Leviathan's Daughter GoldenEagle
Author's Note: *Another* long installment. If this one sucks, please forgive me. I just got over being depressed only to find that I'm sick. I'm thinking mono, and if you know what that is, you know that I could be seriously screwed. For those of you who don't, well, it's something you get from bodily fluids interchanging (that's why it's called the "Kissing Disease", though I probably caught it by sharing food since I haven't ever really kissed kissed someone, if you get what I'm saying...)
Oh, another thing! I was watching a documentary on Napoleon for History today and he soooo reminds me of Dilly for some reason! Now he's my favorite dead guy! It's really cool, cause he's a total genius and completely interesting. You should research him. When he's coming back from his exile on Elba, an island he escaped from, King Louis sends out these huge troops to arrest him. When they come, Napoleon steps forward unarmed and says something like, "Will anyone here shoot your emperor?" And they all swarm forward and join him, totally loyal and worshipping him. Kind of like the Dragon Slayers, no? But then, despite the followers he picked up from more troops and even some people in towns, he loses to that stupid Duke What's-His-Name at Waterloo, even though he had the upperhand in the beginning! Plah, that shows you how screwed up the world is! The cool, slightly sadistical or insane guys never win! It's always those stupid goody-goodies (I shouldn't be talking since I am one, hehe). Anyways, thought ya'll might like that lesson on History. You have no idea how cool Napoleon is, though! *rolls eyes* Yes, I know I'm a dork!
Chapter Thirty-Nine
A prayer issued through Persephone's lips as she closed her eyes. She had grown up religious and was taken unawares by the urge. After all, there had to be a God. Leviathan had mentioned of Him earlier, the creator of all things. Her soul reached out to Him, her being cried out before Him. She was supposed to be the remains of one of His greatest creations, and here she was, about to die...
She felt the first bite of an arrow and a tear escaped her eyes as it plunged into her upper left thigh. She could feel her blood come out quickly. It must have hit something big-
The sound of metal hitting metal caused her to open her eyes, along with the curiosity to why no more arrows had hit her. And there, above her, circling and pacing and spewing fire, was her companion, her father, her savior, his tail whipping about around him as soldiers were yelling out, calling the guymelefs forward. But the panic was thick on the scene and it took a while before anyone actually followed commands. In that time, Leviathan moved his head to the side and looked at Persephone with his one good eye while bringing his dagger-tipped tail forward and cutting the ropes from the tree gracefully. ~I'm afraid my timing came a fraction of a second too late. Can you stand, Daughter?~ He asked even as she slid down, her back against the tree, blood smearing the white bark.
"I'll be all right." She said as she looked up at him with ocean blue eyes. She gathered herself up and leaned against the tree for support. It was then that the first of the five guymelefs moved forward. Leviathan gave a low growl as the metal giant withdrew its sword and charged at the dragon.
It didn't take much for the ancient creature to destroy his opponent, his tail whipping forward faster than the eye could see and tearing its pointed tip all the way through the machine. The guymelef went limp, still impaled by the dragon's blade, before Leviathan snapped his tail backwards, the mass of metal slipping off and flying through the air and over the side of the cliff. All of this was done in a matter of seconds as if it were simple and instinctive.
Persephone limped over to the side of the dragon, looking to see the scene beyond, worried for her five acquaintances. She caught sight of Allen through the chaos, freeing the others, a fallen guard at his side. A ghost of a smile etched across her lips. It was then that the second guymelef charged, his blade risen, a mad cry from the owner within. Leviathan gave a loud snarl as he raised his tail and struck with the speed and agility of a cobra, but the machine dodged his blow with a wide pounce. It hit the ground, skidded to a stop, and charged once more. Persephone took a cautious step back as the creature came within yards of her. She covered her ears and winced as Leviathan let out a full fledged roar before sinking his teeth into the guymelef. Sparks flew and it was completely torn in half, but not before the raised sword fell down with amazing force. An animal scream split through the chaos, making the soldiers freeze at the awe and sorrow in the sound.
