Disclaimer- I own nothing
Chapter 13 The Cave Of Gar-Ghoul
"So let me get this straight, the titan Gar-Ghoul is awakening. So that causing whirlpools ? How powerful is this titan ?" Cathy asked Sophie as they made their way to the hotel. They had finally made it to Rouen. " Cathy had been excited in the beginning of their journey. However, the more she learned about the titan. The more she became aware of the danger they could be in.
"Powerful." Was all Sophie stated matching the walking speed of her blonde friend, her eyes not leaving the back of Zhalia head. Who appeared to be engaged in conversation with Dante. However, after a few moments Sophie looked to Cathy. Who was giving her a deadpan look. Sophie had the decency to be embarrassed ever so slightly. Before she could say anything Cathy's hand was held up holding the words from coming out.
"I get it, I get it. No trusting the mysterious Zhalia Moon." Cathy playfully nudged her, making the small tension instantly vanished. Cathy couldn't help but appreciate the playful moment. Resting the tone, making her relax ever so slightly. "Just try to be a little less obvious about it."
Before Sophie could muster up a reply, they found them selfs walking to the main lobby of their hotel. Cathy looked around in amazement, everything was bright and shiny. Easily giving off the smell of high class. It was beautiful, Cathy wanted to wipe away a non existing tear. Truly, it was a blessing to have expenses covered by the Lady Casterwill. She was so lost in thought she hadn't even realize Dante had received a coded message. It wasn't until her friend Sophie nudged her that she came back to reality.
Dante had given a red face Cathy a charming smile. "Welcome back to the mission at hand." With that Dante glanced over the piece of paper. "Hm, this is from our contact Peter. He is being held in custody by the local police." He handed the message to Sophie who then proceeded to look at it with Cathy.
Cathy only nodded her head, her eyes glancing over the paper. "I have no Idea of what I'm looking at. I remember drawing something like this when I was five." Earning a grin from Dante, a chuckle from Sophie, and unsurprisingly an eye roll from Zhalia. After a few moments the lone wolf her self stood next to Dante.
"why don't you let me handle this one?" Although she asked a question, it came more off as demand. Which didn't go unnoticed by scowling Sophie. However, before she had a chance to protest. Dante's amber eyes glanced over to her. "Sure, we will leave it to you. Once you make contact, meet us at the location we discussed prior." With a confident grin Zhalia was off.
Sophie wanted to say something, anything. However, even she knew she wouldn't be much help. Her more logical thinking curbed her mistrust in the woman. "Well then, while Zhalia is off doing that, what would you have us do?" Dante merely gave her grin. "You're holding it, unpack and you two will to decode the message. It's a basic one used by the Huntik foundation. So you shouldn't have a problem." With that Dante took his leave and made way to his room. Leaving a smiling Sophie and a confused Cathy behind him.
A red haired woman was walking along the streets of Rouen. Her green high heel boots clacking along the curb. Her green blazer and long length skirt complementing the green amulet around her neck. The amulet was a light shade of green. Having a circular shape, the gem in the middle glowed gently as she reached up and traced her finger along the bottom of it. On the bottom of said amulet had what appeared to be silver trim, giving it an appearance of a jawbone.
She made her way into the police stations main building. Being escorted by a younger police officer, she made it to the police chief's office. As she entered, she glanced around the room. Only seeing a small desk and a wooden chair off to the right. In said chair appeared to be a young man. No older than twenty three, he was wearing a green shirt, covered by dark blue hiking vest, with brown cargo pants, and calf high black boots.
Upon seeing the man's brown short trimmed hair, and a pair of rounded glasses, she confirmed the boys identity to be Peter. Without missing a step she marched up to the chief. Her expression aggravated, her piercing eyes glaring holes into the man. "Why is my client still in custody? Has he been charged ? If so on what grounds?" The rabid fire questions caught the older man off guard.
"huh? Um are you his lawyer?" Was the only thing he could choke out, not expecting the conversation he was having right now. Also seeing the fury of the woman in front of him had him on edge.
She scoffed, her eyes glaring even harder at the man now. "Of course I'm his lawyer, why else would I be here ? Do not try to play me officer. Has he been charged ? No ? Then I demand his release." Every second she spoke, her words made the temperature in the room drop ever so slightly.
