Okay, this is probably going to be the longest chapter of the fanfic. TUAPARANG VS SANA+WARRIORS OF VALE! YEEEHAW! I'm good at writing battles, so this is also probably going to be the best chapter too.
Thanks for all the reviews up till now.
I don't...ah whatever, you all know that. Let' just get on with the story.
Eoleo had finally stopped singing, so everyone was able to get on deck and admire the view without having to wear earplugs. It was a great relief. Everyone, but Matthew, who was resting, was happily enjoying the cool and gentle breeze on the deck, until Kraden called all the Adepts together. He looked serious
"What's wrong Kraden?" Karis asked.
The old man made sure that everyone was listening. "I have something serious, and very important to say."
"We're listening." Amiti said
"We've been spied on. The enemy knows our exact location and our exact goals."
There was a stunned silence. "Who was it? Except for us and the crew, who are all on our side, no one was aware of our position and plans." Eoleo said
"The enemy has used one of us to spy on us. Rief and I managed to put an end to this story, but I want to tell you that we'll have to move with extreme caution. The enemy knows our goals, and our less fortified areas."
"Who is it?" Tyrell asked.
"Matthew." Sveta said
Rief and Kraden looked at her in surprise. Everyone else looked at her in amazement.
"Matthew? How could it be him?" Himi demanded
Sveta looked a bit embarrassed. "I can sense some people's feelings because of my beastial instincts. I sensed that he was in pain. He could've been tortured to tell our enemies our plans. It's just a theory, but it's not impossible."
"How could be tortured? There has always been at least one of us who had their eyes on him." Tyrell reminded her. "If he has been tortured, then someone must be with him. And it could've only been at night. Not only that, but I share the same room as him, and-"
"His nightmares!" Karis cried.
Kraden nodded. "You're correct Karis. This is how our enemies were able to get the information. They somehow managed to place dark energy within him, and then, in his dreams, he was put through nightmare, and this, somehow, managed to extract the information from him."
The group of Adepts fell silent in astonishment.
"It was almost perfect. Since those nightmares happened once a week, it was difficult to suspect them." Kraden added
"But there was one side effect." Rief continued, "The victim was put under some sickness, which caused him pain. Sometimes, the pain could be barely endurable, and the victim could collapse under it, such thing has happened to Matthew several times now. Once in front of Karis, another time in Ayuthay when he went to soak his head, and the third time last night."
They all stayed silent.
"Well since the Tuaparang know our plans, I guess we have to change strategy." Tyrell said
"But what can we do?" Sveta asked "The Tuaparang has taken control of Beblin, nearly all of Morgal, and they are approaching Tonfon. We've no choice but to follow our strategy that the enemy is aware of."
"Wrong," Kraden said. "I've sent a word out to all the free Sanan troops. This is our new plan…"
All the Sanan forces were standing in wait at Tonfon, the capital of Sana. The sea was filled with battle ships, and troops were standing by, all in attack position. Even all the Warriors of Vale were there. It was an amazing, but stressing sight. Everyone was nervous, but determined. The city was so well protected, that even if the Tuaparang won it, they would suffer such a loss, that they would be unable to do any offensive for weeks-perhaps months. This would give the allies plenty of time to counter, and destroy the enemy's bases.
The group walked till they reached the castle of Tonfon. They wanted to meet Emperor Unan, the leader of Sana, and their most important ally as well their most powerful. When the war had begun, Unan had immediately placed itself on the Warrior's of Vale side. He wanted, thanks to the young Adepts for saving his niece, Hou Ju, and nephew, Ryo Kou, but also for thanking them for putting an end to the Grave Eclipse.
When Matthew, Karis, Tyrell, Rief, Amiti, Sveta, Eoleo, Himi and Kraden were standing in front of him, he immediately got up to welcome his friends.
"Young Adepts. Kraden." he said.
He looked exhausted. He had dark circles under his eyes, telling the group that he had hardly slept.
"I'm glad you made till here without problems." Unan continued. "When I heard that the Tuaparang were aware of your moves, I was beginning to get worried."
