The Battle of Geffenia
Episode Five
Playing with Fire
Part I-Phlogiston
"My dream is to protect my friends. Call it ridiculous, or even laugh if you want. Either way it is my dream, and it will come true. You… will… not… take… another… friend… I promise."
"Peace will come after the flame runs out of oil."-said Seiai.
"Telling the future again?"-asked Chass. Seiai's answer was a light laugh.
"Three days have passed…"-said Winshley-"I see no enemies but I still feel uncomfortable in this place. And the sun is burning me."
"How is Plushe?"-asked Levitas.
"She is recovering."-Said Blue timidly-"It is truly a miracle to survive such a hit."
"We should leave this place."-added Gabriel.
"Leave? The city is ruined and they did not stop."-said Lenan.
"What are you trying to say?"-asked Gabriel.
"They are after someone, and that person is here."-replied Cecil getting to the same conclusion as Lenan.
Suddenly, a familiar falcon appeared in the sky. It began flying around creating a strange pattern only known to hunters. Aqua's face spoke for him. He did not smile. He began running around the field placing traps below the rotten corpses and behind those rocks that were still lucky to be intact.
"How many are they?"-asked Cecil.
"Like hundreds, and many different monsters and humans. Hurry, think about something. Or else this will be our last sunrise."-said Aqua placing the last of his traps in place.
"Alright, this will be our formation."-Said Chass touching his stomach wound-"We will form a line in front of Plushe. Aqua and I will protect her, since she is unable to fight. Berry should stand between the line and us. The rest of you will execute the line. The center will be occupied by Cecil and Zel, which will provide direct support to Aqua and I. beside Zel; Lenan, Gabriel, and Levitas will stand. Mirage, Mist, and Winshley will fight beside Cecil. The wizards must stand at the endpoints. Do you have any objections?"
"I will stand beside Plushe."-said her father with a frightening glare.
"No, the reason I place you at the endpoint is because I need you to clear any threat trying to flank us, just like Winshley will."-Replied the Colonel-"And one last thing: Do not advance."
"What? Why?"-asked Winshley.
"To prevent a gap in the formation."-answered Mist.
Chass looked at everyone questioning himself if this meaningless force should be able to get out of this trial alive. Abruptly, the front lines of the incoming legion began to charge. The pawns fell straight for it. Explosions scattered their ranks; fear did not control them, but hesitation was in their faces.
"Eat those Claymores."-yelled Aqua.
The remaining warriors did not stop. No fireworks dominated their determination. But their determination did not overcome the Shockwave, Sandman, Flasher, and Freezing traps. A Laurell Weinder became frosted, unfortunately. The assassin's insanity was triggered in a matter of seconds. He moved towards the mage like death chasing a tasteful soul; but he stopped suddenly contemplating his pray's face. The enemies were approaching in a fast pace but he did not care.
"What should I do?-thought sinisterly-Should I disintegrate him with Meteor Assault? Maybe a slow stab right between the eyes? Oh yeah, tradition is the best. Feel it!
The distance between the ice and him was as long as his sword Haedonggum. He moved back one step while his eyes turned purple. They became big while he laughed out loud swinging his sword. Soul Destroyer: a grotesque finale, courtesy of Mirage. He cleaned his sword using the mage's coat and held his ground eager for another brave or perhaps stupid victim. Winshley performed Fire Walls and Meteor Storms, preventing flank attacks. LenanKuras opened up a poison bottle and began drenching one of his new Cutluses. He threw the bottle to Gabriel and spotted his first opponent. It was Agav, and it moved towards him aggressively; swinging its rusted knife. Lenan dodged several attacks; he found the right opening and without much effort he slashed Agav's chest open. Quickly, LenanKuras formed a light purple energy around his Cutlus and grabbed Agav by its neck. Agav scratched his arm, tearing the flesh, bleeding. Lenan did not pay attention to the bleeding and executed the skill.
"Meteor Assault!!"-whispered Lenan slashing Agav in half and everyone who was in range trying to help it.
Three blades appeared from Gabriel's venomous Jurs. The idea of being surrounded by four Gryphons just increased his courage. Powered by the deadly poison and supported by his speed, his weapons turned silver-white.
"Sonic…Blow!!"-he said delivering two hits to each bird, enough to end their pathetic existence.
Cecil jumped on Zel's wide shoulders and leaped into the air. He waved his Halberd and pointed it towards a chosen Hodremlin which leaded a pack of Gremlins.
"Brandish Spear!!"-he yelled piercing the head and sending a blast towards the pack. The blast destroyed the Hodremlin's body leaving only the head intact which he removed by swinging his weapon. Zel threw his shield and he stopped it in mid-air creating four clones. A fiery Ferus advanced stomping on its own allies. Zel's Shield Chain rapidly smashed the dragon preventing it from getting close. Arrow Shower and Sharpshoot played a decisive role for the outnumbered soldiers. In more than an hour, the monsters were drastically eliminated; but it was just the beginning.
