The Battle of Geffenia
Episode 7
Full Moon
"Branches, Dead and Bloody, masterpieces of destruction, the power to annihilate mankind... and that power is mine..."
"Why didn't you stop him?"-asked Zel.
"He must have his revenge."-Answered Mist-"Both his friend and mentor were killed by the same man."
"I really regret letting him go."-said Gabe.
"It was the best choice. Either way, he was going to go."-Added Mist-"As I said, it was best for us to just let him go before he exploded one of us to make the rest understand why he must go."
"I would have stopped him."-said Mirage.
"Yeah, right."-Said Aqua-"Last time I checked, he kicked your butt."
"That match was not even serious."-Said Mirage-"I always stayed in close range. In a serious battle, I keep my distance."
"Ok, stop, you two."-Said Cecil-"Time to rest. Whoever needs to stay awake, please do so...?"
Meanwhile, at the woods...
"This should be a good place... far away from everyone."-thought Lenan.
Suddenly, Seiai appeared before the assassin.
"Sorry about Chass."-he said with an emotionless face.
"Who are you?"-asked Lenan.
"I am Seiai, the guardian."-he answered.
"The spirit that was inside Chass..."-added Lenan.
Lenan enchanted his Cutlus with poison and moved towards the closest tree. He slashed the tree once. After some time, the slashed area began to turn purple; and a weird glyph began to form itself. The assassin moved away several yards. He glared at the tree like it was Callaghan himself. And with the closing of his fist, he exploded the tree into pieces.
"Now they will know where I am..."-he said.
"Do not worry; I cast a barrier around the area."-Said Seiai-"No one will notice you."
"Why are you doing this?"-asked Lenan.
"He was my friend, too. And you need someone to protect you from sudden ambushes"-answered the guardian.-"It is an order from Jman. You must not die... yet."
Lenan looked at the pale looking guardian and understood the message.
"Tell me a bit about your mentor."-said Seiai.
"My mentor... he died trying to defeat Callaghan... he... executed this skill. But even though it covered a huge area... Callaghan managed to run away from his range."-said Lenan.
"So basically, your mentor committed suicide..."-said Seiai.
"This happened because I am always lazy."-said Lenan.
"Do not blame yourself; he was the one who followed Callaghan."
. . . .
Only the full moon illuminated the dark land. Silent and carnivorous animals surrounded the camp. Gabe opened his eyes alerted by his instincts.
"Mist."-he whispered.
"Yes, it is coming right towards us."-said Mist.
"I smell steak."-added Mirage.
"Should we wake the others?"-asked Gabe.
"They will when we began attacking."-answered Mist.
"I love playing the role of prey."-thought Mirage.
One of the mammals approached Mirage. The closer it got, the more it drooled. The smell of the assassin made it out of control. The beast showed its fangs. Quickly as lightning, Mirage cut the monster's mouth in half, with a Soul Destroyer. Right after it, Mist and Gabe slashed the incoming monsters who tried to bite them.
"What in the Hel is going on?"-asked Cecil.
"We are under attack."-said Gabe.
"Weren't you supposed to be awake?"-asked Cecil.
"Yeah but things happen."-answered the assassin.
"How many are they?"-asked Zel.
"Give us some light, Winshley."-said Mist.
The wizard immediately illuminated the surroundings with his "Sight". Surprised were never so hated. They were ambushed by hundreds of Roweens. Steel claws and fangs, growls, and snarls...they filled the air.
"Any...strategy in mind?"-asked Winshley.
"We can not repeat what we did last time..."-said Mist.
"Ice Walls"-said Cecil.
"What?"-asked Aqua.
"Ice Walls, we can hold them down with Ice Walls."-he repeated.
"But I will not be able to cover ourselves so quick."-said Winshley.
"We will help you."-Said Zel.-"The assassins can work very well since these monsters do not detect invisibility."
"You can close the walls with us outside."-said Mist.
"Alright."-said the wizard.
The gang was frozen. The slightest movement would make the beasts attack them. A single sweat drop ran through Mirage's cheek.
"Are you nervous, Mirage?"-asked Aqua.