"Uh well you see there was this investigator." Unfortunately that wasn't the correct response. As her right hand slammed on his desk. "Investigator ? What was his name ? Did you get his badge number ?" The poor police chief seemed to be lost. So many questions were thrown all at once. He was getting slightly confused. The moment she saw this, she knew she had him. "Please sir, you are a professional. Don't have such a simple mind."
With this a light glow came from her eyes, putting the man in a trance. The chief couldn't explain it, for some reason he felt foolish. Why did he have this poor kid in custody? He hasn't done anything wrong. Plus they have had him for hours now. Surely if he had any information he would have gotten it by now. No, he needed to fix this foolish mistake. His pride wouldn't allow him to turn a blind eye to his glaring failure . "No ma'am, you are completely correct, he is free to go."
Peter's eyes immediately went wide upon hearing those words. Looking at the woman who was apparently his lawyer, he met her eyes. Unfortunately part of him wished that he hadn't. She seemed to be absolutely irritated by this whole ordeal. Before he could say anything she nodded her head towards the door. "Come along Peter, we have much to discuss."
Not having to be told twice he jumped up out of the chair and immediately fell behind the woman. After a few minutes they made their way out of the station. "Wow, how did you do that ? Wait, who are you ? Are you with the Foundation?" A quick glare came from the woman, making Peter shut up instantly. "Keep quiet, we aren't out of here yet. Besides any second now they will be on us."
Before Peter could ask what she meant, three voices called out behind them. "Hey ! Stop right there !" Turning around Peter caught a glance of three officers chasing after them. Suddenly the woman caught his arm, and proceeded to drag him down the street. "Come on let's go!" Her tone held no room for argument.
It wasn't as if the poor man could refuse, they had made it half way down the street before he was suddenly dragged to the right. He had to fight back a scream as his arm was almost pulled out of socket. Before he could let out a cry of pain he was slammed into a wall behind a dumpster.
A hand quickly covered his mouth as the angry brown orbs of the lady glared down on to him. "Keep quiet and let me handle this." Her left hand reached up and gently lifted the amulet around her neck. "Come to me, Gareon." She called out in a light whisper. A quick flash of green later, a giant lizard like titan appeared. It's body was a dark green. Covered in lighter green spots. Spike like fins on its body running from the head to its tail. Long razor sharp claws on its fingers and toes. Looking like if it could treat brick like paper. The bright yellow eyes only making the red slits it has for eyes so much more terrifying.
She gave Gareon a playful smile. "Don't hurt them too badly." The lizard licked its teeth with a long slender tongue as it gave a playful growl. As if it was never there, it vanished. After a few moments of waiting, two loud cries could be heard. Followed by two thumps.
Peter looked over the dumpster only to see two of the officers slumped against the wall. Across from them was the titan, grasping on the wall. It's two eyes slowly going dull. As if they were cooling off, before Peter could think more on it. The scary woman rushed past him, grabbing the third officer by the face and slamming his head against the brick wall, slumping next to his two fellow officers.
Peter quickly jumped up from behind the dumpster, a sudden splash of fear ran down his spine. He felt his palms beginning to sweat. Obviously he wasn't used to this level of violence. He was an archeologist for gods sake. "I... I thought you told it to not hurt them?" He questioned her, almost failing to do so. The fear and adrenaline making his throat dry. Another wave a fear washed over him, making his stomach curl as he made eye contact with her. The coldness in her eyes, it was haunting.
A small hum came from her lips, as she crossed her arms. Her titan returning to its amulet. "I said not too bad, a mild concussion is better than a coffin." She made her way past him, stopping a few yards away from him. "Now, let's get going." Without waiting for a response she continued on her way.
Peter took a second glance to the downed three men behind him. He took a moment to weigh his options, not finding one where he successfully gets away from this mad woman. He let out a tired sigh of defeat and tried to catch up to his rescuer, or perhaps new warden.
Cathy was standing on the shore of a small lake, her expression showing that she was lost in thought. A small flat stone in her hand. She gently rolled the stone around in her palm. As if she was trying to memorize every chip in the stone. As if every chip and crack had a story to tell, after letting out a small sight she gave a firm toss. The stone skipped across the water with an elegant grace. After four smooth skips it finally sunk into the water.
"Cathy." A warm voice called out to her, the soft tone of the voice pulled her from her thoughts. Turning to the voice she saw the red hair of Dante. "Something wrong ?" Dante asked her as he took the spot to her right. His amber eyes glanced towards her, followed by a light smile. "You seem a little lost in thought?"
