[https://img.wattpad.com/c32a9fa186efaf63ee12501a87d179464186e6e6/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4453744a6f6474704e6f413467413d3d2d313237303335383732322e313736613262343864626438613431333437373737353039333230342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Jack and Billy were approaching the wall of shielded soldiers. They were slowly moving back, while some applied fire from the rooftops. It seemed like there is a stalemate, but Quinn was at the centre of his band, scanning the area with a puzzled look on his face.
"Stay strong men! If you are tired of using spells, immediately switch with a shield! Do not let up, or we will lose our advantage!" The tall silver-haired commander bellowed from behind the shield wall. It had been less than an hour, but soldiers were switching out constantly to keep the small red orbs on the battlefield. Eclipse had yellow walls casted to protect them with the yellow mimics being reinforced consistently. It seemed like the soldiers were just wasting their energy, but they couldn't let up if they wanted to keep Eclipse at bay without having to engage them physically.
Jack was knocked to the ground by a group of soldiers making a quick switch. Their faces were dripping with sweat but their coordination in a march never faltered. There was this air of conviction about them. Jack could see the extreme pride that came with defending their village hand in hand with comrades. Jack felt an awe in watching this. Sure, he was helping out, but this was their purpose. This is what they were meant to do. A female soldier picked Jack up from the ground.
"Ya in the way here. I don't recognise ya. Not a soldier right. Why aren't ya with the rest of the residents? Ya really need to get out of the way here, it's no game."
"I'm really sorry. I'll move right away."
"Aye, aye Becky, you don't know who ya talking to right now!" Billy demanded respect for his friend.
"Billy, ya are no better. I know ya wants to help but look at ya condition. Just gonna keep us back."
"Nah, I believe ya wrong Becks. We are here to stop this now. Captain Julius! We are here!"
The chiselled old man ducked his head and jogged over to the group. His face was weathered but kind. Becky was a little shocked to see the relieved expression on their leader's face when he spotted the young boy.
"Jack, I am glad to see you here. My men have spotted the reinforcements making their way. It shouldn't be too long again, but I am not sure if we can keep them at bay. To be honest, I know they chose not to engaged. What should we do now, I fear the stalemate will end before help gets close?"
"Captain, who is this boy? Why are we waiting for his orders?"
"I want to reprimand you for talking to him that way, but it really is a strange situation. They aren't soldiers but I can't argue with the results so far. They told us about Eclipse, drew them out and developed tactics that hasn't gotten any of our soldiers hurt. Sure, we haven't engaged, but as a tactician we can only hope for results of that level. I just want to know if we can keep that going."
"If you think the situation is going to break, then protecting everyone should be the main priority. The truth is I only know of two people personally that can stop this without a causality. One of them got us this far, but he wouldn't be helping anymore. The other one is in those reinforcements. Captain, I think you guys should pull back. Leave the south open so if they decide to run, they probably will be intercepted. Give me a chance to keep them here. You are going to have to trust me Captain, Becky, you too Billy."
"Of course, I will bud. I will be right here if you need me."
"I trust you as well kid," Captain Julius said.
"I will have to see for myself, what you can do."
"Captain Julius, I might not be able to get them all to surrender. All we really need is Quinn and his stronger followers."
"Do what you must. We wouldn't have caught any of them if it wasn't for you guys." The captain placed his hand on the young fighter's shoulder before calling back his men.
Jack walked pass the receding shield wall. The sound of explosions no longer stained the air. The silence was only prevented by speculative murmurs on both sides. It was still enough of a change in volume for Jack to feel every bruise his body just collected. The large set man, making his way in front of his soldiers, made Jack think of all the bruises he is probably going to get. His stamina felt better, but all his limbs felt heavy. His eyes stopped at the beady eyes staring back at him. His fingers uncurled and he took a deep breath.
"Quinn! You have lost!" Jack was sure that a vein on Quinn's forehead appeared. The mumbling of Eclipse elevated until their leader raised his hand in the air.