"Leviathan..." Persephone whispered as the creature stumbled back a few steps, the sword falling, a black blood pouring from the wound. "Oh, no..."
Leviathan met her eyes and gave her a forced, reptilian grin. ~Don't worry about it, Daughter. I'll be fine. Though I'm afraid I won't be much good as a fighter.~ A look much like a wince crossed his face as he glanced at the wound that slashed across his back. He looked back at her, a deep and pained look on his face. ~You're wounded, and I cannot protect you fully.~
And he was right, soldiers stepping forward as they saw the terrifying creature trembling, their confidence returning. "I need a-"
"Sword?" The voice by her side made her jump. She turned to see Gadeth behind her, giving a classical grin as he held out her long, curved blade.
She took it, grimacing as the wound in her thigh throbbed at her movements. She knew better than to remove the arrow completely yet, knowing it was slowing her bleeding, if even by a little bit. But she did turn and break of the tip quickly as she saw Gadeth's gaze take it in, a frown crossing his face. "Where are the others?" She asked, a cold sweat breaking out on her from the sting of the arrow.
"Taking cover for the moment on a cliff side nearby." He glanced back at the dragon behind him, it staring at him with calculating red eyes. "A friend of yours?" He asked nervously.
A wry grin cracked Persephone's pale face. "You could say that."
Another frown crossed Gadeth's face. "So, I guess he can't fly us out of here, huh?" It was a sincere question, the hint of quickly falling hopes found there.
Persephone shook her head and stepped forward, glaring back momentarily at the soldiers which were fighting among themselves, a riot started by the crowd that had followed behind the party. She knew that, soon, some of the soldiers, or even the peasants, would lose fear of them and get cocky. They would be attacked. "Leviathan. You need to leave." She looked into the lizard's eyes with a sincere and innocent look, laying her head on his snout
~I can't leave you-~
"You must."
All Gadeth heard of this was Persephone's words and a low grumbling in the back of the dragon's throat. He shifted nervously, noticing some of the soldiers starting to make their way towards them through the boiling riot.
Leviathan took a deep breath in, her scent filling his nostrils. ~Your wound. It has hit a main pathway of your blood. You must treat it before you lose too much of your life, Daughter.~ Persephone nodded, noticing for the first time the dizziness and faintness that seemed to buzz through her. ~Remember, if you die, it is more than just your loss.~ He said deeply as he retreated back slowly, giving a slow groan as he edged over the cliff, clinging to it before dropping and gliding down, his body shaking with pain.
Persephone watched him with mild disdain before turning to the matter at hand. Four men had cleared the mob and were making their way towards the two. "Go protect the others." Persephone was surprised to find the words in her mouth, but pushed back the urge to show the astonishment.
Gadeth raised his eyebrows. "You sure you'll be okay?"
A smirk was his only reply and he left on foot, slipping back into the raging crowd. Persephone licked her lips in anticipation as the four came forward, only seeing an injured and unprotected woman. You have to excuse them for being such fools for the only ladies they had ever encountered were cowering, small things, which hid behind dashing men. Men much like Allen, in fact, though they would have given the knight much more respect than any other man. One of the men seemed more cocky than the rest, and it was him that attacked first.
Persephone was in no mood to play games, her cheeks burning and her stomach writhing. She blocked his blow quickly before swiping off his head, the decapitated corpse falling beneath her. Another man ran forward, too stupid to see the warning signs of expertise before him. Persephone didn't even bother blocking his blow and she sliced him easily in half. He stared up at her in horror before blood poured from his lips and he fell, in two pieces. By now, the other two had decided to leave her alone, knowing better than to start a fight with her. She lifted her hand wearily and wiped away slighty at the still warm blood that coated her face thickly. She had to find Allen. She had to find the others.
