Fly Faster Than Greased Lightning, Shun [Pt.1]
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Bullet cases fell down the floor as police officers were swarmed by Daemons, at least the gore was toned down for the kids.
"Christ, Danses! There are way too many of these damn Daemons here!! There are at least several dozens of them!!"
The one who yelled at the grizzled Gabriel Danses was none other than Fiona Foster, a rookie who has been out of the Arlingwin County Police Academy for a while now. The only reason why she joined the Police Force was to help in controlling the street violence that the Heroes couldn't do.
In Jupira, since she always abhorred the life of gangsters. The Los Perdidos, a notorious gang, used her friend to do despicable things.
Terrible things that she does not want her friend to relive.
Gabriel Danses, One of the most stoic, hard-boiled, yet immensely was drunk 90% of his free time. He has been in the force for almost twenty years, being one of the most experienced cops in the N.U.S.N. He has faced daemons, two ex-wives that came from the devil himself, degenerates, and too much to list.
He has conquered it all——except his financial issues of course. It is his quick thinking and his instincts that have kept him alive and well, also having the instinct to use his gun sooner than later.
He bared his teeth in frustration at the Daemons, as he and Fiona and seven other officers were running out of ammunition. "Shit! We're running out of ammonium !!" One police officer said, followed by Danses insulting him, "No shit!! Fiona——still nothing?!?"
Soon after, one Daemon, a goblin, crept up on him just to get blowed in the face by scrap metal. Fiona checked her highly advanced walk talkie gauntlet and shook her head.
"Still nothin', Gabe!"
"Well, work on it more!!" He yelled back.
Jesus Christ. She thought as more hordes of them appeared, a sudden increase startled them as one wanted to run away. It wasn't Gabe or Fiona, no——it was just a boring, generic police officer who decided to run away before his life was cut short by a simple...
Snap. Though there wasn't any magic involved, all it took was all one flick of the wrist for his demise. It was Elijah——Yami's half-brother——who ended the man's life without any physical contact.
Vaniguzu joined the battle, unfortunately for the cops.
The Devil of Fire and Ice stood atop of a mountain of ice, sheathing his sword. The ice mountain had steam coming off of it and was indigo in color. "You cops are something, it cracks me up to a point," Vaniguzu stated, followed by a sinister laugh at the end. He tends to underestimate his opponents, then again; it is understandable for an elite assassin to misjudge.
His left hand and the tattoo on his left arm began to glow blue when large chunks of ice broke the earth below. They eventually would become the sizes of mountains, and all that the police officers could do was watch in horror. Navy blue, one police officer had a flamethrower in his hands—hoping to melt the ice down. "Stand back Danses and watch how a pro does it." Said a police officer.
The police officer was youthful who had a deep voice and was known for his arrogance. Upon pulling the trigger, his body was blown back from the sheer force of the ice.
"Good pro move, Hex." Gabriel scoffed, pulling Hex's hand to make him stand. Despite being enrolled in the police force, Hex is only twenty-three years old. A man that gets his feeling hurt, Hex dusted his clothes in shame; since his flamethrower didn't melt the ice, while Fiona noticed something peculiar about Vaniguzu's ice. It didn't melt when Hex used the flamethrower, instead, it pushed him away. Could the ice be protected by something magical? Gabriel, being the most militant police officer on the force, pointed his dry finger at him.
"What in the hell did you put in your flames and ice, you sub-zero degenerate?"
"Not telling you."
Twirling his fingers smugly, flames of indigo surrounded them with the heat equivalent to the sun. Sweat started to accumulate on their foreheads, and Fiona was sensitive to the heat.
It wasn't that Fiona Foster likes to sweat profusely, she did but only when it came to working out, she had a terrible experience. She doesn't disclose it with anyone else but her brother; who has been missing for a while.
While she missed him the most, her number one priority was to get the day by. If her brother wanted to hide from his sister——Let him do it.
She swiped her forehead profusely. Her partner, Gabriel, noticed her. "You okay?" He asked, he placed his left hand one on her shoulders.
She shook her hand, "Yes, I'll be fine. A little bit of sweat isn't gonna drown me."
"Yet you looking like mangled up shit that was left in the sun."
He shut his mouth after his partner gave him the most vicious death stare in existence.
Near The Entrance, Earlier
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Mountains of ice beleaguered all the exits. There was no way to escape and get help.
All hope was starting to dwindle. At the bottom of the entrance to the other Gardens was the Empress herself, smiling gleefully as Beowulf and Infusco stood by her side. Behind them were mixed hordes of Shinrai soldiers and unwilling Daemons, who wore controlling devices on their necks. The only defense against them was Haruka Uteshiki, Sora Minami, and the heavily injured Brandon Lewis.
