User blog:Carol of the bells/Days of Ruin --- Zen's exile, part 53

Days of Ruin --- Zen's exile, part 53
I clenched my fist and did my best to refrain from speaking when Mettias commenting on my “apparently horrible skills”. I already knew he was right--wallowing in pity would not help me get stronger.



*Zen,* I heard Mifune speak gruffly in my head, *Why did you let yourself lose to that man? You didn’t even try, foolish girl.*



I responded in a low whisper. “I wouldn’t have stood a chance, Mifune. That man is...powerful. And I am not. It’s as simple as that. At first, I didn’t know how I was going to battle Maxwell. At least now, with him here, we have a chance.”

“Oh, Zen?” Mettias called back to me, still walking ahead, “From personal experience, I wouldn’t talk to myself if I were you--people might think you’re crazy. Except in my case, I’m already crazy.”

Beside me, Ayra scoffed. “Zen,” She muttered, “Whatever he tells you to do, you’d better think twice about it. He’s unpredictable, and he probably wouldn’t think twice about using you as bait, or something.”

I nodded. I already planned on keeping my guard up around Mettias.

---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias let out a low sigh. Ayra was right about what Mettias would do, but he wasn't on any official mission. That was his only rule, don't trick your allies unless it's going to be on the books. A backstabber is one trait that the higher-ups like about summoners such as himself... wild cards. He pushed this thought out of his head and cleared his throat. "Ayra, you know very well that I heard that." Mettias said with a low chuckle. He knew that this small bit of distrust was going to get one of the three killed... probably Ayra. My did he hope it would be Ayra. Ayra's eye twitched in annoyance but nobody really noticed or cared.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As the trio followed the tunnels towards Maxwell's palace, Mettias began to act... strange. He would occasionally glance around nervously or slice his blade towards thin air at some unseen enemy. Whether or not he was crazy or if there was reason for him to freak out, I don't know. Whatever it was, it was getting progressively more frequent until they got to a small dungeon of sorts.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The room was made of pure but beaten up marble, the walls etched with countless runes and stories. That's when Mettias snapped. With a roar Mettias slammed himself into the wall and fired a bolt of light at the wall opposite to him. The bolt exploded, turning the ancient ruins into a pile of dust. He groaned and let out a weak sigh. He was definitely crazy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I woke up to a bright light filling the room. I was in what looked like an infirmary from an old castle. I looked around, confused as to what had happened to me. The last thing that I remembered was the airship crashing after being hit with the spore. I felt strange... I knew about myself and that I was in Grand Gaia.. but didn't know anything about whether or not I had any allies or not.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As I thought this, a voice boomed in my head. "Vrael... I am lucius, God of the gate! You have been chosen to help the righteous Goddess Maxwell in her fight against the evildoers that wish to slay her and throw this land into chaos!" I sat there, stunned. I was chosen to help protect another world from chaos? For some reason I felt as if this voice was true, that this was my true purpose in Grand Gaia. I failed to protect my homeworld... but I wouldn't fail this one!

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I stood up and grabbed my gear.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I had some people to kill.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I felt a stab of panic when Mettias suddenly destroyed the ruins. Instinctively, I lept away from him, crystallizing my arm. If he decided to attack now, I was dead. Ayra also seemed alarmed, but she did nothing to attack or defend herself.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias sighed weakly, lifting his head and covering his eyes with his hand.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn’t dare move.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Suddenly, he straightened his posture. “Let’s go.” He began walking toward the dungeon exit without another word.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I relaxed slightly, allowing the crystal on my arm to recede. Ayra and I continued to follow him--at a distance.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Oh,” I spoke aloud, “It just occurred to me...but where’s Vrael?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“T-that’s right!” Ayra’s eyes widened and she went rigid. “His footsteps…!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I told you before, in the tunnel,” Mettias answered me, “Or were you not listening? Vrael was taken by the gods.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Indeed, now that he had mentioned it, I recalled him saying that to me...amongst the beatings. Of course I wouldn’t remember. “We need to find him,” I said.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Nope.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ayra’s eyes flared angrily. “What do you mean, ‘nope’?!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He chuckled. “You’ll see. In fact, you’ll thank me.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ayra and I glanced at each other. As much as I would hate to admit it, he probably knew what he was doing.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I froze in place.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Are you listening, child?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn’t respond.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">You shouldn’t trust either of your companions, child. It is human nature to deceive. They will betray you. They will--

