Beginning: Victoria

Chapter 23

Not much remains of the Perion area where the blast had taken place. The walls that were once an off white stone were now mostly black with ash. Zenith does not carry much hope in finding Sira alive but continues heading towards the heart of the ruined battle field. He wonders if the man still lingers. The thought makes him stop, gesturing the others to do the same.

"Valencia, Jaimus," says Zenith.

Both are surprised at the warm tone in the assassin's voice when he said their names.

"It's about Sira," he says.

They look at him intrigued and listen to his every word carefully as he tells them about her dragon spirit and the assassin's job to eliminate those who possess such powers.

"You have got to be kidding me," says Jaimus wondering if Zenith had fallen on his head and is not thinking straight.

"I kid you not," says Zenith.

"So what," says Valencia appalled. "You want to find Sira to kill her?"

Zenith thought for a moment.

"I want to help her," he says.

"How?" asks Jaimus.

"That's why I wanted to talk to you before we continued," answers Zenith. "If something should happen to me I would hope one or the both of you would help her."

"How?" asks Valencia.

"Get her as far away from here as possible," says Zenith. "Take her to Ossyria."

"Ossyria?" asks Valencia. "Are you mad? We can't go to Ossyria."

"It's what Dark Lord told me to do," says Zenith. "He said there would be a ship in Ellinia."

"I don't..." went to say Jaimus.

"Let's go," says Zenith leaping away.

Not even five minutes after pursuing their course, they hear an explosion and stop.

"The residential area," says Jaimus.

The four teammates run towards the sound and stop on a small ledge overlooking the homes in shambles. They immediately see two people fighting below. They are stricken with fear as they behold the man from the forest, but even more surprised to see Sira fighting him.

They stare down at a strange blue glow that takes form from time to time around Sira. It occasionally flickers into what looks like wings. Zenith knows that it's the powers of a Dragon Knight and that Sira is using it unknowingly, dangerously.

Sira jumps back avoiding the man's white light attack once again. Her movements are automatic, she doesn't even think before she acts. She doesn't seem to have control over her body. All that flows in her mind is the hate that has consumed her for his man. Hate, anger, despair are what drives her. She goes to dodge his attack once again, but he is too fast. He disappears before her eyes and before she has time to realize it, he is behind her with his arm around her neck. He picks up a random sword on the ground and drives it through her shoulder, pinning her. Sira yells out in pain, but the pain only lasts an instant and is gone. She can feel the blade slide against the inside of her shoulder as she struggles. The man leans next to her and holds out his hand. A white circle surrounded by four spinning pebbles form in the palm of his hand. She watches as the pebbles come together forming a large ball of light. She can feel a warm wind on her face and what feels like there is a hand on her throat chocking her. She goes to struggle, but the man is knocked to the side. Her eyes search the area and see four figures in the distances. She squints to see, but doesn't recognize the fighters. They are dressed in lavish clothes unlike any she has ever seen. One of them attacks and multiple small explosions form in the area where the man is on the ground.

Jaimus, Zenith and Valencia stop a few feet away from Sira stunned at the appearance of the fighters attacking the dark man. They watch him fight back and as his white light makes contact with the attacks of the four newcomers the ground begins to shake. Such power... Where did they come from? Zenith can tell that one is using a bow and another magic. At the front charging the dark man head on is someone wielding a sword and another not far behind seems to have in his hand a strange dagger. They are fighters, but unlike any he had ever seen. Zenith feels Valencia grab his shoulder and they go to Sira's aid. Zenith had seen it before, but Valencia and Jaimus are stunned at the spear girl's red eyes. Valencia looks at her wounds and doesn't understand how she is still conscious.

The cleric goes to help Sira up as Zenith pulls the sword out of her shoulder. Sira immediately pushes Valencia away.

"Don't touch me," she yells getting to her feet and stumbling backwards.

All Sira can think about is the man. She stares at the three people and find their faces vaguely familiar.

"Sira come on, snap out of it" says Zenith, trying to look passed her, past his fears. "We have to go."

He goes to take her arm, but she picks up the sword that was in her shoulder and goes to run towards the battle. She can think of nothing else, but watching him die against the cold blade she now holds. Zenith jumps forward and stops her by grabbing both her arms. She struggles and Zenith has a hard time holding her still.

"Good work," says a voice from behind Zenith.

Zenith turns his head to see his sensei, Rem. The ground shakes once again and his attention shifts to the battle. The heat of the flames used by the mage can be felt even at this distance.

"Now Zenith," says Rem coming towards them. "Hand over the girl and let me do my job."