It was around almost midnight and the town was dimmed except for the street lights as the flames inside flickered softly, their glow the only source of light that kept the darkness at bay from encloaking it. Yet all of a sudden, a stream of dark mist began to sweep through as it took out each candle one by one to blacken the streets before the whole town was covered in darkness! The evening patrol noticed the strange magic going over their heads as they wondered who could of cast such a spell until the sound of a low, grisly growl changed into a mighty howl before one of them took out their binoculars as his eyes widened into saucers and his skin pale like a ghost.:
Patrol Officer 2: Gasp! It's a DREAD BEAST!:He backed up as he felt his knees begin to quiver.:
Patrol Captain: What!?:He ran over to him before he snatched the binoculars to take a closer look, eyes widened in fear as his friend was correct.: It is a Dread Beast...BUT what's one doing here? They only reside in the Realm of Evil...Sound the bells!:He turned to the officer as he looked at the others in his group.: Warn everyone in the town! They must be evacuated to higher ground!:He dug into his pocket before taking out a strange firey orb as he threw it high up in the air, watching it fly higher once its magic was activated due to the velocity of the throw before exploding in the air causing a smokey effect as if to signal the other officers in town.:
In each corner of town, each patrol group saw the signal bomb high in the air that was red (Indicating that the level of the situation was high alert) before scattering around as they began knocking on doors as loud as they could, calling out to everyone while one officer went to ring the western bell as the other went to gather weapons from the Weaponry to combat the monster. As the bells began to ring, back at the Everhart house-Gemma was still awake when she heard the explosions of the signal bombs coming from outside. She turned to her window as she pulled back the curtain to see the color the smoke was and when she caught sight of its color-her eyes narrowed into a serious gaze-Something was going on and it wasn't good if its Red Smoke.
Diamond: :Sleeping peacefully in her bed, yet began to stir when she heard bells ringing in the distance.: Mmmm~...Is it breakfast already? I'll have extra toast with strawberry jam...:She said as she was half awake before rubbing her eyes.:
Gemma: :She got up from her bed as she ran toward Diamond's bedside, getting down on her knees to as she shook her right shoulder.: Diamond, Diamond-you have to get up! The town's in danger.
Diamond: From a giant french toast monster?:She yawned as she opened her eyes to meet Gemma's eyes, which looked between a cross of panic and worry.:
Gemma: Wha...no! It could be a monster or a pack of them. I don't know, but there's red smoke in the air and the bells are ringing. When that happens IT MEANS that it's threatening to the town and to us! Listen to me, I'm going to go check it out. YOU, Hermes and your UNCLE get my folks and GET to the evacuation point on the far side of town, they'll take you to higher ground while the Patrol Squad handles the threat.
Diamond: :Her eyes widened like saucers before quickly standing halfway up on her bed.: What!? But Gemma-you said it's town threatening right?! And if this monster is powerful, won't it take out the team defending the town and you!?
Gemma:..Heh...I've dealt with town-threatening monsters before. If the town's defenders don't phase it, they got me as a trump card. Besides one time when a large pack of rats nearly tried to eat up all the cheese, I used a hypnotism spell to send em back to the woods. So you don't have to worry-I got this.:She smiled softly to her before placing her hands on her shoulders.: And my parents know that...Besides you'll be safer with my parents should anything happen. Now grab your stuff, get your friends and get going.
At that moment the door was knocking fast before Gemma turned before she got up and walked toward the door, upon opening it ajar-she backed away when Eccentro's hands gripped onto the side of the door before peeking in with Hermes.
Prince Eccentro: What is with the racket?! Can't a prince get any beauty sleep with all the ringing and fireworks going on outside!?:He had an anime vein on his face as his teeth looked sharp due to the annoyance of the chaos going on outside.:
Gemma: Oh good, your awake and no you can't get your "beauty sleep" when there's a serious threat going on out there!
Hermes: :He felt his body beginning to shake abit as he tried to hold onto the side of the door.: C-c-c-c-ould it explain w-w-w-why I feel so jj-j-jj-ahahh-CHOOOO!:He sneezed out a monster card that flew toward Diamond.:
Diamond: :She caught the card carefully as she took a loot at it.: Despo the Dread Beast? Never heard of that monster before and such a funny name. It's a Dark-type monster. According to the card: Despo is a monster that feeds on despair and dread. Wherever he goes, calamity is sure to follow right after it...That doesn't sound good.
Prince Eccentro: Wait a minute, you can spit out monster cards?:He looked down at Hermes in curiousity, but amazement.:
Hermes: Apparently so now!:He looked up at him in annoyance.: And I don't like it one bit! It just happens randomly! The first time I spat out four cards and when that happened, four bugs showed up!
Prince Eccentro: So Hinata made her own Monster Detector and she built it into an annoying tin rabbit with a bad attitude.
