The night wind moved Metsuhais soft hair slightly. He was seating at the edge of the pier, looking at his reflection in the water. The tough teenager image staring back at Metsuhai from the ocean was disrupted from time to time by small waves. Behind the back of his reflection was the unusually big full moon.
Metsuhai was worried. Chizue called him here at this unusual hour for an 'urgent matter'.
It's probably about Candy. She is going to return him to me… I was trying my best and it ended up backfiring. Maybe she wouldn't want to see me again… no no, it can't be this bad. I'll have to convince the nice shop owner to have Candy back because I can't look after a dog. I should have just bought her a book or something…
The sound of light steps cut his flow of thoughts. Chizue was walking on the pier, wearing a long purple dress and looked as beautiful as ever. However Metsuhai noticed immediately, in spite of the dim lighting, how red her eyes were and how pale was her face.
The good news were the fact Candy wasn't there.
"What's wrong Chizue-san?"
Chizue sat near Metsuhai, saying nothing at first. They looked at the water together in silence. Just before Metsuhai wanted to say something else, anything really, Chizue broke the silence.
"My father wishes to have me married. My father's wishes are usually met with complete obedience. I have no choice."
"Do you know who you'll be marrying? Is he a bad guy?"
Chizue looked at Metsuhai as if waiting for him to keep talking but eventually she answered "I am not forced to marry him right away but I don't see a way out. To be honest he is probably a nice guy."
"Have you met the lucky guy yet?"
"Seen him from distance couple of times… the first date is planned for tomorrow. They just can't wait…"
Metsuhai thought a bit. "Have you told your father how you feel? Does he know you are not interested?"
"He knows! But all he cares about are politics... He won't change his mind based on my feelings. I am a pawn in his war."
Metsuhai shared some of Chizues hard feelings. His fists closing hard for a moment before he forced himself to relax. The thought of her being married to a stranger made him nauseous. But he had to tell her the truth.
"I hate the thought of you marrying someone you don't love. But I can't tell you to not go through with this for my sake."
Chizue looked at Metsuhai with shock when Metsuhai grabbed her hand with his own. It was the first time they ever held hands. However it was not Metsuhais intention. Metsuhai removed the bandage on his left, revealing the spider mark.
"I am dying," he confessed "I lied to you before. There is no cure."
For a moment Chizue looked at the large infected area, her expression devastated, like all the wind left her sails. Then tears appeared at the corners of her eyes.
Metsuhai wanted nothing more than to hold and comfort her, but for her sake he had one more thing to say. "If this guy you are meeting seems worthy, then you should go through with this. I want you to be happy, even if I can't be a part of it."
Chizue turned her back to Metsuhai and began walking away. Metsuhai miserably looked at her when she stopped. Chizue bravely turned around and declared "I don't care. While you are still alive let's make the most out of it."
Before Metsuhai had the time to reply his battlephone rang.
"Fugughuu, I know it's late," Ando spoke a bit slower than usual, probably woke up from sleep not too long ago, "But I need you to get to helipad seventeen right now. Get your battle gear. You go on an investigation mission, and another warrior is sent with you. I'll tell you the details on the way."
…
Metsuhai rushed to the chopper, finding a friend carrying two one-handed battleaxes.
"Nao? It seems we have work to do together."
Nao is a bit of a slow thinker and reckless at times, but he is a great fighter. Where is his plate armor?
"And it's not just both of us," Nao smiled "we have a guest on board."
Nao and Metsuhai climbed into the chopper, finding Chizue inside, in full battle gear.
"Chizue-san," said quietly Metsuhai "What are you doing here?"
Before she could answer, Nao stood between the two flexing his muscles. He showed his muscular arm to Chizue and Metsuhai. "Princess, look at these guns!"
Chizue ignored him completely, saying "I heard the phone call. I'll come with you."
"It was simpler in the MMA…" realizing no one was paying attention, Nao wore his plate armor. Still he spoke mainly to Chizue "A big unit of demons was obliterated. We received no reports, no records, no data, no nothing. The Freedom Association didn't take responsibility as well. Either we are dealing with a conflict between two demon squads, or there is something strong out there, very strong."
"The order detected a rift, approximating an invasion of forty D ranks," added Metsuhai "But the locals only found fast-fading corpses."
The roar of engines ended the conversation.