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I felt an abrupt, stinging pain burn my skin as a hand slapped my face to the side. My hand flew to the spot that was struck and I stared wide-eyed into the face of Mettias.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Get it together, Zen.” He spoke gravely. “Whatever you hear...whatever <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">she’s <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"> telling you--don’t listen to it.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I just looked at him blankly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Understand?” He demanded.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Y-yes…” I replied hesitantly. We continued walking, my head swimming. It wasn’t long before the voice returned. I did my best to ignore her--Maxwell.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Are you afraid?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">What do you want in life?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Who are you?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I don’t think you know who I am.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">There’s more than meets the eye.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">What makes you happy?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Do you want things you can’t have?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Do you know who killed your mother?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Something snapped inside of me at her last question. Without thinking, before I could even tell my body to move, my hand lashed out and grabbed the nearest person to me, knocking them to the ground. I landed on top of them and felt my hands wrap around their throat. “It….” My voice trembled before I finally screamed, “It wasn’t me!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Are you sure?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My blood ran cold as I found myself staring into my mother’s face, my hands choking her neck. I recoiled, staggering to my feet.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“What in the blazes was that for!?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I blinked, stared, then blinked again to clear my vision. Ayra lay on the ground in front of me, massaging her neck, coughing.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Y-you almost killed me…!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I stared at my hands. “I-I...my apologies…” I didn’t know what else to say.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ayra stood and brushed herself off. “You’re both lunatics…It’ll be my luck if one of you kills me before we even get to Maxwell.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ahead of us, Mettias chuckled grimly. “As tempting as that sounds, you won’t have to wait long to find out. We’re getting close to Maxwell.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn't know why, but I felt as if I had to listen to the voice in my head. The person talking to me seemed nice... telling me directions and filling me in on current events and such. As I walked, I began to slowly feel stronger and stronger until I had to stop for a second from the sudden loss of energy that I had. I screamed in pain as something cut through my back. The pain gradually subsided, and I turned around to try and see what had happened.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sitting on my back were a pair of wings, but only the bones of them. I was confused as to why they were there, only to have a strange idea. I diverted some of my maelstrom to my back. As I predicted, the maelstrom covered the wings and formed a membrane while a small, sharp tail grew up from the bottom of my spine. The transformation hurt like hell, but I looked awesome! I grinned and flapped my wings and took off. Being a pilot I was naturally able to fly like a bird.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Just then, the voice simply said two words:

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">You're welcome.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Moments later, I landed and walked over to the entrance of the caves and hid above it, waiting.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">They were going to die here.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I was still shaken from my...vision. Or illusion? Was a goddess of creation capable of such things?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Heh…”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ayra and I looked up ahead where Mettias began to pick up his pace, chuckling.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Ah..ahaha….Ahahah!” His chuckle grew to laughter laced with insanity as he ran faster. “She’s here….I can feel it….We’re close. I’m so close….Ahahah! I’m so close to spilling her blood all over the walls!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Beside me, Ayra clicked her tongue as Mettias continued to laugh like a madman. “Hey,” She spoke to me, “I don’t know what that stunt you pulled back there was about,” She pointed to Mettias. “But that guy is already losing it. When we start fighting, I wanna see you attacking Maxwell and only Maxwell. Got it?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I nodded. “Yes, of course.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">*And you will summon us--right?* Galant asked.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Again, I nodded. “Right.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">We reached the end of the tunnel.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias walked out the entrance of the tunnel, still laughing. As soon as Ayra walked out, she let out a scream as something leapt onto her and attacked her. She tried to fight it only to be hit in the face. She let out a cry as the thing let out a battle cry and stabbed its wings into her. The thing then grabbed her and flew up into the air before slamming her into the ground, killing her instantly. The humanoid stood there looking at both Mettias and Zen.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"V-Vrael....?" Mettias asked nervously.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Vrael.. looked entirely different than normal. He had a full dark aura, wings, a tail, and claws instead of a sword. He smiled fiendishly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"You have all committed crimes against the gods... what say you in your defense?" He asked before chuckling.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias backed away, fear in his eyes. He drew his blade and pointed it towards Vrael. "Don't come any closer... you rat! You backstabbing-"

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"Don't you mean I am what you are?" Vrael asked, annoyed. He simply rolled his eyes and walked towards Mettias. Mettias fired several bolts of light at Vrael during his approach to no effect.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Vrael smiled and began to create something out of the maelstrom. It began to take humanoid shape and eventually turned into a girl clad in full battle armor. The girl wielded a bow and her armor was light blue, like the sky. She looked a bit like Mettias actually....

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias stood there, still as a statue. Zen looked at him, confused, and then she realized what had happened. this copy was Mettias's sister....

