was emotionless as the Temple Knight charged him again, slashing down, both hands gripping his sword tightly for added strength. Izlude rotated to the right, his own weapon flashing up to meet the descending steel. With a sharp ring Vormav's sword was parried, as Izlude circled the man quickly. Vormav spun with the maneuver, quickly shifting his grip to bring his blade swiftly up, aiming the point of the sword at Izlude's side.
Bracing himself with one leg, Izlude reversed the hold on his sword, using a backhanded grip to thrust the pommel of his weapon into Vormav's chest, simultaneously blocking the upward stroke. The blow to the older knight was sharp and smooth, carrying with it enough force to cause the Templar's feet to slide backward across the stone floor.
Vormav frowned at the dent in his breastplate, which was more than capable of stopping the point of a blade without being penetrated. It should have impossible for such damage to be done to tempered steel with anything shy of a war hammer, and yet Izlude had created such a concavity with a simple pommel strike.
"Interesting." Vormav said, as magical energy swirled around his sword.
The arcane power gathered in an instant, as the Templar raised his sword, and with a quick stroke he unleashed the sword art upon the flesh of the boy in front of him. Izlude stood his ground, bringing his sword arm up. He kept the blade of his weapon flat against his forearm, bracing it with his free hand, as the glacial shards fell toward him.
"Ameliore."
No sooner had the one word incantation left Izlude's lips than his armor was infused with an incandescent, deep blue, a sheen of invisible force coating the steel and forming a protective barrier. In that instant the sword art struck the knight, shattering against his raised sword and magically reinforced armor. Izlude shrugged the spell off, as his father bore down on him.
Protected from the full fury of Vormav's formidable abilities, Izlude forced the older knight to keep the duel close, where he held the advantage. The Templar, like most of his brethren, had focused more of their training on the devastating skills they were renowned for, where Izlude had trained almost exclusively in close swordplay. The young Tingel instantly fell back on his training with the Blades, tempered by the knowledge and wisdom he had obtained since leaving their ranks.
Their swords crashing together with a sharp peal, the two knights fought vigorously, offering one another no quarter. Izlude's youth favored him, granting the warrior a measure of speed and coordination that the Lucavi's host lacked. He quickly established a rhythm to each stroke, the knight's awareness and skill keeping him one step ahead of the man who raised him.
Deftly parrying one of Vormav's swift cuts, Izlude sidled away, his blade flashing up in a brilliant display of speed. The Templar moved away, rolling his should back to avoid the slash, and managed to turn what would have been a damaging wound into a shallow gash across his cheek. Hissing in pain and anger, the older knight redoubled his effort, thrusting toward Izlude's exposed flank.
The young Tingel immediately snapped his arm down, using the handguard of his own weapon to knock his father's blade down. The tip of Vormav's sword glanced sharply off the floor, gouging a section of the stone, as Izlude moved inside his guard. He bent at the knees, his sword rising with uncanny accuracy, and he very nearly ran the Temple Knight through. At the last moment, however, Vormav sidestepped, taking the point of the young man's blade in the shoulder, where it bit deep into the armor beneath his robes.
Wrapping one gauntleted hand around the blade unceremoniously, Vormav jerked it free, before he snarled and shoved it away from him. The Templar stepped away, his dark gaze leveled onto the even stare of his wayward son. Dark, thick blood cascaded from his shoulder, though the man paid the damage little heed.
"The Beoulve trained you well." He said, narrowing his eyes.
"Indeed." Izlude replied, hurling the viscous fluid from the tip of his blade.
"It still won't be enough to save you." The man shot back, his voice suddenly cracking as his vocal chords reforming within his throat. "I'll show you what true power is!"
Izlude held his sword calmly at his side, an expression of pity and disgust on his face, as his father began to shed his human guise.
Ten years prior, Gaff would have never willingly faced a massive demon clad in black, imposing armor; especially when said demon produced a spiked mace that was as tall as any man, the colossal weapon resting upon one thick pauldron. Yet here he now stood, facing down one of the Lucavi of legend, and the Dark Knight couldn't help but sigh at his chosen path. Things had been so much simpler before he had stumbled across Ramza Beoulve. Holding his sword in a white knuckle grip, the man regarded the demon silently, as it slowly lumbered toward him. Glancing to the young astrologist at his side, Gaff nodded at the beast, giving the youth leave to start things off.
