The explosion that shook the city, and annihilated the meeting hall was unexpected.
It was an act of terrorism.
The meeting hall no longer stood as it crumbled down due to failed supports.
Silmor managed to protect Tin from any damage, whilst Ziu and Vogef jumped to protect Ena.
Fishy was able to dodge it, easily, using magic to protect himself. But he stood looking at the wreckage and damage as the entire city gathered around as if they were watching a show. Luckily, no civilians were injured.
And as he thought everything was fine, a chill struck his heart.
"FISHY!" Clara called out from the back of what was once the meeting hall, he turned around quickly as her screams sent shivers down his spine.
"PLEASE, FISHY, HELP!"
Clara continued to scream as Fishy rushed over the rough service, uncaring if he tripped.
He looked down at Clara who was attempting to lift a large plank of wood that was crushing her grandfather, the Elder.
Fishy and Vogef jump in and helped lift it up whilst Clara attempted to pull him out from underneath, but it was no use, The explosion had launched him into a metal bar that pierced through his chest, turning its once silver shine into a blood red.
"ZIU, ENA!" Fishy called out to them from across the room as he stared down at the Elder's body, trying to remain composure as his anger grew. "Find whoever did this, don't let them escape."
"I'll go to, it could be to do with the church," Vogef said as the three of them vanished in a flash.
"We'll go check on the city." Silmor said as he dragged Tin away, "You need to go check on the triplets."
Fishy and Clara were left alone as the rain poured over them through the damaged ceiling. Clara begged and begged to her grandfather who couldn't even speak. His eyes spoke for him.
Fishy couldn't do anything. The anti-magic rain was stopping him from using what little healing magic he knew, and Lilith was unable to help, only giving him the answer of:
"It's no use, he's quickly dying."
Fishy, in desperation ripped apart his shirt, trying to stop the blood flow as it quickly poured out of the Elder's fragile body. But when Fishy put his hands onto the Elder's wrinkled skin, he smacked them away.
"Fishy… Clara…" He said through a weak breath. "I was never going to survive… but… at least let me tell you the truth..."
# # #
"Where are they?" Ziu shouted as he rushed across the rooftops of the city's buildings, calling out to Ena who rushed beside him.
"I don't know." She shouted back, stopping to look around on one of the taller buildings, one that was currently being used as a hotel.
She scanned the area. The peaceful and quiet city was hidden by the constant darkness. She couldn't see far, and the rain was stopping her magic, but Ena was an Elf. Part of the reason Elves were hunted was because of their heightened senses and abilities. Her eyesight was far greater than anyone in the city, even in the darkness she excelled and darted her eyes around, looking for that one thing.
And, in her panic, she spotted it.
A tiny little spark rushing away.
The entire city was focused on the explosion, except for three dots who were running out of the city.
"Over there." She said as she charged forward, without care for Ziu or Vogef who were struggling to keep up. She was too experienced with running, but it was also her elven roots that made her this way.
Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, even the wet surfaces didn't stop her from quickly, and professionally, catching up with her opponents. It was as if she was a ballet dancer, triumphantly leaping across the stage as those who wanted to emulate her looked up in amazement.
It was only seconds till she caught up with them at the outskirts of the forest.
"You must be the people we are looking for."
Ena stared at the three mystery men in front of her. They dressed in large dark cloaks that were perfect for The Long Night and stood at equal height with each other.
"Not going to say anything?" Ena said, right as Ziu and Vogef approached.
"You're too fast," Ziu said as he rested on Vogef's broad shoulders.
The three men looked at their three opponents. The men seemed as if they were still planning to run away with their legs ready to turn, but after seeing Vogef, one of them spoke.
"Change of plans, we kill him here."
Ziu and Ena were ready to fight. They both unsheathed their weapons and held them tightly in front, but Vogef placed his own sword in front of Ena and Ziu.
"I'll fight them, they are after me."
Ziu looked at the armour-less Vogef who only wielded a sword. His armour was currently being repaired, but he didn't need something that would only get in his way.
"You'll get killed," Ena said, but Vogef continued.
"This is my war. If you fight, you'll be declaring war. That isn't your call to make."
Ziu sheathed his sword and sat down on the ground. Ena looked at him with confusion, but ultimately, gave in and joined him on the wet muddy ground as the rain continued to pour on their heads.
"He was the one who first taught me how to fight." Ziu muttered to Ena, "But, obviously I'm stronger…"
Ena looked at the panting Ziu who seemed as if he wished to have gotten involved in the fight to show off his strength in front of the teacher he despised.
"This could be my chance to show you that my method was right," Vogef said.
"Doubt it," said Ziu.
"When I saw you had left Va, I cried tears of joy."
"Same here."
Ziu and Vogef were locked in a childish argument that seemed pointless for the situation.
Ena didn't say anything but was frustrated with their relaxed behaviour, which almost gave their enemies enough time to run away.
"Anyway, we wish you luck." both Ziu and Ena said as Vogef stepped forward, facing the three strangers with his sword shaking in his determined, revenge-filled hands.