Chapter 34

Third person

Defoe spied on the Huntik team from the top of the cave entrance, was leaning on a rock with his leg to avoid falling, an agent of the Organization, dressed in a military camouflage uniform, watched with him, Grier preferred to stay at a distance…

-Perfect, now I have this group of agents who are loyal to me and finally I will finish with Dante Vale.

-And capture the puppy.- Grier said as a group of agents dressed in camouflage approached.

-Yes…, that too.

Tercera persona final

Lok's POV

After my little accident nobody let me do much, much less get close to the water. By order of Dante we invoke some of our titans: Calibam, Metagolem, Slowing, Freelancer, Springer, Icarus and Sabriel.

Calibam fiddled a bit with a knife, spinning it in the air before throwing it and pinning it to a wall. Icarus created a rope at Sophie's command, the rope passed through a hole that had the handle of Calibam's knife and became entangled in the blade of Sabriel's sword that had prepared it by raising it in the air. Slowing came out of the water with the end of another rope trapped in its legs and put it on a hook that Dante had stuck in a stone.

-Well, prepared for the counterweight. Freelancer, Springer, tie it up.

Freelancer had a rope tied to his spear, nailed it to a nearby rock. Springer ran with the end that Slowing had given him around a huge rock and tied it with one of his magical knots. Calibam and Freelancer pushed the two rocks into the water, the one that Springer had tied and where Freelancer had pinned his weapon.

- How are the rings?- Dante asked me

-At the moment good.

Lok's POV end

Zhalia's POV

While the boys had stayed upstairs supervising the operation, Sophie and I were submerged next to the boat with Metagolem. When the two rocks entered the water, it was the signal for Metagolem to lift the ship, or rather, to try it.

Zhalia's POV end

Dante's POV

Metagolem was already trying to lift the boat, but it was very heavy and he told me through our link, that he could not lift it.

-Is not sufficient. Lok, stay here and watch the ropes hold, and get away from the water.

After leaving Lok I plunged into the water after giving a great breath of air. I swam to the bottom and told the girls to follow me, the three of us got to the side of Metagolem and tried to lift the boat with the help of our powers.

Dante's POV end

Third person.

In a crack in the roof of the cave, away from the rest of the Organization's agents, Grier observed how Dante trusted and left Lok alone and without protection, although there were some titans, they would not be a rival for the new agents and their titans, they could easily capture him. Grier sighed and looked over his shoulder towards Defoe.

-You're lucky it's me who saw this, okay.

Third person end

Dante's POV

While we were still trying to lift the boat, Lok appeared unexpectedly, stood by our side to help. I counted the three of them with my fingers to tell them to start doing it all at the same time. I used "Dragonfist", Lok "Electric-jum", Zhalia "Hiperstride", and Sophie "Gravity". It was a miracle, Lok did not electrocute us, I assumed that when his electricity focuses on something does not harm others, of course that was, until a clueless fish step by the side of his bare feet, the poor guy floated up to the surface. Seeing that "Dragonfist" did not work also use "Feetfire", but being in the water, it was weaker. With much effort on the part of all the ship began to move and the counterbalancing rocks began to sink more, it was enough for Metagolem to be able to lift it on its own, carry it on its right shoulder and bring it to the surface. While Metagolem was taking care of that, we were in a hurry to come to the surface, or at least Lok and I, who did not have a bottle. While we were swimming we understood why Lok hated the bottle, to swim quickly Lok flapped his wings as if flying, allowing him to swim long distances in a short time. Lok was the first to come to the surface followed by me, and then the girls, we left just in time to see how the ship came out afloat.

-We got it! - Sophie exclaimed after taking off her air mask.

-What do you do in the water? - Lok put a face of circumstance before my question- Did not I tell you to get away from the water?

-Dear, since when am I good at obeying orders?

He and the girls began to laugh at a very obvious truth. I forced Lok out of the water and take off his wetsuit, we all changed into our usual clothes.

Dante's POV end

Third person

Defoe had seen how they managed to get the boat out of the water, he and his new team had come down from the top to a large ledge closer to the Huntik team. Defoe held St. George's sword firmly in his hands as he stared with hatred at the small victory of his enemies.

-Sir, we are violating orders and endangering the titan we have to deliver.- Grier protested.

-I am not the messenger, and you are not here to think, you are here to obey me.

-Mr!

-I'm ready to take revenge.

