> Narrator PoV <

“All done, Kira. That should last you for a while.” (Ellie)

Ellie had finished sharing a significant portion of her mana with Kira. 

“Thanks… beautiful… Now go… save our baby… save your wifey…” (Kira)

“Of course! As if I’d let anything take either of you from me!” (Ellie)

“Heee… heee… Ellie has… become… quite selfish…” (Kira)

“I learned from the best.” (Ellie) 

Ellie leaned in and shared a light kiss with her bedridden wife. She then got up and dutifully left to fulfill her mission. Nobody knew how long it would take. It could be an hour or it could be days. It all depended on the luck of the draw, so she needed to ration her remaining mana for Kira’s sake.

And the first draw was no good. Draglael had led them to Skittles’s position - a super-sized Monster Hole. 

Hundreds of skeletons, Frost Wolves, Ice Trolls and spider-shaped Figments made of ice. Four types of enemies were gathered in one massive horde which surrounded the entrance to an icy cave. More were undoubtedly inside. What made things particularly troublesome, however, were the 21 Northern Rocs flying around the place. 

Normally all these disparate monsters would be at each other’s throats. Ice Trolls normally didn’t even get along with others of their species, let alone undead, wolves or the golem-like Figments! The fact all these monsters getting along was unquestionable evidence something was manipulating them.

It seemed the first personality they would encounter was Paranoid Yellow - a scaredy-cat that hides herself away and enthralls a large number of monsters to defend herself from some imagined enemy. Well, in this case the enemy was very real. If those guards were defeated and then someone touched the titan’s body directly, the personality would get so scared it would retreat deep into the titan’s shattered mind, allowing another one to surface.

So this first encounter was going to take a while, but it was also straightforward - wipe out the enemy and capture the target. Then they would have to deal with the next personality, and then the next, until they reached Original White. 

As Ellie marched herself off towards the battlefield, she yet again recalled a certain vow. A vow she exchanged with her wife-to-be many months ago. A vow said without words, yet louder than a hundred thunderstorms. 

Until my life runs out.

Until my bones turn to dust.

Until the last ember of my soul fades away.

Nothing will take her away from me.

* * *

The Northern Rocs fancied themselves kings of this frozen wasteland. These giant snow-colored birds of prey had 6 meter long bodies and a wingspan almost twice that. Combined with talons powerful enough to pierce steel plate armor, they were the unquestionable top of the food chain.

The ones gathered here weren’t actually influenced by the currently yellow titan’s presence - that only affected lesser monsters like the ones on the ground. The reason they made nests in this area was that the Ice Trolls and Frost Wolves that gathered here made for easy prey. They were plentiful and filling, even if not particularly tasty.

Today as well, the flock of over twenty Rocs were spending their time idly, enjoying the easy life. They had grown totally complacent. This went double for the leader - the Alpha. It did not even consider that something terrifying could be directly above them. Like, for example, a 2 and a half meter tall humanoid figure falling towards it at high speed.

*CRUNCH*

“KREAOK!” (Alpha Northern Roc)

Zublos landed boots-first onto the back of the biggest Roc in the area, which also happened to be the one flying the highest. The bone-shattering impact seemed to echo in the surroundings. It was a testament to the Alpha’s prowess that it did not immediately start plummeting into the ground. 

KNEEL BEFORE ZUBLOS

That happened moments later, when Zublos swung a gigantic sword as tall as he was like a golf club. It made a deep wound on the Alpha’s back, severing its spine and reaping its life. The powerful wings stopped flapping as the feathery carcass lost momentum and succumbed to gravity.

“You heard the man!” (Kelly)

*CRUNCH*

Before the rest of the flock could react, a second almost identical sound resounded through the air. This was the noise of an intoxicated dwarf-shaped battering ram slamming into a Northern Roc at high speed. Unlike Zublos, Scrappy’s much heavier frame made an impact that killed its victim on the spot.

“Haaah. I don’t know what I expected.” (Ellie)

Ellie sighed in exasperation as she watched her two comrades falling like rocks along with their now-dead quarry.

“I think my little sister isn’t drinking from a full mug, if you know what I’m saying.” (Brand)

“Will they be alright?” (Roel)

Ellie, Brand and Roel were currently riding on Puff, Shull and Fluffles, respectively. They were planning on ambushing the Rocs from above. A plan that was now void thanks to a certain pair of meat-heads. Ellie finally understood why Kira disliked dwarves on principle.