Cathy gave her teacher a sad smile, a small tint of sadness crept into her usually bright eyes. "Yeah, I'm okay." She paused for a moment before letting out another sigh. "Well, no." She crossed her arms across her chest. Her gaze shifted towards the water in the lake, her reflection staring back at her. "It's Lok."
Dante looked away from his student, his eyes gazing across the lake. Taking in the beauty of nature, a gentle breeze blew across them. "What about Lok ?" He knew it was a silly question. However, it was just to get her to open up. He had a pretty good guess however.
She closed her eyes, as her teeth bit down on her lower lip. She reached up and grabbed Freelancers amulet. As if feeling the object in her palm would give her strength. "Everything, why him? Why do all of this? Why train him to be some sort of psychopath with a tendency to impale people?" She let out a sharp his as she felt her scar burn with phantom pains. A dull pain spread through her hip. "Why... why turn him into a killer?" Cathy finally let it all out. Her pent up emotions and unanswered questions. She knew deep down she still wouldn't get her answers, not yet anyways.
It was Dante's turn to take a deep breath, emotions of someone else were new to him. Of course he felt emotions just as much as the next person. However, he was trained to keep a cool head. He was taught that emotions while good, were nothing in comparison to logic. For years he was told that logic was king. Well, everyone but one person. One person in his life showed him that emotions and logic could coexist. At the thought of his mentor and friend he couldn't help but feel a tinge of those emotions. However, he quickly slammed them back down to the depths of his mind. He can worry about that when he was off the clock.
"Life has taught me many things over the years. One of them is sometimes you won't get answers to the questions you want answered." Dante's looked up to the bright blue sky. Almost as if it would give him said answers. He looked towards Cathy once again, the blonde on giving him another sad smile. Before she could respond, she felt Dante's hand gently rest on her shoulder. "However, I can you my word. We will find the answers to your questions. After we get your brother back."
Cathy closed her eyes again, processing the promise that Dante had just gave her. When she opened her eyes again, instead of being filled with sadness. They were back to their normal cheer, her hand gently unclenched Freelancers amulet and she held out her pinky towards Dante. Who merely gave her a grin at the action.
"Come on Dante, humor me won't you ?" She asked playfully. A bright smile on her face, a far cry from the tired expression she has had the past few days. She may have been able to fool Sophie. However, no chance of that flying past Dante. Who returned her simile with a grin of his own. His pinky wrapping around Cathy's. "It's a promise." Her voice came out softly, the two giving one another a firm nod.
Dante was glad to see his student back to her old self. Well, at least somewhat. He was curious about one more thing. "Cathy, you seem to trust Freelancer quite a bit." Cathy gave him a sheepish smile in response.
"yeah, well I feel like Freelancer has my back." Her hand reached up and lifted the amulet to her gaze. "It's only been about a week or so, but the bond I feel with Freelancer. It's honestly something I can't explain." As she finished her thoughts the gem of said amulet shined ever so slightly.
Dante nodded in agreement. He wouldn't lie, he has noticed the bond between Cathy and her newest titan. It honestly surprised him, he contributed to Freelancers strong will and easy going nature. Mixed with Cathy's upbeat charm and selflessness. " Just remember, you have another titan at your call."
Cathy gave off a small laugh with a hint of redness to her cheeks. "Uh, yeah kipperin. Well ya see." Before she could even explain a green light came from her bag. Followed by a scratchy scream that also came from the bag. After a few moments Cherit's head came popping out of her bag. "It's acting up again." He said in a worried tone.
Cathy let out a small sigh as she placed her bag on the ground. Dante had to move his head as a green orb flew past his head. His eyes tracking it effortlessly, it had begun to spin around Cathy. After a few moments Cathy smiled bright as she and the orb both went upwards. Cathy catching it with ease as she flashed it to Dante. It was Kipperins amulet.
"hehe, and that's the other reason. This one is playful, even when I try to summon it. It will glow and glow, but never emerge." Cathy explained as she gently placed it in her front pocket. Deciding to keep it out of the bag.
Dante nodded, it was easy to understand. From his knowledge on titans. Titans like Kipperin can be quite the tricky bunch. "I'm sure you will get that hang of it soon." Cathy only responded with a nod.
"It's strange, whenever I fully bonded with Kipperin. I had a strange sense of loneliness wash over me." Cathy let out a small sigh. Crossing her arms once again. "Which makes sense, it was left alone in the vase for years. I could only imagine how lonely it was. It's previous seeker gone for years, just sitting there next to a book."