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I looked from Mettias to the girl that Vrael had conjured. Could they be...siblings? Vrael continued to look on as Mettias remained unmoving, shocked, afraid...hesitant.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The girl looked at her hand, as if marveling at her existance. Then, she dashed forward, drawing back on her bow string. Two arrows made of water materialized, and she took aim--at Mettias. I moved, quickly, barreling into him and knocking him over and out of the way. The arrows shot over-head, missing their targets.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">We landed on the ground in a heap. I grunted as I felt my arm twist the wrong way. I got off of it hurriedly. Mettias seemed to snap out of his gaze, scrambling to his feet.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I inspected my wrist--nothing more than a sprain. I encased it in crystal, and returned my attention to the battle.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The “unit” that I had created with the maelstrom worked! She fired arrow after arrow almost too fast to watch. I smiled and turned to the two, both dodging the attacks to the best of their ability but even that was a bit lacking. I bolted towards the girl, Zen, slashing at her neck. She barely dodged the attack and rolled out of the way.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"Stop.. resisting... AND DIE ALREADY!!" I screamed at Zen. She looked shocked by this remark but she recovered almost instantly. She gritted her teeth as blocked another one if my attacks and then shouted "Prism Flash!" I let out a low howl of pain as two pillars of crystal materialized out of thin air and slammed into me. I was sent flying by the impact. Zen used the chance to rush me while I was on the ground. I stood up only to be held down by Zen. She crystalized her arm and allowed the stuff to form around my neck. I struggled against my attacker... but to no avail.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen readied her crystal dagger and other crystals began to float around her as I continued to struggle. Zen struggled to hold me down as I tried to escape her grip. She then created a crystal lion and led it to me. I cried out as the creature neared, teeth bared. I fired a maelstrom bolt at it and destroyed it, much to my relief. Zen then again tried to hold me still as I attempted to squirm out of her grip. I then felt a sharp sting near my neck.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I kicked her off and stood up. I readied my blade when I felt something warm trickling down my neck... and I felt it with my hand. I looked down to see it covered in blood. My vision began to blur as I saw what had caused it, Zen's knife had slipped and cut right through my artery. I crumbled to the ground clutching the wound, trying to not bleed out. The unit disintegrated as I began to feel the life drain from me. It was so familiar.. but so comfortable... I wanted to stay there.... forever...

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I stared down at Vrael’s body. He was lying on the ground, face down, his back barely moving with his breathing. I tried to catch my breath as I looked around for Mettias--he was to my right, seemingly recovered from his shock, now that his...sister was gone again.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Ayra was dead, too. I was winded, and Mettias was distracted. If Maxwell showed up now--

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Hm, what a shame.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I went rigid. Beside me, Mettias tensed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The voice was female. It bore a very...knowing tone. That’s the only way I can think to describe it. I turned, and saw before me a breath-taking sight.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I was looking at a god.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She hovered above the ground, staring down at us with disdain in her yellow orbs. The sclera of her eyes were black. Her hair was long and white, with crimson staining the ends, a stark contrast to her long-sleeved black dress. In her hand was a large spear that resonated with light energy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She...she was beautiful.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I had hoped he would last longer than that,” She spoke, frowning slightly, feigning disappointment. “But,” She continued, her voice airy, “I suppose one can only carry so much faith in a human.”  Her frown morphed into a grin as she looked over at Mettias. “Isn’t that right?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias’s head was lowered so that his eyes weren’t visible.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She turned her attention to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Hmmm...You were sent by Lucius, yes?” She hovered slightly closer towards me, placing her free hand on her hip and leaning her face forward as if to get a better look at me. “I am...slightly offended.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I furrowed my brow. She was playing on my emotions.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The goddess shrugged. “No matter. Perhaps you can take up a portion of my time...I do hope you make it entertaining.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Entertaining…?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">We both turned our heads to look at Mettias, who wore an insane grin on his face. He raised his head. His eyes were wide and bloodshot as he laughed loudly and shrilly. “Ahaha! Dear goddess, you will be the one entertaining me...You’ll see! I splatter your blood all over these walls...AHAHAH! IT’LL BE BEAUTIFUL!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Undazed by his outburst, Maxwell’s smile persisted. “Hm, is that so?” She drew her arm back, readying her spear. “Didn’t you know?” The edge of the spear grew bright with light, “...gods...do not bleed.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"There's a first time for everything!" Mettias chimed in.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Suddenly she vanished.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Just as suddenly, she appeared behind us, releasing a wave of light energy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Lira, Mifune!” I summoned my dark units, and they countered quickly with a dark attack. The force of the blows clashing together shook the ground, but I managed to stay upright. I quickly bolted forward, creating a crystal blade in my hand. I shouted as I leapt into the air and swung down with all my might.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She blocked it easily with her bare hand.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Quickly realizing I was in trouble, I retreated.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The goddess didn’t have time to release another attack as Mettias appeared from behind her, laughing wildly and attacking with vicious strikes from his sword. Maxwell blocked with her spear, and while she didn’t receive any wounds, she was forced back by the warrior.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Zen…?” Lira asked me, waiting for orders.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Wait for an opening,” I instructed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias continued his relentless assault, laughing all the while. Maxwell gathered light energy in her free hand and detonated it, blowing the swordsman away.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Now!” I yelled. While I dashed straight ahead, Mifune and Lira took the left and right sides. While she blocked their attacks, I covered both my arms in spiked crystals, swinging my right fist. She leaned away from my attack, swinging her spear. I raised both arms to defend, encasing the edge of her weapon in jade crystal. Two serpents spawned from the surface and raced towards her. Abandoning her weapon, she vanished again, appearing several yards away, now weaponless.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Hm, not bad,” She complimented cooly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Lira pressed the attack. “Demon...Execution,” She muttered lowly. She swung her blade, releasing her attack right into Maxwell.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The goddess dodged left, right into the path of Mifune’s blade. “Cosmic Flash.” Dark energy swept over her, blocking anyone’s view of her location.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I broke the crystal on my hands, dropping her spear, searching through the clouds of dust for any sign of her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Again, not bad,” Her voice chuckled from above. She looked down at us, smirking. “But not enough.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">A familiar strain of wild laughter cut through the air as Mettias appeared in mid-air behind Maxwell. Forced to retreat, she vanished, reappearing on the ground. He attacked again, and she countered with a light attack. It hit him square in the chest, but seemed to have no effect as he simply laughed it off, attacking again.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I followed closely, watching for an opening as their fight drove them further into the cathedral. Watching him, I realized Mettias was right--with him around, I might have a chance of surviving Maxwell, but I certainly was no match for her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Zen,” Mifune addressed me gruffly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Y-yes..?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He furrowed his brow, the lower half of his face hidden by his scarf. “Don’t let your guard down. Show me your power.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I blinked, surprised by his...encouragement. Then I nodded in understanding, turning my eyes back to Maxwell.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Spreading my arms on either side of me, I created two crystal pillars, readying my attack.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Almost.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias was blown away by another light attack from Maxwell.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Prism…!” I brought my hands down. “...FLASH!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Two beams of light shot out, merging into one and colliding into Maxwell. My heart sped up in my chest--my attack landed! I saw it!

