A/N: Demon Slayer, by your garden variety try-hard!
NetherOrbit: Demon Slayer is hostile in almost every way! :D
Den3424: We'll see! XD
Special shout outs to Frankiebayer2002 and Wildfire0029 for favoriting! Also to CMdkelley for following in my humble work, hope to earn a favorite someday!
Enjoy!
January 2nd, 2023
Yellow sunlight beamed through glass, an uncanny silence washing over broken stone. No wounded soul cried out for help anymore, Urbus' air diseased by contents never meant to leave their natural state. Letting her wooden training sword touch floorboards, Leafa observed her clumsy students perform another hundreds swings. With glazed expressions plastered across many, her own eyes were shallow in depth.
These students already look bored, maybe I need to change something about my teaching. I don't want them to get hurt, but this's how my father taught me.
Wick's purple eyes glanced outside, its burnt horizon slowing his turn, its smell lightening his breath.
It's fouler than anything I've ever smelled in Brooklyn, can only imagine how bad it is closer towards the site. Dammit Yuuki, I should've told you to stay here. I've never admitted how bad I missed you, I don't know what goes through your head, but it fascinates me.
Creaking boards of an outdoor porch grabbed Leafa's focus, her front door sliding open half a moment later. Dressed in brooding color and pauldrons, a bright eyed Sinon called to her underlings.
"Guys!" Sinon motioned, "got stuff to do, don't slow down!"
Like a drain in a sink, the herd poured out at her beck and call, filing down streets dusted with rubble. In a room once dense with sets of hands and flung staffs, space was quickly granted to the weary eyed instructor, whose cold hands latched a sliding door shut, its lock hastily hooked.
"Wait," Wick said, "she isn't back yet."
"She better do it soon," Leafa gripped the door lock, "who'd challenge a monster strong enough to fling boulders?"
"That'd be Yuuki for you," Nori sighed before leaning back, "she'll be back, especially since there's no action left."
"It's scary," Wick winced looking out a window, "all this, just a day after we get a new king."
"Wish I could add to that," Nori stretched, "but I never knew the old one. Happens when you spend a month in prison."
"You were in prison?" Leafa turned, "what for?"
"Lacking pointy ears, protecting friends, poorly."
"Sounds awful," Wick frowned.
Nori looked away, neither nodding or shaking. Sitting beside her, Leafa scooted closely.
"Did you talk to anyone?"
"A few," Nori shifted, "never for long."
"Why not?" Wick leaned on a wall, "heard shady stuff plenty of times."
"I don't know. They'd start okay, but then the cat calls come."
"Ew," Leafa grimaced, "that's not gentleman-like."
"No, no, not that kind. I mean it literally, they'll beckon for cats. One mentioned of a third moon, others...were simply paranoid. It'd be around that time when the guards would grab them. Every single one, gave up talking after a while."
"Aw," Leafa squeezed, "well I'm happy you're with us."
"Yeah," Wick smiled, standing with a slight rigidity to his posture.
"Likewise," Nori hugged back, "but seeing all that stuff outside? Reminds me a little too much for comfort."
"Um," Wick flustered, "I've been meaning to ask. How did you two meet?"
"In a room?" Nori smirked briefly.
Wick stared without a reply, glancing away to avoid eye contact.
"It's the truth, Yuuki's walking stick met me in a room."
"She's got back problems," Leafa's eyes widened.
Nori turned a set of narrowed eyes at Leafa, "am I being too vague?"
"I must be mishearing," Leafa shook her head, "sorry."
"It's fine," Nori laughed, "this place's been a miracle in some ways for her. Yuuki's sight was one of those."
Wick froze, his gaze toward an adjacent wall.
Wait...Yuuki's blind? That actually explains a lot. Now that I think about it, everything she craves revolves around sight, visual stuff. My paintings...oh god.
"She didn't tell you?" Nori smiled at Wick.
"Never."
"A good sign for you," Nori turned her head, "speak of the devil."
Footsteps on the building's porch alerted all, a slender silhouette resting them before their door slid. Yuuki stepped inside, brushing hair with fingertips before slipping inside.
"Hi!" Yuuki skipped to a stop, "guess what I beat?"
"A Floor Boss?" Leafa blinked.
"Actually no," Yuuki straightened, "a wizard. Had all of this fire magic to them, it was beautiful!"
