Chapter 15: Growing Darkness

Author Note:

Welcome to the next chapter, as things continue to happen, in all seriousness I do enjoy what I made here. Especially at the end as this was a long time coming and the questions it will bring is oh so fun. Anyway this is a bit of a meaty chapter so I kinda hope you enjoy it as I worked hard on it and the level of intrigue increases. Read on dear readers and feel free to tell me what you think of the chapter. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

I can only stare at the man in front of me, a man slowly being taken over by a power he once thought was his to control. He wielded for good and was quite powerful with it, but a single loss shook his confidence and now here he is. Slowly losing himself as the sign of the corruption spreads. That man is me.

"You let our mate get hurt! You felt it! I know you did!"

I was inside one of the huts we were staying in when it happened. The feeling of distress and pain in the far distance. Ankha got beaten in a fight and was hurt a lot, granted we sparred before to similar intensity but never savagely. I am aware she can heal the damage done to her body quickly, but even then, I can feel the pain she was in. I can feel every cell in my body crying out and wanting me to jump into action, but I had to will myself to stay in place. It was the plan after all for Ankha to be captured in her disguised form. I didn't like it, but it was the only way to find out where these people been taking their kidnapped victims. I never knew she was going to get beaten though.

"Shut up…I know…"

"And you did nothing! Why did you just sit there?!"

I was already paying for it, my other side berating me, and I can feel the corruption grow stronger. I felt it attack my body and I had to excuse myself from Isabelle just to see it for myself. I stared as now there was no way of hiding the corruption and the danger it presents. The darken skin already up to my biceps, nearly covering my chest and back, rising my legs and covering more of my face. I can see hints of red within the corruption, and with it I am becoming less than human.

"Enough! I don't want to hear it!"

My unintentionally let my voice roar which no doubt caught many eyes staring in the direction of the source. As the corruption grows, I can feel my emotions escape from me. I am becoming quick to anger and feeling intense feelings of jealously that I never felt before. It was crazy and I hate it, this isn't me. It isn't me…

"N-Nacho? Are you okay?" Isabelle's trembling voice snapped me back to reality as I turned around to see her. Her eyes widen as she gazed upon my body, a look of horror. Seeing it made me self-conscious about my appearance as I immediately covered my face and grabbed a nearby blanket to cover my body. Still that did jack squat as she ran in calling my name again.

"S-Sorry you had to see this…"

"W-what is happening to you?"

She gently took the blanket from my hand and moved my hand from my face. Seeing her eyes soothed my soul as I explained to her what has been happening to me lately. She was surprised and grew worried, telling me why I haven't told her or Ankha about it sooner. Honestly, I was going to, but I didn't know how to go about it. Plus, we still had the current situation at hand with helping Ankha and these people.

"Again, sorry for keeping this from you."

"It's okay, but I wished you brought it up sooner. Maybe we could have planned around it, but it doesn't matter now. Is there anyway to fight back the corruption or lessen it?"

"Well…one part of my mind was telling me that if I beast trigger with apex mode and let loose it should get rid of the corruption. However, it would also mean exposing the jungle to my virus and it would be an ecological disaster. Not to mention, it could reflect badly towards Ankha."

Isabelle went silent as she looked away from me in order to think. She is trying her best to remain calm, but I can sense her panic rising in her body, "Oh I know! Let's ask Azhum! He must know some kind of spell that can hopefully get rid of your corruption!"

"Can he do that?"

"I don't know, but he did say magic can do almost anything, so it's a worth a shot."

"I sure hope so, I'm still worried about Ankha."

"Me too but focus Nacho."

I nodded as I got dressed and followed Isabelle out of the hut as we looked for Azhum. The kingdom looked different at night as it had a heavenly moonlit glow. The palace we headed towards shined with a silver glow. Entering the palace, we quickly run into Lucky who was pacing around nervously.

"Lucky? What are you doing around here?" I asked, forgetting about my own problem for a moment.

"Oh! Nacho! Isabelle! I felt Ankha in pain! Was she discovered? I don't know!"

I remember Ankha telling me that she and Lucky shared a telepathic link, so he probably felt her distress too, "I don't know, but nothing we can do right now. However, I sort of have another problem that I need Azhum to look at."

"Please do you know where he is?" Isabelle pleaded.

Lucky was nearly taken aback once he saw my current condition. We quickly filled him in and immediately pointed in the direction he is in, "I saw him talking to Olemach in the king's private quarters. He was asking about the mysterious magic surge that happened before, but I don't know what's going on."