“Kelly can slow her descent and the loudmouth has that idiocy-powered body. They’ll be just fine.” (Ellie)

Until a few moments ago, Zublos was being carried by the shoulders in Puff’s grip, while Kelly was hoisted similarly by Shull. Ellie had gotten the idea from Kelly’s actions during the Calling incident in Ecebis and was planning a simultaneous attack that would take out six flying targets in an instant.

Unfortunately, Zublos had a very weak grasp on the concept of ‘ambush’ and wrestled free from Puff’s talons too early. Kelly, who was already quite drunk from her ‘preparations’ said it seemed like a good idea and followed suit.

“What are your orders, Mistress?” (Ariel)

Ariel was naturally there as well. Her multi-functional magical support and all-terrain mobility made her an extremely reliable ally in any situation.

“Brand and I will keep the Rocs busy. Fluffles will drop Roel off on the ground and then return to base! Ariel, support us as you see fit while maintaining that song of yours.” (Ellie)

It was slightly different from the original plan, but the ambush had already been revealed. Wasting time here would be detrimental.

“Let’s go! Puff!” (Ellie)

“Kwaa!” (Puff)

Puff went into a nosedive, followed by Shull and Fluffles. As the three gryphons and their riders approached the enemy, Ariel started one of her magical songs.

“Aaaha haa haaaaah! Ha haaAAAA ha-ha-hahaaah!” (Ariel) AN: Cue the music?

Her voice carried itself clearly through the cold air. It was the [Song of Courage] that temporary boosted the strength and agility of those she recognized as allies.

By the time that song reached Kelly and Zublos, they were already on the ground with the flood of monsters was trying to overwhelm them. They never stood a chance.

The monsters, that is.

Kelly had hit the ground hard, but luckily the Roc’s body cushioned her fall while her armor absorbed the shock. She was instantly surrounded on all sides with no way out. Not that she needed one. 

“Heeya! Taaaake that! Aaaand this! Ha-yah!” (Kelly)

Scrappy’s arms kept moving ceaselessly while its feet were firmly planted on the icy ground for stability. There were so many enemies around her, that even blind swings hit something. And with every hit, a monster got annihilated. Skeletons and Figments got pummeled into fragments while Ice Trolls became bags of crushed bones and Frost Wolves became piles of mush. 

“Oi, cuntface! Come back here so I can end you! YOU AND ALL YOUR BLOODY MATES! DEERRYAA!” (Kelly)

Obviously her taunts would have no effect on the enthralled monsters. However, she was in the middle of a rampage fueled by alcohol and adrenaline. She was too busy enjoying herself to mind details like that.

“That all you got? My mother hits harder than you!” (Kelly)

Needless to say, none of the attacks she took made so much as a scratch on Scrappy’s impregnable shell. Kelly had become literally knee-deep in monster bits at this point.

OUT OF MY WAY, VERMIN!

While Kelly was doing her best impression of an Immovable Object, Zubols  was doing his own impression an Unstoppable Force. He had hit the ground running and never stopped since. He charged ever onward, his trademark heavy robe fluttering around him, turning him into a red blur. Wherever he appeared, a punch, kick or a swing of his massive sword would leave little behind.

ZUBLOS SHALL GRIND YOU INTO DUST

Today, he was completely a man of his word. His body suffered numerous wounds as he rushed blindly forward. The Figments of Skittles were a particular nuisance. These frozen spiders would shoot out icicles rather than webs. The shards of ice would rain down like arrows, digging deep into Zublos’s flesh.

DIE, INSECT

*CRUNCH*

It did not even slow him down as he trampled over them. Covered in wounds, bleeding profusely, leaving a bloody trail in the snow-covered ground as he ran madly through a sea of enemies. It was hard to tell which side was the monster anymore. 

PUNY WEAKLINGS! FEEL THE WRATH OF ZUBLOS!

The truth of the matter is, his robe was a top-tier magical artifact. It greatly enhanced his body’s already formidable regeneration. It even came with a self-cleaning and self-repair function. Truly a garment worthy of someone who once bore the title of Dark King.