"You mean, like Aoki?" Nori leaned.
"Yep!" Yuuki's chin rose, "a Tauran wizard. Never seen one, not like her. She was evil too, burning people left and right, laughing about it,and I beat her!"
"Good job," Wick said with a sheepish grin.
"Did you see what started it?" Leafa crossed arms under her chest, "or was it too late?"
"Too late," Yuuki said, "it started without me, so rude."
Nori laughed weakly, getting up to perform a handstand.
"Hm," Leafa glanced down, "someone had to start it."
"At the very least, Tai allowed it." Wick said, "I can't speak on motives, but it's too convenient to be a coincidence."
"And I know nothing about this!" Yuuki laughed, "so what's happening here, hm? Was Leafa training them too hard?"
"Sinon came to get them," Leafa said, "and for your information, I am more than fair."
"We know," Yuuki slid fingers across her shoulder while passing, "hey Wicky, sorry for the brief hello."
Wick watched her with a softer resolve, warmth mixing with a somber malleability.
She's never told me about her condition, but I won't bring it up. If she wants to do it, I'll hear it again.
"It's fine," he smiled gently, "roll of the dice."
"And she stares," Nori said behind Yuuki's ear.
"It's hard not to," Yuuki leaned into her.
Wick's face darkened with a sweet red, Leafa's posture stiffening as he fidgeted.
Yuuki's so bold, it's inappropriate!
"Something wrong, Leafy?" Yuuki smiled.
"I don't know," Leafa looked away, "you act so...undisciplined."
"She's always been like that," Nori checked out a window, "we're lucky she's got a good heart."
Outside their building, under a yellowed sky wandered a boy in grim coat. Looking towards their dojo with wandering eyes, Kirito bit his cheek brutally as he wandered past.
This situation's gonna be catastrophic. Without Tauran security, without his spies, Acherres will push for war. I should grab Sugu before it gets worse, but if Urbus goes down...I stand way less of a chance of winning against Acherres.
"Not to be mean," Wick looked to Leafa, "but may I ask how your father treated you?"
"My father's a great man," Leafa blinked, "why're you asking?"
"Just wondering," Wick raised hands in surrender, "you talk about him a lot...not very positively either."
"What do you mean?" Leafa stepped into him.
"Uh," Wick grimaced, "I dunno, you wanna impress him all the time."
"So?"
"Has he ever shown it?"
Leafa's body was shiftless, staring Wick down even as he looked away.
"Always," she said in a gravelly voice, sniffing hard before stepping past him.
Wick's spine seized with an electrical pulse, his eyes careful not to look too far behind. Space expanded in his gut, a hint of winter's isolating touch flowing with Leafa's distance.
That's a lie, she's never spoken to me like that. But...she also locked me out. It's like everyone's closets are opening at once, first with Yuuki.
A message sprung in Wick's interface, flashing as a lone finger pressed.
[From Tai: Wanna hang at the beach?]
Wick's lips straightened, his gaze returning to Leafa's backside.
"What's it say?" Yuuki peeked, "oh cool, a beach trip!"
"Yew-k," Nori motioned away.
Leafa looked to Wick, her expression pained despite efforts to contain. Wick's eyes dodged hers, his king's question responded swiftly.
Several blocks away, wandering through streets soaked in a last stand's refuse, a gaping crater drew the eyes of a necromancer. Low and below, a cavern of unnatural symmetry drained warmth from his stomach.
I need to find silver as fast as I can. It'd be only a matter of time before this underground passage's explored. What if it held silver? I can't put this chance aside, I'm out of time.
Fingers grabbed ledges, Kirito's boots kicking up dust locked away for unknown time. An encompassing wall of darkness, stark in contrast with the surface world's brilliance, intimidating in its ceaseless depths. Stepping through, the necromancer's pace would only pick up, a clock ticking till sundown.
Sun Dancer
- Taiyama
[From Wick: Yes, my king]
The last time I cringed this hard, I was in a better place. I loved the title, but Wick was my friend, he wasn't required to call me that. Looking out to a bobbing sea was calming enough, though I found myself missing sand, this gravel rough on my feet. A clenched hand thrust forward, my arm twisting to complete a familiar motion.
"My house-mates are destroying the place, what can I do to stop them?"
"Should we tax everyone the same?"
"Where're we going? There's [Vill-Dorn] west of us, why not travel through that forest?"
