I'm back once again! Things are all over the place, with the rate of deaths going up and down every day. We were starting to see some calm in our cases, but because idiots like the sun, travelling and beaches, that rate went back up.
At least there's promising progress about a vaccine, scientists working hard, testing a possible early-stage cure. Fingers crossed we can all find some relief, regardless of our place in the world. Doesn't matter about your nationality, your skin colour or your state of wealth, we're all in this together. And now I'm quoting High School Musical... crap.
Either way, let's get on with a new arc, the Mt. Blaze arc, please give thoughts and I'll see you in the next chapter.
Chapter 25: The Quest to Mt. Blaze
Title Song: Strength - Jyc Row
"Excellent work Emily. You've been improving in leaps and bounds since you began."
Emma panted heavily as she laid on her back. "Hey, Titania?" She looked up at the elegant fairy queen.
"If it is to cut back on the meditation, then the answer is no," Titania chuckled.
"No. I was wondering… do you know if any of the other Obsidian Keys have been claimed yet?" She asked.
"Emily, you know that we cannot just answer that kind of question. It is up to you to search out and find my comrades," Her spirit replied.
"In that case… I want to follow up on a rumour that I heard about not too long back," Emma said, determination etching onto her face.
"A rumour? About what, my dear?" Titania asked.
"A traveller was exploring Mt Blaze, a volcanic region on an island called Whakaari by the settlers. Apparently, it's been said that a Phoenix has been seen in the skies near the volcano. It's dormant, so it won't erupt. The Phoenix is said to be carrying something around it's neck, something black. I've been juggling the idea of going, but I need a good excuse," Emma explained.
"Well, for now, I think that you have earnt a break, go and rest, we shall practice magic gathering next time," Titania said.
"I'm sure you're fed up of me saying it, but thanks for helping me work on expanding my resources. I need to work on upgrading my magic output so I can keep a gate open longer. Maybe even try opening two at once one day," Emma smiled.
"You will get there Emily. I promise you that you shall become a great celestial wizard," Titania said as her gate closed.
Emma grabbed the washcloth she left hanging on the fence, wiping the sweat from her brow. She then headed for the guildhall.
Inside, she saw Emi still taking it easy from her ordeal with Phantom. She also saw Daiki, Dan and Alicia quietly conversing together.
Emma headed for the job board, deciding that she should get busy with some wizard work. As she examined the fliers, Lana came over.
"See anything you like?" She asked.
"Not sure, they all seem either too easy or too tough," Emma sighed.
"Well, maybe one of these new jobs might help. Let me pin them up," Lana said, moving to do such a thing. Emma stood back, letting the blue haired barmaid do her job.
"There!" She smiled, backing up. Emma examined the new selection, before her eyes set and narrowed on one flier.
Request: By royal decree of His Majesty, Toma E. Fiore. I, Captain Arcadios, request the aid of a team of wizards. The Young Princess Hisui, has fallen ill from a rare poison identified as Death's Spiral. The poison is immune to all cases of healing magic. The only known cure is to acquire Phoenix Tears from Whakaari. I shall meet the wizard team at the port of Hargeon to brief them in person.
Reward: 2,000,000 J + 1 Obsidian Key
"NO WAY?!" Emma gasped.
"What way?" Asked Alicia, appearing on Emma's left. She then spotted the job request and flicked through. "Someone's got a fat wallet."
"Well what do you expect? It is royalty we're talking about here. But a job like this is pretty much S-Class, and we have no S-Class wizards," Dan pointed out, suddenly on her right.
"I don't care. I'm going. One: A life is on the line. Two: I could end up with two Obsidian Keys by the end of this job. I've been meaning to investigate that Phoenix for a while," Emma said.
"Three: Hopefully you plan on giving a cut to some of your peers, right?" Lilina asked, popping her head between Alicia and Emma.
"Where'd you come from?" Alicia asked.
"She's right though, it'll be tough for a wizard to take alone. We'll go with you pipsqueak," Hyde grinned, arms going over the shoulders of Emma and Dan, gesturing to himself, Lilina, Dan and Alicia.
"I'm in. Any chance to explore somewhere new I'll gladly take," Alicia nodded.
"And where she goes, I follow," Dan agreed.
"Anything for a fat paycheck," Lilina grinned.
"Thanks guys, I appreciate the backup," Emma smiled, bowing at the support.
"Let's pack light for a hot climate, and be back here in an hour," Alicia said to the team.
