Introducing a new variable upset the current dynamic of this brutal fight. This third variable stood between a former hero and an angry humanoid dragon. Both sides were stunned. They hadn't expected the dramatic entrance. This unknown figure patted the dust away from her strange attire. Oddly, the clothing had no damage from the impact.
Before anyone could say a word, the Blue Dragon struck first. Speeding forward, his arm outstretched and ready to claim his victim. Grabbing him by the neck, ready to pummel him in a bloody heap. He had pushed his fist through Alistair’s skull and out the back of his head.
The intervention of a human wrecking ball stopped his attempted murder. Jasmine stepped forward, making craters in the ground and sped to her target. Barrelling into him, sending the dragon flying in the opposite direction. He slammed into a nearby building, through the wall and into the interior.
What proceeded was an awkward silence between the two. Alistair, heaving and gasping, his body in a terrible shape. Jasmine, pristine and ready for a few dozen rounds, narrowed her gaze at the unknown figure.
“So, who are you?” She asked, crossing her arms.
“No-one of consequence.” He replied, channelling a certain pirate from the cinema.
She didn’t seem to notice the quote and instead continued insisting.
“I just saved your life. Doesn’t that merit me a name?” She inquired, rather reasonably, as she saw it.
“True, still I think I would prefer to owe you a favour rather than to divulge who I am,” He countered.
“Wouldn't I just use that favour, to compel you to tell me who you are?” She asked.
“That seems like such a waste of a favour.” He replied.
Following that statement, she nodded, but not before detecting the return of a very pissed off super being. Climbing out of the rubble, the hero of Helgos, known as the Blue Dragon, emerged. Based on his appearance, he was none too happy with both two.
“You really shouldn’t have done that!” He declared with a snarl.
“He does not look happy.” Alistair commented, pointing a trembling finger at his attempted murderer.
“You think.” Jasmine stated rather bluntly.
Jasmine was about to speak; her intent was to deescalate this already messed up situation. Despite her resolve, her right hand trembled slightly, memories of the past few hours slowly coming back. Someone eventually brought her out of this line of thinking. When evil superman launched himself across the distance and slammed into her. His intent was to return her prior attack tenfold.
He did so and slammed his fist directly into her left cheek. Instead of the familiar and pleasurable sensation of bones breaking. He felt a similar sensation of punching a solid structure, one that could somehow withstand his force. Despite the resilience of her body, she still went flying. He felt a small sense of satisfaction, but knew he had caused minimal damage. He hated that feeling, that someone could challenge his might, but also found it exhilarating.
Jasmine took the hit astoundingly well. There was pain, but not enough to jar her thinking. She suspected he held back much of his strength. No one has measured the true strength of this hero of Helgos. But with the blessing of Terranuk, this champion of earth, she could withstand the hit.
She slid back a few feet, but righted herself and glare back. Feeling a sudden urge to return the punch in kind, she stamped down on the impulse. Enough people had died today and provoking him into an all-out brawl, will level the city.
“You need to stand down unless you want to destroy the very city you protect.” She stated firmly.
Although she expected otherwise, this brought him to a standstill briefly. He stood there, thinking it over, but ultimately decided differently.
“I would rather kill you both and then take the glory.” He declared, opening his maw and breathing fire.
Dodging the incoming inferno, Jasmine ran to the side, picked up some debris, and threw it. The hunk of stone exploded on impact, barely budging the seemingly invincible man. Cracking his neck, he launched himself forward. In mid-flight, a sudden gust of wind diverted his trajectory.
Alistair, who reached a standing posture, whipped his hands into motion. Producing a tornado, he sent the man flying to the side and crashing into a nearby building. Confused, Jasmine looked at the man, a strange familiar feeling washed over her. Alistair felt it too, but was in too much pain to register it.
Slamming his fist into the healing rune, his body glowed brightly. The healing was not perfect, but it took away much of the aches and pains. With his energy revitalised, he took to the sky, saluting Jasmine.
“Follow me.” He stated before flying towards the Blue Dragon.
She pondered the request, but ultimately followed, leaping into the air. Landing rather poorly, she still hadn't got a handle on her superhero leaps. Despite her lack of experience, she reached the now rising Dragon.
“I am going to rip off your arms!” He roared, seething with undeniable rage.
Alistair ignored him and instead spoke to Jasmine.
“Let’s go!” He yelled, sending another wind blast.
