Hissing, with its eyes like burning rubies, my latest opponent slithered itself towards me. Its ominous presence formed a dark hood over it.
As it neared, I could smell the venomous vibes. Another of Yasu's creations. I turned back to look for a better spot to tackle the new threat but the serpent swiftly slid over and cut off my retreat.
As I folded my fingers to form a spell, the serpent lurched forward and in a single hiss, spit venom. Try as I might to avoid the malicious load, a small drip fell on my pants.
Wasting no time, I pulled out my amulets from my pocket. My inventory is running low - I counted only five. This meager amount will have to do.
I scribbled the words 斗 on it and threw them into the air.
"Armies to my assistance - Guntai ga watashi o tasukete kureru"
Instantly, a shield formed in front of me. I raised it with my palms and gripped it. Summoning my strength, I dashed towards the serpent and hit its face repeatedly.
However, the serpent was undeterred and tried to find a space to retaliate. I enlarged the shield to deny it any opportunity to attack me.
I leapt over it but it bit my shoe and threw me back on the ground. I steadied my stand and then formed a sword formation with my fingers
"Forces of the four directions, I command you - Guntai ga watashi o tasukete kureru."
As I spoke, a wind began to pick up and swept the leaves into a mess.
Gradually a column of air was raised in front of me.
"Go!" I cried, stabbing my sword fingers into the air. Instantly, the column of air flew at the serpent hitting it hard on the head. It recoiled momentarily but was soon ready to strike again.
I checked around for available tools I could use and caught sight of the bin and trees. There were also a couple of bicycles near me. I decided on the tree and focused on it, raising my sword fingers at it. An orb of energy formed between the hands.
"Ken - sword." Within seconds a branch broke off and flew into my energy orbit. With a focus, I concentrated my powers and brought the branch onto the serpent's head.
The creature resisted but I firmed my fingers and pushed forth. Instantly, it pinned the reptile to the ground. I held my sword fingers as it serpent struggled to break free.
Every turn and twist to break free translated into knocks on my hands. I felt my energy
However, I was not giving it any chances. In one huff, I cried
"Aku o horobosu - break all evil."
The branch dived deeper and cracked the head of the serpent. In a split of a second, the entire reptile trembled, first with the head and then followed by the body, it disintegrated into smithereens of crystals which then vaporized into the air.
"Magic! Despicable magic used to hurt people!" I complained as I looked around for Yasu. He was nowhere in sight and I have no clue where Kelly is!
By now, the street was filled with wreckage - broken wood branches, fallen leaves and overturned dustbins with their contents spilled over.
I realized I had to leave quickly. The chaos would attract the nearby residents who definitely would alert the police. I did not want to be seen as the vandal.
As I turned to my car, I had to limp walk back. There seems to be a swell on my right ankle which came from one of the abrupt landings I had to make to avoid the bats.
I had underestimated Yasu. The power of his force has indeed deepened. However, I had also detected an unfathomable element in his craft which I cannot explained.
The Dark Robes sect of which he belonged to was a splinter group that deployed the craft of onmyodoe for their own selfish purposes. They are disciplined and over the centuries developed their own craft and magic.
However, there was something different in Yasu today that bugged me.
I was feeling uncomfortable that he had beaten me with the element of surprise. On another day, with adequate preparation, I will beat him easily.
For tonight, grudgingly, I had to admit - he is the better opponent.
As I reached my car, I remained perturbed at Kelly's disappearance. I may have to quickly find Yasu in order to track down Kelly.
Suddenly, I heard sounds of clapping. I was stunned.
Another trap? Another of Yasu's cliques?
I stopped in my steps. I raised my fingers and I turned around warily.
I scanned the environment for the source of clapping, half-hoping it will be Kelly but instead I spotted a figure at the bus stop just across the street.