Chapter 44

Phryne was pissed. The toad like woman, even if she wouldn't call herself that, snarled as she adjusted her armor to herself as she walked down the streets. No, rather she was radiating so much anger the rain around her seemed to turn into steam as she stomped her way through the streets. She was having such a great time as well! Some cute little toys she got to break in, some quality alone time and then suddenly the alarm was ringing! She faintly recalled, as the booze started to lose its effect on her, that Ishtar ranted about how they were about to be investigated and that they needed to be careful, even increasing the patrols in the district. Naturally she didn't care. She was a woman of beauty, she had no time to wander around like a guard dog if there were hotties to claim!

With a growl, she looked towards the warehouse where the plant monsters were. She wasn't a fan of them, as they were utterly useless against anyone worth their salt. But distractions were distractions and as confident she was in her own perfection, getting caught with them was bad news. She picked up the pace, gripping her twin axes in her hands as she pushed past the panicking fools after hearing all the commotion. She licked her lips, hoping at least that someone hot was picking a fight with them. Oh, maybe it was the Braver! But before she could take another step, her ears twitched, picking up noise between the raindrops. She came to a stop when something crashed down right in front of her. The dust disappeared quickly, revealing the intruder, causing veins to pop out of Phryne's skin.

"No step further, evildoer!" Alise Lovell exclaimed, raising her sword at her while pointing at the sky, posing with a laugh. "Your acts of tyranny and chaos will no longer be permitted! The Scarlet Harnel is here to bring you to justice!"

She knew it. In her gut, she knew it, faintly recalling what the Thanatos Familia planned with Loki. A growl escaped her as she raised her axes. If it wasn't the Loki Familia, it was the different brand of ugly sluts. The so called allies of justice, Astraea Familia!

"Get outta my way, you ugly bitch!"

The massive woman spun at Alise, who stumbled a bit, sniffing dramatically before leaping back as the ground was crushed in her stead.

"That's rude!" She pointed at her ears, a grin forming on her face. "I'm not even a wolf girl!"

Snarling, Phryne became a vortex of destruction. She didn't care for what came into her way. Streets, buildings, they all got destroyed in her wake. A part of her was confused where the people went, but she was too angry, growing more and more frustrated as that bitch simply deflected her attacks non stop. She didn't even seem that fazed!

"You may not get it, but a beauty like me has appointments to keep! So move your disgusting face out before I smash it in!" She roared, causing the red head to sigh. Then with a violent front kick, Phryne was sent flying backwards, bouncing off walls before crashing on the ground. She grunted, feeling the dent in her armor before cracking her neck, jumping back up into action. Level difference or not, she was just as tough as she expected herself to be. Still, getting kicked by a level six, when she was only level five herself, stung like a bitch. Alise shook her head with a frown, tapping her shoulder with her sword.

"Look, I'm a fan of self confidence as the next person, but no need to put others down!" She raised her thumb with a grin. "Just let your beauty do the talking, how about that?"

This is why she hated the Scarlet Harnel. Always acting like such a nice girl, tricking men and overlooking her ugliness! Well, Phryne wasn't such a fool! Still, she couldn't help but smirk as well. There was no way their fight went unnoticed... yet the trademark arrows were not flying towards her. Which meant that Starfall wasn't around, or else he would be sniping down everyone like animals, just like he did seven years ago as the unrelenting killing machine he was. Oh, the memories. That cold look of a hunter. She still dreamed of taking that hottie for herself! Shaking her head, she reached into her pockets. Well, if the archer wasn't around to babysit his ugly ducklings, who was she to complain?!

Pulling out the round pills, she relished the way Alise's eyes went wide. She extended her hand forward, as if wanting to stop her.

"Wait, don't!"

But it was too late. She downed the pills, several of them, down her mouth before she could reach her. Gulping down the bitter mess, she immediately picked up her axes again and smashed them down, taking advantage of her weakness. Alise actually grit her teeth, holding her blade up as she was forced to kneel. Phryne let out an ugly laugh, feeling energy surge in her body as her muscles and skin began to bulge and grow.

"Or what? Scared?" Her voice grew distorted as the good stuff did its magic. Alise roared, pushing her away before holding her sword up in a defensive manner.

"These things can kill people!"