The act had no result other than pissing him off and he leapt forward, intent on killing everything. Alistair, instead of fighting, flew at full speed in the northwest direction. Jasmine quickly understood what he was doing, yet was apprehensive about taking part. Her indecision was short-lived. The approaching fist made her act.
Landing another punch, the Dragon laid into her guard. Blow after the human boulder blocked the blow. He seemed intent on killing her and then tracking down his other quarry. This was not to be. Her counter attack was just as devastating.
The Blue Dragon, relying on his physical might, punched with reckless abandoned. One of these hits was on just the right angle, allowing Jasmine to slip into his guard and deliver a swift uppercut. The blow sent him flying, but she knew it wasn't enough. Expecting a ferocious counter-attack of his own, she leapt away, following the mysterious stranger.
The Dragon shook his head and flew after them. They battled through the streets, wind blasts here, superhuman punches there. In the end, it became obvious where they were heading. Clamouring and fearful voices filled the streets with sound. The busy intersection forced the trio to stop in their tracks. The sight of two familiar heroes caused the crowd to go into a frenzy.
"The heroes are here, we're saved!" people repeated." were some words spoken on repeat.
The Blue Dragon wanted to kill his quarry, but with this many witnesses, he instead turned to Alistair. The man smiled with a wicked grin, before pointing to a building nearby, collapsed and filled with screaming civilians.
“Go on, heroes, the people are waiting.” He spoke, his tone sarcastic.
“Time to go Neo.” Further declaring, before taking a superhero flight pose and blasting into the sky.
The Blue Dragon seethed, his eyes darting between the man he wanted dead and the masses begging for his help. Stuck with indecision, Jasmine's actions forced his hand. Running into the crowd, she made her way through and into the mass of destruction. Before she could aid the screaming survivors, a figure flew into her way.
He then rescued the civilians, pulling them out of the fallen building and pushing debris to the side. Jasmine wanted to help, but the memories of the past few hours came flooding back. Looking down at her bloodstained hands, the past became reality.
Two hours prior.
Jasmine had just left Peter’s abode since her friend was writhing in pain. It got so bad; Elisara had to cast a sleep spell. He was not in a fit state, and neither was the rest of the city. They had already got reports of terrorist attacks and riots. She had not expected these kinds of events to occur in a fantasy world. But she realised that was a naïve assumption. Any world with sentient bipeds would likely have similar problems to earth.
Terrorism had been quite the concern back on her home earth. Her home nation of the United States had several past terrorism. Even a few riots she could recall from her childhood. The Las Angeles riots, for one example. This world seems to be plagued with similar issues, with magic in the place of guns.
Now at the cusp of a crossroads, she had a hard time with her next decision. Seated against the wall outside of Peter’s room, she pondered. Looking down at the blood staining her knuckles. She got a harsh look at what she could do to the fragile form humanity had. Though she was sure of the other races and perhaps some humans could withstand such a blow.
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But for most, she was a dangerous weapon, and she needed to exert control over herself. The words of her father had a different tone. The man that contributed to his genetics in her creation, with a dim-witted secretary, was always a conundrum for her. Despite his insistence on financial care for her and her mother. He was rarely around during her childhood. But his influence was always present; he sent her to the same schools he attended and ensured she learned the same lessons he did.
Later in life, he actually found time with her, but it wasn’t the typical father-daughter events. They were always lessons and expectations. There was little in the way of fatherly love, but she was not absent from it. Her mother was a lovely woman and gave her enough love and affection that any daughter could need. Still, once she came of age, her father asserted his right over her.
There were many arguments between her parents, so Jasmine intervened. She accepted what her father wanted, despite her mother's protests. It was only rational. Her father would get what he wanted, he always did. This familial conflict was just a waste of time and emotion. Still, she wondered if that was the best course of action.
There was no point wondering what could have been, only to learn from what had been. There has been a lot, one of her father's stellar wisdom, for instance. He always used to say, emotions are there, to deny them is foolish. But to indulge them when they serve no purpose is even more foolish. Despite that, she could not help the feelings boiling inside her. I doubt her father ever prepared her for the act of taking a life. But what haunted her most is that is likely not the first to die.
She shook herself out of this line of thinking and decided on rationality. Public relations primarily dictated her position and the positions of her companions. They were practically celebrities in most of the empire. But given the history of this vassal state and the current circumstances. Their popularity was definitely low.
Her father always said that it is important to maintain appearances. They were heroes, summoned by another world and adorned as holy champions. She was not religious and cared little for their doctrine. What she understood was socio-political situations. She was not an expert, but she was likely more educated than most on this planet. At least in areas earth has been refining, magic being the exception.