"I think you have gotten a bit ahead of yourself, boy. It is obvious that your winning condition is coming from the South, and you intend to draw us further in so we can't escape. What is to stop me from charging forward and escaping through you all? Does Julius really think his forces can stop mine?"
"Do you really think you can get pass all of us before the triumph card? I'm here as your saving grace. If you and your five executives surrender, then we will let the rest of your members go free. What do you say? Save your men, there is no point in spilling blood."
This time the members of the military generated whispers before being hushed by their captain. The sun was extraordinarily hot today. It's rays stinging skin between the sweat drops. Jack wiped his forehead while waiting for the baker to reply. He planned to kindly negotiate with Quinn after understanding his situation but just seeing the large man caused Jack to be aggressive. It doesn't look like there will be a surrender. That would have been nice.
"You and your leader really have a way of upsetting me. I have never met two people that bluffed as much as you two. I am already in this situation, so that is on me, but I will be damned if I let a greenhorn adventurer try to get the better of me."
"You are looking too much into it, boss man. There really is no getting out of here, and it is quite selfish of you to take all your men down with you. I honestly would have let all of you get away after we got Luna, but I can't trust that something like that will never happen again. Quinn we just want Eclipse to be done, and that involves you paying for your crimes along with your powerful allies that can fight on your behalf." Jack let go a sigh. "It is simple, Quinn, look out for your soldiers."
"You know, I am falling into your simple trap again. Your tiny words and minuscule presence have made itself known. I acknowledge you, Jack, but kings never have time for rantings of a boy that never lifted the weight that goes with power. I am a King, boy, and my soldiers know that their sacrifice is of value. They know the value of a king. Drop dead!"
6 mercenaries launched themselves from the roof. All falling at different speeds with weapons drawn against the lone quiet boy. His eyes still focused on the black beads sunk in that man's head. Julius and other soldiers all began to move forward when Jack showed them the back of his hand, stopping them instantly. They held their breath along with the boy, until he quickly rolled away from the first strike. A large dust cloud mixed with the floating petals in the air after the mercenaries landed. Each one taking swipes at the silent fighter. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were sharp. Julius was shocked at the narrow misses of each fighter, look in the eyes of the young boy, the minimal movement to get between and around all the attackers. Who are these people? One. That is one mercenary knocked down by a swift strike of the blade against the back of his neck. Two. The second fighter had thrust his sword and fully extended his arm, but with his body sideways, it was almost impossible to stop the small shield from crashing into his forehead. The calm warrior's hand was glowing red.
"Jack must be pissed. I haven't seen him fight like that," Billy informed his captain.
"I don't think it is just that. Being angry tends to narrow your vision in a fight. He looks angry but focused. It is like his mind that is normally thinking, probably over thinking, is now clear. He wants one thing alone, and it looks like it is up there."
Three. The third fighter was above Jack, swinging her massive two-handed sword down. The blade sunk into the dirt before Jack, who was now above her, smashed her face into the ground. Four. A massive man swinging a large axe flew backwards when a red orb buried into his stomach. He flew backwards and sent a shockwave as he plunged into the building the rest of Eclipse was standing on.
Jack locked his eyes with Quinn again. The last two took advantage of the dust cloud to gain a fair distance away from the boy. Julius saw the two spearmen green dashing towards the boy who had to rely on his periphery. They were quick and coordinated. How would he get out of this one Billy questioned? His eyes still not shifting from the enemy above. Jack raised both of his arms to the side and gathered tiny red lights. Reject. The orbs travelled through the air before fizzling out after missing its target. The two fighters had shifted and then leapt in the air. Their spears pointed and ready to follow their falling wielders, when the two were slammed down into the ground by a dirty blond amputee and a grinning Becky.
They walked over to the side of the boy who still had his eyes locked on. Becky crossed her arms, and Billy placed his hand on his hip.
"Bill already told me that we aren't killing these scum. I can stand by that."
"Becks, I think he is in the zone. We should just stand here, ya know, in case he sends more."
"Right, right, but I don't think he can send much more men. Anymore and he knows he is risking his chances against us."