Dante pulled out his newest amulet. He traced his thumb across Metagolems amulet. "Well, when bonding to a titan. It's much easier if you resemble their previous seeker. Of course that's doesn't mean you will bond with it. It just means you have a better chance."
Cathy let out a small laugh. "So that means your like some sort of Judas Lore descendent or something ?" Her hands resting on her hips. Honestly curious about the newest piece of information she leaned. To which Dante only shrugged.
"Maybe." Was the only thing that escaped the older man's lips. He placed his hand on Cathy's shoulder once more. "If that's that case, then you must be a lot like your dad." Cathy smiled at that. However, before she could respond she looked pasted Dante. A smile forming on her lips. "Hey Zhalia!"
Dante turned around and caught sight of Zhalia, an irritated expression on her face. A few feet behind her was a nervous looking Peter. "Good work Zhalia, glad to see you two made it in one piece." Only to receive a scoff in response.
Zhalia crossed her arms, clearly upset about something. "Would you expect anything less ? It was easy." At the mentioning of his rescue Peter tensed up slightly. He appeared to be nervous about something. What that something was Dante didn't know. He will find out however.
"Is everything okay Peter ?" He tried to reassure the young man, however the question only seemed to set him off. Peter's breathing became a bit rapid, as if he was on the verge of a breakdown. "Yeah, it's just... I need a minute." He spoke quickly, before rushing off to a boulder near the shore. Far away from everyone.
At that Dante immediately looked towards Zhalia, who just rolled her eyes. "It's not big deal, he just got scared." Dante shook his head slightly at the statement. "It is a big deal if our guid can't lead us to the cave." Dante grabbed Zhalia's arm gently and pulled her away from the group. "What happened?" Was the only thing Dante asked.
Zhalia withdrew her arm, not taking kindly to being treated like a child. "What do you want me to say ? I did the job and he got scared. It's not my fault he isn't a trained seeker." She tried to muster as much anger towards the red head as she could. However instead of an angry or upset Dante, what she got was a disappointed look from the man. For some reason that was worse than the other two.
Dante took a moment to analyze her statement, taking his time to analyze her features. Trying to get a glimpse into his colleague's mind. He couldn't help but notice the slight falter in her demeanor. It was gone just as it came, Dante only letting out a small sigh. "I get it, but sometimes you have to acknowledge the fact that some people aren't like us."
Zhalia let out a small snort, her hands finding her hips. Her gaze turning stone cold as she glared into the amber eyes of Dante. "Like us? You asume that we are alike ? That's a big leap you are taking Dante." Her lips turning into a scowl.
Dante crossed his arms, a small smirk came to his lips. "Zhalia, I figured you would notice this by now. I don't make assumptions. I make educated guesses." The response seemed to lighten the mood between the two ever so slightly.
"Oh is that right ? Well Dante, what educated guess will you make next?" A grin came to her lips, Zhalia did know one thing. He always accepted a challenge. She would make sure to use that to her advantage.
Dante looked towards Peter, seeing that Sophie and Cathy were making their way to the shaken man. "My guess is that my students will help us get things back on track." Zhalia looked to the three around the boulder. "Oh? Why not make a bet?"
With that a confident grin came to his lips. "Your terms ?" Without missing a beat Zhalia stood before him. Taking a single step into the man's personal space. Arms crossed, a confident smile of her own. " I bet they won't be able to get Peter to man up and continue this mission. If I'm right I get your portion of pay for this job."
Dante's grin turned into a smile. "Fine, but if they do. You have to join us for our team dinner. You see, Cathy wanted to make a small tradition. After every successful mission we have dinner as a team. Sophie of course agreed, and Cherit was a big fan of it as well."
Zhalia flinched at the terms, however she wasn't one to back down. So as soon as he lifted his hand out for a shake. She took it without any hesitation. "Deal." Was all that she said. Dante gave her a small smile and looked back towards the group. "Well then, let's see who comes out on top."
Peter let out a a long sigh, rubbing his hands together. Feeling them shake ever so slightly. He was still shaken up, thinking back on how the past few days of his life has went. He went from getting his degree, to being arrested, to being saved by a crazy lady. Was this his life now ? Sure, it was exciting seeing the world of seekers and uncovering secrets. However, was it the life for him ?