Hermes: What was that!?:An anime vein throbbed on his head.:
Gemma: Look! We don't got time to argue! You all need to get out of here with my parents and get to the evacuation point!:She pointed toward the door as her face was flushed with anger.: UNLESS YOU wanna stick around to get a BETTER close up of this DESPO, THEN be my guest!
Prince Eccentro:...I think I'd rather not. 0_0'
Diamond: Gemma, are you sure you can handle this?:She placed her hands together as she got up, walking to her with concern for she didn't want anything to happen to her friend.:
Gemma: Don't worry, your big sis got's this covered.:She pointed a thumb to herself with a cocky smirk on her face.: The time I'm through with that Dread Beast, it'd wish to stay in whatever putrid abyss it crawled out of.
Diamond:...:She nodded softly before giving her a relieved smile.: Okay, I trust you...JUST be careful, okay?
Gemma: I will. Now go! THere isn't a minute to waste!:She ran behind Diamond before pushing her toward the door as she opened it wider and pushed her toward Eccentro, who caught her in his grasp. She turned to him as her eyes met his eyes.: Take good care of her-IF the worst should happen to her, I will haunt you if I die in battle.
Prince Eccentro: :He had nervous sweatdrops around him.: Don't say that! That's worse than when Tanaka threatened to haunt me if he ever kicked the bucket! But...don't worry. I won't let anything happen to Diamond. You have my royal word as a prince.:He looked at her with a serious look in his eyes-a rare sight for him to be this serious.:
Diamond: Uncle...:He looked up to him with a soft smile on her face.:
Outside the house, Diamond and her friends followed Briana and Keith out of the house as they dashed off to head to the evacuation point while Gemma opened her bedroom window before she leaped out and landed on the roof of the house next to her and sprinted off like a stealthy ninja heading off to chase down his target. Just near the entrance of town, every patrol officer stood ready with cannons, swords, net orbs-everything they had in the weaponry inventory to take on the threat that was coming their way.
Patrol Captain: Wait until you see the red in his eyes! Don't fire until I say so!-That goes for you too Nate, you fired too early that one time when we dealt with those Wolverines!:He pointed over at Nate as he looked angry at him.:
Nate's voice: Sorry sir...
The Dread Beast was charging forth toward the yet, but began to slow its pace as he saw the officers at the front gate-the figure on top of the creature stood up, all shrouded in a dark robe as his sharp grin was the only thing that shown through before placing his hands into his cloak as if ready to pull out weapons for he could see that this wasn't gonna be a long match: 20 against him and his monster, not much of a challenge to his mind.
Shade: Time to cause a little chaos.:He raised dark twin blades with crimson flames on each side as he held them steady.:
Patrol Officer 3: :He had his binoculars out as he saw the figure on top of the beast.: Sir! The beast isn't alone! He seems to have a Master under his command!
Patrol Captain: A bandit perhaps?...No matter, we won't let them get through! First wave FIRE THE CANNONS!:He waved his right arm out toward the beast.:
The first group of officers lit the cannons as they fired powerful Burst Orbs toward Despo and Shade as he only chuckled at the low level magic that they were using to try to scare them off. His body became wavy as he rose up, blades rised up in the air like wings of a bat before he flew forth and Slice! Dice! CHOP! He sliced the Burst Orbs up that exploded in a firey cloud of smoke that began to cloak the area. The officers coughed heavily as their eyes were stung by the smoke, trying to see where the intruder and Despo were at.
Patrol Captain: Stand your ground! Keep your eyes peeled for the intruder!
Just then the sound of screams were heard as he saw a flash of darkness zip around the smoke, his men getting struck down each hit dark flash that appeared in the air! This intruder must have good eye sight to see through the stinging smoke to know his men's whereabouts. He raised his sword as he kept his eyes locked on his surroundings, there was no way he was gonna be taken out without a fight. Just then he felt a quick rush of wind pass behind him as he turned-his sword meeting his with twin blade holding it back before jumping a few feet back, staring off against the opponent just as the smoke cleared. Ten of his men were injured from the intruder's attacks, luckily the other ten ran toward their aid as they took them to the side lines away from the action to tend to their wounds.
Shade: Well now, looks like you don't miss a thing, Captain. I'm impressed you knew I was right behind you.
Patrol Captain: It isn't hard enough when there isn't much of a breeze going on tonight and the brush of wind going through my hair gave your location away. What business do you and your beast have here?:He raised his sword up and got into a battle stance, ready to attack should the enemy make their move.:
Shade: Me? Well-Me and my friend here are only here looking for intel on a certain monster item that's said to be in your precious realm. I've only just arrived here not too long ago and desolated a couple of towns trying to find out more about it's whereabouts, but the problem was-NOBODY knew.:He shrugged with his hands up in the air as he chuckled maliciously.: And do you know what I do to those WHO DON'T know a THING? I burn their village to the ground and watch as they cry in misery to have lost their precious town...it gives Despo just the fill by feeding on their despair.