Even walls that survive formidable attacks, can crumble with ease.
While Haruka Uteshiki lost most of her Aether and Sora was beginning to lose consciousness because he was out of Aether completely. When someone has little to no amount of Aether left, it is very fatal. No living thing does not have Aether in them——as it is the living block of every organism in all the ten realms. Yes, Somnus is one of these realms. Midworld, or Earth as people call it is the second realm. It is a bit strange, as humans from Midworld can only travel to Somnus, etc. Only with a Travel Rune of olden times, can someone go anywhere from Africa; for example, to the other realms.
Shinra, who had her head high and her sword of ebony, Masamune, hungered for the blood of more. She smiled because she knew Sora, the strongest of the three, had been defeated already and he didn't know it. "Infusco."
"YES, MY EMPRESS?"
"Make an example of Sora Minami."
Infusco smiled at Sora, who was guarded by His friends; who have been loyal to him for a long time, with Brandon holding his Zweihänder in a reverse lock and Haruka the same with her guitar.
THEY'RE DETERMINED. BUT DETERMINATION PALES WHEN GOING UP AGAINST ME. The beast thought as he went up to them at break-neck speed with his hands turning into scoopers, moving the two ferociously, like a predator trying to get his meal. Beowulf grabbed Lewis and flew to another location.
If I wasn't so low on Aether, I would've teleported. But now, I got no other choice but another option!
Sora thought as he used the last bit of his Aether that was down inside his body, he tried to kick Infusco with some "Psycho Power" infusion; however, was blocked by Infusco's arm. Grabbing his leg and threw him on the ground with such force, enough for Sora to widen his eyes; surprised by this counterattack, as well with the inability to move around.
"Augh!!!"
"SORRAA!!!" Screaming with all from within, as well as her instincts taking over, Haruka used the last bits of her Aether and fired a beam of radiant energy at Infusco. A beam the size of a blue whale would intimidate anyone that knew that a beam from a Summoner——watchmen of the Espers——would be lethal for any human being.
But this monster known as Infusco is no human. Instead of him bracing himself; he welcomed it with open arms. He was grinning as the beam hit him with sheer force.
All Haruka Uteshiki could do was stare in disbelief. He was still standing, unscathed from it.
Is-Is he a human? She asked herself, her legs trembled in fright. Uteshiki was never afraid in her life, but today is an exception for her.
No, he is a weapon of mass destruction if used correctly...And he is used correctly.
He has no weaknesses, even he's beating up Sora like he's some kind of weakling...The kids... They need to be safe—and I have a feeling that Bubble-Dive.....
"SOMETHING WRONG, HARUKA UTESHIKI? THAT LOOK IN YOUR EYE——YOU FEAR ME...THAT'S GOOD TO KNOW."
"What's good about that!?" Her voice quivered with anger. "Killing people?!? Having no moral code!?! Killing innocents!?! What's so good about killing, ya bastard!?"
He chuckled, due to having no more remorse due to his corruption, because even assassins: have some form of code.
A beast has no moral code.
He grabbed the back of Sora's head, much to Uteshiki's dismay, and slammed it on the dirt with the might of an elephant. "I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT A CODE. ALL I CARE ABOUT IS RECEIVING MY BONUS...50 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE HEAD OF CHIEF APEX. AND I WILL GET MY MONEY BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY..." A confession like that, blood-curdling to every word, Infusco was not to be treated lightly.
It was luck that Sora could still feel open his eyes.
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Meanwhile with the Swordspeople
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Exes fight.
They always do. It's inevitable because conflicting perspectives intertwine with each other, but it is sad to go through a divorce. Yet, true most of the time.
A prime example would be Brandon Lewis and Beowulf. Their blades clashed together with honest eyes; staring at each other. His entire breastplate had been torn apart, revealing his muscular torso.
Beowulf used to be a sweet girl.
She was good in school by effortlessly getting all A's in her classes and was the Valedictorian of her school.
She even came home on time, as her curfew was at 10:30 p.m. All of her teachers even admired her for her indomitable will to learn everything. However, things took a toll when she met Brandon Lewis in college.
Known to have a rebellious streak, even as an appointed guardian of grand summoner Lulu, Mr.Lewis had quite the reputation. But he didn't give, as he would put it: A damn about his reputation. The two met at a frat party, where Brandon and she became friends quickly.
After one month; both happily in a relationship. However, Brandon Lewis' job called for him, so they decided to elope before moving to Lewis's next assignment. In the younger days they were peanut butter and jelly, but now; blood and honey.
Beowulf did not take the divorce well.
"Heh. I see you've been dying to kill me now, huh?" Brandon smiled, it was nice to see how horrible she had gone off.
"You know me so well." Beowulf sneered at her ex before trying to cut his head swiftly.