"Quinn!!!!!" The tone shift of a familiar voice sent chills down Billy's spine. "Their sacrifice has value? You are egotistical and deluded. You think of yourself as a king? How could you even say something like that after what you went through?" Quinn's face displayed an obvious horror. The stunned features contorted to a look of disgust.
"Don't speak on matters you know nothing about, boy."
"I know your dad served the king of Panem. I know you grew up around royalty and experienced the difference in lifestyles first hand. I know the empire has failed you and taken your family from you. I know why you do the things you do but I cannot let it happen. You hurt others and you are claiming to be a monarch like the ones that let your family die. Help your soldiers, don't be like the king you hated so much."
"Where did you get your information? Why do you know about my family?"
"I have my sources. I know the Typ fever spread throughout your village. I know you asked the King of Panem for help, and they turned you down. They let your parents die."
"Is that how they are trying to justify my actions? They wanted to paint a sympathetic reason for why I am this way. Pathetic. This reminds me of what your boss told me before. For someone who says they know this and that. You really don't know anything do you?" Jack's face softened. Billy and Becky had no idea what was going on, but they didn't like the sinking expression on their comrade. "You are wrong, boy.
"My father was blinded by self-importance. The old man was given the job of transporting resources from the neighbouring village and ours to Panem. The imbecile took so much pride in his job. 'We are helping build the kingdom that will create a better future for everyone.' The vast number of times I had to hear that man preach the foolish message. We have to do our part to make everything better? We were just servants to the people who had the fortune of living elsewhere. The royal family always greeted my father and mother. They were always generous to them. I knew it was just the pity they felt for where we came from. They constantly looked down on us. They took part in large feasts with resources we transported. Wasted food. Wasted materials. Things my school mates would kill for. Extravagance my neighbours would never see. They would invite my family to partake but my father always said that it wasn't meant for us. Always humbling himself in front of those pigs. Those ungrateful pigs.
"He got sick. He missed a week of work. He went to recover his job, but it was too late. A man that worked for them for years was replaced in a heartbeat. It also turned out that he wasn't feeling better, he was just desperate for his old job. The fever spread throughout the village. We didn't have the medicine needed to fight it off. Most of the things we needed were sent to the King. We had no choice but to fall. I had just contracted it, but my parents had been fighting it for some time. In our weakness, my father took us to Panem. The king rushed to our aid. They saved me, but it was too late for my family. They rushed to the village and saved only a few. The foolish King felt guilty. He told everyone how he failed them in a heartfelt speech. Useless. He tried to repent by taking me in and allowing me to work in the castle and become a resident of Panem. Could you imagine that? He wanted to make a servant. After everything, he wanted to make me serve him.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
"I escaped to a dark kingdom, and I saw the possibilities. It is impossible for me to become the king of Panem. The foolish system of heritage stops that. The empire will never let me create my own kingdom, but I can become a Stray Monarch. I can rule a dark kingdom with just influence and power and no one can stop me. Look at me now! I am the embodiment of excess! All my followers can be this indulgent. It is simple. I will be a king!"
"All that doesn't matter Mr. Quinn. Ya have broken the law now, and the one that is going to stop ya from being a King is this young one right here." Billy grinned when looking at his still grimacing friend. "You ready partner?"
Tenny landed on Jack's shoulder. Becky did a double take to notice the creature's appearance. She then back pedalled when she heard him speak.
"They will be here soon. Rodriguez is just making sure his men can keep up with him. I explained that we aren't killing anyone."
"Thank The Three that you showed up Tenny. I was losing my calm. This can all be over now."
"Greetings Tennebrae. I have heard a lot about you with your partner in our possession. I am told that you are capable of great things. This means that it is time for us to make a move. Go through them! Kill everyone who gets in your way!" The mercenaries dashed forward on the roof tops. All but 4 of them. The executives seemed to be staying back to test Jack's reinforcements. They were taking a risk for their king. He didn't deserve such subordinates.
Julius stood there, proud, ready to go to battle. The soldiers gripped their tools tighter. Feet slid to give their owners a stronger footing. They tried their best, but it was the final stand. They just had to hold out.