Patrol Captain: Grrr...your sick...To attack innocent people and destroy their home is an unspeakable act!
Shade: Look-I just want to KNOW where this monster item is and then me and my furry friend will be on our way...we'll be kind to only take a handful of sheep and some of those Honey pastries to go. No mess, no burning, no desolation...:He waved his blade in his right hand around abit before pointing at him.: JUST TELL me where I can find the item of the Earth Realm and I'll be on my way...but if you don't know...:He tilted his blade as he made a threatening motion at him.: Then Honey Meadows is about to become Ashy Meadows...hehehehehehe..
Patrol Captain: Not while I'm still standing you won't!:He rose his blade before he charged forth at him.: Argghhhh~!
The Captain struck his blade at Shroud, but he blocked it with his right blade before using the left one to slash across his chest. He swiftly move a few steps back nearly missing the blade as it cut through his shirt just a smig before having to move his blade downward to block his right blade from countering to try again at his chest! Shade leaped back as he rose his blades over his head, tapping them slowly before a burst of dark flames came flowing through as he was ready to unleash a powerful attack! He lowered his arms down as if he was forming a circle as a dark moon appeared right between them before his arms were by his side and rose them back up until they were back in the air.
Shade: Dark Lunar Twin SLASH!:He raised his blades down as a powerful burst of dark energy charged forth, split into two as they charged forth at the Captain.:
The Captain raised his blade, ready to deflect the attack, but upon impact he was pushed back as he tried his best to hold it back. Yet the attack was too powerful as it began to crack his sword little by little until finally-Crackle before BAM! The base of the sword was broken into pieces only leaving a small half on the handle as the attack struck the Captain causing him to yell out in pain as he was sent flying back, skidding across the ground as he was injured badly from the attack!
Patrol Captain: Cough...cough...:He had his hand on his chest as he had a X mark that was engraved from the attack, blood was leaking out slowly from the injury he endured.:
Shade: Awwww~Are you done already? I'm surprised your still breathing after that little sword trick of mine. Guess that means I get to have a little fun with you before I send you to the great beyond.:He began to walk toward him slowly as he grinned at him wickedly.: Should I let my pet have you as his chew toy? Or maybe I should cut off your limbs one by one until your nothing, but a big lump? Decisions...decisions...:He stopped by the Captain's body as he glared down at him.: OR I may spare your life as I ask you ONE-LAST-TIME...Where is the Monster Item that resides in the Earth Realm?
Patrol Captain: Cough..cough..:He coughed to the side as he spat out a little bit of blood before returning his attention to Kage.: Even if I knew...where the monster item was hidden...I-I'd never tell you...whatever you have plan for it...you'll never succeed...
Shade: Ohhhh we'll just see about that...:He looked at him disappointed as he tried his best to hide the bubbling anger that grew within him as he raised his blades above his head.: I think I'll just cut to the chase and give you a swift stab in the heart before throwing you to my pet!
Yet before he could thrust down the blades, a powerful energy ball charged forth as it blew the blades right out of his hand that caused him to yelp in surprise and in pain when he felt the heat from the attack on the tip of his fingers, blowing on them to cool them down before looking around to see who was responsible for that magic spell. Near the town entrance, there stood Gemma as she marched forward as her daggered eyes kept lock on Shade, the man responsible for the chaos that is happening in her town. The Patrol Captain raised his head to look to see her coming his way, relieved yet frightened for her safety even though he knew Gemma was a powerful mage, would she be able to combat against a dangerous swordsman and his Dread Beast?
Patrol Captain: G-g-g-gemma...Be careful...
Gemma: :She looked toward him as she ran quickly to his side just as a patrol officer came to the Captain's side. She helped him up before looking to the officer.: Get him medical attention.
Patrol Officer 6: Yes, ma'm!:He put the Captain's arm over his shoulder before carefully dashing off with him the best he could with the Captain's injuries.:
Shade: Well, well, well...what have we? Another HERO has appeared on the scene to defend their putrid, little town from total annihilation?:He chuckled maniacally as he pulled his hood down to reveal his demonic face to her.: And not just any hero, a mage at that and a beauty at that.
Gemma: A demon? What business do you have here that you would threaten our livelihood?:She held her staff ready as she kept lock on her opponent, ready to attack if he tried to strike first.:
Shade: All I was looking for is information regarding a monster item, nothing more...nothing less. Been sent out just a month or two ago by my boss to begin gathering intel on the monster items' whereabouts after that BIG War that went down not too long ago with Redda and the Knights...BIG battle that had the WHOLE WORLD shaking in its boots, but then those pesky knights and the Angels summoned the Golden Dragon to take out Time Master and Redda...he got offed by his subordinate that turned on him!:He walked around in a pace as he reminensce on the war that had two world's existence in danger.: So after all that went down, the dragon vanished and new monster items scattered across the world. So far...we haven't had luck finding them even when we thought that THIS was That...