Emma signed the job in with Lana, who warned her it would be hard, but wished her luck.
In one hour, Emma was dressed in a white sleeveless vest and green knee-length shorts. Dan was dressed in a loose black shirt and red pants. Alicia was dressed in a short-sleeved white shirt with dark blue sleeves and an ocean blue knee-length skirt. Hyde opted to wear a dark yellow tank-top with a black lightning bolt pattern and a pair of black pants. And Lilina was wearing a red button-up shirt and black short skirt.
"You all look like you're headed for the beach," Marcus observed.
"Nah. We're heading out on a job to a volcanic island," Emma said. "Wanna come?"
"Uuhh… Heat and a boat? No thanks," Marcus frowned. "I'll happily stay behind this time. Hey, Dan."
The bullet-slinger turned at his name. "Keep an eye on Em for me, will ya? She's all I've got left of home, you know?"
Dan's face softened slightly. His eyes flickered to Alicia. "Yeah… I do… Sure, I'll watch your sister."
The five wizards quickly made it to Clover, taking a train down to Hargeon. There, they walked along the sea-front, looking at each boat to find their ride. "There, next big Galleon," Dan pointed, spotting the royal signet of the kingdom on the sails.
"Ah. You must be the wizards that answered our plea for aid," They were greeted by a tall, black-haired, green-eyed man wearing grey armour, complete with a red cape adorned with the royal family emblem.
"That we are sir, my name is Emma Cersy," Emma nodded.
"Dan Hiryo."
"Alicia Tsuki, pleased to meet you."
"Yo. Hyde Gekido, happy to help."
"Lilina Yoake. Is it true the reward is for 2,000,000 Jewel?"
"It is. Captain Arcadios of the Cherry Blossom Holy Knight Squadron." The knight introduced himself. "Thank you for accepting the request at such short notice." He said with a bow.
"I'm sure I don't need to say it. But should we get going? A life is at stake here," Dan pointed out.
"Yes, let us be off," Arcadios nodded. "Crew! Cast off!" He ordered the ship crew, who got to work preparing the ship for departure.
The Cait Shelter wizards climbed aboard, and the ship was freed from port, the sails opening fully and catching the wind, pushing them to the Fiore seas.
"So, tell us more about Whakaari Captain," Hyde requested, once they were sailing smoothly.
"It's rather remote. We know there's a settlement near the sea. We know they have some ships and a community. Explorers noted that there is a large moat around the village to divert the lava flow if Mt Blaze erupts, but the volcano has been dormant for seven years," Arcadios said.
"And the Phoenix?" Asked Alicia.
"Phoenixes are rare magical creatures. They're pretty smart as well. If we can prove our worth, one might listen to why we are intruding it's territory," Arcadios explained.
"Right. So we need to create a plan to knock down a firebird. Any ideas?" Dan asked.
"Well, you can provide flak support and keep it from flying too far out. I can have Thor or Titania help bring it to our level. Then Hyde, Alicia and Lilina can hit it with everything. What can you do Captain?" Emma asked.
"I must admit that my own magical capabilities are rather limited. I can requip a small collection of weapons. My trainers also have told me that I have a good ability to block or deflect magical attacks. I will help the ground team when you ground the Phoenix," The royal knight said.
"Um… I want to ask… which key do you have in your possession?" Emma asked.
"The key we have is for Jormungandr, the Serpent," Arcadios replied.
"Neato. I've also heard that a Phoenix on that island possibly has an Obsidian key also. With Thor, Titania and Hogun, that makes it four, maybe five out of nine!" Emma grinned.
"You are a Celestial Wizard?" Arcadios asked.
"Yup. It's become a goal to gather all nine keys," Emma nodded.
"The Princess is an aspiring Celestial Wizard herself. The only keys I've seen her have are silver keys, however, there's one Jade key I've never seen her open," Arcadios said.
"Jade Key? What do they summon?" Emma wondered aloud.
"You're the Princess' retainer, aren't you?" Dan asked.
"One of them, yes. I handle security and also handle training her with self-defence. She's quite skilled in using both a sword and spear-type weapons," Arcadios smiled. That smile faded fast. "We must be successful in our mission. Otherwise…"
"Don't worry sir. We'll get back in time." Emma said. "Right guys?"
"Right!" The Cait Shelter team agreed.
"Miss Emma," A male voice knocked on Emma's cabin door. "We're dropping anchor, the Captain wants all hands on deck."
