Anthony was in front a huge rusty gate. There's a fairly huge property behind it. It is where Artemisia's car dropped them off for their new mission. It was far from the city and the road were even near a forest. The path was rather eerie; covered in thin fog. Anthony's face humored with a dose of confusion, his brows meeting each other. He was used to alleys being the hiding place of the enemy... but it feels like whomever enemy there is in there must also be a trespasser and the people who dared come here and killed must've climbed the gate for some reasons he doesn't want to think about.
Anthony shook his head... Will they also enter without permission here? He blinked repeatedly, aware that's it's fucking illegal!
With a questioning glance, he decided to inquire about it to Vin who is now rummaging over his brown leather sling bag trying to find his pair of gloves. The air was freezing cold and Anthony and Aegir were lucky enough to choose wearing a long sleeve jacket.
Vin caught Anthony staring, without leaving his eyes on the pair of gloves he's now putting on; he asked, "What? " He sounded so nonchalant about it that Anthony couldn't believe what he's hearing. He's dumbfounded and he's trying his best not to facepalm.
Perhaps they'll not die in the hands of an enemy but from an angry owner.
Anthony was about to ask back if Vin was right in the head when Aegir placed his hand on Anthony's shoulder and spoke in behalf of him, "My master is having a crisis here on why it's perfectly fine for you to do some illegal activities, " Aegir insinuated, even putting an emphasis on the last phrase he had said.
Although Aegir had done this before back then he was stealing food from houses, especially Anthony's greedy aunt. But, he's not a cat burglar anymore. He changed!
"And so? There's a murderer there at the very moment and you worry about sneaking in? " Vin zipped his bag closed, face with no fear of consequences like he'd done it before. "This place is already abandoned, no need to worry! " he reasoned.
"No need to worry, right! " Anthony's voice is laced with sarcasm. Sighing, he stared at the gate thinking how he'll be supposed to climb it. He hadn't done it before, not even trees! "So, you'll climb first? " Anthony heard Vin snickering about his question. He glared at Vin who was now covering his lips trying to suppress his laughter.
"As far as I know, I am not a monkey but a bunny! " Vin was bursting in laughter making Anthony's stares resembled that of daggers.
The bunny even clapped his hands in amusement before he snapped his fingers; a yellow magic circle appeared below them. Vin winked at them. "No need to climb, we have magic, don't we? "
Aegir, who was not happy seeing Anthony being bullied by Vin, decided to retaliate for him. "Today, you're teaching us: 'How To Get Away With Crime With Magic', yey! " Vin was not happy with what he heard, Anthony, who was feeling advantageous by Aegir's help, continued what Aegir started. Anthony's hands motioned to him, like he's introducing him to an audience, "Guaranteed to not put you in jail! Curated steps from an expert! "
Vin raised his fist upward, gesturing he'll beat them up for ganging on him. He really wanted to knock their heads together but he chose not to and instead proceeded to run his magic.
He could feel a presence watching them and they seemed impatient and irritated. He wanted to feign ignorance about it but it feels like this person is now looking down on them.
His eyes focused on the direction of the old fountain inside the property; he lifted his right hand forward; palm spread. His other hand was supporting his right arm. A warm feeling seared on between his fingers; the sensation was tingling like a small amount of electricity coursed towards it.
"Be careful once we enter, beware of ambush! " he reminded Anthony and Aegir whose faces were now stern and serious.
Light engulfed them and in a matter of seconds, they found themselves standing behind an old fountain, surrounded by a massive amount of mana. From the shadows, emerged numerous walking corpses. Some of their flesh were still fresh, blood dripping from their wounds and others were already pale and skin starting to scrape. There's also mutilated ones that already lose some of their limbs, blood oozing; bathing the green grasses with red liquid. All of them have something in common, their expressions were blank and eyes lifeless just like those Anthony and Aegir encountered before.
And they're all nymphs. Vin could tell by their clothes; especially those who wore armors, identical to the victims of the attack that had transpired against the nymphs not too long ago.