"Big and ugly is your department." Olan said quietly, frowning as he sized up the monstrous hulk of steel.
Gaff chuckled lightly, as the boy raised Excalibur above his head. The two warriors separated, dividing the attention of the brute between them. Exodus clearly saw Gaff as the primary threat, with good reason, for he immediately turned his lumbering gait to rush toward the man.
"Lovely." The man muttered, as he unleashed his dark skills upon the Lucavi.
Even as the shimmering, ethereal spike tore through the demon, Exodus hurled his mace down. The sword art barely slowed him, and Gaff was instantly backing hurriedly away. With a tremendous crash, the spiked head of the mace slammed into the stone floor, sending loose flakes and dust into the air.
In that same moment a bolt of energy struck the creature in the back, the inimitable spellwork of the astrologist rolling through. Exodus barely stumbled as the magic missile was set upon him, yanking the heavy mace free of the floor. It seemed as though the spell had broken harmlessly upon that sinister armor, as had Gaff's sword skill. It wasn't likely the touch of a blade would do much more.
His gaze travelling over the goliath, Gaff circled back, searching for an opening to exploit. If they couldn't find some way to get past the Lucavi's thick armor, the two warriors would expend themselves needlessly, and Gaff had never been one to waste his energy on fruitless endeavors. Backing slowly away from the plodding behemoth, Gaff tossed another sword skill at the beast, and watched it strike harmlessly on its protective casing.
Exodus was relentless in his slow advance, its unfathomable crimson gaze never wavering from the man it sought. It was in those eyes, shielded by a gleaming black helm, that Gaff found his target. He glanced quickly at the astrologist, who sidled alongside the brute cautiously.
"Olan," The Dark Knight rumbled, tapping the dark circles beneath his own eyes with two fingers. "Why don't you show me just what you can do?"
The dark haired youth nodded in understanding, slinging his father's sword across his shoulder. Standing behind the Lucavi, the boy wouldn't have a clear shot unless Gaff could bring the demon to face him. Taking a deep breath, and pushing down the feeling that he was going to regret this, the experienced warrior charged forward.
With a distracting cry, Gaff rushed toward the towering demon, as Exodus swung his mace around in a deadly arc. The old knight bent forward as he reached the Lucavi's form, diving toward the ground at its feet. He struck the smooth stone roughly, sliding forward as that heavy mace flew over his head. Gaff skipped across the floor between the legs of the demon, aware of the strain on his less agile body, as Exodus turned to pursue him.
The moment the demon had spun, it realized what waited for it. Lighting coiled from Olan's fingertips, leaping through the air as the creature finished its rotation. The flitting energy flew over Gaff's head, forcing the man to shield his eyes from the light and heat, and impacted in a potent display of static discharge. The bolt found its mark, striking Exodus directly in the gap of its helmet, and nearly toppling the demon.
Gaff rose to his feet as the Lucavi roared, the deep rumbling sound more tumultuous than the most deafening thunderclap, and Gaff smiled in grim satisfaction. The immense, walking mound of steel was far from finished, but that would deter him somewhat.
Before Izlude's eyes, his father changed. The man shed mortality and radiated suffering, as golden fur began to sprout from Vormav's very flesh. Izlude watched with mild disgust, having seen enough of the Lucavi's kind to keep the transformation from shocking him. He stared at the creature with disdain, adjusting the grip on his sword as Hasmal showed his true colors.
The beast held the form of a bipedal lion, a thick mane surrounding a feral countenance. Remnants of a Templar's armor hung loosely over the demon's massive frame, most of the polished steel clattering to the stone floor as the body of the Tingel patriarch grew and changed. The transformation was swift and complete, taking away a middle-aged knight and replacing him with a furry menace. Hashmal's laughter, as much roar as anything, filled the room as the creature thrust its chest out, reveling in the freedom it had attained. Those dark, sinister eyes shifted to the young knight sharing the room, and a jagged grin met Izlude.
"Much better." Hasmal growled, letting loose another ear splitting roar. "Now to take care of you!"
