Guardian Tales: Age of the Guardian
Chapter 5
Track Back
Trenching through the dense forest of the Ancient Ruins. Leo and his now three men were walking through the dense forest. The wind blew through the leaves, leaving a wallowing noise in the wake.
Only problem was there wasn't any enjoyment to be memorized by it when someone is nagging your ear off.
Elvira, the nagger, was complaining about almost everything. It got to the point that wildlife wanted to sick goblins on them to stop her consistent talking.
Leo blocked an attack from a tank goblin as Ivory gnawed on one's back. While they were fighting Elvira continued to nag while shooting at any goblins getting close.
Elvira: Ugh! These goblins are so smelly! They're getting their horrible order on my clothes.
Leo finally knocked the tank back with his shield and stabbed it through its chest.
Leo: How about less talking and more fighting, Elvira!
She only rolled her eyes, putting her hands on her hips.
Elvira: It's not my fault I'm being dragged through this forest. If you had just let me kill you we wouldn't be in this mess!
Leo facepalmed, slowly lowering it down to his face. She has probably said that about a thousand times today and it's still the evening. It got tiring after the fifth time she said that.
Ivory jumped off the dead goblin and onto another for a Critical Claw, continuously slicing its body until it was down on the ground.
He gave a proud bark to himself when he turned to the others who were both arguing with each other. Ivory rolled his eyes when he noticed several goblins rushing towards the unsuspecting duo. He barked towards them, getting their attention and motioned behind them.
They turned to a horde of goblins rushing at them and Elvira just rolled her eyes pulling out her Trouble Maker, loading up some special bomb apples.
Elvira: Say hello to my little friend!
Firing off three Newton Apples, they bounced a bit on the ground before exploding on the horde, blowing them up into different directions.
A goblin landed near Leo, groaning in pain.
Leo: Was that necessary?
Elvira: I helped, didn't I?
They were about to continue arguing when Ivory barked at them again. He tapped a waiting foot wanting to move on from this situation.
Elvira: Whatever.
Elvira put Troublemaker back in her basket and walked ahead of her two travel companions. Leo rubs his temple feeling a bit of regret on bringing her around.
Leo: I really don't know what to do with her…
Ivory walked to his side in which he pet the beast on his head.
Leo: At least I have you, Ivory.
He seemed to pet him for a few seconds too long and a loud chomp was brought down onto Leo's hand. With a deep breath he let out a pained yell that shook the forest.
He ran around trying to budge Ivory off his hand. He ran past Elvira who just snickered at his painful scream.
Elvira: It just never gets old!
Elvira continued to laugh at the boy as he tried to pry the beast off his hand.
After a few painful minutes. The three adventures were back on track on finding the princess. Walking past some ancient ruins they all came into a clearing when inside the forest they all heard screams.
Passing by was a group of Living Armors running out of the forest. What they're running away from was the question on the group's mind.
?: Wait!
Jumping out of the forest was a very muscular woman holding a hundred ton, weighted hammer. Her hair was like lava flowing down her back in a ponytail. She seemed to be wearing a bra and work pants showing off her chiseled abs to the world.
Panting, she yelled out to the freighted armor as they ran deeper into the woods.
?: Hold on, I'll break… I mean, I'll make your weapons stronger!
They ignored her and kept on running until they were far away from the hammer wielding woman. Sighing in defeat, she plopped onto the ground giving a sense of dread in the area.
Leo, seeing how glum she looked, decided to walk up to her, but was stopped by Elvira grabbing his hand.
Elvira: Hey! We don't have time to deal with flame girl. Let's just get moving!
Leo just ignored her and ripped his hand out of her grip and walked towards the fiery haired woman.
Leo: Miss. Are you ok?
Looking up, she sees the red headed fellow walking towards her. Her eyes beamed as she sprung up to the ground.
?: Nice to meet you! I am Damayia!
She exclaims confidence in every word that she spoke.
Leo: I am Leo Multeria. Guardians of Kanterbury and this is my party.
