User blog:Carol of the bells/Days of Ruin --- Zen's exile, part 52

Days of Ruin --- Zen's exile, part 52
Here's part two of my collab with Galeforce's Wrath--go check it out on his blog~! http://bravefrontierglobal.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Galeforce's_Wrath/Lost_Souls:_Chapter_26_%28Finale_Pt._2%29



I lowered my crystal blade as the young man raised his hands in surrender. “My apologies,” I spoke, “I...didn’t expect anyone else to be here.”



“Except a god, right?” The girl corrected me.



“Yes.” I look towards the young man. “If I may ask...why are you here?”



The girl stood there, somewhat patiently waiting for an answer. I looked at Ayra questionably, hoping that she could convey a message as to what I should do somehow. She met my gaze and nodded to me, signalling me to be peaceful. I let out a low sigh and dispersed the maelstrom that I had begun to form as my weapons and armor. The girl tensed up a bit more as I did this, expecting an attack. I then let out a groan of annoyance.

Taking a breath, I spoke. “Fine… you’ve got us. We are going after Maxwell.” I trailed off as I said this. That hadn’t made the situation any better either... I was making everything worse! The girl began to form a small crystal dagger, expecting me to not notice. I ignored it to the best of my ability. Ayra noticed it too and reacted to it the same way that I did.

I cleared my throat. “So… this is Ayra, my travelling companion. It would only be polite of you to extend the smallest of pleasantries the same as we have to you.” I said politely. It was a load of crap and I knew it. But, who knows, maybe this might get somewhere! Preferably without bloodshed. But I wouldn’t mind either 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;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 crystal in my hand shattered as I remembered I hadn’t even introduced myself. “Oh, my apologies. I am Zen Samui.” I thought I felt the blood rising to my face as I felt swallowed by the embarrassment of my oversight. I nodded to them. “It is unfortunate that we must meet under these circumstances. However, I am only here to defeat Maxwell. Did Lucius send you as well?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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;">So, Lucius was well known it seemed. I was a bit suspicious of Zen’s explanation of herself and her mission, but I had no reason to. The only thing that really mattered to me was getting back home. If we joined forces it would most likely be easier to kill Maxwell or whatever it was that I was supposed to do. I had to get back home… the army needs me... but this was not the place to think such thoughts. I quickly replied, “Y-Yeah, we were sent by Lucius to kill Maxwell.” Great job, now I sounded like I was lying. The girl looked at me skeptically but shrugged it off.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 wasn’t fully convinced. However, perhaps it didn’t matter as long as we shared a common enemy. I shrugged. “Alright. I was led here by my two companions who…” I hesitated. “I had to leave at the base of the mountain. As long as you are willing to work together, I will not stand in your 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;">He glanced at Ayra, who nodded back at him. “Good. We’ll be able to work together, then.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Relieved, I relaxed slightly, letting out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding in. I glanced down the long corridor that led further into the cathedral. “How shall we proceed?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 down the hall that Zen was. The place seemed ancient… and creepy. I gave a small grunt before walking down the corridor. The farther we travelled, the darker and older the walls around us seemed. The occasional skeleton or pile of gear would line the floor as we went further into the ruins. I summoned tridon, much to Zen’s surprise, and got him to light the path ahead of us.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 we moved forward, the tapestries that had once lined the tunnel gave way to corroded stone and mold. One part of the tunnel was nearly submerged, and we all had to take turns crossing the small body of water. We finally, after a few hours, made it to a large cavern in the bowels of what I supposed were a mountain. The room was full of tunnels and a small, tattered, wooden sign lay on the floor stating the words “The Caves of Malice.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 struggled to make out the words on the sign. “Caves of Malice?” I read aloud.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 furrowed his brow as his gaze moved from tunnel to tunnel. “Which 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;">I try to focus on Maxwell’s energy. Either she was trying to remain hidden, or the aura of a god cannot be sensed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">“Maybe we should split up to save time.” Ayra suggested.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 and I looked at her skeptically.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 shrugged. “I’m just saying, we don’t know if the god will wait for us. We should probably hurry.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 sighed. “I don’t like it, but she’s right.” He started towards the tunnel on the far left. “If you reach a dead-end, find another tunnel. If you find Maxwell before you find us, well...good luck.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 scoffed, heading for the far-right tunnel. “I don’t expect any of us will do well on our own. Best not engage the enemy.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 left in silence, staring into the looming darkness. I drew in a deep breath. I held up my right hand and created a small glowing crystal shard to light my 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;">I walked into the darkness.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 made my way down the tunnel, cautious not to bump into anything or trip over a rock. As I continued, the darkness around me seemed to loom closer and closer. I used a bit of maelstrom to try and light up the surrounding area, but it didn’t help. The darkness was manifesting itself into a-