Gemma: :She had a sweatdrop beside her head with anime beady eyes.: By this was that...like a magic staff or some accessory was mistaken for a monster item...I kinda get that jist I myself had somebody who thought my staff was a monster item.
Shade: ANYWAY so my boss sent me to start getting intel-but it hadn't been easy. Bumpkins out here don't know jack what I WAS talking about and even when some did know-they didn't spill on the location or wouldn't know what I'd look like...so I burn their village to the ground while my buddy feasted on their despair in the few towns we've stopped...and were gonna do the same thing here...UNLESS YOU have some clue. Your a mage, you know all that magical goop and mumbo jumbo.:He waves his right hand in a circular motion as he pointed his blade at her.: So if you could help me out, then maybe I'll spare your pathetic honey mellow dellow town and be on my way.
Gemma:...I'd never help out a monster who would destroy innocent people's homes and feed on their misery...:She gripped her staff tightly as a red aura began to emit around her.:
Shade: Heh...well then if you wish to uphold that information til your dying breath...THAT can be easily arranged.:He raised his blades up ready as he began to glow with dark aura.: In fact my friends would be happy to drag you to the underworld!:He spun his blades before striking the ground.: Rise from your eternal sleep my underlings! Rise up and drag this foolish mage to the depths of Monworld! HAHAHHAAHAHahahahhaha!
As soon as his blades struck into the ground, a sudden quake began to shake the very earth beneath their feet as an illuminating purple mist poured out of the blade as cracks began to appear...bam! A skeletal hand popped out of the ground, then one after another sets of arms began to pop out of the ground before bursting through to reveal skeletal soldiers rising from the ground, donning worned out armor they wore when they were once living as their shields and swords seen better days as they let out a terrifying moan that would make any man shake in their boots. Not Gemma, she took one look at them before she grinned as his attempt to try to scare her wasn't gonna make her spine shiver or submit-it just made this more interesting and an Everhart never backs down.
Gemma: So your a Nercomancer of a Blader? That is quite a rare trait for someone of your kind, but your pack of bones ain't gonna get me down to the dirt anytime soon!:She spun her staff as she held it steady before taking a step forward, swishing her right foot in front of her carefully as she drew a line on the ground that began to glow as if ready to perform a powerful spell.: Tormented souls of the dead, brought to life to do one's bidding, restless spirits who blindly follow the commands of your master...:She took a step to the left as she spun softly, yet she kept her gaze on her footing while keeping close to how her staff's mantle piece was glowing slowly as she was performing the spell.: Return to wence you came! Cleansing Light!:She stopped, yet nearly stumbled to the side if it weren't for her staff to grab onto as she steadied it and raised it above her head.:
As she raised it above her head a bright light grew immense as it swirled above her head before it blasted forth toward the undead soldiers as one by one they were struck by the light, turning to ash upon contact as their armor and weapons fell to the ground. In a serpentine formation, it shifted and turned as if it was a heat seeking missle taking out each target in sight before it turned its attention on Shade who quickly turned into a cloud of darkness as he dodged the attack just as it struck the ground, disintigrating once it struck the ground.
Gemma: Pant...pant...:She gripped her staff with a satisfied expression before she thought, "Good-I didn't screw up this time...if I was off or tripped on my other foot I would of fallen down and caused a spell misfire...but not this time...I don't want my town to see such a humiliating sight...But at least I got all of them...":
As Gemma watched the spell fade away, all the skeletal soldiers were now a pile of dust-yet she didn't see Shade amongst them. She thought she got him, but if she did his pet would of ran in fear of her mighty magic. Did she miss or was he able to dodge it? At that moment, a dark cloud began to descend upon her as she took in the sudden darkness that covered the ground before she looked up and to her horror, Shade materialized with his right blade ready to slice her in the face! She quickly turned and used her staff to block his blade just in the nick of time! Shade backed away as he charged forth at her, but Gemma was ready for him as she projected a barrier around her so to keep his blades from striking her as she fired powerful fireballs at him. Shade sliced each one in half as he dodged a few on his path toward her.
Shade: Hehehhehehe! So your just gonna be on the defensive while firing off your pretty, little fire balls huh!?:He began to strike against her barrier swiftly as if trying to break through to it.: You know your little shield barrier won't help you for long! A crack and a Pop before I slice ya into pieces! It's either that or if you run out of mana to keep it up!
Gemma: I got plenty of mana built up in me to keep me safe as long as possible! I am Gemma Everhart, daughter of Briana and Keith Everhart-Red Mage of this generation! I won't let you bring harm to my town or to the people I love!