He points over to his two companions who walk over to introduce themselves. Elvira put her hands on her hips.
Elvira: You can call me Elvira, don't wear it out.
Ivory barked, wagging his tail.
Leo: And the beast is called Ivory.
Damayia: It's a pleasure to meet some fine travelers. I'm known across the land as the greatest blacksmith across the land. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed!
Elvira: Then why were those Living Armors running away from you earlier. They didn't seem to thrill you with upgrading their tools.
Damayia crossed her arms as she laughed.
Damayia: People just don't get my raw talent! Despite my great skills and love for breaking… I mean, upgrading weapons. I don't have any clients!
The three heros all dramatically fall to the ground hearing her false statements.
Getting back up, Elvira jumped into her face, poking a finger into the blacksmith's large chest.
Elvira: How can you be a famous blacksmith if you don't even have one client?! That's like saying you're the best track runner without any training!
Damayia didn't take any of this smack and slammed her hammer down on the ground, knocking Elvira off her feet.
Damayia: That doesn't mean anything! I know I'm the best and I'll prove it! I won't give up that easily!
She tossed her hammer onto her shoulder and pointed towards Leo.
Damayia: Tell you what… if you can find me a worthy weapon let me take a look.
Leo, seeing that the woman does have a position, nodded.
Leo: I see you have a passion, hopefully it can come to use.
Damayia laughs, scratching the tip of her nose.
Damayia: Ya don't have to flatter me. Just make sure the weapon is worthy of my expectations.
She raises her hand and Leo takes it, accepting her request.
She gives them all a goodbye and good luck as they head through the forest once more. Elvira wiped dirt off her skirt, a scowl being apparent on her face.
Elvira: Did you have to accept her request? That woman seems to have metal for brains.
Leo: She seemed to have a general passion for making and rebuilding weapons. Most blacksmiths are very passionate about their work, but… she kinda reminded me of myself.
Elvira raised an eyebrow. The red hooded girl just couldn't make anything out of this guy.
He intrigued her.
What's his deal?
She just mentally sighed. What is it for her to say? She was just tagging along so she wouldn't have to face her grandma for her failure.
Her mind was soon halted when Ivory barked out to the distance. Leo got to his knees to see what he was barking for.
Leo: What is it, boy?
Ivory barked out to the distance of the forest and out came jumping out was a pack of goblins. Their feet pounded on the ground as they all faced each other.
Goblin: You kill boss! Now goblins kill you!
Elvira looked towards Leo who just shrugged.
Leo: He started it.
She rolls her eyes, loading up Trouble Maker with explosive apples.
Elvira: Let's just get done with this quickly, please.
She fires a barrage of bombs, sending enemies flying. Some goblins came out from the smoke and rushed towards it only to be met with a swift end by Leo's sword.
Leo: Elvira, provide cover while we take out the goblins.
Elvira: Already on it.
Another goblin came running at Leo and swiped a claw at him. Leo ducked and dodge swipes from it, twisting his body and kicking it back with so much force the goblin ragdolled.
More kept on coming, but they kept on fighting them off easily. Ivory growled as he scratched one face and kicked it in the stomach, knocking out.
A charger goblin tried body slamming into the beast, but being small and nimble gave him the advantage to dodge away and counter with a Critical Claw, killing it instantly.
Elvira: These guys are so weak. I'm actually getting bored. Let's end this.
Shooting two more bomb apples they explode onto a group of goblins. Leo and Ivory followed up with a punch maneuver getting both sides of the pack.
Leo: With me, Ivory!
Ivory ruffled and jumped, sending a clawed strike as Leo followed up slicing right down the middle. Most of the goblins were sent flying all through the place. All falling to the ground leaving a pain left.
The three heroes all gathered back with each other cheering each other on.
Elvira: That was too easy. It was like they were trying to look down on me.
Leo: Hey, you did great. You're actually really good with that gun… apple launcher... thing…
Elvira rolled her eyes at his mispronunciation of her weapon.