"Alright, thanks Lucky."

"No problem, I need to distract myself anyways. Maybe I can tire my brain out and sleep somewhere."

The mummy guardian walked out of the palace as Isabelle and I walked around and found the door to the private quarters. We can hear some muffled voices behind the door. I looked over to Isabelle and nodded to her as I knocked on the door. The voices came to a halt when they heard my knocking. The one to respond being Olemach who yelled at me in his native tongue. Because of that, I didn't understand what he said, but I could take a guess.

"Uh…hello? We need to speak with Azhum," Olemach's voice quieted down as Azhum spoke up.

"Ah, Nacho, you seem to have come at an inopportune time. I doing some important discussions with he king here, any reason why you had to come by and bother us?"

"Sorry Azhum, but I was wondering if you can help me with something."

"Can't it wait? This is far too important."

"Please, this is something you and the king need to see."

Silence befell the other room before the sound of the door unlocking was heard. Azhum gave the go ahead to come in as I opened the door. The room itself is nice and comfortable looking despite the tribal theme. Azhum and Olemach were sitting next to an open flame, they were surprised to not just see me but Isabelle as well. Olemach was about to yell until his eyes lay upon my body.

("Cursed! You been cursed!") Azhum thankfully translated for us.

"I guess you can call it that," I sheepishly said before quickly explaining what has been going on with me.

"So that's it, a corruption caused by your own power."

"Yeah, it can cause some serious damage, so is there any spell you know that can get rid of it?" Isabelle asked.

Azhum paused, flipping through his pages to show he was thinking, he let out a low grumble as he came to a stop, "Well…indeed there is a spell that can purify corruption from a person, but…"

"But what? Are you implying it won't work?!" my anger flared up unreasonably fast, one of the side effects from the corruption.

"Nacho calm down, but please explain Azhum."

The tome sighed, "You see…this spell only works on corruption created by outside forces. Magical and some physical aberrations, but this corruption is caused by Nacho himself. Not only is it physical, but it seems to be tied to the core center of his soul. Because of that, the purifying spell may not help him. This is something that will have to be taken care of on his own as far as I can tell."

"Damn it, but I can't let myself lose control. I do not want to hurt the people here or the nature around us. My virus is dangerous even if it's mine."

"Calm yourself Nacho, I may not be able to cure you, but I can help suppress the corruption to buy you more time," Azhum glowed with a magic power before releasing aqua-green magic at me. I felt it go inside of me and suddenly it felt like some kind of chains are being bounded to my spirit.

"Argh…you're making a mistake! Suppressing it will only make it worse!"

"I need more time; I can unleash this corruption once I am in a safe area!"

"You are an idiot! Such a power can't be contained that easily!"

I breathed heavily as I tried to keep myself from passing out as I felt my other half fighting back against the magic, but eventually he stopped as I was able to stabilize myself, "That…was unpleasant."

"Strange…it wasn't supposed to be, hmm…it could be possibly that the spell may have done more than just suppress the corruption then. Be careful Nacho."

"Regardless, thanks for the help."

"Think nothing of it, but before you leave. The king and I have been discussing a topic you would be very interested in."

"What would that be?"

"The stolen corpse we have been looking for."

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

The light of morning irritated my closed eyes, forcing me to groan and get up. Rubbing my eyes and nursing my head as the soreness return. The memory of the beatdown I took came back to me and shocked me awake. As I looked around in panic, only to be met with unfamiliar surroundings. Metal bars, and a rocky wall, touching the bar I had to quickly retreat my hand in pain as the metal jailing was hot to the touch.

"Ouch! Where am I?"

("You're imprisoned in the hole,") Spoke a voice, I looked behind me and saw not just one but many of the natives from the kingdom in the same situation as me. Some panting, sweating, and close to passing out.

I adjusted myself as I spoked in their language, ("Excuse me, the hole?")

The earthly brown native raised an eyebrow at me as he noticed my change in language, ("Yes the hole, you are a new arrival so let me explain. If you are here, then you are considered quality slave material by those thugs. The hole, as far as I can see is near the only volcano in the region, Mt. Vulcaria. They put us here to break our spirits, to weaken us so we cannot put up a fight when the time comes to sell us off.")