Soon this group of three was on solid ground, searching. Looking from within the helicopter did them no good after all- all they saw were open fields and rocks on the shore. The visibility wasn't something. They walked as a group, their hands holding weapons. It was pretty cold here, this late at night. Metsuhai tried sensing the enemy but all he felt were small fragment of fading sinister energies.
Chizue aimed what looked like a strange pendulum with a diamond at its edge. The device moved on its own. She explained "this is a modern version of an old power-pendent. It homes itself on the strongest aura in the area, with the range of eight-hundred meters. It's extremely sensitive. But since we are pretty strong, it's likely going to point at us, thus doing us no good."
The pendulum swung a bit and then showed them where to go. Chizues eyes widened a bit with surprise. Good it's not just me, thought Metsuhai, with the three of us the monster stands no chance. They stopped near the entrance to a scary looking, wide cave. Right there were some demon part, probably once belonging to crushers.
"Me first!" declared Nao, charging in.
Metsuhai and Chizue exchanged meaningful looks and followed him fast. They ran for a while. The inside of the cave was warmer and surprisingly lit by torches on both sides. Is someone living down here?
An aromatic scent surprised the three warriors. There were plants and flowers growing everywhere. Only a few drops of demon blood ruined the impression. And there he was.
Seating on a large golden throne was an old man wearing a dark-green robe with the symbol of Yin-and-Yang on the chest. He had long unkempt, neglected brown-greyish hair almost hiding his powerful eyes. In his right hand he held a magnificent, ancient, long, wooden two handed staff with a blue gemstone at its top.
Far behind him was what looked like a laboratory. Potions, test tubes of various shapes and sizes, herbs, books, notes and even some gemstones were arranged in perfect order.
"The demon remnants at the entrance are a clear clue to anyone with a mind that guests are not welcome here." The sorcerer's voice was a bit hoarse but mainly deep and rich. It was easily heard in this large closed space.
"We are warriors of the order of the sun," opened Chizue, "Surely you have heard…"
"I know who you are, pawns," He interrupted her.
"Hey man!" loudly exclaimed Nao "You can't talk to us like that! I don't care if you are a big shot sorcerer or what, or how many demon you've killed…"
The mages expression was unchanged but Metsuhai guessed Naos words didn't make him happy.
"Nao, enough," quietly asked Chizue. Nao stopped, a bit confused.
"Let's restart," calmly said Chizue, she gestured to Nao "This is Efrator Nao Shiranui," Chizue gestured to Metsuhai "This is Efrator Metsuhai Fugughuu…" The wizards face took on an unpleasant smile for a brief moment. "…And I am Chizue Arisu. Who are you?"
"I had no idea I am in the presence of a ruler. I assume the Arisu are still in charge? I remember when they just took over. It was a violent and bloody revolution… But they all are. I am Magnus." Chizues expression turned pale. But it was Metsuhai who was most affected.
This is the bastard who ruined my father's life! I have my chance for payback. I know he is strong, but he can't possibly take on all three of us. Chizue will try convincing him to join, and when it fails it will be my moment. Metsuhai felt the urge to let the red energy out of the poisoned arm again, forcing himself to relax.
"Magnus! Not even telling us your last name is inappropriate at best! Show some respect to the brave men risking their lives protecting you!"
Magnus's eyes glowed blue for a second. His expression unchanged except for the left side of his mouth lengthening a bit.
"Protecting ME? What a joke… I was going to get rid of you all anyway, well I won't have problems with my conscience. Let's play."
Magnus slowly stood up from his thrown.
Nao gripped his axes intensely, thinking. I know I'm not the brightest so I'll go with the basics. The spellfighting guide book clearly says you need to measure your opponent first by a lesser attack to figure out his strengths and weaknesses.
Nao fired an energy beam right at Magnus. The beam flew on him, closing distance fast. Just as the beam was supposed to make contact it just disappeared.
"Have you forgotten your energy training?" Metsuhai showed a bit of frustration, Nao was better than this.
"No, it's not that," explained Chizue "I read about this in the private history lessons. Magnus is hundreds of years old. And furthermore the most powerful sorcerer ever documented. This guy is powerful!"
"Bravo, bravo," Magnus complemented Chizue without joy "the princess did her homework. But this changes nothing. I still plan to kill you all"
Magnus raised one finger. The ground began shaking.
"Earthquakes don't scare me!" declared Nao
Few meters behind the fighters backs a massive rock rose from the ground blocking their way out.
