I don't think I've ever seen Areia like this, no I don't think anyone has ever seen her like this. The sky wasn't pretty it was dark and covered in pitch black darkness, the city was in flames, iron clashing against iron, screams as throat were cut, the air stank of the entrails of elves, human, dwarves a like. Kids cried, mothers wailed. And on the center of it all stood Areia, glass like blades in hand, she slaughtered every dark hooded figure she could find, she was angry, and it wasn't a pretty sight, she was being overwhelmed and fought like a ferocious tiger, sweating and bloodied she fought,but it seem like she was fighting a losing battle. The masters of Amag were relentless. From the midst of the flames Dan called her name, he wasn't sure if she heard him cause of the noise, but he knew she felt his presence, she dashed towards him only to be impaled by large pole like arrows, the city was gone, Areia was gone there was no saving neither, in fury, Dan burnt the city to the ground in an instant, friends and foe alike.
Are you ok? Dan asked, standing above Cyra, she was thoroughly drenched in sweat.
She quickly glanced at the rest, Areia was napping her sword in arms, Thranduil was poking their campfire and seem to be enjoying it, Dan was normal.
"Are you ok? Dan repeated,this time touching her head. She shrugged him off.
"I'm fine.
Cyra thought she could shake it off, but her body just wouldn't let her, in the morning continuing their journey, she kept glancing at Areia secretly, the dream was so vivid she thought it was real for a second.
Just what was that,she thought, Areia died? The city in flames and most importantly Dan embracing the darkness. Just what was that? Am I that anxious about the impending mission or is this foresight.
She turned to look at Areia again secretly, but Areia caught her eye.
What? She asked breaking her conversation with Dan. You keep staring is the hair spell breaking?
Should I tell them, from the look of things, only Dan and I survived, it was a dream who's to say I wasn't already dead!
Um.. Areia, do you know anything about Amag!, she asked to see her reaction.
They all stopped in their tracks looking at Cyra and Areia, they all knew she was acting wierd since the night before, but as she wasn't too keen to talk about it they all dropped it.
Yh, why? Areia asked.
Who are they to you?she continued, they could all now see the fear evident in her eyes.
They're my past, Areia said coldly, you could call them my original family, she said in disgust, that was where I grew up before I met master.
I..I see, Cyra stuttered.
Is there anything wrong? Dan asked, trying his luck again.
No it's nothing, she answered and continued walking. Dan and Thranduil exchanged a knowing look.
I don't know what happened to Thranduil but they state everyone was in it was safe to say he died top, just not in my line of sight, it all stems to Areia, if she doesn't die then Dan wouldn't lose control. Amag is real, which makes the dream likely a vision of some sort, but why me? I get that I'm the hero but someone like Dan or Thranduil could use this info more, and I can't just tell them they're going to die, they'll look at me like a crazy person. That only leaves one person, if I tell Areia herself, she's less likely to overreact and she always takes things seriously, she's the best bet. But what if Dan asked her, I'm sure she'll tell him everything. I don't think Dan fighting his urge to destroy would be able to handle the fact that Areia might die in this mission. Or should I tell Thranduil, they're all safer bets than telling Dan, it'll shake him up too much. "Come on! Cyra, think, she muttered biting into her nails to the extent she started bleeding.
Dan noticed it first," You do know you're hurting yourself right?he called in a whisper so only her could hear. Dan sudden presence startled her,she fell tripping on a rock.
"Now this is just wierd, you're usually the most cheerful among us, but look at you right now, you haven't smiled all morning, and asked Areia something about her past we never told you, not to mention you're so shaken you subconsciously bit Into your own finger and didn't even notice, your eyes are full of dark circles, you're tired and refuse to rest again like you're afraid of sleeping, Dan boomed, I don't want to be the bad guy here but you have to tell us what's going on for us to be of any help, from what I've dedused so far, it definitely has something to do with after you woke up last night, was it a bad dream?
Dan I don't approve scolding her like this, but I think this was the best course of action, Thranduil thought, I couldn't have put it better myself.
I'm sorry for getting angry, Dan sighed, I don't know what's gotten into me, he bent down and offered her a hand, we're friends, if it's something pertaining us it's best we know.
Cyra didn't take his hand, so Dan withdrew it, she tucked her legs in and folded her arms around it, she didn't seem like she wants to get up or move at all.
After a while she looked up at they're watchful gazes, she burst into tears.
"Oh great, see what you've done Dan, Thranduil boomed.
"Don't yell at master, Areia challenge.
"I didn't mean to, Dan apologized, shaken by her tears.
It's not you Dan, Cyra muttered, they all heard her and stopped bickering at once. I don't think we should go to Villia, she continued.
Why? Dan asked softly.
We're going to die,she said slowly. At least what I saw in the dream was Areia dying and you going insane, you erased the city in a blink of an eye, I saw it all, I didn't know if I was already dead or not, I didn't see Thranduil also, the city was in flames, the masters of Amag killed Areia, she sobbed.
Areia was the first to speak up, did you confirm I was dead?
Confirm if you were dead? Cyra voice wavered as he spoke, it was s dream, I could tell, but no one could possibly survived being impaled by arrows the size of pillars multiple times, you were almost definitely blown apart.
And you were positive I wasn't part of the vision in any way? Thranduil asked.
Yes, Cyra muttered, a hundred percent.
Well I definitely wasn't expecting that, Dan said. Well Thranduil if there's anything you should start tell us I think I'd be now, Areia unsheathed her sword but Dan motioned her to keep it, "I can tell he's not hostile, he said. He's just not tell us everything about the whole petrification thing.
Thranduil sighed, I was the son of the current King of the elves, he sighed. I wasn't sure who was the current kind at first, but after following Cyra to the kingdom, I heard is name as the current King, though I may be wrong, elves do share names sometimes. But I'm nearly positive the current King is still my father. He looked at all their faces and back at Cyra, for some reason he didn't want her to see him as a bad guy, he sighed. I think the reason I was turned to stone was that I found out his relationship with Amag, he has been one of their biggest sponsors for years, and secretly helped with their experiments. I don't know how it's all tied to anything, but this is all I know for now, he finished.