Shade: Hheehhee well now LET'S JUST see WHICH WILL last-YOUR Barrier or YOUR mana just long enough to protect your precious family and this sickly sweet town!:He kept striking against the barrier with a maniac look spread across his face.:
On the outskirts of town, everyone has evacuated their home as they were heading to higher ground and amongst them Diamond, Eccentro and Hermes with Gemma's family were among them as they were following the Patrol Officers. Yet just as they were heading up the hill, suddenly Diamond heard a voice call to her-yet it wasn't a voice she has heard before.
?: She needs your help!
Diamond: HUh!?:She stopped as she looked around, yet she saw she was all by herself in a dark place.: W-w-what the?...:She looked around as she backed up a little bit.:
?: Gemma's in danger, Diamond. You have to help her.
Diamond: W-who are you? Is Gemma okay?!
?: I cannot tell you who I am. All I can tell you is Gemma is in grave danger, her barrier is about to break and she will fall if you don't get to her in time.
Diamond: But...but what can I do?:She looked around desperately as she tried to find the source of the voice.: I-I don't know if there is anything I can do to help her.
?: There is a way to help her, but you must go back and help her...Trust in the light Diamond...let the light guide you to where your meant to be.
Diamond: Trust...in the light?:Suddenly she shielded her eyes as a bright light illuminated the area.:
At that moment, she was back in the open fields on the dirt path as her eyes returned to normal-was she under a spell? Or hypnotized without knowing? It was very unusual to her. She rubbed her head before she looked back at the town as she wondered if she should go back to help or continue to follow the townfolks and her friends.
Hermes: Diamond! Why'd ya stop?:He floated toward her with his arms flailing about.: We gotta keep moving! Let's go.
Diamond: I-I can't...
Hermes: Look, I know there's a giant monster and some creepy guy, but it'll be-:He was cut off when Diamond barked at him.:
Diamond: :She turned to Hermes as fury filled her face.: I CAN'T Leave Gemma behind! I have to go back and help her!
Hermes: WHA!?anic strucked his face as he couldn't believe what she was telling him.: Are you out of your mind!? THIS isn't like your video games! THIS IS REAL! REAL, Diamond! And in reality-you don't get another life!
Prince Eccentro: :He halted when he heard Hermes and Diamond arguing.: Huh?
Diamond: I know that! Look! THis is gonna sound weird...maybe strange, but something inside me told me that I HAVE TO GO back...:She kept her eyes on the town as she looked serious.: I owe it to Gemma for saving our lives and now it's my turn to help save hers...no matter what danger she's in...No matter how dark things may seem...I have to trust...:She placed her hand on her heart as she felt a soft wind blow on her face and moved her bangs about.: I have to trust the light and it told me that being by Gemma's side is the place I'm meant to be.:She took off her backpack as she threw it to the ground, bending down on her knees as she opened up her bag and drew her wooden sword.:
Prince Eccentro: Diamond!:He ran forth toward her as he looked down at her.: Don't you even think of doing what I think your about to do! I know crazy when I see it and your talking to a crazy who jumps in even when he knows he's going to lose!
Diamond: :She zipped up her backpack as she picked it up and placed it in Eccentro's hands.: I know it's a ditch effort...I know I don't have magic like Gemma has, but I'm her friend and what kind of friend would I be to abandon her when she's fighting for our lives?:She looked at him as her eyes looked sad like she lose a precious treasure.: BUT I have to do SOMETHING even if that means getting hurt. A Hero doesn't abandon somebody in need OR a friend that's in danger and I'm not gonna abandon on Gemma when she's out there fighting with all her might!
Hermes: But is a wooden sword and a heroic attitude gonna change the flow of the battle she's in now!? Come on! Think about this rationally!
Prince Eccentro: :He looked down at her backpack before looking at Diamond-she was being foolish. She was a foolish, yet a brave girl. It almost reminded him of those foolish brats that he would compete with time and again for monster itmes-their courage, determination and heroism were the keys that kept them going even when things looked bleak, they kept on fighting. He lowered his head as a dark shade covered his eyes and for the first time said the most foolish, yet smartest thing he'd ever find himself saying.: If that's how you feel, then you should go help her.
Hermes: Wait what?!:He turned to Prince Eccentro as he was shocked upon what he just said.: COME AGAIN? DID YOU just give her permission to rush to her doom!?
Prince Eccentro: I'M SAYING that IF SHE FEELS this "Light" that called to her wants her to go back to help Gemma fight whatever wannabe evil-doer is trying to outdo me-THEN BY ALL MEANS SHE is going to go and help her and put that punk in his place!:He glared angrily at Hermes with a huge anime vein on his head before giving him a humph.: Even I wouldn't destroy towns to find a monster item-sure maybe cause a little havoc, but going over the top is going over the top!
Diamond: Uncle Eccentro...:She blushed as she was amazed upon what he said, but got confused by the "evil-doer" and "havoc" to "evil" in his speech.: Wait did you say evil?