He never really taken into account the dangers of the life. He got wrapped up in it all, learning about the existence of magic. The true history of the world. He never experienced the bad side of it though. The Organization, the people exploiting the secrets of the world. Using it for self gain, only caring for power and how it would benefit them. The thought made is stomach curl, but what could he do. He was normal, another powerless person in the world of the powerful.
Before he could continue his train of thought, he felt a gentle touch on his back. Looking towards the touch he met bright blue eyes. Peter was caught off guard for a moment. He couldn't help but compare the orbs of blue to the brown ones he saw earlier today. It was a complete one eighty.
"Hey, are you okay?" Cathy asked him. Her voice calm and sincere. He wanted to laugh, it was a silly question after the day he had. "Well, I've been better." Was the only thing a could choke out. A soft chuckle that came from her lips left him a little insulted.
Cathy taking notice of this quickly halted. "I'm sorry, it's just I said the exact same thing when I first discovered titans and magic." Cathy spoke in remembrance of her first encounter with her new life.
Hearing that, Peter couldn't help but laugh as well. "Yeah, I guess that would be everyone's first response." Peter put his palms together, gently rubbing them. At some point they had became covered in a light sweat.
Another soft voice came from his left. "It's not everyday you get broken out of jail." Looking to his left he saw Sophie giving him a small smile. He couldn't help but reflect on how true her words were.
"Isn't that the true." He snorted softly, thinking back on it. It was kinda wild how things had played out. Unfortunately the next question made him pause briefly. "What happened?" Sophie asked him as gently as she could.
He took a moment to think over the question, should he be honest? They were teammates with the lady, but he really didn't have it in him to lie. Taking a deep breath he decided to just be honest. "It's just, I'm shaken up. Sure I knew about titans. It's just I've never seen one till today."
Taking a moment to look behind him, he saw the eyes of the angry woman narrow at him. Quickly turning back around he could still feel the daggers being stared into his back. "Plus, she scares me". Sophie simple gave him a nod. "Trust me, I understand. I have doubts about her as well."
Cathy couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend. "I know she can be a little... intense. But she means well." Cathy gave her best smile. Only to be met with the two sets of questioning eyes. Cathy let out a dramatic sigh, taking the free spot next to Peter on the rock.
Taking a second to think, a small smile came to her lips. "Say Peter, what made you join the Foundation?" Cathy glanced over to the man. "You seem to be pretty brave when push comes to shove. We read the last report you turned in. We noticed you saved a couple of people."
Peter's cheeks turned into a red mess. "Well, I joined the Foundation because they are working for the things I believe in. Preserving history, culture, and not using it for self gain." He took another moment to think about yesterday. He had saved a couple from a whirlpool, thankfully someone happened to have rope at the time.
He didn't know what came over him, the moment he had seen the panic on their face. His body just moved on its own. "As for the rescue, that kinda just happened. Didn't even think it through."
"Still doesn't take away from the fact you acted. A hero comes in all shape and sizes. You saved two people's lives. They get to see another day because of your actions." Sophie stated matter of factly, Cathy couldn't help but think she was trying to copy Dante's teacher voice.
Peter took a second to reflect on her words, he guessed she had a point. Sure he didn't have powers. But that didn't stop him then. Why should it now ? Feeling a second wind of courage and determination fill his chest. He shot up from his sitting position. "Yeah, you're right. Alright, let's do this." His hands clenching with confidence.
Unknown to the group of three, the two far off behind them had different reactions. Zhalia's mouth was left wide open as Dante gave her the Vale charm. "We are having chicken parmesan, feel free to bring whatever you would like. I'll be hosting." Dante gave her a cocky smile as he made his way to the group.
The three quickly looked towards Dante, seeing a serious expression on his face. "It's good to have you with us Peter. Unfortunately we have to hurry, the Organization has a head start on us. Worst case scenario they already made it to the cave.
The worry on the girls face was quickly put to ease as Peter let out a small laugh. "Well, not necessarily. They only have a general location. However, I have a little bit of a better idea of where it is at." Dante gave him a grin, not expecting the nervous Peter to have a slick streak. "What are we waiting for ?"
The team gathered around Peter, he gave everyone including Zhalia a confident grin. "You guys have a boat ?"
Team Vale made their way across the water. They had rented a speedboat courtesy of Sophie and the signature of Dante. Making good time they rushed throughout the water. The occasional bump only highlighting the speed of which they were traveling. It was smooth sailing until something unnatural occurred.
