image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczN0U8Ysl5PspNT5Sr7_itMnIlYyQJPGuhEABqgFWx-a_d_wS42DUvM_s6zpG8HlCQ38jWrwroTmYKX17HwAAZubtkdTlKgYtugJZMFGbVvlcdtyMnP0O0-lSihnqD0qJnhs3VCwwHzrxrhnOZBLnjVxMdjVXdZQMQoSTu8Q2eOlZAB3x8N_KVLCfGRqpKd_2cnt2GNSOdQFCpD8QTl1hTd2aQOjPxT81KN0V0ghQY19kJcVKq9yTliHU8AyiMNdG3Z8hnR_4JsCg7JyWcX0Da7W5FshwlPMVXb8H6xfudQGKAqvazgi4PJ6--V2uk7E8Ex5BGicPxwSY84ipU49vwePwfeawYVrLumxpeQycE-1kbHHpNvmZ-jkyH2OKzCOR52vDiT2wfcGP90NM3TG9TBYGAPjsFJuZ7-ghXutbcNKGlfPXjZN4pigPvpILd7GuvQ0Uz30pNAzNGBSjp3IBTwfEJsjzgqY1SdTeaHaN2df0UluI6dSB0jqlgm8anSNjSYDezS4oxYRWVV1GPLO7YevCBdeFu7HnXmK7nxrv7GJnpBnzR2NVJU_QoF_1Sz3-KqE23yQeYPPHw1-1hAXV_H0_Bbk557LeVAivUhJgQPyvH9IT-fwkNtcWLRKkE6bmExapdXRdGOyZk7C06JdESHrqujv--Po12YEjtd_FnUF2mYdrpgBB4CrgQtrYrNdFyXMOX7NARtActDCCN7zacv8HDHmqeUootRWQ7EM4fzBbYr_d0WnoYFAjbStxVSn6H5vRcsCBSopIpc8juCWogYp3o3JaEbmDgfVi8n_sSNoBG6FBNHLIMInNQEgJ9TjZjf692xIdx9c-FpS0szV1X4GHHI8VbJQnt1ysPLCiXECAa4iVJfwD-fIUaR2NSTKOQl2b6Jw21Tvw_RYMkytkcO6x0ORFprLutPpHCjaCqyDkmoh6ezILmQIj4-4Axf5=w896-h896-s-no-gm?authuser=1]
The clash of swords reverberated through the air, accompanied by the rising sun peeking over the towering kingdom walls. Leon and Toras, drenched in sweat, sprinted across the open field, their swords meeting in relentless combat. Leon's body contorted and twisted as he desperately evaded or parried Toras's relentless assault.
Eight swords darted through the air, attempting to pierce him from every angle, while Toras himself somersaulted and struck with terrifying ferocity.They went at this for days on end, only resting for food and occasional sleep. The fated duel against Hime awaited within the end of the week.
As they sat by the crackling campfire, its dancing flames casting flickering shadows, the aroma of freshly caught fish wafted through the air. Leon impatiently watched the fish roast, his grumbling mingling with the sizzling sounds. His body stung with a white-hot heat as the cuts all over him healed. Toras took a bite of his salmon, the satisfying crunch causing his eyebrow to raise.
"Well, your movement and defense have certainly improved. I dare say I'm almost impressed with such steady progress," he remarked, his words punctuated by his chewing. He tossed the leftover stick into the fire and added, "Although the fish could do with some salt. It's a shame I didn't think to bring any."
Leon groaned and scratched the back of his head. "How the hell did you get so good at fighting? You're telling me Hime is even stronger than you?"
The fire crackled as Toras paused to chew his food. Throwing the leftover stick in it, he replied, "Years of training, encounters with powerful monsters and demons. The princess is a childhood friend of yours truly... or at least she was." There was a hint of disgust in his voice as he finished that sentence.
"Was? Aren't you her first knight?" Leon inquired, picking up his own catfish skewered on a stick.
Rising to his feet, Toras gazed up at the sky, his fists clenched so tightly that Leon imagined his gloves turning white. "I lost that title after interrupting you both on the train. It was the last straw after my failure to save her unit. She denounced it immediately after the execution of your dear friend had been interrupted."
It definitely seemed like Hime wasn't a huge fan of his at the time. That was one of the few times I'd ever seen her look so angry, Leon thought, pondering about that moment on the train weeks before. "You're talking about the unit they're accusing Katie of killing, right? Just what exactly happened?"
"...It was about three months ago. We had been sent to investigate the appearance of Tartarus troops, the first in centuries. What we found instead was a ravaged town, and your friend the angel standing amongst the chaos. She was covered in blood from head to toe. When we confronted her, she attacked us. Only the princess and I survived. She's blamed me for those losses ever since."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "Couldn't it have been Jalaiya? She's definitely not a stranger to bloodlust. Katie would never do something like that willingly unless she was attacked."
Toras sighed and responded, "All the same, she is her host, making her responsible for any casualties caused by that devil of an angel. She and my princess had never seen eye to eye to begin with. A clash was inevitable." Turning to face Leon, he added, "But enough about the past. You are getting stronger, but fire will not be enough to defeat her wind. The arena is covered in the sands of the earth. You will learn to use it."