Third person end

Lok's POV

We started to inspect the whole boat in search of the Hoplites, however we did not find anything, Dante pulled some metal bars he found on the deck and knelt on the ground to inspect them.

-We can say that this ship is from the period we are looking for, because the metal they used was bronze, like these bars.- Dante explained. Sophie came over reading a book.

- Why bronze?

-It was the only thing they had. It took centuries to get iron and steel to work.

-Then everything was made of bronze, it was like the plastic of the old era.

-Look!- Sophie showed us some sketches of ships in the book she was reading. -It's like the illustrations the Greeks left of their ships.

- However, there are things in this shipwreck that make me believe that it is not the Argo.

Lok's POV end

Third person

Defoe and several members of the Organization team were preparing to descend through the same crack in which Grier observed Lok. They had pulled ropes off the wall so they could jump.

-Like what?-Lok's question echoed throughout the cave.

-It's much narrower than the description of the Argo in the legend, right?- Sophie said, hoping to win her mentor's approval.

-Yes, and the cabin is very simple, I expected more from him. It seems that it is a ship of the Argonauts, but it is not the Argo.

While Dante and his team were discussing the Argo, Defoe counted up to three with his fingers to indicate when they should jump.

-Now!

Defoe was the first to fall while invoking his titan, Grier was the second to invoke Breaker and followed by two agents invoking his Redcap and Mindrone. The titans appeared surprising the three members of the team.

Third person end

Dante's POV

Defoe and some agents fell into the water catching us off guard.

-You're already mine Dante Vale! Poisonous fang!

Kreutlak spit a torrent of acid in our direction, Sophie backed away from the attack, pushed Lok to the ground, out of the way and I jumped with a flip forward. Defoe had not wasted his time invoking titans, because I would lose so little.

-Let us your power Metagolem- The amulet emitted a violet light, a flicker and went out. -Oh no! I have spent my power with the ship.

-I always keep something in case of emergency- Zhalia was very confident -Kilthane!

Kilthane appeared in front of us giving us time to escape. I felt sorry, he was only facing four titans.

-Refugiate you on the ship.

My team obeyed me, I took a little longer because I wanted to help Kiltahne, but Defoe and his agents attacked me with powers and I had to run after my team.

Once inside the boat we took refuge in the main room of the ship.

-Follow my orders. I know it seems dangerous, but I have a plan.

Dante's POV end

Third person.

Outside the ship Defoe was pleased to have corralled his prey within a confined space.

-Kreutlak, you have a hole in that side of the ship for Breaker.

-You ordered them to enter, sir?- Grier asked with some doubt about Defoe.

-I'm not going to let that coward escape. Keep the ship surrounded at all times. That is Dante Vale, you are completely surrounded, but this time I will not allow you to give up.

Third person end

Zhalia's POV

-Maybe this guy is crazy, but he has us surrounded.

Lok commented with disgust as he watched them through a crack in the boat. The rest of us were listening to Dante's plan.

-Zhalia, Lok, Sophie, go to the main entrance of the deck and lock the door.

I cannot help but be annoyed to see that again, Dante was leaving me as a nanny.

Zhalia's POV end

Third person

Defoe and Grier watched Dante through a hole in the ship. Defoe frowned at the presence of his worst enemy and squeezed his grip on his sword.

-We were told that under no circumstances we should use that.-Grier reminded him, beginning to get fed up with his superior's lack of discipline.

-Shut up!-Defoe ordered. -I'm going to end this and I'm going to do it the old-fashioned way.

Defoe slid back with his back to a rock without taking his eyes off Dante approaching without being noticed.

Third person end

Zhalia's POV

Lok and I had no objection to Dante's order, but Sophie, as always, was another story.

-And you, what are you going to do?

-I'll be fine, trust me.

Sophie seemed calmer, but not quite.

Zhalia's POV end

Dante's POV

-Use small titans like Gareon and Icarus to save the forces, and now, take your positions.

I could not help but smile when I noticed Defoe coming up my back, not realizing that it was all part of the plan, no one in his right mind stands with his back to a hole, allowing his enemy to be unprotected. My smile increased when I saw him out of the corner of his eye preparing to carry a sword. I pulled away without losing my smile, causing Defoe to fall through the hole in a somersault. The others obeyed and as soon as Defoe entered they ran away to their positions. I used "Rayfire" to block the hole where Defoe had entered with wooden planks from the ceiling so he could not escape, nor allow anyone to come by surprise.