Prince Eccentro: Uhh~!:His seriousness soon turned into shock as his eyes went beady-like as he rubbed the back of his head before letting out a foolish laugh.: Hahahhaa, uhhh yeahh~Would it be alright if I explain about all that AFTER the town is saved? I don't want to put anymore weight on you than you already got with wanting to go back to save your friend.
Diamond: :She nodded softly to him before she ran to him, putting her arms around him as she gave him a big hug.: Thank you, Uncle. You and Hermes stay safe okay? I'll be back soon.:She released him before giving Hermes a hug.: Hermes, don't be too hard on Uncle okay? And keep Gemma's folks safe.
Hermes: Diamond...:She looked at him sadly before placing his arms around her.: Just don't end up too damaged or killed-got it?! Your mom won't ever forgive me if you die!:He put on an angry look that would scare a pack of gorillas.:
Diamond: :She released him before laughing softly as she nodded to him.: Don't worry, just who do you think your talking to? An OTAKU that's what and this Otaku Heroine is gonna put that evil-doer in his place even if I gotta subdue him into boredom or annoyance if my wooden sword doesn't cut it!
Hermes: So your gonna bore him with knowledge about anime and video games?:He had a sweatdrop beside his head.:
Diamond: That or throw rocks at him. Don't worry-I GOT THIS!:She gave him a thumbs up before gripping her wooden sword as she turned toward the town.: Right! Time for this heroine to make her grand rescue debut! Diaaamonnnddd Akkkiimooottooo!:She dashed off like a bullet with a trail of dust behind her.:
Hermes: And there she goes...I don't know if I should be scared or relieved, but I got digital butterflies in my stomach that it would turn out good or bad...:He lowered his head before he sighed softly as he turned to Prince Eccentro.: Ya know, that had to be the dumbest thing you ever said.
Prince Eccentro: I think it was more smart than dumb...That look in her eyes...it reminded me of those pesky brats every time we fought to get a monster item...no matter how dangerous or how dire the situation, they never gave up...and my niece has that same look in her eyes. And yet...she isn't a knight...but she's risking her life to save that mage of a witch from losing her life to some wannabe trying to outstage me.
Hermes: That's Diamond for you, she always puts others before herself because she loves them and considers them like family or friends no matter if you just met her for an hour. Why one time at a convention, she helped a Yusuke cosplayer find his Pu plush that fell off him even checking the garbage cans. Turned out it was at the lost or found, but she went to great heights to help the guy out. That's just the kind of person she is. She even gave her crepes to an old lady without realizing it. She's a kind person with a big heart and sometimes that big heart of hers can get her into trouble.
Prince Eccentro: Heh no matter a heart, you get in trouble if you have a good heart or a bad heart. It's how you handle that trouble when it comes your way.
Hermes: Was it running with your tail between your legs or actually fighting?:He glared over at him in annoyance.:
Prince Eccentro: Uhh...:He twiddled his fingers together as he looked embarassed.: One or the other, both sides of the coin actually...I've done more fight than running..even if retreating is a kind of running.
Hermes: SIghhh~...:He shook his head in disappointment.: =_=
As Diamond sped off back to town, she kept heading straight as she passed by the water fountain in the town square and passed the closed up shops that scattered the market before she saw the entrance of the town in sight where she got a glimpse of the Dread Beast, watching on as his master was striking against Gemma's barrier which at the moment was slowly beginning to crack with every strike!
Diamond: Gasp!:She halted just a few feet from the entrance as she watched Gemma doing her best to fight back using bursting spheres to strike him back, but he just kept slicing them in half and continued to hack away at the barrier. Her eyes widen in shock, but in amazement for right before her eyes a REAL battle between good and evil was unfolding before her! She shook it off for this was not the time to get all nerdy, it was the time to be nerdy heroic! She held her bokuto in both hands as she steadied her breathing, getting into a ready stance as she waited for the right moment to charge in.: Okay Diamond...you've seen a thousand ways for the hero to jump right in to save their friend...JUST wait for the RIGHT moment...the right second...Don't mess this up...you got this...:She gripped her sword tighter as she kept her eyes on the battle.:
As she waited on the sidelines, back on the battlefield the climax to the fight was nearing its end as Gemma watched in horror as her barrier was forming more cracks the more Shade struck against them, yet on the next blow-Crackle...BAM! The barrier was destroyed and when it went down-Strike! Shade round housed Gemma as she was sent flying into the air, crashing into the ground by five feet as she released her staff that slid a few inches from her due to the impact. She reached out to grab it, but cried in pain when Shade slammed his foot down on her arm to keep her from trying to get her weapon.