"The sands... How?" Leon asked.
Toras motioned forward with his hand, kicking out the fire beside them. "Come along. I'm going to introduce you to a dear old friend."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They gathered horses and made their way past the forest. It was a vibrant and sunny day on their path, with locals and animals on occasion in their journey. Leon squinted against the strong winds, covering his eyes from the sun. I wanted to wait for Ed and Richard to wake up, but he said if we took too long, this guy he wanted me to meet would disappear. He won't breathe a word about who he is or what he looks like... Do you think this could be some sort of trap, Diablos?
Diablos scoffed. He wouldn't need one to kill you. He's clearly holding back his true potential. He may help us in the duel to come, but don't think for a second that makes him our ally. He isn't trusted for a reason.
Maybe... but if that's the case, why is he going out of his way to help us? What would he stand to gain from doing that if he wanted us dead? Leon watched Toras, his dark armor gleaming under the sun. I can't imagine wanting to wear a helmet in this heat. If it weren't for our powers, this heat would be unbearable.
In the passing moments, silence enveloped the scene, broken only by the gentle rustling of the breeze and the rhythmic crunch of grass beneath the hooves of their horses. The distant hills and endless trees stretched out before them, a vast expanse that seemed to whisper of uncertainty. Hours of scarce conversation left Leon wondering if they were lost. Doubts crept into his mind like tendrils, questioning whether they had lost their way amidst the sprawling wilderness.
As they ascended the winding mountain trail, the once bright sky became veiled in a somber cloak of clouds. The fog clung to the air, thickening with each passing moment. "Just how far is this guy? How do you know he's even still here?" he asked, watching Toras dismount his horse.
The crunch of gravel accompanied his every step. Kneeling down, Toras scrutinized the trail of rocks strewn at his feet. He picked up a peculiar bronze stone, rubbing it between his fingers. "He's been here. This isn't a stone you'd find on these mountains," Toras proclaimed, his voice carried over the breeze that ruffled the black feathers adorning his jousting helmet. Turning towards Leon, Toras reached for his sword.
Instinctively, Leon's hand tightened around the hilt of his own blade, taking a step back. Suddenly, the ground beneath them surged upward, a colossal rock wall materializing before Leon's bewildered eyes. His horse whinnied in fear, rearing back on its hind legs. An ambush? Leon thought, his scowling deepening. He swiftly unsheathed his sword, his gaze fixed on the two figures emerging from the thickening fog.
As the mist slowly dissipated, the forms of a man and a woman came into focus. The man, with short jet-black hair, stood with his skin half-encased in an amber-colored stone that melded seamlessly underneath his western attire.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
The woman to his right possessed emerald green hair and scaly skin, her arms replaced by feathered wings and her lower limbs resembling those of an ostrich. A peculiar amalgamation of human and creature stood before Leon, a sight that demanded a double-take to fully comprehend.
"Who are you? How did you find us?" The rock man's voice reverberated with a deep and rough timbre, his palm ominously unfurling. Leon thought he felt the tremor of the surrounding rocks in response.
Leon dismounted and took a step forward. "My name is Leon! I came here with Toras! He's behind this wall you made!"
The two exchanged glances before looking back at him. "You've wasted your time coming here, Leon. Return back down the mountain before you lose your head," the rock man said, lowering his arm. The pebbles around Leon settled. "The name's Stone. This is Quilla. You'd best turn back for your own good. We don't care for the Lioness Kingdom's affairs and don't answer kindly to those who threaten our way of life. "
"But I haven't even said what I want! All I need is training!" Leon exclaimed, letting go of his sword. "My friend has been imprisoned, and she'll die if I don't get stronger!"
The harpy Quilla giggled impishly, her voice resembling a high-pitched English woman. "Training, he says? What do we look like? A couple of instructors off to teach loody-loo?"
Stone sneered, his eyes narrowing. "Just what does helping your little friend have to do with us? I could care less for the trivial matters of others."
"So Death destroying everything isn't your problem? If the host of Jalaiya dies, how many people on this planet do you think can even fight him? Me and Diablos can't do it alone!"
You dare assume I need the help of that meaningless - Diablos interjected furiously, but Leon cut him off.
I don't have time for your complaining right now.
Stone's gaze shifted, his eyes widening in realization. He exchanged a look with Quilla. "Wait a moment. Did you say Jalaiya's host has been imprisoned?" Stone's voice softened, the edges of his tone now tinged with surprise. "Just what are you hoping to achieve? Jalaiya and Diablos are enemies... And how can we trust your words?"
A surge of impatience coursed through Leon, manifesting as smoke curling from his clenched palms. His cool brown eyes blazed with a malicious crimson hue as he balled his fists, the crackle of electricity echoing around his body. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a white feather-the same feather gifted to him by Katie in his dreams. Clenching it tightly, he felt a surge of power pulsate through him.