Anthony, Aegir, and Vin resumed to a fighting position. Their weapons are already geared on their hands. A chuckle could be heard in the once silent place, all of them turned their attention from the figure who appeared out of nowhere by the mansion's door. A tall man with a ginger curtain mullet hairstyle and electric blue eyes greeted their sight. For a villain, he looked dignified; sporting a butler suit. Though his actions were far from someone honorable. His eyes were piercing with cruelty as a low chuckle escaped from his throat; each passing seconds, the chuckle turned into something more sinister-a loud cackle echoing to the place. It almost sounded like a melody made from hell, sending shivers on Anthony and Aegir's spine.
Aegir immediately holds Anthony's hands. The sound was familiar to them until it dawned on Anthony that it was the same voice he heard when Aegir was hurt before.
Irritation washed on Anthony's face but he knew that he couldn't afford to be impulsive today. The sound of laughter subsided and was replaced with a sly smirk. Two orbs started to look at them intently; as if thinking what to do with them.
"I figured you'd come! Don't worry! My people will keep you company. " Upon what he remarked, the horde of undead surrounding the place bowed consecutively; movements synchronized with each other.
That alerted the trio, gripping their weapons; they were geared up to attack. Vin was stationed at Anthony and Aegir's back with his bow being drawn, three arrows made of light were already prepared for relentless firing. Anthony and Aegir were also equipped for battle. A series of sharp claws erupted from Aegir's gauntlet's knuckles; gleaming obsidian ready to shred enemies to pieces while Anthony coated both of his shears with violet flames; dancing dangerously, creating a crackling and hissing sound braced not only to draw blood but turn anything it touches to embers.
Amidst the air of tension populating the air, their enemy; a general, cracked a 'joke'. Perhaps to infuriate them, "Too intense, huh? You guys ain't fan of introductions? Or you're aware you don't need it? For your comfort, my name is Trace, at your service, " the enemy introduced himself with a curtsy, his army's roars soon followed.
"You may discard your names after this, I'd be happy to add you in my collection, " Trace added, clapping his hand in fake enthusiasm.
Aegir, who is naturally bold, was able to fire some side comments, "It's a shame you're trying to be a comedian when you're a crazed clown... with criminal records! " A tense silence filled the place but it didn't stop Vin to be unserious; a faint laugh released from his lips.
Anthony shook his head, feeling that they might have angered their enemy but he clearly deserved the side remarks.
Trace's eyes narrowed, the mirth in his eyes disappeared. With a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes; he raised his hand until it got enveloped with a vicious purple aura. Each of the pupils of the undead turned crimson, shining maliciously.
"Welcome them, lowly nymphs! " he bellowed. The undead fell submissive to his commands; they lunged forward with brandished weapons on each hand.
"Attack! " Vin cried, launching his arrows in the air, each of them precisely piercing the enemies' flesh. "Pierce through: Dissonance! " The arrows started to vibrate indistinctly until in a swift moment, resembling the might of a spear; it penetrated deeper on the flesh and made its exit from the enemies' back with a wet crunch. Blood dripped freely from the open wound as a convulsed growl escaped from those who were hit by the arrows.
Aegir raised his fist, the gauntlet's claws emit a wicked gleam. He was rather impatient, he wasn't in the mood to wait for the undead to prey on him. He propelled himself forth; his deadly razor sharp claws tore through the undead's flesh, not even sparing their bones - breaking with a soft crack. Blood sprayed on the white pavement resembling ink on a canvas.
"Daybreak Slash! " Consecutive slashes welcomed his enemies who were running towards Aegir. Their weapons dropped on the ground with a heavy clang.
One was clasping their hands together; their body shrouded with a red light. "Not so fast! " Aegir shouted. He charged head-on, the heavy gauntlet hitting the undead's face. The flesh ripped from its decaying skin. Aegir didn't waste any moment and ended it, his claws severing its neck, reaching the carotid artery until crimson liquid rained.
Aegir's eyes wandered around his master who was also busy fighting. Aegir breathed heavily, his body covered in sweat.