Shade: Awww~Seems like your barrier broke before your mana ran out. That was quite a fun little match we had back there, but I'm afraid this is where it ends...:He raised his blades up as he was ready to deliver the final blow.:
Gemma's eyes grew in horror as he saw his blades ready to charge down on her and pierce right into her body, but suddenly her fear turned to confusion when she heard a battle cry as she turned her head slowly to the side and she couldn't believe who was charging forth at them! It was Diamond! She came back to try and help her-the foolish girl! The foolish idiot! The dumbest idiot! She wasn't supposed to be here! What was she thinking!? Shade was caught off by Diamond's battle cry as he turned his gaze upon her only to nearly get struck in the face by her bokuto as she was just close enough to strike it down to try to hit him on the head. He leaped back by about three feet as he steadied his footing as he wondered who this wannabe hero was.
Diamond: :She stood in front of Gemma as she gripped her bokuto tightly, eyes burning with fury as she gritted her teeth.: Pant...pant...I won't let you take ANOTHER step toward her!
Gemma: Diamond!? What are you doing!?:She lifted herself up abit as she looked up at Diamond as she was furious that she'd come back to help.: I TOLD YOU to get out of here with my family and your friends! Are you trying to get yourself killed!?
Diamond: Maybe, but something inside of me told me that I had to come back to help you. It told me that the barrier would break and you'd fall if I didn't come in time...and that voice...it was right. I saw it with my own eyes...and I came just in the nick of time before you got killed.:She turned to her as small tears formed in her eyes.:
Gemma: Diamond...
Shade: Hheehhehee! Well, well~What have we here? ANOTHER pesky hero? A friend of yours perhaps?:He grinned as he eyed Diamond with a wicked glee.: Hehehhehe, another opponent to strike down. Yet this should be easy considering you only got a toothpick to fight me with.
Diamond: It's a bokuto! Not a toothpick!:She glared at him as she had an anime vein on her head.:
Shade: Bokuto? That's an odd name for a toothpick, no matter your little "BOKUTO" is gonna be snapped in half along with its master. Or perhaps once I take you down, I'll give it to my precious pet-he's been looking for a fetching stick.
Diamond: There's no way your beast is getting drool or bite marks on Tulip!:She got into a battle stance as she was ready to charge once again.:
Shade: Hehhehehe! Tulip!? You named your "bokuto" TULIP? What a funny name for a weapon.
Diamond: Oh yeah what do you call your blades? Lefty and Lucy or Swift and Slash?
Shade: I call them Havoc and Gore. Allow me to show you how they got their precious names!:He spun his blades around as they began to glow with a dark aura.:
Gemma: Diamond...JUST run...pleasee...:Her face was white as a ghost as she was starting to tremble in fear for her friend.: I DON'T want you to die because of me, save yourself.
Diamond: Then what kind of friend would I be to leave you behind. Gemma, you saved me...now it's my turn to save you...Please...trust in me...
Shade lowered his blades before rising them up as a dark red energy began to encase around him as if forming a moon formation while Diamond held her sword up, tilting it into a defense position as she changed her attack mode to defense mode knowing that if she can block it, it won't effect her too much or so she hoped from what she learned in video games.
Diamond: Trust...in...the...light.:She spoke those words softly for somehow she believed with all her heart that the voice that guided her would not fail her now.:
Shade: Say GOODBYE PINKIE! Double BLOOD MOON MASSACRE!:He slashed the immense dark crimson energy toward her as it split in half as it charged forth at Diamond.:
At that moment, DIamond's bracelet began to shine brightly as a burst of light came pouring out and formed a protective barrier around her and Gemma just as the dark blooded double slash struck against the surface only to dispersed.
Shade: What the?!:He was confused as to what he was witnessing! How could a pesky little girl create such an immense barrier that could cancel out his attack.: What sorcery is this!? My-my attack didn't hit her! Is she a magic wielder too!
Within the light barrier, Diamond was rising up in the air while her bracelet kept glowing. It transformed from a regular bracelet into an angelic gauntlet-like bracer before the symbol of the Light/Holy Realm flew out as it charged into her chest. As the heavenly energy entered into body, her clothes began to glow as they were undergoing a miraculous transformation-well a magical girl type of transformation as they became that of a royal princess outfit-Well more like a knight-like royal princess as the colors matched her favorite colors white and blue-even the cape donned a royal blue that appeared on her back as a closeup showed angelic earrings appear on her ears as her hair is pinned up into a short bun with a royal crown that appears right on her head-donning a yellow gemstone in the center before she opened her eyes as they shined for a second before she looked at her bokuto sword, reaching out as she grabbed it and it began to glow before...Sparkle! It transformed into a real sword as she swung it forth and landed safely on the ground as she stood heroically with her sword by her side.
Once the barrier vanished, Diamond stood there before Gemma and Shade as they were both shocked, bewildered, yet confused upon her sudden transformation. Gemma didn't take her eyes off for one second on Diamond-she just transformed right before her eyes! And what's more, she possessed a Guardian Gauntlet! She only heard tale of such a relic that only the guardians in the old legend would wear, but she thought it was just a myth!