"You won't have to worry about that." Amiti reassured him. "We managed to get rid of the problem."
Tyrell glanced at Matthew. The earth Adept was in the group, deadly silent. He hadn't said a word since yesterday. Nor did he critic or made his opinion made when he was told about their new move. He seemed to feel guilty. Tyrell shrugged to expel his doubts. He'll be okay.
"We are aware that the Tuaparang are sending a large fleet to invade Tonfon." Karis said. "We're here to help you. We can't afford losing this area."
Emperor Unan shook his head. "No." he ordered. "This is my job. Your job is to get to the Apollo Sanctum as fast as possible. All my forces are here. The city won't fall."
"Sana versus Turaparang…" Eoleo muttered. "That's a fight I'd pay a lot to watch. I'm sure it's going to be an impressive battle."
Unan smiled. "I'm sure you'll be able to watch from the Endless Wall. You won't need to worry about my army. We're the only ones who rival the Tuaparang in military power."
"You should use Eoleo's singing voice to chase the Tuaparang away." Amiti suggested.
Eoleo glared at the young ayuthayian king. He was about to argue, but Matthew gestured at them to stay silent.
Kraden looked concerned. "I'm just asking, but shouldn't you be with the civilians in a safe area. If you die, it could be a powerful blow to Sana. There will be no one to lead the army."
Unan chuckled. "Don't worry about that. Ryo Kou has taken the oath to replace me if ever I get injured. As for me," he shook his head, "a real leader who trusts his men stays under enemy fire, no matter the odds or the consequences."
"You must have a lot of trust in your men" Sveta said
Unan nodded. "Like you. During the siege of Belinsk, you didn't even think of escaping."
The beastgirl blushed, and looked at her feet.
Unan took the talking again. "I suppose you want to leave now. The sooner you'll be off to the ancient sanctuary, the sooner you'll be able to think of a defense plan."
Matthew shook his head. "We're staying here to help defend the city."
Everyone looked at him in surprise. Not only he had finally spoken, but he had said something completely unexpected.
"What are you talking about?" Tyrell asked.
"I think I understand." Rief said "The Tuaparang think that Tonfon will buy time for us while we reach the sanctum. It's possible that they've laid a trap there for us."
"So by staying here, not only the chances of repelling the Turaparang will be more successful, but it could ruin the trap they prepared-if they have placed one." Karis finished.
"Wait a minute." Eoleo stopped them. "So let me get this straight. To avoid falling into the Tuaparang's trap, we stay here and help protect the city."
"That's exactly it." Kraden affirmed. "I completely agree with you Matthew. It'll be better to let our enemies do their move before ours. At least we'll have more time to think and strategize, and we could probably use their trap at our advantage."
A sanan warrior hurried towards Emperor Unan, bowed, and said;
"Enemy ships are sighted. They are better armed than we are."
Unan chuckled, trying to reassure the man. "Having weapons is good," he said "But having no one to use them makes them useless. Get the fleet ready. Let them fall into our trap."
He turned to the group. "Kraden I suggest that you go straight for safety. You two," he pointed at Karis and Sveta "go to the mountain behind the city. Ivan and Sheba are there. They'll tell you what to do." He turned to Tyrell and Eoleo. "As fire Adepts, I want you both to get to the port, and at the signal, shoot flames at our enemies. Rief, Amiti, I want you to try and make rapids to the Turaparang ships to lose control and crash."
He finally looked at Himi andMatthew. "Join Felix and Isaac. I want you to create walls of earth in case this gets too tough and we need backup. Do you understand?"
Everyone said yes with a nod.
"Then let the battle begin."
On the top of the cliff, Sheba and Ivan looked at the looming, black, metal ships that were slowly approaching. Sheba looked nervously at Ivan.
"We're here to help." someone said behind them.
The two veteran Adepts turned, and gaped. "Sveta? Karis? What are you two doing here?" Ivan asked.
Karis walked next to her father. "We came here to help. We made another change in plans."
