Chapter 70: Settling the Score: Part III

Ed gave a serious look at May. 'This will be difficult. She possesses three magic abilities: Ice, Electricity, and Transformation. I must take great care in this battle.'

May suddenly clenched her fists. "Transform: Dark Wings!"

Black, bat-like wings sprouted from her back. She lifted into the air and hovered overhead. Her eyes now glowing white. She pointed to Ed with both hands.

Instantly, Ed could feel the energy within her. It was like a powerful wind that was pushing him back. He covered himself with both arms, straining just to stand still. All of this, and she hadn't even said a spell yet.

'Such power… she has a strong desire in her heart to destroy me.' Ed thought, growling as his face turned to a larger frown.

"Lightning!"

Ed saw sparks forming all around her. She was charging up for a big attack. Ed gasped, fearing for his life.

"Come on, legs. MOVE!" He managed to overcome his fear and run.

He began to circle around May. May stayed on target, turning her body and keeping hands pointed at Ed who continued to run. Suddenly, the attack started. The sparks all conjoined at her fingers.

They all exploded and released a wave of electricity. The lighting was too quick for Ed, as he took the blast. He gave a loud scream and soared into the air. Ed's vision became blurry as he flew through the mist.

However, he foresaw the ground, and landed on his feet. Ed felt just how powerful she was. His jacket had a large burn mark on it. His chest felt very bad.

For now, he was too nervous to see just how serious his injuries were. It would distract him, so he stood and waited. The silence within the chamber was disturbing. And with the lack of visibility, he had a hard time focusing.

"ICE SPHERE!"

Ed gasped. He had no idea where the voice came from. He turned around and looked in all directions. Ed was able to hear the increasing crescendo sound of something big whizzing through the air.

'Where is it?' He thought. 'WHERE!?'

His thoughts were answered. From the corner of his eye, he saw something large flying towards him. Ed gasped and fell to the floor. He could feel the cold ball graze him as it passed by.

The ball flew out of sight into the mist. A few seconds later, he heard a loud crash, ice shattering somewhere.

The ball had missed, but barely.

'May tried to finish me off. Little does she know she missed. And she probably can't see what happened because of the mist. So…'

Ed cupped his hands. "AHHHHHHHHH!"

"ED! NO!" Eduardo Jr. shouted.

Vivian began crying.

"With-girl shall not live for long!" Rolf shouted.

"So, I managed to get him." May said, lowering her hand.

"Fine work." Beldam stated. "Now go and finish the job."

May nodded, looking into the direction where Ed flew. She hovered in the air, slowly proceeding towards him.

"Wait. What's that?" May asked.

She could hear something whistling through the air.

She gasped, her eyes widening. "Frost Shield!"

A large circular shield of ice materialized before her. Lucky for her, she managed to get it up just in time. The arrow that was flying at her bounced off and landed on the ground beside her.

'Impossible. I just took him down.' May thought.

But sure enough, Ed was walking out of the mist, holding a bow in his hand.

"You tricked me." May said. "But since when could you do that? I've never seen you so smart, so advanced."

Ed glared at May. He looked to be challenging her by just standing by.

May growled, as her medallion began to glow again. Ed remained firm, not moving an inch. He didn't look the least bit intimidated.

"Lightning!"

Ed saw the sparks forming around her again and took off running.

"You're just wasting your time." May stated.

Ed suddenly stopped near a bridge.

The sound of loud thunder could be heard as lightning shot from May's fingertips. Ed managed to hide behind the bridge. The electricity struck the bridge for a moment… then stopped. Ed was perfectly fine.

'How is he outsmarting me?' May thought, surprised by how Ed was acting.

Ed looked through the bridge railings. From within its bars, he took out an arrow and placed it into his bow. He carefully aim and released the arrow. May looked and saw the arrow flying through the air.

"Frost Shield!" She called out.

The same ice shield appeared and protected her from the arrow. After that, the shield vanished…

The next thing May knew, she was flying across the room screaming.

She hit the floor hard, her wings vanishing as she did. May gave an annoyed growl. She looked at herself and saw an arrow pierced through her cloak. It failed to hit her, but it forced her backwards and immobilized her.