"Right, I'll be there, thanks." Emma said, having taken the voyage as a chance to meditate. She climbed up from the hold, where the crew quarters were, and noted the island ahead.
"There it is. Whakaari." Hyde smirked.
"Alright. Drop anchor!" Arcadios ordered.
"Aye captain!" Two crewmen released the winch holding up the anchor, and it dropped to the sea floor, bringing them to a halt.
"The plan will be that me and Cait Shelter will go ashore to find the Phoenix. Everyone remain on standby with preparations to depart the moment we return," Arcadios informed everyone.
"Yes captain!" Every crew member called out.
A minute later, a small boat was rowing to shore with the Captain, Emma and the others. Hyde and Dan took the oars, bringing them to the beach.
"Land ho!" Lilina grinned, first to leap out. Alicia and Arcadios pulled the boat up to prevent it from drifting.
"Alright. Let's head for Mt Blaze," Emma said, heading for the jungle.
"Am I the only one who finds looking up at a Volcano extremely ominous?" Alicia asked.
"No. Just be thankful it's not active," Arcadios muttered.
Arcadios took the lead, slashing his sword as he cleared a path through the jungle. He then swapped with Alicia and her Lunar Reaper.
"So, what's it like being a retainer for the Princess of the Kingdom?" Hyde asked Arcadios as they trekked.
"It's not so bad. Princess Hisui is a very kind individual. She's young at the moment, but still, I would not trade her life for any reason. And I am not just saying that because she is my liege. I say that because she calls me her friend, and I return the thought," Arcadios said with a smile.
"And what's the story with this attack? How did the Princess get this Death's Spiral?" Dan asked.
"A handful of thieves who attempted to steal valuables of His Majesty and her Highness. One of the night patrols spotted them as they were just leaving the Princess' chambers. Falling back, one took my liege hostage, threatening her with a dagger coated with the deadly poison.
"We managed to get the upper hand, but before he was captured, the thief threw his dagger, grazing the young Princess in the leg. She was bedridden within the hour. Fortunately, since she was hit in the leg, the poison has a long way to go before it reaches her heart. However… if it does…"
"We'll make it. We'll get the tears and make it back to her before she perishes. Mark my words Captain," Emma said.
"Hmm…" Arcadios sighed. His trained ears then alerted him to something. "Stop. Get down."
Alicia halted her path. "… Is the boss insane? A phoenix? She wants to nab a phoenix?" Asked an unfamiliar voice.
"She does. Phoenixes have one of the most powerful healing capabilities on Earthland. Phoenix Tears are worth enough to make someone filthy rich. If we nab one, we'll never have to work again." A second voice spoke up. "Now stop moanin' and keep movin'."
Emma was first to see them, two men. One was wearing green camo, with a magic rifle slung over his back. The other wore dark blue and grey, and a massive sword was on his back.
"Poachers…" Dan growled.
"They're here to detain and capture the Phoenix. And who knows what else they've got locked away in cages." Lilina frowned. "I may like the sounds of 'Filthy rich', but even I won't stoop so low."
"Gah! We can't leave them unchecked! But we can't stop the expedition…" Hyde snarled.
"You won't have to." Emma almost yelped if it wasn't for the hand over her mouth.
"Titania?" Alicia asked.
"One of Emma's spirits, I take it?" Arcadios asked.
"Indeed I am. I propose that you divide your forces. Alicia and Hyde, you and Captain Arcadios should investigate and shut down those disgusting poachers. I shall continue to the summit with Emily, Daniel and Lilina. We are the best equipped to handle the Phoenix," Titania said.
"Actually… she's probably right." Everyone turned to Dan. "Captain. We'll get the tears, you do your job as an elite of the Fiore military and arrest those Poachers."
"We'll meet back at the boat. Good luck," Emma nodded, and she, Lilina, Dan and Titania sped off towards the volcano.
"Good luck to you as well…" Arcadios nodded.
As they ran, Emma turned to Titania, who was choosing to run with them through the jungle. "I don't remember summoning you Titania, how are you even here?" She asked.
"Your powers are improving. It has become possible for one of your spirits to pass through the gate without the invocation being necessary. Only one at a time though, so I would need to leave if Thor wanted to help by his own will," Titania smiled.
"So the meditating constantly has fruits of labour to give? Not bad. That opens up some killer combos," Lilina whistled.