Ivan shook his head. "I want both of you to get to the shelter. The last thing we need is inexperienced Adepts."
"We're not inexperienced! We're powerful too! We can-"
"Look," Sheba said, "Not that I don't care about what's going to happen, but there is no time to argue. If the girls want to help, let them help."
Ivan frowned.
"You don't have to be worried about me." Karis said. "I can take care of myself."
"Fine" he sighed, turning around. "But if you don't feel completely confident, then I suggest that you leave."
Neither of them left. They wanted to help win the fight.
On the port, Jenna and Garet were standing with a couple of troops behind them. They watched the distance, but the ships weren't in their sights-well not yet. Jenna had her staff on her shoulders, looking worried. Garet placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. He didn't seem very sure about the chances of victory.
"Need help?"
Garet turned. "Tyrell? Eoleo? What-?"
"We came to help. We want to see the Tuaparang get their butts kicked." Tyrell interrupted his father. "I also promised Matthew to look over his mom, so…"
Jenna looked at him in surprise. "Where is he?"
"Matthew is with Isaac and Felix."
Jenna sighed in relief.
"I don't want either of you getting injured. I want you both to-" Garet started, but he never finished, because Tyrell had prepared a fireball in his hand, and placed himself in a stance, showing that he was ready to blast it at the enemy.
Garet sighed. "All right, but if you get injured or whatsoever, you're going straight to the shelter."
Eoleo did the thumbs up. "Don't mind us. Suicidal maniacs are afraid of nothing."
Jenna looked at Garet. "You never mentioned your son as a 'suicidal maniac'."
"Please. That's the last thing we need."
The first ships began to appear on the horizon.
Rief and Amiti walked towards Piers and Mia. The two water Adepts seemed to be confident of the fight. They knew that they were well organized. The Tuaparang ships were approaching, and they were visible from where they were standing.
"Mom!" Rief announced.
The two water Adepts turned around. Mia hugged her children. "Rief! Amiti! I was so worried."
Amiti managed to untangle himself. "Not that I want to ruin the family reunion, but the ships are approaching."
Indeed, the ships were nearing the city at astonishing speed.
Piers finally spoke. "Be careful kids. This is going to be rough. If something happens, you're both out of here."
The two minors glared. "We're teens. Not kids."
When Matthew and Himi finally reached the area where Felix and Isaac were, they both felt the pressure begin to grow. Matthew felt his stomach turn inside out. Himi looked very unsure. The odds seemed to be completely against them.
Felix's clothes were tattered. He had a good number of scars. His legs were shaky, probably due to the pain which came from the wound on his side. Whatever happened to Matthew's uncle, it didn't seem to be just a simple wound.
As for Isaac, his clothes were also tattered; he had an exhausted look on his face. His sword was cracked, and he was badly injured in some areas. His entire left arm was covered with bandages, and his right hand had a scar.
"Unan had told us to come and help you." Himi said
The two men turned around.
"Matthew!" Isaac said. He hugged his son. "You don't look good. Did something happen?"
"Yes." his son replied. "I'll explain to you later. What happened to both of you?"
Before any of them could answer, the gong resonated. The four earth Adepts looked at each other, worried, but confident.
The battle had commenced.
The Tuaparang ships turned to face their canons at the city. The servant of darkness had waited patiently for the orders to fire.
The leader of the fleet stood, watching the city in the distance. He raised his hand.
"Open fire."
Canon, bullets of metal, and flying pieces of metal shot straight towards the city and the many ships sitting on the shore. The flying predators struck the ship's armor, punching holes in the metal and wood. Mats fell on the decks, and fire appeared on a few of them. Pieces of debris flew all over the sea, and some of them rained down on the port of the city. Some bodies were flung in the air like useless rags, some wounded, some dead.
But immediately after that, the Sanan navy vomited, from its own canons, cannonballs, and other similar weapons at the Tuaparang. Mauling the attackers mercilessly, the Sanan navy tore the ship's armor to shreds, and explosions happened on deck, telling the defenders that they had badly wounded some ships. Tuaparang warriors fell in the sea, yelled for help, but they got none.