“Well, those guys are already busy. I guess I’d better earn my keep. Appreciate the ride, Fluffles!” (Roel)

“Kwaa~” (Fluffles)

Fluffles gave a dismissive voice. He did not care for Roel at all. He was only here because Ellie, who was like a grandparent to him, had made this request.  After Roel dismounted him, Fluffles was instantly retreated to Lara and Sophie’s side as instructed. It was a precaution just in case one of these Rocs (or something else) got any funny ideas.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Roel leaped boldly into the middle of the fray and immediately got to work. He dashed forward with a sword in each hand, decapitating two trolls in an instant. His rapier-wielding tail struck like a scorpion stinger, stabbing a third troll through its heart. 

He then noticed the golem-like Figments were shooting ice shards upward, likely attacking his comrades overhead.

“Can’t have that! Hut hut hut heyaa!” (Roel)

He decided to make those his primary target. Utilizing a cat-folk warrior’s natural agility, he deftly slipped through the barrage of incoming attacks unscathed, moving through the violent crowd as if he was dancing. His highly trained reflexes and spacial awareness made it seem like attacks were missing him all on their own as he began smashing the spider-like targets apart.

Every movement of his covered his enemy in wounds. Tendons, hearts and joints were targeted with pinpoint accuracy as he made his way through the sea of monsters. This was the true essence of his Formless Flowing Sword - an unceasing barrage of consecutive strikes that drowned his opponents in a sea of stab wounds. A graceful yet gruesome onslaught. 

“------- [High Wind Blade]” (Ariel)

Ariel had moved to support the ground team, sending out invisible vacuum blades to cut apart the defenseless monsters. While a [Sage] was proficient in every major school of magic, they each had their own preference. Ariel’s was wind magic, a rather obvious choice when dealing with a group of soft targets like the wolves and trolls she just sliced neatly in half.

“---- [High Fireball]” (Ariel)

This time she threw a  [Fireball] at a group of Figments that were attempting to shoot her down with their projectiles. It impacted into a group of eight of them, instantly enveloping the lumps of moving ice in flames and melting them down to nothing. 

Roel marvelled at how she managed to cast spells and maintain her [Song of Courage] at the same time. She perfectly timed the gaps in the song with the spell chants that laid waste to the enemy. The odd combination of beautiful tones and magical carnage was a captivating sight that almost stole his breath away. It was a display of magical prowess that made Ellie acknowledge Ariel’s skill as a mage - someone worthy of sharing the same title as Kira. This was one of the highest forms of praise that girl would ever give.

As for the reason Ariel was down here focusing on offense - she simply had nothing better to do than help mop up the fodder on the ground. Scrappy was indestructible, Zublos regenerated by himself and Roel simply didn’t get hit. As per usual, her healing magic did not get a chance to shine. And while she could also assist with the air battle, it seemed that side would easily be the first to finish.

“Look out below!” (Brand)

*KASPLAT*

Roel briskly rolled to the side, barely avoiding the bloodied carcass of a Northern Roc that landed next to him with an unpleasant sound. Brand and Shull were both veteran fighters and this was their third kill of the day. They both had a lot of experience fighting Rocs from Brand’s pre-Legion days. The only concern on their minds was whether they’d be able to bring all of that tender meat back home.

“On our left!” (Brand)

“Kuwaa!” (Shull)

Reacting to Brand’s warning, Shull suddenly surged forward as a massive beak zoomed behind him. Rocs were bigger, tougher and could fly faster than gryphons. However, they were completely outclassed in the agility and brain power departments. Shull immediately gave chase to the Roc he just dodged. Just as it was about to swing around for another charge, he caught up to it and tackled the larger opponent from the side.

“KWAAARG!” (Shull)

“KEEAAAAAAAAA!” (Northern Roc)

Two sets of talons and two sets of claws dug into the Roc’s right flank. The giant bird-like monster shook its body in an attempt to throw Shull off, but the gryphon clung close to him like a leech. The two of them started falling towards the ground while struggling, neither able to flap their wings as needed.

“Good work, partner! HIIYA!” (Brand)

Confirming that Shull was firmly gripping onto the Roc, Brand thrust a spear into it with all his strength. It drove deep into the flesh, causing yells of pain to come out of his helpless prey. Once he was sure he made a good wound, he withdrew it and struck again, repeating the attack a few more times. Shull also assisted by pecking away fiercely with his steel-tipped beak.