Complicated questions, had to get PoH covering for me every five minutes to answer them. No wonder Garr kept him, guy could translate all this mundane shit without so much as a struggle. No way was I sending the ALF out to Zumfut, not until we arrest Nobel. Prick knew way too much, innocence was long past him. Had so much to do, guilds to arrange, defenses to boost, meetings with leaders, I had to step away from it all.
Lux and Nautilus were out there somewhere too, I had to do something about them. Water licked my right heel, its moisture sending a chill down my whole back. It eas the night after all over again, worse this time. I couldn't imagine how my father would feel if he saw me then, not like it mattered. I'd never be as good as Eshiro, that's all I'd hear.
Leafa's talk about honor, reminded me so much of my old man. Water lapped between toes, but my mind was back in the ring. Omura was in one corner, older and more experienced. I knew it, and it worked my heart at the thought of facing him. Could taste sweat pouring down, my world slowing in focus, dedicating to the fight.
Omura and Garr, two names whose faces would forever be associated with my right foot. I raised my arms like shields, fingers coiling tight as I flinched. His punches were bone-rattling, nothing controlled like Omura's. Was anyone even aware how bruised my arms were after those brief hits? Asuna was, that's probably why she didn't say much.
I fought both times, won twice and lost twice. At least this time I wasn't subject to him, if only it'd rest Eshiro in peace. A tall figure in plain clothes approached, his shoes rustling through gravel. Took me a second, Heathcliff's smart-guy appearance was hard to miss. Greetings aside, he seemed stern, pissed.
"I will not say I am pleased with current circumstances," he said all fancy, "but if we are to keep matters under control, we must talk."
"Was wondering where you've been," I balanced on one foot, "guessing you're here cause of Garr?"
"I would rather not digress over incompetence. You are the king, but I have work that must be fulfilled."
"Ooh," I nodded, "so he was working for you. Kay, so what's up?"
"I am researching any options that might aid in our escape. For that to work, I need materials, anything of informational value."
"Not to be an ass, but the hell are you gonna find technical manuals in here?" I changed foot, "we're in a game."
Heathcliff's pause was weird, like he was chewing at something.
"Garr's policy was simple, we would control regions with economic power. With it, safer paths would be secured, allowing us to await rescue with minimal threat."
"That's it?" I eased to both feet.
"It would be, if it were not for my own construct. I intended for this world to be dynamic, morphing with decisions. That being said, Cardinal has taken the luxury of changing many set features."
"Oh yay," I rolled eyes, "AI gone wild?"
"It has been trying on my patience, but I must continue my work. Promise me you will cooperate, if not for yours, then for everyone's sake?"
"No need to worry," I said blankly, "it sounds reasonable enough."
He seemed comfortable enough there, still felt like he was hiding something. Heathcliff left without further issues, letting me enjoy another minute or two of peace and sunshine. Whatever he was hiding, I didn't need to know. Wick finally arrived, what a relief.
"You ready?" I smiled, "there's this strike I wanted to teach you."
"Sure," Wick nodded, "hands, right?"
"No boy, your forehead."
A chuckle left the guy, keeping flat the whole time. Reminded me so much of Eshiro, even after our father would hit him. Punching slowly in cool air, I taught him the all important arm twist, ensuring full power. Seeing him wobble slightly, I tested his balance by putting him to stand on one foot.
Was a terrible idea, Wick made me look like a chump with how long he could stand there. Standing there with a slight bob in his posture,I couldn't help but grin.
"Bro, how'd you get that good?"
"Mom really wanted me to do gymnastics when I was little," Wick said, "was good, but I never got into it."
"But you performed?" I wobbled.
"Never," Wick bent his planted knee, "I stopped around ten."
"Wait," I paused, "no...that's crazy."
"How? I moved to something I wanted to do."
"And your father?"
Wick's expression darkened, first time I ever saw him ticked.
"Sorry," I said, "didn't think it was touchy."
"It's fine."
No it wasn't, but...at least I could understand that. Sounded like neither of us liked our fathers, but why'd Wick? To think he could stop doing something his parents wanted, how could he do that? Either way, it made an awkward minute or two.
"Also," I switched feet, "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
"You wanted to get me dancing," Wick shook his head, "nothing wrong there. Here's a question, why the Tauran?"