"No, I am excited."-he answered.
"Now! Everyone, duck!"-Yelled the wizard.-"Sighttrasher!!"
The heat wave pushed the monsters back enough distance to gain the advantage. Mist and Gabe dashed towards the menace, but at different directions. Winshley began forming the wall high enough to prevent the Roweens from jumping over it. Both Mist and Gabe hid themselves underground, and prepared themselves for their next move. They clapped their hands together releasing a shockwave strong enough to push the minerals and metals buried underground back outside.
"Grimtooth!!"-they whispered.
Mirage slashed every threat that approached from the west, supporting Winshley. The walls were almost connected to each other, except for the last side. Cecil kept the monsters from entering, and was soon helped by Mirage.
"Come on, Winshley, close this side."-yelled Cecil.
"If I do, you either die outside or they enter here. And it will not be a dozen or so."-said the wizard.
"Just close it!"-yelled Zel running towards the opening.
He stood between the knight and the assassin. In front of him, the biggest pack ever seen growled; ready to devour his steel armor if it was the only way. He pinned his shield in front of him, and backed up a couple of feet and saying:
"Stay out of the cross... Grand Cross!!"
Winshley continued casting the frozen walls, closing them together. Zel's shield was abandoned outside.
"Now it is time to reinforce them..."-said Zel.
Winshley continued casting Ice Walls all around the party. They will hold until his energy is depleted.
"Mist, Gabe, are
you alright?"-asked Zel.
The sound of
metal ripping off skin was an affirmative answer. Aqua reached the
top of the wall with a single jump. He used his falcon since he was
out of arrows, but he began crafting them. The bird's swiftness made
it impossible to even scratch it.
"Having fun there, elf?"-Said Mirage jumping beside the sniper.-"Soul Destroyer!!"
"You really love to compete... uh?"-asked Aqua.
"Yes, yes, do not take it personal."-he answered.
A couple of hours passed, the Roweens still surrounded the ice fortress. They kept themselves outside of Grimtooth's range.
"These creatures are smart."-thought Mist.
Mirage jumped to the opposite wall which was being chewed on.
"Well, well, seems that these are having frosties."-he thought.
He released several purple waves killing many. The night was half young when the enemies were reduced to almost nothing.
"Aqua, how is it going?"-asked Zel.
"Very close to victory."-he answered.
Suddenly, the remaining beasts began to howl at unison. Aqua and Mirage descended down.
"That's interesting."-thought Mirage.
A hunch told Zel to move Chass's body away from the middle of the frozen fortress. But he forgot to bring the Strong Shield. All of the sudden, Mist was hurled inside.
"Whoa, what happened?"-asked Cecil.
"Something big just grabbed me from my hiding by force... some kind of wolf."-answered Mist.
"A wolf?"-asked Zel.
The unknown enemy began to smash the wall.
"Should I reinforce them?"-asked Winshley.
"No, let us see what that thing is."-answered the paladin.
Zel's reckless answered worried Winshley.
"Hide behind that wall and away from the cracking area."-he whispered.
The banging became louder and louder each second. One last strike smashed the wall revealing a 10-foot dark grey werewolf, wielding a huge sword in one hand, and Zel's shield in the other.
"That's mine."-said Zel.
"Then take what is yours."-said the werewolf launching it towards the paladin.
Zel chose to block the hit, crossing his arms. He was sent to the opposite wall cracking it on impact. The wolf entered slowly, making the ground shake with each stomp. Everyone stood behind him. They all knew it could be dangerous if he knew they were there. Mist covered Blue's mouth muting any whimper that could set free by mistake. An intimidating howl pierced their hearts.
(Battle Theme: Breaking the Habit-Linkin Park)
"Now, die!"-yelled the beast charging towards the leader.
The paladin moved out of the way in time, letting the wolf smash it. His body smashed it in half. Gabe revealed his head, trying to see if the Roweens were killed. His head turned around on its own, sensing loud stomps approaching hastily.
"Oh no…"-he thought hiding his head before the beast slashed it with his colossal sword.