"I thought we made a deal, Demon." A low voice commented from deep within the riot, his voice somehow cracking through the cries of war. People parted in his presence and he stepped up, the King of Mirama. In his arms he held Hitomi, her eyes wide. Persephone's eyes narrowed. 'Where are the others? Why didn't they stop him?' But she didn't voice her opinions. This was her fight. "Remember the deal? Take the lives of your comrades if you cause trouble." He glances around, his face looking disfigured with the gore smeared across it. "Is this a good enough example of chaos, Guardian?" He cried out in frustration, his blade edging closer to Hitomi's vulnerable throat.
She didn't have time to think before she moved. It was pure instinct as her mind pushed forward, her command called out, her eyes flashed with flame. A few seconds of frozen anticipation came, the king staring at her, and she staring at the torches that hung from the sides of the valley, casting flickering and shifting light. Persephone's eyes drifted closed dreamily, but with their close she opened the gates of Hell.
The torches that gave light to the scene slowly flickered and died low before they sprang forward, their flame rocketing out like an explosion. Two streaks raced through the air, circling like maddened birds, before crashing into King Sedrick and circling around again, only to crash down once more, then lift off. His scream of pain echoed through the valley as his clothes caught on fire. He released his hold on Hitomi and she covered her face as she pushed forward, terrified that she would be burnt as well. Though the man rolled in the dry dust below, the flame would not go out and soon he lay there, charred, two strings of fire flickering out above him, like fireflies.
"Hitomi!" It was Van, running to her kneeling side, the others of their group following. The fight that had broken out was now scattering, people running in defeat and fear. Though it may have been comforting that the fight seemed over to the untrained eye, Persephone knew full well that it only meant trouble. Van was helping a trembling Hitomi to her feat, no words spoken, only concerned glances and touches shared.
Most of the group huddled around her, Millerna checking to make sure she was okay, but Allen stood, staring at Persephone, her cheeks flush, her eyes slightly glazed over. He moved closer to her and reached out as if to touch her, but thought better of it and lowered his hand to his side. "You did that?"
She nodded, dully, and he realized that the look on her face was not one from defeat or any other rational emotion, but fever. She looked pale, and for the first time, he noticed the ever spreading pool of blood she stood on, still being fed by a stream that originated from her left thigh. "You're hurt." He said, with more concern, and he walked towards her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, steadying her slightly swaying form.
Yet, even as he did so, her head snapped up, her eyes grew more alert. "Allen..." She murmured and he turned to see what she stared at. The three remaining guymelefs were approaching, a large group of soldiers behind them. They had been cornered again. The knight moaned. They should have escaped when they had the chance. "Get the others to the tree... Or a cave... Or something. For God's sake, Allen, get them to cover!" Persephone cried as he just stood, staring at the creatures approaching with dull acceptance.
It was Millerna's panicked voice that finally reached him and he grabbed Persephone by the arms, dragging her with him. She bit her lips as the pain stabbed through her, more blood escaping from her wound with the sudden movements. Van had sprinted ahead of the hopelessly fleeing group. "I saw an opening over here!" He yelled as they headed to a secluded cave's mouth, the entrance hidden by overgrown thorn's and shrubs. A sharp cry brought Persephone to a dead stop, Allen's grasp slipping from her.
"Hitomi!" She cried, the girl on the ground out of reach, having tripped. Hitomi was struggling to rise, but wasn't fast enough. The large feet of the guymelefs were falling down only five feet away. Persephone heard similar shouts yell out for the young girl's safety, but it was only her that had the instinct to react and recover from the fear first. She bolted forward, ignoring the pain in her leg as she did so. She scrambled to Hitomi's side and wrapped her arms around her, covering her body as a metal foot slammed into the ground a foot from where they were huddled. "Hide your eyes, Angel. Hide your face." Persephone whispered. Hitomi obeyed, too afraid to do anything else. The sudden heat that surrounded her made her scream out in terror and pain, flames licking at her legs and back. She burried her head deeper into Persephone's shoulder, trying to escape the consuming heat.