Analysing the situation, it was likely this riot has individuals behind it. The terrorist bombings would identify them as extremists. People would likely blame them, but I suspect a rival nation orchestrated this. I would suspect the Federation, or one of their member states. But I am not excluding the mysterious Wizard State of Ikarus. Because they are considered the true rulers of Helgos.
I do not know how this will all play out. But for the benefit of me and my companions. It would be better if people saw the heroic trinity in a positive light. Also, if Helgos were to fall or separate from the Empire, that will probably be the match that lights the war.
With this in mind, her plan was simple. Informing her associates that she plans to leave and assist the city in ending these riots. They were none-to-happy but ultimately deferred to her decision. Lucy, Frederik and Halmar accompanied, along with several imperial soldiers.
They brought Lucy, because she insisted she could help. Initially, Jasmine was about to refuse. Since the girl would witness things, young girls should not. She eventually agreed when Lucy told all the torches in the hallway to turn off and on. Lucy's control over fire became obvious, and she decided. Leaving the villa, they made their way through the streets to where the damage was thickest. Rubble and destroyed buildings surrounded them.
“Halmar, do you know the nature of these buildings?” She queried, eyeing the buildings with major damage.
“From what I can tell, most seem to be imperial, a few civil building and some stores.” He answered, gesturing to the carnage.
“It seems the rioters are specifically trying to damage imperial property while mingling in random buildings, or true rioters perform these acts.” She pondered out loud.
The notion she put forward disturbed those present. However, her argument was logically sound; The level of decimation would show a strategic hand behind it.
Continuing on their journey, they came upon an inferno. Flames engulfed the market district, burning stores to the ground. Fearful citizens were running about, many fleeing, while some threw buckets of water on the flames. Jasmine glanced at Lucy and saw no fear upon her pre-pubescent face. Becoming a champion to Pyrus had promptly removed her natural fear of fire. Just as Peter no longer feared the depths of the ocean. She strode forward, Frederik and his imperial guard trailing at her side.
“Excuse me.” She spoke meekly.
There was no answer. Most of the fleeing civilians ignored them, while some begged the aid of the new arrivals.
“Hey listen to me, you bastards!” Lucy roared, frustrated at her own lingering fear.
The populace initially believed she was talking to them, but it became clear a second later, she was not. The fires that plagued the market writhed and trembled at her words. She gestured, and they ascended into the sky, leaving ashen buildings in their wake.
The whirling inferno coalesced into a brilliant ball of flame before descending. Lucy gestured to the knights to get some distance. The knights backed away, and then the flames engulfed the young girl. From an outside perspective, it appeared the flames had reduced her to ash. Instead, the sound of her giggling reached the ears of all present.
“I know you were having fun, but you were making the people sad,” she remarked excitedly remarked.
“Please, we can play later. For now, leave the good people alone. Ok?” Making her requested, the flames appeared to shrug.
The fire eventually calmed and dispersed, leaving a smiling little girl. The sight inspired awe; Gawking at the sight of the fears and the danger eradicating in a moment. Lucy progressed forward, the soldiers surrounding her. They quickly took charge, recruiting from the civilians. There was some grumbling, but when your family and friends were burnt and scarred. It didn’t matter where the help came from.
With the people crowding their new heroine, Jasmine coldly scanned the area. The fire was far too widespread to be an accident. The market stalls were burnt and scorched, canopies in rubble and what seemed to be multiple points of origin. She was no fire investigator, but this definitely seemed like arson.
The only question was, why set a market on fire? She understood bombing imperial buildings, whomever orchestrated this had an axe to grind with the Empire. Setting a market ablaze seems unnecessary, unless it was just added chaos.
Scanning the area, all she could see was clamouring locals and burnt market stalls. Her lack of skill in this kind of work was becoming increasingly apparent as she realised she was a blunt instrument. She didn't enjoy being reduced to the role of the local Hulk. She shifted to a more composed and rational thought process.
“Delegate tasks to the most competent.” Her murmur reflected the basic rules of business.
“Halmar, can you scan the area?” She asked, feeling a bit like a ship captain from Star Voyage.
Despite a hint of hesitation in her voice when she proposed it. He nodded, affirming he could, in fact, scan the area. Straightening his posture and closing his eyes. He looked to be praying, which he could consider the religious views of the Empire. The air current that surrounded him meant he was calling the spirits or his prayers were getting answered.