The assassin jumped out quickly after the threat passed by like a stampede.
"Everyone get out, now!"-yelled Zel.
Everyone evacuated what remained of the crystallized fortress, killing whatever prevented their retreat. Zel turned around noticing that Cecil was the only one who still stayed behind. The knight did not move, like something told him that he must face the monster.
"Cecil!"-Yelled the paladin while carefully dropping Chass's body-"Get out of there!"
The knight seemed deaf or simply ignored him. The beast jumped in front of Cecil; he looked at the armored knight and began to drool.
"Aren't you going to run away?"-He asked arrogantly-"You don't even blink… Did the fact of thinking about facing me freeze your heart?"
"Cecil of the Twilight Knights never runs away."-answered firmly.
"I am Atroce."-Said the wolf-"And this sword is the last thing you will see in this life."
"We will see about that."-thought Cecil.
Atroce raised his heavy weapon, which did not take long to descend furiously upon Cecil. The sad sound of metals clanging echoed across the field. Magical mirrors, transparent as glass but strong as diamond separated Atroce's blade from Cecil. His eyes looked at Blue who was not far away. She was kneeling, praying… praying for his life.
"Do not stand there… Defend yourself… Attack him… Move… please."-she thought.
He was able to read those words from her eyes.
"Do not interfere."-he said, stopping Gabe from charging at the beast.
"He sounded like Chass…"-thought Aqua.
The knight stood still before the wolf, challenging him, enraging him.
"I will show no mercy."-said Atroce.
"I never expected it to begin with."-Answered Cecil-"Concentration!! Aura Blade!! Endure!!"
Cecil's Halberd turned immaterial-like due to the aura. Atroce slashed and stabbed the protection madly. There was no flinching from Cecil. Kyrie Eleison slowly lost its power. Cecil glared at the beast while he tried to damage him. His Halberd on right hand, and his rare shield in the left one; that's all he had... that's all he needed. The protection was crushed completely; Atroce raised his sword once more, delivering a deadly blow. Cecil made a side step in time, making his enemy miss the blow and pierce the land deeply.
"Pierce!!"-yelled Cecil attacking the wolf thrice.
Cecil continued attacking his enemy non-stop, preventing him from counter-attacking. He pierced every part of the wolf's body, but something was wrong.
"His skin is hard…"-thought Cecil.
"Blessing!! Increase Agility!! Angelus!! Impositio Manus!! Magnificat!!"-whispered Blue.
"What's this?"-Thought Atroce confused-"He was practically tamed moments ago… he is one feisty guy."
. . . .
"I think you can call it a day, Lenan."-Said Seiai-"Too much pressure can break your body."
The blue haired assassin looked at the guardian with a blank face. Seiai could tell when someone had an idea… a good one, by just looking at the face. Lenan immediately opened both bottles he brought and drank them, like a person lost in the desert.
"Now, that's a waste of Deadly Poison."-said Seiai.
"You will understand very soon."-said Lenan leaning his head on a tree.
. . . .
The sun surprised everyone; like Death surprised it victims. At the horizon, a small group of shadows moved towards the party, slow and steady. As they moved closer, it was evident that it was a back up crew destined to help Atroce. Plushe stood up when she recognized a wizard in the crew. It was him, Levitas. A professor and a high priestess followed him. Plushe ran towards her father without thinking about it twice.
"Father!"-She yelled filled with joy-"You are alive!"
The father was not happy to see her… and without hesitation prevented her from getting close.
"Thunder Storm!!"-He yelled-"I remember you, you were that stupid child who sealed me away. But this time, history will not repeat itself!!"
Plushe screamed in pain. She knew then that his father was once again being controlled by one of the most sinister souls in Midgard… the Dark Lord.
"Are you alright?"-asked Zel.
"Yes."-She answered-"We need to save my father quickly."