Suddenly, an ardent flame appeared before the eyes of the twelve heroes. The air was warming up.
"What is that?"-asked Blue.
The flame slowly took the appearance of an athletic man. His arms were crossed. He stared at everyone seriously. Without warning, he pointed at Mist and Blue with his fingers and smiled while he began his spell. Mist and Blue were paralyzed.
"I can not move."-Thought Mist-"What kind of magic is this?"
All of the sudden, Blue and him disappeared together with the genie.
"Oh, this is great! This is unbelievable! Our only unharmed healer is no more! What do we frigging do now, uh?-said Gabriel.
"We continue with the same plan."-Said Chass-"Like it or not… we need to fight; besides, Zelgadis and I can heal… not as effective but its better than nothing.
"Was that If…?"-asked Winshley.
"Yes, that was him…"-said Lenan.
"I doubt about Mist's chance of winning then."-said Winshley.
Lenan stared at Winshley while smiling. His smile intrigued the young High Wizard causing him to ask "Why?"
"Have you ever heard the name Loki?"-asked Lenan.
"Yes, Loki was the deadliest Assassin Cross; somehow he disappeared. That's all I've heard since you assassins like to keep things… secret."
"Right, he was the deadliest. Let me cut to the chase: Blood Mist is the only survivor out of all of Loki's students."-Said Lenan-"Do not worry too much about him. With the help of our shy girl, he will find a solution."
"Or flee, like you guys always do…"-added Levitas.
"Yes, that is our talent."-said Mirage smiling.
Winshley was surprised; and he was not the only one. But that was not important at the moment. A group of nine was closing in.
A red-haired Ninja, named Kaijin moved slowly carrying in one hand the four elemental stones between his fingers, and a shadow orb in the other. On his back, a Fuuma Shuriken Daisharin deflected the sunrays. His dark clothes matched his eyes.
ACreator wielding a Windhawk stood beside the ninja whistling, his name was Joseph Rubedo. Blond hair, green eyes, white and green clothes; he was the ladies man and a salesman. His cart was filled with bottles.
Behind him, a dancer and a minstrel, Danielle and Phillipe Bontecou sang and danced happily as if they were in Comodo; as if no blood was ever spilled in this damn place. He played his Bass guitar while she danced gracefully with her Queen's Whip.
Arthur Ashford, an infamous Professor, glared at Levitas with hatred while touching his white hair. Although this old man wielded a wand, he is one of the most wanted criminals.
Lester and Lily Chan, a Star Gladiator and his Taekwon daughter held their arms crossed and stared arrogantly at the Paladins. The tomboyish looking girl watched her father read his Hardcover Book while he stood on his free hand.
There was a Champion in their rank. Weldon Leister was his name. He dashed through the field with his light green clothes. He usually fights bare handed but he became excited when he spotted Gabriel that he decided to wear his Electric Fist.
The sound of shots filled Aqua's ears. Yes, it was a gunslinger, Roger Gibson; brown clothes, hat, and a Long Barrel. He seemed drunk. Maybe he was trying to make the sniper underestimate him.
All of them, seemed eager… eager to kill, or maybe to die...
. . . . .
Lava, smoke, heat… the volcanic rocks boiled. The assassin removed his coat revealing his black and grey uniform. A deadly aura embraced him. He looked at Blue who was holding her mace shivering. It was not because of him, but the numerous Imps who surrounded them. His presence was so overflowing that it kept the little flares in a defensive stand… trembling.
Mist's Loki's Nail was sharp-edged; his poison was baneful. He glared emotionless at the fire djinn, ignoring his little minions.
"Welcome to Thor's Volcano."-said Ifrit with a fake smile.
All of the sudden Mist rushed towards Ifrit slicing him aggressively. Ifrit's flaming arms blocked every single attack. Mist fell back a little agitated and sweating. He looked at Blue which was hiding behind a pillar.
"I really need you help."-said Mist.
"O… Ok."-She said-"Agility Up!! Blessing!! Angelus!! Gloria!! Impositio Manus!! Magnificat!! Assumptio!!
Mist took out a bottle with a green liquid in it.
"Awakening Potion?"-Asked Ifrit.-"Removing the limit of your attack speed, uh? Very well, you will not get close to me. Meteor STORM!!"
Mist remained silent while he dodged most of the fiery rocks. He was hit several times. He could handle the pain, but not the injuries.
"Heal!! Heal!! Sanctuary!!"
"Thanks, buff yourself too."-Said Mist.-"I don't want him to target you."
Berry looked at him, somewhat scared, but confident at the same time. She obeyed him and supported him. Mist moved far away and began casting a Soul Destroyer.