"What, you think I don't know that?!" The captain of the Ishtar Familia scoffed before rushing at her again, forcing Alise on the backfoot. "Of course the scrubs would die to it!" Laughing like a maniac, she felt her blood boil. "But not me! I get the real goooood stuff, just as intended for a beauty like me!"

This was the greatest high! Not even the famous Scarlet Harnel could keep up! She didn't even have time to use magic, instead having this weird, constipated look on her face!

In her high, Phryne would not realize until afterwards that Alise didn't want to kill her and merely wanted to catch her, thus holding back. But the main reason was to keep her occupied, which she did perfectly. Still, the worry was present, the boost in performance indeed being above what she had heard from Lyra. Who made these drugs then, was the question that plagued her mind as she tried to lead Phryne away from the spots in the district still in the middle of evacuation.

/

Kaguya dropped the two Belbera down, causing them to yelp at the rough treatment. But the woman didn't care as she promptly disappeared, leaving Solaris behind who yelled something at her. Kaguya bit her thumb, not exactly in the mood for talking. The rain made her kimono extra sticky and the fact they had to move over to plan B was extra annoying. She didn't even pay attention to any of the prostitutes and the like she glared away to the evacuation zone. Instead her mind was burning with what happened. Ryuu was skilled at stealth, no matter what Kaguya herself claimed in public. The elf gave Lyra and her a run for their money. Therefore, if she could rival the Pallum mastering the art of trickery and the offspring of the Gojouno clan, that meant that whatever faults Bell might have had could have been compensated for. Yet she was caught anyway, despite the fact their opponent was Ishtar.

Ishtar. She was about as threatening as any other whore. Basically not very much. Kaguya grit her teeth. Which led her to the conclusion that a third party was involved. The remnants of Evilus. The Night Queen. Whoever else was crawling around in the shadows. Part of her regretted that they didn't allow Ryuu to go on her rampage five years ago. But then she just had to remember that expression she had before they talked her out of it. That look of pure hatred and fury. Kaguya sighed and shook her head. No, even if they had to deal with this now, it was better than losing the elf forever. Her musings stopped when she spotted something from the corner of her eyes. Stopping on the rooftops, clicking her tongue at the Violas emerging and subsequently being shot down by Arash, if they weren't burned to death, she looked back at what caught her eye.

Haruhime, groaning in pain, as her arm was locked behind her back, held by an all too familiar amazon. The fact that the amazon didn't radiate any killing intent whatsoever, instead just dry amusement, was the only reason her head wasn't flying by Kaguya's blade yet. Not to mention the fact that she knew the prostitute. Or rather the executive.

Aisha Belka, one of the Belbera of Ishtar. The level three Antianeira. Surprisingly 'cool' for someone employed by Ishtar. Crass and perverted as hell, but what amazon wasn't? Heck, she had more self control than Kaguya would expect from someone of her station. Her ears easily picked up the words despite the rain, nodding slowly with a deep frown.

"Advice for you, honey, stick to something that suits you more." Haruhime let out a pathetic excuse for a growl before wincing when Aisha pushed the arm with a smack of her lips. "You Renard are more magic inclined, why try to be a half assed warrior?"

As much as the situation was inappropriate to think those thoughts, Kaguya had to agree with the whore. Haruhime had skill. A lot more than she could imagine. Lord Hachiman truly beat his martial art into her. But that's all he did. Beat it into her. If the heart was lacking, it didn't matter how skilled one was. It was a nice motivation, to meet up with her savior and to repay him but that didn't matter in the end. Kaguya was correct in her first assessment. Sakamoto Haruhime didn't belong here. In this city where the greatest evil lurked in the shadows. That there were more men out there, the same kind that tried to kidnap her. If her heart was ruled by fear, if her mind was paralzyed by hesitation, it didn't matter if she was the greatest martial artist in the world. It was a fact that Kaguya didn't have the heart to say out loud. It wasn't her familia. It wasn't her responsibility. More importantly, it wasn't her right to tell Haruhime to her face that she wasted her time, putting in all that effort into training and coming here. Kaguya grit her teeth as anger filled her heart. What was the god thinking, putting false hope into her?

She was shaken out of her musings when a second Belbera arrived, dagger in hand. She blinked in surprise before an ugly smirk spread on her face, walking with purposeful steps towards the subdued Haruhime, her dagger twirling in her hand.