Mirage remembered the professor's face which was posted in the "Most Wanted" list at the Assassin's Guild; Max Kincade was his name. He was a tall, dark haired, and his blue eyes shined whenever he cast Water spells. He carried with him a Book of Billows, suitable for his magic. His light blue shirt and white pants contained red stains. His Magic Eyes felt like it was trying to hypnotize you. He took the Librarian Gloves out of his pockets and put them on. Sandy Rankin was the priestess that accompanied them. She was expelled from the Rachel Sanctuary after she helped an unholy crusade take control of it. Her pink and smooth hair matched her robe. She held a Bible under her arm. "The Lady with Frigg's Circlet"; that's how she was recognized. Zel was alerted by Mirage's suspicious chatting with Gabe, and reacted immediately.
"So, what's the plan, Mirage?"-he asked.
"We will take care of those."-answered Mirage.
"Do you have any particular reason?"-asked the paladin.
"10 million zeny a head."-answered Mirage.
"Highly dangerous and wanted criminals."-Said Mist-"Do not worry, the old man will be safe."
"No matter how useful you may be… no matter what's happening… you will always be assassins…"-said Zel with disappointment.
"The moment we forget what we are… we simply seize to exist."-said Gabe.
"Mirage, just do don't kill Levitas."-said Zel.
"I will do my best, but I can not guarantee it."-said the assassin smiling.
"I can seal the demon once again; just help me get close to him."-she begged.
"Let's get moving, then."-said Mist.
Zel was not comfortable with the plan, but he had no other choice but to follow it. Mirage and Gabe dashed across the field, threatening their enemies.
"Violent Gale!!"-whispered Max.
"Wind element… how disgusting for a wizard so powerful."-said Dark Lord.
Both assassins became invisible and continued moving right towards the enemy. Max and Sandy stood close to the wizard at all times.
"Ruwach!!"-she whispered.
Mist stopped moving in the middle of the field. Zel and the others stopped after him asking what was wrong. They became confused when Mist turned invisible without any explanation. A slender shadow crawled behind the paladin slowly. A black haired assassin cross tried to kill the captain. Mist revealed himself pointing his Loki's Nails to what it seemed to be a point in space.
"Drop your daggers, Sue Everson."-said Mist.
"I see that you were not distracted at all, Blood Mist."-she said still holding her Desert Twilight and Winds.
Zel turned around surprised. He never imagined his death to be so silently.
"Drop them now!"-Said Mist-"Zel, you better begin protecting them or you will all die. This place stopped being peaceful long time ago."
The paladin began casting his shield protections and devoted his life to his comrades, like he was trained to.
"Well done, wanderer."-Said Sue-"That's what you call yourself nowadays, right? Pathetic."
Mist made the first move trying to slash her. But she disappeared in no time.
"Where did she go?"-asked Aqua.
"Up."-answered Mist looking at the sky.
"You have not lost powers at all."-Said Sue smiling-"You can still track high speed movements. Now dodge this!!"
Sue placed her hands together and began to spin rapidly, descending like a drill. Mist knew this move was aimed at his head and slid back, making the assassin lady bury herself.
"Did she combine hiding with that?"-thought Zel.
Mist ran towards the lady; and with one hand he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her around.
"No more games, Sue."-said Mist.
"Meteor Assault!!"-she yelled hitting him three times.
Mist was pushed back wounded. He seemed surprised from the strength of the blow.
"You seem confused."-Said Sue-"Yes, I, like you, was a member in Loki's ranks. The old rat never wanted me to surpass him."
"That way, he protected himself from snakes like you."-said Mist bleeding from his mouth.
"Heal!!"-said Plushe.
Sue turned around, and charged at the priestess without hesitation. She was immobile, frozen in fear.
"Say good-bye, girl."-whispered Sue.
A yellow aura appeared in front of Plushe.
"Reflect…"-thought Sue stopping her attack-"Not good, time to flee."
She ran away as fast as she could, but she could never disappear from Mist's sight. She tried to break free; but she knew it won't be possible.
"She is going straight to her friends, luring me into a trap…"-thought Mist.
Mirage and Gabe moved in circles around the other three.
"Ruwach!!"-said Sandy.
"They are being cautious…"-thought Gabe.
"I need some water."-said Dark Lord.
Kincade lifted his book and opened it while it floated in midair. Its pages began to flip themselves rapidly; and each page released a water drop.