Elvira: It's called Trouble Maker…
She turns away from him, pushing her hood up a little. Speaking to him with a soft whisper
Elvira: …And… thanks…
From a different angle, she can be seen blushing, but hidden with her hood. Leo didn't notice and only smiled.
Their moment was soon interrupted by a small shine of light sparkling in the dense forest. Having curiosity to get the best of them, they all cautiously stepped forward. Cutting through some leaves to pass by.
The light kept on getting much brighter which seemed like they were getting closer.
Pushing the last few leaves out of the way they had to cover their eyes from the instructing light that was being produced. Soon it was dimmed to let them peak at the item emitting the light.
A sword stuck in a stone in the middle of the glade.
Elvira: Is this some kind of fairy tail or something? Cause when a sword stuck in a rock in the middle of nowhere means something.
Leo: Must be…
Leo walks towards the stone and sees some writing inscribed.
Leo: "A true heros purpose."
Leo stares towards the sword curiously. Something about the sword draws him near.
Extending his hand, he grabs hold of the hilt of the sword. Elvira and Ivory watch with a slight interest.
Elvira: You really think you can pull that sword out of that stone? Come on! It's an old fairy tail cliche!
Leo ignored her words and tugged on the sword. There was a slight resistance, but soon a beam of light escaped the base. Elvira and Ivory screen their eyes as Leo pulls the sword out of the stone. Light radiated off the sword as Leo raised it in the air.
Elvira jaw dropped than an actual cliche would actually work. She's both impressed and disappointed.
Elvira: I… have so many questions about you.
The light soon flared out as Leo held the sword firmly in his hand. He felt some kind of immense power from the sword. This Master Blade.
Leo: I do too…
They didn't have any time to talk questions now when from the sky living armors dropped down. The three heros met back to back, brandishing their weapons.
Leo held the blade in his hand. It courses with energy inside, ready to be released.
Elvira: That sword better be useful!
Leo: Hopefully.
Leo channeled the energy in the sword. Golden symbols appeared around him, circling his body.
Ivory and Elvira stared in awe as the symbols formed into an even bigger symbol.
Leo: Hero Storm!
A wave of beams came crashing onto the enemy in all directions. Piercing the armor until it was reduced to only a hunk of metal that was only scrap at the point.
The symbols soon disappeared and Leo almost fell before quickly being caught by Elvira slowly bringing him back to his feet.
Elvira: Hey, you ok? Seems pretty light headed.
Leo: I'm fine. Just that power was… intense.
He looked down to the blade he was holding in his hand. Something that had chosen him as its weirder.
Something about it made him smile.
Leo: I think I like intense.
Holding the sword on his shoulder and confidence in his heart, he took a step towards the exit.
.
.
.
.
Until, Damayia came crashing into him from above, knocking him into the stone that claimed the sword. The Master Blade clattered to the ground beside Leo, who had swirls rotating in his eyes.
Leo: Hehe… sWoRd…
Damayia sniffed the air, her hair flaring up with fire.
Damayia: Hello! Is that a wonderful weapon I smell?
She grabs the Master Blade from the ground, examining it.
Damayia: Oh, yes~ This is one fine blade you have here, Leo~
Leo nervously chuckles, scratching his cheek.
Leo: Yeah, I've found it in the stone over there.
Elvira: Cliches be damn.
Damayia felt excited. Giggling like a kid in a candy shop as she pulls out her hammer. Leo and Elvira's eyes go wide, noticing the hammer looming over the Master Blade.
Leo: Umm… Damayia. W-What are you doing with your hammer?
Damayia's smile widened as she raised her hammer into the air. Her hair flares up, lighting up the forest with sheer excitement.
Damayia: Don't worry, Leo! It's about to become worth 10 times as much!
Leo's ears couldn't perceive her when she slammed her hammer on the sword. She kept on slamming her hammer onto it until finally with one final strike… broke the blade off from the hilt.
