Iron rushed forward with blinding speed, his massive sword blazing with dark energy as he slammed it down toward Eleo. The ground cracked beneath the force of the strike, sending a shockwave rippling outward. Eleo leaped high into the air, barely avoiding the devastating blow.
The ground erupted with hellfire, demonic flames bursting from the cracks and roaring toward Eleo. He yelped, narrowly dodging the searing inferno with a clumsy dash. He landed on the ground, rolling awkwardly before flopping flat.
Iron stood amidst the flames, his crimson eyes glowing ominously. "Impressive. You managed to avoid my Hellfire," he said, his deep voice laced with contempt.
Eleo sat up, patting his singed fur. "Yeah, but it almost got me!"
Lilith, standing off to the side, shouted desperately, "Iron! Please don't kill him! I told you, he didn't kidnap me!"
Iron ignored her plea, pointing his massive sword at Eleo. "There's no need to lie, Princess Lilith. This whelp has chosen death."
Eleo stood, brushing off the dirt and grinning. "Finally, a real challenge! I've been waiting for this."
Lilith stared at him in disbelief, her thoughts racing. What is he talking about? There's no way he can beat Iron… he's too strong!
Eleo closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, before yelling, "INK BARRAGE!"
Suddenly, his fists blurred as he unleashed a flurry of punches, each one leaving streaks of inky black energy in their wake. The ink projectiles shot toward Iron in rapid succession.
Iron raised his sword and blocked the attacks, the clang of metal ringing out as he deflected strike after strike. A few punches slipped past his guard, striking his armor and leaving dark smudges.
When Eleo stopped, he was panting but grinning. "How's that? Not bad, right?"
Lilith stared in shock. "E-Eleo, what was that?!"
He flashed her a toothy smile. "That's my ability: Ink! Pretty cool, huh?"
Iron tilted his head slightly, his tone still cold but laced with intrigue. "You managed to land a hit. I'll admit, I'm impressed."
Without warning, Iron vanished, teleporting in a blur of dark energy. He reappeared directly in front of Eleo and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach, sending him flying backward.
Eleo crashed into the ground, bouncing twice before skidding to a stop. He groaned, clutching his side. "Wow… he's strong."
Before Eleo could recover, Iron teleported again, appearing behind him. With another swift kick, he launched Eleo high into the air.
"Stay down, pest," Iron muttered, teleporting above Eleo in midair. He delivered a brutal kick downward, sending Eleo hurtling back toward the ground like a meteor.
The impact created a small crater, dust and debris flying everywhere. Eleo coughed, trying to push himself up. "Man… this guy's no joke," he said, laughing through the pain.
Iron descended gracefully, landing a few feet away. With a flick of his wrist, fiery chains erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around Eleo's limbs and pinning him to the spot.
Iron raised his sword high, its blade glowing with hellish energy. "This is the end. You shall die by my blade."
Lilith's heart raced as she watched the scene unfold. When Iron's sword began its descent, she acted on instinct, sprinting forward and throwing herself in front of Eleo.
"STOP!" she screamed, spreading her arms wide.
Iron froze, his blade inches from her face. His crimson eyes flickered with confusion. "Princess? What are you doing?"
Lilith glared at him, her voice shaking with anger. "I told you, he didn't kidnap me! And you're not killing him!"
"But—" Iron began, only for Lilith to cut him off.
"I don't care what you think! He saved me, and he's… he's different from everyone else!" She glanced back at Eleo, who was grinning despite the chains. "So back off!"
Iron hesitated, lowering his sword slightly. "As you wish, Princess," he said reluctantly, though his eyes remained locked on Eleo with suspicion.
Lilith quickly knelt beside Eleo, snapping the chains with a small burst of her own demonic energy. "You idiot," she muttered, helping him sit up. "Why didn't you just tell him the truth?"
Eleo rubbed the back of his head, still grinning. "Because I wanted to see how strong he was. And, wow, he's really strong!"
Lilith sighed, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable…"
Eleo got to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes, and confidently walked toward Iron. With a big grin, he extended his hand for a handshake. "Thanks for the battle, Mr. Iron. You're really strong!"
Iron stared at Eleo's hand, his glowing red eyes narrowing behind his helmet. "You wish to shake hands with me… even though I was about to kill you?"
Eleo nodded eagerly. "Yup! You fought me fair and square, and I respect that. No hard feelings!"
Iron hesitated for a moment, then reached out and clasped Eleo's hand firmly. "You are… strange, bunny," he muttered, his tone softer. He suddenly dropped to one knee, bowing his head. "Please forgive me. I thought you had kidnapped Princess Lilith. I acted rashly."
Eleo laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Don't worry about it! Honestly, I just wanted to fight someone as strong as you. It was fun!"
Lilith rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Unbelievable… Only you would think getting your butt kicked was 'fun.'" She turned to Iron. "Iron, do you think you can create a boat for this idiot?"
Iron straightened, his imposing figure towering over them again. "You wish to travel with him?"
Lilith quickly shook her head, her face turning slightly red. "N-No! Of course not. I can't! My mom and dad would never allow it—they don't want me going on adventures."