"Deluge!!"-said the professor.
"Water boosting area…that is a sudden change…suspicious…"-thought Mirage.
"Where… where are they?"-Thought Dark Lord holding his evil smile-"If it wasn't for this flesh, I could be able to see them. But I will find them… I will."
The wizard looked around, searching for the slightest movement. He noticed Sue running towards him, followed by another assassin.
"Storm Gust!!"-he yelled casting his magic between the assassins.
Mist stopped abruptly. The chilling winds were unbearable; the white snow blocked his sight. He waited for the storm to lose its power. A surprised awaited everyone when it cleared: Mirage was frozen… caught out in the storm.
"You are one lucky guy."-said Kincade looking at the wizard.
"Prepare yourself for some sweet pain!!"-Yelled Dark Lord-"Jupi…"
"Sand Attack!!"-said Gabe kicking sand at the wizard's face.
"That was just in time."-thought Mist dashing towards Kincade.
Gabriel slashed the ice, trying to free his comrade. The wizard started casting gusts all around him, like out of control.
"You will all pay!!"-yelled Dark Lord.
"Wait, Gabe."-Said Mist-"Leave him frozen."
Gabe remembered that being frozen actually protected against Storm Gust. The rest of the party moved closer slowly.
"So this is it…four versus six…"-said Kincade-"I will not go easy on you!"
"Let's move closer."-said Zel.
"Now I can see again…"-said Dark Lord-"Storm Gust!!"
Zel and the other couldn't advance. The freezing storm threatened their lives. But there was only one way in.
"Winshley, go and defrost Mirage."-said Mist
The young wizard understood and quickly ran closer to the assassin.
"Fire Wall!!"-he said.
"Plushe, use Basilica."-said Mist
"I have the gems… but I am missing the Holy Water."-she said.
Mist his katars with Deadly Poison, emptying the bottle. He threw it at her and pointed at Mirage, whose feet were covered in water. Mirage moved out of the way and stared at the wizard, licking his Haedonggum. Plushe stood on the water; she closed her eyes and began to pray.
"Aqua Benedicta!!"
"What are they trying to do that?"-Thought Kincade-"Did they forget that my protector can nullify that?"
"Basilica!!"-yelled Plushe.
Everyone stayed close to each other.
"I don't know what the plan is; but it better work, Mist."-said Zel.
"Just attack anyone when I give you the signal."-Said Mist-"Do not use Grand Cross."
"Yeah, I know it will be useless in this situation."-said Zel.
Both sides were tamed by the silence. No one moved, and no one attacked. But one of them quickly lost control.
"What are we waiting for?"-said Sue.
"Come on, let's get moving."-said Sandy.
"They are getting close."-thought Gabe.
"Do… not… move…"-whispered Mist.
Several feet… several feet separated both crews. The professor opened his book, and with all his strength, he yelled the words of his next spell; confident of his victory.
"Land Protector!!"
Basilica's heavenly protection faded away at a mad speed
"Mist?!"-said Plushe.
"Now! Attack!!"-yelled the mysterious man.
"Hold the line!!"-yelled Dark Lord.
It was too late. It did not matter, once Basilica disappeared, Zel moved as fast as he could closer to the professor. He waited for him to remove the protector, granting Zel the pleasure of killing most of them at once. Mist charged at Sue, without even thinking about it. There was no time to blink, because one blink could lead to a fatal wound. Mirage attacked the wizard, who waited for him with a dose of pain.
"Jupitel Thunder!!"-yelled Dark Lord sending the assassin away.
Zel raised his hand while staring at Kincade. Above the professor's head, a white cross took form. He could see it but he could not avoid it. The holy power of God descended without mercy.
"Pressure!!"-said Zel.
"Jupitel Thunder!!"-yelled the wizard aiming at the paladin.
The lighting reached Zel so quick that it did not let him lighten the blow with his shield.
"One more… one more!"-thought Dark Lord searching for his next dummy.
The sound of metal clanging changed his attention. He turned around and he saw Mist and Sue, both highly focused.
