Chapter 44: The Duel
Featuring Centipede Choju, Gyakuudo
After reuniting with Raine and telling everyone their and Matti's relationship, Matti and Lilith went out to get things for dinner as everyone else stayed at her house with Raine.
Raine: So there I was corned by Mikela and Voffa. It seemed I had no way out and I couldn't use my regular bard magic to move them away since they had ear muffs. I began playing but the two being arrogant as they are were paying attention that I was making a storm cloud over them. As they were being strucked down I made my escape.
Luz: Whoa, you really make the five look like push overs.
Christa: You're as cool as everyone says you are.
Eda: Yup, that's Raine Storm for ya.
Raine: Well I don't like to brag or show off.
Archimedes: Yup, especially with your stage fright. We saw you on tv.
Raine: If I remember, you have it just as bad as I do. Remember the school play several back.
Eda: Oh yeah I remember. You really messed up Archy.
Archimedes: I was under so much pressure and forgot my line okay.
Eda: So Raine what's happening now? Are you still trying to plan to stop Belos?
Raine: I never gave up on that. But because I've been running for weeks with little rest, I never had the chance to until now, but I'm still stumped without allies.
Archimedes: Hey you got us.
Raine: I don't want to involve you guys again. You shouldn't have to.
Luz: We've been dealing with Belos and the Five for a while.
Christa: And I know at one point, I met him before.
Eda: That reminds me. Raine, what do you know about the Unknown Isles?
Raine: Isn't that just a fairy tale?
Eda: We have reason to believe it's real. Luz here has been doing research and Christa and King here may of originated from there. And there's a possibility Belos may have been there and this Eye you were talking about, maybe it's there. We want to find this so maybe we can get help and find Christa's family.
Raine: That's a big objective, but so is mine.
Luz: Then do you know about someone named Temperor?
Raine: Temperor? He's one the most notorius underground criminals in the black market. I heard he carries rare and exotic items and maps but he doesn't take kindly to cheap skates or spies. Why do you want to find him?
Eda: He has a map to the Unknown Isles. We can pay him it's finding him is the problem.
Raine: ( sighs) Well I heard one thing about him is that, you have to find a worker of his that has a tattoo of a skull on a pentagram. You have better chances finding someone like that at the night markets though.
King: So I guess that's our next clue.
Eda: Well we'll keep an eye out for that.
Meanwhile.
We see Matti and Lilith flying back from town with some bags of food.
Matti: I'm so glad things went okay.
Lilith: I told you it would be. I'm happy you two finally got together.
Matti: Yeah, it's funny. We all grew up with each other and in that same group we all found love.
Lilith: Ha, yeah. Life is funny that way.
Suddenly a harpoon shot out from below and shot at Matti's staff. Matti is pulled down falling down.
Lilith: Matti!
Lilith flew down to catch her, but someone at high speed caught her first and landed down. Matti was placed down and when she looked up to her horror it was Babalou.
Babalou: Hello again, beautiful.
Matti was about to run, but then he formed a spell circle and magic binds formed on her legs and arms, tieing her up. Lilith landed down and a deadly glare formed on her face the moment she saw him.
Lilith: You...
Babalou: Ah, the great Lilith Clawthorne, former Head Emperor Coven witch. Now nothing but a lowlife criminal like me.
Lilith took out an ice glyph and shot a ray of ice spikes at him. Babalou formed his hand into his spear hand blocked the attacks coming at him. Lilith took out two more and was about run at him with it.
Lilith: Unhand her right now or...
Babalou: Stop where you are.
Lilith stopped when she saw Babalou's spear hand close to Matti's face. Not wanting to risk hurting her, she dropped the glyphs in her hands.
Babalou: I'm well aware about the Head Bard living with her.
Lilith: What do you want?
Babalou: Deliver this message to Raine Whispers for me. Tell them if they want her new love alive, they will meet me at the center of the left arm and we settle who gets her. And don't you dare bring help.
Babalou carried Matti and flew off.
Lilith: Matti!
Lilith just watched as Babalou flew off carrying her away.
Meanwhile
Eda: Raine what if we helped get your crew back.
Raine: No, that would be too risky for all of us.
Eda: Oh no it's nothing. It was actually the first adventure I had with Luz.
Luz: Yup broke in and got out twice.
