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The blue in the sky was staring at them from the eyes of the white wolf. A heavy gust combing through their fur. Calm. Everything about this moment felt calm. The silence between the friends that didn't know what to do. The steady stares of the two monstrous wolves sat on the hill next to them. The bright and clear day was the opposite of Jack's mind. The weather was upsetting. Too much sun. Too much green grass swaying gently. Too much relaxing winds to dry the sweat on their bodies. How could the weather be so nice when they have lost? No. If the weather had any signs of gloom, then Jack would have been panicking. The atmosphere is containing him.
"Don't be so down. We have time. We can approach this again." Ophelia pressed her hand heavily on his shoulder.
"She is right. We can talk to Nod and ask him to help stop the hunt. Tell him that we will figure out why the wolves are here," Stella chippered in.
"They are right. We learned a lot today. I think it was a great experience." Lyon adjusted his shoulder guard again.
"We did. If Nod doesn't help, then we can talk to the government officials. We can stop this." Stella's voice seemed to contain enough energy for the entire team. They were all disheartened. They were close.
"I feel like I am killing the mood. I apologise, I was just lost in thought. You guys are completely right. We know a lot more now, but we have a lot more to find out. We have to protect them until we can do that." Jack's smile lifted the mood again. "We really did good. How did you not freak out being so close to it Lyon? Roping such a massive creature and being in control is crazy."
"Ha. I did feel chills down my entire bone, but it is experience. I am a skilled hunter." Lyon's smile stretched his entire face. The grin forcing his eyes closed.
"You have a sharp tongue, Hummingbird. I enjoy seeing you all do what you are good at," Ophelia muttered to the chuckling warrior.
"I really mean it. We can also talk about how quickly you and Stella trapped Darke."
"Shut up!" Stella and Ophelia barked at him. Jack grinned. There was no point in worrying. No one was hurt. They can just continue. How would they continue? How would they gather information?
"Ugh! I have no idea why they like this village! Is it Tana? Do they like Tana too?" Jack plopped back into the grass. "Tenny! Can't you talk to them?"
"Nope. Why would you think that I could?" Tenny plopped his belly onto Jack's face.
"I was just being hopeful. Well, the weather is really nice, we should have breakfast out here." Jack made himself more comfortable.
"I agree. What is on the menu, Moustache?" Ophelia plopped down next to the pair.
"Ummmm. What are you guys feeling for? I guess I should see what ingredients I can take from the market. I wonder if there would be anything unique left. I wonder how much is left. I am going to hurry to the market. Can you guys get William and Tana? You coming Tenny?" Ace questioned.
"Yea sure. What would you do without me? Can I have another apple. I mean an apple." Tenny climbed on his friend.
"Tenny! Why would you leave me like that. I was falling asleep. Why do you need Tenny with you?" Jack complained.
"I want the company and only he can keep up." Ace stuck out his tongue.
"Maybe we should all head to where Tana is. We can eat over there." Ophelia ruffled Jack's hair.
"I wouldn't mind staying here if that is okay. I kind of like to look at Darke and Jennifer." Stella took a seat as Luna wasted no time in resting her head in Stella's lap. Stella's violet eyes softly looking at the two wolves lying down in the grass. Ace disappeared in a flash. "I wonder if they are hungry."
"I will go get our friends then." Lyon still had a smile on his face. Jack wondered if he was still thinking about roping Darke. He wondered what Lyon's friends will think later. List and Lynn are probably still upset that they couldn't come.
***
Just a couple minutes passed. The topic of conversation had shifted to different animals Ophelia and Lyon fought. Bears, tigers, normal wolves. Impressive. The debate was which element gave them the most trouble. Fire was Ophelia's least favourite. Too wild. Too quick. Lyon hated when animals could change the earth. Not having a solid footing always put him on edge. Stella imagined that ice would be annoying. The older pair found the irony of her nickname hilarious.
Jack still calmly observed the two beasts. Their eyes gently closing as the breeze swept over them. Jack lost in his own mind. If he could be fast enough. The shadows won't be able to hit him. He would move like this. Like this. Pat Darke's head. Jennifer probably uses light magic. Jack never seen light magic. Tenny might use it to move quickly, but he wasn't sure. How would he have captured Jennifer?
"Why are they doing that?" Stella pointed out to the wolves growling in the distance. "What changed?"