'A second arrow hidden in the shadow of the first.' May realized. 'How is he so strong and smart? And why am I having such a hard time defeating him. By now, he should have been turned to stone. Why?'

As she struggled to get up, she heard another battle cry. Ed was rushing towards her with another arrow prepared in his bow. May gasped, realizing her reaction time would be minimal. She saw Ed release his bow, and the arrow now headed towards her at almost point-blank range.

May quickly vanished into the shadows, as the arrow struck the ground.

Ed stopped himself from running.

'Where is she?' Ed thought, looking around the misty area.

There was a little bit of silence. Ed felt trapped for some reason.

'This would be so much easier if the mist was gone. It's suffocating.' He thought.

"That's my good apprentice. Keep them prolonged enough for our plan to work." Beldam said.

Though she couldn't see the battle, she could sense everything that was occurring.

Rolf gave a loud growl. He stared at Beldam with a very angry expression.

"What's the matter? Is it the fact that I've won?" Beldam asked, turning to face the angered boy. "Or is it that you feel terrified knowing another person you care about will be rid of this world?"

"…silence." Rolf said softly, hair falling over his eyes.

Vivian, who was right beside him, could also sense just how much hatred he felt to Beldam.

"Yes. You can only watch as those you care about are destroyed. Just like the past, coming back to haunt you-"

"SILENCE!" Rolf shouted.

Eduardo Jr. and Vivian both looked at him. His anger had reached such a point where they both feared it.

"A weak little human, unable to defend those he most treasured. Your friends, your allies, even your own family!" Beldam continued to taunt.

Rolf gave a loud and angry scream. He wanted to destroy her at that instant. Eduardo Jr. and Vivian backed away from him. Rolf was panting heavily, practically choking on the mist that was surrounding them.

His hands clenched as fists on his side, his weapon ready and able.

"Of course, you have proven an annoying thorn on my side." Beldam said, glancing at the medallion that Rolf wore on his neck.

Rolf looked down on it as well, barely remembering he even had it.

"And to think a pathetic little weakling like you was appointed hero of the Punnies. I suppose they were even weaker and more pathetic, and quite desperate."

Rolf held the medallion in his hand. "They did indeed appoint Rolf of the title 'Hero of the Punnies.' I saved them."

Rolf slowly turned towards Vivian.

'Rolf saved them from the shadow sirens. I can save others from the shadow sirens as well. I will avenge my friends… and family.' Rolf thought.

He knew now more than ever, he had to focus. At the first sign of Beldam dropping her guard, he would act.

Ed continued to search the room.

'Don't lose concentration. You must see everything.' Ed thought, his bow armed with yet another arrow, looking around himself in search of May.

Suddenly, something came walking towards him from the mist. Ed gasped and lowered the bow.

"Eddy?" Ed asked in surprise.

"Ed! Looks like I got here just in time!" Eddy said.

"How did you break free of the stone curse?" Ed asked.

"Long story." Eddy said. "I'll explain later. What'd I miss?"

Ed's eyes narrowed. "May and I are in a battle. The outcome determines the fate of the world."

"A battle? Count me in." Eddy said. "Where is she?"

Ed looked at Eddy with a serious expression.

"I think she is right under my nose." Ed suddenly realized Eddy was looking fearless.

"Eddy, aren't you worried about the others who are stone?" Ed asked.

"…no, 'cause when we win, we free them, right?" Eddy asked.

"I think I found her." Ed said suddenly.

"Where?" Eddy asked, looking around.

He looked back up to Ed and saw the arrow pointed right into his face.

"Whoa, Ed! Easy with the arrow!" Eddy shouted.

"The game is over, May. Stop hiding in that form." Ed said.

A smirk appeared on Eddy's face. "Very perceptive."

His body was suddenly engulfed by a purple cloud. Ed didn't wait a second and fired the arrow into the purple cloud. No reaction at all. Ed raised an eyebrow.

Suddenly, he saw a hand shoot from the cloud. Ed's reflexes saved him, as he was able to block the attack. May jumped from the vanishing cloud and punched again. Ed blocked it again.