Christa: Wait doesn't Lilith have that friend of hers in the Emperor's Coven who was like her boss or something but is secretly plotting against him.
Raine: Wait what?
Eda: Right she does. What was his name again? Hippo...Hippopotamus or something like that. We'll ask when she gets back.
Suddenly Lilith rushed into the house.
Lilith: Eda! Raine! It's Matti!
Eda: What?
Raine: What's wrong with her?
Lilith: Babalou ambushed us. He has her.
Eda: What?!
Luz: Him again?
Lilith: But he said he wanted you Raine?
Raine: Me?
Lilith: He knows about you and Matti and I think he's outraged. He let me go to deliver a message to you. He said to meet him at the center of the left arm. Only you though.
Raine looked distraught that Matti was in danger and it was from the same witch that attacked her before. They clenched their fist with a stern look.
Raine: If that's what he wants, then that's what he gets.
Eda: Raine wait.
Raine: Matti told me about him and what he did. It's inexcusable and despicable. I promised her that I would never let that happen again.
Eda: Let us help. We promised we'd look after her too.
Christa: We want to help too. She's our aunt.
Raine: I'm sure he only wants me and if he see's me all of you then he could kill her.
Eda: He's not going to see us. I have an idea.
Meanwhile
We cut to Shadam, Selene and Hipporit were patrolling through the woods as well.
Hipporit: You said you sent Gyakuudo down this way.
Shadam: He picked up the scent of Babalou.
Selene: Let's hurry up and deal with him so Emperor Belos will stop breathing down my neck about him.
Shadam: But there's more. I can detect others there. One of them... it's the Head Bard.
Hipporit looked at Shadam with a surprised look.
Selene: Really? Well, this will definitely be a treat. Where are they?
Shadam: This way. Hurry before we lose them both.
Hipporit: Yes, we must hurry.
Babalou was in a large field area in the arm standing around, Matti was tied to a tree with a chain and a cloth around her mouth. He heard footsteps coming from behind, he turned and saw it was Thomas.
Babalou: Took you long enough.
Thomas: Hey I was in the middle mingling with the ladies. This better be important.
Then he noticed Matti tied to a tree.
Thomas: Is that...Mathilda Lightwing?
Babalou: A beauty isn't she?
Thomas: Wait, this is who you were trying to whoo?
Babalou: But she is playing hard to get like you thought. That's why I took her.
Thomas: You did what?
Babalou: I'm only following your advice. Pursue her and sweep her off her feet.
Matti's looks at Thomas and glares at him.
Thomas: I didn't like that. You know that's one of Eda's friends right. I'm kinda avoiding her now after what she did to me.
Babalou: I have the feeling Raine might bring her with them. That's why I called you. Keep an eye on her and deal with whoever they bring.
Thomas: What? Oh no. I'm not doing this. I'm not going to kill myself just so you could get your date.
Babalou: You're going to or else I'll kill you where you stand.
Babalou heard Matti's muffled voice and approached her. He placed his hand on her cheek and removed the magic bind on her mouth.
Babalou: There, I should let you breathe for a while.
Matti: What are you going to do to Raine?
Babalou: Don't worry my love. We'll settle things here and know who you'll be with. But only one of us will be leaving with you alive. Hahahaha!
Matti: No! No don't! Please don't kill them. I'll, I'll go with you. I'll do whatever you say, please just don't kill them!
Babalou: Hm, I'm flattered. But you're doing this for them and not for me. ( touches her face) But I will show you my love who is the better witch.
Raine: Babalou.
Babalou turned and saw Raine across from them.
Babalou: So, you actually came Raine Whispers.
Raine: Let her go.
Babalou: I will, but before that I challenge you to a duel. I've seen you with her and let me tell you , it really pisses me off. Only one of us can have her.
Raine: She's not a prize to be won.
Babalou: Well you can't steal her from me either. So now we fight. The winner lives and takes her to be her bride. The loser...death!
Matti: Raine...
Babalou formed his hand into a hook and placed it near her neck.
Babalou: You don't play my game, I'll kill her.
Raine: Fine. ( forms violin) We'll play it your way Babalou.
Babalou: That's it.
Babalou formed the other hand into a spear ready to fight.
Babalou: Let's do this.