"That also means that by having me here, you can also focus on using your own Magic power to summon Thor or Hogun," Titania smiled.
"Well… at least I know for certain that I am getting somewhat stronger," Emma sighed.
"Cave ahead. Looks like it heads up into Mt. Blaze," Dan identified.
"Things are about to get warmer. Let's go!" Emma called out.
The four sprinted inside. Unbeknownst to them, they were watched. "Tell the boss about this, go." A female voice spoke up.
"Right, I'll be back soon," A young, male voice complied, before two white wings were spread.
"Look, smoke plumes ahead. Must be a camp of some kind," Arcadios said, pointing above the trees.
"Jackpot. Let's go," Hyde nodded.
The three soon came across a compound of tents and shacks. "There's our poachers," Alicia muttered. Both she and Hyde growled, watching one thug throw a local squirrel-like creature in a cage. "Disgusting."
"That's not the worst thing though…" Arcadios said, pointing to several larger cages. Each were occupied by people. "It seems these poachers are also slavers. Looks like they will sell anything with a pulse if it will earn some money."
"Alright. What's the plan pops?" Hyde asked.
"I have an idea. It involves good aim. Who has the best throw?" The captain asked.
Alicia nodded, hearing Arcadios' plan. "Easy. Something disposable, made of metal, and I've got darts to throw."
Hyde offered some pins. "Here. Lana wanted me to pin some jobs up, but I never got round to do them."
"Perfect." Alicia nodded, as Hyde dropped them into her hand. Hyde and Arcadios watched as she melded them into the darts needed for the plan.
"Now, watch me work," She smirked darkly, moving gently into position. Her target was in sight, so she threw a dart. The sharp metal projectile sliced through the ropes keeping the cage of a fire Vulcan shut. The Vulcan clearly noticed, and burst out, swatting aside two poachers with ease.
"Nice shot," Hyde whistled.
"Not done. I'm causing as much chaos as I can," Alicia smirked, throwing another dart, this time at a cage full of pink goblins, the small, deceptively cute creatures charging free and biting at the nearest thugs that they could reach.
"What's going on out here?!" A woman's voice demanded, and out of the largest tent came a woman in a scarlet red yukata, fitted for combat and quick movement.
"Boss! Some of the ropes snapped! We've got everything under control!" One of the poachers that Alicia heard earlier say, the one in blue with the sword.
"Ugh… pathetic fools…" The leader muttered, suddenly backflipping to avoid the charging Vulcan. "Fire Make: Death-scythe." Suddenly, a flaming scythe ripped through the vulcan's torso, cleaving it in two. The heat from the blade was so hot that it cauterised the grisly fate, not a drop of blood spilling.
"The next fool that forces me to kill the merchandise will get the same treatment! Round up those marshmallows and throw them back in a cage. If they refuse, feed five of them to him," The woman ordered, pointing to a large cage containing a shadowy black hound with blue crystals forming on the tail and paws.
"They caught an Odogaron?" Hyde asked, eyes wide.
"Not just any Odogaron. An ebony one. Even more ferocious, even more deadly. It looks hungry as well, judging by the red lightning around it's claws and jaw," Arcadios added.
"I don't know if I want to open any more cages. Especially his," Alicia mumbled.
"That might be wise. The leader uses Fire Make Magic. I understand the concepts of Ice Maker magic, but I assume this is similar in fighting style," Arcadios said.
"Yeah. She's quicker than Marcus, that's for sure. And that ice guy from Fairy Tail too," Hyde muttered.
"She spared no glance, just… cleaved that ape in half," Alicia recalled, staring at the dissected Vulcan being carried over to the Odogaron.
"There you go. That'll keep you busy for a while," One of the poachers said, throwing the top half in. The hungry beast tore into the meat instantly.
"Let's rethink the plan," Alicia said, looking away.
"Whoa… what happened here?" Asked a new voice, causing the three to watch as a small cat with a pair of white wings entered the compound.
"Oi, none of your business, Neki," A thug snapped.
"Fine, be that way, I've got to speak to Morgana," Alicia watched as the cat entered the large tent.
"A cat, just like Melody and Carla?" Hyde asked.
"A cat that's not in a cage, it means it has some importance to the leader, and now that I have a name, I think I recognise her," Arcadios sneered. "Morgana the Fire Sorcerer, also known as the Red Lady. She's a monster. She broke out of a maximum security cell in Era, and since then, she's been making a name for herself, burning anyone who recognised her to ashes."