Gemma: No way...Diamond's...a...a guardian?
Diamond: :Her eyes glowed softly as if there was something possessing her at the moment.:
Shade: Heh! So you've been holding out on me, have you!? Well a flashly upgrade to a new wardrobe and a flimsy sword ain't scaring me, missy!:He charged forth as he leaped up high in the air as his came forth with his blades in front of him.:
Just when he thought he was going to slash her into pieces, she blocked his blades swiftly with her sword as if she predicted his very move! This caused confusion and frustration to build within him as he continued to strike against her, but each strike was deflected by her sword with such ease and precision!
Shade: :Inner thoughts, "What the! What is this!? She's deflecting every strike I throw at her! Just who is this child!?":
Diamond: :She watched as he leaped back to rethink his strategy which gave her the perfect opportunity to make her move. She placed her hand over her sword as she hovered over it from base to the tip as it began to illuminate with a radiant light before she charged forth at him. Keeping her eyes locked on him as she raised her blade before sending out a powerful light slash at him.:
Shade: Ah!:He raised his blades to deflect the attack, yet as he tried to hold it back he noticed his weapons starting to crack under the pressure of the immense energy that was pushing against them!: Hmph?! Ahhhh~!:His eyes widen in horror as his double blades broke in his hands as he was suddenly struck by the immense blow of the slash which sent him flying straight into the ground.: Uhhhhh... _
Gemma: :She was paralyzed as her eyes were focused on the fight that just unfolded before her eyes-in just one attack she not only blew him right off his feet, but she destroyed his blades! She thought to herself, "No way...she took him down in just one attack...":
Shade: :He got up slowly with a hand over his chest from where the attack struck him, turning his gaze toward Diamond as he growled in anger, but in annoyance to be defeated.: Errrr~! Y-yyou! How dare you! You destroyed my precious babies!:He held his broken blades in the other hand as he had an anime vein on his head.: Just who exactly are you!
Diamond:...:When she opened her mouth, a different voice spoke right through her as the entity within began to speak.: I am the Guardian of Light. THat is who I am and you are nothing, but a mindless fool to do your master's bidding. He will never succeed in opening the seventh realm between our worlds. Where Redda failed, so shall he for the guardians will ensure that'll never happen.
Shade: Guardian, huh? Hehehehehe...:His disappointment turned into glee as his grin widened into a psychotic smile as he began to chuckle.: The Guardians of Monworld are just an old fairy tale and here your telling me that right before me YOUR one of these "legendary guardians" who's finally coming out of hiding after so many centuries?! DOn't make me laugh!
Diamond: It is just as I said. The Guardians of Monworld have been chosen even before your master took over for his master before him...This girl is one of the chosen who are destined to save Monworld from a great calamity.
Shade: Is that so? Hehehhehe...wellll WHAT WOULD happen if your savior DIED before she had the chance to save this precious world of yours?...Dread Beast-I think it's time for a snack...:He pointed his hand toward Diamond as he laughed maniacally.: Devour her! Devour her despair! Devour her light! Devour heer very being!
Dread Beast: Rooooarrrrr!~:He raised his head letting out a mighty roar as he got up as he stood before his master, licking his chops as he was ready to dash forth to eat Diamond.:
Diamond: :Her eyes began to glow as she began to radiant with light that surrounded her, placing her hands together as the energy around her began to take the form of angelic wings that rose above her.:
The Dread Beast ran forth as he was ready to pounce onto Diamond, but the angelic wings that rose up began to flap as the energy that formed them flew forth like a powerful tsunami as a great wind struck against the monster. He tried to keep his ground, but the immense power of the attack sent him flying back toward Shade, who got hit by the monster as they were both sent flying straight through the air in an illuminating tornado that sent them higher into the atmosphere.:
Shade: Ahhhhh~! I-I'll be backkkkk~! You haven't seen the last of meeeee~! _
As they were sent high into the sky, they vanished into the night as a faint star twinkled to indicate their exit. Back down on the ground, Diamond fell to her knees as her blade pierced the ground as she held onto the handle as her clothes glowed once more before reverting back to her civilian clothes, her hair came down as her crown vanished upon her head. She was exhausted and overwhelmed by the immense power that flowed through her that she collapsed against the sword just as Gemma regained her composure, grabbed her staff and ran toward her friend after seeing her lose consciousness.
Gemma: Diamond! Diamond!:She helped her up onto her feet as she looked at her face to see her eyes closed, but she was breathing which was a good sign.: Sighhh~She's alright...Diamond...
Not too far from town, a mysterious figure in a green robe had saw the events that just unfolded right before her eyes as her green eyes shined abit in the moonlight.
?: Soo...the Guardian of Light has finally been chosen at last and another worlder at that...Oracle, you sure have your picks and you chose an Earthling to become one of the saviors of our world.