Babalou charged at Raine and jabbed at them. They jumped out of the way and shot a wave from his violin at him. Babalou dodged out of the way and he formed a spell circle. He jabbed through it and made a larger spear come at Raine. Raine barely dodged the attack, when they looked up Babalou was gone and appeared behind them about to cut their head off. Raine however saw him coming and pulled a string on their violin, making a soundwave and pushing Babalou into a tree. Raine kept firing more violin waves at him, Babalou ran at them deflecting each attack until he jumped up and struck his spear down at them. Raine Dodged the attack and Babalou's spear ends up stuck in the ground. As he tried to pull out, Raine fired a wave directly at him. Babalou is hit and flown off. He got up and his mask was cracked.
Babalou: Very clever. I expected this to be done in an instant. I can see why you're Head Witch.
Raine: And I can see why you're a feared criminal.
Babalou: But don't think your title scares me Whispers. I'm only getting warmed up.
Babalou removed his mask and dropped it, revealing his face. He had pale white skin with purple streaks coming down from his eyes, which were yellow and he had sharp teeth. He cracked his neck and put his guard up again.
Babalou: Now then the real fight begins.
Babalou yells charging at Raine as the two continue fighting. Thomas stood near Matti watching the fight, but little did he know we see Eda, Luz, Christa and King appearing from behind after each used an invisibility glyph while Lilith and Archimedes were hiding from the other side acting as back up if anything happened. Matti turned and saw them.
Matti: Guys...
Luz: Shh, we're getting you out Matti.
Eda: Just hold on.
The group tried to untie her until they got caught.
Thomas: What the...oh great you four again?!
Eda: Thomas? You mean to tell me you're in on this?!
Matti: He gave him advice to get me.
Eda: He did huh?
Turns into Harpy Eda.
Thomas: WHAAA! Wha-What? When were you able to turn into that?
Harpy Eda: So this was all your idea. So you're dead!
Thomas: Wait, wait I can explain!
Suddenly the ground started to shake and bursting out of the ground was the choju Gyakuudo and ten Dorodoros following him out of the ground. Gyakuudo once out of the ground shook the dirt off his body and roared ( stock Mukakendar roar).
Christa: Another Choju.
King: Why is it here?
Luz: It must be after both Raine and Babalou.
Gyakuudo raored and saw the group. It breathed fire at them as Christa formed a thick ice wall to block the attack, creating steam. Gyakuudo looked around confused in the steamy fog as Eda grabbed it from behind and tried to lift him up. Gyakuudo roared as his whip hand hit her off.
Luz: Eda!
Luz wanted to help Eda, but she is blocked off by the Dorodoros as one of them was about to stab her until King came in and let out a sonic wave knocking him away.
Lilith: They're in trouble.
Archimedes: Then let's go.
Lilith and Archimedes hurries over.
Luz, Christa and King were fighting the Dorodoros. Luz used a plant glyph and used the vine to grab one of them and throw it at the other. Christa using her ice magic threw and ice ball at one coming at her freezing it in place and another came at her from behind which she blew away with her wind and King took out two with his sonic wave.
Luz took out another one with a fire glyph, but one more came at her from behind but was taken down by Archimedes.
Archimedes: You alright?
Luz: We're fine but Eda needs help.
Archimedes: I'm on it.
Archimedes ran to help Eda. She was having trouble fighting Gyakuudo due to his head being on the tail and having such a long and close range biting attack. He bit onto her. Eda tried to hitting him off until he bit her arm off.
Harpy Eda: AAAH! Oh wait I forgot, detachable limbs.
Archimedes appeared and waved his scythe, shooting a wave at him, causing it to drop Eda's arm as he handed it back to her.
Archimedes: Believe this belongs to you.
Harpy Eda: ( reattaches arm) Thanks, but careful with this guy, he's really mad.
Gyakuudo ran at the two. He whipped at Archimedes who blocked the attack with the shaft of his scythe, only to get it wrapped up and Gyakuudo pulled him down to the ground. It then kicked him back down and tried to do it again as Eda rammed into it, pushing it down. Gyakuudo got back up and roared now breathing fire at the two. Archimedes spinned his scythe the blow the fire back at him, causing it to back away. Eda took the chance and grabbed his head and flipped him to his back.
We cut to Lilith untying Matti and finally doing so.