"They were Garr's fans," I shrugged, "sure the red ones were chill with me ruling, but the others?" I shook my head, "I knew they'd leave, so I decided to make something out of what I had."
"Fair enough," Wick nodded, "can I just say this between us?"
"Sure, dude."
"I can't make up my mind, the girls around me are so blessed."
"Oh!" I laughed, "feeling charitable? Like choices are too hard?"
"Yeah man," Wick nodded quickly, "I feel tense."
I couldn't blame him, the guy's surrounded by hot girls all day. With how shy the guy was, one idea cropped up, might help boost his confidence.
"You know I'm building a palace, right?" I smiled.
"Yeah?" Wick watched.
Guy reminded me of an owl. Once his focus was set, it was almost impossible to hide.
"What if you could have all of them for a night?"
A deep red wave washed over Wick's face, lips folding inward.
"Just you and a bunch of hot chicks, no one to bother you all evening. I can do that."
"Mm," Wick stared, "I...I'm a bit surprised there."
"Consider it a thank you, for being there for me all this time. I won't be there myself, as I've already got a queen. But how about it?"
He said nothing, poor guy's brain was probably exploding.
"Just tell your friends you'll be making me a painting, in person. Something elegant, powerful, that'll be your 'payment' this coming Friday...the seventh."
"Y-You serious?" he blinked all shy.
"All night," I smiled, "and don't worry, this is just stress relief."
A green flash brought his eyes low, a message from who knows who. They froze, their motion slowed heavily before returning to me.
"Urbus is under attack."
Sun Dancer
- One Hour Earlier
Torchlight darted across sunless streets, Kirito breathing as he ran with controlled urgency, water flying up from boot pressed puddles. Mineral-rich deposits dotted corners and paths, single-story homes filling with air for the first time in untold decades. His eyes glowed red, [Necro-Sight] active as he darted through an open doorway, slamming his shoulder against stone. Thin outlines glowed yellow, their limbs folding like hinges as they closed on him.
[Feral Bones], of course they'd animate those.
Silent in their approach, the resurrected looked through windows, not a single joint clicking as Kirito put out his torch. Calcium finger foundations curled, their tips sharp as knives as eyeless sockets honed on an open door. Kirito slipped to a corner, his heartbeat drawing them in as he prepped an [Aethereal Node].
Both predators spotted him, opening their arms like cranes as necks lengthened past physiological limitation. Breathing faster, Kirito snapped his gaze right, leaping as they lunged without restraint, crashing against rock without pain or regret. With a single node, the necromancer directed a [Rune of Minor Puppet] downward.
A ring of light blue flashed its glyphs forming a second after planting, vanishing as a [Feral Bone] breached its radius. Wires of dim energy launched from below, snagging the spinal cords of both before flowing in, its victims writhing for a moment before returning to full stature. Exhaling softly, Kirito motioned them towards him, prepping another three nodes.
God, I almost sent a direct [Minor Puppet] spell, great move dumbass. Directs only affect the one you hit!
Pushing himself forward again, Kirito ran past more subterranean real-estate, outlines of a thin nature emerging from bleak corners of Sub-Urbus's depths. Pointing to his most impeding adversaries, his [Feral Bones] rushed forward at inhuman speeds, crashing and slashing at their flesh-less kin without remorse as he passed them by.
A spiraling path led further down, its floor further polished than leveled roadways, a faint scampering forcing Kirito to turn, [Anneal Blade] sweeping wide. Its edge met untamed minion, hacking into open vertebra with an affirmative pop. Knocked off course of its pounce, it slid down slick paths, struggling to reform stature as one of Kirito's own laughed.
"Sorry, had to make sure you're awake."
"Not funny," Kirito sheathed his sword before running further.
"Oh I think you'll get it, later of course. So how's my favorite student?"
Dozens of outlines awaited Kirito, their numbers growing behind him. Scraping to a left turn and sprint, the necromancer narrowed himself before jumping feet first through a window.
"Hello?" his minion telephoned.
Glass shattered against his boots, crunching further under his leather clad back. Grunting as he got up, Kirito directed a [Node of Gravity Boost] at his unconventional entrance. Skeletal stalkers burst through, only to cling to Earth as gravity yanked them down, piling up excessively as they carelessly forced themselves through. Sprinting out the front door, he found his [Feral Bone] waiting to keep pace.