This again. He thought while blood oozed from his nose, dripping down slowly but surely. It was all his fault, She proceeded to kill him by stabbing him with elegance.
Despite bleeding from everywhere on his body: Brandon Lewis, or Nevaeh, knew that his death will not be today. So, as a counter, he went ducked under her blade, much to her dismay.
Damnit! I should've known he'll do that!! Beowulf panicked as she was grabbed by the chest plate and thrown to a considerable distance. He didn't like hitting women; including his ex-wife. It felt weird to do that in his perspective, not to mention it is wrong to do so. He bit his lip, thinking of a way to change the awkwardness. He usually spoke an entrepreneur would, with gusto and pride. "I guess the Empire is not going to give up?"
Beowulf began to laugh wildly, not believing what he just asked her. She continued for a good twenty seconds before pointing her rapier at him. "Give up? Give up? Us—the Empire, do not know defeat. We will kill Chief Apex by any means necessary." She states before adding, "on the plus sign, I get to kill you. Whatever works for me.."
"Well, we do what we have to do...Okay; I won't hold back more, Beowulf. I suggest you do the same."
"At least we agree on one thing, Nevaeh."
After they said their supposedly final words to one another, the two enemies charged towards each other.
Fifteen Minutes Later In Another Location
///Shun///
"What the hell is going on? There's chaos everywhere; even in the center." I muttered as I was scouting at the far end of the circle-shaped center. I stood right on the edge of the garden—where mountains of ice clouded my line of vision.
I couldn't see anything as I hit myself in the head
Even in the center; where it was supposed to be the safest place in the Rescue Garden, was surrounded by icebergs and flames from that ninja guy in the red garb.
The grass withered where I stood, breathing this air was too toxic for me or anyone in that matter.
Everyone else: Teleport to the other gardens. If we had the heavy-hitters like Akina or Ryoji or even Funka: We would have a chance.
I think.
I need to get back to the others...
My power is flight: I can break the sound barrier in my sleep and I can go around Mach 7 before injuring myself in the process.
Problem? My body isn't made for turning sudden turns while I fly or going at unimaginable speeds.
Actually: I'm shouting because it was Jordyn who ordered me to scout while those three were fighting. She scares the living crap outta me. I have never seen a twelve-year-old girl yell so quietly before—not to mention she is a Heart-Bond, I keep it civil with her for now. Before that, it was Kadoku who also asked me to scout. I need to go back before those two villains notice that one kid is missing. I thought while I took a flight to go back to my classmates.
Later
———
I arrived just to be bombarded with many questions.
"Did you see anyone else?" Armando asked, followed by Helene asking, "How bad does it look outside?"
"Yeah. Any exits open for us?" Kemp was the last one who questioned me for a while, folding his arms while chewing on a pick patiently.
Jordyn could never wait for the news or announcements. When there was something that got an announcement, she would want it the same day. Even if the makeup cost 100's of dollars and would release at a later date, she wanted to to claim it for herself. Her impatience would be her only downfall. "Tell ME," Jordyn commanded Sokudo while shaking him violently, "WHAT you found, Yamaguchi!!" She didn't stop juddering me around until there was one person who stopped her from killing me on accident.
It was none other than Takeo Fukuazan.
"Can you shut up for once?" He said before turning around in a calming way, asking Sokudo nicely as all the other "Lay down the info for us, Yamaguchi."
It was unexpected for him to ask for information or if he needed help, as he was too prideful to do so. But now, the opposite.
He knew that this was serious; to put his pride away.
I shook my head, I still couldn't process everything he saw over the gateways. "It's....bad...Bad...Bad...." I repeated myself.
"How bad, Issen?" Sera asked me kindly. She's really pretty.
"There are no exits available."
All of them, even Kadoku Haritoka, were shocked about what I said.
There are no exits available... Even Sasha, easily one of the most intelligent students in the classroom, was stumped by what I meant. Her face showed shock. "Please explain more, Shun. All of us don't know what you mean by 'no exits'. There has to be an exit." She questioned me as I started to get more frustrated by his peers not understanding me. What part do they not get? He asked himself.
"Could you tell-" Sera asked me politely again until he ran out of patience with them?
I exploded to my classmates. "What do you mean you don't get it? Everything is iced off! WE are stuck in his icy hell! WE cannot GET help! We WILL die here together!" I continued to shout until Sera started to tear up.
Damnit, Shun.
Takeo was being the protective, young brother comforted Sera and got close to her. "I get that your Tourette's is getting out of hand and all, but keep it to yourself, buddy."
Everyone knows my hand trembles and my Tourette's. Hell even Ryoji, the newest kid on the block, probably knows about it too.
I hate having Tourette's. I rather have Akina's stutter or Funka's alleged Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Anything than this curse...