Cathy stuck her head a little out of the boat. "Uh guys, did the forecast call for water tornadoes?" Thankfully her sense of humor was still intact. Sadly they believed the boat would not. "Hold on!" Was all Dante screamed as he pushed the put to its max speed.
Swerving like a madman, he barely missed the tornadoes. Unfortunately for Cathy, her slightly raised position made her lose her balance and sent her air borne. Before anyone could act, Peter clasped a firm grasp on her wrist. "Don't worry Cathy! I got you !" He shrugged out through gritted teeth. One hand on the railing, Sophie's arms wrapped around Peter's midsection. Helping the man stay planted on the boat.
With a yell he pulled her back onto the boat leaving him winded. A slight gloss of sweat covering his forehead. Cathy gave him a bright smile. "Woo, I owe you one." Peter only laughed lightly. However, before he could respond Dante yelled out to everyone. "Slight problem guys. We got to jump!"
Looks of horror spread throughout the group like wildfire. However, not needing to be told twice they jump up lining the sides of the boat. "Jump when I say, and not a moment sooner!" Giving him a from nod everyone waited for the signal. They didn't have to wait long, as after a few moments Dante gave the command. "Jump!" And like the horses on race day, they were off.
As they jumped into the safety of the calm waters. The boat made hard contact with the shore line. Smashing into the rocks turning the high end machine into scrap. As the team poked their heads out from the water Zhalia gave everyone a small smirk. "Well, at least she spent the extra money for the insurance." To which Sophie only mumbled under her breath.
They quickly swam to the shoreline. Peter surprisingly taking the lead. "This is it ! The rocks here have been worn down to high water pressure." And just beyond the said rocks was an entrance to a cave. Quickly making their way inside they found themselves in ankle high water.
Cathy gave off a small sigh. "Well it's better than the mystery goop back home." To which Sophie gave a firm nod in agreement. As they made their way deeper into the cave. They found themselves unable to see, however Dante had the solution. "Bolt flair !" With a call of the spell he launched it into the air. With a firm pop it illuminated their surroundings.
Seeing the surprisingly wide area around them, they took a quick glance around. Not seeing much of anything. "Uh, are we sure this is the right place?" As Cathy asked her question they all immediately had to move out of the way of a stream of high pressure water.
"Honor guard!" The golden bubble of protection covered Sophie as she was almost knocked to the ground. She let out a small grunt of pain as she felt her heels dig into the muddy ground ever so slightly.
"Ah, so good to see you all." A hiss came from above them. Looking up to the sound they could see Defoe. High up on a perch. However, they were distracted as they looked at a giant statue of a gargoyle. Glowing yellow eyes staring at them. "Getting past this dreaded gargoyle was no easy task. Let's see if you all can do the same and fight my men." With that, he spun on his heels and made his way deeper into the cave.
Dante ever the professional quickly turned to the team. "Guys, time to get our titans out. Sophie keep Peter safe." With the order the team quickly formed up beside Dante. Their body's become enveloped by magic, calling out their titans.
"Soulwing! Caliban!" Dante shouted out as his trusted companions appeared before him. "Charge Freelancer!" Cathy followed up smiling at the familiar orange glow of her trusted partner. "Join me Sabriel!" With a swish of a golden bladed rapier Sabriel stood before Sophie proudly. "Kilthane! Gareon!" Zhalia commanded for her titans to emerge. And with that, the fight was on.
Sophie was lost in all the chaos around them. Redcaps and Mind drones slashing and jumping all around them. Sophie took a moment to glance around the battlefield. The one thing she was thankful for, or worried about was the lack of a certain blonde. However, before she could reflect on it any further she noticed another person missing.
"Dante ! Peter is gone !" Sophie called out, quickly jumping out of the way of a high pressure blast of water. Unfortunately she rolled right into an attack of an Organization suit. She let out a grunt as she delivered a swift kick to the gut of said suit.
Dante looked around at Sophie's statement. Realizing that Peter was in fact missing. As he realized this, Grier made sure that Dante would pay for his momentary distraction. With a swift swipe of the legs. Dante found himself underwater.
Before Grier could follow through a ray pulse came from the water below. Making the man shift out of the way, a soaked Dante shot from the water. A scowl on his face. The only thing he could think of was were was Peter. He had an idea. Hopefully he was wrong, because if he went ahead. Then he would be on his own.
Defoe couldn't help as a small hum came from his lips as he made it to the deepest part of the cave. Finding himself in a circular room. With five statues of gargoyles each holing an item. However, the one that caught his attention was the gargoyle in front of him.