"I see, Dan said in thought, I appreciate you being honest at the very least, he continued with a smile. Amag and the Elves working together, I didn't think it possible. Areia do you know anything about it? I mean you know Amag better then any of us.
I don't think I've never seen any elves in Amags base before, he replied calmly. It's safe to say only a selected few know about it.
This is definitely getting complicated, Dan sighed. So Cyra from what I could gather form all this was that the catalyst for me going insane was Areia death right?
She nodded.
I definitely could see that happening, he laughed.
Don't joke about that, Areia kicked him on the ankle, you wouldn't go insane.
So, the city we're going to contains a cult and Areia's past, this is going to be trouble, but now that we know what's going to happen, if we can prevent the death of Areia and Thranduil, I'm sure things would be fine from there on, right Cyra?
She looked at them flabbergasted at how well they were taking the news,"why do you trust my dream and words, she muttered, cleaning her eyes with her sleeve.
"I'm not going to say anything cheesy like how you're my friend and all, but I know one thing for sure, you'd never lie about this, Dan smiled.
Lie?,Cyra thought, but I haven't told everything, the fact that my sword is active the moment I stared at you is a testament to how scared of you I am now.
They didn't continue their journey for that day and reclined to set up camp, after what seem like an hour of convincing from Thranduil,Cyra finally agreed to sleep.
"Master I'd like to speak with you, Areia spoke calmly. And Tree you can listen on if you're interested, she said to Thranduil. I didn't want to burden Cyra with this info and waited for her to fall asleep first.
Thranduil at the other side of the campfire nodded.
Areia stared at Dan with hopeful eyes. I'm not one to brag,she began, but I'm clearly not one to be pushed around when it comes to strength. Dan and Thranduil nodded in agreement.
Would you be willing to fight me to the death? Of your own Accord, she asked calmly.
" Absolutely not! Thranduil answered, you terrifying me, and it's a saying seeing as we clearly don't talk much.
She nodded, point taken, Dan you remember I used to be called no: one right?
Yeah Dan nodded.
Areia sat close to Dan as she continued, back in Amag we the subjects were ranked according to our strength, and seeing as I was no:one is to say I was considered very strong, but what if I told you there's someone even stronger among the test subjects in Amag, no:zero. Though we didn't Interact during my stay in Amag we were kept entirely separate, I'm sure the masters were scared we'd be too strong to control together. But what I'm trying to say is, no: zero would be like me who never met you Dan, a cold blooded assassin, someone who grew up with the teachings of Amag, and seeing as I slipped from their grasp cause of your mum, there's no doubt they'd be even stricter with no:zero.
I see, Dan said. So if I get what you're saying is that we should be prepared to fight an equal if not superior version of you, am I wrong?
Quite the contrary, she said firmly. If we get into the city, task me with fighting the forces of Amag master, there was clear fire in her eyes and it wasn't the reflection of the campfire.
Didn't you just hear you died fighting them, Dan said calmly.
I did, that's why this time, I wouldn't fight them alone, I'll have Cyra accompany me.
Cyra? Can't you see the state she's in? Dan said scratching his head.
I can't have you master, if I made us fight them, you'll most definitely have to go all out at your current level, and that'll definitely attract the sphere here, besides I know how strong Cyra is, I just can't wrap my head around it, but she gives me your vibe Master.
My vibe?
Yeah you both have untapped power that could prove to be both destructive or helpful, depending on how it's wield.
So if I'm getting this straight, you and Cyra would fight Amag while I and Thranduil track down the cult doing the rituals?Dan asked, Areia noticed the ring forming in his eyes, she closed her eyes in anticipation as he raised his hand. It was not needed as it soon came into contact with her head in a pat.
It's the first time you've made a plan involving me of your own will, he smiled. But one thing, if you're ever in danger don't forget to yell out my name, Dan said.
Thranduil who had been silent during their whole exchange watched them Intently, I better take notes, he thought. Maybe I could use these lines in the future.
It took about a week before they could get to the city, they're journey was hot and it seem like it was in the middle of nowhere. They spent the entire week cheering Cyra up, she seemed fine and started talking but at times she was always staring in the distance. The team understood and didn't pressure her, she was the only one who saw them die, so it took more of a toll on her then the rest. But she didn't bring it up or tell them that the dream kept coming and more vivid each time.
Areia briefed her on the plan she came up with, she didn't have much to offer or say to the plan, before arrived at the city she seemed almost cheerful, but at the sight of the city it all seemed to dawned on her again.
It was massive and could easily be mistaken for a kingdom, they were tall towers massive brick houses and it was packed, they stared from a large hill outside the city at the bustling city. They heard a smack, Cyra had hit herself hard, and soon had a look of pure determination on her face.
The dream reveled a piece of info to me, there's no use brooding over it, I'll be with Areia after all,she thought.
They got Into the city with little effort due to Cyra's influence, it was as they saw back on the hill, packed.
You're finally here, no one, a voice said in Areia's ear, Dan grabbed the man on the cloak but only felt the cloak it's like the he disappeared into thin air, he threw the cloak into the crowd in anger and was soon rewarded with hisses and insults from those it fell on.
He quickly looked around, they were in the middle of a certainly busy street,"how do we find a cult group in this big of a city, besides with these many people I wondered how they found out people were missing.
Probably cause people reported, Thranduil said flatly.
I know that, Dan sighed, I was just saying, this city is filled to the brim. After linking arms and walking a while, Dan spotted a man take a fairly deserted Alley, he smirked. Cyra to me, she followed him instantly leaving Areia and Thranduil being carried away by the crowd.
They stared at each other.
" Um..Hi! Thranduil said awkwardly, Areia didn't respond. Making him suddenly Interested in his shoes.
The man was walking so fast he didn't see Cyra on the way, he bumped into her, and Cyra suddenly fell and stated faking pain.
"What are you doing to that poor girl, Dan boomed. And in such a deserted place at that.
The man stuttered as he tried to explain, but Cyra kept sobbing louder. He's my master she wept and I failed to get him the drink he wanted so it's only right he punish me.
The man looked at her then back at Dan confused at the whole ordeal.
