Klyde and company watched in shock as the strange old man cackled, his form twisting and changing into one of a heavily armored elf. His angular face had a sinister look about it, and his eyes narrowed.
"I am Astos, you fools! And you have brought the crown to me! It's magic power shall be mine!"
A small glow surrounded the crown as Astos began drawing upon its energy. His form grew bigger and bigger, and an aura of strength wrapped itself around him. The once powerful crown crumbled into ashes as its last drop of energy was depleted. Lee's eyes shot open in anguish. The crown!… Now there is no chance for the prince!
Astos grinned, forming a ball of magick in his hands. It writhed and pulsated, as if it had a life of its own. "Prepare to die, insects! Rub!" As he spoke the name of the spell, the magickal ball shot forward, electricity crackling around it as it raced toward the heroes.
James's eyes shot open in fear as the ball quickly arced toward him, too fast to dodge. The attack slammed into his chest, sending sparks of magick in every direction. The monk fell to his knees as he felt the life force drain out of him. With the last of his strength, he muttered, "Damn…" as he collapsed to the ground.
"James!" A fire lit up in Klyde's eyes as he turned towards Astos. "You bastard!" Klyde dove forward, his only intent on destroying the dark elf.
Amber watched him go in surprise. Since when did Klyde care about James?…She turned toward the fallen black belt, gathering the energy for a cure spell in her hands. Maybe we bit off a bit more than we could chew this time…
The rush of battle finally snapped Lee out of his shock. He hadn't known James very well, but he understood the pain of losing someone. "I won't let you hurt anyone else, Astos!" He cried, drawing his rapier and lunging toward the villain.
Astos grinned as he watched the fighter and blue mage approach. "And what do you two think you can do?"
Klyde closed his eyes, focusing his will on the Aeolus. The hilt began to shine as the gem within it unleashed its magick. The blade of the Aeolus lit up, its edge being enhanced with the power of wind.
"Aero blade!" The fighter yelled, coming down on the evil elf. Where the sword struck, there was a vacuum effect, causing further damage with the power from the gem. Klyde wasted no time pressing his advantage, swinging his weapon with a ferocity and speed hitherto unseen in the fighter.
Lee stopped his charge, realizing Klyde needed little physical support. Instead he readied his magick, calling forth a fire spell. With a crimson flash, the ethereal flame barreled into Astos' chest, knocking the dark elf back. Klyde didn't let up for a second, bringing the Aeolus around for another strike, hitting right where the fireball had stuck. The combined power of might and magick prevailed, and Astos' armor split.
The dark elf shrugged off the remaining pieces, cracking his neck and grinning. "Congratulations. You have used all of your might, and you managed to defeat merely my armor. Now, it is my turn."
With a movement too fast for the eyes, Astos shot forward, pure energy forming in his hands. A lightning quick punch drove itself into Klyde's stomach, cracking his armor and knocking the breath out of him. The fighter stood his ground, however, focusing his will and steeling his body for another round.
From behind him, he heard Amber cry out. "The cure spell isn't working! He isn't waking up!"
A guttural growl came up out of Klyde's throat as his eyes narrowed. His Aeolus came up, cutting through Astos' midsection like butter. The dark elf winced at the pain, but continued his attack, slamming his fists into Klyde over and over again. Just as Klyde's body began to give, Lee's voice rang out.
"Cure!" A healing light washed over Klyde, revitalizing him to his max. As he jumped back into the melee, Lee began chanting another spell, weaving a shield of protection around the enraged fighter. The protect spell cushioned the blows of Astos' punches, and Klyde pressed his attack without any hindrance. He backed the dark elf against a wall, readying himself for a finishing blow.
"Aero!" He cried out, a small tornado sucking up the villain.
Lee jumped forward, dumping his own power into the attack. "Fire!" The tornado became engulfed with flames, disintegrating the evil Astos. His last cries of pain eventually faded away with the burning tornado, and a small crystal fell away. All that could be heard was the sound of it hitting the ground.
The heroes stood in the Elfland infirmary, James unconscious on a bunk. He had not moved since the battle with Astos, Klyde having to carry him the entire trip back. The fighter's eyes were red around the edges, and he had in his hands the crystal that had fallen from Astos' body as he was quietly examining it. It was the smoothest gem he had ever seen, and on one side, there was a depiction of a pupil. Staring at the crystal was slightly off-putting, as it felt like the crystal was staring at you back.
Amber stepped back from James' bed and gave Klyde a small smile. "It will be a little while, but James will eventually wake up. He just needs some rest."
Klyde let out a sigh of relief and nodded. "Awesome."
The white mage walked over to him and took the crystal from his hands. "What is this thing, anyway?"
Klyde shrugged. He had been wondering the same thing himself. "I don't know. But it looks kind of like an eye. I think I'm gonna bring it to Matoya. Maybe she knows what it is."
Amber nodded. "Maybe by the time we get back, James will be awake."
They both turned toward Lee, who had been quiet the whole trip back. "Are you gonna come with us?"
Lee shook his head, giving his new companions a soft smile. "I don't think so. I am deeply indebted to the three of you, but my mission is not over. I must find another way to save the prince."
Klyde nodded. "Well, good luck with that." Lee nodded, excusing himself from the room.
Amber turned back to Klyde, stifling a short yawn. "I think it's time to hit the sack. We'll head towards Matoya's cave tomorrow. You should get some sleep too."
Klyde nodded, but as she left the room, Klyde sat down in a chair beside James' bed. "This was my fault. I should have been able to stop that attack…" He shook his head as he leaned back in the chair, slowly drifting off to sleep. "I'm sorry…"
From outside the room, Amber smiled at no one in general. So, the big idiot does have some consideration…
The next morning was a bright one, the sun beating down on the grass. Klyde rubbed his eyes, trying to get used to the oppressive light. Amber rolled her eyes at him. "You act like you've never seen the sun before."
"I wish I hadn't," Klyde said, hanging his head as they made their way toward the dock where their ship was harbored.
"Amber!" A female voice rang out from behind them, and they turned around to find Teresse running up to them.
Amber smiled, giving her formed mentor a small bow. Teresse shook her head, giving the white mage a powerful hug. "Lee told me about what happened. You saved his life. You have my sincere thanks."
Klyde rubbed the back of his neck and grinned. "So where is Lee?"
"He went off early this morning."
Amber sighed. "Back to looking for a cure already?"
Teresse's face split into a big smile. "No, he left to find his brother. Nothing will make me happier than to see both of them here again. I heard you two were leaving?"
Amber nodded.
"Well, I wish you both the best of luck. And don't worry about your friend. He will receive the best care possible until you return."
The two adventurers smiled, waving goodbye as they headed towards their ship.
Several hours later found them on the water, waves breaking against the hull. Klyde stood on the bow, striking a heroic pose as they sailed off into the distance. Amber's curses could be heard from the other side of the deck, however, as she struggled with the ropes of the sails.
"You could help me, you moron!"
AN- Yes, an extremely short chapter. I am aware. Basically I just wanted to do the fight with Astos, and it did not take up as much space as I thought it would. Hopefully the next chapter will prove longer. We shall see. Until next time, folks!