-It's your time Dante Vale.- Defoe really enjoyed this time alone, he was already enjoying his victory before we started to fight. -Mindrone!, Gar-goul!

The Mindrone appeared in front of Defoe, but Gar-goul right in front of me. Defoe launched his torrent of acid, I leaned back to dodge it, I had to jump from side to side to dodge Defoe's sword, Mindrone's rays and Gar-goul's claws.

Dante's POV end

Third person

Outside the boat the agents and Grier talked about their next step, rebutting their superior's orders to stay out.

-Kreutlak's acid is not fast enough, besides, they have reinforced the helmet with an enchantment.

-Go up to the deck and find the entrance, on the move!

The agents obeyed Grier's order.

Third person end

Sophie's POV

Through the door through which we had left I could see Dante dodging the attacks with difficulty, although he had said it was fine and had seen Defoe from behind, it was not quiet, but we had another mission, block the entrance.

We were trying with planks on the floor, but the Organization was making a lot of pressure to open the door.

-How long will it take? - Lok asked altered.

-Not much, I hope you're ready to fight.- Zhalia answered with a smile.

Sophie's POV end

Dante's POV

The only titan that my magic allowed me to invoke was Slowing. Unfortunately the attacks of Defoe and his titans had not allowed me to do anything but jump from one side to another like a frog dodging them. I had my chance when Defoe attacked me with his acid and Gar-goul's claws were blocked by Slowing and he had no choice but to spit water out of his mouth, dodge the two attacks and combining "Feetfare" and "Spidertouch" I climbed the wall like a spider to the ceiling where I pushed myself and jumped against Defoe kicking him in the chest. Defoe sat up and brandished his sword to keep me away.

-Idiot, what use your fists against a sword?

I dodged another Gar-goul attack, rolled on the ground, and got back on my feet, away from the titan.

-You know ... after all your defeats I thought the Organization would have already made a decision with you.- I took a run and jumped on Gar-goul trying to corner me, leaning on his back, he did not like it, like Defoe.- You must be that they are short of staff.

I never lost my smile, I have to admit that I was having a great time with Defoe, he got into a rage, and it's very funny to make him angry.

Lost the stirrups and attacked me with "Poison Fang", because apparently has no more repertoire, and I defended with "Touchhot", our powers collided creating a small explosion, the powers hit the sword and Defoe was fired back.

Dante's POV end

Zhalia's POV

We had managed to block the door with more planks, boxes and barrels that we had found. Lok and I kept things at the door.

-I'm going to help Dante.- Sophie declared.

-It's better that you stay here.

- Do not give me orders, nobody gives orders to the heiress of the Casterwill family.

-We have to stay here Sophie, and Dante ordered it to us, okay? - Lok seemed upset and the thing got worse when there was another attempt to enter.

-We all make mistakes and Dante could be in danger!

With that Sophie ran away to help Dante, leaving us Lok and me wanting to kill her.

- How do you handle it?

-Neither do I know- Lok shook his head.

-It would be better if you go with her- I said as calmly as I could.

Zhalia's POV end

Dante's POV

Defoe had me surrounded, he and his Mindrone, who had not done much, opposite and Gar-goul on his back. Everyone was preparing to attack, Slowing tried to get to Gar-goul, but the Mindrone attacked him with his orange beam.

-Dragonfist!

I hit Garl-goul in the stomach causing him to emit a small roar and leaving him bewildered, Slowing recovered and launched himself against him scratching his face, I finished off the titan with "Firebolt" throwing him through a hole in the ground.

Defoe and his Mindrone began to back away with the panic written all over their bodies. I extended my hand in his direction.

-You cannot do anything to defend me from my attack, it's over Defoe.

Defoe started to bend down and it looked like he was going to leave the sword on the ground, but while he was holding his other hand behind his back.

-You will have to finish with me Dante, I will not give up.

When I had already prepared to attack Sophie came running suddenly leaving us a little misplaced Defoe and me. I tried to warn her but she ignored me, ran across the room and kicked Defoe's hand causing her to drop a metal tube, immediately Defoe pointed the sword at her and cornered her against the Mindrone.

-It seems that the tables have changed Mr. Vale- Defoe grabbed Sophie- Now it is you who must surrender.

I showed him the arms with open hands in surrender, I pressed my jaw and glared at him.