Izlude was already moving forward as his opponent raised both wickedly clawed hands, speaking quickly in a language so ancient that there wasn't a man in Ivalice that would understand the words, with the exception of Izlude. He knew instantly what dark magic the demon was calling forth, as the knight strode purposefully toward the unholy visage of his father.
The young warrior didn't break stride as Hasmal unleashed his sorcery, launching a sphere of pure darkness, the size of Izlude's head. The orb flew through the air, drawing the very heat from the room as it sought to consume the human before it. With a calm expression upon his face, his gaze locked on the demon, Izlude walked right to it.
His hand snapped up, slapping the sphere aside with only a small amount of effort, and he continued toward Hasmal without hesitation. The ball of arcane force slammed into the wall behind Izlude, decimating the stone and mortar and launching particles of dust high into the air. The knight paid little mind to the aftermath of the spell that should have done the same to him, as he leapt at the demon.
Hashmal seemed to falter for a moment, clearly not expecting his spell work to be so easily displaced, and Izlude dragged his sword roughly along the demon's right flank. In that same instant the knight ducked low, slipping beneath the massive arm that swung toward his face, and smoothly rolled clear of the large creature. Izlude was on his feet in an instant, calmly pacing, as Hashmal spun to face him.
The demon snarled, and made use of its own inhuman strength and agility. Two steps brought the beast to Izlude, clawed fingers slashing toward the knight's face, without slowing for a moment in its charge. Izlude deftly avoided being blinded, as Hashmal followed through by slamming one knee hard into his chest. Launched backward, Izlude managed to keep his footing, though just barely, as the demon bore down upon him once more.
Raising his arm to protect his face, Izlude found his wrist caught in a vice grip, as Hashmal's powerful jaws clamped down over the gauntlet that protected his arm. The pressure was enough to bend the steel armguard, even though the magic Izlude had imbued it with should have prevented such damage, and the knight found that his feet had left the ground.
Hashmal stood to full, hefting him off of the floor by that trapped arm, and sought to wrap both massive arms around Izlude's torso. The knight reacted instantly, planting one foot on the demon's chest and using the leverage to force the demon's chin up with his arm. He slashed out, his blade catching mostly the thick mane that protected the creature's throat, but it managed to slice into the flesh along the side of Hasmal's neck.
Slamming his other foot into that shallow wound, Izlude kicked himself free of the demon, landing roughly on his back and rolling to the side, as a massive foot slammed into the stone where he had fallen. The knight moved to one knee at the demon's side, snagging the dagger tucked into his boot and jamming the blade deep into the beast's leg in one smooth motion.
Rising swiftly, the young knight sidled away from Hasmal, as the demon slammed one enormous fist into the floor. Instantly shockwaves rolled away from the impact, overtaking Izlude before he recognized the spell. He was lifted from his feet and propelled away, bouncing once on the floor before he managed to flip lithely back to his feet.
Taking a deep, annoyed breath, Izlude walked toward the demon, whispering a quick incantation as he closed the distance between them. Turning his casual stride in a charge, the knight raised his hand, as white light drifted across his fingers. The spell came to its completion a moment before he reached Hashmal, exploding from his palm. Tendrils of light, radiant and thin, flashed into the demon's chest, passing through the Lucavi with enough force to stagger it.
In that same instant, Izlude brought the fight to his father with a fury. He attacked the demon head on, ducking below one of the creature's arms and slashing upward. The tip of his sword dragged up Hashmal's side, as the knight turned his cut, raking the length of his sword back down the Lucavi's chest. Bile black blood poured out across the demon's coat, as it swung one arm down toward Izlude's head. Bracing himself, the knight took the blow along the arm, shielding his face with it as he shifted to the side.
He issued another quick slash to the creature's torso, backed by strength that exceeded the capabilities of a normal man, followed by a pommel blow to the demon's side. Hearing the crack of shattering bone within Hashmal's frame, Izlude bent at the knees, and leapt up. Slamming his knee into a muscled, wounded chest, the knight brought his sword down in a heavy overhead slash, burying the blade deep into the demon's shoulder.
Feeling a pair of massive hands close around his stomach and chest, seeking to crush him, Izlude smiled grimly. He slammed his hand down on the hilt of his sword, accenting the move with a word of power as ancient as any the Lucavi would know. Arcane force rushed down the length of his blade, exploding into the demon's body.