Eoleo ordered the men on his father's ship to open fire. Shooting cannonballs with all its might, the old boat created chaos in the midst of the sea battle. Moving smoothly and quickly, it glided past the flying predators, and forcing the Tuaparang to miss several targets, in order to destroy their main threat.
But some ships were approaching the port. The Sanan warriors leveled their weapons, all prepared to protect the city with their lives. Just at that second, the four fire Adepts blasted powerful blasts of fire at the incoming enemies.
Jenna blasted small fireballs at incredible speed. Garet blasted beams of fire that destroyed everything in their path. Eoleo created a wall of fire that took the form of a dragon, which then attacked the Tuaparang. Tyrell, he formed a small cloud of flames. Immediately, beams of fire began to pour down on the enemies. This momentarily distracted them, but they soon got over their senses, and charged at the four Adepts. The enemy slowly began to get the upper hand. Protecting themselves with the dead warriors, and charged.
"FIRE!" Garet cried
All the Sanan warriors launched their first wave of arrows. This caused the dark warriors to fall back. They stayed on their ship, waiting for backup, and more men to be able to make a secondary offensive move.
Ivan, Sheba, Karis and Sveta waited patiently on the cliff, where they had a good view of the battle raging in the port and on the sea. It truly was an impressive battle.
"Why are we even here?" Sveta asked. "Shouldn't we be trying to help our friends down there?"
Suddenly, there was a loud and deafening sound of several canons shooting on the city. Cannonballs, flaming rocks and other deadly weapons began to rain on Tonfon.
"Now!" Ivan announced
The four wind Adepts made the air so thick, that the flying, deadly weapons bounced off the air surrounding the city, like tennis balls being bounced off a wall. The enemy ships saw in horror their own weapons flying back towards them. The ships exploded, and most of them caught fire. There were some cheers, and the Sanan army saw their enemies mutilate themselves.
"Yes!" Karis said
"Hands up! One move and you're dead!" someone ordered behind them.
The four wind Adepts turned around, just in time to see five Turaparang surrounding them. All their weapons were leveled at their heads.
"Where did you come from?" Sheba asked.
One of the Turaparang pointed upwards. On top of them, was a gigantic flying fortress, entirely made of metal. Its canons aimed down on Tonfon. Suddenly, fire poured out of it, and began to rain down on the city below. There were screams of horror, surprise, and pain. The city burst into flames.
"No!" Sveta cried.
The Tuaparang gestured at them to follow them. The wind Adepts glanced back at the burning city, and then turned away.
The flames came crashing down on the four earth Adepts. The deadly element hit a barrel filled with explosives, causing it to blow, sending all the Sanan warriors and the four Adepts to go flying in the air. Matthew flew high in the air, his eyes clamped shut. He heard the screams and explosions the battle was causing.
"This isn't going to end well…" Matthew thought.
He was falling towards the ground, spinning uncontrollably. He lost all orientation. Where was up? Where was down?
He hit the ground violently. He lay there, panting, trying to recover of the wounds and burns he just got. He opened his eyes. He was lying on the entrance of the castle. A Sanan warrior was peering, worriedly in his face. When he saw that the teen was still conscious, he sighed in relief.
"You were lucky." he said. "You could've died in that explosion."
Matthew didn't answer. He sat up painfully. His friend tried to help him, but Matthew shook him away. He looked around at the burning capital.
"I think you should be at your post." Matthew said. "The last thing needed is problems."
The soldier looked at the wounded Adept. "Will you be all right?"
Matthew nodded.
The warrior, hesitatingly, walked away.
Matthew looked around. He saw Felix's body, lying motionlessly on the ground not so far from him. He scrambled to his feet, and dashed to his uncle.
"Felix…" He bit his lip. The warrior wasn't moving at all. He reached him, and collapsed next to him, and relaxed. He was still breathing. Matthew looked at his wounds. He had second degree burns all over his body. Matthew slung the unconscious man (?) over his shoulders, and began to drag him to the castle, where he was sure to be treated.
