The atmosphere inside the carriage shifted violently as Kylian's laughter morphed into a guttural growl. In an instant, he transformed, his body expanding grotesquely until he became a hulking minotaur demon. Towering over them, his fur glistened with an unnatural sheen, and his massive horns curved ominously above a twisted visage. Two colossal axes materialized in his hands, the blades gleaming with dark energy that crackled and hissed as he swung them menacingly.
"We have been ordered to take you alive, elf. However, as you have ruined my quality time…I shall take your head!" Kylian roared, his voice echoing with malice as he charged forward, axes raised high.
"Stay back, Axel!" Meira shouted, instinctively positioning herself in front of the carriage to shield him. Axel didn't budge. He was still in awe at Meira's power. The golden aura around her sword intensified, shimmering with divine light. "Arthur, cover my flank!"
Arthur nodded. He drew his own sword, the blade gleaming under the sparse light. "I'll keep him occupied; you find an opening!"
With a deafening crash, Kylian swung one of his axes down, aiming directly at Meira. She sidestepped gracefully, her wings flaring out to help her maneuver, and struck at his leg with a swift slash. The blade connected, but Kylian barely flinched, his muscles rippling under the impact.
"Is zat all you have?" he taunted, swinging his other axe in a wide arc.
Arthur intervened, rushing in to intercept the blow. He parried the strike, the force reverberating through his body. "Gah…!" he scoffed, feeling the pressure.
Meira took advantage of the distraction. With a stern look, she leaped into the air, her wings propelling her upwards. She aimed for Kylian's horns, swinging her sword down in a powerful arc. Kylian roared in frustration, ducking just in time to avoid the strike, but the sheer force of her swing sent a shockwave that staggered him back. "That much power in such a feeble sword?" he growled, adjusting his stance as he faced both of them.
"She's not the only one!" Arthur replied, slashing at Kylian's legs, trying to bring him down. The demon twisted, blocking the attack with one of his axes. The clashing sound rang through the air as sparks flew.
Kylian charged forward again, swinging both axes in a flurry of strikes, forcing Meira and Arthur to backpedal to avoid the lethal blades. Meira used her agility to dart around Kylian, searching for an opening. "Now!" she shouted as she spotted a momentary gap in Kylian's defense. With precision, Arthur lunged, aiming for Kylian's side. The demon intervened, his axe barely missing Arthur's shoulder as he rolled away. "He's too fast!" Arthur gasped, regaining his footing.
"Just keep him busy!" Meira urged, her wings flapping powerfully as she soared above Kylian's head. She landed behind him, slashing at his back with renewed vigor. Kylian roared, spinning around to face her, but Arthur seized the opportunity. He charged forward, landing a solid stab into Kylian's thigh with a precise thrust The demon stumbled, and Meira pressed the attack, driving her blade towards his heart.
But Kylian, in a desperate move, raised both axes above his head, slamming them down between them. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, knocking Meira and Arthur off their feet.
"Get up!" Meira yelled, pushing herself back to her feet, determination blazing in her golden eyes. Arthur was already up, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
Kylian, now enraged, bellowed, "You dare challenge a demon of my stature? I vill not die so easily!!"
Meira spread her wings wide, the light surrounding her intensifying. Arthur stood beside her, his dark blood covered sword glistening against Meira's light. Their eyes locked in mutual understanding. Together, they charged forward, approaching Kylian on both sides. Kylian swung wildly, but the two were in sync, dodging and weaving as they pushed forward. Meira unleashed a fierce overhead strike while Arthur aimed for Kylian's axes, forcing him to stagger back under the relentless onslaught.
With one final coordinated attack, they struck simultaneously. Meira's sword glowed with golden energy, cutting through the air, while Arthur's sword came crashing down. The combined force connected, and Kylian let out a bone-chilling roar, his body succumbing to their united assault.
But just as it seemed he might gain the upper hand, Meira saw her opportunity. "You will never hurt my child again!" she cried, and with that, she unleashed her beam of light—a brilliant, blinding ray that shot toward Kylian. Axel watched the attack with wide eyes. "She's had that much power inside her the whole time?!"
The light struck him square in the chest. Kylian broke into a pained shriek as the divine energy enveloped him, illuminating the battlefield. "ARRGHHH…YOU…." He yelled.
Meira stood tall, her wings spread wide as the beam intensified, the glow radiating like the sun. She looked down on him from above, With a final burst of power, the beam consumed the demon, disintegrating him in a cascade of brilliant light. Kylian's form shattered into countless shards, dissolving into the ether as his anguished cry faded into silence.
As the brilliant light faded and the echoes of battle dissipated, Meira rushed into the carriage, her heart pounding with anxiety. When she spotted Axel, who was now free from Kylian's magical trap, relief flooded through her. Without a second thought, she enveloped him in a tight embrace, her wings wrapping around them both like a protective cocoon. She pushed him into her grip, forcing his face into her cleavage.
"Oh, Axel!" she cried, her voice trembling with emotion. "I was so worried! Are you okay?"
Axel, still processing everything, blinked up at her, his usual bravado diminished in the face of her concern. "I'm good." Axel stammered, "Now let me go, I can't breathe." He would say this, but being in her glow was rather calming. All he could feel was the softness of her body against his, the way her golden aura made him feel safe.
Meira pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, her own shimmering with unshed tears. "Promise me you'll be more careful. I can't bear the thought of losing you," she said, her tone fierce yet tender.
"Y-yeah..." Axel responded.
Arthur leaned against the doorway, watching the scene unfold with a smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like you've got an angel watching over you, Axel," he teased, his voice playful. "Just don't let it go to your head."
Axel shot Arthur with an annoyed glare. "Shut up." he replied.
Meira's grip on Axel tightened again as she wiped away the tears that had begun to spill down her cheeks. "I'm just glad you're safe!" she sniffled, "I'm so sorry Axel! I'm never leaving you by yourself again!"
Seeing her teary face, he just couldn't help keeping up his act. He thought back to when they had met, and the curse Sofia had put on them. Time and time again he had been a nuisance, but Meira was always calm with him. He realized that, in his new powerless state, she was the only one he could rely on. Even though she wasn't perfect, she was doing her best to make sure Sofia's spell doesn't kill them both. What's the point of trying to avoid her in the first place?
He sighed and looked away with a blush. "Listen Mama, I wouldn't be here if…" Axel huffed, though a hint of a smile broke through. "...If it wasn't for you. Thanks." Meira gave him an even tighter hug after she heard this, making sure he never left his grasp ever again.
Arthur stepped forward and placed his hand on Meira's shoulder. "The battle's not over yet, there are still a few dark skeleton knights to take care of."
With a nod, Meira released Axel and stood tall, her wings folding elegantly behind her as she grabbed Axle's small hand. As he followed her, Axel looked back at the dusty remains of Kylian and sighed. "Rest in pieces…"