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 sensed that something was wrong. Her half-dragon senses were better than any trained human’s, and they could no longer pick up the two pairs of footsteps that Zen and Vrael made when they walked. Vrael’s had simply…. disappeared. Ayra called out to Zen, to no avail. The walls soaked up the call, leaving less than a mere whisper to be heard at the mouth of her own tunnel. Ayra fired a flaming bolt down the tunnel to see if it led anywhere only for it to hit a wall and explode.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 knew that the tunnel was a dead end. She rushed back down the tunnel and ended up back in the cavern. She tried to remember where Zen and Vrael were but she could remember neither. She let out a small moan as the situation’s severity dawned upon her… somebody had taken Vrael, and she had a feeling she knew who it was.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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;">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;">I could barely even hear my own footsteps as I traversed down the tunnel. I walked alongside the corroded stone wall, extending the dimly-glowing crystal before to light my way. The only thing I heard was my breathing as I felt my anxiety grow.

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

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 gasped and spun around, eyes wide as I stared back into the way I had come from. Nothing. There was nothing there. I sighed, turning back around. The shadows were playing tricks on my mind. I just needed 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;">The crystal in my hand shattered, leaving me in complete darkness. I froze in place, not daring to 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;">My blood grew cold as I heard another splash behind me, this time closer to my position. For a moment, I considered summoning someone; Aem, Selena, Galant, anyone. I didn’t have time to decide as a cold hand suddenly grasped my shoulder. I spun around, striking out blindly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 dodged the blow and countered with a strike towards Zen’s chest with his sword. Zen barely dodged and retaliated with a blast of crystal shards. Mettias tanked the attack and grabbed Zen by the neck, holding her up against the tunnel wall. She choked, writhing against his grip “Don’t fight it, your demise will only come quicker.” He stated bluntly. Mettias let out a sigh and threw Zen to the ground before slashing at her back with his blade. The sword cut straight through Zen’s clothes and left a massive gash on her back. Mettias seemed to be attacking with heavy attacks but somehow made them graceful, like he was fencing 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;">Mettias pushed Zen to the wall behind her and held his blade to her throat. “Zen…. Zen Samui.. I presume?” Mettias asked curiously. Zen let out a weak groan in response before Mettias slammed her into the wall. “You… you have some seriously weak allies. Vrael, taken by the gods. Ayra? I took her out with a hit to the back of the head. For a dragon, she was quite weak… hmph.” Mettias said rather sadistically. Zen let out a small grunt as she tried to push Mettias away. “Now, now Zen. That’s a no-no. Do you want me to move this blade a few inches and make your head topple onto the floor and make blood splatter everywhere? No, you don’t. My, I haven’t even introduced myself! I’m Mettias.” Mettias said this before rambling about something else.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 knew he was crazy. What else could he be? Mettias chuckled and kneed Zen in the face before pulling his blade away. “Oops, did I hurt the great Zen Samui? Is that blood I smell?” Mettias said, showing some enjoyment in this. He turned his back to Zen, slashing at the wall next to him until it gave off a faint glow. Mettias had heated the stone to a near melting point, something that should have been impossible if not for the enchantments on his blade. “ Now that we have a bit of light, I’d like you to look at me. I don’t like doing *this*, I really don’t! Aww, that frown makes you look like I really am enjoying this! Well… I sorta am…. you haven’t even fought back!” Mettias said, followed by a chuckle.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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. “But that’s not the point, Zen. I’m here to help you kill Maxwell! Though you lack of enthusiasm has me thinking that I may have to fight her by myself…” Zen stood up, blood trickling down from her wounds. Mettias let out a small chuckle. Zen created a crystal dagger and charged at Mettias. Mettias grabbed Zen’s arm and neck, forcing her right in front of the searing wall. “Don’t even try it. Else… you’ll look like a fresh cooked lobster.” Mettias said half jokingly. He then turned Zen around and pushed her away from the wall. He destroyed her dagger and let out a sigh.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 is going to be one interesting battle.” Mettias said quietly.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 moaned, gritting my teeth to steel my nerves--I felt compelled not to show my pain to this sadist. As I moved to push myself up from the dirt, Mettias planted his boot in my back, grinding it into the wound that marred me there. I cried 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;">“You haven’t said a word to me yet, Zen.” He complained mockingly, “I would have thought someone of your upbringing would have better manners. Say something.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 breathing became heavier as I became suffocated under his weight.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 said,” He insisted, leaning harder onto my back, “Speak.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Gathering my strength, I pushed up, hard, growing crystal over my back to dislodge his footing. He stumbled back, and I staggered to my feet, the crystal crumbling away. Before I could even decide between fight or flight, he reached out and grabbed a fistful of my hair, jerking it hard. I screamed as it burned with 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;">“Stubborn little thing, aren’t you? You’ve got tenacity, I’ll give you that.” He chuckled, tightening his grip. “So? How do you expect to fight a god when you can’t even make a mark on me? Hm?”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 as I realized the purpose of his line of questioning. He was a mad-man, yes, but he was also testing me, trying to gauge my abilities. My pride felt damaged as I realized I had proven to be an unworthy foe. “L-let me go…” I demanded weakly, clawing at his hand that clutched my hair.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 laughed loudly. “Oh? She does speak.” He drew close to my face as he stared into my eyes threateningly, smirking. “Make 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;">He wanted me to fight back. The test wasn’t over yet. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I reared my head back, and slammed my face forward into his. He let my hair go, stumbling backwards. I extended my arm and created a jade bear. The crystal beast thundered forward and swiped a heavy paw at Mettias. He easily swung his blade before the attack could be landed. It cut clean through, leaving a glowing red mark as the crystal bear was split in two. He laughed again. “Well, it’s something, I suppose. But you’ll have to do better than that.” He brandished his sword and sprinted 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;">As he swung down, I crystalized my arm and raised it up in defense. I felt the surface crack immediately under the weight and heat of the sword. I rolled out from under his blow, and it planted its edge into the ground, leaving another smoldering fissure.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 loosed it from the earth effortlessly. “Is this the power of one from the great Samui family?” He clicked his tongue in disapproval. “My, how you fall short of the legends. Oh--speaking of which, you’re the one who lost in that arena battle...two years ago, I think it was. Heh. At first I couldn’t believe it. But fighting you now, it’s not surprising.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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--I knew he was baiting me. But it was true. Even after all I had learned, I wasn’t much stronger than when I had first been exiled. I hated 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;">“Do you see now?” Mettias asked. “If you’re no match for me, you’re certainly no match for Maxwell.” he sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “Ah, well. It’s a good thing I came along when I did. At least with me here, you’ll have a decent shot at not dying.”