Were trapped, and judging from his ability to move rocks he has power to spare, but does he think he can take on all three of us at once?!
Metsuhai tried to say something, but Nao was faster. Nao powered up and charged at Magnus. Just as few last meters separated the two, a thick root caught Nao by the leg, stopping him in place.
"You know what comes next," Magnus told Nao, who struggled to break loose.
As Magnus slightly moved his wand four flying steel fists materialized in front of Nao. Each hand the size of a big boxing bag. Before Nao knew it he was hit- hard. The hands delivered repeated blown to various points of his body. The blows were as sharp as thunder. Even the plate armor bent inwards. Magnus finished by bending the root (without touching it) to throw stunned Nao backwards.
"I tried to tell you we need a plan," scolded him Metsuhai, "You can't recklessly charge alone on him."
"I have never ever received blows this heavy."
"I don't like three on one, let's be more fair," Magnus spoke with a wide smile "The game has to continue."
Magnus slightly moved his wand. More rocks rose from the ground and then broke, revealing four humanoid stone beings. They were two meter tall and had the figures of body-builders. They resembled statues the most: Their eyes empty round stone circles fixed in place.
"Beware of the stone golems!" Chizue exclaimed "They have great physical strength, they feel no fear, pain or hesitation."
The golems were on top of them in an instant. Chizue dodged a couple of deadly fists, feeling the air from the golem's movements blowing over her hair. She performed a perfect cut with her Wakasaki on him, leaving just a long scratch on his surface in the chest area.
Metsuhai blocked a stony kick with his shield. The kick loudly sent him half a meter backwards. The golem kept attacking relentlessly. Hitting the shield again and again, its fists crushing into it with bone braking power. Metsuhai had hard time to find a moment for a counter attack.
Nao struggled the most: two golems were attacking him together. His aggressive style where he overwhelms the opponent and takes him apart, somewhat neglecting defense and relaying on his thick armor wasn't working. His battleaxes did cause them serious damage, but their fists retaliated every time. And it was about to get worse: the steel fists charged to Nao as well.
I won't let him take us apart one by one. Metsuhai powered up, making himself strong, his aura burning intensely around him. He slammed his fist into the golems left side of the chest, sending it flying. Small rocks broke from it and dust was released into the air. Metsuhai charged his blade with lots of energy and with four sharp cuts tore the steel arms to pieces. Metsuhai began curving pieces of his opponent from his body.
Magnus moved his wand, as if caressing it with his fingers. The damaged golems immediately fully healed- every bit destroyed was instantly rebuilt. "You think our spirits will break from these cheap tricks!" Nao shouted "we will destroy them as many times as needed until your power runs out!" Although impressed by Naos fighting spirit Metsuhai had a better idea.
Metsuhai took a deep breath and launched a continuous series of numerous small light blue beams. The beams crushed into one of the golems fighting Nao, exploding one after another, covering it with smoke and dust. It only took mere seconds until the golems body was smashed to bits. "You use sorcery like a child," Magnus said as if to himself.
"Good work Metsu!" Chizue even dropped the honorific "Now he'll have to summon it from scratch! But I won't give him the chance."
Chizue avoided skillfully the three remaining golems, charging at Magnus. "When fighting a summoner, you have to go with close combat!"
Chizue was moving at such an incredible speed. She was going to cut Magnus down.
Then lightning stroke. It was devastating. The light illuminated the entire cave as Chizue screamed in pain. Electrified unconscious Chizue dropped to the ground, her sword falling out of her palm. "I overdid it a bit," thought Magnus aloud.
"Chizue! Are you okay?" Metsuhai panicked, still busy with the golem in front of him.
She can't be dead. No way. "Chizue! Get up! You're strong!"
"I have no time for you!" Metsuhai shouted, cutting the golem to pieces. He ran to Chizue. While Nao finishes the last golem Metsuhai checked on Chizue. Still alive, thank the heavens. Breathing. Her heart is beating too.
"It seems the golems were not enough. Let's raise the difficulty level a bit."
Metsuhai could only send Magnus a hateful look as the mage moved his wand once more.
The remains of the golems just disappeared.
Nao stepped forward and took a blow right to the face. His cheek was smashed. Then came the second blow and the third one. Nao put his hand on his broken nose.
The invisible foes were beating the life out of him, Nao desperately tried to defend, to run, to counterattack but all in vain. His body couldn't take this much longer.