A deafening clang was heard as Anthony's shear met with another blade. With his strength, he pushed the enemy's blade upward. He twisted his body and with a grunt; using his other shear to deliver a mercilessly slash on the undead's abdomen. It effectively injured the flesh, the armor felt like paper against the sharpness of Anthony's blade. Blood spurted from the wound - almost greenish with a putrid odor, it smeared Anthony's jacket making him grimaced.
The undead staggered and moaned in pain. The violet flames from the shears started to spread around the undead's body; licking across their decaying skin. The stench of burning flesh contaminated the air as the once completed body started to crumble against the flame's harsh touch.
"Even the toughest detergent won't fix this! '' Anthony complained over his bloodied clothes while blocking another attack from an undead's sword. It never stopped there, another undead lunged forward. Anthony kicked the other one with force until it stumbled backwards.
It seems like eternity fighting the horde of undead. The trio huffed heavily; their lungs felt like burning with all the exertion. They exchanged a long gaze. "This feels like nowhere! They just keep on coming! " Aegir yelled out of nowhere.
Truth to be told, no matter how many parts they chop or slash the undead before them - even if they burn them to ashes - they just keep on reviving. A low hoarse cry reverberated from the newly spawned undead. Their faces may be lifeless but Anthony had noted the red liquid pouring from their eyes - as if they felt the pain inflicted to them.
Anthony felt useless that even with his power - he couldn't free their souls. There's something tampering his magic.
Despair crept on Anthony's heart but his gut is trying to push him to something. His eyes darted on the house entrance where Trace - the enemy general - were standing; eyes filled with cruelty and amusement to their struggle. What caught Anthony's attention was the glinting crystal ball that Trace was clutching.
"Damn it! " Anthony heard Aegir cursing. He was being pushed around by the enemy; Vin immediately nook some of his arrows to rescue Aegir.
Anthony gulped a lumpful of his saliva; his eyes never left the crystal ball. A desperate plan flickered on his mind; it's an unsure gamble but it's all or nothing. He called Vin and Aegir's attention, his voice was shaking, "We need to get closer to that fucker! " He motioned one of his shears in Trace's direction, using the other one to slash two undead on his path.
"I know it's risky but we'll just exhaust ourselves here! " he muttered; his face contorted into a frustrating scowl.
They heard Trace cackling from a distance, followed by clapping his hands. "Fools! Do you think you can reach me? Have fun trying! " Almost on cue, the undead started to block the path towards him.
Anthony, though irritated, tried not to mind the general first and focus on what he's saying to his companions.
Aegir plummeted the ground using his gauntlets creating shockwaves of ripples enough to send the undead surrounding him flying. He was heaving, eyebrows crumpled due to the weariness his body is experiencing.
"How do we do it? " Aegir asked his master, subtly coughing due to the dust created by his attack. While in his vulnerable state; a huge golem, the one he took control from Vin threw punches against the enemies.
Vin stepped forward; this time he was not holding his bow anymore but on his grasp was a baton used in music. He raised the baton, and soft yellow orbs danced around it. "I will keep them busy, you two go! " he urged the two; Vin's body levitated a bit, a burst of energy was released from his body.
Numerous shimmering music notes swirled around him. They danced like graceful ballerinas on a theater stage; each with different sizes and colors. "Sonic Barricade! " The music notes pulsed into different rhythms; some were beating fast as if adrenaline were in the moment of excitement and the others vibrated gently like a soothing lullaby. Seconds later; a beautiful symphony erupted in the place covering the ugly sounds of weapons clanging and the dissonance created by the undeads' moans and groans of darkness.
An array of the lightest of yellow surrounded the place; preventing the undead to reach Anthony and Aegir who immediately follow Vin's commands, with their blood-filled weapons they sat on each of Aegir's golem; charging forward to the direction of Trace whose face were now serious and body oozing with a malevolent aura.
Anthony's eyes wandered to Vin's direction while casting consecutive spells. He couldn't help but to admire and feel envious at the same time. He wants to utilize his magic just like that.
Trace began to chant, his now violet aura turned into a mixture of red and black. It was moving slowly; like fire ignited on a candle.
"Darkness, the chancellor of the grave and the unfortunate!