"This one is going to be the sweetest…"-thought the wizard revealing his evil smile.
"Mist, watch out!!"-yelled Aqua.
From the corner of his eye, Mist perceived the wizard aiming his next attack at him.
"No, you won't."-he thought.
He immediately grabbed the lady's arm, pulling her towards him. He had to decide between taking a stab, or sustaining the damage from a bolt; he took the stab. He jumped over Sue and landed behind her, leaving her vulnerable to friendly fire. He held her firmly, using her as his shield. She screamed in pain, a pain she never felt before… so intense that she could feel her life hanging by a thread. Mist also received part of the electrocution, causing him lesser burns.
"You see…"-said Mist panting-"It is worse when you get hit by a Jupitel Thunder and your body has no way to move or get pushed back. Farewell."
He grabbed her by her hair and ignored her cries. Out of nowhere, a green man appeared in front of her with shinning blades ready to slice anything. They looked at each other; her eyes said "No", his eyes said "Yes".
"Sonic Blow!!"-whispered Gabe.
Sue Everson's last cry alarmed Kincade who tried to protect the priestess. He witnessed her murder. A fire built up inside him but he knew he had to run away.
"Let's go, we are in trouble."-he said.
Aqua followed them silently as they left the demon alone.
"Quickly, Levitas is alone."-said Zel.
"You will leave me ALONE!!"-Yelled the wizard-"Lord of Vermillion!!"
The huge thunder pierced the clouds like they weren't even there, and released its might.
"In case you already forgot, we are STILL standing on the Land Protector."-said Winshley.
"Stupid professor…"-thought Dark Lord.
Suddenly, a heavily armored warrior appeared wielding his Flamberge.
"Oh no, you will not hit me, low class crusader."-said Dark Lord casting his next spell.
"Lex Divina!!"-Said Plushe muting her father-"I am sorry."
"Bash!!"-Yelled Zel stunning the wizard with the hilt of his sword.-"Now do what you must do."
"Augustus Addictio!!"-she whispered.
"If it wasn't for this weak body, I could have ruled this world."-Said the demon-"That light… all it brings is pain…pain that I caused…Aaaargggh!"
"Run, Sandy!"-yelled Kincade.
"I am!! But how can you run from a sniper?!"-she yelled.
"Arrow Shower!!"-said Aqua aiming at the sky.
"Pneuma!!"-Said Sandy-"This will nullify his attacks."
Aqua smiled; he slowly circled around them followed by his falcon. They glared at them as if they were the only living thing around this world.
"His eyes make me uncomfortable…"-said Kincade-"It feels like he has falcon eyes…"
"What's so funny?"-asked the priestess looking at the sniper.
"You guys are trying to run away, and for more than three minutes, you haven't move one inch."-said Aqua.
"He is right."-said Kincade.
"I KNOW!! But if we move we will get shot!!"-she yelled.
Aqua drew his Main Gauche and sprinted towards his enemies. They began to run once they saw the sniper coming at them with his sharp dagger. A sword-wielding assassin joined the chase, enchanting his Haedonggum with poison.
"You look tired, elf."-said Mirage.
"Not at all, my dear friend; not at all."-he answered smiling.
The assassin hurried, reducing the distance between him and the fleeing cowards.
"Do not get away from me!"-Yelled Kincade-"If we do, we will die!"
"Falcon Assault!!"-whispered Aqua.
His falcon recklessly attacked the lady, scaring her away from the professor.
"Ornithophobia…"-thought Aqua-"That is interesting…"
"Sandy, come back here!!"-Yelled Kincade-"Come b…"
A horrible pain froze his limbs. He was poisoned; a poisoned sword pierced his stomach. He breathed heavily.
"Are you feeling sick now, Max Kincade?"-asked Mirage.
"You… you are a real bastard."-said Kincade smacking his head on the ground.
"Don't cry; it was only one poke."-said Mirage.
Sandy continued running away from the bird that scared her.
"Stop it!!"-she yelled in disgust.
Suddenly, the falcon returned back to its owner.
"Huh?"-Said Sandy-"It stopped attacking me."