I was honestly surprised; never would I have expected that the kidnappers would have based themselves near or within a volcano. Then again who would have expected them to hide out in such a place. Still they are not foolish enough to be directly inside the volcano. Thankfully living in the desert most of my life allowed me to handle the heat better, but still this heat is a bit more on the roasting side for my liking.

("I see, surely they give you some water down here, right?")

("Actually…yes, surprisingly they aren't heartless enough to let us just die here. I assume this is because they want to protect their investment.")

Many of the tribal villagers nodded in agreement with one of them adding their voice, ("That, but one of them is very kind. The bigger one in armor, the one whose face is unseen and eyes who burn like fire.")

("Eyes who burn like fire?") My mind thought back to the mysterious man I fought against. While scarily strong he had a lot of honor, but he knew who I really was. This man is something strange for sure, just what is he?

("Yes, he isn't like the others. He takes care of us, makes sure we get food too.")

("Really, well as nice as he is, I don't plan on staying here for very long.") I began looking around and saw the metal door that led out of here. No doubt the door is heated as the bars, so getting it open would be a problem. Well…at least getting it open without getting the attention of the guards.

("I admire your spirit, but if there was a way out, we would have done so already. The kind man makes sure we drink the water, so we could not use it to cool down the doors or bars.")

("Well that is annoying but consider it good fortune that I am here with you all,") they raised their eyes and brows at me. Confused and looking at me with strange looks. I smiled as I, for a brief moment, revealed my true form to them and some of them grew excited.

("The chosen of the cat mother! We are saved!")

I smiled as I told them to quiet down as one of the guards came by, dressed in heat resistant clothes that made it look like they were wearing space gear. The guard reprimand us for making noise before walking off. There was a deep sigh of relief as we all gathered around. I explain to them why I was here and what is the plan. They were excited, but we still have the problem of getting out. I began thinking back on my list of spells and remember the book of Nymphomancy. Most of the spells didn't have much use other than personal enchantment for the bedroom or personal pleasure, but there was some that caught my eye as useful. One of which is the Phantasmal Lover. This spell allowed me to create an illusionary lover that has physical form, but its form is based on my own or a target's personal fantasy. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage to trick a guard into helping us. I inform the others of this plan and while unorthodox, it was sound.

So, we waited, and bided our time as we wait for a general guard to show up. What I did not expect to see was the same man who defeated me in combat to show up. His unmistakable form and aura were contrasted by the cooler he was dragging with him. It was his time to watch the prisoners and he brought them supplies to keep them thriving. Rations and water. He opened the door to the cell and opened his supplies.

("Eat and drink!") he shouted in their language.

The other tribes people complied and took their share of food and water. As for me, I did not come near him as I was still wary of him. The man knew my name, just how though? However, he noticed that I did not come over to get my share and stared at me.

"Aren't you going to eat too?"

"Not until you tell me how you know my true name."

The man went silent as he looked up, thinking before returning his gaze to me, "I don't know…"

"You…don't know? That's pretty unbelievable if you ask me."

"It is the truth though; I do not know why I know your name. It…popped into my mind during our duel. Something about the way you fight, stir thoughts in my brain."

I raised a brow at this, "I could say the same thing, your way of fighting is eerily like my own. But where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I don't know…I just do."

I was annoyed but I kept prodding him, "Can you at least remember your name?"

"These…men and women I work with call me Red eyes. Because my eyes are red, but as you can tell I am not human."

"Yeah, you're undead. I figured that out the hard way," The moment I said that Ser-Ka's husband's body came to mind. I wondered if he is that same body, "Tell me, does the name Ser-Ka sound familiar to you?"

"Ser-Ka…hmm…sounds…familiar…" Red Eyes, went silent as he began thinking. Trying to remember the name and its meaning.

"I hope it does, as she's your wife after all."

Red Eyes went silent, "Wife? I…don't remember having…a…wife…"

I rolled my eyes, "Of course you don't, but then again I could be assuming here. So how long have you been walking around being undead?"

"I don't know, I never kept track of time. I only do what I am told, other than that, I am free to act as I see fit."

"Do as your told, do you mean any of those men you work with?"

He shook his head, "No, I do not act for them. If I had the chance, I would have slaughter them. These people do not deserve slavery. However, the one who tells me what to do says I must work for them."

"They sound like a cruel person; do you know their name though?"

"No, they never told me. They raised me from the dead, but never gave a name."

"Hmm…interesting, well this has been an enlightening conversation."