-I'm sorry Dante- Sophie lamented.

-I do not have weakness like you, I'm not a friend of my colleagues, so, they are expendable.

I saw Lok sneak up on Defoe's back, if he did it right, we would have a chance.

-You do not have friends Defoe.

Lok threw an "Electricray" against Defoe's back causing it to bend, with "Spidertouch" snatched the sword from Defoe, Sophie bent down and Lok threw himself against Defoe pushing him, tripped over Sophie and fell on my feet where I pinned him down hand in the back.

-Dante I'm so sorry, I did not want ...

The sound of breaking wood alerted us all.

-There's no time for that, help Zhalia.

Lok and Sophie ran out of the room.

Dante's POV end

Zhalia's POV

When the door was broken, a large group of agents of the Organization entered the room with Grier in charge, Gareon was my only support and we both agreed, that if we left Sophie's asphyxiating while sleeping. Luckily for Sophie, she and Lok arrived just before the fight began, so I would not have to kill her, for now.

-I do not want to scare Dante's puppy and a couple of girls. Do not make it harder and give up.

Grier was kind enough to approach us while offering us the surrender, in other conditions I would have accepted them, but I was very indignant that he had called me a girl, and I was not the only one, so little Lok was very happy to be called a puppy. Gareon did not stop making noises in disapproval to Grier.

-Girls, you must refer to Sophie, I am a woman, a woman who is going to be that you eat your words.

Grier leaned back in amazement at my sudden outburst.

-Under those three Sophie, I take care of those four.-Lok ordered Sophie. Lok crossed the room using "Electric-jum" - I'm not anyone's puppy!

Lok kicked two officers in the chest, rolled on the ground and stood awkwardly. I was dealing with Grier, I dodged with a graceful punch making Grier lose balance a little, I took advantage to jump in the air and kick him in the chest, Gareon tried to hit him with his laser look. Meanwhile, Sophie invoked Icarus who was dedicated to throw arrows to the agents.

Lok was caught in the back by an agent, but he kicked the person in front of him, pushing himself enough to make the agent that held him release him. Lok was distracted a second, but it was enough time for one of the agents to attack him from the back with " Unbreakable" throwing him to the ground, then hit him again with another attack and Lok was on the ground.

-Lok!

I tried to reach him, but Grier stopped me, hit Gareon with "Dragonfist" returning him to his amulet, hit Grier in the chest, but caught me at once, lifted me by the arms and left me suspended in the air. Icarus was defeated by the combined attack of two agents.

-Take the puppy!

At Grier's command, an agent loaded Lok onto his shoulder and pulled him out of the room. I placed my legs on Grier's chest and picked up momentum.

-Enough!

Dante entered the room dragging Defoe by the collar of his shirt and with the sword in the other hand. Grier released me, I pushed on his chest and doing a somersault in the air I pulled away from him.

-Drop it!- Grier ordered Dante.

-Leave the boat guys, or I'll kill him.

I made an oath, I will not leave my superior.

Sophie and I met Dante.

-That will not be necessary, Grier, promise me that you will go and hand you over to Defoe.

-Dante does not!- Sophie shouted. Dante opened his eyes at the surprise.

-They have Lok.

Dante's face changed, from surprise to anger to worry. Grier ordered his agents to retire, staying alone with us.

-I promise Dante, that if you give me Defoe we will leave, I will make sure that your puppy does not suffer any damage and you will have an opportunity to recover it.

-No way. Give me Lok and I'll give Defoe.

-I remind you, Dante, that you are not in a position to demand anything, I can make my agents come back and you are not in the condition of a fight. If you do not give me to Defoe I cannot guarantee the safety of the boy, and I will also give you information that can help you recover it.

Dante kept clenching his teeth, we all knew he was right, we did not have enough power for a fight and Grier, despite what he said, could leave Defoe, but we could not leave Lok. Dante closed his eyes and dropped his shoulders in surrender, released Defoe and let him crawl to Grier's feet.

-Destroy them, I order them!- Grier rolled his eyes, took Defoe and carried him on one shoulder,

-The boy will be in a marine base, in three days they will come to pick him up at four in the afternoon, in point, you have until that moment, not a minute more, then it will belong to the Professor.

Saying that, Grier turned his back on us and left with Defoe, who kept protesting and kicking like a child.

Our mission had just changed, now we had to find and rescue Lok in three days.

Zhalia's POV end