The Dragoon tilted her head in confusion before figuring out what to do and summoned up her scythe. It was only then that she noticed her scythe had changed forms because of how her soul was starting to merge with the Brine King's essence.
The scythe was teeming with mist as the blade now had a shine of aquamarine. The skeleton still stayed the same but the entire weapon felt lighter with an easier grip.
The Dragoon moved the blade down, noticing that it made a trail of mist and aquamarine Elemental Energy. However, the results were much different as she channeled her powers to fruition.
The aquamarine was fully pushed out to allow her normal blue Elemental Energy to surround the weapon. But what was the most impressive was the change in the dress Teemo had made.
The wave pattern on the dress was moving and had been highlighted with blue sparkles. She then moved about, resulting in the waves to 'pop out' from the skirt.
"How did you manage to do the wave thingy?" asked the Loplin, raising an eyebrow at the cat.
"Using the Water Ores that were harvested. The process of turning those geodes isn't too difficult so I had no problem doing that..."
"I thought you would focus on getting materials to be strengthened to its maximum potential?"
"I am... The waves aren't there just for show... It's to help store any excess Elemental Energy Layla puts out by accident. Like a little pouch on her. Most importantly is that she can use it as a last ditch effort to perform a final spell if need be. Also, as you put more water in 'em, the wave pattern can climb up the dress."
"Impressive..."
"With that said, is everyone ready?"
The Ankou clapped his hands before making the same gesture to teleport the group to their battlefield.
"I hope that we aren't too late..." said Layla as she closed her eyes.
After a single Tock, the group found themselves slipping on a greyish ground. As they all recovered, Teemo was the first reel back in horror at the state of the once beautiful place of Elemental Ores.
The cave was no longer like before; the once fruitful Ores and sparkles were now poisoned and dull. Fog coated the place, making it harder for the group to see. The stench of death was all too potent, reminding the Grim Reaper about his job and home.
"I never thought that she would deal so much damage just to get to her final form..." noted the Ankou, worriedly.
"Yes... And it would definitely be detrimental if we would allow to come up to civilization..." said the Felidae.
"Wait... If Arakaali can do such a substantial amount of damage, then how about the Mother of Decay? Wouldn't she do way worse than this?" asked the Dragoon as fear was wrapped around her tongue.
"Yes... So we'd better get this over and done with. At least the Mother of Decay won't have a bunch of minions helping her..."
Teemo halted in his tracks, causing everyone behind him to bump into each other.
"Hey! What gives?!" yelled the Loplin.
"Have you not noticed? We've been speaking about her followers and the missing Tenguis for the whole night and we hadn't realized this?" quizzed the Felidae, rather slowly.
"Realised what?"
"That there were no other beings around her? Or at least some bodyguards other than that single Tenguis?"
"Maybe it was because she attacked alone and the followers are back at the Temple?"
"No... Because no Goddess would strike alone without some of her handmaidens around. She isn't a warrior nor she was ever built for it. The cat's right; where are her Temple girls?" questioned the Brine King, who had randomly switched with Layla.
"Why isn't Layla talking?" quizzed the rabbit.
The group then looked at each other before the Ankou quickly used his scythe to disperse the fog with one giant swing of his arm. As the must cleared, Layla within her mind started to convulse and fall onto her knees.
"Is that why you switched? You knew the truth, didn't you? You knew that she would have to look at those things so you switched at the last Tock. How brave of you," spat Matt as he glared at the Brine King.
"It's not as if I wanted her to see or that I'm doing this on purpose! The girl is still young and has yet to understand the great lengths some would do when they are blinded by a curse..." argued the Brine King as he tried to move forward but had his legs frozen.
"No... I need to see this... Because I need to know if they are still alive..." demanded the poor girl, trying her best to seize control again.