Chapter 7 I protect what I believe

This was a problem. I did not know who this new intruder was, but I was quite certain she was not here to celebrate. Her feline eyes were too focussed on the sleeping boy in Ari's arms. The sword she held seemed awfully sharp.

"What is this?" Ari said. "Who are you?"

The woman made no attempt to answer. Instead she charged forward again. It was faint, but I was certain I saw the blade glow this time. I was not going to attempt to strengthen the shield. I didn't have the energy left to do so. Instead I jumped at Ari and pulled him and Maqi out of the way. My prediction was on point as the unknown woman cut through my barrier as if it had been made out of paper. Her sword embedded itself into the ground, right at the place where Ari had been standing not a few seconds ago.

She was quick to pull her sword out of the ground, but her counterattack never came. Cornelia had reacted instantly and used her telekinesis to blow the woman across the room. A definite groan escaped her lips when her back collided with the wall. I barely shot an appreciative smile at Cornelia when I already noticed the female assailant recovering. I groaned inwardly. Was there no chance we could get a breather? My eyes temporarily left the woman and I scanned our surroundings. The large gates were wide open, but no other exits seemed to present themselves. I did not want to risk any windows. I bit my lip. Fighting her would put Maqi and Ari in danger. It was obvious they were her target. They had to leave. If they could reach the Banshee they would be safe, especially if Ari could simply wish her to be gone.

"Banshee, hear m-"

An energy blast shot past me. I huffed in relief when Hay Lin jumped in and pulled Ari and Maqi out of the way. Okay, the assailant was smart enough not to give Ari the chance to speak to the Banshee. It would be best if I got them out of here. But I dared to bet she would not just let them leave.

"Take Ari and Maqi to the Banshee."

"But Will!"

Any other complaints were halted when the woman jumped us again. I silently reminded myself it was a stupid decision to say the plan out loud, but it at least got her attention. As the woman aimed for Ari, I jumped at her. Either she was too focussed on her prey or she did not perceive me as a threat, but I managed to knock her out of the air. Her sword skidded over the floor as she lost it in our scuffle. We landed away from the group. I uneasily noticed that my strength and hers were quite alike. She was no Guardian and had – as far I knew – no Quintessential powers. She was either from a race with already augmented strength or some kind of weird super soldier the comics talked about. Neither were great to have as an opponent right now.

My strength seemed to have caught her off guard and she struggled to get a grip on me.

"Go now!" I said without looking up from my opponent.

There were no footsteps. I looked up and found the girls looking defiantly at me, all with their hands raised and ready to attack. The woman was trying to grab my throat. I could barely glare at them as I tried to stay out of her grasp.

"We can't endanger them! Leave! I'll keep her busy!"

There was an obvious disdain to my words, but I couldn't be fully bothered. I'd go into discussion with them after we're done. Right now, Maqi's and Ari's safety were our prime concern. Finally I heard their footsteps hit the ground as I was launched off the woman. I rolled over the ground, watching how the girls reached the doors. The woman had made a jump for her weapon. I got up, wanting to jump after her, when Cornelia's quick thinking saved me from doing so. She used her telekinesis to pull the sword with her. The woman was close to following her when the doors shut. I heard the distinctive sound of a wall being raised from the earth and knew we were locked in. The woman breezed loudly. She glared at the door, her hands glowing with a familiar energy.

I wouldn't let her. Within seconds my hands were crackling with lightning and before she made her move, I made mine. Lightning coursed through my hand towards her. She must have picked up the crackling sound. She jumped away and dodged my attack. It made the glow of her hands die down though. I took this chance to put myself between the doors and her. This time her unnerving glare was turned to me. A silence fell between us. I was rather sure it wouldn't matter if I tried to talk to her. This lady didn't look like she was open for discussion.

She took a battle stance, just like I did. It surprised me when I learned she had taken the same position as I did. It also worried me. If she knew of this style, she could possibly know more techniques than I did. I was, after all, but a novice. This meant I had to fall back on my magic and hope she couldn't compete with that. Bile clung in my throat. My hands cramped ever so slightly. My heart thundered in my chest. But I kept my ground. I stared her down, just like she did to me.