The others were struck dumb, their bodies frozen in place, as they saw Persephone draw Hitomi to her and watched as the two were surrounded by two bodies of flame. It was Van who recognized the shape first, his mouth dropping. Wings, with beautiful and smoldering feathers of flame floating down, biting into the metal feet of the guymelefs, those two wings covering the both of them protectively. The soldiers seemed just as shocked as the other party, their eyes wide as they froze, not knowing what to do.
Things happened in a blur, one, and then two, of the guymelefs going down, torn in half by an invisible force. Allen froze in recognition. *Zaibach.* The soldiers ran, this whole situation of fire winged beings and invisible enemies too much for them. The third guymelef turned to retreat, but was cut in half violently, its commander dying almost instantly. With a flicker of some unknown material and a few gleaming reflections, the large metal soldier stood before them, its hand stretched out. The group gave a quick glance around. It was the only way out. With a reluctant sigh, Allen stepped forward and onto the hand of the Zaibach guymelef, the others starting to follow, but all their eyes turning to the forms of the two girls below them.
Persephone's wings flickered and went out, leaving no sign of them ever being there except blackened earth and the two's burnt clothing. Hitomi was still pressed harshly into Persephone's chest, whimpering and shaking, tears wondering across her blackened face. "We have to get up." The red haired girl said in a weak whisper. Green eyes met blue ones and Hitomi saw it there, the fever, the pain, the oncoming delirium.
"Persephone." She forced out as she started to stand, helping to support the frail body beneath hers. They staggered forward a few steps before Persephone blacked out completely, her body falling off of Hitomi's supporting one. Luckily, Allen was there to catch her before she hit the ground, as he always is for any maiden in distress, and he lifted her up, giving one last cautious glance at the guymelef above him before stepping onto its outstretched hand with a feeling of doubt and uneasiness.
Author's Note: *Another* long installment. If this one sucks, please forgive me. I just got over being depressed only to find that I'm sick. I'm thinking mono, and if you know what that is, you know that I could be seriously screwed. For those of you who don't, well, it's something you get from bodily fluids interchanging (that's why it's called the "Kissing Disease", though I probably caught it by sharing food since I haven't ever really kissed kissed someone, if you get what I'm saying...)
Oh, another thing! I was watching a documentary on Napoleon for History today and he soooo reminds me of Dilly for some reason! Now he's my favorite dead guy! It's really cool, cause he's a total genius and completely interesting. You should research him. When he's coming back from his exile on Elba, an island he escaped from, King Louis sends out these huge troops to arrest him. When they come, Napoleon steps forward unarmed and says something like, "Will anyone here shoot your emperor?" And they all swarm forward and join him, totally loyal and worshipping him. Kind of like the Dragon Slayers, no? But then, despite the followers he picked up from more troops and even some people in towns, he loses to that stupid Duke What's-His-Name at Waterloo, even though he had the upperhand in the beginning! Plah, that shows you how screwed up the world is! The cool, slightly sadistical or insane guys never win! It's always those stupid goody-goodies (I shouldn't be talking since I am one, hehe). Anyways, thought ya'll might like that lesson on History. You have no idea how cool Napoleon is, though! *rolls eyes* Yes, I know I'm a dork!
Chapter Thirty-Nine
A prayer issued through Persephone's lips as she closed her eyes. She had grown up religious and was taken unawares by the urge. After all, there had to be a God. Leviathan had mentioned of Him earlier, the creator of all things. Her soul reached out to Him, her being cried out before Him. She was supposed to be the remains of one of His greatest creations, and here she was, about to die...
