Chapter 36 - The End Is Near

Presto jumped up from where he was hunched over the corpse of his father and looked up at Goreoth, wiping away his tears. “You did this!” Presto shouted angrily before turning to Valandt. “Quick, give me some of that potion which I gave you” said Presto desperately, meaning Schard’s perfect health formula. Valandt quickly called to Astral to pass it over and then handed it to Presto as Goreoth looked on. Goreoth smirked down below and using his powers, raised the corpse of Skhyzard high into the air. Goreoth then snapped his fingers and everything began to shake, with Skhyzard’s body exploding into small masses of burnt flesh. “You cannot save him now” Goreoth bellowed with a smile as the ground began to stop shaking. “And you Goreoth have just condemned yourself to defeat” a emotionally torn Presto shouted at Goreoth. Presto then threw a huge fireball aimed at Goreoth’s face. As the fireball got close, Goreoth blew it back in Presto’s direction and Presto stood his ground and refused to move out of the way of the oncoming fireball. When it then got close enough, Presto threw a fist at the fireball and it broke into two and disappeared. “You will pay for my fathers death” Presto said, turning his cold gaze now to Lijitman. “And so will you” Presto shouted to Lijitman, who turned to look up at Goreoth and smirked. Valandt was now surveying the immense number of troops that Skhyzard had brought with him. “The odds need evening” Goreoth thundered as he surveyed the mass of troops that had just arrived and he began to summon skeletal warriors. Within a few moments there was an army of the same number consisting of the skeletal warriors behind the volcano. “Golan, lead my army to victory” bellowed Goreoth and gave the order for Golan and the skeleton army to charge. Valandt quickly turned to the mass of Legian soldiers and held his sword high in the air. “Your king is here, follow me to victory!” he said as he and the army began to charge on Golan and the skeletal army. As the troops were beginning to clash, Presto turned and made eye contact with Lijitman. “Things grow crowded here, let us take our battle to a higher plain” Lijitman said as he began to float upward, closely followed by Presto. The two flew high up into the sky, passing the top of Goreoth’s head on the way. The sky above them was pitch black, Presto could barely see his hands in front of him until lightning started to streak across the sky giving it appropriate lighting. “Are you aware of Drakorache and Goldrache ?” Lijitman mocked as the two floated mid air and continued to stare each other down. “They are the dragons of Paix and Goreoth. One dark and one golden” a bemused Presto replied. “Good” Lijitman said as he smiled. “Meet Drakorache” Lijitman said, moments before a dragon appeared from nowhere and Lijitman came to mount it . Presto watched in awe as Drakorache began to swoop through the air, then began to tremble as it began to head for him. Presto looked deep into the evil red eyes of Drakorache and watched as it prepared to blow fire, he then began to fly around attempting to escape its fiery breath. Drakorache then began to shoot fire at Presto, with Presto only just managing to avoid it. Lijitman then had Drakorache speed up and then catching Presto with a blast of fire sending him hurtling out of the sky. Presto began to feel faint as he tumbled back toward the earth, he then saw something strange in the corner of his eye as lightning lit the sky. He focused his eyes but still could not make out what was there up in the clouds and suddenly he felt something underneath him, stopping him from falling any further completely. He looked to see what had prevented his falling and then saw that he was atop Goldrache, the golden dragon. Presto smiled and moved his body so that his arms and legs were wrapped around Goldrache’s neck and then looked to the sky once more, the vision he had not earlier been able to make out was an image of Paix herself. Presto smiled wider and pushed Goldrache on, upward and in pursuit of Drakorache. Lijitman was taken aback as he saw Presto and Goldrache burst through the clouds and laughed scornfully. “It ends here Lijitman, I will foresee that magic only be used for good” Presto said assuredly as he and Goldrache lined up with Lijitman and Drakorache. There was a momentary pause as Presto and Lijitman stared each other down, with the dragons they were riding about to resume a battle they had started centuries ago. The two dragons flew in opposite directions to start with, circling and crossing each other at regular intervals. Goldrache began to chase after Drakorache for a while before Drakorache pulled up hard into the sky and flew back around, ending up behind Goldrache and then chasing him. Drakorache began to blow fire at Goldrache, with the golden dragon soaring around the sky at high speeds to