As much as Metsuhai wanted to charge at the master, who wasn't far away, Nao needed his help fast. I know how to deal with invisible opponents. Sorcerer's Eye!
Metsuhais sight changed, his eyes glowing with light-blue power. He immediately noticed the same golems from before, but blurred. He also saw something far more dangerous.
Near the throne, Magnus was surprised for the first time. "It appears one of you can see…"
Metsuhai couldn't believe his eyes. Chizue's weak energy, Naos aggressive aura, Metsuhais strong energy all paled in comparison to the infinite ocean of power that was radiating from Magnus, and that was only the surface.
He is invincible. It really was just a game for him. We never stood a chance.
Metsuhai knew what had to be done. He rushed to Nao, going all out with his energy enhanced blade. Every piece he hacked off the golems turned visible before crushing to the ground.
"Nao, hear me out," said Metsuhai, standing between his friend and the enemies. Metsuhai cut off another arm. "He is too strong, I have seen it. Take Chizue and run. I'll hold him back."
"I am not leaving you behind to die. And have you forgotten about the big stone?"
"We have no choice. At least some of us will make it. We can't let a member of the Arisu family die! Besides… I love her! Now, get her and start moving. I'll take care of the rock."
Nao moved without saying another word.
Metsuhai finished the last golem with a powerful sword blow. Nao made his way to Chizue, which put him closer to Magnus. Metsuhai had to get the mages attention.
"Hey you," Metsuhai pointed his finger at Magnus "I came here to fight, and not to play. I am taking you down with everything I have, so show me some respect and use your true power!"
I really hope this works.
"Same genes, same blood, same cocky attitude," Magnus spoke as if to himself, "Like father, like son… Fine, I'll give you some respect."
Magnus lifted his staff lightly. Drops of yellow energy began gathering around the tip of his staff. Is this really his full force? He is not even sweating.
A huge yellow beam, the size of a small apartment, erupted from the staff. It stormed towards Metsuhai with incredible speed.
The shield will be useless here. I hope I know what I'm doing.
Metsuhai threw away his shield, preparing. The huge beam rammed into Metsuhais positioned hands. The power was overwhelming. The beam put immense pressure on Metsuhai, threatening to crush him, to vaporize him, to tear him to pieces. His gloves got obliterated. His palms burning. His leather boots tearing up as he is dragged backwards. Metsuhai roared as he gets pushed back. The light was blindingly strong.
I can't give up now. My friends lives depend on this!
In a desperate attempt Metsuhai pushed the beam away from himself and into the bolder blocking their way out. A massive blast unfolded. Everything was shaking and filled with smoke. This was what Nao was waiting for. He rushed out, taking Chizue with him.
Metsuhai breathed hard. His hands releasing as much smoke as Lezners cigars. His muscles screaming with pain. Metsuhai looked at his palms. They were black and hurting and he knew from experience that when the adrenaline rush ends, it will be much worse. At least Chizue and Nao made it out.
"I am not often surprised," claimed Magnus "But you sure got me this time. Looks like it's you and me now."
Metsuhai didn't answer, he was still regaining his breath.
Magnus didn't rush to finish him off "all this fighting makes my throat dry." Magnus twirled his wrist a bit and a small cup, restaurant style, containing rose liquid materialized in Magnus' hand. Magnus was slowly drinking the wine, as if it was a tea ceremony.
He doesn't take me seriously at all. He could have finished it ten times by now.
Forcing his breath back to normal Metsuhai spoke. "With so much power you could be an asset for the order. How could you just stand on the sidelines?"
"The sidelines you say? Who decided the order is on the main stage?" It seemed Metsuhai's words displeased the mighty sorcerer, "The order can all kill themselves for all I care. I don't owe them anything, in fact they owe me."
"If the order loses all of us lose! Even you!"
"I wouldn't be so sure, I don't need the order to babysit me. If our realm goes inferno I can bland in just fine. "Magnus returned to his playful attitude "The order has been losing for centuries. Nothing changes for me. This is your problem, not mine."
Such egoism!
Metsuhai figured negotiating with this guy was pointless. It reminded of his father's tale. Metsuhai charged, roaring. Magnus aimed his staff, releasing wind. First Metsuhais hair was waving hard, then his entire body was sent backwards. The wind was going ballistic through a large portion of the cave, detaching rocks from the walls. A cut opened on Metsuhais cheek. It's not a defensive move. It's an attack!
Metsuhai, who was gradually pushed backwards, put his hands up to defend his exposed face.