“Next!” (Brand)

“Kwa!” (Shull)

Shull detached himself from the now heavily wounded Roc and sought out the next target. The one they just left would either collapse from blood loss or retreat to recover. Regardless of its choice, it was already a win for Shull and Brand. In rare cases it would find the strength to challenge them again, but all that meant was that it would die for sure. Glancing behind him to see it crash magnificently into a cliff made of ice, Brand concluded he had killed his fourth Roc today, along with the two he already forced to retreat.

Two of the 21 Rocs were taken out by Kelly and Zublos. Six more were downed by Brand and Shull. One was sliced cleanly in half by Ariel. That means there were 12 more unaccounted for. Looking around him, however, he only spotted three more still in the air. Brand hated to admit it, but Ellie and Puff made a much scarier combination than he and Shull could ever be. 

While Puff lacked the experience to cling onto bigger enemies like Shull did, it simply wasn’t necessary. He would fly next to the cold-adapted birds and introduce them to the miracle of fire. At least three of the Northern Rocs were felled by his flames alone while two more were forced to dive into the snow to put out the flames. 

They then met a red blur that screamed something about WHO DARES CHALLENGE THE MIGHTY ZUBLOS while it cut the still flaming bird into ribbons. All that was left in the blur’s wake was a jumbo-sized serving of grilled Roc Salad. Truly a dish made by a masterful chef!

Last, but by no means least was Ellie. This girl blew an Elder Dragon out of the sky. Something like Rocs stood no chance against her. Some would argue she didn’t even need a gryphon. 

She stood up on Puff’s back like he was a flying carpet and took aim at a passing Roc.

*Fwump* *Stab* *Vrrrr*

With practiced ease, she latched onto the flying target’s neck with her grapple hook and reeled herself in. 

*SHWING*

Using her momentum to add force behind her sword strike she cleaved right through flesh and bone. The Roc in question was nearly beheaded as she zoomed past it. In the mean time, Puff flew under her and effortlessly caught her on his back. Gingerly strapping herself in place, Ellie spoke to her eye in the sky.

“Nano, status report.” (Ellie)

{Two more Rocs left. No, make that one, Brand has the other. They’re still busy on the ground, but about 80% of the horde has been wiped out.}

Noticing the final Roc beating a hasty retreat, Ellie decided it would not be allowed to live. Loose ends like that always come back to bite you in the ass. However, Rocs could fly faster than most gryphons. While Puff was clearly able to catch up, it would take too much time. So Ellie idly reached down to her left hip and unholstered the second birthday gift she gave her wife - the PLR-45 Sidearm. It already claimed the lives of two unfortunate birds, so one more would not make much of a difference.

“Puff, firing stance.” (Ellie)

“Kwaa!” (Puff)

Puff went into a glide to avoid shaking his body and disturbing Ellie while she lined up the shot. She clicked a button on the side of the firearm with her thumb.

*Zuuu zuuu zu zuzuzuzurrrrrr*

It made a spooling noise as it super-charged the next shot over several seconds. Noting the 'Fully-charged' indicator, Ellie kept her target in her sights and gently squeezed the trigger.

*PACHEWW*

The sidearm kicked back fiercely as it discharged a pale blue plasma bolt at a speed approaching Mach-4. It accurately struck the Roc-turned-chicken right in the exhaust port, melting a hole all the way through its body and exiting through its head.

*Beepbeepbeepbeepbeep*

A warning noise came out as a small red light flashed just above the handle of the plasma gun, signifying its heat sink had been filled to capacity. Ellie pulled back the barrel of the side arm with her free hand, which revealed the normally hidden heat vents. Steam blasted out of the six oval-shaped holes while the cold outside air rapidly cooled the insides.

Giving the PLR-45 Sidearm a few good spins on her finger, Ellie holstered it back in its place as the half-melted Northern Roc made impact with the ground.

“It looks like… his goose is cooked.” (Ellie)

{Five out of ten.}

“Kraa...” (Puff)

“Tch.” (Ellie)

----------------------------------------

I went and wrote a side story as an experiment. But the tone turned out much darker than I was expecting. I don't want to post it as an actual chapter, but it would be a shame if it just rotted away in my archive.

So I'll just leave it here for those interested in having a good cry.

Spoiler :

WARNING: Not proof-read or edited since I don't think I can bring myself to read through it again.

Side Story - Even the smallest action can have dire consequences