Metal shards lined the grass where it used to be and Leo's eyes appeared to be as broken as his soul right now.
The blacksmith, noticing her botched up work, sweat dropped. Shyly bowing her head down in apology.
Damayia: Sorry. I seem to have broken it. Don't know my own strength.
Elvira: I don't think that's the only thing you've broken.
Facing Leo, he didn't seem to be in the best of moods. Holding the piece of the one Master Blade had kinda broken him with the sword.
Damayia: Hey! There's no need to be sad! There's no need to blame anyone here.
This didn't really change anything. Leo still sulked dramatical over his broken sword.
Leo: Whhhhhyyyyyy…. It was so perfect…
She was grabbed by the shoulders from Elvira and shocked.
Elvira: Snap out of it! There's more swords out there!
Leo: B-But! Pretty lights!
?: Um, excuse me…
Gaining everyone's attention, an elf girl in a red tunic who had entered into the fray looked between everyone.
?: Hello, I'm Hyper. Have any of you seen the Master Blade? It should be here.
Elvira sighs, letting go of Leo's shoulder and rubbing her nose in annoyance.
Elvira: Should've come here like ten minutes ago. The things have been broken already.
She points over to Leo who was holding the broken blade in his hands. Hyper screamed in shock.
Hyper: What happened to the Master Blade?!
Damayia: Uhh… it wasn't feeling well so it went to the sword farm. You know… to be with other swords.
The group could believe the most fakes lie to protect her own high.
Elvira/Leo: What kind of lie was that?!
Hyper on the other hand seemed to believe the lie, falling to her knees in defeat.
Hyper: What… what am I supposed to do now?! I need that sword to defeat that evil pig monster and save my kingdom.
Damayia: Okay, okay… it's dangerous to go alone. Take this.
Feeling guilty for the girl, she throws over a Laser Cannon to give to her.
Hyper: Umm…
She picked it up, struggling a little with its weight as she held it in her arms.
Hyper: How am I supposed to use this?
Leo/Elvira: She gave her a gun and she doesn't even know how to use it!
Damayia: Just press the button. Presto! The evil pig is now a well-done pork chop.
Pressing the button on the side a blue beam came out the barrel, almost hitting Damayia as she only smiled with her hands on her hammer and hips. The wall behind them all had a never ending hole in it from the blast.
Damayia: I guess this is better than nothing…
She walks out the passageway, hefting the gun in her hand.
Leo: I… think I'm gonna be sorry for that pig. Probably going to be nice pork later.
Sadly the blade of his dreams was shattered at his feet.
Leo: And I feel disappointed again.
Sensing his sadness, Damayia thought of making things right.
Damayia: Hey, I have an idea! Here.
Digging in her pocket, she gives him a Blacksmith Beeper.
Damayia: Just call me on this and I will be there to upgrade your weapons anytime! I look forward to brea… upgrading your items! Haha!
She gave the impression that she wasn't going to take no for an answer so Leo sighed.
Leo: Thank you, Damayia.
Damayia: No problem! Just call me anytime.
She also gave him the key as she walked past the party, patting Elvira on the back and petting Ivory in the head. Another passageway opened up for them to exit to go their separate way. Broken sword at hand.
Now trenching back through the ruins, Leo had put the fragments of the sword in a pouch.
Elvira: Do you have to keep that? It was completely broken.
Leo: Maybe it can be fixed! I just want that beautiful sword back!
Elvira: The only thing you're doing is sucking up a lot of copium.
Leo pouted as they all continued on their journey.
Coming across a locked gate, Leo used the key given by Damayia to open it. Inside the now open passageway a lone grave sat in the middle of the field. A few words were written about the time of death and name.
"Guard Oralie"
Leo: Must've been a guard of the forest from a long time ago.
???: Should've seen it too. It was a lot better than it was before.
Leo: Didn't think you knew so much about this place, Elvira.
Elvira: Uh… I don't… Leo…
Leo facing her, caulking an eyebrow.