The Tuaparang have reached the port, forcing everyone, including the four fire Adepts, to fall back. The Sanan warriors fought the enemy courageously, but they were overwhelmed. Tyrell and Garet, protecting themselves with the trees from the arrows that were being shot at them, tried to hold the enemy back, while the allies regrouped inside the city.
"Where's our earth barrier?" Tyrell cried. "What happened to our four earth Adepts?"
Just at that second, a small, but solid wall of earth shot from the ground, forcing the Tuaparang out. Tyrell sighed in relief, and looked at his dad.
"What now?" Tyrell asked. He glanced back at the burning city. Jenna and Eoleo were fighting hard to control the flames, but how could they fend off such a storm?
Suddenly, victory seemed to be completely on the Tuaparang's side.
"There has to be a way…" Garet trailed off. He shook his head. "In the meantime, let's check how our earth Adepts are, and what happened to both our water and air buddies."
Tyrell looked back at the wall of stone, blocking all exit as well as all entry. "Will this even hold them off?"
Garet shook his head. "Not forever. We've got to take advantage while it does. Our navy is locked in a sea battle, and we have no air protection. This means that we aren't safe from air offensives."
He yelled a few orders to the massing but disorganized troops.
Tyrell gulped. He looked back at the wall, and then followed his father through the ruined city.
When the flames came falling down from the mothership, the four water Adepts had no choice, but to break their barrier of water they had created, and to create a small bubble of water, shielding them from the debris, and the bombardments.
Piers coughed. "That was close." he looked at the area where the four earth Adepts were supposed to be. The area had taken a blast full on it. All its occupants were gone. Fire barred their path. Piers blasted a beam of water from his hand, extinguishing the flames. With Rief, he hurried to what had once been a post. They searched the area. The only thing they found was some Sanan corpses. The four earth Adepts were not there.
"They must've managed to get away" Piers thought.
"Piers! Rief!" Mia cried
The two water Adepts turned. Mia was waving at them. She wanted them to come.
They hurried back to their post. There, they found Matthew, dragging Felix. Amiti was helping him put the unconscious man on the ground.
"Is he okay?" Matthew asked.
Mia peered in the man's face. "I don't know. I hope so."
Rief looked back at the city. "Where are the others?"
Matthew shook his head. "I don't know. We got separated. I managed to get the earth wall standing, but without Himi, Felix or dad, I don't think it'll stand for very long."
Piers looked at the wounded teen. "You're covered with burns and scars. You should rest too."
The earth Adept got up. "I can still fight." He didn't want to back down now. He had gone too far to give up. He had paid too much. His uncle's life was on the threat, and Isaac and Himi could be seriously injured.
Piers grabbed Matthew by the arm. "Get to the back of the castle, search for any injured people. Then, return to the entrance of the city, and support the fire Adepts." He turned to Amiti. "You, get to the throne room, and protect Emperor Unan as well as all the inhabitants who are still in this city."
The two boys responded with a nod. They hurried out of the room.
"What about you?" Rief asked.
Piers drew his sword. "I'm going to look for our two missing earth Adepts. We need their help."
He ran out of the room, leaving the two water Adepts with the grievously injured Felix.
Matthew raced across the castle looking for any injured soldiers. But all he found was either dead people, and some panicked warriors and citizens. Matthew gave them strict orders to remain calm, and to support the city.
The earth Adept shot around a corner. He saw, Ivan, Sheba, Karis and Sveta being escorted by a small troop of Tuaparang. They all stood stunned for a second, but immediately after recovering, Matthew charged. His Sol Blade dug deep in the flesh of one of the soldiers of hell. Without pausing, he slashed sideways, taking down another one.
Immediately, the five other enemies began firing arrows at him with their crossbows. Matthew covered himself with his sword, shielding his face, chest and legs. However, his arms were scratched by the arrows. He glanced at Ivan, who nodded.
Matthew twisted around, and raced away.