Izlude was thrown back from the power of the spell that shredded Hashmal's shoulder, relieving it of the use of one arm. The demon howled and stumbled away, as the knight landed roughly on some of the rubble produced by their battle. As Hashmal fell to one knee, Izlude rose to his feet, stalking quickly toward the wounded demon.
"How?" It roared, viscous blood falling from its chin. "Where did you obtain such strength?"
"You still haven't figured it out?" Izlude replied, mocking the creature. "I know every move you're going to make, every piece of dark power you will call on. You never stood a chance."
The demon's claws dug deep into the floor, gouging chunks away, as Izlude looked on. There was certainly still some fight left in the beast, but Izlude remained unconcerned. He'd known from the start just how this was going to end, even if Hashmal didn't. The Lucavi couldn't have known the knowledge they'd unintentionally made the knight privy to, and how effective it would be when used against them.
"Now this is a sight."
Izlude froze, instantly recognizing the feminine voice that drifted through the room. Slowly he turned to the source, color slowly draining from his face. Morrigan stood in one corner of the demolished room, arms crossed casually across her bare stomach. The sight of his sister, or what was left of her, sickened Izlude, and at the same time fear crept into his heart for the first time.
The Lucavi sauntered over to her fallen kin, never taking her dark gaze off of Izlude. She was dressed for war, a layer of light steel covering her chest and shoulders. A pair of armored greaves protected the demon's legs, halting halfway up her thigh, and just below the metal skirt that sat low on her waist. As she walked, Morrigan absently tapped one metal finger on the heavy gauntlet of her other arm, smiling warmly.
"Shemhazai," Hashmal rasped, his voice thick and wet. "The boy has touched the Dark. You must destroy him."
Morrigan's face underwent an instant transformation, all amusement vanishing along with her smile. The Lucavi shifted her gaze to the Bringer of Order, a look of pure contempt dominating her features.
"You dare to give me orders?" The woman said, one hand snaring the back of Hashmal's head. "This mortal took you apart with ease. Look at you, you're pathetic. Not fit for our new world."
Hashmal gasped, its bloodstained maw opening, as Morrigan yanked her fellow demon's head back. In the same instant the Lucavi stepped slightly in front of him, and struck. An armored hand was thrust forward, penetrating the demon's chest as though it had met no resistance. Impaled by her arm, Hashmal cried out for but a moment before a flash of darkness announced his departure from the world of men. All that remained was an amber stone, held tightly in Morrigan's fist. The woman regarded the Leo stone curiously, before turning to face Izlude once more.
"I feel much better." The woman said lightly, a smile returning her countenance to its amused state.
"You… killed him?" Izlude asked, somewhat shocked.
"Oh I'm terribly sorry, did you wish to finish Hashmal? Forgive me for being so inconsiderate, I should have left him to your sword."
Izlude remained silent, staring coolly at the demon. Shemhazai was a master of manipulation and deception, capable of swaying even the most devout of men. The knight knew this, and at the same time he was aware of the great darkness that swelled within the body of his sister. He knew, in the back of his mind, every malevolent desire behind her innocent gaze.
"Tell me, Izlude, what else have you discovered about us? About me?" Morrigan inquired, raising one eyebrow. "I admit I didn't realize allowing Chaos an opportunity to redeem himself could be used against us."
"Chaos?"
"Wait," The woman replied, laughing. "You mean with all the knowledge you managed to attain, you don't even know who it came from? How delightful. Chaos was the first of our kind to come to your world, though he refused to do what was required of him. He wished instead to use his power for petty desires."
"You mean Rudvich? The one Ramza and I fought in Zaland?"
"The same. He begged me for a chance to prove his loyalty by slaying the Beoulve, using you as his vessel." Morrigan supplied, absently stroking her chin with one metal finger. "That's twice he's failed me, now that I think back on it."
"My knowledge is incomplete, I admit, but I know enough." Izlude said coldly, his gaze locked onto the woman.
"I'm sure you do." Morrigan replied, sighing. "So while I'm quite delighted with how you handled Hashmal, the feeble lout, I'm afraid I can't allow you to live."