Lilith: I got you Matti. Don't worry you're safe now.
Matti: Raine's in trouble.
They looked and saw Raine forming a thunder cloud over Babalou as lightning was striking down at him. Babalou dodged as many attacks as he could, but then was ultimately struck by one of them. It seemed to have been attracked by his weapon hands. Babalou was electrocuted by the lightning as he yelled out and fell to the ground. Raine stopped the attack and slowly approached him, but stayed on guard. That's when they saw the leg twitch. Raine acted quickly and shot another wave at him. Babalou quickly rolled up to them to dodge and with his hook, cut Raine by the waist. Raine yelled as everyone mostly Matti and Eda were horrified the most.
Matti: Raine!
Raine fell to their knees, holding their waist as blood dripped from it and from Babalou's hook who looked down at them with an evil look.
Matti: Go help the others. I got this.
Matti ran over to them.
Lilith: Matti wait!
Eda: Lilith!
Lilith saw Gyakuudo stomping down on Eda and his whip hand constricting Archimedes. She wanted to go to Matti, but it did seem her sister and Archimedes needed help more at the moment. She transformed into her harpy form and flew over to help the others.
Babalou: Is that all Raine Whispers?
Babalou kicked Raine down
Babalou: This is the Head Bard Witch? I can't say I'm not disappointed. I thought head witches are supposed to be the most powerful next to Belos. But it seem's I win and you...
Babalou raised his spear up.
Babalou:...you lost.
Babalou slashed down at Raine. He hit someone, but it wasn't Raine. Raine gasped and saw Matti standing in their place. Blood was dripping from her arm. Babalou had ended up cutting her arm, leaving a huge slash across down as her arm was now red and bloody. She fell to her knees and held her arm.
Raine: Matti! Matti, why?
Matti: It's because...
She just looked at Raine with small smile on her face with tears in her eyes. With her good arm she reached for Raine and placed her hand on their face. Some blood was on her hand, but Raine didn't seem to care as he held her hand.
Matti: I couldn't let anything happen to you.
Babalou: You? What did you...( to Raine) As I was saying prepare to die!
But Matti got up, she was holding her cut arm again but shield Raine.
Babalou: What are you doing?
Matti: Stay away from them.
Babalou: You can't be serious. You're protecting them? But why? I'm doing all this for you! I love you!
Matti: What you're feeling is lust and physical attraction. It isn't healthy. Love takes time, work and understanding your partner. You have to know that person first to love them, as I have with Raine as they did the same for me. And you have no idea who I am.
Babalou: But your perfect for the start of a new Terrible Trio. I can give you whatever you want if you come with me.
Matti: I don't want any of it. I have everything I want here. I'm not joining you and I don't love you! That's final.
Raine saw the stern look in her eyes. Just last night she was having a nightmare of Babalou yet now she was standing up to him, for them. But then they saw the look on Babalou's face. He looked rejected and angered.
Babalou: Is that it then? I can't believe I wasted my time on a tramp like you. ( raises his spear hand) IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU THEN NO ONE CAN!
Babalou was about to kill her right there, until Raine sprung back up and blocked the attack with the bow of their violin, with a yellow aura around it to withstand the spear. Babalou pulled back and raised his hook at them instead, only to be hit by a magic wave by Matti. He fell back as the looked at the two angrily.
Raine: You mess with one of us...
Matti: Then you mess with the both of us.
Babalou: You know what fine! If you're both so eager to die together, I'll be more than happy to send the two of you to Hell where you belong!
Babalou ran at the two of them.
We cut back to the others. Gyakuudo roared and breathed fire at Lilith. She avoided the attack and pushed Gyakuudo off of Eda and freed Archimedes. Gyakuudo roared and whipped at her, but she grabbed onto the whip and flew up to hold him back.
Archimedes: E, grab his other arm.
Harpy Eda: You got it.
Eda did as he said and grabbed the other arm. Gyakuudo tried shaking the two off of him but were holding him down as best as possible. Archimedes ran to him, raised his scythe and cut Gyakuudo's head off. The head rolled on the ground as the body fell down also. The three of them were breathing heavily.
Harpy Eda: Phew, that got him.
But something wasn't right. The body wasn't melting into paint or bursting into flames. The body began to move.