That was when the first attack came. She was fast. Within seconds she had closed the distance between us and I could barely register the fist hurtling at my face. I recoiled, swinging my body backwards and thus avoiding the fist. Regret filled me immediately as she seemed to be prepared for my unskilful dodge. The fist opened up and grabbed the front of my top. Her leg swept against mine. It was a forceful kick and as her hand let go off me, I felt weightless for just a few seconds. That weightlessness quickly disappeared as I came into contact with the ground. My head bounced off the stone floor and through the stars I could see that her hand had closed into a fist again. It contacted with my stomach at the same time as my head hit the ground again. A groan left my lips as pain spread through my abdomen. The last time something hurt that bad, it had been Cedric's massive tail swatting me like a fly.

The woman tried to take a hold on me, but while my vision was still recuperating, I kicked my legs up. Somehow I managed to hit her. A soft groan came from my assailant and she backed off. I crawled up, placing a hand on my stomach. It was cramping and stomach acid was making its way to my mouth. I swallowed the sour substance while finally focussing my eyes on her. She had assumed the basic stance again, seemingly unperturbed by my attack. She didn't wait for me to catch my breath. Once again she came at me, but this time I was ready.

Instead of giving her the chance to attack me, I took a step forward. Her surprise was visible as she staggered to maintain the distance for her attack. She was too late as I threw out my own punch. While I usually kept a certain level of control, I did not do it now. This woman could hurt me this badly. Holding back would be my death.

My punch contacted with her arm as she blocked it. I didn't let it concern me. Instead I tried a sweep, much like she had done. She was prepared and took a steady step back. I was waiting for her to fall back and followed with a kick with the same leg as I attempted the sweep with. Her arms moved to block the incoming kick and as I tried to land it, I jumped in. I retreated my leg before it could make contact and used my fist to once again try a punch. And this time I hit my mark. I'd never hit a face before. A few of my knuckles contacted with her cheekbone but the rest just drove into her cheek. Her head was knocked sideways and she lost her footing on the floor. She got pushed away several feet. She landed in a crouched position. A hand of hers touched her cheek tenderly, while her feline eyes glared darkly at me. My heart jumped as I detected the faintest of smiles on her lips. This woman was insane.

I didn't have time to inwardly celebrate my successful attack. The woman had closed the distance again, this time with a full frontal kick. I blocked in time, but was knocked back. I kept my defence, but I quickly learned I was too slow with using the appropriate block at the right time. Raythor's instructions were ringing through my head, scolding me for even thinking during a battle. I couldn't help it. I had to remember the block to defend myself from her relentless attacks.

It started with a fist being planted into my stomach, forcing me to lurch forward. An elbow found its mark on my back before a knee was raised to crush my nose. In a dazed state I managed to stop that, only to be greeted with another fist hitting my temple. The room seemed to dance in front of me. The woman doubled. I had to stop her. She and her doubles raised another fist. I blocked by crossing my arms in front of me. But before she would even think of a better way to smash me to a pulp, I reached for my magic. Sparks coursed over my body and I released a full body shock the moment she got closer. An angry hiss left her lips as she took a few steps back.

This gave me some time to breathe. Only now did I realize how tired I really was. I'd used too much energy on helping Maqi. I had tried too many things I'd never done before. And now I was getting an ass whooping that was severely draining me of my remaining energy. I inhaled and exhaled at a rapid pace, panting as if I'd run for miles. My wounds were no longer closing. I could taste the nasty iron aroma of blood and as I wiped my mouth, I could see faint traces of blood on my sleeve and hand.

I looked up, relieved to see the doubles had disappeared and that the room had stopped spinning. The woman's hand seemed burnt. She was waving it without much thought whilst observing me. Some spark of interest seemed to be present in those odd yellow eyes. The injured hand balled into a fist again as she retook her stance. I copied her. I was not going to give up without giving my all. The girls were counting on me. I just wished they would hurry up.