Izlude took a step back, fear sliding into his features, as the woman raised her hand. Arcane power pooled around her fingertips, rapidly building and swirling through the air. Izlude knew much of the magic that was wrenched from the Dark, but Shemhazai's power was beyond the scope of his knowledge. Raising his sword, he backed away, uncertain of what to do.
"Morrigan!"
The door behind Izlude practically exploded, as Ramza burst into the room, the massive gauntlet on his arm nearly smashing the heavy wood in two. Izlude's gaze shot from his friend to the Lucavi, as her spell slowly dissipated. A rapturous look had taken the woman's features, the small smile on her face dark and malicious.
"Ramza Beoulve." She said quietly, licking her lips. "I've been waiting for you."
A peal of thunder drowned out the battle below, as Agrias unleashed her sword skill. She punctuated the sound with a flash of lighting, the translucent blade slamming into Famfrit. The woman stood a short distance from the three other knights, as they fought to keep the Lucavi pair at bay.
Velius and Famfrit had attacked as one, assaulting the heroes relentlessly. Agris and Zalbag had instantly separated, spreading out to make it more difficult for the demons to launch their powerful spells. She had ended up near Delita, as she constantly kept moving to avoid the explosions of arcane might that Velius sent after her.
The regent moved in on the heels of her sword art, accosting the horned Lucavi in the same instant her skill struck its partner. A pillar of power descended upon Velius as Delita closed on it, leaping into the air and raising his sword. Not far from them, Beowulf and Zalbag took the fight to Famfrit.
Agrias could do little with Delita in her way, so she quickly sidled to the side, as the man was knocked to the side by the demon. Delita rolled across the ground, and Agrias kept careful watch on his movement, waiting until she was certain the man was clear before she struck again. Blasting the Lucavi with another of her holy arts, she darted ahead, snagging the man's arm and helping him up.
There was no time for planning or strategy, as the demons kept up a constant stream of spells. Velius buffeted the warriors with searing heat and frost touched wind, speaking rapidly in ancient tongues. A glance at Zalbag confirmed that the other abomination was following the same ploy, as it drifted through the war yard.
Taking a deep breath, Agrias charged at Velius, her blade flashing in the waning light to the west. The stone beneath the beast's feet shattered with the force of her magic, striking Velius with all the force the woman could muster. The demon took the sword skill in stride, as a pillar of flame exploded beneath Agrias' feet. The woman planted one foot and leapt away, narrowly avoiding the inferno as it burst into the air.
Landing hard, she was aware of Delita as he leapt over her, using her charge as a distraction to get in close. The man slashed outward as he neared the demon, a thin spike of crimson tearing through Velius' leg. The demon stumbled slightly, but stood its ground as Delita closed the gap between them. He surged ahead, aiming the point of his blade at the Lucavi's gut, but he never made it close.
For a moment Agrias wasn't certain what had yanked him to the side, as she scrambled to her feet. The chain had wrapped around the man's leg so swiftly, jerking him roughly from his feet, that she hadn't noticed it initially. As quickly as Famfrit had stole Delita's legs from him he had relinquished, turning his attention back to the other men.
The two Lucavi grew closer to each other, using their spells in tandem to keep the humans off balance, and Agrias found herself switching between them often. The four warriors kept some distance, constantly moving around the creatures as lightning was called from the heavens and shards of ice exploded around them. Famfrit and Velius were going to great lengths to keep each other protected.
Frustrated, Agrias slipped in close, hitting the two demons as hard as she could with her own abilities. She hadn't been expecting Famfrit's speed, his smooth movements behind that dark mist deceptively swift. The creature snapped its arm toward her, the length of chain attached to it flashing through the air between them in an instant, and snaring her by the throat.
It locked tightly around her neck, instantly preventing an inhalation, and the knight found she was lifted bodily into the air. The chain tightened as she was brought up, the metal links constricting her throat lifting her as though they were alive, holding her easily aloft. Agrias didn't relent despite her position, hitting the demon with a sword skill even as darkness began to flood into the corner of her vision.
Charging ahead, narrowly avoiding a sphere of flame as it impacted on the ground behind him, Beowulf slammed his sword down upon the chain. The blow only served to tighten Famfrit's weapon, and the man took a step away, raising his sword once more. Energy swelled out from the blade, rushing into the length of metal, and instantly the chain began to sag. The metal links rapidly changed in texture, hardening and becoming brittle, as the Gryphon Knight transformed them into stone. It was only a moment later when the entire chain shattered, dropping Agrias to the floor. She stumbled, coughing, before Zalbag was at her side, acting as her guard until her breath returned to her.