A weird noise shifted her attention. A straight line of mordacious spikes approached her at high speed. Each spike was 5 feet tall, and as thin as a sword; making them lethal. She stood there, confused and perplexed, watching as it continued its trajectory. The sound of ripped flesh finalized the attack. Gabe revealed half of his face to confirm the kill. But something was wrong, she was still standing. The spikes began to turn into dust, exposing a wound, a scratch on her left cheek.
"God, she was out of range."-thought Gabe.
He jumped out of the hole, and without wasting time began digging a new one closer to his target. Two arrows pierced the priestess's head from side to side. They were so accurately shot that the second one pierced the first.
"Highly concentrated Double Strafe…"-said Aqua-"Fast and powerful enough to pierce some of the hardest alloys."
"We must go back now."-said Gabe.
Mirage sat beside his victim as he slowly died.
"You know, sometimes I think that I am a bit too cruel."-He said-"Do you agree?"
No answer came from the professor.
"Are you there?"-Asked Mirage-"I guess you died already… And I was talking to myself all this time…"
He stood up, picked up his buckler and ran behind Gabe and Aqua.
"How is Levitas?"-asked Mist.
"He will be unconscious for some hours."-said Plushe.
Meanwhile…
"Come on, knight!"-Yelled Atroce-"Is this all you've got?"
Cecil waved his spear but he accurately pierced wherever he aimed.
"His skin…is hard as rock…"-thought Cecil.
Atroce slashed downward, and from side to side, preventing Cecil from dodging too easily. But his attacks were powerful, and blocking was dangerous. Cecil stabbed the werewolf's chest, causing the head to move forward. It was followed by an upward slash to the jaw. Atroce's neck was left unguarded for a slight moment, and that's all he needed. Quick as lightning, he slashed the neck.
"Left shoulder… left knee… right knee… right shoulder… neck…"-Cecil chose his targets-"Spiral… PIERCE!!"
He quickly pierced the knees and shoulders, leaving the neck for last. A fast thrust was directed towards that point. Suddenly, Atroce's hand grabbed the spear at the last moment, stopping the spear from piercing his neck.
"Lord Knight's famous Spiral Pierce."-Said Atroce-"A difficult to master skill, but once it is mastered, it allows the master to take down heavily armored opponents by mysteriously bypassing their defenses."
The beast howled, and growled while looking at his rival.
"Power Up!!"-said Atroce.
The wolf ripped the spear off Cecil's hand, and threw it as far as he could. Cecil backed up and raised his shield.
"No spearman will exist when the spears disappear."-Said Atroce.-"Aren't you going to check where did it fall?"
"So you can behead me?"-said Cecil.
Atroce charged at the knight who had no other choice but to dodge or block. The beast dragged him around the field, waiting for his strength to fade away. Every smash was too strong; Cecil's feet couldn't prevent the pushing. Blue quietly followed them, praying that Atroce did not notice her. Atroce not only tried to slash the knight, but he punched him whenever it was possible.
"This is not looking good."-thought Cecil.
A reckless slash gave the knight the opportunity to strike back. He quickly moved towards the wolf and closed his fist to deliver the blow.
"Bowling Bash!!"-yelled Cecil.
"Is that all you've got? A poke?"-Asked Atroce-"Don't make me laugh. Bash!!"
He was weakened at last. Atroce grabbed his neck and lifted him with one hand.
"This is your end, Cecil of the Twilight Knights."-said Atroce.
The wolf mercilessly slashed the air which gave no resistance. A loud bang was the only proof of impact. Cecil's rare shield did not let him get cut in half, but the force delivered by the blow was serious. Atroce approached slowly, filled with confidence.
"Very well… you are one mighty opponent."-Said the werewolf take the shield and throwing it away-"But this time, I will kill you, definitely."
"Holy Light!!"-said Blue.
"What is that? A tickle? Do not make me laugh…."-said Atroce.
"If I only had a blue gemstone…"-thought the girl.
She continued casting the same spell on the wolf to the point that it annoyed him. Atroce rushed towards the girl who found some courage to attack him. It was only temporary. She stood there, paralyzed, defenseless. One kick, only one kick was needed to send her flying, hitting and scratching her body with the rocks.