"Trying to get some silver," Kirito said hoarsely, "mind turning these off for me?"
"Oh I'd love to if it helped you," it said, "but I was planning to use these. Whatever has everyone weakened up there has bought us a chance to strike."
"And of course you got your units to do this before quitting?" Kirito veered away from another mounting horde.
"Not all of my units, Kirito. Please, I've been doing this for longer than you've lived. Put a rune on that corridor."
"Why?"
"Do it. Puppet."
Casting [Rune of Minor Puppet], Kirito dashed by another block of buildings, a bar of minion status meters growing nigh exponentially.
"See? I'm not so bad, am I?"
"Where's the silver?" Kirito slowed to catch his breath.
Aided with [Necro-Sight], his reddened eyes made out Sub-Urbus' deeper complexes. Its epicenter was a gorge of immense radius, widening with every level down. Center of this gaping hole was a thick pillar of metal, its circumference arrayed with several bristly ropes. Their abandoned ties clung to several low hanging barrels, whose bodies swayed subtly over a reflective pool at the chasm's bottom.
"Don't," his nearby [Feral Bone] said, "I've already discerned it as a safety net, it's trapped."
"Great," Kirito searched briskly for his next slope-way down, "my question?"
"Well since you insist, I found a copious sum of it along the bottom, So who're you planning to use it on? You've said family, sure but-"
"My cousin!" Kirito cursed, another four dozen [Feral Bones] bursting out of alleyways.
"You really shouldn't shout, shoving [Ghosts] into skeletons has its downside."
He skid to a stop before racing back to Sub-Urbus' epicenter.
"Don't jump!"
Kirito grabbed its low barrier's edge, kicking himself before somersaulting into the level below. Unfortunately, this led him mere feet away from yet another horde, whose numbers exceeded several dozen.
"You don't listen much," he heard his follower above, "no matter, I'll see you in a minute."
Kirito fired off another [Rune of Minor Puppet], its seven foot radius barely phasing the street encompassing masses of bone and instinct. Exceeding twelve in his retinue, previously controlled units were let loose, returning to their primal nature. Left with a single node, the necromancer kicked in another window, only to be met with metal bars behind it.
"Oh crap," he recoiled, casting a [Wormhole Entrance] through its gap.
[Feral Bones] descended upon him from north and east, his only open sides with claws outstretched and spines coiled. Kirito veered from the first, ducked from two, then jumped back towards grizzly ropes. Thanks to his investment in [Agility], his trajectory was sufficient, his elbow wrapping around with a death-like grip.
From within the horde fought his controlled minions, earning a sizable chunk of casualties in what confusion they birthed. Fibers dissolved from his saving line, forcing Kirito to look around for another venue.
"You know what? I think you've had enough," one of his possessed said, "how would you like it if I took control of these for you?"
"I'd like that," Kirito breathed.
"Then do me a favor when you're done gathering silver for your royal family life extension idea."
Kirito swayed before leaping onto another rope, whose constitution proved frailer than its neighbor, crumbling in his grip.
"Take these units and weaken the surface force's will. Leave them doubting their own safety, buy ourselves time."
Kirito's speeding heart slowed, cold sweat beading as his breath caught up. Surrounded by an old town's ceaseless echoes of defeat, his hands chilled. With only thoughtless animation vying for his physical presence, a consigning offer laid bare before him.
Family comes first, I'll just be sure to lead them away from center.
"I'll do it!"
From Zumfut's forest caverns, Acherres linked to Kirito's minion, its eye sockets lighting a pale blue. Gathering onto himself an array of seven nodes with a forming gesture [Aethereal Lures] were deployed, the resurrected gathering before pillars of blue light.
"This will take some time, but it's safe to come back."
While hesitant, Kirito's boots returned to previously abandoned stone, watching as Acherres' herd swelled to neighborhood flooding quantities. Seconds later, however, these pillars crumpled to nothingness, many [Feral Bones] left unaffected.
"The hell, Acherres?" Kirito groaned.
"I got sixty percent of them, down side to having so much power concentrated in one spot...you get unwanted guests."
"Like?" Kirito craned his head back in annoyance, "this leaves forty still feisty."
"Oh let me think. Greater spectral entities from our plane, dimensional refuse from the third moon's capricious position, possibly a Distroyan summoning. None of these benefit me, and they sure as hell won't like you."