"Jack, are you going to handle this?" Tenny playfully questioned.
"What do you mean Tenny? We tried our best. Quinn was on to the plan from the beginning. We just have to hold them back."
"I will help!" The chipper tone caught the interest of Billy and Becky. "If I am helping then we can handle all of them. First you have to get the soldiers out of the way."
"Captain! Retreat! Just focus on support! Stay Alive!"
"You heard him. Support each other. Lay cover fire and avoid fighting. Stay Alive!"
Quinn and his men took advantage of the opening path. The soldiers putting up as many yellow walls as they could. Jack was glad that Julius was so trusting. The emotions pouring out of Becky showed that some of the soldiers didn't want to take such a passive route.
"Aren't we just surrendering? It is lame to allow them to walk through us."
"Becks, they are hardened warriors. A lot of our soldiers are still inexperienced. The only way to avoid causalities is to avoid fighting."
"That is too idealistic. This is a fight. People fall."
"Yea, you are right, but imagine how cool it would be if we made it happen. Tenny, what do I have to do?" Becky bit her lip. Billy's lips curled into a small smile.
"You have seen how Ace fights. We are going to do that."
"Can I? I don't have the energy to dash that fast. I wouldn't be able to brake in the air either."
"There is a ton of soldiers lining the streets. We can use them. I will handle the weapon and the stopping."
"Okay, Becky I am going to need your help. Billy, can you get to Captain Julius and tell him that I need wind users to line up and launch me towards the enemies. Can you launch me, Becky?"
"Sure, I can."
Loud booms reached their ears. Chunks of buildings were in the air. Colours pierced through the sky. Rodriguez was here. The 4 executives seemed to be giving him a fight. Jack had to act quickly. There was no telling how long the captain would be tied up. He took off his shield and blade and places them by Becky's feet. Billy had already run off and now Julius was giving a thumbs up.
"Okay Becks, let's go." Jack ran towards Becky at a decent speed. He had to get a good running start. The toes on his right foot were the last connection to the ground before he was completely in the air. Twisting his body and aiming the soles of his feet towards his new comrade. If anyone had happened to only see this motion, it would have seemed like Jack was planning to thoroughly stomp on the planted soldier holding a glowing green light. Whoosh. The spell dispersed in a circular pattern. Like a rock rippling the calm water, the green light spread through the air. The air crouching, brown haired, exhausted fighter was nowhere in sight.
***
The mercenary was having trouble keeping up with the others. He was unsure how their large, stubby boss was able to be so much faster than him. It doesn't matter, these soldiers knew they couldn't handle them. They were turning tail. They were barely even launching red orbs anymore. How could Ace lie to them? There was no treasure. He was so sure of it. Was he set up too? That must be it. I hope he joins us when we meet up later.
A black orb, roughly half his size, appeared in front of him suddenly. The mercenary felt a chunk of his boot disappear as he slid on the ground to stop in time before colliding with the new sphere. During his motion to stop is when there was an air crouching, brown haired, exhausted fighter in front of him, appeared on the mystery ball. Damnit, he is holding two pitch black swords. There is no way to stop in time.
***
Jack was surprised at the comforting reduction of speed as his feet sunk into the black orb. There was no pain in his ankles, just a sudden dampening. Jack never new that dark magic could be used this way. Mystical creatures are scary. Even more surprising was the falling black swords that appeared in front of him. He had only see this power of Tenny's once, but having weapons appear in front of him had his mind raced with possibilities. He wrapped his fingers around the handle and smashed the edges of the new weapon across the chest of a mercenary that was trying desperately to stop. Jack's feet touched the roof and aided him in his rolling motion. No dark weapon in his palms any longer. The boy jumped off the roof facing the direction Eclipse was heading.