Despicable, so you're dealing with a slave uh, how disgusting, he boomed looking slightly drunk, soon people started coming into the alley to see what was going on. The man In his haste to get away pulled Dan close and handed him a white dusty substance, take this as payment and go, he muttered, scurrying past Cyra and tumbling on a wooden box in his haste.
She smirked as she got up, they gave each other a high-five, and smirking they followed the man.
What was that he gave you, she asked curiously.
Probably some drug, must be highly expensive seeing as he gave it to me as payment. They walked down the alley slowly and soon arrived at the other end. Dan grabbed Cyra and pulled her close covering her mouth, as soon as he saw more men gathered around a shop, they were dress normally, but Dan knew that gathering was anything but normal, after glancing and making sure no one was watching them, one by one they disappeared into the store. Dan and Cyra came Infront if the store but didn't go in, it was a cake shop.
"No doubt something fishy is going on here, but I don't think they're the one we're after,Dan sighed.
"Why? They seem pretty sus to me, Cyra replied.
I can sense absolutely no mage from this place, and they're at least fourty people in this building though underground, they're drug Lords. People commiting rituals wouldn't even dare show themselves during the day. I'm sure you saw the man we caught earlier who turned to dust? That's the kind of people were supposed to be dealing with. Let's go back.
Cyra trailed behind him as they went back to the square.
Now that we're alone Cyra I'd like to ask, what was my state before I went insane, Dan asked.
I couldn't tell any visible harm on you, but you definitely weren't fighting, almost like you couldn't at the time, she replied.
Next time you have dreams like that pls tell us first before we use drastic measures to get them out, he smiled.
I'll consider it next time , she grinned.
So? Thranduil asked clearly anxious.
They're not who we're looking for, Cyra said.
This is gonna take a while, Dan sighed. They spent the rest of the day asking questions about missing people and wierd things going on, they were soon led to the mercenary guild that posted the request.
After confirming that Cyra was the hero they took her to meet their boss, who sat in a large sofa and was almost as large as the sofa, he had a huge pipe in his mouth that was constantly puffing smoke.
So you came to handle the case of the missing people eh? He asked his fleshy jaw shaking joyfully.
Yes, Dan responded in his most respectful voice.
And who might you be, his beetle black eyes turned to Dan.
I'm Nero, as you can see, I'm the hero's spoke person, Cyra nodded in agreement.
You guys have no business here, he said dismissively, go back to where you came, he made a gesture that could be interpreted as a shrug.
What-, Dan started but was soon Interrupted as the man's guards blades were soon drawn towards Dan.
I'd advise against that, Dan said calmly bot taking his eyes away from the man, you're in the presence of the hero after all, besides my guard here Cicilia isn't one for patience, it could easily be Interpreted that you're now my hostages, he smiled.
What an arrogant punk you are, the man boomed, guards cut of his tounge and feed it to the crows, he bellowed.
The room was suddenly and almost immediately sprayed in blood, the first man that attacked first lost his head in an instant faster than they could blink.
Now now, calm down Cicilia, Dan sighed calmly, you could have just cut his arms and it would have ended there, you didn't have to kill him.
Sorry master, my hand slipped, she replied calmly.
Dan stared at the man again, now you'll tell me everything you know and just so you know no one is coming to help,my mage would make sure of that. The fat man staring at Dan's cold expression was sure he was no doubt telling the truth.
Why would the hero's party do something like this, he bellowed.
"Cicilia, take his left ear, Dan said calmly.
The guards didn't see or defend against what had happened, the master was suddenly screaming in agony as blood gushed from his severed ear as it laid on the table between them.
We're not goody two shoes, Cyra spoke coldly. You're sitting back and watching it all happened under your nose, you're as bad as those people you're letting die.
What was I supposed to do he cried, they're monsters, the cultist, they let me live as long as I turn a blind eye to it all, we can't possibly fight them.
Then, tell all the information you have to the people who can, Dan replied.
I'd admit you guys are strong but you definitely can't fight them, they're on a whole other level, they could wipe out the entire city if they see it fit. If I start talking I'll most u doubly die, he bellowed.
Ah, fuck it, Dan said Cyra pry into his mind, a single kick from Areia sent one of the guards through the wall collapsing into the next room, her second attack landed on the second guards jaw, knocking him unconscious.
Cyra grabbed the fat man on the head, be bellowed and wailed trashing around, but no way hell could he compete with Cyra's pure strength. Soon he and Cyra had a dazed look about them.
Cyra saw It, the fat man sat on the same chair they were sitting on, the room was pretty much the same not much changes, on the other chair opposite the fat man sat an old man, a human, he could easily be about ninety years old according to his appearance, hooded figures were behind him, their cloaks bore a symbol of a hand with an eye in it's palm. They spoke to the man calmly, she could tell the fat man was terrified cause each time he spoke he trembled, they struck a deal, the mercenaries were to turn a blind eye to the people missing, in return they'll keep their activities on the city on the low.
The fat man's trembling became more evident as he spoke, just what are you guys after?
The resurrection of our king, the old man spoke coldly. We'll be taking our leave now, they didn't go through the front door, and oval like mirror appeared and one by one they stepped through it disappearing out of the room, leaving the man shaking in his boots.
Cyra came back from his mind with a sigh, she looked around at Dan's peering face.
She back away a little," you know if you come any closer you could practically kiss me,"
In your dreams, Dan replied, "so? What did you find?.
Well at the very least they don't want to take over the city, she sighed. What's with everyone and resurrecting people, she sighed. They're planning on resurrecting some king or whatever, and apperantly, like every villian trope they need blood sacrifices.
"I see, Dan muttered taking it all in, did you find out how they went or anything about their lair?
"Nah, they used a gate, it could lead anywhere, Cyra shrugged. And one more thing those guys weren't from Amag, their symbols were different.
"Well I get that this won't be straightforward but this is another matter altogether, Dan said in thought. If they aren't working together from the beginning, means Amag will arrive only to either claim or kill Areia, if that's their only objective that narrows it down.
After restoring the room to it's original state, they healed the fat man and left his asleep on the couch. They walked down the street muttering how to go about finding both the Amag members and those from the cult. Areia suddenly jumped with a loud bang, cracking the road beneath her feet, she stood on top of a really high tower with the full city in view, the team stared at her, along with lots of passerbys. She stood there for nearly a minute, by the time people we're gathering around and pointing up at her, no doubt, they can see me too, Areia thought. I'm going to die in an encounter with Amag? As if, she grinned, I won't die till every one of them is slaughtered and I'm finally free of my past.