Eleo patted her shoulder reassuringly. "It's fine, Lilith. I get it. You've got responsibilities. Thanks for helping me out, though!"
Lilith looked at him, her expression softening slightly, though she quickly turned away to hide it.
Iron nodded. "Very well. I shall make a boat."
The three of them walked toward the shore, the golden sand crunching under their feet. The sunlight reflected off the water, casting a serene glow over the scene. Iron stopped at the water's edge and raised his hand. A dark aura surrounded him, and with a rumble, a sturdy wooden boat emerged from the depths of the sea.
Eleo's face lit up like a child's on their birthday. "Whoa! Look at that! It's amazing!" He ran up to the boat, rubbing its side like it was a precious treasure. "I got a boat! Thanks, Mr. Iron!"
Iron gave a slight bow. "Sir Bunny, your gratitude is unnecessary. Princess Lilith, your father has words for you."
Lilith sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Of course he does…"
Iron waved his hand, creating a swirling dark portal beside him. He turned to Eleo and gave a formal salute. "Goodbye, Sir Bunny. I wish you success on your journey."
Eleo grinned and waved back enthusiastically. "Goodbye, Mr. Iron! Thanks for everything!"
Iron stepped into the portal and disappeared, leaving Eleo and Lilith alone on the shore.
Lilith hesitated, staring at the portal before turning back to Eleo. Her voice wavered slightly. "I… I can't believe I'm saying this, but… I'll miss you, Eleo."
Eleo tilted his head, surprised. "You will?"
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're funny, Eleo. Don't let it go to your head."
As she stepped toward the portal, she paused, clenching her fists. "Oh, screw it," she muttered.
Before Eleo could react, she turned, walked up to him, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
Eleo froze, his cheeks flushing as Lilith quickly spun around and ran into the portal. "Goodbye, Eleo!" she called out before vanishing.
Eleo stood there, blinking in confusion. Then a big goofy smile spread across his face. "Well… that was unexpected," he said, touching his cheek.
With renewed energy, he hopped onto the boat, gazing out at the horizon. "Alright, time to set sail and find my next adventure!"
As Eleo hopped into his little boat and began to row, he grinned at the open sea. "Alright, here we go! Adventure awaits!" He dipped the oars into the water and began humming before breaking out into a self-made tune:
🎵 "Row, row, row my boat,
To the next big fight!
Punch a knight, kick some bad guys,
It's gonna be a delight!" 🎵
The sun shone brightly overhead, and the water sparkled like crystals. Eleo squinted against the light, still belting out his tune.
🎵 "I'm a bunny on a mission,
Strongest in the sea!
If you try to mess with me,
You'll meet my fists of INK-STREME!" 🎵
As the day turned into evening, the sky faded to soft pinks and oranges. Eleo kept rowing, his arms starting to feel the burn, but his goofy enthusiasm didn't wane.
🎵 "Row, row, row my boat,
The sun is setting fast!
Hope I find an inn or two,
And food that's built to last!" 🎵
The cheerful scene transitioned into a chilly, starry night. The waves became calm, reflecting the shimmering moonlight. Eleo shivered slightly, his breath visible in the cool air.
🎵 "Ooooo, it's kinda cold out here,
But I'm the strongest bunny,
Fur might not keep the frost away,
But at least my song's still funny!" 🎵
Suddenly, a drizzle began to fall. Eleo's ears twitched as raindrops pattered onto his boat. He looked up with a groan.
🎵 "Oh no, it's starting to rain,
And I forgot my coat!
But don't you worry, 'cause I'm tough,
I'll power through on this boat!" 🎵
The drizzle turned into a heavy downpour. Eleo shielded his face with one hand while rowing with the other, his determination unwavering. Lightning lit up the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.
🎵 "Row, row, row my boat,
This storm's really scary!
If I meet a sea monster,
I'll make its vision blurry!" 🎵
The waves tossed the little boat as Eleo held on for dear life, still stubbornly rowing and singing through the chaos.
🎵 "I'm the Bunny Kid of legend,
No storm can stop me now!
Even if I get thrown overboard,
I'll swim 'til I take my bow!" 🎵
Hours passed, and the storm finally gave way to a calm, misty morning. Eleo's fur was soaked, his ears drooped, and his arms ached, but his spirit remained intact.
🎵 "The night was long and dreary,
But I've made it out alive!
The sea can throw its worst at me,
And still, I'll thrive, thrive, thrive!" 🎵
Finally, as the sun rose high, Eleo saw the silhouette of an island in the distance. His eyes widened with excitement, and he began rowing with all his might.
🎵 "Row, row, row my boat,
Adventure's just ahead!
Hope I find some food to eat,
Or I might drop down dead!" 🎵
As the boat gently bumped against the sandy shore, Eleo hopped out and stretched, groaning dramatically. "Finally made it! Whoo, that was a journey!"
He looked around at the lush island, the sound of tropical birds filling the air. With his trademark grin, Eleo clenched his fists. "Alright, time to explore and see what this island has to offer!"