Ed kicked May in her shin. She took the hit, but barely reacted. She made a counterattack by smashing both fists on his head. Nothing at all.

In fact, she was practically thrown back from the attack. Ed took out his arrow and quickly loaded an arrow into his bow and aimed it towards her head. At the same time, May held both hands towards Ed's head and pointed her index fingers, ready to cast a spell. They both remained in that position, the chamber becoming silent again.

Tensions were rising between them both. Neither of them showed it, but they were both scared to death.

"Why haven't you destroyed him yet?" Beldam asked impatiently. "This is taking too long."

Rolf looked at Beldam, noticing she wasn't looking towards her hostages. 'NOW!'

He suddenly separated from the other two and ran towards Beldam screaming at the top of his lungs.

"BELDAM!" Marilynn and Doopliss both shouted.

Beldam's head turned as she saw Rolf running towards her with his whacking bag ready to hit. Beldam laughed and vanished into the shadows. Rolf screeched to a halt and gave a gasp.

"Do you think you can defeat me?" Beldam's voice asked, echoing throughout the courtyard.

Rolf looked around, searching desperately for Beldam.

'Think, Rolf. Do not let her distract the son-of-a-Shepard. Where will she strike?' Rolf gasped as he realized the obvious. 'The hostages! I left them unguarded!'

Rolf watched Eduardo jr and Vivian, back-to-back as they both glared at Marilyn and Doopliss. Both of them watched the tension also building up within him. Suddenly, Beldam shot up from the shadows, her hands already glowing and pointing right at Eduardo Jr.

"He broke the rules and now you will pay the price." Beldam said.

"NO!" Vivian cried out.

Eduardo Jr. looked up at the threatening witch with a bold face.

"Solidify!" Beldam shouted.

Eduardo Jr. shouted and took the hit. She gasped as his small legs began to turn to stone. His little head focused back at Vivian. She was crying and sobbing now.

It was apparent there was only so much more she could take.

"Dad!" The little Yoshi shouted. "I couldn't save you! I'm sorry!" His eyes met Vivian face. "Please. Avenge my dad."

With that, his small body froze stiff, now a gray color. Vivian gave a wail and collapsed on the floor. Her sobbing echoed in the cold chamber. Beldam looked content.

Vivian looked at Beldam's terrifying face. "…why?"

"Rest assured, sister." Beldam said sinisterly. "I won't turn you to stone again. I have something else in store for you. The terror of losing everything you valued."

"You sickening, rotten WITCH!" Rolf shouted from where he stood.

Beldam diverted her attention to Rolf, who was a few meters again.

Beldam looked at Marilynn and Doopliss, then nodded to them. They nodded back and surrounded Rolf. He gasped, realizing there was no one left for an ally. Vivian was too sad and angry to leave the site where Eduardo Jr.'s statue stood.

All three of them pointed at Rolf.

"You have been quite amusing to mess with, but we grow bored of useless failures like you. Goodbye." Beldam said, her hand glowing.

BOOM!

Suddenly, from somewhere in the mist came an explosion. Beldam turned her head towards the sound. She heard something sizzling, followed by a scream.

"May won. Victory is ours." Beldam said.

Rolf grunted, watching Beldam. From out of the mist, he saw May's cloaked figure dragging a lifeless-looking body. She walked until she saw a few yards from the hostage circle, then dropped Ed on the floor. His bow, broken in half, landed beside him.

Arrows spilt from his hands, now completely useless.

"Fine work." Beldam said. "I knew you would be victorious. Now, destroy this fool so we revive the queen.

May pointed at Ed's weakened body, her hands glowing blue.

Ed's eyes slowly opened up. He gave a weak grunt as his eyes met May's.

"May… what have you become?" Ed asked.

May suddenly looked afraid.

"I'm Ed, your… friend." Ed said. "Remember Peach Creek? I thought you loved me."

Ed suddenly realized that May's smirk was changing into a frown. She almost looked guilty.

"The world hasn't been destroyed yet. You can still change. Please stop this." Ed said weakly. "…it isn't too late."

May closed her eyes, as a few tears dropped from her face. 'I can't avoid it; it has to be done.'

"Solidify." She said sadly.