Harpy Lilith: Uh oh. That doesn't look good.
The Gyakuudo's head then flew up. It floated around, looked down at the three of them and roared as his body now got back up without a head.
Harpy Eda: Oh you got to be kidding me.
Gyakuudo roared as his body ran at the three.
Luz, Christa and King had finally taken down all the Dorodoros and saw the Eda, Lilith and Archimedes struggling the fight.
Christa: We have to help them?
King: How do we do that?
Luz examined the fight. She looked up at Gyakuudo's floating head. She looked up and saw how the head looked at whoever the body attacked.
Luz: I think I have an idea. Let's...
Thomas: Not so fast.
Thomas came in and blocked the three.
Thomas: You know you kids really caused me a lot of trouble. First you ruined my date, made a fool out of me and then there was the time your pet puked on me.
King: To be fair that was an accident.
Thomas: I don't care! And just recently you punched me in the face for no reason! Well now it's my turn.
Thomas formed his staff as it glows.
Thomas: You all mocked me. The whole world stood there and mocked me, but now prepare to feel the wrath of my power! Prepare to meet your doom!
But then Christa punches him in the face with a stone hand.
Thomas: AAH! Oh! Ah my face. You punched me in the...whoa, whoa, WHOA!
Luz placed an ice glyph on the ground, making him slip and fall.
Thomas: Is that supposed to stop me. There's nothing you kids can...OOOOHHHH!
But then King rammed into his crotch, causing him extreme pain.
Thomas: ( high pitched voice) Mommy...
Thomas fell to the ground groaning.
King: Man that was annoying.
Luz: Hang on I got an idea.
Christa: What are you doing?
Luz: Watch.
Luz placed another ice glyph on the ground, this time to launch herself up. She came at Gyakuudo's head from behind and caught him. She covered his eyes with her hands. Gyakuudo roared and panicked as his body began running around and hitting aimlessly missing his targets.
Harpy Lilith: What's wrong with it?
Archimedes: I see. If he can't see then he can't tell where we're at.
Luz took out a fire glyph and placed it on Gyakuudo's head. Luz let go and fell as the glyph activated, blowing up Gyakuudo's head. Luz was caught by Eda who flew up to get her.
Harpy Eda: Ha, nice thinking kiddo.
Christa: Well that finally got him.
Luz: Wait, Matti and Raine.
We cut back to Matti and Raine fighting Babalou. Raine shot more violin waves at Babalou. He kept dodging them jumping back but then was hit in the back by another magic projectile attack. It was caused by Matti. Babalou now used his hook hand to stab her. But then she turned invisible and his hook ended up hitting the tree behind her. His was jammed in and had some trouble getting out.
Raine took advantage of this and shot another violin wave at Babalou now stuck, but it seemed it was going towards his hand and cut it off. Babalou fell back and looked down at his hook hand, now gone and blood dripping from it and looked really mad.
Babalou: Damn you! I've had it with you Whispers!
He used his spear hand and formed a spell circle. He jabbed through it, making a larger spear crush and stab Raine. He did it multiple times but kept missing. That was until he was hit in the back of the head. He turned but saw no one, but he was hit across the face twice, in the abdomen and then finally in the crotch, eyes widening from the pain and dropping to his knees. Then we saw it was Matti who just turned visibile and used her staff to hit him. She hurried back with Raine as Babalou got back up.
Babalou: You two really think you can beat me! Do you have any idea who you're dealing with!?
Babalou flew up in the air and formed a larger spell cicle. He yelled as he jabbed his spear hand into it, the magic spear that was coming down was much larger than before.
Matti: Raine.
Raine: I can't cancel the attack myself.
Matti: Then, let me give you a boost.
Raine: Wait, it'll require large amount of your magic.
Matti: Don't worry...
Matti placed her hands on Raine.
Matti: Let's hurry so I can heal you.
Raine: ( nods) Right.
Raine got their violin ready and Matti started transferring some of her magic into Raine as a blue and yellow aura formed around them both. Doing so was tiring her out quickly but Raine has a better chance for physcial attack than she large spear was coming down further at them. Raine opened their eyes and finally shot the wave up. This one was different as it flashing yellow and blue and looked big. It cut through the spear and was coming towards Babalou. His widened as he was caught off guard. He screamed as the projectile was coming closer at him and finally hit him. The blast caused a large explosion.