"I will kill you first, girl."-said the wolf.
A howl alerted the rest who waited for Levitas to regain consciousness.
"Let's move."-Said Zel-"Mirage, you carry Levitas."
"Why me?"-He asked-"Why don't you do it?"
"Do you want to carry Chass?"-asked Zel.
"Damn old man…"-whispered the assassin dragging him.
"Am I dead?"-thought Cecil.
With the last of his strength, he reopened his eyes. He saw his Halberd resting a couple of feet. He crawled slowly towards it; and with its help he stood up. He saw the wolf walking away, but why? Then he noted that the wolf was heading towards Blue. She seemed dead… Cecil's chest exploded with ire. A frenzied war cry turned Atroce around. He was surprised, the knight still lived. Cecil's Halberd glowed red. He pierced the ground with all his power. The spear began to dematerialize itself into particles the moment it touched the land. The particles began to slowly scatter themselves around the field. Each one turned into a different spear once it touched the ground.
. . . .
A loud noise followed by a slight tremor woke Lenan up, who jumped with a sword in hand.
"Calm down."-Said Seiai-"It is just a spear."
Lenan looked at the light blue trident with the red gem that radiated a warm, glowing light of pure holiness.
"It is called Brionac."-Said Seiai-"It is a very rare spear. Some believe it only exists in legends."
"How could it appear here?"-asked Lenan.
"Paradise of the Spear master, it scatters different spear around an area. The radius is determined by the master."-said Seiai.
"Can someone use them against him?"-asked Lenan.
Seiai moved closer and tried to touch the spear; his hand pierced it, like it was an illusion.
"As you can see, not even the guardians are able to touch them."-Answered Seiai-"Only him… only him."
. . . .
Gae Bolg was the closest one. Cecil grabbed it; and threw it as fast as he could, piercing the werewolf's chest.
"Blood…"-thought Atroce feeling the pain in his chest.
He tried to remove the spear but he couldn't touch it.
"How can it be?"-He thought-"What is this?"
Cecil stood in front of the beast with a crimson spear.
"Now, this is "Hellfire"."-he said piercing him again.
Flashing speed and raw power were always the strongest combination for deadly warriors. Zephyrus, Ahlspiess, Tjungkuletti, Bill Guisarme, and Gungnir pierced the wolf from side to side. The wolf bled his life out. His vision was foggy. His heartbeat was slowed, and his legs began to fail him. He could not raise his blade any longer.
. . . .
The Brionac dematerialized quickly.
"Uh?"-said Lenan.
"Its power is being used."-said Seiai.
. . . .
Cecil jumped high while the spear appeared in his hand. Its glow blinded the wolf. A huge trident of light descended down crushing the beast's chest. One last howl… one last howl of pain broke free. Cecil breathed heavily. The Brionac that killed the beast transformed back into his original weapon. He fell on his knees with a smile in his face.
"Cecil!!"-yelled Plushe followed by the rest.
"Quickly, find Blue and bring her here!"-said Zel.
"Is he going to be ok?"-asked Aqua.
"He just fainted."-answered Plushe.
"I guess our food shortage problem got solved."-Said Mirage looking at the dead wolf-"You know, that sword could be sold for a very good price."
"The only problem is carrying it…"-said Mist-"Did you pick up the Frigg's Circlet and the Librarian Gloves?"
"Yes, do not worry."-Answered Mirage-"We will claim those kills."
Meanwhile…
Callaghan broke a blood-stained branch in half, and dropped both pieces. A dark smoke and a painful moan got out of them. Something huge appeared in front of the knight. Its metallic skin was its only protection. An electric sound awakened its three eyes and the magical flame on its head, a blue and orange flame. A rare tattoo covered its left fist.
"At last, you are awake."-Said Callaghan-"Now, go; and kill them all."
Load.ing.Pro.grams……
Lo.ca.tion: Ge.ffe.nia.
Dis.tance: Three.Days.
Tar.get: E.very.one.
Mission: Kill.on.Sight