"Big sis! Hold her down, I finish her off!"

Aisha's eyes widened. Kaguya felt immense bloodlust towards the fool that raised her arm in the air.

"Wait, do-"

The words of warning from Aisha came too late. The instance the hand was high enough, it was immediately pierced. The amazon slammed against the wall, an agonizing scream escaping her as she clutched her wrist, each movement aggravating the hole that was now in her palm, held in place by the blood filled arrow. Kagua felt a cold satisfaction at the cries of the nameless idiot. Arash delivered just as always. Aisha clicked her tongue in annoyance, having risen immediately with her hands behind her head. The abrupt lack of weight on her back caused Haruhime to blink in confusion.

"Damn it, I told you girls to take it easy or just surrender!"

The only response she received was pathetic sobbing. Kaguya took that opportunity to jump down. Haruhime's eyes widened and to what little credit she had, the girl shot up immediately. Yet Senbonzakura had no mercy, glaring the renard down with a snarl.

"That was horrible."

"I-I'm-"

"Don't be sorry, be better." She shot a look at Aisha, who gulped and took a step back. A small grin appeared on her face before she put her neutral expression back on. "Escort them out, the earlier this place is empty the better. Arash is going to protect you."

"W-what about you?"

Kaguya opened her mouth to respond, when the air and ground shook, as if thunder roared, despite the fact there was none whatsoever. Her head snapped towards the direction it came from, after Haruhime clutched her ears and shivered in fear. She couldn't exactly fault the former heir however. The martial pressure she was feeling. The amount of arrows Arash let loose, even though he had to focus on other areas as well. It only confirmed that someone else was here. Without saying another word, she drew her two blades and jumped on top of the rooftops, following the flying arrows and the increasing sounds of metal clashing against wood. Soon enough, time slowed down as she took in the view.

Her first instinct was wondering what the hell the Braver was doing. No one else could push Ryuu back this much, causing her to bleed from her arms, her outfit torn at several spots. No one else could unleash so many stabs with the spear as if they were the rain that dropped down on them, forcing the elf on the backfoot. Who else could fight like that, while deflecting Arash's arrows? Kaguya was already dashing down. Reality caught up with her. This couldn't be the Braver, despite the small body and the skill with a spear. Finn was somewhere else and the aura she felt was different. She had no idea in what way, but it felt different, as if she wasn't facing a mortal being. Not to mention their styles differed. Finn would take advantage of his own size, using acrobatics and the difference in height to confuse enemies as he whittled them down. This one fought like a mighty knight. Unyielding in their stance. Not caring that they were small, as if challenging the world itself to contradict their decision. It could almost be called basics, taken to the extreme. Spear in two hands, a step forward, one stab, repeated in rapid succession at high speeds.

Ryuu leaned her head to the right, avoiding the spear barely as it cut her cheek a bit. The elf growled and dashed forward. In that instance, the spear wielder pulled the weapon back. A meaningless move in normal circumstances. The spear couldn't catch up with Ryuu, much less overtake her and be back in the position to stab. But the unknown assailant didn't desire to stab. The spear she held, shining gold with its silver blade, began to change. The silver tip began to stretch out to the side, the branch becoming as long as Ryuu's neck. Kaguya's eyes widened before narrowing in determination. She slammed her two swords down, between the hook that was about to decapitate her friend and Ryuu herself. Steel against steel, sparks were created. Ryuu tensed up in shock but didn't lose this opportunity. Several strikes, at several vitals. Unfortunately, the spear wielder let go of their weapon, instead focusing on swiftly dodging the blows. Turning her body, leaning back, always retreating with swift steps, before a final dash created some distance between them. With a snap of their wrist, the spear that Kaguya slammed down suddenly disappeared only to reappear in their hand once more. Ryuu, out of breath, held up her wooden sword once more, with Kaguya standing to her side. The elf glanced at her before wiping her cheek with a frown.

"Kaguya, wha-"

"Her weapon changed," Kaguya answered swiftly. She had no idea what kind of weapon could pull that off. It was unfathomable. How much Mystery, or skill, was required to make an item that could change forms? Slowly they began to circle around their opponent, who backed off, pushing their body against the wall, their spear aiming between the space of the two. As their feet slowly slid over the wet ground, Kaguya noted that Arash stopped shooting into their direction. She smirked a bit. So much confidence in her, huh? The amusement faded as she looked at Ryuu with a nod.