"Not so brilliant, for being Loki's student."-Said Ifrit-"Pneuma!!"
"This is not good… Berry, follow me!"-He yelled-"I've got a plan, but I need you to make it work."
"How am I going to help?"-asked Berry scared while approaching.
"I need your Basilica to get close to him. It will protect us from his Meteor Storm"
Berry quickly began praying in Latin holding three different gemstones.
"Basilica!!"
"Let's get moving"-said Mist bathing his katars in poison.
He threw the bottle away and began advancing. The genie waited for him with his arms crossed. They advanced slowly, but safely. The heat was unbearable, even for a man who spends his whole life in the desert.
"Mist, this is the last of my energy and gemstones."-said Berry worried.
"We are in front of him."-Said Mist-"Stay inside and I will attack him."
"Amazingly, you do not learn."-Said Ifrit-"I am not your low class enemy. I am one of the eight Generals. Do not underestimate me, Loki's pawn!! Land Protector!!"
A huge shining carpet filled the boiling ground cancelling Blue's Heavenly protection. Mist smiled, he knew this was even better.
"So, in a situation like this one, he should have something ready to counter."-he thought.
"I will not delay this any longer."-Said Ifrit while escaping from Mist's reach-" Fire Breath!!"
"Oh! Great!"-He thought while carrying Berry under his arm.-"Time to Slide Back."
"And now that you are out of the protector, beware the power of Earthquake!!"
"NO! I …I can not seem to help. Why am I always so scared?"-thought Berry while breaking in tears.
. . . .
"Well… any plans now, Colonel?"-asked Zel.
"No."-He answered in a cruel manner-"They are different classes, we do not have a priest, neither Levitas nor I have fully recovered from our battles, and Mist is gone. We are the most experienced here."
"Then it is up to us, the younger."-said Gabriel.
"Exactly, we will just be supporters, and pray for Plushe to wake up any time soon."-added Chass.
"Let's have fun watching humans fight for their lives."-said Seiai.
Cecil stared at Lenan who hasn't said a word since he saw the party arriving. He noticed that something was not right with the blue-haired assassin.
"Hello there, Lenny."-said Kaijin.
"Do not call me that."-replied Lenan in a low tone.
"Oh! You remember us then! How lovely that is!"-said the ninja sarcastically.
"It is surprising how our paths meet each other here, in the wrong place."-said Roger.
"Oh, my God! He is such a cutie."-added Danielle giggling.
"You always dreamed about becoming a knight like Callaghan, but you decided to be a filthy thief."-added Rubedo.
"Enough with the reminiscence, I want to kill."-said Mirage interrupting the happy moment.
"Yeah, he is right."-added Lester while performing Hatred on Zel.
"Well, seems that everyone has chosen its toy. Let's play then."-said Kaijin looking at Lenan.
"Let's do this orderly. We will have duels instead of a chaotic war."-said Cecil.
"Hmm… It's the Knight's way."-Said Ashford smiling at Levitas.-"It's a deal."
Cecil walked towards Lenan a bit worried.
"Do you know these guys?"-he asked.
"We were a novice group that joined Nestor Callaghan's guild many years ago."-Answered Lenan.-"Except for the old man. He is Nestor's right hand, and if he was sent here is to make sure we all die."
"Alright, Lenny, you and I go first."-Said Kaijin excited.-"I will show you that Assassination is old-fashioned. Ninja is the new Assassin Cross."
"I have a plan."-Said Mirage with a smile-"Let me kill them all."
"I got a better one."-Added Levitas-"Let them kill him!"
The first duel began. LenanKuras opened up a poison bottle, but this time he drank it all. The venom boiled and froze his blood simultaneously. Then he took out his Authoritive Badge and held it with both hands sending wind gusts upward.
"Movement speed boost?"-asked Zelgadis.
"Assassins who decide to learn the art of Venom Splasher must move faster, due to the disadvantage of the skill: short range."-Said Gabriel-"I have not seen one in action before, but I don't know, all I've seen from this one is making bottles."
Kaijin made the first move: a Shadow Slash right in front of Lenan. His Fuuma was not on his back. He smiles; this is another One-Hit-Kill. The stab was aimed for the head. Suddenly, Lenan disappeared just before the tip touched his nose.
"What?"-thought Kaijin.
"Unbelievable…"-said Gabe-"I can see him but I can't move that fast."
The ninja was still slashing the air when Lenan reappeared behind him with both his Cutluses turning purple. Lenan did not vacillate.
"That will really hurt from that distance, even when it will not as strong as mine."-said Mirage happily.
"Soul Destroyer!!"-he whispered.
The violet wave dragged the ninja across the field, but that was not the end; two more waves followed the first one lifting the dust up. Lenan spotted the Huuma closing in, in a boomerang-like motion. Slide back facilitated him a clean escape, letting the shuriken injure the land.