Leo: Then who was. Can't be Ivory unless he's been keeping his secret voice from us this whole time.
Ivory barked at Leo and pointed a paw behind them. The knight only cringed knowing exactly what he's gesturing about.
Leo: It's right behind me, isn't it.
Turning around, a ghostly girl floated over her grave with a mischievous smile.
Oralie: Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. This time…
The party shivered a little as the ghost floated over them. Seeing their scared faces, Oralie laughed, hitting her stomach in amusement.
Oralie: I'm just kidding! Spirits like me have been guarding the "Treasure of the Forest" for a long time.
She floats along, curling her finger through her hair.
Oralie: It's been getting me some problems lately though…
In a flashback, Oralie was floating outside the room of the ancient sword. She looked through the door staring longingly at the guard circling it.
Oralie: I have a huge crush on the person guarding the sword.
She walked into the room, but he didn't seem to pay her any sign of attention. Only going through his round in guarding the sword.
Oralie: But that's all he cares about. I've tried about a million things to get his attention…
At night, Oralie arrived in the room where the guard floated, watching the sword like a hawk.
Oralie: Hey, there's a mysterious portal in the forest. Want to check it out with me?
Guards: Sorry, but I'm on guard duty.
He turns back to the sword, annoying the lovesick spirit.
Another time was when the guard was dozing off only for Oralie to pop out of nowhere to scare him awake.
Oralie: SURPRISE! Scared you, huh?
Guard: Thank you. I nearly fell asleep and left the treasure unguarded.
This provided the opposite reaction Oralie wanted, annoying her even further.
Outside the chamber, Oralie looked in the room seeing the guard doing his regular routine. She then turns her attention to an orc she hired to get his attention.
Oralie: Ok, just go like we planned.
Orc: I have a bad feeling about this…
She runs into the chamber, screaming as the orc chases her. She quickly hid behind the guard who had his attention on her.
Oralie: Help! Please save me from this orc!
Without even a flinch, the guard punted the orc out of the chamber and back into the forest without even a sweat. Oralie felt grateful for the guard, thinking this was a nail in the coffin for him to finally like her.
Oralie: Thank you, my hero! How about I repay you with a cup of coffee?
Guard: Sorry, but I can leave this treasure unguarded.
He floated back to sword with even a glance towards her. Oralie's jaw dropped as she fell down to the ground defeated.
Back with the group, Oralie sighed.
Oralie: If only someone can get rid of that treasure. But I don't think anyone should be able to take it with him guarding it… Maybe you might be able to?
Leo, Elvira and Ivory stared at one another.
Leo: Should we? It sounds pretty dumb that we're taking from someone just doing their job.
Elvira: But think of the treasure we might get!
Leo placed a hand on chin, thinking.
Leo: Good point. Ok, we accept.
Oralie clapped her hand, spinning around in happiness.
Oralie: Yes! Thank you! Just follow me!
She guides them down a separate path where they arrive at an archway. Inside multiple guards were going on through their routes.
Oralie: The spirit guards are patrolling the area. You should keep out of sight from them and sneak past them. The treasure is just beyond them. Good luck!
She fades away leaving them alone to deal with her situation. Elvira just shrugged along as he walked past the archway.
Elvira: Well the treasure isn't gonna be stolen by itself. Let's go!
Reluctantly, Leo and Ivory followed behind her. The ruins were crawling with spirit guards patrolling the surrounding area.
Elvira: Just follow my lead and everything will be fine.
Leo: If you say so…
Passing by guards without being spotted, they dipped through bushes and hid on walls to get past them.
A few guards passed by them as they were nearly caught, quickly jumping in tall grass to stay hidden. When they left they all poked their heads out to see if the close was cleared before continuing on their way.
After a tedious amount of stealth they made it into the treasure room. Poking their heads inside, the sword was planted into a rock within the guard standing by it.
Leo felt a tinge of regret on trying to steal a sword for someone's own gain.
Leo: Should we do this? He must've been doing this for a long time and it must mean something to him.