"Get him!" a Tuaparang warrior roared.
Four of the five remaining dark servants dashed after Matthew. The last one faced his prisoners, his weapon leveled.
Ivan smiled an evil smile. He stretched out his hand, and suddenly, the warrior was thrown off his feet. Without pausing, Ivan swung his foot around, and a sound of crushing bones could be heard from Tuaparang's temple, the area where the foot hit its mark.
An explosion could be heard from the corner where Matthew had escaped. The wounded teen came back, grinning
"Everyone is fine?" he asked
Ivan nodded. "Thanks to you." He grabbed his weapon.
"Good, I'd like you to get down to the port to support our fire Adepts. Same for you Sveta. Karis, Felix won't wake up; I'd like you to heal him with Mia and Rief. Sheba, help Piers look for the missing earth Adepts."
"What about you?" Sveta asked.
"I'll take care of the flying hunk of metal."
Sheba and Sveta took their weapons, and went to obey Matthew's orders.
"You're turning into a real leader Matthew. You're dad will be proud." Sheba said, as she hurried past him.
Matthew shrugged. Karis and Ivan walked briskly past him. Matthew frowned humorously. He looked at Karis "Don't I get a kiss for luck? You know, it's the sort of tradition..."
Karis raised her Magic Rod. A Tuaparang warrior was thrown off his feet by a powerful gust of wind. She mumbled something, turning away from the boy to hide her scarlet red face.
Ivan looked at Matthew, grinning. He hurried with his daughter away.
Matthew sighed. He looked up at the flying piece of metal. The mothership was floating in the air, as if admiring the damage it had caused.
Matthew took another deep breath. "Let's go." he charged towards the mountain, using his earth abilities to create a smooth slope towards the flying base.
Piers ran quickly towards the area which had once been a small item shop. Flames were erupting from the little shop. Without hesitating an instant, he dashed inside. Splashing water all over the place, he killed the fire. He then, looked around the black and carbonized room. He saw a pile of earth in the far corner.
He walked towards him. He tapped the earth. "Get out from there Isaac."
There was no response.
"Isaac, I know you're there."
Still no answer. Piers sighed.
"Matthew's dying you know. He wants to see you."
Isaac exploded from inside the pile of earth, pale and terrified. "W-what?"
"You finally got out of your hiding place. Come on, the fight isn't over."
"What's that you were saying about Matthew?" Isaac grabbed Piers by the collar. "Tell me!"
"I was joking. Matthew's fine."
Isaac gasped in relief, and took several steps backwards.
"Come on Isaac."
The earth Adept nodded. "Where are the others?"
"Felix and Matthew are okay. Himi is still missing."
The warrior nodded. "Let's go. I'll support our fire Adepts. Keep looking for Himi."
"I'm on it!"
Jenna and Eoleo caught up with Tyrell and Garet. The earth wall that was standing won't be there for long. Explosions could be heard on the other side. The Tuaparang were trying to blow the wall down.
"The fires are out." Eoleo said
Garet nodded. He was looking at the wall. Suddenly, a piece came crashing down.
"Ready?" Tyrell asked the Sanan army.
The wall collapsed. Sanan warriors immediately charged, attacking the invaders. The servants of hell were completely taken by surprise. The heroic defenders forced their enemy back. They were far more skilled, but the Turaparang were greater in number. The Sanans attacked with all their skills and speed. Their light armor allowed their movements to be far quicker than the bulky heavy ones the Tuaparangs wore. But they weren't as hard as their enemy's.
"Now!" Garet cried.
All four fire Adepts forgot about everything, and shot all the fire they could from their arms and hands. The deadly element destroyed everything in its path.
"Hang on! We're coming!" someone yelled behind them.
All four of them turned. A large, grey dog raced past them, roaring. Sveta, in her beast form, created havoc in the Tuaparang army. Ivan leaped after her, his staff was spitting out powerful gusts of air. He grinned at his friends. "What are you all gaping at? Let's finish this."
Suddenly the chances against Tonfon didn't seem so deadly.