"I suppose, but I must ask you Ankha…do you know who I am?"

"I'm not certain, but you could be Ser-Ka's husband but now I am not sure."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"The fact you know me, I never met Ser-Ka or her husband before. So, there is no way you could have known my name if you are her husband."

"Fair point, well…I have to go now. Take this meal and water and try not to burn yourself on the bars."

Red Eyes stood up and handed me the ration and water. He waited for me to eat my meal and drink the water before finally leaving and locking the door behind him. He stood around outside our cell for a while. No longer speaking to us or responding as he did his job. Being undead, I doubt he has any sexual desires, so I did not bother using the spell on him. I simply waited and bided my time. Eventually, his shift ended, and another guard took his place. This one was focused on his job and was quite professional, but unlike Red Eyes he was open to be exploited.

"Time to get to work," I said quietly as I channeled my mana. Focusing towards the guard, the spell touched his thoughts and I got a view on his desires. Apparently, he was into reptile-like women, not caring much for breasts and focusing more on the rump. With that knowledge, the spell flowed undetected from his head and began to take form. The man shook his head as the magic made him feel a bit lightheaded. I watched with a smile as the spell took on solid form, an earthly rock colored lizard woman with striking markings, dressed in skimpy attire.

The man shook his head as he suddenly realized there is an attractive woman in front of him. It was almost cartoonish as the man stood gawking at her. I let the spell do the work as she walked over to him all the while with a sultry smile, "Now now, what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I…uh…well…I?"

"Hehehe, nervous one, are we? I don't mind, but I want to see your face."

She reached over and took off his head gear and gently smiled as she caressed his face, "Whoa…umm….uh…"

"Heh, you're cute. I would like to,..get to know you better, if you know what I mean?"

"Oh um…sure um…well we are going to need somewhere private."

Her eyes drifted to our cell, she gave a wink to me, "Why don't we use the inside of that cell?"

"Oh, I don't know…I mean those are very important slaves in there and I don't want to be fired…"

"Oh, but I really want to spend time with you."

"Me too but I really can't," I raised a brow as I emitted some pheromones and blew them in the direction of the guard. He smelled it and almost immediately began to get hot under the collar.

"Come on, for me? Pretty please?"

"Well umm…maybe…we could…I mean, it's not like they can escape from here. This place is heavily guarded."

"Exactly, now why don't we move those cat people out and let ourselves in?"

"Hehehe, whatever you say babe," the guard took out his key and opened the metal door to our cell. My pheromones made him easier to sway and I smiled as they stepped in, "Okay you cat folk slaves, I'm putting you all on early recess or something. So, get out, me and this lovely lady would like some privacy."

No one said anything as we simply stepped out, pouring out at least ten felinmew's plus myself. I only smiled and waved at my creation as the door closed and the two got comfy. I felt my pride swell a bit as I walked with the tribe's people.

("Hooray! The chosen of the cat mother saved us!")

("We aren't out of this yet, we need to figure out where we are,") I said to the group as I looked around. It was open in here, with a couple of cells to the sides with no guards overlooking them. No doubt we are in cavernous like area with a window to the outside world, but which direction leads to the outside world is still the bigger question. Especially since I need to get to an open area to release the signal properly.

("We also need to free to others,") they pointed to the other cells.

("Hmm…well since we are out, we might as well divide and conquer. I will look for a way out so I can reveal this place's location for the others to find. The rest of you can prepare and find a way to release everybody else. I trust you all can do this, but please be careful.")

("We will! We won't let you down chosen of the cat mother!")

It was there we parted ways and I begun to make my way through this base.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

The night came and went, and even though Isabelle's presence comforted me, I could not help but remained worried for Ankha's safety. It did not help when my less than better half berates me, both for her safety and the suppression spell. I can only grin and bear it as much as I detested it. I kept up helping with the locals and thanks to Azhum I was able to learn a few words of the local language. However, I still needed his help when it came to translation of full conversations.

Having some spare time of my own, I decided to just take a walk, mainly also to see if I can find any traces of Aten sneaking around. It wasn't long until I found myself back outside the temple of Tezcatlipoca. I decided to wander back inside again, but when I did I ran into Olemach who was praying at the temple. He was surprised to see me but he greeted me with a respectful one arm chest beat. I returned the gesture.

["Ah you have return, Nacho right?"]

I was taken aback when he started speaking Castellano, ["You speak Castellano too?"]