"Damn it…" Alicia sighed. "Of course. We get the sadistic fire lady."
Inside the tent, that sadistic fire lady listened to the report given to her by the cat.
"So a bunch of wizards are here, and seem to be working towards the Phoenix. Interesting… did you see a mark?" Morgana asked.
"Looked like a cat, with a tail that curled up to the head, and another tail that curled out," Neki said.
"Ok… at least it isn't a guild like Fairy Tail or Lamia Scale. Forbid the thought they sent someone like Laxus or Jura," Morgana sneered. "But this guild of nobodies might have powerhouses of their own."
"Whatever. Between you, Samantha and all the guys outside, we'll take them," Neki said cockily.
"Don't be so arrogant. These wizards might take out the Phoenix before we can capture it. Go back to Sam and follow those wizards up Mt. Blaze. I'll follow with the men as quickly as we can. We're moving ahead with our plan," Morgana ordered.
"You got it," Nodded the feline, heading out through the back of the tent.
"Phew, this place is rough," Lilina wheezed as the Phoenix team walked through the caves.
"Tell me about it. This heat is not good," Dan grumbled.
"Do try to rest Emily, at this rate, you'll keel over before we even make it to the summit," Titania stressed to her wizard.
"Not yet. We'll rest when we're not in one of these large tunnels. I don't like it, it's like these were dug out by some large monsters," Emma frowned.
"Guys," They turned at Lilina's voice. "What do you think caused that?" She was pointing to a large gash carved in the rock.
"It looks like a slash from some kind of sword. But not one I've ever seen," Dan observed.
"Well, I don't wanna meet whatever made it," Emma spoke up. Suddenly, a roar that sounded like it was happening while metal was clanging and screeching against metal. "Or whatever made that…"
"Too late, I think it's onto us," Dan muttered, pointing to the tunnel they were heading up. A massive bipedal monster was glaring at them. It had dark red and black scales covering it's body, and had two rows of large blue, bony plates running along it's back, going from the eyes to the tail. The underside of this beast was a creamy colour and looked much softer, a pair of small stubby arms encased in more red and black scales drooping down from it's shoulders. The most prominent thing that they needed to observe was the large, sword-like appendage at the end of it's tail, which was covered in blue plates like it's back.
"What is that thing?!" Lilina asked.
"That's a Glavenus! Extremely territorial monsters that can spit fire or use that flame to turn that tail into a flaming blade capable of cleaving right through a wyvern!" Titania informed them.
"Well… either way, it's standing between us and that Phoenix. Guess we've got no choice," Dan said, his fingers starting to glow yellow.
"He's right. Sorry big guy. We're on a mission, and you're not it!" Emma nodded, getting ready for a fight. "Titania, what else do you know of this guy?"
"Ideal weak spots include the head, the underbelly and when that tail is all warmed up, it's easier to damage as well," Titania said, conjuring up a bow of light. "I can't be sure, but ideal elemental weaknesses include water and ice."
"Ice huh? The one time I don't go on a mission with your brother, I need his ice slinging powers?" Dan grumbled.
"Well, I think I can do something that can help instead. My brother may have been given most of the training from our mother, but I paid attention to his ice make classes," Emma smiled, icy mists shimmering from her hands.
"Let's go! Bullet Magic: Golden Lightning!" Dan called out, firing three shots from his left hand. The Glavenus roared, powering through the yellow magic with ease. Dan backpedalled, "It did nothing…?! In that case… Bullet Magic: Azure Spear!" This time, he fired a hand of blue shots, and this time, Glavenus flinched slightly as the shots hit his face.
"Nice, keep up those blue ones," Lilina grinned. "Let me help. Ethereal Sapphire!" She called out, releasing a torrent of water that washed over the monster. Glavenus roared in defiance, before his throat began to glow, a glob of fire spitting out at Lilina, and another towards Dan.
Lilina yelped as she was blown back by the fire, while Dan avoided the one shot at him. "So he's got some tricks…" He observed.
"My turn!" Emma dashed in, fist on her open hand. "Ice Make: Hammer!" She called out, a massive hammer appearing, coming down on the monster. Glavenus roared loudly, his tail swishing around and bashing right through the ice. It then followed up by quickly retracting the tail, a faster swing coming from the other side.