Himi was lying on the ground, shaking in fear and shock. Piers gently helped her sit.
"Its okay, its okay." he repeated. "Everything is fine."
Isaac looked in her face, and sighed. "Nothing's okay. We're in the middle of the war."
Piers glared at him. He turned back the teen. "Can you stand?"
Himi got up with the help of her staff. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."
She staggered to the area where the fight was the worst. "We've got to help them."
Isaac stopped her. "No. You're injured. Get to hospital. You need to rest."
The third eye that was implanted on Himi's forehead glowed. It shone brightly. The teen looked at the two adults. "I'll be okay."
The two old Adepts looked at each other. Piers spoke "I'll never understand that third eye thing. Hey wait up!"
Himi walked briskly away, and Isaac and Piers had to run quickly to keep up with her.
Matthew raced towards the flying airship. His earth powers had permitted him to create a smooth slope towards hell's base. Its canons that shot out flames had fallen silent. Mathew had to take advantage of this moment to strike it before it started pouring flames down on the city again.
The navy had opened fire on the mothership, but none of the canons could reach the flying ship nor break the tough armor protecting it.
Matthew leaped on the metal. He had to hold on tightly to the metal plates if he wanted to keep himself from being thrown off by the strong winds caused by the propellers that allowed the ship to stay in the air. He dug the Sol Blade deep in the metal, and, with a loud screeching noise, turned it around to make a hole wide enough for one person to slip through. He sheathed his weapon, and dove inside the mothership.
He hit the deck hard and rolled for a while. When the room finally stopped spinning, he got up. No one had seen him.
"Everyone must be at their battle post" Matthew thought. Time to act.
He looked around. He found what he wanted. He opened the door.
The Tuaparang soldiers posted at the canons were shooting down flames down on the city. There were eight of them-two on each canon. They didn't notice that they were visited.
Without hesitating, Matthew charged, destroying everything in the room. The Turaparangs, taken by surprise, were the first to die. They never knew what had killed them. The others drew out their weapons, but they never managed to get a clear shot at Matthew. The teen was a bolt of lightning. He was here, there, left, right, and the Sol Blade was glowing wildly. The legendary weapon was destroying all the darkness in the room.
"MEGIDDO!" Matthew cried
A huge ball of melted earth slowly from the Sol Blade. Matthew hit it, and it went shooting across the room, taking everything its path. The mothership was in complete chaos in the inside.
Tyrell was laughing like a pirate king. He never felt so alive. He felt that he was moving faster than the speed of wind. The servants of darkness were being forced into defense position. They were being overwhelmed from all the side. The powerful Sanan navy, grievously injured but standing and more determined than ever, was bombing the port, destroying everything that was there. Turaparang warriors were thrown in the air like broken wooden dolls.
Sanan warriors took the advantage of their superiority to overwhelm their enemies. One Turaparang was beset by five Sanan warriors.
Garet was tearing down everything that stood in his way. His sword was gleaming with blood, gleaming with blood. He blasted fire. His enemy was burnt to a crisp.
Jenna was much more careful. She stayed behind the attacking boys. Keeping her staff leveled to keep herself protected, she shot out flames from her palm.
Eoleo was as insane as Tyrell. He kept on diving in the areas where the fighting was the worse. He seemed to have forgotten that he had a sword in his hand. He was punching, kicking and headbutting everyone.
Sveta was roaring, her beast form was intimidating her enemies. She was in pure rage. She would hardly listen to her friend's words.
Suddenly, rocks began to fall from the sky. Isaac and Himi had returned. Staying away from the midst of battle, they raised walls, pillars pieces of earth, and brought them crashing down on the Tuaparang.
The Tuaparang leveled all their crossbows. They fired at the group of Adepts. The arrows suddenly stopped in mid-air. They turned around. There was a powerful gust of wind, and the arrows took off, and they struck themselves.
Ivan and Sheba protected them from the flying the flying predators.
Piers brought icicles crashing down on the evil soldiers. The icicles were HUGE. One alone was about the size of Matthew standing on Garet's shoulders.