["Sort of, Tezcatlipoca taught me some of your secondary tongue. It seems to be a variation of our native tongue. Interesting."]

["Huh, so he can talk to you too?"]

["Yes, Tezcatlipoca and his brother Quetzalcoatl are the reason my brother and I are immortal in the first place. They helped me and my brother at our lowest points when we were captured by slavers."]

["You were captured by slavers before?"]

["Many lifetimes ago, my brother and I were simple mortals. However, a day came when our tribe was besieged by men, the humes, they ravaged our lands and took our people as slaves. We were forced into camps as they decide what to do with us. My brother and I are simple men, no special than most, but our love for our people was strong. So, after two weeks of suffering and humiliation from their hands, we refused to break and prayed to the gods for aid. Our prayers were answered by two voices. The gods Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca, they came to us in a dream and saw our situation. They saw our determination to save our people, so they made us immortal and granted us some of their power. Of course, at the request that we worship them."]

["That explains it then,"] I look back to the statue of Tezcatlipoca and can feel him observing me.

["Indeed, I was blessed by Tezcatlipoca. My brother was blessed by Quetzalcoatl. With these powers we were able to fight off and destroy our oppressors. We were praised and given title of immortal kings as we, with the guidance of the gods, were able to establish the great kingdom you find yourself in now."]

["Almost like Ankha, she was chosen by her gods for a sacred duty."]

["Indeed, that is why I sympathize with her plight along with my brother. I have been described to be the more emotional ruler compared to him. However, as co-rulers we decided our decisions must be unanimous before applying it to our kingdom. Our relationship with the Humes have improved since then, especially when our gods showed they have a hume form as well. However, these recent events have strained relations. I do not understand how this could have happen though, there should be no slavers in this region anymore. My brother and I made sure of it."]

["What does your brother think of Humes anyway? You seem pretty fine with them."]

["Taimolche is…troubled by humes more than I. There was a time, in recent memory where an infamous slaver group, the hand, came to our jungle. They were different, their magic strong enough to restrain an immortal. It was a terrible time; he lost his lover at the time during the initial attack. It is the reason why we hid this kingdom from prying eyes. However, I often fear for my brother, I sense a darkness around him. A grudge that he keeps well hidden, I hoped that one day he would be able to let go of the past. Still, even then, I am not sure myself."]

["That sounds troubling, but don't give up on your brother. Although, I must ask, why tell me this? This seem like something you would have keep to yourself."]

["Because Tezcatlipoca trusts you, I talked to him and he told me about you. You are a powerful hunter and warrior, that I can respect."]

["Oh, well thanks. I would like to see what you and your brother can do in action."]

["Heh, maybe you will. I expect great things from you if you caught the attention of Tezcatlipoca."]

["Thanks, I won't let you down."]

He gave an affirmative nod as we both gave each other an affirmative chest pound as a sign or respect before I left. Olemach's words inspiring confidence in me, also it was nice to have somebody I can communicate with. Looking up, I peered at the pillar of light beaming down on the kingdom. It was a beautiful sight, still beyond that I hoped Ankha was doing fine in her mission.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

"Whew…and here I thought this would be smooth," I adjusted my hair as I walked away from a pile of guards all beaten and battered by my hand. It is a miracle that the alarm has not been raised already. Either way, the sneaky way or the hard way I was able to walk out of the caverns and to the top of the place I was on.

I was surprised to see how high up I was as I saw nothing but jungle forest from here. I began observing my surroundings and as I expected this was the side of the volcanic mountain. Looking up I see the smoke of the volcano, active and may erupt whenever it feels like it. I sighed to myself as I wonder why somebody would make a base inside the side of a volcano. Looking further down I can see a more open settlement at the base. It was the main slave camp where they keep most of the new arrivals and possibly less interesting captives. Seeing no obstructions, I see no reason why I shouldn't send a signal to alert the others to where this base is. Still it doesn't seem like there is anything stopping people from seeing where this base of operations is located.

Charging up an explosive fireball spell with the intent to use it like a firework. Once I got the right amount, I launched the ball of fire upward into the sky. However, as the fireball flew, it crashed into an invisible ceiling and prematurely exploded with its flames being snuffed out by the barrier, "What in the name of Ra?"

My confusion was traded for horror as I heard clapping coming from behind me. I turned around to see none other than Aten slowly clapping with a smile on his face, "Well well well…how's that plan coming along?"