"Hear me disciples of Amag!, if you've come here to recruit me back into your ranks you it's best you give up, I'd slaughter each and every one of you if you even come close to me or my master, she yelled loudly. The people gathering were now very many, Areia looked around, and suddenly a massive spear was lunched in her direction from no where in particular, she caught the projectile mid flight and grinned, bingo.
"Well that's one way to do it, Thranduil sighed, no doubt they'd be coming after her now, don't you think it's best we break up now,Dan.
"Yeah I think so, he said as soon as Areia jumped down with a thud from the tower, holding the massive spear, it could easily be twenty five feet in length.
Areia and Cyra you guys move to a secluded place, if possible outside the city, while I and Tree would track down the cultist and stick led through their heads, Dan said.
They all nodded and separated instantly, after walking a while, both Dan and Areia turned the same time and smiled.
They spoke in sync, yh, if I'm ever in trouble I'd be calling your name. They departed after that. Thranduil watched the exchange nodding intently.
Oddly enough, the city seemed to be less busy, maybe Areia's speech made the people anxious that something is brewing, Dan thought. Well it's all the better, I wouldn't want anyone dying on me after all.
"So, Thranduil began, I know we're supposed to be serious and all but I'm too curious so I'm going to ask, are you dating the white hair?
"What? Dan looked at him, he hadn't expected that question and at least not in the situation they were in."No were not, he sighed. I doubt Areia sees me that way, besides too much is going on for us to be thinking about stuff like that.
What da! She thinks she doesn't like him? She seems pretty into him from my point if view, I think rather he's the problem, Thranduil thought.
"Now just what are you thinking about, I'm getting chills, Dan stared at him suspiciously, you aren't into boys are you? He asked backing away slightly.
"What? No!, Thranduil replied disgusted.
"Then why are you asking about my dating life, Dan stared, they crossed the now deserted Street and followed the path they took to the mercenary guild.
"I told you pure curiosity, he shrugged.
After a long sprint the gates of the kingdom were in sight, Cyra could see the guards staring and getting prepared for them.
"We have no time for this, Areia said calmly, Cyra we're jumping the wall.
"Understood!"
"Captain, they aren't slowing down, one of the guard shouted.
" What? Are they planning on slamming I to the gate? Wait no! That should not be possible the gate it at least, two hundred feet.
Areia took three big strides and lept clean through the gate, Cyra behind her, they landed with a bang on the other side of the wall and continued sprinting.
"Just what the hell is going on, the guards spoke in mumurs.
After getting some distance from the gates, they stopped, looking around.
They're here, Areia said. Almost immediately they were surrounded by hooded figures, their numbers were overwhelming.
Six of the hooded figures stepped forward, pulling their hoods, all apart from one had horrible scarred and mutilated faces, their skin gave of the look of countless experiment, near death experiences and old age.
"You brought the entire Amag army just to deal with little old me, Areia smirked.
"We're not stupid, the tallest spoke, under the cloak anyone could tell that he was muscular despite his age, we know how strong you are and we're not one to underestimate opponents, after your shout earlier, we decided no more trying to get you back, it's better we nip you in the bud before you get any stronger.
Cyra stared at the numbers surrounding them, so this is Amag, she thought. I can tell they're all strong, each and every person here is definitely strong in their own right.
" You even brought the hero with you, another spoke, he was short and squashed and extremely ugly, his large eyes bulging out his head, his mouth devoid of teeth, a really dark tongue. That wouldn't make much of a difference, he continued. I doubt she even knows how to use half the power she possess, seems like we'll be killing two birds with one stone. Well enough talking, he suddenly said. He stared at a boy behind them, unlike Areia who had completely white hair his was as dark as night,his facial expression steel cold non blinking equally dark eyes, he stepped forward two long blades in hand. Areia stared at him,no zero, it's a pity no one came to save you, the best I can do is put you out of your misery, Areia thought.
The boy stepped in front of the masters, one of them sized him up then Cyra with this hands, he smiled revealing his large set of rotten teeth,"BE GONE," he said, instantly One and Cyra vanished. "While Zero deals with the hero we'll be dealing with you, he said unsheathing his long sword, the blade was black, the other followed suit.
Areia stared around smiling, all of you against me, isn't that a little unfair, not that it matters, come in numbers or alone but I'm definitely not here to kid around, make one mistake and your head will roll, she spoke coldly, her purple eyes reflecting the setting sun.
Cyra stared around, no doubt they were back in the city,it was some sort of teleporting ability, she thought. She looked forward to see Zero advancing towards her slowlyblades in hand.
The fight should have ended the moment Zero struck, Cyra couldn't even react as the blade reached her throat, it was an almost definite victory for Zero, but Cyra had an ability she didn't even know about. When her life is threatened by an opponent who could end her in a single blow it activates, shielding her from the initial attack and giving her an opportunity to fight back, it was the only thing that kept saved her from sudden death, Zero was blasted through a building the moment his blade came in contact with Cyra's skin, the air was suddenly filled with dust and falling debris.
Cyra obviously didn't know what had happened herself, as she stared at a suddenly crumbling building. She took a defensive stance fist in front of her face as she saw Zero coming out of the building, what just happened, she thought, I didn't see a thing, what blew apart the building?
Zero's second attack cost him another massive explosion from Cyra's defensive system, it sent him rocketing through the city like a ball, he crashed through buildings as he went, he could understand what was going on but was just running on trial and error. Cyra on the other hand couldn't even tell what was happening, the thing about the ability is it can be used multiple times without draining Cyra as long as she can't counter the opponent or fight back in anyway at the moment it'll continually shield her, that is unless she can keep up with the said opponent, but it only activates if the opponent wanted to kill her in a single hit.
Zero's boot landed on Cyra's head with a loud thud, she spun like a boomerang as she leveled buildings, The people now knowing a fight was brewing started running and taking their kids, the guards were on high alert, the unlucky once to charge at Zero were reduced to blood puddle in the span of a second. Cyra got up from the debris, her nose broken, it healed slowly. She stared at the building she leveled, thankfully no one was in it, she sighed, he's fast, he's really fast, probably faster than Areia, how am I supposed to fight him when I can't even see him, she thought panting. And what's causing those explosions?