Around its neck lay the amulet for Gar-ghoul. It appeared to look like an arm of a gargoyle. Five sharp fingers and all. With a gold trim in the center, prongs of gold running in between the five sharpened fingers. A oval shaped light purple gem in center highlighted the golden trim.
"Ah yes there you are." As he made his way to reach out to it Defoe suddenly felt a strong pair of arms grab him from behind and slung him away. Defoe quickly rolled with the throw and came to a knee. What he didn't expect to see what Peter, standing before him. Gar-ghouls amulet in hand.
The hell are you doing Peter. Shit, shit, shit, you are going to get your self killed. These were the only thoughts running through his head. He didn't know why, but he found his feet moving the long way around the battlefield below. He knew he had to stop him, unfortunately that didn't help him out much now. Peter's hand clenched tightly around the amulet in his hand. "You want this?" He held it out in front of him. "Then you'll have to get through me!" He shouted out, a battle cry to hype himself up.
Instead of an angry Defoe, a laugh came from the older man. He slowly stood up, giving Peter a few slow claps. "Bravo Peter, bravo. Honestly, I would be furious if I wasn't so amused. So, you think you are strong ? Come now Peter. You're no seeker, and you are no hero." Defoe let out another small hum. "You're just pathetic. Now hand it over."
Peter's eyes narrowed as he put the amulet safely around his neck and under his shirt. "Like I said, you'll have to get through me." He got into what he thought was a semblance of a fighting stance. Defoe let out a tired sigh. "Fine, your dead body it is. Redcap!" Defoe yelled out as the titan appeared.
Without warning the Redcap charged. Slashing at Peter with a set of swipes. He could barely react in time to doge the slashes. The Redcap roared as a swift backhand sent Peter flying into the far wall. With a pained grunt he slumped down against it. A taste of blood peppering his tastebuds.
Defoe gave his a playful smile. "Peter Peter Peter, what did you honestly expect to happen? Really now, I guess I'll have to finish you quickly." With that Defoe let out a sick laugh as he slowly approached the downed man. The Redcap walking behind him.
Peter's world was rocked, he felt a ringing in his ears. The ringing was slowly filled with the sound of Defoe's laughter. He couldn't move, his legs felt a little tingly. Was this it ? One hit? One hit and he was down and out? Was... was this the only thing he could do?
Peter's eyes became heavy, slightly watery. He guess this was it. The end for him, looking back on it. He could at least say he died fighting till the end. A hero's death, he wanted to laugh at that. The hero saves the day, gets the girl, and lives happily ever after. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like that ending was for him.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. The words struck out to him like a punch to the jaw. What was he doing? He was more than this! No! He refused! He can win, no he will win!
Unknown to Peter, a purple glow began to envelop his body. Filling him with untold energy, he slowly lifted his head glaring at Defoe. Making the man stop in his tracks. He was taken aback by the tinted eyes of Peter.
With a grunt Peter slowly shifted his weight. Feeling the pain lifted from him. Standing on his feet he felt natural instinct wash over him. As the purple glow came from his body even brighter.
He let out a primal yell, feeling fire shoot throughout his veins. His arms shot out to his side, feeling a sensation come ever closer. With a clench of his fists he heard something at the back of his mind call out to him. Raging inside, fighting to be released.
"GAR-GHOUL!" With another yell the made Peter's throat scratchy as shadow slowly began to form behind him. Two bright red eyes shot out of a dark purple glow. With a bright flash a stone like creature resembling a gargoyle roared behind Peter, towering over the man. Two bat like wings spanning wide, making it all the more intimidating a golden ring on each bicep.
Peter glared daggers at Defoe, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Round two Defoe." Peter spat as Gar-Ghoul growled behind him.
Authors Notes- Hey seekers, another week with another chapter. Hopefully I can get a streak going.
So a few things. In the interest of full disclosure, I was planning on having Sophie get Gar-Ghoul. However, the more I wrote Peter the more I liked him. At one point I thought to myself. Shit I'm giving him the titan aren't I ?
So I'll having something else for Sophie. Now the question is, do I make him a permanent member of the cast or keep his appearances like canon? I'm torn, however that's where you all would come in.
I will be thinking about this through out next week while I write the next chapter. However, I want it to be known that your alls opinions matter to me. So please, let me know your thoughts. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.
Be cool, B-king out !