Selene: Look!
They three of them saw the explosion from a distance
Shadam: We're getting closer. Hm?
Selene: What is it?
Shadam: I can sense Babalou escaping to the East, but Raine is still over there
Selene: We can't let either one escape
Hipporit: We won't. You two find Babalou.
Selene: And you sir?
Hipporit: I will deal with Raine Whispers.
Meanwhile we cut back to the others. Raine and Matti looked up and saw the smoke cleared up and Babalou was gone.
Matti: Is he...
Raine: He's gone. You're safe now. Your arm.
Matti: Don't worry.
Matti formed a spell circle around her and healed her arm.
Matti: Come here. Let me fix you up.
Matti placed her hands on Raine's waist and started to heal them. Raine looked at her with a smile and placed their hand on her cheek.
Matti: You did it Raine.
Raine: No, it was you. You saved me again and helped me win. You've grown so much Matti. You really are strong witch in your own right.
Matti had finished healing Raine as the two hugged each other tight. The others were about to meet up, until they heard a groan from Thomas. Eda still in her harpy form approached him.
Thomas: Oh...why do I always get it there and the face.
But then Thomas bumped into Eda.
Thomas: AHH! Eda! He-Hey, uh...uh is that a new look? Wow makes you look uh...fiesty and scary...in a bad girl way right. Like you always say?
Eda grabbed him and lifted him up to her face.
Thomas: Please don't kill me. He took my advice the wrong way. I had nothing to do with all this.
Harpy Eda: Shut it Tommy! This is the last time I let you go. You come near me or anyone of my friends or family ever again I will kill you in your sleep. Got it!
Thomas: ( wimpering) Yes ma'am.
Eda drops him as Thomas gets up onto his staff and flies off. The others approached the two as Eda and Liltih turned back to normal.
Luz: Matti!
Luz, Christa and King hugged Matti as she hugged the three.
Matti: Oh guys. You three were so brave.
Eda: Are you two okay?
Raine: It's okay. Babalou's gone.
Archimedes: That choju is gone as well. He was a tough one.
Lilith: ( hugs her) Matti, I was so worried.
Matti: It's okay Lily, I'm fine.
Raine: We made it because of her.
Hipporit: At last I found you.
Out from the shadows was Hipporit.
Hipporit: We meet at last Raine Whispers.
Christa: Lilith's old boss?
Lilith: Hipporit?
Hipporit: Ah, we meet again Lilith and friends. But unfortunatly I don't have time to chat. I sent Selene and Shadam away for now but they will meet up with me soon. Raine Whispers you're coming with me.
Hipporit approached Raine but was blocked off by Matti.
Matti: Stay away from them.
Hipporit: Ma'me, stand aside.
Matti: No.
Lilith: Matti it' okay. He's a double agent. He can actually help Raine with their plan.
Matti: But you still have to turn them in to Belos don't you?
Hipporit: To keep my cover yes, but I assure you they will be fine.
Matti: They're safe with me.
Hipporit: For how long though? You do realize that what you're doing is a serious crime. If it was one of the five that caught you hiding them, you would be arrested and would result you being petrified. I'm not your enemy, I will keep them safe.
Matti: I don't care! I'm letting them get taken away!
Raine: Matti wait.
Matti: What?
Raine: ( to Hipporit) Can I have a minute to say goodbye to my friends?
Hipporit: ( nods) Hm, make it quick.
Raine went over to Eda, Archimedes and Lilith, hugging each of them.
Eda: Take care of yourself Raine Storm. Just glad to know you're okay.
Lilith: We'll miss you.
Archimedes: Yeah, it was great seeing.
Raine: Don't worry guys, you know. I'll see you again soon. And you two.
Raine looked over at Luz and Christa.
Raine: Keep up what you're doing. Look after Eda and everyone for me and I hope you find what you're looking for.
Luz: We will. Thank you Raine.
Christa: Please be careful.
Finally Raine went to Matti who had a sad look on her face.
Matti: Raine please don't.
Raine: I have to. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me. If I leave now you'll be safe and no one will suspect you had anything to do with it.
Matti: But...but I just finally told you how I feel.
Raine: I know it's hard, but it has to be done. Hey.