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 let out a low groan of pain as I woke up from whatever had just happened. I looked around only to find that I was in a room similar to that of one that would be in a palace. Purple spots dotted my vision and small tendrils seemed to have crept up my eyes while I was asleep. It was the maelstrom... It was taking over! I struggled to move, only to be met by a familiar voice. "Hello, my child." Boomed through the room, echoing off the wall.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 let out a curse. That voice… it was Maxwell’s. I didn’t want to show my fear that was slowly building up as my situation came to light. Maxwell was controlling the maelstrom! In turn, she was also controlling me. My rage built up around my fear and allowed me to break her influence by cutting off the energy allocated to my maelstrom. The maelstrom withered and died much to Maxwell’s rage. She bellowed in anger and the room began to shake. I tried to steady myself as the room rocked back and forth, shaking violently. Cracks began to form in the walls and the ceiling began to collapse… and a piece of falling debris knocked me 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;">

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 chuckle after he said this. He knew he was being unusually harsh to Zen, but she must’ve realized that he wanted to see how her battle skills were. They weren’t going to battle in a tunnel like this, that’s for sure. She’d probably have died by now if that was the case. Mettias dug through his pockets and pulled out a small blue orb. The orb turned red as the color from Mettias’s eyes turned from red to grey. Mettias seemed to be much more calm now, and handed Zen the orb. Zen reached out cautiously and touched the orb which disintegrated the second that she did so.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 let out a gasp as her wounds patched themselves up. The gash on her back sealed, her bruises and cuts sealed, and anything else was healed. Zen also seemed entirely different, full of energy and hyped up. A very faint aura surrounded her, red like the orb was. It would last a few days but it would be more than long enough for the battle. The energy in the orb would siphon itself off if Zen grew too weak and allowed her to fight for a longer time than she normally could.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="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 started down the tunnel carelessly. He expected Zen to follow him and she did. After a few moments of walking down the generic tunnel, they made it back to the cavern. Ayra watched the two enter, annoyed. Ayra got up and walked up to Mettias before slapping him across the face. Mettias stumbled back from the hit, his face red. “N-nice to s-see you too…  A-Ayra.” Mettias said weakly. Ayra just turned away from him with her arms crossed. “Alright, Alright! I’m sorry for not asking you to not interfere in my testing of Zen’s apparently hideous combat capabilities.” Said Mettias jokingly. Zen seemed offended by this but Mettias gave her no 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;">“Well… who’s ready to kill a Goddess of Creation?” Asked Mettias enthusiastically.

<span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Nobody answered.