She coughed out blood as Zero's punch came in contact with her gut, it sent her feets into the air, she crashed into the open street, getting up slowly, she stared around but Zero was no where to be found, suddenly small cuts started appearing round her body, Zero's blade glittered in tej distance, he had figure it out, as long as he doesn't go for the kill instantly, he doesn't get blasted. Cyra could do nothing but tank his attacks as she was punched, dragged, stomped and slashed multiple times, she stood bloodied, her self healing working slowly to mend the damage, she was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down her face, the air was humid, and buy now covered with the smell of rocks and dust.
Cyra dashed towards him, spraying him with punches non of them grazed his body, she was rewarded with another slash on her midsection, she doubled down grasping her gut in pain, Zero didn't let her whine, the back of his blade was duly slammed into her head, sending her into a fruit stall.
"Ouch, it hurts, she muttered covered in fallen wood and glass, she felt blood all over her, he's just too fast, how do I fight him, she jumped out of the way just in time as a large rock was blasted into the building, she jumped out the store through the window as more rocks continued to wheeze past her ear only missing her by an inch. She blocked Zero's kick aimed at her chin but the force slammed her into another building. She bit her lip, she's doing more destruction than him at this rate, luckily for her the people were already running away and Zero doesn't seem inclined to chase them. She Docked as Zero's foot landed just above her head, she lunched a fire ball at him, it was cut cleanly in two, Cyra was flabbergasted, I sense no one around she thought, I should use magic instead. She hit the ground so hard with her fist it created a mini earthquake and completely shattered that part of the city, she spun the falling rocks around her with such force it created a tornado of debris about her, Cyra was pulled out of the tornado by a hand, slammed into the ground, she bounced from the sheer force, before she hit the ground again, he violated her chin with a kick, he grabbed he leg before she flew away stopping her motion, he slammed her into the ground and made quick cuts around her arms and ankle. Cyra lay on cold shattered ground only warming up as her own blood enveloped her and being sucked into the ground.
He stood over her, delivering more cuts as he watched her heal slowly, he didn't leave her and walk away hoping she bleeds out and die on her own, anytime she tries healing, he deliveres another cut to her ankle. Cyra was practically helpless at this point, and resighed to her fate, she was definitely dying, Zero was no longer solid rather a blurry figure. Maybe this is how I die before Areia,she thought, it's awfully soothing, I feel cold, it's like a deep sleep, but I don't want to die, they're things I want to do, I want to avenge my sister, I want to save Areia, I don't want Dan to become evil, I want to live. The hero, another of any hero's passive ability, it's the one ability most hero use the most, both subconsciously or consciously, Cyra on her own wouldn't be able to activate her sword on her own as long as she doesn't see the person as a monster of some sort, it's a big handicap when she's fighting a human. Like all hero that came before her she has quite a number of passive skills that make her a hero, and one of the most important is the passive skills Hero, as long as she doesn't give up, she continues to adapt to any given situation, despite her swords activation or not, she gains access to that one ability, to grow stronger till the enemy is vanquished. Usually it's only active when the sword is drawn, but due to Areia's sword condition and her current predicament, it was activated without the sword.
I can still see,she thought, the world is becoming more vivid, she got her away I time as Zero's blade almost cut it clean of, she tripped him with her legs and planted a mighty kick on his head, it didn't hit but shattered the ground it came in contact with, Zero had dodged the attack and distance himself from her in an instant, Cyra got up slowly, but was interrupted by a clean stab through her gut, Zero proceeded to try stabbing her with his second blade, Cyra's punch caught him squarely on the face, lunching him like an arrow from a cross bow, he handed on his feet but the force still made him tumble and fall, he only stopped as soon as he hit a wall. He got up and felt his nose bleed, Cyra stood up, his sword in her gut, she smiled, "I'm finally catching up aren't I ?"
Zero made another mistake of trying to decapitate her momentarily forgetting about her abilities, he was duly punished by a violent explosion that shook air with a bang.
"Seriously tho, what's with that explosion, Cyra muttered. Zero's punch landed on her face, she stumbled and retaliated Landing a punch of her own on his face, he tumbled back and staggered to his knees, his face bleeding, the last explosion had been by far stronger than the rest and completely incarnated his shirt and armour leaving him with severe burns. He slashed Cyra multiple times with his single blade, his other one still stuck cleanly through Cyra, she responded with another punch to his face. He cleared her feet off the ground and as she fell punched her head into the ground, he didn't let up, he pulled out his blade from Cyra and stabbed her another couple of times, Cyra lunged at him from the ground sinking her teeth into his calf, he responded by violently shaking her off and stumping on her head, Cyra grabbed his other foot, her teeth biting through his boot I to his calf, she lifted him off the ground slammed him into the earth and sat on top of him pinning him down, she completely rearranged his good looks with blow after blow, he wasn't just sitting still either, as his punch landed on Cyra's head, they threatened to knock her out, but Areia passive ability Hero kept her awake and still going, he stabbed her again this time clean through her chest aiming for her heart, Cyra smiled, "poke my heart all you want, as long as the sword is still with me and I'm still the hero, I always have it as my back up heart. " I admit I'm not nearly as fast as you, he kept stabbing Cyra with both swords as she spoke," but looking at you beneath me unable to use your speed is kind of ironic," she clasped both hands together and with a yell slammed it into Zero's head, crushing his skill, it took a while for his trashing body to finally stay still, Cyra took many haggard breath, two swords impaled through her heart, she pulled them out and puked lots of blood on Zero's body," now i just have to wait for me to heal," she sighed, looking at the moon, just how long have we been fighting for the moon to be up already, she thought. I didn't die, that means, I still have a chance at saving Areia.
"Zero is dead! One of the masters boomed.