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Did you see….?” I asked Lira.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She nodded.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Suddenly, a ray of light burst from the cloud of dust, piercing Lira in the chest. She gasped, struggled for a bit, then quickly disappeared into a glowing orb, returning to me. I took a step back, alarmed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Well, you actually got my clothes dusty.” Maxwell brushed the dirt off the hem of her dress to emphasize her point. “That’s a start.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I grit my teeth.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Still it’s a good thing your unit returned in time,” She remarked. “Did you know? Units can die.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">My eyes widened slightly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“If you wound them gravely enough, you can kill them.” She shrugged carelessly. “You shouldn’t be too worried if I kill one of your units, though. There are duplicates. I’m sure you’ll find another one.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I clenched my fist in anger. “Aem, Selena!” My two units appeared by my side.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I wasn’t done yet.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias charged at Maxwell, fully aware that he was doing little to no damage at all to her. If he kept up his assault either Zen would get the upper hand or the whole thing would be in vain against an immortal enemy. Just the thought of that made Mettias scared deep down. He had gone through this very situation twice before already, though he had the sense to not tell Zen that he was leading her to a suicide mission. He'd lost to Maxwell before, battles and people in either sense.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As he attacked for the seemingly twentieth time or so, he landed an actual hit. His blade connected with her hip, tearing through the cloth and armor, and left a large gash. Mettias grinned and rooted as Maxwell let out a howl of pain and anger.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">"YOU LITTLE-" Maxwell began, only to be cut off by another Prism Flash. Maxwell fired off a massive light attack at Zen, knocking her back and wounding her units pretty bad. Mettias let out a groan as he thought of Zen being added to the list of people that he'd gotten killed trying to fight Maxwell. Mettias's abilities were barely above-par for his lineage, but compared to Maxwell he'd need a miracle to get close to a point where there was a chance... but that miracle was going on so far.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen and her units regained their bearings and got ready to attack as Mettias battered Maxwell with ineffective but annoying attacks. Zen and Mettias were a good pair for fighting anything but a god with their strategy and skills. Mettias felt bad if Zen still had any thought that he would be the deciding factor in the battle. Maxwell knew almost everything that Mettias could do, she'd been studying him for ages.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">There wasn't a chance for them to win unless something- anything beneficial to them happened.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell roared in pain as a small hole appeared in her leg, followed seconds later by a small trickle of blood and the sound of a gunshot.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias hoped that was his miracle.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn’t have time to wonder where the gunshot had been fired from--this was an opening I wasn’t going to let pass by. I dashed forward, shouting as I closed in. For a moment, Maxwell remained unmoving, head lowered so that her face could not be seen.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Then, she spoke. But her voice had changed. It wasn't light and careless anymore. It was...dark...and…