"WHERE'S MATTHEW?" Ivan cried, trying to be heard over the screams, explosions and clashes of metal.
Isaac pointed to the airship. It was burning and smoke was choking out of it. It was still flying, but it was obviously not going to stay in the air forever.
The veteran Adept looked fearfully at it. His son was in there. He was scared for him. Isaac shook his head. He had a job to do. He couldn't let that stop him. He focused on the battlefield.
Matthew stood panting. The room was completely destroyed. The people in it were dead; their bodies were torn into pieces. The earth Adept walked towards the controls room. He subdued the two pilots. He grabbed the controls. But before he even touched them, a voice Matthew wished he'd never hear again spoke.
"Well, well, we meet again." Blados said
Matthew spun around to face the Tuaparang leader. His stomach turned inside-out. The dark leader was standing behind him. Blados still had his grey armor and gigantic sword, the sword that had been forged by the darkest spirits. He must be at least two meters tall, but his pointy hair must add up to ten centimeters at least. His red eyes flickered and glared down at the earth Adept.
"We meet again." he repeated
Matthew felt his mouth turn dry. Blados was supposed to be dead. He died by the blast of light the Apollo Lens had fired four months ago. But no, the dark and pure evil commander was standing in front of Matthew, deadly real.
"Y-you." Matthew stammered.
"Don't worry about Chalis. She's dead. She wasn't as lucky as me." Blados said
Matthew felt a shiver crawl down his spine. He drew his sword. "I suppose you want revenge for last time."
Blados shook his head. "Not yet. I'll kill you last. There won't be a 'next time' punk. In the meantime, I hope you can fly this thing, or else there will be no need for me to avenge myself." there was a small flash of light, and he was teleported somewhere else.
Matthew looked at the window of the cockpit. The ground was approaching too quickly. Matthew pulled the controls. It refused to budge. Knowing that it was useless to insist, he ran back to the room from where he came from. He had to get out of there quickly.
Everyone turned to watch the airship that was falling towards the ground. Sanan, Turaparang and Adepts dove for cover. The flying piece of metal hit the ground, causing the biggest explosion anyone had ever seen. Metal and flames flew all over the place. The fire took everything on the entire port.
Sveta turned back to her original form and slowly looked up. The entire conflagration was burning.
"Matthew…" Isaac whispered. Color had drained from his face.
Sveta grabbed his arm. "He isn't in there. I don't smell him."
Isaac seemed slightly reassured. There was a sound of screeching. Metal was being torn off.
"LOOK OUT!" Isaac cried forcing the teen back down. There was another deafening explosion. Everything that was not on the ground, nor bolted to something was blown away.
The two Adepts got back to their feet. "Everyone is okay?" Isaac asked
Jenna and Ivan got up. "Just scratches and bruises." Jenna confirmed.
Tyrell, Garet and Eoleo climbed on their shaky legs. "Fine here."
"I'm not." Sheba said. "I'm stuck." Piers was kneeling next to her.
The wind Adept was pinned on the ground. A piece of metal had torn through her leg. It had pinned her to the ground.
Garet pulled the metal out of her leg, and Piers picked her up in his arms. Sweat was raining down her forehead. She kept on gasping in pain
"How's the wound?" Tyrell asked
Piers shook his head. "Bad. Deep bone. But the wound is clean and no artery seems to be cut. That's the good thing about it."
"Get her to the hospital. We'll search for any survivors." Isaac ordered.
They all went to work. Tyrell hurried to meet up with Ivan.
"So, who won?" he asked.
Ivan looked at the burning airship. The flames didn't die, but what was left could be seen: the burning skeleton of the ship. He shook his head.
"No one. Both armies have been badly injured. The invasion has been stopped, but our city is almost entirely destroyed. We lost most of our navy, and the Sanan troops are badly shaken. The Tuaparang are paralyzed by the battle, but we're nearly dead."
Tyrell said nothing. "I hope Matthew's fine."
"I hope so too."
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