Zephyr could not be appeased, stood like a rock as he gazed at Nyx, who offered no refuge. His eyes had that wild look of an excitement bursting over with unspoken promise. Energy seemed to crackle about him, the fiery tension of what was soon to come. Nyx had this otherworldly air of serenity surrounding her, radiating unyielding confidence; it seemed like this confidence stretched across the battlefield, a soothing tide yet powerful.
"Well, well," Nyx began with a teasing lilt, a smirk mischievous. "If it isn't the illustrious Hero of Valoira. What's got you so riled up, Zephyr? You look like you might just explode from sheer excitement."
And Zephyr's smile spread even further, unbridled enthusiasm flashing across his face. "How could I not? You alone contest my self with its proper form; with you, one has no space for any reserve-at pure, unfiltered power."
Nyx snorted softly. The tone was tinged with softness, affection, and a competitive urge. "You're right. You're the only person I trust to give me a real fight. That doesn't mean I'm going to let you slide, though."
Their repartee was the dance of a rivalry born in countless battles, but as they shifted into stance, the air thickened with tension and expectation. That much was understood: this was no sparring match.
Zephyr steps first, his speed breathtaking. He covers the distance in a blink of an eye; his fist releases itself in a drive towards Nyx with relentless force. The impact shakes the ground that crumbles beneath her as blades of earth fly into the air. Nyx counters with practiced grace, sliding back, absorbing the blow, to create a chain of glowing magic circles shimmering with radiant power.
Out of these circles, lances of ice burst forth in a deadly barrage; every lance was sharp and precise. Zephyr's eyes scanned for cover, but the battlefield offered none. Gritting his teeth, he drew his holy sword, determination coursing through his veins. "I can't retreat," he muttered as he braced himself against the lances raining down.
The air grew cold enough to freeze as he defended each icy projectile; movements now solely driven by willpower. Sweat dripped from his brow, and the muscles on his back strained against the relentless assault. A mighty swing deflected a lance that grazed Nyx's cheek, leaving a thin line of crimson.
Nyx's fingers brushed against the cut, bringing blood which stood distinctly against her pale skin. She cocked an eyebrow, and anger flickered in her eyes for a second before transforming into a playful smirk. "Finally taking this seriously, are we?"
"More than you know," Zephyr said flatly, his hand on the grip of his sword tightening. There was a sudden rush of power flowing through him as he began to chant, invoking the ancient magic that lay within the blade. A light divine enveloped him, and raw energy vibrated the air as the ground shook beneath his feet.
She gaped, but locked that back into a grimace. "About time. I was starting to think you were holding out on me."
As if the battle itself was holding its breath, the two sides of soldiers froze, mesmerized by the collision. Nyx called forth her remaining ice lances. Each was larger and deadlier than the one before, and she released them in a killing shot.
Zephyr readyed himself for battle. A sword blade of holy strength blazed brighter as it cut accurately through the lances; shards of ice flew off like snowflakes. "Is this really the Sage of Arcanan I've heard so much about?" he sneered, grinning from ear to ear. "Come on, granny! Fetch out the real one—I didn't sign up to fight a granny!
Nyx's face colored red with rage. Her aura suddenly sprang to life, rippling across the battlefield. "Old lady?" she spat, venom coating her voice. "You're going to regret that, Hero."
She started chanting and her hands glowing strong, laying this gigantic magic circle around her. Runes began dancing filled with energetic air; Zephyr watched her carefully, every part of his body taut as a bow.
As Nyx completed her spell, Zephyr leaped up into the air, sword held high. With a crushing blow, he brought it crashing down upon the earth, making shock waves shudder through the battlefield. Nyx teleported to one side at the last instant and avoided the strike, but the impact sent debris flying and soldiers scattering.
He came at Nyx from behind, unleashing a wave of flame that scorched the air with heat. Zephyr drew his sword and cut sharply to send the flames back with a burst of divine energy.
"Thanks for the warm-up," Zephyr quipped, his armor faintly glowing from the flames.
Nyx snarled, hurling her hands up into the air. An orb of elemental energy began to coalesce around her, crackling with lightning, roaring with fire, and shimmering with ice. Tendrils of darkness curled around it, the sheer power making earth tremble.
"Now watch you get on with this!" she exclaimed, firing the orb with crackling accuracy.
Zephyr readied himself to go head first into the assault. The barrage of light and turmoil surrounded him and then was suddenly silent.
The dust settled, and Zephyr came out, broken but unbent, heavily leaning on his sword. His breathing was heavy, but in his eyes was a burning sense of defiance. Across the battlefield, Elira fought her way towards him, her heart clenching at the sight of his injuries.
"You've done enough," she said, holding him upright quietly as he sagged over her. "I'll take it from here."
Zephyr smiled weakly. "Don't let them take my sword," he whispered before he fainted.
Elira stood, her determination growing as she faced the enemy who was coming towards her. With this shining blade, she vowed to defend Zephyr and bring the current campaign to its end.