"Stone, he speaks the truth. Only an angel feather could possess such power." Toras's voice rang above. He leaped off the wall, his metal boots clanging beside Leon."The hosts have an alliance for reasons I can not even fathom. In his current state, he'll lose the duel that claims her life. You must show him how to use the power of the earth if he even hopes to stand a chance."
Leon glanced at Toras. "What took you so long?"
"Hit a snag. Better late than never," Toras replied, sheathing the sword in his hand.
As the fog grew thicker, Quilla's feathers ruffled in agitation. "Well, well, if it isn't little Toras? Grown a big head in your time away."
"The pleasure is mine, little Quilla. Good to see your nose has healed since our last meeting," Toras said, his voice cold and biting, provoking a screech from the harpy.
Quilla bared her fangs, preparing to launch herself at Toras, but Stone held her back, his glare fixed on Toras. "You have some nerve showing your face after what you've done. Just what makes you think we would ever want to help the likes of you?"
Man, the tone shifted the second he showed up. What is Toras trying to play? He never mentioned these people hate him, Leon thought, but then Toras glanced at him. He saw his blue eyes wink hidden beneath the helmet before turning to Stone.
Toras stepped forward and held his hands up. "Come now. We are all under the threat of Death's destruction. With a common enemy, can't we let bygones be bygones?"
Pebbles rose and levitated from the ground, converging around Toras, forming an imposing ring of at least six colossal boulders. In a swift motion, swords danced and sliced through the thick fog, a symphony of steel and shattered rubble filling the air. Leon shielded his eyes from the chaos, unable to discern the exact happenings obscured by the fog. Yet the sounds of battle and war cries resonated with a palpable intensity.
With flames reigniting all over his body, Leon unsheathed his blade, determined to join the fray. He dashed through the fog, his every step infused with purpose. Stone and Quilla now lay on opposite ends of Toras, both kneeling. Toras's swords surrounded them from every angle, poised to strike at the slightest provocation. "Now... your help, or your lives? Sound like an even arrangement," Toras declared, his gaze unwavering.
Stone stared up at him. "Damn you... I'd rather die than help a murderous traitor like you."
Toras shrugged indifferently. "So be it."
Quilla screamed, her voice laced with fear, as Toras raised his sword once more. But Leon intercepted, blocking Toras's strike with his own blade. "Just what do you think you're doing?" Leon snapped, his arms trembling under the weight of the clash.
"Well, they are of very little use to us if they're non compliant, wouldn't you say? We can't very well have them speaking of this, or we'll both have a spot of trouble on our hands. Step aside. I'll make this quick," Toras said, attempting to push Leon's blade aside.
With widening eyes, Toras faltered as Leon's heel kicked out from under him. In a swift motion, Leon brought his sword crashing down, his shoulder colliding with Toras's chest. Toras managed to catch himself, avoiding a complete fall. "Don't make this difficult, boy. They will only haunt you once we spare them."
"It's a good thing I'm not afraid of ghosts. If killing them is your idea of asking for help, you're no better than Death. I should've known I couldn't trust you," Leon said coldly, standing between Toras and the fallen creatures.
Toras's eyes narrowed at those words. The blades surrounding them retracted behind him, dissipating. "Have it your way then. Good luck finding your way back, fool." He sheathed his blade, mounted his horse, and left in the fog.
After a moment passed, Leon gradually relaxed, sighing heavily. Suddenly, he flinched as Quilla's winged arms wrapped around his neck. "Oy, what are you doing?" he asked, looking at her.
"Thank you, thank you! Life woulda' been so miserable without my wittle Stone!" she whined, rubbing her snotty nose on his shoulder. "You wouldn't happen to be in need of a mate?"
"Not lately, no!" Leon yelled, trying to break away. The feathers made his neck incredibly itchy, rubbing as she smothered him.
Stone rose to his feet, frowning, "Quilla, restrain yourself for God's sake! ...As for you, why did you step in? Didn't you come together?" he asked Leon.
"I came with him because he claimed he could help. That being said, I had my doubts about him from the start, but what I said earlier wasn't a lie. I need to learn new powers to fight Hime in a week," Leon responded.
At those words, Stone's eyes gleamed. "You face the demon princess in a week? ...This is a matter of pride now. Quilla, blindfold him!"
Quilla saluted, her wing smacking Leon in the face on accident. Before he could stop them, he felt her tie a fold over his eyes. "Wait, wait, wait, what are you doing?"
"You want our help or not? We just met you, Leon, and yet you saved our lives. On top of a chance to see our power take down that snobby princess in front of her entire kingdom, you can bet we'll put our hands into this. That being said, we don't just take anyone to our tribe and for that, you have to be blindfolded. Don't want you telling your friends where we live... Quilla, tie his hands. You're in charge of making sure he doesn't fall off the mountain til we get home."
"You got it, Stone! I'm not responsible if his knees smack any rocks, though," she replied, tying his wrists with what felt like rope.
"Deal. I'll get his horse, and then let's move!"
Leon turned to her despite not being able to see. "Hey, what do you mean- ow!" His leg immediately smacked into a boulder in passing, making her snicker. This just isn't my lucky day...