Sucking in a cool gulp, the Holy Knight pushed ahead, forcing Zalbag to follow. Delita and Beowulf remained close to the two demons, preventing them from bringing their spells to bear, and they were quickly joined by Agrias and Zalbag. The four knights threw their sword arts at the demons relentlessly, seeking an opening to get in closer and do real damage.
As Agrias neared Velius, shards of glacial cold descending upon the demon, she felt the air shift. The demon intentionally allowed her attack to land, bringing him to one knee, in order to complete his incantation. A wave of unholy magic rolled outward from the Lucavi, washing over the four warriors before they knew what had happened.
Agrias once again found the breath stolen from her, and she and the others were thrown back as though they were parchment in a strong wind, bouncing across shattered stone and rolling into the wall of the war yard. Gasping, the woman moved to her hands and knees, her head swimming as she looked for Zalbag. Using the wall for support, the Holy Knight slowly stood, her legs quivering.
Nearby, Zalbag and the other knights struggled to stand as well, the dark magic having sapped their strength as completely as it hers. Meanwhile, Famfrit and Velius closed on them, the demons speaking in unison. Arcane energy pooled around them, as the creatures prepared a spell to finish off the humans. Agrias hadn't the strength to raise her sword yet, as she fought to put breath back in her lungs. The four knights were lambs to the slaughter, unable to do anything but watch in horror as Famfrit and Velius unleashed the heart of the abyss upon them.
In the end, it was Rattletrap who saved them.
Author's Note: You didn't really think Rattletrap would go down without at least getting the chance to beat up on the Lucavi some more, did you? Airship landing on the legs? Pah, I've had worse!
I spent the last week plugging away at this chapter, changing dialogues and scenes over and over in an attempt to get it perfect. I'm still not completely happy with some parts of it, but I finally forced myself to just finish it up and upload. If I put it off any longer, I might never get it posted. It's been grueling and full of small blocks.
Some people might get where the Dark comes from, and it was something I had hinted at several times leading up to this chapter. Izlude is still human, but he's definitely a bit more powerful than he was before. I actually wanted to make his fight with Hashmal a complete curb-stomp to show this, but decided against it. I couldn't really injure him, either, because as you can see Shemhazai has arrived, and he'd be decimated if he had gotten hurt.
I honestly love writing Morrigan's dialogues. It comes so easy to put it together, with her aloof mock sincerity and inner darkness threatening to come out. It's really fun to do, and I wish I'd had more opportunity for it. Expect to see Velius, Famfrit, and Exodus working together a bit more in the next chapter too. The next chapter is the final actual piece, and I expect it to be quite a bit longer. After that, perhaps something of a closer. Thanks for the reviews and Trope entries, they're always entertaining to read.
Dark Triad: I'd like to think Besrodio's situation in the story is akin to Zalbag's canon possession in Murond. Zalbag didn't offer himself to the Lucavi, but they had the power at that point to take him by force, corrupting him in a moment of weakness. Think of Besrodio's scene that way. I doubt it's something the Lucavi be able to do quickly on a large scale, but who's to say that all the normal corrupted humans they've been fighting weren't taken against their will?
Vegeta the 3rd: Leave it to Gaff to brawl his way through Elmdore. I honestly don't think the man could have done it any other way, given how he simply is. I honestly feel he's somewhat lacking in this chapter, but I can't quite figure how he'd approach something like Exodus.
Caellach: I have seen FMA before, and thought it was great, but my experience with such bodily damage comes more from the real world. I served in the military not long ago, and saw my share of injuries overseas. Things like that make you appreciate how real the damage can be, and the effects it can have on people. I never saw someone need an eyepatch, though I would have rocked one if I had one. I'm glad the twins grew on you, because the definitely grew on me. I hadn't planned on having them do all too much, and just kind of be around, but as time went on I realized that they were incredibly fun to write about. They're pretty much my Ensemble Darkponies as well. In a final note: Yes, there will be an epilogue, and it won't be ten years later.