Everyone paused all their actions. Each taking a step to see what the wolves could be staring at. A few Ground Gliders tore grass as they moved. Laughter echoed from the machines as wild hunters mounted on the back shot red orbs at the wolves. Lok was in the front of the band on a Glider by himself. The rear wheel dug into the ground and drove the bike a full 180 degrees. It was off again at an incredible speed. Darke and Jennifer began an immediate pursuit. Their speed was incredible in its own right.
"That bastard! Was he waiting?" Ophelia pounded her fist into the ground.
"Guys! I have a really bad feeling about this. Stella! Go get Ace. All of you! I will try and stop Lok." Jack was already turning as green light gathered in his palms. Stella gripped onto his shirt. Jack stopped when the collar put force on his neck. He turned back to see Stella's eyes scream anger. She probably wants to protect them too. This situation is infuriating.
"Jack it is too dangerous. We will get Ace," Stella said.
"I know it is too dangerous. That is why it has to be me." Jack gathered red in his hand. The small orb burst on the shirt leaving a chunk in Stella's hand. He launched forward with all his strength. He moved like a flash, a green trail in his wake. He had ground to cover.
Stella slammed the fabric to the ground while muttering something. "Please stop him!" She pointed into the distance.
"I am sorry, but he is faster than me. I can barely keep up. I will follow him and try my best to keep him out of danger. Go and get help." Ophelia was in a starting motion.
"I will go with him. I don't know the town well enough. Ophelia. You and Stella go look for Ace. I will keep him safe. Go!" Lyon yelled before starting to take off.
"Lyon! Don't put yourself at risk either. Wait for us. Ugh this couldn't get worse. Why did Tenny have to go to?" Stella sighed. Ophelia and her dashed forward. Luna at a large head start to the village.
***
Jack could feel the energy flowing out of him. His breathing had already changed a bit and he wasn't at it for long. He had to catch up. The Ground Glider's weaving paths as mounted hunters continued to shoot red orbs. The wolves were able to adjust their paths as well to avoid most of the Mimics attacking them, but the ones that did connected barely rustled their fur. Jack noticed Darke's speed was hindered, and Jennifer was staying close to him. Jack avoided any stray orbs coming his way. He was close to catching up. A little more.
He looked over to his left. Jennifer's cold blue eyes staring at him until she shifted her gaze forward again. Darke's eyes were lost. They were zoned in on the machine at the front. The broad back of the village hunter was all they can all see. If Jack could fire an orb now...He tried to shift some of his Mana to his feet to keep up, but it would instantly drain when he tried to gather red orbs. He used Wind Walk to get back to the distance he was.
He could do this. He knows how to do this. Wind Walk used a burst of mimics to launch him forward. The mana then shifts to his feet to catch him, and then back to burst again. It had become such second nature that trying to change the process could put them too far in front. He had to do something. Lok clearly was trying to lead the wolves somewhere. He had to get the path to change.
"Is that you, Hummingbird?" a hunter yelled as their Glider swerved across a path set by Lok.
"No way! What brings you by?" Another one snickered.
"Want a ride?" That comment made all the mounts burst into laughter. Now was the time. Jack had to stop them. He would have to launch the orb just before landing. It wouldn't be powerful, but it could shake their wheels hopefully. He just had to get the timing...just...right...now! A red orb flew from his hand towards Lok's Glider.
"What are you doing Chief?"
One of the accompanying Gliders cut into the path of the orb. The Glider twisted and crashed as the mounted member rolled on the ground. The rider twisted his body with the motion. Shit. Saber was hurling himself at the running warrior. Wrong, Jack was accidentally hurling himself at Saber.
The red headed hunter grabbed Jack by his torn shirt and pulled him towards the ground. What remained of the shirt was in Saber's hands as Jack crashed into the grass. Damnit. He could lose them. Each of his fingers gripped into the ground as he dragged his body to a running start. Green gathered. Go. Jack's shoulder crashed into the ground again, this time guided by Saber pushing down on his back. Both of them sliding a fair distance but Saber was able to stay mounted. Jack screamed in pain. This damn shoulder.
"Ever since you came into this town, you have been a pain in my ass. I couldn't wait to get my hands on you guys." Saber's palm holding a growing red orb. Jack was able to cast a small yellow pillar to crash into Saber's side. It was enough to send the fireball in a wrong direction. Jack clasped onto Saber's palms to stop any more mimics.