"Did he finish Kaijin already?-asked Danielle tearfully.
"Na, Darling, Kaijin has many tricks. Remember, he is a ninja."-answered Phillipe.
The dust cloud disappeared revealing the ninja, spitting blood. His palm was touching the ground and green tatami squares surrounded him.
"Reverse Tatami will stop your stupid long ranged crap."-yelled the ninja.
The two killers stared at each other; none moved a muscle. Time passed, it made everyone impatient.
"You will not move, uh?"-Said Lenan-"Right, I will come then."
Lenan rushed towards the ninja who kept himself enclosed cowardly.
"Let's see how you counter this, Envenom!!"-said Lenan.
"You fell for it, boy."-Said Kaijin-"Crimson Fire Formation!!"
Flames surrounded the shinobi, creating a trap that Lenan was not able to escape from.
"Oh, damn!"-Said Cecil-"He got caught."
"Yeah, it is an Area of Effect skill. He can not evade that."-said Gabe.
Lenan came out of the blazing threat with his clothes half burned and smoke coming out of his hair. He coughed while the ninja laughed out loud. Meanwhile, Winshley noticed the creator giving Weldon three blue potions.
"I will do that."-said Weldon.
Kaijin began running towards the burned assassin with his next strike ready. Lenan stood his ground blocking the hit. But something was sneaky.
"Mist Slash?"-Thought Lenan-"Just calm down. Concentrate and wait for him to show his head… and liberate it."
Lenan enchanted his swords with poison and stood in the middle of the field. Patience was a key element. The night began to cover the earth with her dark dress full of stars. Fog was Night's veil.
"It is time for some lights."-Said Winshley-"Sight!!"
Levitas mimicked him lighting the other end of the line. It was a fight between two shadows.
"I can sense his steps but I can not see. Uh? Coldness…"-thought Lenny while holding his blades.
He turned around and spotted the ninja performing hand seals. However, not fast enough.
"Falling Ice P…"
The ninja was interrupted in mid cast. He fell on his knees when both blades impaled his stomach. Kaijin grasped for air but it was too late. The poison ran through his veins rapidly.
"This is it."-Said Lenny-"I am very close to prove that your view on assassination is wrong."
"You were reading me."-said Kaijin.
"Even though you used different abilities, I knew you were more experienced with magic; because it had more power. So your killing strike would always be a magic attack."-replied Lenny.
Suddenly, from Gabe's right side, a green figure dashed with five spheres around his head. His fist had an astounding power. Gabe looked at him surprised, knowing there was no way out of this one.
"What the hell…!"-He thought.
"I am taking your little title!"-Yelled Weldon-"Asura… STRIKE!!"
A loud bang made the ground shake. The champion was sure he punched someone. He had a wide smile, which lost its meaning in a matter of seconds.
"What? Still alive?"-said the champion filled with anger, fleeing while drinking one of the potions.
"How did I survive that?"-thought Gabe.
He noticed a blue beam coming out of his body. He followed the beam with his eyes. Surprisingly, the beam came from Zel; he smiled knowing that his Guard actually nullified the strike. Gabe was not happy about thanking the young paladin.
"What? You know you can't dodge that one."-said Zel.
"Watch out, we got a team versus team situation."-Said Cecil-"Gabe, follow the champion."
"No problem."-said Gabe.
Lenan immediately grabbed Kaijin while forming a light purple orb with his other hand. Kaijin was sweating.
"Have you seen, out of any of the assassins you killed, someone using Venom Splasher? I am sure Nestor talked you about my poison skills, but he never mentioned this."-Said Lenan-"I never showed him. I knew he was reading me like a book when I fought him."
"You should have been a knight."-said Kaijin.
"He said the same shit."-replied Lenan still filled with anger.
Lenan pushed the orb inside the ninja's belly and with indifference he said:
"Your life was just shortened to only…a… few… seconds."
"Freaking bastard…"-cursed the shinobi.
"But, I will not only kill you."-Added the assassin-"I will deal enough damage to your friends so mine can crash yours."
"Oh! really?"-Asked the ninja laughing-"How are YOU going to do that?"
Lenan grabbed Kaijin's head and began spinning; he aimed at his so called "friends" and hurled the shinobi towards them. Kaijin hit the ground several inches away from his crew. They were in panic when they saw how badly injured he was. Kaijin's last words were: Run. It was a little too late. The bomb exploded sending them flying to all directions. Weldon looked toward the origin of the purple light. He knew his friend were in that spot.
"What the…!"-He thought-"Callaghan never told us that bastard was a frigging terrorist!"
Anger began to build inside. He started collecting spheres when he sensed a shadow lurking. He turned around while charging his Fury.
"Come out, face me!"-he yelled. He recognized who was his follower.-"Oh, It's you."
"Yes, I have come to repay you for that Asura Strike of yours."