She felt the first bite of an arrow and a tear escaped her eyes as it plunged into her upper left thigh. She could feel her blood come out quickly. It must have hit something big-
The sound of metal hitting metal caused her to open her eyes, along with the curiosity to why no more arrows had hit her. And there, above her, circling and pacing and spewing fire, was her companion, her father, her savior, his tail whipping about around him as soldiers were yelling out, calling the guymelefs forward. But the panic was thick on the scene and it took a while before anyone actually followed commands. In that time, Leviathan moved his head to the side and looked at Persephone with his one good eye while bringing his dagger-tipped tail forward and cutting the ropes from the tree gracefully. ~I'm afraid my timing came a fraction of a second too late. Can you stand, Daughter?~ He asked even as she slid down, her back against the tree, blood smearing the white bark.
"I'll be all right." She said as she looked up at him with ocean blue eyes. She gathered herself up and leaned against the tree for support. It was then that the first of the five guymelefs moved forward. Leviathan gave a low growl as the metal giant withdrew its sword and charged at the dragon.
It didn't take much for the ancient creature to destroy his opponent, his tail whipping forward faster than the eye could see and tearing its pointed tip all the way through the machine. The guymelef went limp, still impaled by the dragon's blade, before Leviathan snapped his tail backwards, the mass of metal slipping off and flying through the air and over the side of the cliff. All of this was done in a matter of seconds as if it were simple and instinctive.
Persephone limped over to the side of the dragon, looking to see the scene beyond, worried for her five acquaintances. She caught sight of Allen through the chaos, freeing the others, a fallen guard at his side. A ghost of a smile etched across her lips. It was then that the second guymelef charged, his blade risen, a mad cry from the owner within. Leviathan gave a loud snarl as he raised his tail and struck with the speed and agility of a cobra, but the machine dodged his blow with a wide pounce. It hit the ground, skidded to a stop, and charged once more. Persephone took a cautious step back as the creature came within yards of her. She covered her ears and winced as Leviathan let out a full fledged roar before sinking his teeth into the guymelef. Sparks flew and it was completely torn in half, but not before the raised sword fell down with amazing force. An animal scream split through the chaos, making the soldiers freeze at the awe and sorrow in the sound.
"Leviathan..." Persephone whispered as the creature stumbled back a few steps, the sword falling, a black blood pouring from the wound. "Oh, no..."
Leviathan met her eyes and gave her a forced, reptilian grin. ~Don't worry about it, Daughter. I'll be fine. Though I'm afraid I won't be much good as a fighter.~ A look much like a wince crossed his face as he glanced at the wound that slashed across his back. He looked back at her, a deep and pained look on his face. ~You're wounded, and I cannot protect you fully.~
And he was right, soldiers stepping forward as they saw the terrifying creature trembling, their confidence returning. "I need a-"
"Sword?" The voice by her side made her jump. She turned to see Gadeth behind her, giving a classical grin as he held out her long, curved blade.
She took it, grimacing as the wound in her thigh throbbed at her movements. She knew better than to remove the arrow completely yet, knowing it was slowing her bleeding, if even by a little bit. But she did turn and break of the tip quickly as she saw Gadeth's gaze take it in, a frown crossing his face. "Where are the others?" She asked, a cold sweat breaking out on her from the sting of the arrow.
"Taking cover for the moment on a cliff side nearby." He glanced back at the dragon behind him, it staring at him with calculating red eyes. "A friend of yours?" He asked nervously.
A wry grin cracked Persephone's pale face. "You could say that."
Another frown crossed Gadeth's face. "So, I guess he can't fly us out of here, huh?" It was a sincere question, the hint of quickly falling hopes found there.
Persephone shook her head and stepped forward, glaring back momentarily at the soldiers which were fighting among themselves, a riot started by the crowd that had followed behind the party. She knew that, soon, some of the soldiers, or even the peasants, would lose fear of them and get cocky. They would be attacked. "Leviathan. You need to leave." She looked into the lizard's eyes with a sincere and innocent look, laying her head on his snout
~I can't leave you-~
"You must."