"Jack!" Lyon approached.
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"I'll be okay! Go ahead and keep an eye on them! I will be right there. Please Lyon, we could lose them!"
"Damnit. Okay! Follow the trail." Lyon continued forward.
"Be right there? You and your friends are really getting on my last nerve." Saber used his knee to pry one hand free. He formed a fist and was ready to crash it into warrior before a kick was slammed into his ribs from someone behind him.
"He was clear in what he said. You really are hard of hearing." Stella cracked her knuckles while walking towards the hunter.
"Stella! What are you doing here?" Jack climbed to his feet. He was making use of the bit of time to regulate his breathing.
"You! Don't talk! It has already gotten this far. How could you...ugh...Olivia, Luna and William went to find them. Go on ahead. I will catch up soon." Jack nodded his head before Wind Walking away.
"You are going to say that too! I am really going to enjoy kicking your ass." Saber ran forward.
How could he just run off like that? Why does he get like this? It happened with Martinez as well. Stella continued to curse Jack in her mind as a flurry of punches came her way. She wasn't patient like her sister. The first over extended swing was punished with a kick to the ribs. She rolled over his crouching back while calling blue to her palm. Yellow swirled in the spell before crashing into Saber as soon as he twisted. He had the nerve to say, 'it has to be me', like if he doesn't have anyone worrying about him. How stupid can he be? Ugh. Why is this red headed moron just swinging his fist? Does he not know any fighting style? Beating him up began to piss Stella off more. Why was she wasting time here? Saber Wind Walked to quickly circle around her. That was the first good move, but he should stick to fighting creatures. Stella dashed forward before twisting and dashing back. Her fist smashed into Saber's jaw sending him to the ground.
"Thinking didn't seem like your strong suit." Stella dashed in the direction of her friend. She hoped they could find Ace soon.
***
Jack saw Lyon paused on the hill. There was no sign of any chaos yet. There was no sign of anything yet. Did Lyon lose them? Jack hurried to the side of his friend. How did it get this far? What were they doing all this time? Could they call what they did a plan?
Hundreds of men spotted the grass surrounding the massive beasts. Black ropes tied around both of the creatures. They were pulling and struggling to break free. More and more black ropes ejected from machines. Men anchored each of small machines to the ground with rods while pulling against the ropes with their hands. They pulled Darke and Jennifer in every direction they could. The pair giving their best effort to growl with their mouths tied. Jack felt knots in his stomach. Did they lose?
All the men had a safe distance from the beasts. The nearby hill was spotted with archers and hunters gathering wisps. The only one in the close proximity to the wolves was a confidently slow walking Lok. He wore a massive black shield on his right arm. Dark wisps as well. Where did he get equipment like that? Dark wisps are supposed to be special.
Darke growled more and more as Lok got closer. A shadow expelled from the ground aimed to cleave the man in two, but the pure black mass glanced off the shield, and caused Lok to skate a bit. Ice sprouted from just under Jennifer's paw. It travelled at a rapid speed almost engulfing Lok before support hunters blasted it to shards with red orbs. They even knew about Jennifer. There is no way that they were surprised by a second wolf. Darke managed to raise his body slightly. Rods snapped out of the ground as men were pulled forward.
"Ohhhh, you still have some fight in you! That is what I like!" Lok was dangerously close to Darke. The problem was that Darke was in danger. "Bring the spikes! I am sure they won't be able to move after you drive those into them. Also, remember, if any of you try and take one of their heads, then I will have yours! These are my prey!"
"Lok! Get back!" Jack yelled from the top of the hill before charging at the men bringing large metal spikes.
"Jack! No!" Lyon tried to grab his friend.
"Why is there an insect calling my name?" Lok muttered. "Catch him!"
Jack crashed into the men holding the massive weight. The metal spike crashed to the ground. Jack wasn't sure what was really going on. Fists and feet crashed into as many people as he could find. Fists and feet crashed back into Jack.
He just had to keep moving. It was getting hard to see out of his left eye. It was getting a bit harder to move his left arm. He was quick. They were in a bit of chaos. No one was using mimics because they would hit their own comrades. Jack made his way to some of the machines used to anchor Darke. He desperately tried to root them out before being pounded into the ground. He blasted green forward. Lok was his chance. He would at least take Lok down. He made it past the crowd. He was in the open circle. Green to stop. His foot planted into the ground. Jack twisted his entire body and began to drive his fist straight.