"Shut up! Another yelled, focus on etb battle, she's proving to be more trouble than we anticipated. Areia stood two transparent blades in hand, she was slaughtering all and everything in sight, outside the walls became a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, Areia was a blurr as she fought, the Amag soilder slaughtered like normal civilians, her white hair shining in the moon light, her purple eyes darting from foe to for merciless and unforgiving. She didn't know when the hair spell was undone and she didn't care at the moment, if she slipped up even once she'll be overwhelmed.
"How is this possible, one of the masters boomed, we outnumber her by a vast amount, and even with us fighting too, we're being slaughtered like lambs, just what kind of strength has she attained.
Bodies after bodies fell to Areia's blade, she didn't stop, didn't stutter, didn't slip or weaver, she danced on top the sea of blood and mountain of bodies dropping more with each swing, her calm face smeered with blood, no emotion portrayed on her face, just one simple goal in mind, Kill.
It wasn't long before outside the walls were completely quiet, the masters stood in awe as Areia pulled her sword form the last lackey's throat and with swift movements split his head in two, her gaze landed on the masters, she walked towards them, bloodied and beaten but moving and moving so well.
"Ready! The tall master spoke, " don't falter, don't loosen yori techniques, he boomed as Areia lunged at them,"as you can see if you slip up you're dead!," he yelled as he countered a strike from Areia and sent her back with a kick, he lost his leg that instantly and duly his head. Areia walked slowly towards the other masters as the tall one's body fell.
"Just what have you become One!," the short one bellowed as the remaining four attacked in union, they struck relentlessly leaving no room for opening, Areia parried their attacks with precise and altered movements to her liking. Areia jumped as a large pole like arrow landed near her with a thud, she made quick evasive movements as more large arrows landed with thuds near her, the masters continued attacking despite the arrows, no doubt who ever was shooting the arrows were on their side, she was slit near her ear as she made to dodge another massive arrow, she deflected it with her leg, the sound from the clash resonated through the air, she kicked it into the air and with a powerful high kick sent it towards the short master, he deflected it, but couldn't react in time as Areia was on him, she slashed his throat, it was a shallow cut, she jumped out of the way just in time as another arrow separated her from the master.
"Before we continue I'd like to ask a question, Areia spoke, and her voice carried a chill air colder than winter, she split another gigantic arrow lunched towards her with a single stroke, the split arrow landed with loud thuds beside her, landing straight into the ground. The masters closed their ears as the sound threatened to tear their ear drums.
" What is my race? She asked.
One of the slim bony masters answered sneakering, why? You're nothing but an half elf, he laughed. And do you want to know who your father is, he grinned.
I'm just curious, get on with it before I slaughter you all, at least I want to know that before you die, it's the least you could do after all, she sighed and deflected another gigantic arrow.
They were all silent and no one spoke.
" It's fine, Areia said, placing the two transparent swords like a cross in front of her, the exchange was brutal, before the masters could get their footing back in place, the short one with black tounge was gone, split cleanly in two before their very eyes, clearly shaken by her sheer display of speed they made to fee, Areia deflected another arrow and that was the last straw, she picked it up and lunched it with insane speed it broke the sound barrier, there was a yell and a thud in the distance, she looked down but the masters were already gone, the thing bony one could almost taste escape before Areia caught up with him, holding the heads of the other two masters who had escaped, she slashed both his legs and stomped his head, start talking, her icy voice rang through his skull.
"Your father is the current Elf king, he bellowed. During his time with us on a special occasion he made love to a human woman in our ranks and left, seeing this as an opportunity she killed the woman after a few months and extracted you from her and placed you in an incubator of our own design. We bred you there till you came of age to wield a sword.
" I don't understand, Areia spoke angrily, I'm an half elf, then what about my ears, they're perfectly normal as far as my eyes can tell.
"The master stuttered as he spoke, we made a skilled crafts man cut your ears down to size when you were still growing, and he did a perfect job at that, no one could tell you were an elf from your ears anymore.
" You did what? Areia yelled for the first time that night, just how evil can you people be? What did anyone even the woman who's supposedly my mum do to you?
"It's cause of your elven blood you're so good with a sword, he stuttered, haven't you wondered you grew up faster than the rest human kids, you have fully white hair, not to mention you've been blessed by the wind is why you're so light on your feet, you were the perfect weapon we've always dream off, until you were captured by the human king. We couldn't get you back cause the dragon princess and the human queen was always around, so we left you be, after the fall of the kingdom we made to call you back, but after severely injuring our messenger and your deceleration of war on us we knew you we're going rogue, we took the last six years breeding subject Zero to be able to beat you, but now he's dead, all our efforts in vain, Amag is finished and by our own Creation at that. He turned with difficulty to look at Areia's face, the sight he was made him shiver. She was smiling, and not a menacing smile, a sweet heartfelt smile. Thank you, she said sweetly as she dug her sword through his skull. She tossed the remaining head's of the masters near the bony man's body and pulled her transparent blades out of his head.
She stared at the blade, I can remember vividly when Flynn gave this to me the moment we were to depart the human kingdom, I didn't know it was one of the seven treasures of the world at that time, but now that I'm finally getting a chance to use it, I can see why it only appeared when I needed it, it clearly puts by dragon blade to shame, the blade disappeared slowly forming two back tattoos on her arms, she sighed. "Well that's that. She stretched her body to it's full extent, her beaten armour reflecting the moon light perfectly, she slim muscles stretching out, her clothes was battered and torn to an unmendable extent, it was purely by luck she wasn't in her underwear right now. She had deep cuts that stretched across her shoulder to her waist and bruises here and there, but she'll live.
" I miss master, she said staring at the moon, I wonder if Cyra was able to beat Zero.
"Thranduil what the fuck is that?
Dan and Thranduil after separating from Areia and Cyra proceeded to scan the city looking for life signals, seeing the city folks running left and right and the explosions coming from the direction of the city gate, no doubt Cyra and Areia we're already fighting. After rescuing some kids, pregnant women and men who were disabled from getting trampled by the running crowd, the proceeded with their plan. The evacuated were to stay in a safe house the other part of the city, and with Areia and Cyra fighting on the city gate any other life signals found would be either the drug Lords or the cultist they're looking for. Finding them we're hard at all or complicated in any way, which was sloppy by Dan's standards, the said cultist were located miles underground, and with the help of Thranduil they parted the earth and descended, they were greeted with a glorious or rather disturbing sight.