"I don't think so. Celestial Arrow; Meteor Shower!" Titania called out, firing a large arrow to the ceiling of the cave, which impacted and broke into thousands of small arrows, individually doing little damage, but with so many hitting at once, the Glavenus couldn't shrug them all off, flinching, and causing the tail to slam down a metre from Emma.
"Thanks! Let's get some reinforcements! Open! Gate to Asgard! Thor, God of Thunder!" Emma called out, brandishing a key and turning it, a golden magic circle appearing before her.
Appearing in a large flash of light, the hammer wielding spirit gave a booming laugh as he arrived. "At your service, Young Valkyrie!"
"Thor! Give that thing the hammer!" Titania called out, darting out of the way of an overhead slash from Glavenus.
"That I can do!" Thor grinned, twirling his hammer before leaping at the monster. Mjolnir sparked with lightning before Thor gripped the leather strap, swinging upwards.
Glavenus reeled with pain, knocked to the floor by the hammer that landed a crushing blow to the monster's jaw.
"Awesome!" Lilina grinned.
Glavenus lifted itself back to it's feet and gripped the tail into it's mouth.
"Incoming! Get behind something!" Titania gasped.
Emma leapt behind a rock, as did Dan and Lilina. Thor and Titania took to the air, just as Glavenus released the tail, which was now glowing a bright hot red. The tail swung at super-fast speeds, Emma yelped, dropping to the floor as the blade ripped through her cover like it was made of cotton.
"Young Valkyrie/Emily!" Her spirits called, worried for her.
"I'm fine! Let's KO this sword dino and move on!" Emma waved off the concern, settling back into the ice maker stance.
"You got it! Bullet Magic: Azure Lance!" Dan called, firing three large blue bolts from his arm, clenching his fist as he did so. His magic bullets impacted, one hitting one of Glavenus' short arms, another hitting the beast in the underbelly, and the third slamming into it's face.
"My turn! Ethereal Sapphire, Transient Emerald! Tsunami!" Lilina called out, hands holding a blue and green gem respectively, twirling as she channelled their energy together, a blue and green magic circle appearing, before a powerful surge of water and wind ripped free, impacting on Glavenus' chin.
"And it's time to end this. Titania, Thor! Together!" Emma called out, her spirits regrouping with her.
"Alfheim's Light!" Titania called out, spreading her arms and releasing a wave of pink energy.
"Asgard's Thunder!" Thor slammed his hammer down, a massive shockwave of lightning following the wave of energy.
"And it's my finish! Ice Make: Lance!" Emma shot an array of frozen spears at the monster, who gave a roar of agony, the combined onslaught of ice, water, lightning and celestial light proving to be too much and it dropped to the ground. Whether it was unconscious or dead, Emma didn't want to know.
"That was fun…" Emma sighed. "Thanks Thor, I'll probably need you again soon, so try and get as much rest as you can."
"I shall, Young Valkyrie. Call whenever you need me," Thor nodded, vanishing in a flash of light.
"You guys saw that cat go out the back of that tent, right?" Alicia asked.
"I did. Whatever that creature was, he clearly was able to leave with little effort. I would gather that the main tent has a 'back door', so to speak," Arcadios nodded.
"Well. I think that there's two ways we can handle this. Either, we just charge into the camp and might have to deal with that Odogaron, or we sneak in the back and take her on," Alicia suggested.
"I say divide and conquer. Let me take her out, you two deal with the fodder out here," Hyde offered.
"Are you sure you can beat her? She cleaved a Vulcan in two like nothing," Alicia asked.
"I'll be careful, now kick those poachers' butts," Hyde grinned, and headed towards the back of the tent.
One poacher was checking the perimeter when a metal pole clonked on his head. Alicia stepped over his unconscious form. Taking a deep breath, she confidently walked into camp.
"Hey! Who the hell are you?" A thug asked, spotting her. His cry gathered the attention of his fellows, who drew swords or rifles, some preparing magic.
"Just a passing wizard that noticed this illegal operation. I'm going to ask that you release all those animals," Alicia said coolly.
"And why the hell would we do that?" Asked one of the two that Alicia had seen on patrol.
"Because I told you so!" Alicia lunged, her staff changing into her favoured scythe.
The blade of Lunar Reaper ripped through several goons. She then twirled the massive weapon around to deflect a salvo of magic bullets from the riflemen, before twirling her body with the scythe, swatting back two bullets at the swarm of goons. "Metal Manipulation: Berserk Destroyer!" She called, her scythe reforming into an axe. Quietly, she reduced the weight of her weapon, leaping up. Then she made it heavier, slamming down, causing a shockwave to rip across the camp, knocking down a bunch of poachers.