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">….Sinister.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I stopped my attack to listen to her words. I don’t know why, but something compelled me to listen. At first I couldn’t understand her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“....Hear Me…”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Suddenly, a dark aura swept over the room. I felt a great uneasiness as her words became discernable.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“...Restorer of Life…My Children, My Creations....”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">All at once, I was struck with a great pain. I screamed from shock, but the pitch of my voice quickly rose to tones of agony. I dropped to my knees, gasping. “S-stop….!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Whom Thou Hast turned against Me….”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“...No….” I grasped my head with both hands, screaming loudly to try to block out the noise--this horrible, horrible noise. I cannot describe how it sounds, but I could feel it, this...was not just pain. I could feel my very existence being separated from reality.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I was being unmade.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I am Maxwell.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Behind me, Aem was also struck by the words of the goddess. He cried out, instantly de-activating the summon and returning. I became unable to breath, and I could feel blood trickle from my nose and from behind my eyes. “..P-please,” I begged, gasping.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell’s sick grin returned as she finished her dialogue. “Let forth the God of Destruction: Endless.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Finally, the horrible noise ceased, and I could breath again. My hands still grasped my head, tears flowing from my wide eyes. Shaky breaths escaped my throat as my mind lingered in the terror I just experienced.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She smirked, wrapping her hand around the shaft of her spear, wrenching it from the ground. “What a pitiful little human...Still, you must be quite resilient to have survived Endless.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I could only let out a sob.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Well, almost.” She laughed, the edge of her spear radiating with light energy. She drew her arm back. “Now...die.” With a mighty heave, she vaulted the lance.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn’t have the strength to move. I didn’t even look up as the goddess’ weapon spiraled towards me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The sound of metal piercing flesh resonated in the air. Crimson painted the floor.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Yet I felt no pain.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Slowly, uncertainly, I looked up. My eyes widened with shock and horror. My lips parted but no sound came out. I forgot my pain as a single name filled my mind.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“F-fool…” Mifune struggled to stay standing. The spear had lodged itself in the center of his body. He coughed up blood, choking, straining to breathe. “...stop...crying...and get up…s-somebody needs to...kill this goddess…” He was interrupted by another fit of coughing.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I finally found the will to speak. Yet I could only utter one word. “...why…?” My mind slowly began to return as I spoke again. “You hate me...so why...why would you…”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The unit could not answer as the image of his body became transparent. He managed to look up one more time before his existence shattered before my eyes. Maxwell’s spear clattered to the floor, leaving the room in ringing silence.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mifune was dead.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I remained there, on my knees, motionless before the goddess. My mind was trying to repair itself from the calamity it suffered; I still could not fully comprehend the fact that one of my units was dead. Gone forever.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Oh,” Maxwell commented, looking genuinely disappointed that she hadn’t killed her intended target. She clicked her tongue in frustration, moving forward to retrieve her spear. “How troublesome that you’re still alive.” She smirked. “Maybe if you leave now, I won’t have to kill you.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“You should be the one running, goddess!” Mettias attacked suddenly from behind, laughing wildly, ignoring Zen’s plight. Maxwell turned her attention to the swordsman, forced to fend off his attacks.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Z-zen,” Selena was breathing heavily, holding her hand to a bleeding wound at her side. “Get up...Mettias will provide an opening, and we can--”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Why?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She was cut short as I spoke absently. “What’s the point in resisting? What...what can I, a human, do against a god?” I laughed, a small, broken chuckle. “It is all futile...against them, we are nothing. We--”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">This time, I was interrupted as Selena suddenly screamed, “Please don’t speak like that, Zen!” She was facing the battle, her back turned to me. Her voice was strong and unshaken. She wasn’t pleading, she was...scolding me. “If you give up now...after everything we--Mifune--sacrificed for you, I’ll...I’ll never forgive you!” She paused to retain her composure. “You keep worrying about not being strong enough. So get up! Get up and fight!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I stared at her back, and for a long moment, my mind still did not comprehend her words. Why should I get up? Why should I fight? Who was I to stand against a god?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">All this lingered within the emptiness of my mind.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Then, I saw something--an image within my consciousness.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Despite everything, it felt familiar. The image grew clearer in my mind’s eye as my memory returned, slowly. I saw that it was the Arena. Someone was lying on the ground while their opponent looked down at them, victorious. A second person lay on the ground in a pool of crimson blood.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">There was no sound, just these images.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I found myself standing between these two people, also staring down at the fallen contestant. My mind seemed to finally respond as my eyes widened in sudden realization. My legs buckled beneath me and I dropped to my knees, eyes still fixed on the body before me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I was looking at Zen.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I was looking at myself.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">This...memory...was the same battle I had lost two years earlier. This was the very incident that caused me to...be exiled….from my home…

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The more I thought about these things, the more my mind began to recover. Sound slowly joined the images before my eyes, but they weren’t the noises of the arena. I was hearing voices. It started as a collection of indiscernible words before dwindling down to a single voice.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">So get up! Get up and fight!

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">***

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">In the meantime, Mettias was still forcing Maxwell to stay on the defensive as he continued his relentless barrage of attacks. Maxwell detonated another orb of light, forcing him back. As she moved to continue her counter-attack, a biting pain cut into her side, taking a trail of blood with it. She hissed in pain, spinning around.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen was standing on her feet, somewhat shakily. She glared at the goddess--but her eyes were fearful. Her fist was clenched, but it still trembled.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell smirked. The summoner was afraid.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">***

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I forced myself to look the goddess in the eye. I was afraid, no, terrified. She could kill me anytime she decided to.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I would just have to kill her first.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I dashed forward, attacking before my body decided to fail me. Two bladed crystals formed over my arms, and I lept into the air, spinning rapidly. Maxwell blocked with her spear. Everything else happened so fast.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She swung her weapon, catching me in my side. I cried out, but didn’t retreat. I crystallized the blood from my wound; it grew rapidly, covering her spear and encasing her hand. From behind, Mettias rose up and swung his sword at her neck. She ducked. I broke off from the crystal, swinging my fist. The crystal blade scratched her face as she leaned away, shattering the crystal restraining her hand and teleporting several feet away.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I followed quickly. <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Don’t stop, <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"> I told myself, <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">don’t slow down! Fight! Fight, fight, fight!