Hundred if not thousands of people in red cloaks were gathered on the cold cave floor, the air reeked of blood and decaying flesh, but the cultist didn't seem to care, on the altar lay decayed bones meticulously arranged to forms as best as can be the skeleton of a human, and on a wooden pole not far off where three men impaled from their behind and the pole coming out their mouths, their blood dripping down the altar. Other men lay beside the bones their body torn open and their organs were being laid upon the bones, it was a really gruesome sight.
"It would seem the people missing are already dead, Thranduil pointed at the empty cages.
"Yh, Dan agreed, I reckon we blow this place sky high. Thranduil nodded, but suddenly he was suddenly impaled by someone from behind and roughly kicked into the crowd of worshippers beneath, Dan responded instantly unleasing a large gush of strong wind rupturing the cave walls with little difficult, the cave didn't collapse and he was soon rewarded with a slash from the throat down to his thighs, the old man stepped out of the shadow, his blind eyes blank and white, like his beards and countable hairs on his head, for an old man he was relatively energetic. He looked at Dan knelt down on the floor, he held his face up so that he stared into his whitish eyes.
"So you're the one, One has taken quite a liking to I take it? Is voice was cold and metallic carrying little remorse, he duly tissed Dan into the sea of worshippers besides Thranduil, who seem to be alive but bleeding out quickly. The worshippers parted daggers drawn as they stared at the infiltrators on the floor.
"I caught little rats, he said, he was on the altar with their leader before any of them could blink. I reckon you need the elf and kid for the sacrifice I take not, I mean that's why we sent the job after all.
"The large man in the red hood stared at the old man for a while, good job, he said with an evil grimace. But aren't you supposed to be with your people hunting down your failed project?
The man shrugged, "I thought they'd be able to handle her since they had zero and five masters and outnumbering her two thousand to one, but to my surprise they were wiped out. It's only fitting I kill her boyfriend before going to greet her, after all I'm the one that personally trained her".He stared at Dan on the floor getting up slowly, his hand on Thranduil. " I wonder what kind of face she'll make if the source of her new found happiness is dead, Dan the Error!.
" Don't die on me, Dan said to Thranduil.
"I know he muttered, his wounds closing slowly.
" So it's safe to say you're Areia's dad, Dan smirked. Perfect timing I wanted to have a word about your daughter with you one-day.
"The fact that you can stand despite that large a wound is commendable, the man clapped, and it would seem that poison has no effect on you. So what is it you want to say about my daughter?
Dan stared at Thranduil, poison? Oh I see that's why I'm healing so slowly and Tree having it even worst, but he'll live in sure of it."I'm officially taking her off yori custody, he smiled, and as payment I'll have your head.
Dan coughed as he was duly impaled through the lungs by the man, he brought his mouth close to Dan's ear as he spoke,"I'd like to see you try.
Dan blasted him with a high density lightning strike, he rocketed back straight at the altar, the energy burning running believer left and right, the air of burnt charred flesh was competing with the stink of rot, making the smell even more unpleasant. The man walked out the altar was unharmed energy sparks still flickering in his body, the attack had clearly hit him.
The man In the red hood rounded up on him,"what are you doing? Do you want him destroying the altar now that we're so close?.
Don't worry the old man said and tossed Thranduil to the man, here you have one now to get the other.
Dan looked at his side and relized Thranduil was gone, he's fast, way faster than Areia probably, I'll have to get tree back but I don't want to push myself, I don't want the sphere adding to the list of our problems.
He dodged as one of the worshippers struck, barely escaping the knife, another struck he evaded, soon he was being attacked by the entire congregation. " You're all regular dudes and dudet, why are you doing this to your fellow human," he boomed angrily, the scream rippled through the air in a high pitched sound, both the master and the hooded figure covered their ears, Dan stomped the ground it changed it's shape and immediately became thorns that showed no mercy to the attackers, they were stabbed and ripped apart by the twisting and throbbing earth.
"How do you feel after killing your fellow humans, the hooded figure smirked, prince Dan, he dragged Thranduil to the altar cut off one of his arm, Thranduil screamed horribly as his blood was sprayed on the bones, it's sizzled as in come into contact with the bones, Dan blasted with with enough force to shake the entire City, the master stood watching, Dan grabbed Thranduil and his severed hand, he made little symbols with his blood on both ends and attached the broken limbs, Thranduil was barely alive at this point, he's lost too much blood.
The hooded figure panted as he broke free from tha wall, Dan's attack had almost merged him with the wall. " Ah fuck it! Be bellowed, I don't need your blood anyways, he tore into his skin and sprayed his blood on the bones,AWAKEN BAHAMOTH, He yelled. Dan's next blow turned his body into a bloody mass, his outstretched arm severed stayed still for a second before falling to the ground.
Now that, that's over , the master said stepping forward, I'd take your head now.
DON'T MOVE!, Dan bellowed angrily, the man stood still instantly, GET LOST!, he was duly blasted through the ground half way across the city by an unknown destructive force, blowing apart the underground hideout to smitherings, leaving a massive hole in the middle of the city. Dan panted, grabbed Dan and started making his way out the hole slowly, but was stopped by a presence growing, it was nauseating and gross, it reeked of death. Dan didn't waste any more time, he teleported out the hole and with quick jabs at Thranduil's pressure points he expelled the poison and started healing him, the result took time but it was working for sure, Thranduil's bloodied and haggard breathing had become stable. He took out the ring his mother had given him tapped it on Thranduil's head, he disappeared slowly.
Better have him in a pocket dimension than here, Dan thought, though I'd be lying if I said I knew where mum's pocket dimension really leads, but at least it'll be somewhere safe. Now then, he said getting up and staring into the hole, the skeleton was now on his feet, twitch and turning as flesh stared enveloping it's bones.
After all the commotion going on inside the city Areia started sprinting towards the source of the trouble, it all happened in a slip second, as she ran past, she spotted an old man getting up from under pile of rubbles, she unsheathed her sword Instantly and struck, the man though beaten parried Areia's attack, sending her back.
"What the hell are you doing here! Areia yelled, I knew something was wrong when I didn't see you among the masters.
"Is that the way to greet your dad, the man laughed.