All Gadeth heard of this was Persephone's words and a low grumbling in the back of the dragon's throat. He shifted nervously, noticing some of the soldiers starting to make their way towards them through the boiling riot.
Leviathan took a deep breath in, her scent filling his nostrils. ~Your wound. It has hit a main pathway of your blood. You must treat it before you lose too much of your life, Daughter.~ Persephone nodded, noticing for the first time the dizziness and faintness that seemed to buzz through her. ~Remember, if you die, it is more than just your loss.~ He said deeply as he retreated back slowly, giving a slow groan as he edged over the cliff, clinging to it before dropping and gliding down, his body shaking with pain.
Persephone watched him with mild disdain before turning to the matter at hand. Four men had cleared the mob and were making their way towards the two. "Go protect the others." Persephone was surprised to find the words in her mouth, but pushed back the urge to show the astonishment.
Gadeth raised his eyebrows. "You sure you'll be okay?"
A smirk was his only reply and he left on foot, slipping back into the raging crowd. Persephone licked her lips in anticipation as the four came forward, only seeing an injured and unprotected woman. You have to excuse them for being such fools for the only ladies they had ever encountered were cowering, small things, which hid behind dashing men. Men much like Allen, in fact, though they would have given the knight much more respect than any other man. One of the men seemed more cocky than the rest, and it was him that attacked first.
Persephone was in no mood to play games, her cheeks burning and her stomach writhing. She blocked his blow quickly before swiping off his head, the decapitated corpse falling beneath her. Another man ran forward, too stupid to see the warning signs of expertise before him. Persephone didn't even bother blocking his blow and she sliced him easily in half. He stared up at her in horror before blood poured from his lips and he fell, in two pieces. By now, the other two had decided to leave her alone, knowing better than to start a fight with her. She lifted her hand wearily and wiped away slighty at the still warm blood that coated her face thickly. She had to find Allen. She had to find the others.
"I thought we made a deal, Demon." A low voice commented from deep within the riot, his voice somehow cracking through the cries of war. People parted in his presence and he stepped up, the King of Mirama. In his arms he held Hitomi, her eyes wide. Persephone's eyes narrowed. 'Where are the others? Why didn't they stop him?' But she didn't voice her opinions. This was her fight. "Remember the deal? Take the lives of your comrades if you cause trouble." He glances around, his face looking disfigured with the gore smeared across it. "Is this a good enough example of chaos, Guardian?" He cried out in frustration, his blade edging closer to Hitomi's vulnerable throat.
She didn't have time to think before she moved. It was pure instinct as her mind pushed forward, her command called out, her eyes flashed with flame. A few seconds of frozen anticipation came, the king staring at her, and she staring at the torches that hung from the sides of the valley, casting flickering and shifting light. Persephone's eyes drifted closed dreamily, but with their close she opened the gates of Hell.
The torches that gave light to the scene slowly flickered and died low before they sprang forward, their flame rocketing out like an explosion. Two streaks raced through the air, circling like maddened birds, before crashing into King Sedrick and circling around again, only to crash down once more, then lift off. His scream of pain echoed through the valley as his clothes caught on fire. He released his hold on Hitomi and she covered her face as she pushed forward, terrified that she would be burnt as well. Though the man rolled in the dry dust below, the flame would not go out and soon he lay there, charred, two strings of fire flickering out above him, like fireflies.
"Hitomi!" It was Van, running to her kneeling side, the others of their group following. The fight that had broken out was now scattering, people running in defeat and fear. Though it may have been comforting that the fight seemed over to the untrained eye, Persephone knew full well that it only meant trouble. Van was helping a trembling Hitomi to her feat, no words spoken, only concerned glances and touches shared.
Most of the group huddled around her, Millerna checking to make sure she was okay, but Allen stood, staring at Persephone, her cheeks flush, her eyes slightly glazed over. He moved closer to her and reached out as if to touch her, but thought better of it and lowered his hand to his side. "You did that?"