"Hey, what's that?" Another sentry asked his companion.
"Dunno. Maybe they're having another fight, maybe we should head back to join them," His friend asked.
"Or perhaps you should both go to sleep," An armoured fist bashed down on both their heads, sending them into a deep slumber. Arcadios sighed, having finally dealt with all the sentries. With that done, he drew his preferred sword, making for the main battle.
"Hey! We got another one! Better get lost big dude," A poacher called out, spotting him. Arcadios grunted, blocking the clumsy swing from the man, then bashing him aside with a heavy bash from his armoured fist.
Arcadios quickly ducked back as another man approached, then sidestepped, before grabbing the man by the back of his head and slamming him into the ground. He then swiftly cut at the wrists of the next three foes, before grunting as a magic bullet hit him in his armoured shoulder.
"Requip: Shield of Wards!" He called, his off-hand gaining a large shield that looked like a bowl, a large lacrima in the centre.
Channeling his magic into the crystal, it projected a blue-white barrier that absorbed the incoming fire. Arcadios sprinted towards the gunners, his sword making quick work of the melee combatants. His sword was hard at work, swatting aside both bullet and blade.
Hyde grinned, watching the two work. Nice. Keep their attention guys. I'll give that boss lady something real big to worry about. He thought, before he barrelled into the tent. Morgana was sat at a desk, counting a large wad of jewel.
"Hello there," He grinned, looking at her surprised expression.
"And who might you be?" Asked Morgana.
"Just the guy who's gonna hogtie you and bring you back to jail," Hyde shrugged, sparks racing across his hands and arms.
"Are you really…?" Morgana sighed. She closed her eyes and silently stood, walking around her desk. Slowly opening her eyes, she gave a dark smirk. "I'd like to see you try." Suddenly, her fist was in her palm. "Fire Make: Scorch Cannon!" She yelled out, a large cannon of flames forming on her shoulder, which she gripped, firing a blast of fire.
Hyde was quick to dodge, "Not raining, but this should still work. Deadshot!" He called, firing two sparks of lightning at the girl.
One hit the cannon, dispelling it, while the other hit her in the knee. She grunted, but other than that, it didn't faze her. "Ha. Like that's gonna make me keel over." She said, her stance reforming quickly.
Hyde rolled his eyes. "I'm just getting started!" He smirked, lightning sparking across his arms. "Raijin!" He called, his massive battleaxe appearing in a flash of volts. He then sprinted at the woman, weapon raised above his head.
"Huh. Alright boy. Fire Make: Shield!" A lotus shaped shield of flames sprouted from Morgana's hands, blocking the axe swing. Hyde bounced off, then spun, swinging with one hand. Morgana somersaulted over the heavy weapon, hands in stance. "Fire Make: Heatseekers!" She called, firing out an array of fiery bolts that started to home in on Hyde.
"Photon Wall!" Hyde called out, a wall of blue lightning blocking the incoming fireballs. However, there were more than he thought, and they cracked through his barrier. Grunting as the fireballs barraged him. Sparks suddenly laced through his veins, "Voltage Wave!" He yelled, slamming a fist into the ground, a blast of lightning shock-waving out, cancelling out the fire and knocking Morgana off her feet.
"That's it! Let's take this outside!" She snarled. "Fire Rocket!" She called out, flames shooting from her feet as she leapt at Hyde, slamming into him and pushing him far out the back of the tent into the jungle.
"Fine by me," Hyde grunted as he breathed in, her having knocked the wind out of him. "I get to cut loose a bit more myself. I was trying not to alert your goons that their boss was under attack. You've made it easier to fight you now!"
"Oh really? Guess I'll just have to burn you to ashes, then deal with the other cockroaches around here," Morgana gave a dark grin, flames flickering from her eyes as her hands lit.
"Bring it!" Hyde challenged.
Marcus: Wow, looks like things are heating up fast! Fights everywhere!
Emma: Tell me about it...
Dan: I don't think it's over either. There's still the Phoenix, Morgana and that Odogaron.
Emma: Nice inspiration for some monster-class fights by the way. Monster Hunter?
Marcus: Oh absolutely, and there's still plenty of those we can use as inspiration.
All: Next time: The Firebird and the Dragon!