We stood still. No movement other than the rising and falling of our chests was made. Our eyes were locked and we waited. At least, I waited. I did not trust myself on making another successful attack. She was definitely better than I was. My own attack had been a lucky hit. My best bet was in defence and magic. Something I would exploit the moment she decided on an attack. Which meant I had to be patient. I didn't need to get through the door. I could take my time.

That realization had seemed to dawn on the woman as well. Her fists balled a little more for just a second when another attack came my way. I held my ground and pointed my arm at her. Lightning again coursed through it and shot at her. She dodged, but it was obvious she struggled with doing so. My attack had been faster than she was and it singed the hem of her robes. Her dodge did not stop her attack. I charged a new attack with my other hand, but this time she was fast enough. Before I could release it, she kicked my arm upwards. This resulted in my attack colliding with the ceiling. Several pebbles fell down from it, but that was the least of my concern. The moment my attack had been discharged, the woman grabbed for my arm. What followed was the most unnatural thing I'd ever felt.

I watched, unable to counter, how the woman took my arm into a hold and broke it. Her hand pushed into my elbow. I felt the strain of it bending unnaturally before a definite crack echoed through the halls. A cry of pain, my cry of pain followed that awful sound. I could feel blood trickle down my arm, but that feeling was quickly numbed by the indescribable pain from my broken limb. She let go off it. Gravity took control over it, making it take its place next to my body. I couldn't look at it, afraid it would be the final straw for me to hurl. Tears blinded my eyes and I staggered backwards. I didn't get very far, as her hand found its way around my neck.

An immediate call for oxygen came as she pressed gently against my throat. Through my blurred vision I could see her look at me with certain disappointment.

"It didn't have to come to this," she said.

I struggled for air. My other hand grasped her arm, but I lacked the power to free myself. My broken arm was taking any energy I had left and the slowly increasing pressure on my throat was making it hard for me to do anything else but hyperventilate. Panicked thoughts coursed through my head. I couldn't die now. I had still a life to live. My friends would need me. They would hate me if I died here. Matt… He would never forgive me. And the mission. We still had to clear it completely. We had to ensure Maqi's safety. I had to ensure his and the girls' safety. I could not do that if I died. I just needed the energy to break free. To heal.

As those last thoughts ran through my mind, my vision had already blurred into darkness. Fear clawed at my chest. I could not die now. I wouldn't. I would find a way to restore some of my powers. As if in reply to my desperate thoughts, I saw a light. I was sure this wasn't the all known 'light at the end of the tunnel'. Don't ask me how I knew, I just did. It felt different. I reached out for it. I was no longer aware if I did so mentally or physically. I just had to get in touch with that light. The moment I did, I heard a gasp. I couldn't discern whether it was mine or hers. I didn't care. I felt the energy the light held and I pulled at it with all my might.

Within a second I could breathe again. My vision cleared. The last I could make out from the light was how a small part left with me. I took grateful gasps of air whilst looking at my opponent. She was clutching her chest. One of her arms had bloody scratch marks on them. She stared at me as if I'd done something horrible to her. I only tried to catch my breath. As I did, I noticed how the pain in my broken arm had numbed. I dared to take a look. That look turned into disbelieve as I watched my bloodied arm react normally, as if it had never been broken. It was stiff and ached when I moved it, but there was no bone protruding from my skin. It wasn't bend in an awkward way. It looked normal. Only the rip in my sleeve gave any indication something had protruded.

I took a new breath, before retaking my basic position. I only faintly noticed how the stance felt more natural to me than before. I made sure to not strain my newly healed arm in any way. I only thanked whatever god that wanted to listen that our Guardian powers came with a rapid healing factor in times of need. I then proceeded to attack.

I knew I thought before that an attack would have been the worst decision I could make. It was just strange. After my miraculous recovery and escape, an attack felt like the most natural and logical thing to do. I even did it without thinking about my options.