Ed gasped as the spell hit him. He looked at his body quickly turning to stone.

With his last breath, he spoke quietly. "…I hopes I could free you of the evil that clouds your mind. I am sorry that I failed."

Ed closed his eyes, just before he turned to stone.

Rolf looked very sad himself. "He will be remembered."

May fell on the ground, with a very sad face. It looked like she finally felt remorse for her actions.

She looked back up. Though the mist made it hard to see, she saw frozen figures that surrounded them.

People with dreams and goals.

Everyone one of their hopes cut down. Those who hadn't been turned to stone had already lost. Vivian was on the floor crying. Even Rolf, who had once looked determined to take revenge for his beloved sister seemed to lost hope.

"…what have I done?" May asked aloud.

"You have won. Be not sad, be cheerful." Beldam said. "This threat has been eliminated, and the world belongs to us."

"I… can't…" May shuddered.

Beldam's face turned to a frown. "What's this?"

"…believe I… was so… evil. He tried to make me see the light." May said.

"What are you saying?" Beldam asked. "What are you doing!"

May got up on her feet, tears dropping on the floor. She was facing away from Beldam.

"I have done awful acts to hurt this world. How could I?" May asked in horrified realization.

Beldam growled. "Don't get ideas like that! Now hurry and finish off the last two hostages!"

May didn't respond.

"Do as I say!" Beldam shouted, her evil and angry form approaching May slowly. "Why do you wait!? DO IT!"

May suddenly snapped and turned around. Both the medallion and her eyes now were glowing brightly.

Beldam gasped.

"THUNDER!" May shouted.

Beldam gave a scream as a harsh electric current flowed through her body. She flew across the chamber and struck the walls.

May's body was now glowing with magical energy and rage.

Beldam got up and shouted. "This is treason!"

"I can't continue to work for someone as twisted and evil as you!" May shouted.

She took her hat off and threw it on the floor. At the same time, she removed the medallion and threw it on the floor. It made a clang sound as it came into contact with the floor. May's body ceased glowing.

Vivian gasped and looked up. "She's redeeming herself…"

Rolf gave a surprised expression. "May…"

"Solidify!" Beldam shouted suddenly.

Before May could jump or dodge, she got struck by the curse.

"NO!" Vivian and Rolf shouted at the same time.

May actually seemed to have smile on her face. She looked at Beldam. She was defeated but looked victorious.

"I have my regrets, but I am glad knowing I could make a difference. You have lost…"

With that, May's body turned to stone.

"A difference?" Beldam asked. "Wha-GAH!"

Suddenly she looked up and saw a sphere of fire flying towards her. She had failed to see it coming, because May had distracted her long enough.

Beldam took the hit and struck the wall again.

Vivian, now with an equal expression of hate, was rushing Beldam.

Rolf gasped as he saw Vivian attack Beldam. "…maybe she wasn't as evil as Rolf thought."

He watched as Marilynn and Doopliss both ran from him to help Beldam. Rolf, no longer a hostage, ran towards the lake.

"DOUBLE D-EDD BOY!" He shouted into the edge of the lake, his face meeting his own reflection against the water. "COME! VIVIAN REQUIRES YOUR ASSISTANCE! USE YOUR EYE TO BREAK FREE OF THE CURSE!"

Double D statue now rested at the bottom of the late. Rolf's words echoed in the water, distorted, but clear in meaning.

Suddenly, Double D's eyes began to glow. The eye of wisdom on his forehead was bright red. His entire statue was shaking.

The water around him was starting to boil, steam and bubbles rising from the surface. Rolf gasped and stepped away from the lake. He watched as the blue clear color of the water was rapidly turning to a bright red.

"YES, ARISE!" Rolf shouted.

Rolf could feel the extreme heat rising from the new substance that had replaced the water: lava. He saw something suddenly breach the surface. Like a fireball, this thing shot out into the air. It crashed onto the ground, creating a loud explosion.

Smoke filled the area, as Rolf shielded himself. As it cleared, he saw Double D's unfrozen figure. Weakened and hurt, but alive.

"Double D-Edd boy," Rolf shouted. "Vivian needs your help!"