"What's the situation, Lion?"

"Basics of an infantry spearman, taken to its limits. Solid footing, focus on precision piercing attacks. Level six or seven." The Royal Gale licked her lips, before wincing a bit as some of her wounds opened up."I lean towards the latter."

An image flashed in her mind. The silver haired woman that almost killed the entire Astraea Familia, back when they were whole. She shook her head with a growl.

"Worst luck ever... "

"Not only that... " Ryuu glanced back at their opponent. "I feel no will from them."

"No will?" Kaguya asked quietly. Then she realized that their opponent didn't say a single word. Not only that their body seemed... stiff. Ryuu nodded in confirmation, exhaling slowly.

"It's like fighting a puppet."

They didn't signal each other. Merely synching up their breath, the two women moved at once. Ryuu aimed for the head with a stab, while Kaguya lowered herself, swinging sideways to cut either the legs or the stomach. To most eyes, they would be only a blur. Yet their opponent had no such issues. They jumped up, stomping on one katana. Then the two warriors of justice were stopped, their eyes widening.

Daggers. One dagger for each blade she wasn't currently standing on. Kaguya, from her position, had a glimpse of what was underneath that hood. All she saw was a knight's helmet, causing her to click her tongue in irritation. The next instance, they created a dome around them, where rain could not touch them. It took at most seconds, but for fighters of their caliber, it felt like ages.

No matter how much they timed their attacks. As they forced their enemy to move away from the wall, the two of them could pick up speed properly. Ryuu, as she ran, grew stronger and stronger, a magic circle appearing around her as she moved. With each strike Kaguya executed, her blows became more swift and powerful. But the two of them grit their teeth in frustration. They couldn't land a proper hit. Not because their opponent was overwhelmingly more powerful than them. No, it was because their enemy kept ruining the rhythm they were trying to build up, something that reminded Kaguya of Lyra's fight with the unknown back in Melen.

Their enemy wasn't that good with the weapons that weren't the spear. Which was only relative, as it still felt like they were fighting against a top class adventurer instead of a master like Finn. Daggers for more speed to parry. A shield when there was an opening, pushing them back but not doing any major damage. A ridiculously sharp longsword that almost took her head if Ryuu didn't kick her away. When more distance was created, they had to weave between a whip, creating a devastating storm. Still, as annoying as it was, their arms and legs didn't stop. They weren't losing. At best, this was a stalemate. No, Kaguya thought, they were pushing their enemy. Not as much as she liked to, but despite the disguise, her ears picked up the sound of heavy breathing. Kaguya smirked before sheathing her blades, stopping right in front of them. Exhaling, she looked up, trying to find confusion but found none. Ha. Puppet indeed.

"Five Arts of the Draw."

A slash to the side with her right. An upwards slash with her left. A cross. And then at last, a cross with her blades in a reverse grip. The combo she learned from her cursed bloodline. Empowered by her skill, she felt her bloodlust lace her blades, as they at last cut into flesh. Yet the wounds were shallow, causing Kaguya to click her tongue in annoyance. Then her eyes widened as she retreated as well. Why were the wounds closing while radiating magic power? For a moment she thought this was another hybrid, but they didn't literally lose magical energy into the air. Before she could ask herself further, she shook her head in annoyance, getting out of the blast zone. For the first time, she could see the golden eyes in the helmet widen before they raised their arms. But it was too late.

"Luminous Wind!"

The explosive power was unleashed by Ryuu. The devastating wind destroyed the buildings as it engulfed their opponent. The two women breathed heavily, staring at the ruined district they created. With a scoff, Kaguya glanced at her companion, shaking her head.

"That's going on your tab."