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">She cut me with her light. I returned the attack. Mettias struck from behind. She retaliated. I pressed the attack. She detonated an orb of light, blowing me away. I grunted as I was slammed into the wall of the decaying cathedral. I pushed myself up, breathing heavily. I formed to crystal pillars by my sides and allowed them to gather energy.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I probably had enough energy for one more shot.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell shoved Maxwell away. “FOOLISH CHILDREN!” She screamed, preparing an attack. “GENESIS!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Suddenly, a blade pierced the goddess’ shoulder. Selena froze it in place from behind. “Now, Zen!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Prism Flash!”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Everything faded to white.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">---

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias let out a groan as Zen passed out after landing a devastating blow on the Goddess. "Of all times... useless idiot..." Before Mettias could finish insulting Zen, he screamed out as he stumbled to the ground, and blood began to drip from his neck. Moments later the gunshot came. He took his blade and burnt the wound knowing fully well that the bullet would have to be taken out later. This sniper was shooting whoever he or she wanted! Well... their choice.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell also let out a roar of pain as she was shot too. The sniper then just stopped shooting. Using the opportunity, both Maxwell and Mettias fired massive strikes of magic and other attacks at the source of the commotion, the gunshots. As the two did this, Zen regained her consciousness as if it were a simple side-effect of her stream of attacks. Zen watched the two and realized that they were quite similar; their spells, their stances, even some of their physical characteristics.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias turned back to Zen and immediately withdrew from Maxwell's side. The two, with some sort of silent agreement, went back to their positions and readied their weapons. They were waiting on Zen...

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">But Mettias was turned to Zen now.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He had betrayed her.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias’ blade was pointed at me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I didn’t have the strength to try and comprehend what was happening--I barely had strength to stand.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">*Zen!*

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I know,” I murmured. “Galant...Sergio….L-Lancia….Zeln…” My units appeared one by one. Lancia dropped down by my side as a glowing aura surrounded her hands as she began healing my wounds.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Buy me some time,” The chef ordered.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Yeah,” Galant brandished his club. “We’ll do our best.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The three rushed forward, Galant heading for Mettias while Zeln and Sergio moved to intercept Maxwell.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I cannot remember how long they lasted--I was losing my sense of time. Lancia knelt by my side, trying to keep a brave face, her hands trembling slightly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Someone cried out, and I felt Zeln’s spirit return, shortly followed by Sergio’s. I turned my head to survey the battlefield through blurry vision, just in time to see Mettias impale Galant with his sword, causing him to dissipate and return. He turned towards me--he wasn’t smiling per usual, but insanity still lingered in his eyes. Lancia moved to retreat, but he swiftly swung his sword, cutting her deep. She promptly de-summoned and returned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He stared down at me with an unreadable expression. Then, he suddenly kicked me in the ribs, hard. I felt my body lift from the ground under the force of his blow. I grunted, gasping as I collided with the earth, rolling several times before stopping.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Poor, poor human,” I hear Maxwell croon above me, “A shame that you must die...for such an ill-conceived reason.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I found myself suddenly questioning my motives--why was I here, bleeding in these ruins? Lucius had sent me. He said the gods were ‘terrorizing humanity’. That’s why I was here, right? Furthermore, if I could defeat Maxwell...Father would let me return.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I sense your doubt, child,” The goddess continued. “After all, why should you play proxy for a god?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“You-you’re killing humans,” I coughed weakly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I could almost see her frowning. “Humanity is a filthy existence--they are corrupt, unjust.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Didn’t you...create….them?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I create beauty--they create chaos. Lucius would use you to see us, the gods, destroyed.” She laughed bitterly. “You’re not the first. Tell me, human, is it because I am a god that you so easily weigh the life of humanity against mine? Is it so wrong for me to purge that which is unholy?” She stooped down, her cold hand closing around my throat, lifting me from the ground. “Who made you judge over me?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I grasped her hand, trying it pry it from my neck.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I cannot die here…