Slam! Jack felt all the wind knock out of him when he crashed into the ground. He thanked his luck it was just grass he was mashed into. Jack could barely open his left eye to see the boots of the man that pounded him to the ground. He could still fight, but he needs just a minute. Just a minute and he could stop him. He just had to hold out. He doesn't have a minute. Jack climbed back onto his knees when the flurry of boots ceased. Lok swung a heavy kick into Jack's guard. It was still enough for the boy to roll in front of the pinned dark wolf. Jack slowly climbed to his feet again. He ran his hand into the fur of Darke. The wolf releasing a small whimper as Jack's blood stained the elegant dark sheen.
"Why do you stand up boy? You have lost. I have outsmarted you and everyone in this village. I have outsmarted these monsters. Why can't you accept you have lost? I can even let you join my side, but we both know that is not your ideal. Don't be stupid, join me or walk away. If you continue here, then I will kill you."
"Jack!" Stella dashed out in front of him. He placed his forearm on her shoulder. Thank goodness he could rest a bit. Her eyes locked onto the massive hunter standing there with his massive grin. "I will get us the rest of the time. You rest up a bit." Stella gathered red in her hand.
"Why would you possibly think that is a smart move?" Lok raised his hand far above his head before crashing it down. A flurry of red orbs came crashing down at Stella. A pure black mass swirled around Jack and Stella in the nick of time. Jack turned back to watch Darke's body weaken a bit. Blood flowing from its small wounds now. Jennifer looking at the bloodied dark wolf. She tugged on her ropes. She tugged a bit more. She kept pulling and pulling. Small blue orbs started to float off her body. More and more. Faster and faster. No, she was floating away. Her mass was gently floating away in blue orbs. Stella noticed black orbs floating off Darke. He was doing the same thing. What could be happening? Is this how they die? They weren't badly injured.
"Get ready! Hurry up! If you mess this up, then we all die!" Lok barked. He raised his shield and pivoted while slowly inching forward. His eyes switching focus rapidly.
"Lok! What are you doing?" Nod yelled from the hill. Nod, Olivia and Tana bolted into the centre of the circle. Tana immediately ran over to the injured Jack braced by Stella.
"This is some bad timing. You really don't want to be in this circle right now." Lok still looking at the beasts. Jennifer had mostly disappeared, but a human sized blue glowing entity remained in her place. Darke was a pitch-black mass twice the size of Lok. The colour returned to both of them as the blue glow floated away. Jennifer was covered in her white fur, cold blue eyes staring at Lok. Her face was the size of a normal wolf, but it was placed on a body that was standing on two feet. She was humanoid now. Darke was more monster than Jennifer, but still humanoid. His massive arms dug into the ground. His feet were still wolf like and curved in an animalistic way.
"Hurry up!" Lok ran forward with his shield high. The claws of Darke trying to pry it away. Jennifer slipped between the shield and swiped her hand across his ribs. Lok crashed into the ground. The black ropes shot and wrapped around both beasts again. They were quickly anchored down to ground again. A lot more anchors and ropes used this time around. Lok knew they could transform. He knew they were Mystical.
"Stop this. Leave them alone," Nod said.
"She definitely got a few of my ribs," Lok said walking back to the pinned white wolf person. "Leave who alone? Are you trying to take my prey Nod? A hunter like you? This is my kill. I see you even brought an audience to see me."
"I brought them here to stop you. This is my town. You will not be in charge of it. You can go back where you came from."
"Them? You are severely outnumbered. Walk away. I rather fight you another day to celebrate that victory by itself."
Nod turned to the three standing in front of the struggling Darke. "Come on, kid. That is enough. This is over, you and others will get really hurt. Look at your condition already."
"I can't leave," Jack mustered between breaths. "I won't let him kill them."
"You have already lost! Stop being so pitiful. What can you fight for when there is no chance of winning! You are a fool!" Nod's fist was clenched. His eyes locked in. Olivia holding his wrist softly in case.
"I will win. I just need a bit more time. I just have to hold on for a little bit more time." Jack had a smile on his face. Tana was shocked. How could he be so sure? This is the most reckless thing she ever witnessed. She looked around to see hunters grinning and patiently waiting for the death of the wolves. They must be hardened and trained. Killers. Maybe not people killers but they have taken lives already. Tana felt a lump in her throat. Her eyes gathered tears. She looked at the boy that was bloodied and bruised, standing with the help of his friend. She looked over to the hill to see most of the villagers in attendance. Many followed after they learned what the situation could entail.