Like hell, you're anything but a dad, she said taking a fighting stance.
Imagine what you'd be if I didn't teach you the ways of the sword, you'd be an helpless girl waiting on a man and the world to protect her.
Yeah right, she said Indifferently, you only thought me to make me kill.
Yes, that was part of the plan, he smiled. But look at you now, it clearly paid off, you're strong and could defend yourself even against our entire army, isn't that worthy of praise.
Yeah, thanks, Areia said and immediately lunged at him. They're shapes became blurry as they fought creating a series of afterimages, it was a master versus master battle, attack and defense in perfect harmony, Areia broke through first and slashed open his skull, the man reacted with a kick to her gut, knocking her back as far as the city wall. She looked up to see the man standing skull less, he smiled as his head regenerated instantly.
"Don't tell me you're finished, my student, he boomed.
What do you think happens when two opponents equally strong face off? What happens when two masters face off with an equal amount of skill and perception? The answer is simple the one naturally stronger always comes out on top. This was exactly the case.
Areia's attack and Parry landed attacks hit after hit, he struck her too, there were at a constant stale mate, but the fact that he was constantly healing had Areia in a complete disadvantage, unlike Dan, Thranduil or Cyra, she doesn't have high output when it comes to sheer destructive scale and prioritize using her raw physical prowes above all else, and her casting speed isn't nearly fast enough to keep up with her physically moments for her to try burning him. Their bloody exchange was cut short as Dan came whizzing through the air slamming I to the ground with a loud deafening crash. He stood up, bloodied and angry, he caught Areia's eye and her his, on the sky was a bald dark man definitely the opponent Dan was fighting, Dan was definitely running on fumes without trying to go all out, his eyes had vertical slits, his hair now almost bright red aside from black strands poking out here and there. He nodded to Areia and she responded with a nod, he lunged at the old man and Areia the bald guy.
Dan and the old man disappeared in a flash as they went at it, the bald man didn't see Areia strike, he was violently lunched into the ground, he stood up his vision blurry, he blocked Areia swordstroke with his hands, she disappeared from his vision as he struck, slashing the nape of his neck, the sword resonated with a clang.
His skin is hard, Areia backed away. The man lunged at her with incredible speed, Areia wasn't prepared.
Her punch landed squarely on the side of the bald man's head, knocking him into multiple buildings, her tail trashing around she jumped after him, he slammed Cyra into the ground with a wave of his hand, Areia cut him and faced the same problem, her sword hit his skin with a clang. Areia backed away sheathing her dragon blade, she exchange blows with him throwing hundreds of punches in the span of a second, he parried and attacked too, Cyra's kick landed on the side of his head, she skidded to a halt on top of him like a board, delivering more heavy punches that shook the atmosphere and. Took them feet's Into the ground. The man placed his hand on Cyra's gut, she was lunched through the sky, Areia caught her the momentum knocked her back,but she didn't let go as she skidded to a halt panting, they both stared as the man walked out the hole like he hadn't taken any damage.
"He's trouble isn't he,Cyra smiled. Areia was silent.
The man walked slowly towards them uprooting buildings as he went, behind him an army of large boulders ,rocks and debris. He lunched them without mercy, Cyra took the full blow of one sending her back, Areia dodged all and landed a clean elbow on his shin, following up with a groin kick, holding up his two hands she lifted her feet into the air and stumped on his face, the exchange sent him back and on his knees.
" You have guts looking down on your knees," Cyra laughed as she hit him from above with an earth shattering punch, the ground shook violently, even Areia had trouble staying on her feet. The dust cleared and he was seen holding Cyra by her neck. Her punch was landing hit after hit, but the man stood still not taking any damage, his face split open revealing a funnel like cone of sharp teeths, Cyra twitched an paled at the sight.
Cyra fell to the ground and scampered away as the man's hand fell, Areia stood some distance ahead, her glass blades in hand, she turned towards the creature and started landing deep cuts, severing his hands, legs,even his head, but kept regenerating and landing blows on Areia. They both stood still as they heard a crack and an astronomical surge of energy. Areia backed away.
Cyra was moving slowly, her massive blade in hand, eyes closed her hair slowly turning black, none saw her move as she blew apart the city and the man in s single stroke, the once full flourishing city was now half desolate and the other part ruined. The bald man's tooth was the only part of him not destroyed by Cyra's attack, he regenerated instantly and lunged at her, he was duly blown apart by another sword stroke, he continued regenerating. Cyra kept blowing him apart, he kept coming back regardless, soon he was beginning to land an attack on Cyra, first it was a punch, then it was two, three and soon they were officially trading blows, Cyra was clearly beating on him with quick moves that Areia hadn't seen her do before, then it dawned on her.
Yh,I remember but shrugged it off, I remember her tell us back at the three house that she can only activate her sword if she sees the opponent as a monster, and the man's head just cleared that criteria, so this is Cyra with her sword.
The man attacked, Cyra docked and clocked him with her foot, she lunged after him severing his head with a single stroke, his headless body grew a new head and his head grew a new body, creating two clones,Cyra slashed on of them in an instant and the other immediately started clocking her, it was getting towards a draw as he wouldn't stay dead and Cyra was strong enough not to be defeated by him. He lunged at Cyra's throat, his hands suddenly a blade, Areia caught it and sent him back with a flying kick, he tumbled as she shattered the earth from the impact.
I'm not going to be a spectator,she said calmly.
The Man got up and let out a terrifying scream, Areia took a sprinting stance and lunged, impaling his throat cutting of the scream, his attacks failed to reach Areia as her glass blade severed his hands like butter, he kicked her with enough force to make her puke blood, he grabbed Areia by the head, and stared into her eyes, Areia didn't know what spell he used or when he did, but she was definitely not in Villa anymore and this wasn't an illusion, she was immune to illusions. She stood up battered by still alive and moving, her glass blades turned back into a tattoo.
She looked around, the sky was dark, she was in a village, it was completely battered people were running at the sight of her, locking their windows as she walked by, each house looked like they could be knocked over by a single breeze. Teleportation? But I don't think I recognize this place in a map of the world besides it's clearly not night time but the sky is black, not to mention the death hanging in the air, did he send me to another world?.