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Maxwell,” Mettias grunted, “Stop stalling.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The goddess shrugged, giving me a look of false empathy. “Hm. As you wish.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I gathered the last of my strength, reaching my hand out and releasing a concentrated version of prism flash into Maxwell’s face. She dropped me, covering her face and screaming in pain and anger.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I somehow landed on both feet, staggered, then regained balance. I lifted my hands and created a wall of crystal as Mettias rushed at me and attack. His sword glanced off the jagged surface. The wall shot out spires of crystal, and he quickly leapt away, avoiding injury.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He grunted in irritation, moving around the wall and attacking again. I didn’t move as I spawned another wall, blocking him. He moved around, and I blocked again, standing in the center of my barriers, clutching my wounds.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Just hurry up and die!” He screamed at me, weaving through the crystal walls. He jabbed his sword forward, and it pierced my left shoulder. I stumbled back as he drove it deeper into the wound. I reached up and grabbed his blade to keep it still, crystallizing it. He retreated, abandoning his weapon.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The sword clattered to the floor as I pulled it out. In my hand, I spawned a small white crystal. I hadn’t planned on using this method, but I saw no alternatives.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Behind Mettias, Maxwell had taken up her spear again, and was rushing forward in an attack.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Sorry everyone <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">, I found myself hoping that my units could hear me. <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t make it out alive.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I expanded the translucent crystal and threw it forward. Mettias dodged and Maxwell caught it in her hand before it struck her face. It quickly began growing up her arm.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Hopefully this was the end.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias let out a groan as he watched the small crystal begin to crawl up Maxwell’s arm. He rushed over to Maxwell and shouted something. A blade materialized out of thin air and he proceeded to slice off Maxwell’s arm before the crystal could spread. To his dismay, Maxwell regrew her arm only for the crystal to come back. He cursed and walked over to Zen. He grabbed her by the face and forced her to look at him. “What… did… you… do…?” He asked mechanically. Seeing that Maxwell was completely still, it was easy to tell that Mettias was being possessed by the Goddess. He seemed to be slowly regaining control, but not fast enough to stop Maxwell from doing whatever she wanted.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He stuck his thumb into the wound in her shoulder and squeezed the closest muscle to it, and Zen cried out in pain. “It’d be... in your... best interests… to cooperate, Zen!” He said in the mechanical voice of his. It wasn’t really mechanical but rather he spoke so slowly and clearly that he sounded like a robot. He frowned and grabbed the muscle and tore it out much to Zen’s protests. “I… won’t tell you… again Zen…” He said sternly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">He could do much worse, but physical torture was going to work the best for this one... <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Maxwell thought.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias kicked Zen again and demanded her to answer him. At this time, the crystal had finally began to spread past Maxwell’s arm, which it had enveloped already, and made its way across Maxwell’s body. Zen said nothing and simply stared into Mettias’s eyes. He looked scared, but that was barely noticeable beneath Maxwell’s possession that had taken over him. He groaned in annoyance. “This one… is putting up such a fight… FINE! His uses for me are gone anyways.” Maxwell said through Mettias. “But… I’ll take all of you with me!” Mettias grabbed his blade and held it up to his neck. Zen looked on, alarmed, and Mettias seemed to fighting against Maxwell’s influence. He let out a cry as Maxwell forced him to drive his blade straight through his heart. Maxwell’s body began to move as Mettias fell to his knees.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“I… wasn’t strong enough… forgive me…” Mettias begged with his shallow breaths. He fell forward and his blade began to glow. Mettias began to glow and then an orb appeared above his body. Not a unit orb, but a spell… a spell with an immense amount of energy. It drifted towards Zen and floated right in front of her face. She hesitantly reached forward and touched it. It burst and Zen was blinded by the light.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Her vision cleared, and she looked around. There were several warriors surrounding her, all seemingly made of… Maelstrom? No, it wasn’t the same color and it didn’t give off the same aura. It seemed the exact opposite of Maelstrom to Zen. One of the warriors was patching up Zen’s wounds as the rest set up a defensive perimeter around her. A few others were with Mettias, Ayra, and Vrael, who put them onto stretchers and disappeared through a few portals that appeared seconds later. They were all gone… it was just Zen, these… things, and Maxwell. Maxwell roared in anger and destroyed the remaining soldiers and barged towards Zen.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Zen created a crystal barrier and fired several shards from it at Maxwell. Maxwell let out a cry as the crystals embedded themselves into her. She had been reduced to nothing within moments. That’s when Zen noticed it. Mettias’s spell… had made Maxwell mortal. Now was her chance to kill Maxwell once and for all! Maxwell knew this, and blasted the barrier to pieces. Her rage was unrivaled by anything that Zen had ever seen. Maxwell was more consumed by her rage than Mettias could ever be.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I shielded my face from the flying shrapnel as Maxwell shattered my barrier.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Insolent human, die!” She screamed, thrusting her spear forward.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I dodged, and countered by spawning a crystal blade, striking out blindly. The goddess’s shrieks were cut short. I stared, partially in shock. My blade had cut her across her body, leaving  a thick trail of red in its wake.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The goddess stared back at me. In her eyes, I saw an unwillingness to comprehend what was happening. Death did not wait for her to comprehend its presence as her motionless body fell forward, a cloud of dust rising from the ground as she collided with the earth.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I just looked on. Maxwell, the fallen Creator, was dead. I wasn’t sure what I should have been feeling. At the moment, I felt nothing. I looked around and saw that I was alone.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">With nothing left, I walked out of the Cathedral.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Alone.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As Zen stepped out, a small team of the soldiers that Zen had seen earlier appeared almost out of thin air. They walked up to her and seemed to stand guard and would occasionally glance up at the mountainside as if something were there. Zen would occasionally glance with them and see a metallic glint on the mountainside and the bare outline of a person. The soldiers led her to a portal that had appeared a few feet in front of them. Two of the soldiers went through and gave the group a thumbs-up.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The rest of the soldiers went through, leaving Zen and a single soldier together standing before the portal. The soldier kept his weapon aimed at the sniper as Zen stood there, undecided as to what she should do. Something was nagging at her, deep down, telling to not trust anyone and head back. The other 90 percent or so of her consciousness told her to get out of there and just go through the portal. She readied herself and entered the portal, hearing the sound of a gunshot behind her. She turned to see the soldier crumble to dust as she was transported away to safety.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">...and that’s all. You know what happened from here, right?” I nodded to Vrael and he took a sigh of relief and drank from the glass of water on his bedside table. We had been here for a few days, talking and learning of Vrael’s travels through Grand Gaia. I then put down my pen. Sitting on my lap was a mass of pages recounting everything that had happened to Vrael since he had gotten to Grand Gaia. I placed all of the pages into a small binder labeled ‘Operation Lost Souls’ and clipped them in. Vrael looked over curiously, but I put the binder into my backpack before he could get a good look at it. As he rested back in his hospital bed, I pulled the binder out and turned to the first page. On it was Vrael’s status (Age, eye color, height, etc.) and I simply crossed out his status stating “Active” and wrote “Deceased” in it’s place.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I then placed the whole binder away for the last time and pulled out a small vial of liquid from  my bag while he wasn’t looking. Vrael was transported here by Mettias during the battle with Maxwell. Ayra and Mettias were here, and I had talked to Ayra for her part of the story. Mettias declined my interview so I hadn’t bugged him to tell me anything. Vrael had grown to trust me over the length of my stay and said nothing as I walked over to the door and locked it. Vrael gave me a suspicious look of uncertainty, but I reassured him that it was nothing serious. I handed Vrael a piece of gum from my pocket and he took it, chewing it and blowing a bubble out of it. While he was distracted, I emptied the contents of the vial into Vrael’s IV. If I could stall for five minutes, nobody would ever know that he was poisoned.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The substance would cause Vrael to slip into a coma and eventually die from his nervous system shutting down. It would look and confirm to be a side effect of prolonged exposure to his maelstrom or something related to it. The doctors in Grand Gaia didn’t know anything at all when it came to complex concoctions such as this one. It took me forever to get my hands on this vial as no other toxin came close to this. I then walked over to Vrael’s bed and sat next to him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">‘You know, it was quite fun talking to you and hearing of your experiences.. Vrael.’ I blankly stated with a smile. He smiled back and looked through the newspaper that the hospital staff had brought him that very morning. He then let out a light groan and held his head in his hands like he had a headache. He tried to press the call button on the side of his bed, but I stopped him. He gave me a look of confusion as I gave him the same smile that I had given to Ayra when I did the same thing. By the time that I would leave, the doctors MIGHT notice that Ayra had slipped into a coma. I really didn’t care as long as I didn’t have to kill another crowd again. Mass slaughters were my specialty as an agent, but assassinations were pretty much the same to me.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I pulled out a small badge from my pocket and showed it to Vrael. ‘I so do regret to have to do this Vrael, but I believe that you are an asset that the others could possibly use to their advantage… and I don’t think that you could remain neutral forever…

