Deep in the verdant woods of casteroll a loud boom sounds which can be heard for miles away, scaring away many of the small animals in the area. Found in a recently destroyed clearing covered in large creators in the ground and a few broken trees was Totara who's hair now had a single streak of orange in it and looking at his hand that was covered in a glowing flowing orange aura.
"Finally, I'm able to bring this power out once more" He thought, staring at the strange power he awoke during his and his friends' fight with the strange beast. The strange power seems to enhance his moves and abilities.
"Tho… it is not as strong as it was back then?"
"Eh it's whatever, it will probably get stronger the more i use it" he said aloud. sighing , he released hold of the power and started to head back towards the town, deciding it was getting a bit late. The air flew past him as he took off with a light jog.
Once he got outside the forest he looked upon the small town only to see smoke rising. Frowning, he decided to check it out, as he entered the town limits he heard a roar, his eyes widened and fist clenched and he took off into a dead sprint towards where the sound came from all the while calling upon the power once more.
" I should really think of a name for it" he thought absentmindedly. Refocusing once more he finally arrived at the area of the conflict and laid his eyes on the monster that was causing this raucous, glancing around he saw destroyed buildings and burning carts all scattered around but nobody's which lessened some of the tension in his body. Continuing to look around, his eyes landed on Ashley who is on the scene and raining fire arrows and javelins on the beast.
"ASHLEY" he shouted while running towards the beast due to all the noise and space between the two of them.
"TOTARA?" Ashley responds in shock before barely dodging Boegil's attempted attack before looking at her friend.
"KEEP IT BUSY AND I'LL END IT WITH ONE SHOT OK?"
"GOT IT"
The beast yelled in anger once more before viciously swinging its large hands and Ashley once more. Only for her to once more dodge and unleash a flurry of fire arrows at the beast which it used its arm to block.
Smirking Ashley then rushed in and with her full strength while being still injured with a flaming boxing glove covered fist punch the beast in the stomach standing it into the air.
Totara smirked and jumped meeting the creature at the apex of its accent, his hand now covered in the same orange aura as before. With a loud shout.
" SAGE ART OF THE JADE DRAGON: DRAGON'S CLAW"
His enhanced fist slammed into the beast burning it somewhat making it cry out in pain. and shot it back down to the ground where it stayed.
Landing on the ground he could not help but smile at his handy work, looking cross at Ashley he gave her a thumbs up which she responded with a laugh.
Before they could do any, the creature started to rise only for a large spike pillar of ice to stab right through it followed by a large green fireball to slam down upon it breaking the ice pillar, finally killing the creature.
Looking at where they heard footsteps coming from, Totara and Ashley saw Akira and the young half elf only known to Ashley and now Akira keeskey walking towards them carrying bags in their arms.
"Nice work you two me and the little miss here hardly had to do anything" Akira said with a small smile.
"Yha you guys were awesome!" said the young half elf mostly looking at Ash with stars in her eyes while holding he wand tightly.
"Thanks Keeskey. That was an amazing use for fire magic right there" Ashley said with a small but warm smile as she walked up to the young girl. Who was now preening at the praise she got for the older elf.
"Where have you been?" Totara asked Akira while looking at the now downed creature.
"Eh, got caught up doing some stuff then ran into the kid" Akira said, also looking at the beast.
"Any clues how this thing could have been released ?"
"If I knew that Totara we would not be talking right now would we?"
".... Fair enough" Totara sighed before looking at his old friend.
"Don't worry man I'm sure it was just a coincidence you know?" He said with a jovial smile trying to ease his friend.
"Hmmm" Akira said before turning away. Something was wrong here and he was going to find it out.
Sighing Akira walked away, all the while Totara looked at his friends retreating back with a small grimace. Sighing himself he looked away and rested his eyes on the two elves entrapped in their own little world.
Letting off a small chuckle he turned to follow his old friend leaving the two to their own.
Back at the tavern…
"So, how are you feeling Ashley? Do any of your injuries still hurt." Totara asked while looking at the girl with a raised eyebrow, which caught Akira's attention as he discreetly looked at the elf.
"I'm fine, my healing factor patched me up good. Honestly I'm the one who should be asking if either of the two of you are ok."
"Eh, I'll live a few scares here and there but ok otherwise."
Both eyes went to their third team member at the table who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
"I'm… Fine, the nurses the old man had looked at us did a good job." Akira said, looking away and taking a swig of his drink.
Ashley gigged a bit at Akira's awkwardness and Totara smiled. Honestly his friend is all over the place sometimes.
" Ok then since we are all healed and full of supplies… I saw we head out tomorrow afternoon" Totara suggested taking his own sip of his drink while looking at his friends' contemplative faces.
"I see no reason why we should not," Akira concluded with a sigh.
They both turn their faces to look at Ashley who seemed to be in deep thought.
"Hmmmm… can I make a request?" She asked, looking at the two. Looking at each other, Akira and Totara turned back to face her and nodded.
Taking a deep breath she looked at the two of them.
"I want to bring Keeskey with us." She said her voice form and determination burning in her eyes.
Akira went to say something but stopped and sighed before looking at to Totara waiting on his answer first.
"..... I Don't see why not…. Just know she is your responsibility" Totara said while looking at his drink.
"I think it is a bad Idea" Akira said looking Ashley dead in the eyes.
"If you're worried about her protection. I am sure we are enough" Ashley said looking at Akira as if daring him to say something else.
"It is not her protection I am worried about, It's the morality of it all. Are you sure you're ok with bringing a child with us ? What about her family?" Akira asked, looking at Ashley coolly but a hit of irritation can be heard in his voice.
"She's an orphan… And as I said before I am sure we can protect her. Also she is not a child she's 14" Ashley said her arms now folded and staring down Akira.
Neither said anything for a while before Akira relented. Ashley Smile was so bright It was as if a miniature sun was made.
Chuckling Totara stretched got up making the other two look at him.
"With that I think it is time we head to bed don't you guys think?" he asked.
"It is pretty late," Akira said, also rising from his seat.
"You guys go ahead I have to go tell my little apprentice the good news" Ashley responded.
"Got it" Totara said, smiling as Ashley walked away.
"Wlep it is just you and me buddy"
"..."
Totara looked to his right only to see Akira halfway up the stairs already. Chuckling he hurried after him.
"Tomorrow is going to be a long day"