"I'll give you your bit of time. Olivia. Can you make an amplification spell? Like what Bo uses?" Tana asked.
"I can. Make one?" Tana nodded her head as Olivia gathered green in both her palms that melded into a thin orb.
"Everyone. We have to stand up to this. It has gone on too long! Hunters do what they please in our village and we let them get away with it. Today they want to kill two innocent Mystical creatures for sport. That is against the law. How long are we going to let them break the law to their convenience—" Tana's voice carried across the hills.
"What are you—?" Lok interjected.
"I have gotten to know most of you. I have sat with you, drank with you, eaten and even cooked for most of you. I know you all are tired as well. Tired of the fear. Tired of watching injustices. You are good people, and we need to rise and stop this. We can remove the bounty. We stand between the soldiers and the wolves. They—"
"Stop and take your frie—" Lok interjected.
"One by one we can make a difference. Believe in me like I believe in you. With each other we can save the lives of the innocent. Please everyone! Please!"
"Stop!" Lok's voice boomed over the pleading. "I don't take kindly to being ignored and to general nonsense. How can you all find a problem with everything? How pathetic can you be! These are wild animals. They are savages. They kill regularly, and I am not supposed to kill them because I am smarter than them! How ridiculous is that? How can humanity be punished for being more intelligent that these wild animals? What makes them have the right to kill and be admired when I am doing the same thing? Ignorant and hypocritical. Everyone will quickly praise me as a hero if the wolf was a couple footsteps closer to the village. Now you are saying that I am not allowed to exercise my right to survive and protect this soon to be kingdom and its people because a couple of weaklings decided against it? Get your head out of your ass. I am the one in charge. I am the strongest and the strongest gets to say what happens! Get out of my way!"
"He doesn't care about anyone but himself. Everyone, please come and take my hand. They won't be able to kill us. He will be punished if he tries. Please everyone. Please!" Tana's voice shattered a bit. Tears started streaming down her face as no one moved from the hills. The mercenaries grinned as she struggles to form any more words. Her mind in shock. Should she be in shock? What she was doing was ridiculous. How could she expect anyone else to join her? Tana's heart sunk before Nod grabbed her hand. Olivia grabbed the other. Lyon and surprisingly William made an appearance to hold on to Nod's hand. They stood in front of Jack and Stella. They were a small line of defence from the aggravated Lok.
"This is your best hope? I just have to kill the animals. You can't stop me. You have lost. Even by some miracle that you stop me and free the beasts, they will just kill everyone here, and I will capture them again. You have failed to prepare and yet you aren't prepared to accept your failure. You will never grow young one. Strength doesn't always come from being the best fighter. Listen closely Hummingbird. The strongest is the one that has largest ability to alter the state of a situation. You have no more cards to play, this situation is under my control."
"That is a good definition. We really did underestimate you. I underestimated this entire situation. These guys are Mystical. You are a great tactician, and I clearly underestimated your ability to acquire equipment. You seemed to be planning this way before the attack on the village. I messed up badly." Ace walked into the circle. Tana's intense grip softened. He would know what to do. He must have a plan.
Jack felt his knees buckle. Was it tension keeping him up? It was bittersweet. Jack immediately felt bad that Ace would have to stop all of them, but it was better than anyone dying. Can he do that? Of course, he can. Jack had completely lost. Lok was right. Lok was stronger, but when those two are needed then they can do anything. Jack's own mind stung him. He cheated, but it's okay. It is okay.
"How many more are going to interrupt. What do you want, Moustache?" Lok groaned. His patience completely thinned.
"That is not up to me, my friend. Firstly, I would like to say. I have completely messed up. My friends got hurt, and it breaks my heart to see these wolves in this situation." Ace walked over to Jack and Stella. "I really am sorry. This has gotten completely out of hand. Whatever you decide, I will solve it."
"I am really sorry too guys. I should have stayed back." Tenny's eyes were the softest they have ever seen.
"Ace. Tenny. We know. It is okay." Stella smiled. "Jack, you got us this far. The choice is yours."
Ace stood up and faced Lok again. "So, what do you want Jack?"