"If you fought better, I wouldn't have to-"

Their snark stopped instantly. Their heads snapped towards the settling dust, the rain making it disappear swiftly. They immediately jumped back, their instincts screaming at them they were about to die. Clutching their weapons with all their might, they stared at the figure, that suddenly exploded with energy, dispelling dust and rain at the same time. Kaguya immediately burned the image into her mind. The cloak was gone. The helmet was cracked. Because of that, they could now see the woman they were fighting. Golden eyes, simmering with something despite their dullness, covered by long, wet blonde hair that stuck out of the opening they created. A knight, that was the only word she could come up with. Gauntlets, a combat skirt covering her legs. Kaguya knew that figure, but she couldn't place it. Raising her spear, the enemy Pallum exhaled slowly as the energy around her grew and grew.

"Feni-"

The words radiated power itself. It wasn't magic, but something more. Something deeper. But what it was, they would never know, as the sound of destruction shook the air itself. Ryuu and Kaguya snapped their heads to the side, only to see a massive thing bulldoze through the buildings. A distorted excuse of a bull, its eyes like roses, roared as it destroyed the district, shimmering in a golden glow for some reason. The two immediately began to retreat, with Kaguya noting with irritation that the Pallum knight seemingly disappeared the moment the monster was unleashed. Then she spotted something else and her eyes widened. A woman like figure, attached to the bull's head, swaying her body as if she was drunk. Information flooded her mind, as she recalled the White Fool and the Braver.

"A Demi Spirit?!"

/

"Nobody can defeat me now!"

The goddess Ishtar usually was more graceful than this. But considering her 'kingdom' was being attacked, by the pesky Astraea Familia to boot, one could excuse her for the ugly visage she held as she roared with laughter. Her vice captain, Tammuz, silently stood guard, witnessing his goddess dance around as the bull chased after the Royal Gale and Senbonzakura.

"That's what you get! Fear my Gugalanna!"

A beast gifted to her by Evilus, or whatever they were calling themselves now. An offering meant to be her ace against that dastardly Freya and her King. With this mighty monster, that caused even two level six adventurers to flee for their lives, it performed even better than expected! Not only that, Ishtar recognized the golden shine, her face splitting into a smirk. As expected, support from the Night Company! She didn't realize one of their executors was around in her district, but since they revealed an infiltration attempt, they could be forgiven. Ishtar was loath to act this soon, revealing the Violas she started to gather for herself, but improvisation was the mother of all successes.

"Go, my divine bull! Take them out!"

Senbonzakura and Royal Gale suddenly moved, cutting at her monster. But just as expected, their faces of shock were wonderful, as it was their weapons that were chipped by the strong monster. Gugalanna looked down, tilting its head with curiosity before giggling playfully.

"Hm~? Ah, do you want to pla-"

One instance. That was all it took to rip out any joy Ishtar felt at the sight. One moment, the monster seemed playful. The next, its head snapped up, muttering some words as magic covered it. The next moment, the massive bull's body was flung back, as if an invisible force slammed into it. The beast tumbled, roaring in agony, as its body laid sideways. Ishtar couldn't comprehend the sight. Then a growl escaped her as she looked up at the sky.

Astraea Familia was likened to the stars in the sky. Each light in the night represented the fire of justice, guiding the people down below. Currently, the lights in the sky shimmered even through the rain clouds... and pierced through them.

The beast rose, the wound embedded in it healing up already. But the fact it was wounded, having been pierced so deeply, made all sort of playfulness disappear. Before it could stand up however, another invisible force slammed into it. And another and another. Soon enough, the Demi Spirit had enough and promptly caught something in its hand, eyeing the now visible arrow in its hand.

Then it exploded, causing it to scream.

Sometimes, the stars had to come down to deliver justice. And there was no other but him that suited that task. There was no other that could rival Ottar, the King. There was nothing else that could describe his arrows as they soared through the sky and hit the sinners, the struggling, the enemies, the beasts. One arrow was shot, unlike the others, landing on top of a rooftop. Quickly followed by it, as if connected by a rope, the man arrived. Gone was the easy going smile. Gone was the warmth he radiated. Even Ishtar, a goddess of heaven, shivered at the sight.