"It was you…you were the one who brought these slavers here! Never did I think you would stoop so low," I accused as I got ready for a fight.

"Hehehe, me? Please, I wouldn't associate with such lesser beings. However, I will admit they have an eye for quality. I mean, you're here after all, though I am not crazy with the new look," he smiled as he thrusted his arm out and shot out a spell I tried to dodge but homed in on me and hit me. Surprisingly, there was no pain, so I quickly got back on my feet.

"What was that all about?!"

"Relax, it was a disguise dispel," he pointed to me and I saw my fur color returned to normal. No doubt the rest of my disguise, save for my clothes, are gone as well, "There much better."

"I about had it with your games Aten. I am not a toy for you to play with."

"Oh ho ho…Ankha…seeing you run around on your quest…seeing you think about making your lovers immortal. It is all humorous to me, I can guarantee you that you will succeed in only one of those things."

I growled, "Just what do you want?"

"Oh, you know, overseeing things. It would seem that things are progressing along smoothly, although I am surprised you haven't figured out that one thing yet."

"One thing? What are you talking about?"

"Heh, like I will tell you. It is a lot more fun when you figure things out for yourself. I have no doubt your reaction would be truly…tasty."

I felt a shiver travel down my back when he said that, but I did not break from my stance, "Whatever you have planned I will put a stop to it and I will find a way to bring you back to your senses!"

"I'm touched, truly I am. However, I am always a few steps ahead of you love," he smirked which gave me an uneasy feeling at the pit of my stomach. He snapped his fingers and a black portal open, "I must leave now, but before I do, I grant you a gift."

He charged another spell in his hand, but instead of aiming it at me he fired it at the barrier. Before my eyes the barrier disappeared, he smirked at me. Shaking his head as he laughed and disappeared into the portal without another word. I was confused though, why did he get rid of the barrier for me? It sounds like he had some hand in what is going on around here, but I didn't feel like he was lying when he implied that he wasn't the mastermind behind this.

Regardless, I still had a mission to do. I began the process of charging my mana again, as I was doing it, I heard the voices of many guards coming up to where I am. Hearing that made me realized that Aten was wasting my time to give those guards a head start. This frustrated me as I finished the spell and launched it into the sky. It exploded into a shower of brilliant light and fire that was impossible to miss.

"I sure hope they saw that…" I turned around just to see the guards pouring in and led by none other than Red-Eyes.

"You…how am I not surprised? Ankha…hmm…that color is a lot more familiar when I think your name."

"Color? You must have known me from somewhere, I apologize that I can't remember you."

"Think nothing of it, but now that your disguise is gone. I expect a better fight from you this time. Remember, don't hold back."

"I remember," I let a out a deep breath as I took a battle-ready stance. Bringing out two short blades I stole from some guards.

We quietly studied each other again before we suddenly ran towards one another. Learning from our previous fight I either dodged his slashes or parried them when I get the chance. Knowing he was undead I was less worried about hurting him and more worried on defeating him. His skill with his swords once again is invoking a vague memory in the back of my mind. I am still trying to figure out why though.

Our battle was more intense as he also changed the way he fights just to adapt to my quick movement. Just powering through strikes I made to get a slash on me. However, it is the fact he is undead that I know how to beat him. Remembering that I was able to cut his limbs off to temporarily disable him I went for that. Dodging more attacks and swiftly cleaving off his hands, disarming him before giving him a swift kick to the chest.

"Ah…good, though I believe me being undead gave you more room to attack did it?"

"It did yes, normally I won't try to kill somebody in a duel. However, since you are dead already, I have no qualms in taking you apart."

"Heh, good, of course taking me apart won't be that easy," suddenly these shadows show out of the cut limbs and attached themselves to the stumps. Quickly the limbs reeled back to the stumps and reattached themselves to the body.

"Of course, you had something for that, how about some fire then?" I said as I released a magical aura of fire.

Red Eyes chuckled when I revealed my power of fire magic, "Now we're talking, give me a fight I won't forget!"

There was a glint in his eye that I seen before. The thirst of a challenge and spirit of a warrior, just like I saw with Nacho when went after large monsters. Just like Bladeius when he saw a strong opponent, and Ohkan in the face of adversity of armies. Now I was curious and hoping, but also dreading at the same time. Is this really who I think it is? Our battle restarted now I brought fire magic into the fight. As for Red Eyes, he was fighting much more ferociously with kicks punches and attempted grabs.