Elvira: It's just some sword!
Elvira gave a snarky grin.
Elvira: Besides, it may not end up like your last sword that you're keeping in your pack.
Leo: I take great offense to that. Just to let you know.
He sighs wanting to get this over and done with. Sneaking into the chamber, they slid behind the rock which held the sword. Grabbing the hilt, he easily pulled it out the stone.
Noticing something was wrong, the guard turned around to Leo who held the sword in his hands. His heart seemed to die even more than it already had been and screamed.
Guard: No! Not the treasure!
Heart broken, he fell to his knees seeing his complete failure of guarding the sword. His only purpose.
Oralie soon appears to make haste to comfort him.
Oralie: Are you ok?
Guard: I… lost my purpose in life…
Oralie: Well technically we're dead so… Anyway I'm sure you'll find your purpose elsewhere.
The guard didn't seem to agree, only groveling on the ground in his own failure, but Oralie still wouldn't take the hint.
Oralie: Like with me! We can't find our purpose in life together!
Grabbing him by the tail she dragged him out of the chamber. Hearts floated over her, but he didn't seem to recuperate the same way, clawing at the ground trying to reach for the sword that was taken from him. They'd soon fade away to who knows where she's dragging him.
Leo, Elvira and Ivory only stood in the center chamber, flabbergasted.
Elvira: At least… you got a new sword.
Leo: …Yay?
Back on the path, they trench through the ruins once more. Ivory led the way, sniffing his way to find the princess and the innkeeper.
Leo had many things running around his mind on how weird this day was. Love sick ghosts, shattered ancient swords, the blacksmith! What's next? Vampires?
He sighed once more, scratching his helmet. Elvira noticed his discomfort with everything and nudged him.
Elvira: Hey, take things easy. Weird things happen here all the time. Just gotta go with flow.
Leo: Don't worry. Exploding apple pie isn't even in my top ten today.
Elvira: Hey!
Before she could nag, Ivory got their attention when he sniffed out someone else's scent coming out the woods. It came quicker than anticipated when they slammed into Leo in full force, knocking them both down.
Stars flew around Leo's head as he had a dumb smile on his face. His vision was crooked, not able to make out the person that was laying on top of him.
???: Please! You must help me!
Finally, after a moment, his eyes crossed and was able to make out the person. Laying on top of him was a young adult female, her look of a beautiful posh woman. Her hair varied between a purple pinkish look which complemented her pink eyes. Her dress is mainly purple with black and white frills and a black corset. She wears a pair of black strappy heels and short white gloves.
???: I'm so sorry that I ran into you like this, but you have to help me, dear adventure!
Getting his head back in shape Leo sat back up. Hearing a call to help a young maiden out, he couldn't refuse to.
Leo: Is everything ok? Is someone after you?
???: No, it's just that I'm lost in this dense forest and I can't find a way out. I've been stuck here trying to find a way out of here for hours without any luck.
Tears pricked her eyes as she held onto Leo's torso.
???: Please Adventures! I don't want to be stuck here any longer! I just want to go home!
Seeing her in this state truly broke Leo's heart. She pulled his heart strings like a violin as she cried in desperate need.
Leo put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a smile.
Leo: Don't worry madam. We will get you out of here safe and sound. No need to worry.
Her puffy eyes soon shined. Clapping her hands together, she gave Leo a hug out of appreciation.
???: Thank you, thank you, thank you! I shall never forget your generosity in helping me!
Leo: It's no matter, madam! I shall do anything when someone is in need.
The posh lady gently smiled at the young man as she picked up a violet parasol.
???: I am grateful. Shall we get a move on then?
Soon the trio guided the lady through the forest. Elvira peeked behind her shoulder seeing her wave a hand at the red hooded girl as she scowled.
Elvira: Are you sure we can trust this girl? This place is all kinds of weird and the only beyond normal person we first meet is someone randomly running out the forest.
Leo: It does seem pretty strange, but she seemed to be genuinely scared and afraid.