"I near solo'd this game, I think I can handle it."
"I'd advise against reminding me how foolish you are. Casting magic from here only works because I still have a conduit back there. I couldn't even talk to you beyond this wood without them."
"I'm sorry," Kirito sighed, "can we get that silver yet?"
"Not until I reset that pillar, whenever the presence decides to kindly leave. By Cel, do you have any idea just how dangerous that could be? It could use my own conduit to find me, and that could mean capitulation!"
"It won't happen," Kirito shook his head, "I can wait."
Sitting as two [Feral Bone] factions collided, his still glowing eyes drifted to sightless districts.
It's looking like a coin toss. Good news, Acherres doesn't seem aware of Garr's dethroning, or the Tauran retreat. Bad, he's got one of those commando units buried in here. With everything considered, surrendering Lisbeth to him could provide the poison needed to defeat him from within. Still, I'm gonna need his trust if I wanna get that close.
Resolution brought an end to revolution, a second and final [Aethereal Pillar] bringing all [Feral Bones] under Acherres' control. With hundreds of light blue eye sockets staring without end, Kirito grimaced slightly.
"So how about it, my student? I'd say a proper percentage ratio should be ninety ten."
"I'm guessing the ten will help me get silver?" Kirito blinked.
"Is two hundred and fifty not enough?" Acherres said.
A pause ended his argument, Acherres' skeletal puppet looking upward
"They outnumber you, by at least two hundred to one."
"Doesn't matter," Acherres said.
"That's a slaughter," Kirito crossed arms, "it's dumb to just waste forces like this."
"I appreciate your concern, but I must remind you. This is inconsequential, this force in question. Their part will be fulfilled as specifically required, nothing more. Frankly, I didn't need you here. But why waste an opportunity to allow us both a victory?"
Kirito's lips stopped moving, nodding a moment after.
"How long should it take to get thirty pieces?"
"Considering this isolated mother-load? I'd give it a couple of hours, more than enough for you to escape, yes?"
"Yea," Kirito nodded, "oh and can I ask for reinforcements by," he checked his interface, "five?"
"It depends on the objective."
"How about a Mechanist?"
"Where did you want them?"
Sun Dancer
-Taiyama
Wick and I arrived as fast as we could, ended up having to share a horse on our way there. Screams, so many screams, we drew weapons before passing Urbus' gates. It had to be a Tauran counterattack, revenge for us taking their commander's life. Nearing Urbus' gate, we found no signs of force entry. It was open, without traffic.
"I gotta get to Leafa's dojo," Wick said, "where're you going?"
"Wherever the fucks attacking us are," I barked, "did Leafa say what's hitting us?"
"No, just that people are dying."
"Then we'll start at her place," I pointed, "go."
Was expecting to hear metal clashing getting in. Hooves, neighing, anything heavy. None of this was found, cries of injury overpowering most of our ears. In low points, a series of pops and cracks broke out, a cacophony of dislocation our only clue. The air drew tears by force, its toxic fumes fresh. My stomach sick with disgust tightened, Wick lethargic as he covered his nose. Broken pavement piled high, forcing us to climb over rubble, sweat and clutter. No swords were clashing, but a fast scraping was heard.
"It's too quiet to be Tauran," Wick said before looking to our left, "hey, what're they doing?"
Looked like a band of five guys swinging at something between them all, laughing and pushing. Hurrying closer, My brow furrowed slightly.
"Seriously?" I blinked.
Wick sighed with relief, shaking his head as he smiled.
"Oh thank god, it's just a skeleton."
By the look of it, these guys did a real number on it too. No arms, ribs were all cut off, but it was still kicking. Waving us over, the guys continued poking at its flailing form with [Spears].
"Not sure what the panic's about," one said to me, "all these guys got to them is weak attack and no defense."
"That's great," I smiled, "why isn't this dead then?"
"We haven't figured out what works," another said, "its HP hits zero, but it'll get up again in seconds."
It made no sound, this [Feral Bone] scrambling to its feet. Throwing its head back, it launched forward, but not into a leap, but a toss. Its spine shot forward, projecting its skull like a bullet, bashing a guy's shield right as he tried poking. A bright yellow flash burst from him, a [Parry] landed on him, the guy cursing as its teeth extended.
Wick leaped forward, hitting the near neck-biter behind its knee, sending its limb flying off. It stumbled, his [Riposte] prevented by a [Scimitar's] thick edge.