Being stronger than my physically, getting hit by those attacks really pushed me around. It was like fighting Nacho during our sparring sessions, but at least he had the courtesy to apologize beforehand. I did my best to avoid his attacks, but some of them did land and sent me reeling. Of course, this wasn't a one-sided fight, as I shot fireballs at him and used fire mines to keep him from charging straight at me. Fire exploded against his body and damaged his armor and clothing. The wrappings around his body became charred and burnt up as his undead green skin began to show.

Surprisingly, he still had healthy looking muscles minus the scarring, I can probably chalk that up to the magic used to bring him to life. However, I have yet to see his face and that is what is bothering me about his identity. I began to think back to his way of fighting and how it was so familiar to me. How the techniques eerily were like my own, but with a more brutish method of bracing through attacks. It was the only reason why some of his attacks landed on me. I hissed with pain when each one scratched my body. However, enhancing my weapons with fire caused them to hurt him. He reacted with pain, but in turn caused him to fight fiercer.

I wasn't even sure how long we were fighting as we exchanged blow after blow. I hit him with everything I was willing to attack him with. Fireballs flew, walls of fire rose, fire mines exploded, and fire weapons seared his dead flesh. I was growing tired but thankfully so was he. The damage he was taking was slowing his movements and weakening his power. This was when I was able to get my opening for the finishing blow. Gathering my stamina, I savagely went for his heels by sliding under him and slashing them open. The cut ligaments forced him to kneel before I gathered my remaining mana and unleashed a high-powered fire pillar spell. The spell engulfed him in a roaring torrent of fire. He screamed in pain as his undead flesh was roasted. I let the spell run for five seconds before cutting it off and letting it dispel.

I panted heavily as I looked over the blackened body of Red Eyes. The magic keeping him alive slowly repairing the burnt flesh, which was an unpleasant smell, but he didn't get up. He was groaning in pain before giving off a hearty chuckle.

"Heh heh…damn…you are strong…"

"I should be saying that, without my fire magic I doubt I would have done real damage to you."

"Heh, yeah…ah…"

He groaned with pain again before laughing again. Hearing him laugh gave me relief that he was fine for the most part. Although quickly I realized his head wraps were gone and his aged white hair grew back into place. Unfortunately, he was face down so I couldn't see his face. I was tempted to flip him over, but I doubt I could easily have done it in the tired state I am. However, I couldn't rest as suddenly an electric shock traveled through me and causing me to scream in pain. I completely forgot about the peanut gallery watching our entire battle.

"Restrain her!" I heard one of them shout.

I tried to get up, but my tired body made it hard. However, the worst part of it is that I still got blasted by another jolt of electricity. The pain surging through my body.

"Don't you dare move or else I'll up the voltage," shouted one of the slavers.

"No! Leave her be! She won fair and square! She earned her freedom!" Exclaimed Red Eyes as he struggled to get up.

"Oh shut up you walking corpse! We are so tired of your nobel bull shit. We don't care about honor and crap; we just want to get paid. Now with you out of the fight we can do what we want."

"Ergh…no…I won't let you!" To my surprise, Red Eyes jumped back to his feet with a raging red aura around his body and his eyes burning with rage. This surprised the remaining guards as they started attacking him with magic. However, he powered through and began knocking them side to side and tearing them apart. He turned to me as he was holding back the assault and I felt my world collapse when I saw his face. It was a face I thought I would never see again.

"B-Bladeius?!"

My world was slowed to a crawl as we made eye contact. He was older since I last saw him judging by his face, but there was no mistaking it. This was indeed Bladeius, and now I was flooded with questions. I wanted to walk over and touch his face, just to check if he was real. However, fate would once again tear us apart as he looked at me with a stern expression.

"Ankha, run!"

I was reminded the day he disappeared. The day he sacrifices himself to give Lucky and I more time to get away so I can get my mother and siblings. I remember last time I begged him to not go and tried running after him. As much as I hated it, I took what strength I had left and got up and ran. Pass all the carnage and spells being flung, I ran as fast as my legs can take me as I went downhill. Tears rolling down the side of my face before eventually reaching the base of the volcano and meeting up with the group of Felinmew's I helped free.

Their group has grown large as they freed more of their fellow villagers along the way. They saw how I looked and helped me stay on my feet as we took off into the jungle. What had happen forever burned into my mind as I disappeared with the tribe.