Raine hugged her tight, held cheek and wiped the tears off her eyes.
Raine: I'll be okay I promise. When this is over, then I would love to settle down with you.
Matti's eye's widened and smiled at them and shared another kiss.
Matti: I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes. I love you.
Raine: I love you too.
Raine turns to Hipporit.
Raine: Okay, I'm ready.
They finally let go and Raine goes with Hipporit.
Hipporit: They will be safe under my watch. I give you my word.
With that they both leave. Matti stood there, trying to keep herself from crying.
Eda: Hey, don't worry about them. They'll be fine.
Lilith: I promise they're in good hands.
Matti: I know it's just. I'll miss them.
Eda: I know. We all will.
Meanwhile
We cut Babalou flying and landing back to the area where he buried his treasure. But he looked badly hurt. He was limping and groaning, armor and body suit were damaged and face was cut up with blood coming from his mouth and his missing hand now bandaged.
Babalou: I... I was so close. I can't stay. I must leave now.
Babalou used what little magic he had now to dig out the two bags of gold.
Babalou: Will there never be a day that is marked for victory? Will I...I have to suffer at the hands of Raine Whispers? Tell me! When will it end?!
Selene: I could arrange that for you.
Babalou turned and saw Selene and Shadam walking to him.
Babalou: Selene what are you doing here?
Selene: Found you at last Babalou. You've really caused us a lot of trouble.
Babalou: What are you going to do? Kill me?
Selene: Why not. After all I'll finally even it out with the others.
Babalou: What? So it was you. You killed Scourge and Karasniper.
Selene: You really disappointed me Babalou. The Terrible Trio isn't as terrible as they make themselves out to be. Although Karasniper was the most useful out of you three, I wouldn't be able to get what I needed for my new special brew had he not got eaten on the Island of Monsters.
Babalou: So...so you just used us for your dirty work! You won't get away with this. I will avenge my friends!
Babalou formed a spell circle and formed his hand into his spear hand.
Babalou: You're not taking me...you're not taking...
But then Shadam appeared from behind and stabbed Babalou through the back with his arm blade. Babalou grunted from the stab as he began to wheeze and coughed out blood.
Shadam: We not here to take you. Just kill you.
Shadam retracted his arm blade as Babalou fell to the ground dead, putting an end to the Terrible Trio. Shadam picked up the two bags of gold and the body and approached Selene.
Selene: I had him.
Shadam: I know, but I'm anxious to go back. I can see the Captain has Raine Whispers.
Selene: Is that so? Finally. Emperor Belos will be please with both assignments done.
Shadam: ( nods) Yes.
Meanwhile
We cut back to Hipporit with Raine now tied up in a magic bind.
Hipporit: Sorry to tie you up. But I must make this believable
Raine: It's fine. Are you really a double agent? You were once head witch of the Emperor's Coven.
Hipporit: I was, but during my time I always questioned Emperor Belos's ideals. I've tried digging into it as much as possible but I keep coming into a dead end and or I could have gotten farther but couldn't due to my position.
Raine: Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Hipporit: You're not. But I've heard a lot about you Raine. You did fine, but you can do better. I've been looking for you because we could use your help.
Raine: We?
Hipporit: A few friends of yours also are helping. I can help you get access to certain areas in the castle and secret information. Your friends are still in the comformatorium, I can get them out. But the only downside is that I will have to place you under Terra Snapdragon's care and knowing her she will drug you.
Raine: Don't worry. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that she won't control me and I am a good actor.
Hipporit: Even so be careful around her and Selene. She likes to snoop around and know everything that's going on.
Raine: Right. So what now?
Hipporit: I have an idea on how we can find out Belo's true plan, but I need your help to make the spell.
Raine: Sure but what is it?
Hipporit: We're going inside Belos's mind.
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. At long last I'm at this point. I'm sure most of you are tired of all the filler I've been putting out and that Luz and Christa have been put to the side. But I wanted to do this to give other characters a chance to shine and also had to do this because next chapter is a special one and once I get to that, that's when I really have to continue the story and expand the lore, though I did expand some here. But I'm super, super excited for the next chapter and judging from the last line you probably have an idea what it is. I'd like to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this chapter, well this whole arc as a whole. If you liked this chapter, be sure to follow, favorite and review. As always thank you and until next time.