Demons

Jessica remained in a love sick stupor for the next week. It finally took Frisky scratching her arm in a playful fashion to bring her back down to earth. Her pet had been worrying about the teen's strange new mood. But Jessica felt that she was ok. It wasn't like they had found any new missions yet. Even in the Rumor Capital of Jolly Roger or the Sin City that was Little Twister, the leads had all gone bone dry.

Finally, they had been summoned to the Ark of Destiny over a small incident. A beast had gotten into one of their old digging sites and they needed a group of Drifters to exterminate them. Apparently, Lamium's usual contacts were unavailable, and the messenger saw the four as a strong team of Drifters.

So that was how Jessica found herself trudging through the monotonous plains of the Gunner's Heaven Continent. The dig site was south of the arena itself and said to have been home to artifacts from the ancient war. Apparently, they were used to combat Demons and other threats to Filgaia from long ago. Both Lyla and Jessica were sure that the underground ruin was either Dorian or Baskarian.

"After all," the young Defender stated, "It's only about a millennium old. The Elw had left for their own dimension long before that. So out of all the people that live on Filgaia, only those two races would have any advanced weapons. Like, what was the name of that old Royal Gem of Adlehyde Jessica?"

"Nobody remembers; not even the Royal Family themselves. Virginia would only know as much as any Drifter who has heard the rumors about an ancient treasure used by an ancient heroine. Even if she is a princess. You'd have to have someone ask the Guardians for a reminder," Jessica replied to her.

Vincent added, "Besides, it's not really that important to know the name. If we found some gem of great power, we'd only need to know how it worked. Names aren't as important as the use you get out of a machine or spell. So let's not worry too much. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky when we arrive."

S...S

Inside the long, dark halls, the team found it hard to move. In order to get by, they would have to walk in a straight line with one following after the one before him or her. Jessica went first as the leader. Lyla followed shortly after with Vincent behind her and holding her hand. Poor Laura had to go last since she was so big. Even with that strategy, the older woman nearly got stuck in some of the tighter areas.

Finally, they came to a large room packed with treasure. Jessica pocketed a Teleport Orb and an Exodus Orb. She should have asked her mom to borrow the ones that she kept in her room. But like with the cash, the young priestess forgot about it. With all of the artifacts here, nobody would miss them.

Lyla looked at her friends. "Then this is a Dorian hideaway. After the Kingdom of Adlehyde was burnt to the ground in the war, its survivors created these orbs to hide away for later use. Many lay in ruins that held the treasures and Demon Slaying Weapons left behind by the Ancient Sorcerers. But a few were kept by the people to use in daily life. Jessica, do some Dorian families own a pair of the orbs?"

"Of course they do," Jessica quipped back, "My mom has some that I should have borrowed from the start of this mission. Aunt Ekatrina left some in her Dorian house so her brother-in-law wouldn't catch Virginia playing with something strange and throw them away. She could always go get them later. I did hear that her husband actually found a Teleport Orb during a survey for his work, but I could be wrong."

At that moment, they heard a low growl. In came a full grown Silver Tiger. Frisky began hissing with all her might; the two races were deadly enemies. Unlike the gentle demeanor of Jessica's pet, the Silver Tigers were known for their ferocity and would kill anyone they saw. And right now, the beast only saw four young Drifters and one of the hated Golden Tigers. It let out another growl to intimidate her.

"Of course, this would just be our luck. This thing looks like it means business," Laura muttered. She loaded another set of rounds into her Rifle, and fired. It hit the beast right in the chest; slowing it down significantly. Vincent shot out both of the back legs in hopes of keeping it from pouncing. The two girls followed up with a pair of fire spells; Cremate for Lyla and Hi-Flame for Jessica. The beast began to cry out in pain. Then, what appeared to be a ferocious monster fell to the floor and died with relative ease.

Jessica yelled, "Where was the challenge? A Silver Tiger should put up more of a fight than that. I'm going to have to box mom's ears in. She was always telling me that they were one of the most vicious beasts on the face of the planet that were not of boss caliber. What in the world happened to this one?"

A sadistic voice chuckled. "It is because that this is not really a Silver Tiger. Long ago I studied one alongside my colleagues. So I knew how to simulate its appearance and scent for this little trick. I intended to keep any would-be Demon Slayers away from this hidden cache of supplies and weapons. Especially Werner's little brat and her three friends. After all, I can't let them find the power to defeat us." At that moment, the area in front of them became a bright circle of light. When it cleared, they saw what appeared to be Leehalt standing before them. However, he had changed his appearance once again.

Although his skin was still blue, his hair still long and black, and his clothing unchanged, there were significant differences to the former scientist. His eyes were no longer human; they were purely yellow in color. Besides that, a pair of long horns were sprouting from his head. Lyla shrieked at the very sight of him. Jessica shuddered in fear. Both could feel the tremendous power building inside the man.

"So I have got your attention," Leehalt chuckled, "You are foolish youths to have come here. If you too will stand in the way of my plans, then I will have to kill you." He began to charge up an Eliminate Scanner spell to destroy the four. A wicked glint began to show in his eyes; at last he would be victorious.

"Not if I have something to say about it. And if you are trying to hurt my sister in any way, I will have no choice but to stop you!" Vincent yelled. He ran in front of the others as if he were shielding them. Suddenly, the unexpected happened. A barrier of pure energy came out and blocked the attack. It was the same type that was created by a Shaman manipulating the powers of Earth. But he never learned how to do that because he was kidnapped. So how had Vincent invoked such a barrier to block Leehalt?

Leehalt screamed, "You little whelp! If you think that your power is strong enough to defeat me, then come at me with all your might. This time, I'm going to destroy you. You outlived your use to me once your mother passed away. Now, I will destroy both you and your sister and end your father's line."

Teefa's Last Words...

My original idea was to get in, kill a beast, get out, and then jump to another important storyline piece. However, we did get sidetracked by this. So there's gonna be a fight with Leehalt next chapter and some important information given.