Elvira sighed, looking back to see the woman innocently walking behind.
Elvira: Hey. Why are you even here anyway? Aren't people like you usually in your house eating rich people's stuff or something?
???: O-Oh, I was on a leisurely walk when I was attacked by hideous goblins. I ran away just in time, but I was soon lost.
Elvira skeptical looked at her. Her eyes tried to read her, but she couldn't get anything out of her.
Elvira: Uh-huh.
Everything went silent as they continued to walk through the dense forest. Elvira kept an eye on her, noticing how she seemed to be taking careful steps past through the light. She held her parasol over her at all times, seeming to not let go.
Elvira: Hey, Leo, Lady, Wolfy. I think I know a shortcut to get to the exit. Just follow me.
Leo: Um…. ok?
Elvira walked ahead of them, her pace was quick so it was kinda hard to keep up with her. They soon came towards a clearing to the forest where sunlight poured out from the middle. Elvira, Leo and Ivory all passed by fine, but the lady seemed to stop in her tracks.
Sweat dropped from her head as she was hesitant to step into the light.
Leo: Hey? Are you ok?
She tried waving off, saying that everything was fine and that she was exhausted from the best.
???: It's just a little hot here! Now worries!
Elvira: Then come on. The exit is just around the corner. You want to get out of here, right?
Even more sweat started to secrete onto her skin. Her knees were becoming as she gripped her parasol on her back.
???: J-Just give me a second!
Elvira: Come on! We're waiting!
Her heart beated rapidly, hyperventilating, taking a step into the sun.
???: That's it! I can't take it anymore!
Fang penetrated her gums as she let out a furious group and lunged at Elvira. Acting quickly she pulled out Troublemaker and fired off a shot to blow her back.
Elvira: Couldn't take the heat, ay vampire?
Leo: Vampire?!
Elvira: Yup! That right there is a blood sucking, thirsty vampire. Tried to get at us to drink our blood, but I knew some of them when I saw how she acted on avoiding sunlight and keeping her parasol on hand to keep the sun off of her.
A chuckle escaped the woman's mouth standing up straight.
???: You found me out. I'm very impressed, not everyone would get on how a scared lady in a forest trick.
She shined her fangs into a predatory smile, licking her lips.
???: But I think this is where we part ways with your delicious blood inside of me~
Pulling out her parasol, she extended its neck twirls it around for the canopy to curl into more of a scepter form called Crescent Moon.
???: You may call me Karina van Heusen, but I don't think you will be knowing each other long enough for you to remember.
The now name Karina held up her scepter in the air. A circle appeared below her as the dark energy flared inside the staff.
Pointing at the trip, dark bats flew towards them ending with a giant red one following suit. They all quickly dodged their separate, but got knocked to ground from impact.
Leo: Elvira, you were right!
More bats came into his way and he held up his shield to block the incoming attacks. They pushed back with each hit he takes, quickly gathering his footing only to get hit once more.
Leo: I should've listened to you! Dang my stupid head!
Bomb apples were shot at Karina, having her quickly give off of Leo and dodge incoming explosives. Elvira loaded up some more ammo as she reassured Leo.
Elvira: It's fine. You just owe me. Now let's take care of her so we can move on. Wolf, help me out.
Ivory goes on the offensive, ducking past darkness bats and lunges at Karina for a clawed attack.
Karina: Aw~ Little puppy want to play~
Darkness surrounded her body, radiating a glow that covered the light of the forest.
Karina: Blood Moon!
Aura burst off of her, hitting the ground near her. Ivory was hit with the attack and sent back towards Elvira who quickly catches him in her arms.
Elvira: Damn it… she's strong.
Karina gave off a dark chuckle. Licking her lip, staring at her prey with hunger.
Karina: I can smell all your blood. So much delicious blood! Especially you~
She points a finger towards Leo who looks confused, turning around to see if she's pointing at someone else.
Karina: Your blood… I want it. You shall provide it for me.