Double D's eyes narrowed. They were glowing a bright red. The Eye of Wisdom was also glowing, so brightly that it was visible from behind his hat. He and Rolf both ran towards the battle.

"VIVIAN!" Double D cried out.

He saw Vivian and Beldam standing next to each other, both of them glowing red/blue while Marilynn and Doopliss were both out cold on the floor.

Beldam looked over towards Double D.

"You are not solidified anymore? What is this?" Beldam asked but she answered her own question when she saw his Eye of Wisdom glowing.

Beldam's attention turned back to Vivian. Both of them shouted, as they both slammed into each other. Beldam's attack was weaker because fire melts ice. She was suddenly grabbed by Vivian.

Beldam watched as Vivian's entire body began to glow.

Beldam's face twisted into a psychopathical grin. "Vivian. You can't defeat me, you weakling!"

Vivian's hands began to grip tighter to Beldam. Both of them sizzling with the immense heat that Vivian's magic was casting. Beldam realized Vivian was charging up for an ultimate attack. Her face contorted on an even more insane smile.

"Don't be brainless!" Beldam shouted; her own voice distorted. "Use such an attack at this range and you shall destroy us both."

"Vivian!" Double D shouted. "She's not worth it! Forget it, don't do it!"

"As long as she is destroyed, then my mission is complete." Beldam said sinisterly. "Go ahead then, what are you waiting for!? DO IT!"

"INCINERATE!"

That spell echoed in the chamber for a second.

"NO!" Double D shouted.

Rolf grabbed him and pulled him to the floor. "Brace yourself!"

Beldam began to laugh insanely.

BOOOOOOM

Suddenly, there was a huge explosion. Double D shouted as flames erupted from where they stood. Rolf held him down, to prevent him from running to aid and kill himself.

Dust and ashes filled up the entire place.

After a while, the smoke had cleared. The mist was also gone, due to the explosion. Double D shook slowly and got up. His weak body quivered as he tried to move.

Beside him, Rolf gave a worried expression. They both looked at each other.

"VIVIAN!" They both called out.

Where they were before, a huge crater remained. They both took off running towards the massive hole. Double D looked at the damage.

From where Beldam was positioned, he saw a black skid mark on the floor leading in a straight line. He saw Beldam's charred and ripped hat resting on the ground. It was covered in black marks, and the bottom of the hat was ripped off. He assumed that part of the hat was stuck on Beldam's head until the last moment.

Double D looked and saw the skid mark lead right into the lava pit. Beldam was nowhere in sight. Rolf gave a glance at Marilynn and Doopliss. Both out cold on the floor, but alive.

"Vivian!" Double D shouted.

He looked and saw her unmoving body resting inside the crater. In spite of being weak by the battle, he jumped in and landed at her side. She looked so beautiful. That explosion didn't look like it messed her up at all.

Her hair was till the same, her hat and glozed without any spots.

"Vivian?" Double D asked, reaching down to her face. "No…"

He had to face facts. It looked hopeless.

Rolf stood beside Double D, placing a hand on his shoulder. "…I'm so sorry. I should have tried to help more."

"It's not your fault." Double D said. "…It's too late. I can't believe it had to come to this."

Rolf looked around and saw the statues all shaking.

He saw the curse wearing off. "It's over."

"No, it isn't." Double D said. "…Grodus still has the princess and Marie. We still have to save them. …that's the way Vivian would have wanted it."

"Vivian. Rolf wishes he could have thanked her." Rolf said. "She finally defeated that witch. At long last, Rolf can feel good knowing Reina was avenged. I can finally rest. Vivian… I'm sorry of the way I treated you."

Suddenly, they could both hear a very quiet groan. Double D gasped.

"…apology accepted." Vivian weakly groaned.

Double D suddenly laughed and hugged her. "Thank goodness you're alive!"

Vivian sighed.

"She is weak and seriously hurt." Rolf said. "…but it appears she will live."

Vivian smiled, trying her hardest to get to her feet. "Beldam has finally been taken down."

Double D nodded. He looked at Rolf, who was smiling. It was the first time he smiled in a long time.

Rolf thought of his sister as he smiled. "You have been avenged at last. May you forever rest in peace."