I went with a frontal kick. She jumped backward, having gathered herself in time to do so. I did not let that deter me. I placed my foot back on the ground and used the momentum for a round house kick. It was a kick I'd only seen Raythor demonstrate, but as I did it, it felt as if I'd practiced it for many years. My kick connected with her chest and another groan flitted her lips. The woman stumbled back, but when I continued with a punch, she was ready. She blocked my punch and countered with her own series of attacks.

Only this time it went differently. I blocked or dodged her attacks, almost as if I knew what kind of combination she was trying. A deep frown had formed on my opponent's face, indicating her concentration. I don't believe I'd seen that look during the first half of our fight. I didn't have long to think about it. Her attack combination became more intricate and powerful. Dodging became nearly impossible for me and my arms were aching from my blocks. My recently recovered arm was throbbing terribly. It took my mind multiple times off the battle, resulting in me taking several hits.

We distanced from each other again. My breathing was heavy. My opponent was breathing with more difficulty as well, but I was almost sure she could continue this fight longer than I could. My legs were trembling. I was sure I could not take another step without losing the strength to keep me up. I just stared at her. From the back of my mind I thought I heard something. I shook my head to focus. I then saw the woman glance upward. I didn't dare to do the same. I saw her nod and a cat-like smile appeared on her face.

"You fight better than expected. What is it you fight for?"

I kept my face straight, not showing the surprise I felt. This was perhaps the largest amount of words she'd used since she got here.

"What I believe."

She inclined her head at my reply. She made it look like she accepted my explanation. I wondered if she could hear my fatigue in my voice. If so, she did not seem to want to exploit it.

"It's a custom of my planet to exchange names when having fought a formidable opponent. While I would not say you were such an adversary, I would at least concede that you surprised me and gave me an…interesting fight."

I nodded. I wasn't going to react to the barb. She was right. I probably only survived due to luck.

"Will," I said. "Will Vandom."

The woman blinked at me. Slowly she started to nod, as if only realising what I had said.

"It has been an honour to fight you, Will Vandom. May we meet again on the battlefield."

A fold appeared behind her. However, before she could step through it, my burning curiosity made me call out for her.

"Wait! You never said your name."

The woman halted for a moment. The grin was still on her face.
"My name is Orube."

With that she left through the fold. The fold closed and as it did, I felt my knees buckle. I gave in and hit the ground painfully. I didn't care. I was finally sitting down. I could finally take a breath.

"Will? Are you okay?"

Taranee's voice rang through my head and I let out a relieved chuckle.

"What took you so long?" I said.

"We ran into trouble along the way. Are you still fighting?"

I shook my head. "No. She just left."

A short silence fell in which I took my time to calm my pulse. I would take a really long nap after all of this.

"Ari wants to know what wish he still has to make."

I had forgotten about that. My insides turned to ice as I thought of the repercussions that would probably follow. I just didn't have a choice. Ari and Maqi should not suffer. I'd decided this course when I'd talked to the Banshee. No sense in stopping now.

"Make sure he wishes that none of his wishes can be undone."

There was no reply from Taranee. I closed my eyes, my heart still pumping in my ears. Everything seemed peaceful for a while. I could almost imagine my bed back in Heatherfield. Unconsciousness was close to taking me when an unearthly scream echoed through the palace and the walled off door. Tremors shook the ground. And I couldn't act upon it. All my tired body could was wait. A horrible crash announced my fear. The doors blasted apart and through it, I could see Cornelia's wall crumbling. In the opening, I saw the Banshee. Her eyes were wide in pure anger, her face twisted into an ugly snarl. Her long, talon like hands flexed at the sight of me.

The next moment I felt a piercing pain in my abdomen and finally lost consciousness.

When I came to, everything was aching. My stomach was burning, my head felt heavy and all of my limbs were protesting in pain. As my vision started to clear, I could see my arms and legs bound by a robe that eerily resembled the ones that held the Banshee captive. I also realised I was standing in muddied water which came up till my ankles. As I jerked my head to get a better view of my surroundings, I caught movement all around me.