This wasn't Arash Kamangir. This was the Starfall, the one that mercilessly shot down anything that opposed him. This was nothing more than a cold killing machine drawing the string of his bow. The hand disappeared. In the next instance something else slammed into the bull. By now, it was bleeding profusely. Yet with a target now visible, the rage the Demi Spirit felt could now be directed. With a stomp on the ground, the buildings were utterly shattered. But that was a mistake. All the debris in the air only gave Arash more platforms. Silently, he jumped between the destroyed stone and wood. Silently, he kept shooting arrows, may they be made of his own magical energy or may they be from his quiver. Raw magic in form of arrows rained down. Special arrows, unleashing lightning, fire and ice, forced the bull back. The Starfall wasn't visible to her eyes, but surely he jumped around in the air as if he was flying. The Demi Spirit could do nothing more but cross its arm, trying to raise barrier after barrier to defend itself. Yet every time, the barrier would break and reveal weakness. Only instinct saved the monster from having its monster crystal pierced, something the archer seemed to aim for. After what felt like an eternity, the bull suddenly roared. The debris was forced down to the ground, as if gravity increased. Arash as well landed on his legs, his eyes wide in surprise. Looking up, he saw the bull charge at him with full power, covered in pure lightning. The sight caused Ishtar to cackle at the sight.

"You fool, you are in Gugalanna's range!"

Grabbing his bow, he treated it like a melee weapon. He exhaled as he stepped forward, only earning mockery in Ishtar's mind. Arash was known as the archer. Not an archer, the definite archer in the world. Unlike Ottar, who she would give some credit by at least giving him a chance in a frontal attack, Arash didn't receive that benefit of the doubt. It was foolish. A small man against a massive beast, powerful enough to make even level six adventurers retreat. Bow met the charging horns. What was meant to happen was the bow losing, breaking, before the Starfall would be flung through the air or would be crushed.

However.

The unyielding force was stopped. One moment, the ground shook with each step, the air itself becoming a furious storm with its approach. The next moment, the Demi Spirit actually gaped as its horns were forced to a halt.

"Huh?" Ishtar let out, not believing the sight.

Arash, with his muscles bulging, gritted his teeth, as his bow withstood the force. Not only that, the horns the beast had began to crack. Even as electricity ran through his entire body, he didn't even flinch, raising his eyes with a determined look as if he wasn't even bothered by the magic. With a roar, Arash finished his swing and knocked it off balance. Before it could recover, Arash closed the distance with ease. What followed next could only be described as "slapped around". Blows that created shockwaves, Arash threw them one after another, left to the right, right to the left. The bull body seemed dazed, blood spilling everywhere while the spirit body had no idea what to do.

Suddenly, he lowered his weapon before swinging it up with full force. Ishtar's eyes bulged at the sight, witnessing the massive creature being flung into the air, above the buildings that were left. But the Starfall was not done yet. Right beneath it, he drew his bow. He aimed up. Then with a calm exhale of breath, he let loose. The ground underneath him gave in, creating a crater from the force. That arrow of magic then smashed into the monster. The sheer force propelled the bull up into the sky with ease. Then more arrows flew, each creating a noise so loud, one would believe divine thunder landed on the ground. Ishtar fell back on her bottom, shakingly pointing at the sight in disbelief while Tammuz tried to get her back up again.

It was only a natural reaction. For the first time, people saw those kinds of shots. The kind that could easily devastate armies like the Nine Hell's magic. That could ruin entire cities in a couple minutes. It hit home for all that were witnessing this that Arash, the Starfall, usually held back. Because if he always shot those arrows, then seven years ago, there would have been no city left to save from the powerful Evilus of old.

With one last arrow, the Demi Spirit screamed in agony, as it was torn apart by the army destroying arrows, soon enough becoming nothing more than smithereens. The world was silent. The rain had stopped, having been forced away with each shot. Suddenly, she felt someone pull her up. Her trusted follower shook her shoulders before drawing his sword and pointing at something.

"Milady, we need to escape! Follow me!"

Escape. That was right. She lost her kingdom. This empire she built up. With a growl, she bit her lips. She didn't want to leave. But in the end, common sense won out. This wasn't over yet. But for now, she heeded her child's words. They had to go to Knossos as fast as possible, she thought as she played with the key in her pocket.

"Tch. Fine. Lead the way, Tammuz-"

"Where do you think you're going?!"

The two snapped their head towards the stairs, eyes wide. Right there, a gasping excuse of an adventurer held two bloodied black blades at them. With piercing red eyes, the white haired boy seemed to glow, with the sound of ringing bells following him. Ishtar growled as Tammuz stepped forward with a defiant glare.

Why was the White Fool here?!