Leo: Yyyeaaahhh, I'm gonna pass. Like my blood inside me.
Karina: You don't get to choose.
She summoned more vampire bats and sent them towards Leo at high speeds. Leo jumped over the smaller bats, but the red bigger bats hit him hard.
A red bag hit him in his arm, making him quickly back away. It didn't hurt as much with the armor he was, but still brought some amount of pain.
Leo: Gotta get close. Elvira, cover me!
Elvira: On it!
Elvira loaded in her special Newton Apple, firing it towards Karina. Noticing the attack, Karing quickly tries to dodge out of the way, but she couldn't comprehend the blast radius and got knocked back.
The vampire girl growled, flaunting her fangs for intimidation.
Karina: You insufferable–
More bomb apples came at her as she hisses in anger.
Karina: That is just rude!
Karina sends the bats to counter the bomb apples, clashing in the air to leave smoke in their place. Jumping out through the smoke, Leo came out to counter attack Karina with the now acquired sword, Blue Spider.
Leo: Let's see what this can do!
He held it with two hands and with all his strength cut at her. She screamed in pain as she fell to the ground. He didn't let up with the follow up with the sword's move, Ice Skewer.
Pillars of ice were summoned on Karina to pin her down to the ground. Her dress was caught with spikes of ice as she struggled to get up only for Leo's sword to be pointed at her nose.
Leo: Checkmate.
Karina panicked, trying to wiggle herself out of this situation she was just in.
Karina: Wait! I was just kidding! Please let me go, I won't mess with you again! Promise!
She begged to be released, not wanting to test with the ones that had bested her in battle.
Leo: Ok, but I think your blood sucking days are over.
He cut the ice spikes from her dress, releasing her from her capture. She quickly grabs her staff to transform it back to her parasol and bows.
Karina: Thank you for sparing me! I'll be a good girl for now on, promise.
With haste she quickly runs away into the forest until they couldn't see her again. Elvira and Ivory both walked to Leo's sides staring the same way she was running.
Elvira: What a hassle. You owe me so much for this.
Leo: I know…
Walking towards the exit, the three were finally going to leave the ruins of this weird place.
If it wasn't for Karina jumping at Leo from the forest. He was knocked to the ground as she tried to stick her teeth in his neck, but they both wrestle on the ground trying to get on top of each other.
After a bit of a struggle, Leo kicked Karina off of him and they both stood back up.
Leo: I thought we told you we won't give you any of our blood!
Karina: You're so stingy! It's just a sip! It's not like you're gonna die…
Leo: No, thank you! I want my blood to stay in my body!
Karina stuck her head in Leo's face as she pokes him in his armored chest.
Karina: That's it! I'm just gonna have to follow you for now on. Sooner or later I'm gonna get that rich, delicious blood from you.
The three of their jaws dropped thinking they heard something wrong.
Leo/Elvira/Ivory: What?!/Woof?!
Karina: There's nothing you can do to change my mind. It's official that I'm a part of your party now.
Leo head hanged in defeat knowing there would be no way of getting rid of her.
Leo: Fine… just my luck.
Karina: You should be glad you have the likes of me in your group!
Vampire Girl
Karina has joined the party!
Watch your neck!
Finally Leo's party has become a team of four. A guardian, a beast, a red hooded rascal, and a vampire girl. Who could have a better party than him?
Karina: Now let's go. You're going to have to fill me in on what you're doing anyway so get to talking.
A sigh ranged from the group as they all walked out of the ruins and into the unknown with a new party member. Whether they like it or not.
The End
So… that happened. A lot happened in this chapter and I skipped some side quests because I thought they were pretty irrelevant to the over-acting story. And because I really like the sword quest a lot. But for now to the preview!
Now with a new companion by his side (reluctantly… again.) They're now on track to finally find the princess and bring her back to safety. She is with the innkeeper so she must be safe, but wait what with that awesome looking sword? Fine out on…
Champion Sword!
Later Speedsters!