Heed my call, feast on my sacrifice before thee!
Obliterate!
Magniš Pax! "
Two heads resembled skulls materialized from the aura, it opened its mouth and released a shriek. Its eyes were creepy, with a spiraling iris staring at their targets - Anthony and Aegir.
Aegir didn't waste any opportunity, a pink aura encased his body. "Python: Overwrite! " From his hand sprang pink snakes that resembled ribbons. It slithered in the air; heading head to head with the skulls. It coiled and constricted the skull's movements, pink light like acid ate its way towards the skulls leaving a hissing sound in its wake.
With a fraction of his power, Aegir pushed Anthony closer to the enemy. He raised a thumbs up and smiled on his master, "I believe in you! " He mouthed on which Anthony smiled back and replied, "Take care! " Anthony prepared himself for the enemy's next attack; gripping his shears and coating it more with his violet flames.
On Trace's side, numerous fire balls took its shape. Trace has a smirk on his face - enjoying what's happening. Afterall, his victims put up a good fight and seeing them trying makes him excited to break them slowly.
Anthony, upon seeing the emergence of the fireballs from the enemy's side casted one of his own. His ring shone brightly as the violet colored fireball took its shape on his hands. "Not a chance! " he bellowed, aiming his attack on the incoming fireballs of the enemy. The colliding force met halfway; resulting in an explosion.
When the explosion subsided its remnant left nothing but ringing silence. Anthony blinked repeatedly, trying to remove the dust obscuring his vision. It was fast that Anthony wasn't prepared - in a span of motion he saw the blurry figure of Trace charging towards him with a crazed expression written on his face.
Trace was wielding two swords - aiming to fight par on par with Anthony's two shears. Trace's swords moved in deadly precision. Anthony instinctively raised his two shears to pary Trace's rather heavy blows. Steel met with each other creating a unique sound made by clashing weapons; sparks fly everytime their relentless attacks dared to promise each other bloodshed when one fails to defend themselves.
Anthony gritted his teeth, he was finding it hard to defend himself against Trace's attacks. Despite Trace's slender built; the strength he has is no joke as well as the precision of the techniques he's using.
Trace sneered. He couldn't help but also to take notice that despite his advantage; whomever he's facing right now can hold his own. He suddenly remembered what his master told them before about a certain raven that they needed to capture alive.
And according to the reports... The raven was half nymph, half human.
A deranged expression etched on Trace's face as his lips slowly painted a predatory grin, "You must be the raven... a nymph halfling! " Excitement laced on his voice as his attacks turned fast and more vicious.
It sent shivers on Anthony's spine as he desperately tried to block the attacks, his jaw clenching. "You're one lucky one! Your sinful bloodline is my favorite. Amuse me more! " The expression of glee never left Trace's. Although his heart tells a different story... It was anger against the nymphs that were masked with a fake smile. Anger that fuels his powers to its maximum.
The clang of steel echoed once more, but this time, the sound was tinged with a sharp hiss. Trace's sword had found its mark, grazing Anthony's arm. A gasp escaped Anthony's lips, a flash of pain contorting his features. He stumbled backwards, his hand clutching at the wound, golden orbs hardening with a mixture of agony and defiance.
Anthony could tell that there's anger deep within his enemy's eyes. It was familiar - something being bottled for far too long. But he couldn't help but to pour his heart's out, "I am not my bloodline! I am my own self and the only sinful here is you! "
It was a brief moment; an unexpected haze that passed through Trace's vision. A blurry image of a woman with the same color of his hair; she was standing beside his enemy.
A feeling of longing grazed through Trace's heart. He couldn't remember her face nor her name but he knew that she was the reason for his hatred towards the nymphs. He heard her cries because of them.
He will kill all of them until there's nothing left over their dirty lineage. He'll bathe in their blood until it'll cover his tears.
"I will kill all the nymphs! "
The image of the woman was shaking her head but Trace was blind to care - he charged towards the halfling; decided to draw his blood to satisfy his anger.
And Anthony won't back down even if he's aware he's at an utmost disadvantage. He wouldn't let Aegir and Vin's effort go to waste.
-