"Thank you!" the guy cried, "Jesus, didn't do that before."
Wick stared down as the one legged wretch flailed on the ground.
"Ooh," I nodded, "it's like a zombie. Okay, crack its dome."
One of them brought a hatchet down on its scalp, cranium scattering in hollow, egg-shell like pieces. Everything above its nose had been destroyed, cleaved by an axe, leaving only an upper and lower jaw. Its writhing continued, unfazed by our decision, reaching out with its teeth without hesitation.
"Okay, what the fuck?" I glared, "where do we hit it?"
"I think we're done here," one mumbled, "this is a bit much...and there's more coming."
"Tai!" Wick stepped back.
Out of a western street corner emerged a dozen more, their bones adorned with a familiar, peach colored cover. Oh god, I've never had my breath so strained, its blanket not of cotton or linen, but morbid things. They wore clothes, identities not of their own, holding bloodied weapons in loose gloves of tan.
"That's...yeah no," Wick turned, "we're going!"
We fled as fast as our feet allowed us, the disguise of normality torn away from this evil thing's face. ALF platoons marched in with shields scratched from Tauran blades, directing gazes at us.
"Where're they?" their sergeant shouted, "we're here to help!"
"South!" Wick pointed feebly, "three blocks down, hurry!"
Kibaou's armored men rushed down, barking and shouting as they slowed again to maintain formation. Wick and I couldn't be happier to see them, anyone willing to take a stand against these things. Civilians from the east rushed around, looked to be mostly Americans. They called to each other, seeking out the same foe as their organized brethren, angered as discoveries were made. Spotting a windowed dojo at the end of Urbus' central block, Wick picked up speed.
"Door's open," he shivered, "Tai, you're the muscle here, push!"
Raising my [Tower Shield], I rushed through the open entrance, eyes scrambling to find a single sign. What I found, however, was slightly comforting. [Feral Bones] were present, but it would seem Leafa and Yuuki hadn't made their time easy. Leafa shoved them, slicing against them with tired frustration, Yuuki hacking with a similar weariness.
"Wick!" I called.
"Oh thank god!" Leafa breathed, "do you have," she cut another down, "any," and another, "idea how to...stop these?"
"They keep...getting up," Yuuki sighed, chopping again, "no points, just revives."
"We tried the head," I said before whipping a rising feral, "didn't do anything."
Wick ran to help both keep down as many as possible, but more were coming from outside. Birthday suit thieves, was the least nasty name I could give them. I told everyone to throw stray bones outside, separate them while they were down.
"Why!" Wick dropped his piece, "god, I've had it with these!"
"Wick's losing his temper?" Yuuki blinked.
"We need to keep cool though!" Leafa cried, bashing down another three with harsh bashes.
Wick's toss was little more than a spine and skull, bearing a more snake like appearance as it slithered along like a hardened slug. Bro got so mad he chopped it straight across its cord, his [Scimitar] hacking through with a loud crack. He froze, his opponent still.
"H-Hey!" Wick pointed, "that got me xp."
"Where'd you hit it?" Leafa blinked, kicking down another two.
"The back bone!" Yuuki's eyes widened, "strike there!"
Sure enough, this stopped [Feral Bones] permanently. Sickly, pale green fluid trickled as blades cut between pads, jaws falling as energy disappeared. Holding back against clawing fingers outside, it bought everyone time to discard every bone, with Leafa tossing out the most among the three.
"How many more are out there?" Yuuki said.
"Enough to grow a spine farm?" I snickered, "trust me, kids. The king's got this under control."
Peeking out, another group of armored bros arrived, looked to be Diavel's guild. Clad in bright blue and gold, a shield wall was prepared.
"Hey!" I yelled, "hit the spine!"
"We know!" they called, "thanks!"
Horrible as these things were, cooperation made short work of them. Diavel's guys cleared out our block and moved on, telling us the problem's lurking west of here. Funny, this side was where Nobel and his dickhead buddies lived. I'd ask him next time we met, preferably behind bars.
Tiredly catching her breath, Yuuki sheathed her sword.
"So...when's the next attack?"
A/N: Soon, Yuuki.
Hey guys, be sure to leave a review and let me know whatcha think! Been busy with college, so I hope my quality hasn't diminished.
See you again soon!