She nodded, dully, and he realized that the look on her face was not one from defeat or any other rational emotion, but fever. She looked pale, and for the first time, he noticed the ever spreading pool of blood she stood on, still being fed by a stream that originated from her left thigh. "You're hurt." He said, with more concern, and he walked towards her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, steadying her slightly swaying form.
Yet, even as he did so, her head snapped up, her eyes grew more alert. "Allen..." She murmured and he turned to see what she stared at. The three remaining guymelefs were approaching, a large group of soldiers behind them. They had been cornered again. The knight moaned. They should have escaped when they had the chance. "Get the others to the tree... Or a cave... Or something. For God's sake, Allen, get them to cover!" Persephone cried as he just stood, staring at the creatures approaching with dull acceptance.
It was Millerna's panicked voice that finally reached him and he grabbed Persephone by the arms, dragging her with him. She bit her lips as the pain stabbed through her, more blood escaping from her wound with the sudden movements. Van had sprinted ahead of the hopelessly fleeing group. "I saw an opening over here!" He yelled as they headed to a secluded cave's mouth, the entrance hidden by overgrown thorn's and shrubs. A sharp cry brought Persephone to a dead stop, Allen's grasp slipping from her.
"Hitomi!" She cried, the girl on the ground out of reach, having tripped. Hitomi was struggling to rise, but wasn't fast enough. The large feet of the guymelefs were falling down only five feet away. Persephone heard similar shouts yell out for the young girl's safety, but it was only her that had the instinct to react and recover from the fear first. She bolted forward, ignoring the pain in her leg as she did so. She scrambled to Hitomi's side and wrapped her arms around her, covering her body as a metal foot slammed into the ground a foot from where they were huddled. "Hide your eyes, Angel. Hide your face." Persephone whispered. Hitomi obeyed, too afraid to do anything else. The sudden heat that surrounded her made her scream out in terror and pain, flames licking at her legs and back. She burried her head deeper into Persephone's shoulder, trying to escape the consuming heat.
The others were struck dumb, their bodies frozen in place, as they saw Persephone draw Hitomi to her and watched as the two were surrounded by two bodies of flame. It was Van who recognized the shape first, his mouth dropping. Wings, with beautiful and smoldering feathers of flame floating down, biting into the metal feet of the guymelefs, those two wings covering the both of them protectively. The soldiers seemed just as shocked as the other party, their eyes wide as they froze, not knowing what to do.
Things happened in a blur, one, and then two, of the guymelefs going down, torn in half by an invisible force. Allen froze in recognition. *Zaibach.* The soldiers ran, this whole situation of fire winged beings and invisible enemies too much for them. The third guymelef turned to retreat, but was cut in half violently, its commander dying almost instantly. With a flicker of some unknown material and a few gleaming reflections, the large metal soldier stood before them, its hand stretched out. The group gave a quick glance around. It was the only way out. With a reluctant sigh, Allen stepped forward and onto the hand of the Zaibach guymelef, the others starting to follow, but all their eyes turning to the forms of the two girls below them.
Persephone's wings flickered and went out, leaving no sign of them ever being there except blackened earth and the two's burnt clothing. Hitomi was still pressed harshly into Persephone's chest, whimpering and shaking, tears wondering across her blackened face. "We have to get up." The red haired girl said in a weak whisper. Green eyes met blue ones and Hitomi saw it there, the fever, the pain, the oncoming delirium.
"Persephone." She forced out as she started to stand, helping to support the frail body beneath hers. They staggered forward a few steps before Persephone blacked out completely, her body falling off of Hitomi's supporting one. Luckily, Allen was there to catch her before she hit the ground, as he always is for any maiden in distress, and he lifted her up, giving one last cautious glance at the guymelef above him before stepping onto its outstretched hand with a feeling of doubt and uneasiness.