In truth, it was a kind of prayer, as if calling up the spirits of the wind counts. Sending them out into the world, like a legion of spies. They whispered to Halmar, faint chatter Jasmine could barely comprehend. He could, nodding away like a general receiving status reports.
“There are two suspicious wizards in that building.” He pointed to the least damaged building on his left.
It appeared to be a municipal building based on the burnt imperial flags.
“How do you know they are wizards?” Jasmine asked.
“They reek of magic, according to my spirits. Also, they are wearing wizards' robes and starting a fire.” He explained, before his eyes widened.
“What?”
“There are still people in there.” He remarked in a strained voice.
Both humped into action, a wind currently propelling Halmar forward. Jasmine leapt into the air, arriving in front of the building. She didn’t have time to acknowledge her superhero leap. Instead, she headed straight for the door. Ready to blow the wooden structure off its hinges. Something stopped her in her tracks.
She could feel the rising heat emanate from within. Hesitating, she narrowed her gaze, noticing a bright light spilling out of the windows. An idea crossed her mind. Too bad it was far too late. Her vision obscured by a bright light, followed by a massive explosion.
The impact sent Halmar flying away. Jasmine, however, stood her ground, the earth below cementing her in place. She had not noticed, only shut her eyes and braced herself. A loud crack, screaming, followed by moans, assaulted her senses.
Opening her eyes, the sight that greeted her horrified her. The building had a massive hole in its centre. The front region was gone, the interior in full view. What appeared to be a walk-in reception was now in rubble.
Based on the damage, the creaking foundations and general picture. This building was on its last legs and ready to collapse. Naturally fleeing was the best option, but what stayed her feet was the words from Halmar.
“There are people still in the building.” He stated with eyes wide.
Cocking his ear to the side, he listened to the faint whispers of his familiar. Dire warnings streamed to him. The whispers grew steadily louder, his familiar conveying the soft moans of pain. The people trapped were crying out for help and so he leapt into action.
The pair knew exactly what they needed. Halmar glided on a wind current, trekking through the building like a leaf on the wind. Jasmine attempted to emulate his grace. Instead, she ended up trudging through the building.
A good rule of thumb for super strength, she thought. Best to keep the world at a distance, since most of it might as well be cardboard.
With that in mind, she crept rather quickly through the ruins. Passing by collapsed walls, damaged corridors and doors. Whatever this place was, it was no longer that. It was a ruin in every sense of the word.
Quickly, she moved towards the stairs. Unfortunately, debris blocked the stairs. Thinking on her toes, she looked around for an entry point. The sound of a woman's voice cut her examination short. Calling for help and weeping in pain. This spurned her on, only arriving at the blocked stairwell and listening for another sign of their whereabouts.
Arriving at the second floor, the sight she beheld was horrible. A mother and her child lay buried under a slab of stone. Quickly coming to their aid, she pushed the stone away with little effort, revealing the injured pair below. The mother, as she was likely a mother, had her leg crushed, yet her daughter only had scrapes and bruises.
“Please... Help her.” The mother pleaded, tears streaking her face.
Thankfully, the child had fallen unconscious, making her unaware of the surrounding destruction. The woman seemed focused on her child, presenting her to Jasmine. Reacting immediately, she sought to collect both. The mother instead resisted, trying desperately to place her child above her own safety.
Jasmine didn’t want to leave anyone, but begrudgingly agreed. Lifting the young girl of at least four or five years old. She quickly descended the stairs, cradling the life in her arms. Promising to return and reclaim her mother.
Leaving the building, she handed the child off to one of the imperial knights. Accepting the child in his care, Jasmine quickly sped back inside. Rising to the second level, the still alive mother greeted her. Her distant gaze brightened at the sight of Jasmine's return. She was content, the notion of her child's safety, nearly erased the suffering she felt at the moment.
Approaching, Jasmine arrived at her charge, only to notice the building shake. Dust descended upon them, prompting a coughing fit. Before she can even get her bearings, the unstable roof above cracked. Realising the danger the woman faced, Jasmine leapt forward just as the roof descended.
Reaching out and gripping her arm, she pulled with all her might as the debris fell. A crash and a sudden give followed, along with a further obscuring of her vision. When the dust settled, she inspected her charge, only to find a severed arm no longer attached to a body.
Horrified, she was stunned to silence, frozen and unable to move. All she could do was stare at the limb and crushed body as blood seeped from under the stone. Lingering in her own personal hell, she barely acknowledged the buildings' collapse.