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Vrael gasped and struggled against me to try and call for help.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">‘Shh… Shh… calm down, Vrael. Ayra did the same thing that you’re doing now and she passed out faster.’ I said to him soothingly. My calm attitude made him struggle even more. ‘Hmph, do as you wish. It’s your funeral anyways.’

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Moments later, Vrael stopped moving. Moments after that, he flatlined.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I cursed. He hadn’t given me any time! I grabbed my things and rushed to the door, unlocked it, and walked out.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As I went down the hall, I passed several doctors who were rushing to the room where Vrael was. I clearly didn’t have anything to do with it… heh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Then I bumped into somebody… peculiar. Zen, the girl that Vrael had described, was standing in the waiting room. She looked at me hopefully and grabbed my arm in hopes of getting my attention. I pulled out my sidearm and held it to her forehead, much to the surprise of everyone in the room, including herself.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">‘Get off.’ I said sternly. She immediately let go of my arm and backed away. I wasn’t going to make a scene… no matter how much I wanted to.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">I bolted out of the hospital and disappeared into the city, awaiting my next set of orders.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Due to the fact that the following whereabouts of agent <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#ff0000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">lolulooked <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"> are confidential, the rest of this documentation of Operation Lost Souls has been cut out for public release.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">-Permission to authorize continuation of declassification of documentation for public release [JX-002]

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">-Permission denied due to reclassification of agent [General <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#ff0000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Mettias <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">]

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">=********=