Creatures melted out of swamp-like trees. All with green skin, motley freckles and pale green hair. The creatures were distinctly female, clad in similar yellowish robes which clung loosely to their frame. And all wearing a scowl so dark, I shivered. My vision was blurring again. I did not have the energy to stay awake under the constant pressure of pain. My head was nodding off as I felt myself slipping away to the loving embrace of unconsciousness. A creature, a Banshee must have noticed it, as my chin was suddenly clamped in a vice-like grip of clammy fingers. Nails pressed sharply in my cheek. I was forced to look at her. She was not the same Banshee that once belonged to Ari. She looked younger and far more dangerous.

"Stay awake, mortal," she said. "You will pay for what you did to my mother."

Her voice was cold and harsh. Nails against chalkboard would have been a more pleasant sound. I stared at her, but my eyes started to droop. Her fingers pressed harsher into my cheeks, causing new signals of pain to force me awake.

"Too bad you're already dried up. The robes can't take any more energy out of you."

I tried to struggle, both against her grip as well as against the robes. It was inefficient. It only caused more pain to course through my body and tears to blur my sight. A haughty laugh escaped the Banshee's lips as she witnessed my pain. Through my blurred vision, I saw her face getting closer to mine. The edges of my vision were already starting to black out.

"You won't win, little witch," she purred.

I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of being right. As darkness started to try and claim me again, I fought against it. This was the second time today that I was slipping away and I couldn't let it happen. The girls would be worried sick. And they would be angry. Very angry if I died.

Again a strange light caught my attention. It was not something I could see with my eyes. I only realised this as I had my eyes open this time. It was something I sensed. It felt like light. It was strange to describe, but I was grateful for noticing it again. It had saved me against Orube. Maybe it could save me now. I only had to grab it. I struggled for my arms, but they were still wrapped up in that horrible cloth. I heard the Banshee laugh again at my fruitless attempts. I felt her hand pet my cheek and push some hair away from my face. My face… What seemed to be the best idea I had at that point, I closed my eyes and headbutted the Banshee. She was in the way of me getting to the light and as I did, I noticed how close the light was. Without much thought I snapped at it with my mouth, trying to grab it with my teeth. My mind's eye confirmed me getting a hold of the light, but my own teeth also seemed to close on to something. I bit down hard, hearing a piercing howl from the Banshee. I didn't know what I was biting into, but I didn't care. She would know I wasn't going to give up without a fight.

I bit down harder, trying to get a better grasp on the light in my mind's eye. The screaming and hissing I heard seemed to dull as my mind fully fixated on the light. I had to take it. I had to use it to survive. Suddenly I was pushed back. My teeth clasped together and something flesh like filled my mouth as disgusting blood seeped down my throat. Once again only a small portion of the light seemed to come to me and as I opened my eyes I saw a horrifying spectacle.

The Banshee who had been tormenting me was bleeding horribly as part of her lower lip was missing. I quickly realised that that was what I was holding in my mouth and spit it out. A gag reflex followed, but my stomach content didn't. I looked back to see Yua, Ari's Banshee, separating the younger Banshee from me. Her eyes were wide. However, this time her eyes shone with more than anger. They were overwhelmed with fear.

"Leave her," she said. "She's not human."

"She's a monster."

With that, she took her daughter and they both disappeared into the bog. The other Banshee disappeared into their trees. The robes loosened around my legs and arms and I could stand up, without my energy being sucked out of me. The surge of energy I'd gotten from the light was enough to dull the pain to a degree where I did not faint immediately. But that was all. I had no energy to move. No energy to call out. All I had was the energy to stand tall. Still I tried one final thing.

"Help"

It was a feeble attempt to contact somebody, anybody who could hear me. It drained me of whatever kind of energy I had. My legs started to tremble and my vision started to darken. I heard heavy trudging in the distance and something bright suddenly descending from the skies. The warmth it gave off relieved me slightly and as I fell forward, something big caught me. The last thing I remembered was being lifted and cradled by two stony hands.

[A/N] That's all folks! New chapter will be up probs before 2019, if not then it will be there in January 2019.

I hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to review!