The Demon Lord, Haruko-Chapter Twenty- Nine
Virginia blinked a few times, attempting to readjust her vision. Her surroundings were dark, and she could not see or hear Gallows.
She stood up slowly, glancing around. However, her attention was caught by a small light which seemed to point down on her.
Clive stopped completely once he took notice of Jet's condition. However, he had no time to speculate as the beast had taken notice of him, and was already attempting to attack.
He was caught completely off guard as the tail swapped him against the wall, onto a small patch of floor, which did not become flooded.
The beast began to prepare for its finishing move while Clive awaited his end. It was strange though, he felt more relieved then he expected. At the very least, he was able to say goodbye to his friends and family.
However, a sudden thought struck Clive for a moment. The beast, separated, had seemed fearful of fire; perhaps they had retained that weakness.
He quickly held out his hand. Suddenly, a spiral of fire enveloped the beast, scorching it.
It screeched in what seemed as pain, allowing Clive to rest somewhat.
However, the room began to tremble violently as a burst of light shot out of the water.
Virginia slowly walked through the barren hallway of darkness. It seemed as if time stopped completely. However, Virginia stopped suddenly, swearing she heard a faint noise.
"What was that?" she muttered as another rustling was heard.
Suddenly, Virginia began to hover, noticing a strain on her throat and abdomen.
The faint light grew brighter, illuminating the large tree- like being. Two vines were fastened around Virginia's neck and waist, while its roots were sticking out from the ground at random locations. Its vines were entangled with the roots, and its canopy blocked out the natural light, which flowed out from the stairwell.
Virginia glanced up to notice the vines were holding the stairwell together and it seemed they were clustered around it entirely.
Virginia noticed a small bed of water around the tree's body. It seemed to be its source of energy.
Virginia grasped the vine around her neck. It was much too tight for her to remove, and it seemed she was drawing closer to the entity.
"Oh man, it's going to eat me!" she thought as the mass of greenery shifted, revealing a gaping hole of some kind, which seemed to be somewhat a mouth.
Virginia loosened her hands and attempted to grasp her pistols. However, she could not, as her arms seemed held back.
She fought with all of her strength to push her arms, but the attempt was futile, as Virginia stared into the darkness of the hole.
Clive watched in awe as the pillar of light widened and tore the water.
The beast suddenly collapsed, a large black fist bursting through it. The figure rose from the water completely, wide horns and black fists standing out in the background.
Ovius approached Clive quickly, roaring in delight with new prey.
Clive closed his eyes as Ovius rose its right fist.
"Todd!"
Ovius turned abruptly as Clive opened his eyes in surprise.
Jet wiped away blood from his lip as he took a short breath.
"Todd, stop this! I know you're under there!"
"This is our last chance. If my voice can reach him, we might be able to stop this," Jet thought as Ovius roared in somewhat pain as it grasped its head.
Jet approached cautiously, his eyes studying the figure as it rose.
"Todd, control it..."
Suddenly, Ovius sprung up, smashing its left fist in Jet's stomach. The blow sent him crashing to the floor, but he it was not strong enough to disable him completely.
Jet rebounded back and sprinted at Ovius as Clive stood.
The being knocked Jet back down, and attempted to kill him, however, Clive grasped its arm and stopped the attack as Jet looked up in surprise.
Ovius roared once more as it swung its left fist at Clive's abdomen, a blade growing from it.
Jet watched in horror as blood spilled upon the floor. Clive placed his hand on the wound near his upper right- hand stomach.
He fell to his knees as Ovius backed away, seemingly aware of its actions.
The armor began to crack and burn, leaving Todd at his knees in pain.
Jet slowly stood up, walking over to Clive with urgency.
"Clive, can you stand up? It's okay," Jet consoled as Clive slowly looked up at him. "I'm... just fine..."
Clive suddenly fell unconscious, causing Jet to quickly catch him.
Todd watched in horror as he stood up, a few tears falling from his eyes.
"Mr. Jet?"
Jet glanced at him. "Please... shoot me. I shouldn't be allowed to live," Todd stammered.
Jet glanced back at Clive for a moment, and then back at Todd. "It wasn't your fault. What? Do you just expect me to kill you?!"
Todd fell back to sitting on the ground, his eyes still locked with Jet's.
"Yes, I do."