"Launch!" Jack yelled in the air, and in the instant, there was a grey-haired captain behind him. His glowing green palms finding the sole of Jack's feet. Whoosh. The process was repeated. The soldiers that lined the street was watching the constant disappearance and reappearance of the young fighter. The disappearance always came at the hands of a soldier finding their way to him. His appearance always came in the landing on a black orb, the gripping of a varying black weapon, and the utter destruction of one to four soldiers before vanishing again. Their eyes were having trouble believing what they were seeing. The formation of black orbs, felt like a game was being played, maybe a training exercise. Whatever was happening, they knew that they were witnessing something they will never see again. All their shoulders relaxed as they just silently watched this young warrior take out mercenaries. The enemies were getting accustomed to the pattern, but the speed was a force of its own. They couldn't keep up.
The large leader bit down on his own teeth. He was aware of the members going down. He knew that the executives are the best chance, but they didn't seem to be fairing to well right now either. The explosions seemed to be happening less frequently and moving in this direction. There is one executive that is on their path. Better than that, there is the reason he met these annoying insects in the first place. He had to admit, Jack was in control of this entire mission. His best chance is to find his advantage. He needed a winning condition.
"Everyone! Split up and find Ashe! Bring her to me immediately!"
"Boss, I have heard from the guys who kept watching. Ashe is fighting with Darius."
"Perfect. I love it when things come together."
***
Stella couldn't find enough air. Sweat flowed off her body. Her fingers were petrified against the spear handle, and palm burning. The weapon for fighting was now her means of staying up right. Luna was fighting against Garret. The two of them matched in skill. The largest difference that Stella spotted was the massive grin on the face of the swordsman. Her sister was still expressionless but was now breathing through her mouth. Sweat flew from her long unruly silver hair.
Stella saw the crowd of mercenaries making their way to them. The soldiers running along the roofs as well. It was the most organised chaos she had seen in her life. Where was Rodriguez? Is this the plan now? What are they supposed to do? The charging crowd also caught the attention of the tiny Reaper. She glanced at her older sister, but this was the opening that Garret was waiting for. His shield smashed into her causing her she fall.
"The boss said to capture her! We are in trouble without her!" A flood of warriors came rushing in. Jack as well. Mercenary after mercenary fell with the appearance of a black orb. Quinn was close behind too, but any black orb that was formed around him was met with another warrior in his proximity.
"Grab the girl quick. What are you waiting for?" Quinn yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Launch!" Jack was on track to the swordsman trying to grab The Reaper. The black orb appeared on the side of the target. Jack frozen in air like all the other times. The weapon in his hands like all the other times. The big difference from every other time was the enemy's sword being this close to his neck. Jack barely got a dark blade in between but the force smashed him to the ground. He was brutally reminded that this man was leagues above him in skill right now. This reminder came with the end of Jack's assault. The boy barely managed to roll over and keep his eyes open to see the rest of the scene unfold.
"What more can you monsters want with a little girl!" Stella embedded her fingers into the spear handle. She planted her foot and decided to dash forward. The swordsman was already poised to drive his weapon into her chest. There was nothing any of them could do about it. Luna was scrabbling to get to her feet, but the army of mercenaries was closing in on her. She couldn't see her sister through the crowd of men between them. Monica stifled her scream with both hands over her mouth. The teeth of the baker made up a wicked smile.
The collection of mercenaries reached down and planted their hands into the dirt road. The confusion spread like a wave. They circled around to see the new addition to the scene. Monica released a little chuckle when she saw the black cape flying in the wind. The moustached man was standing in between Stella and Garret. The blade of the swordsman was in between his fingers. His other arm was holding the tiny Reaper at his side. Her body hanging like a rag doll. Ace snapped the blade in half and tossed it to the ground. Jack rested his head on the ground and released a large laugh.
"Oops, I didn't mean to break this. It looks high quality." Stella's bottom lip was trembling. The relief of escaping a near death experience does that to someone. The relief of seeing her friend is okay, and that this is finally all over also played a part in the lip movement. She ran straight into his arms. Her legs finally giving up on her as she buried her head into his chest. He helped sit her down and placed her sister next to her.
"When did you get here?" she asked with a shaky voice.
"I was here from the start. As soon as they tied me up, I broke out and came over here. I even went and got this cape in case I was needed. I figured it would so epic if I showed up with a cape blowing in the wind."