Meanwhile
"We appreciate that you have been withstanding our attacks for a while now, Bubble-Dive."
Compliment the red-clad ninja Vaniguzu, clapping for a bloodied Bubble-Dive in an impressed tone. Elijah chortled for Bubble-Dive as if he was a video game he played seven times—knowing the boss's strength and weakness.
Elijah thought while using the power of altering reality to read up more of his power. It was easy for him to do so—to read him like Beri's Omni-Scanner. It wasn't like he had to bend reality to read his MP, AOA, etc.
He looked disappointed something about thought to be an excellent opponent, to have a low overall score, he held his hand open at Bubble-Dive. "To be honest with you, Vaniguzu; he reminds me of a yo-yo. Fun to play with...." He stated, his frivolous eyes grew dark and colder; his facial expression altered drastically. He closed his hand in a fast motion—similar to a twist.
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SPLAT!!!
Bubble-Dive felt a sharp pain somewhere.
Like a drill drilling through his body, his body shivered intensely upon the impact. His mind was boggled from the sheer agony he was going through. He wanted to endure and win against this fight.
But the odds aren't in his favor... Rather: Vaniguzu and Elijah's favor.
"Oh shit-" Bubble-Dive started to realize that there was a medium-sized hole in the middle of where his stomach be at. "But gets boring as time progresses." His psychotic smile reverted as the body of the hero went limp. His eyes rolled back into his head.
"Holy crap——Is Bubble-Dive dead??" Armando fretted loudly, now they are in a world of hurt.
As the two villains heard him, turning towards the Class of C2. Elijah smiles and said, "No...But I did take out his stomach." The way he said it was as if he was boasting about it. Fortunately for Bubble-Dive, yet unfortunately for the villains: this soldiers-in-training were prepared to stand their ground.
The first ones ready were Reza turned his skin into solid steel while Sasha retracted her talons and lastly
Jordyn transformed into her bonded form.
The other two, however; were completely unfazed and unimpressed with us students. "You're rotten to the core, Little Child," Reza began while having Elijah's full attention, "barging in this prototype Rescue Garden, ambushing is for no particular reason—"
Vaniguzu interrupted him by raising his right index finger, and moving it around. More of a "Nuh-Nuh-Nuh" motion.
"We didn't barge in for the hell of it. I despise it when people do stuff for no particular reason. We barged in because your principal decided to insult the Empress during that public interview. So, he declared war on us—we didn't."
"Are you mental? The Principal didn't even mention anything about war. She didn't have to act like a spoiled little rat and attack because she got her feelings hurt!" Yelled Kemp as he threw his hands around, a sign that he was visibly angry at the Empire.
Helene shot back as well, "You are either dumb or just loyal to not question her motives!" Their faces grew disgusted with them. If there was one thing Vaniguzu did not like to be called, it would be blind. I knew that for a while since he's been operating since the early 2000s.
I knew what his true loyalties were to himself, not the Empire, not God: himself. All he cares about is what would be good for him. After all; he is the personification of greed.
Vaniguzu took his infamous blade, Hōnokori, out of its hilt, he started to initiate against them. Hōnokori was a beautiful katana, more than the eye can fast on. The steel was a blue-grayish color, with the tip of the blade to have red engravings on it. Oh, it was magnificent blade as the katana to be almost five feet in length and weighing up to sixty-nine pounds, yet it felt light to the one who yields it.
According to Discord, that is.
Lastly, the handle was an ox brown color and originated from an antler of a Virgin Island Bison. He's getting ready for an attack... Better help the others.
I thought before looking up in the sky to see a miracle: I saw an exit——One little part of ice didn't close off this little hole in the sky. I stood by Kadoku when I whispered in his "ear", I needed some help from his crooked hands and I knew he had something there to help all of us.
"I need help, Haritoka."
"I would need my help too, ya runt! To get out of this alive—all of us—you'll need this!" He said while grabbing my hand and I felt a heavy thump. A grainy, rugged rock, filled with carvings.
No...It couldn't be... I thought as I was wondering how he managed to even get his filthy hands on. How can you of all people have such a valuable item?
"Where did you find this?" I asked while I could sense his anger rising from within him. "Never mind that. I didn't want to use this junk now but since our lives are in danger, I'm lending you it."
"How come, maggot?"
Damnit. I don't like you Kadoku, but I wouldn't you call a word that rhymes with a derogatory term for gay people. Not that he cared about it.
"Because it's on a timer and I don't know we're gonna live or not. Once you activate it, you have thirty-six seconds and this isn't Dragon Ball Z where the villains are gonna wait! Fly straight, now!!!
I listened to the human dragonfly and flew straight towards
36 Seconds...I have to make it in thirty-six seconds.
No Biggie.
———Track 45 Ended———