Still toying with me. I know I can't win this theoretically. But maybe, if I could just get to him… Even if I lose this, I need to buy more time for Nao and Chizue.
Metsuhai locked his teeth hard and forced himself to advance, one step at a time. Small cuts opened on the chainmail here and there.
"He is a persistent one" Magnus spoke to himself. Metsuhai got closer and closer to Magnus. Magnus smiled. Just when Metsuhai was so close Magnus swung his staff. The wind began fading fast.
This is an opening! But before Metsuhai got the chance to do anything the cave began shaking. What now, an earthquake?
Out of nowhere water materialized- lots of water. A massive tidal wave, like a tsunami. It filled the entire cave. Moving forward with an uncompromising force. There was no escape. The wave was growing and growing. Just as the wave was about to reach Metsuhai it stopped in place for a second, towering over him. Metsuhai put up his shield (he brought it with a lifting spell). Then the wave smashed into him with devastating power.
Magnus sat comfortably back on his throne, taking another sip of wine, and directed his gaze at the cave entrance. The ground was covered in a layer of water. Magnus pulled a golden watch on a chain out of his pocket and looked at it for a few long seconds. As he returned his gaze to the water, bubbles were rising to surface from a certain point below.
With a splash, Metsuhai surfaced, coughing water, breathing hard. Metsuhai forced his body to stand. He was shivering from effort and the freezing cold. His chainmail armor torn, his shield broken in half. His body covered with bruises. At least the sword was still on him.
"I'm not done yet, you are not getting away this easy," said Magnus.
Fists of storming water rose from the huge puddle. Soon enough they rushed at Metsuhai. There were so many of them, surrounding him from every direction. Metsuhai swung his blade bravely. Destroying arm after arm but making no progress. Every time Metsuhai cut down an arm, another took its place. The arms themselves weren't standing in place doing nothing. The arms were hitting Metsuhai from every direction. A blow to his head made his sight blurred. A strike at his side made him bend down with bone braking sound. A fist to his stomach caused him to spit blood. They kept coming at him with the skill and precision of a karate master. A particularly strong blow to the back made Metsuhai scream as he flies through the air. (There surely was some serious spine damage). Finally a blow to the solar plexus (the center of the chest) took the air out of his lungs. Metsuhai was out of strength, out of options, and out of air.
So this is how I go out. Not the way I would have wanted, but could be worse I guess. I have no regrets… I wish I could have mastered that super move- wait what am I feeling?!
The golden aura raged around Metsuhai, making his body feel light and powerful simultaneously. With a single sword swipe all the water fists were gone. Magnus' cup fell out of his hand, right into the cold water "It's…It's the legendary forgotten technic of self-time acceleration, also known as thunder steps. I was sure it's but a myth... Even I cannot perform this unique move, I'm so deeply impressed."
"I have you now!" declared Metsuhai.
Next, Metsuhai appeared before Magnus with his sword aimed down, clearly at the end of its cutting motion. Metsuhai looked surprised. He was just a bit out of reach, and couldn't cut Magnus. "How did I miss?"
Metsuhai noticed there was something touching his chest. "A wizards reflex I'm afraid…" calmly stated Magnus, "…years of dueling the strongest sorcerers in the world. A true master of sorcery understands it's all about energy and can do anything. But for your level I would advise focusing on the attributes you are naturally talented with: air and earth."
Metsuhai looked down. A tiny rotating energy ball was the thing that broke his assault. Before he could try again, Metsuhai began to violently rotate and as the ball exploded he was thrown deep into the wall. The golden aura faded away. Powerless Metsuhai collapsed into the water, his face below the surface. All he saw as he was sinking was the dark cold water. "An interesting specimen indeed. You sparked my curiosity. I will keep you alive and see what I can learn. But for angering me you will endure humiliation." Metsuhai's sight went out.
…
It wasn't comfortable. That was the first thing Metsuhai noticed. He slowly opened his eyes. Everything was blurred at first. Soon the surroundings became familiar. He was in Tokyo. Was it all a dream? Metsuhai tried getting up. The sharp pain in his entire body almost made him trip. And the pain in his back was the worst. The people staring at him didn't make things better. "Are you alright?" one older man asked with a worried look. A woman nearby covered her mouth with both her hands. Metsuhai was standing naked in the middle of the street.
Humiliated, he covered his groin and ran (slowly due to the pain).