"I missed how stupid you are."
"Me? Ha, I also have a lot to say about you Miss. What was that last burst of anger? You know that fighting angrily is troublesome. You have been doing it the entire time. You even held your sister back in the fight with the swordsman. You knew to read the situation and support." Stella pouted and clenched her fist. She knew what he was saying was correct. She just didn't expect to be critiqued while her body was this fatigued. "I understand why you feel this way. Your feelings are justified, but if you are not fully ready for a battle then more harm than good will be done by pushing yourself. Jack! Don't just lie there. I know you saw that earlier and didn't say anything. I left you in charge, but you were careless in that regard, but I do have to say, good job everyone. I am extremely proud of all of you."
The crew looked around to see soldiers binding the hands of all the mercenaries Jack had taken out. The rest of mercenaries were standing there in shock waiting for Ace to finish his words. Stella, Jack, and Luna remained on the ground while Tenny joined them on Ace's shoulder. It was their friends turn to finish this.
"Do we attack him?"
"You just saw him snap a sword in half."
"You go!"
"What do we do boss? Boss?" Everyone in the scene looked around only to notice the large man and the swordless swordsman was far off in the distance. The members of Eclipse sat on the ground and waited for soldiers to bind them.
"What do you want me to do boss?" Ace questioned the ground lying, brown-haired, exhausted fighter.
"Nothing boss. I know this isn't your fight. They can't do much as just the two of them. I am sure they will get caught eventually."
"Thanks boss. I am glad you understand my position, but there is something I told them I would do." Ace vanished from in front of them. "Quinn! I told you what would happen if you tried to gamble with someone's life again!"
Everyone followed the voice to see Ace standing on a roof nearby. The pair continued running forward without looking back at all. Ace grinned and stretched his arm off to the side.
"I know you can hear me! Tenny, make it round." The mystical creature leaped in the air and created a thick, pure black shield. The moustached man launched the spell at the pair. It cuts through the air until it immersed itself into the shoulder blade of baker. He came crashing into the ground and screamed in pain. His subordinate quickly helping him up to his feet as they continued forward. "Ouch! That looked like 3 bones! I'll break the next 203 the next time I see you baker!"
Ace joined his friends back on the ground. They were joined by a gorgeous emerald eye female suffocating the team with hugs. Her husband and a new female soldier that was smiling ear to ear joined the crowd. The last party member was a suave, blonde, scruffy man smoking a cigarette.
"Who are you?" Ace questioned.
"My name is William. I am a reporter who was promised a story. I came to tell Miss Ursa, that I am not disappointed."
"Oh cool! Another William." Ace's smile twisted to a grimace as his eyes scanned the reporter. He shifted his gaze to the dirty blond soldier who was confused about the eye contact. "I like that William more, but can I have one of those?"
"Sure." The suave man smiled while starring at the younger moustached man. He stumbled across the craziest group of people he had ever seen.
"Thanks, I am starting to like you already." Ace tossed his arm around the man after grabbing the gift.
Boom! A mountain with scars running down his arms landed in the ground next to all of them. A woman still gripping her massive war hammer was pinned under his arm. Blood running from her forehead. Her eyes rolled back. The massive man stood tall and stretched his limbs before wiping the blood from the side of his mouth. He shook the crowd with a deep laugh.
"We finally meet again troublemakers. This time you are causing the bad guys an enormous amount of trouble. Ace! What a glorious battle, am I right."
"Glorious my ass! What took you so long? You left almost everyone for Jack to fight. We should have just let you go in a forest to run free with the rest of gorillas," Ace mumbled.
"What did you say?"
"I was just asking Jack what is next?" Ace began whistling.
"Next? I'm exhausted! I didn't even get to talk to the blacksmith about techniques. I also saw some good books in the library, and I also need like three days just for sleep. I need a week of no fighting at least, and can we get something to eat before we start planning something life threatening again. Is that too much to ask?" The entire crew began to laugh at the ground lying, brown-haired, exhausted fighter's misery.
"Yea deary, you definitely deserve it," the beautiful soon to be mother happily said.