avoid the flames. Goldrache began to get pushed toward Goreoth now, with Drakorache blazing fire across any other path making only one route possible. The two dragons then began to circle Goreoth, making him follow the ongoing aerial battle. Goreoth began to get annoyed by Goldrache’s flying and waited for Presto and Goldrache to fly around then made his gigantic hand come down on Goldrache, swatting him from the sky. Presto saw the hand late but managed to get off Goldrache with not a moment to spare, jumping off the golden dragon and landing on Drakorache, tackling Lijitman off Drakorache and sending them both tumbling to the ground. They were both falling to the ground at a rapid rate, holding each other as they were. Presto took a quick look up to the sky and immediately let go of Lijitman, a split second later Lijitman was hit by a huge bolt of lightning and fell to the ground lifeless, his body scorched by it as Presto floated back down and landed safely. Once Presto had landed, he was swamped with troops from all angles and began to join the battle, taking out as many of the skeletal soldiers as he could. In the midst of the intense battle that was going on, Sierra and Raiguarde were still duelling it out with neither being able to vanquish the other. The two had been fighting non stop for a while now and Sierra’s body drenched in sweat, with her muscles aching to the point that she could barely move without feeling the tension in them. Still she refused to give up the fight. Raiguarde began to feel intensely frustrated at Sierra’s continually evasive nature and took out this frustration by upping the aggression and power in his attacks. The two warriors oblivious to the masses of soldiers and skeletons that were clashing around them, focusing on each other and both determined to defeat the other. As the battle began to intensify around them, Raiguarde was caught off guard by a Legian soldier to his left as he yelped in pain at being stabbed. Raiguarde looked to Sierra momentarily then reached over to his left and snatched the Legian soldier’s sword from his grasp, stabbing him in the back with it afterward. Sierra stood back as Raiguarde began to advance on her with two swords and reached her arm over her back, grabbing a skeleton by the neck. Sierra lifted the skeleton high in the air and then brought it down over her shoulder, snapping its spine in two. As the skeleton collapsed to the floor Sierra retrieved its sword and leapt at Raiguarde, with both now duelling with two swords. Sierra looked around ominously as skeletons had begun to take notice of her and so she now had two things to deal with. Raiguarde laughed as he and the skeletons surrounded Sierra. She looked around, alert at all times and waiting for something to make a move. A skeleton jumped from out of the circle in toward Sierra, who caught it mid air and slammed it down onto her knee, shattering its spine. Raiguarde stood still and watched as another two skeletons leapt in at Sierra and saw as she slipped her swords underneath the rib cages of two and then made the skeletons collide, she then grabbed the other by the jaw, picked it up and slammed it down skull first onto the floor, putting her foot down after and reducing its bones to splinters. Sierra glanced for a moment at Raiguarde who was shaping to attack before she had to kick another skeleton off its feet and then stamping down on its skull. Raiguarde then took his chance, throwing his sword at Sierra’s neck giving her only a heartbeat to react. Sierra just about saw the blade coming for her and threw her two swords into the air, freeing her hands. She then grabbed the sword with her right hand and pulled it toward her side, carrying on its momentum as she spun around and adding some of her own. As she came back around she released the sword and with lightning speed it went back at Raiguarde, landing in his chest. Raiguarde fell to his knees and began to cough up blood as he fell to the ground, killed at the hands of Sierra once again. Sierra had little time to admire her work as two more skeletons leaped at her from either side, she countered this by jumping backward and throwing the two skeletons into each other, skull first. Not too far away from all this was Astral and Icsha, continuing to fight it out between each other. Icsha was using the magic that Goreoth had given her to great effect, countering Astral’s energy whip with one of her own. As the intensity of the battle continued, the two whips collided with each other and got tangled, Icsha then produced another whip with her other hand and used it to pull Astral’s feet from out underneath her. Icsha smirked as Astral attempted to get back to her feet and closed her eyes, summoning two skeletons. The skeletons rose from the ground either side of Astral and grabbed her, holding her arms tight behind her back as she struggled to get free. “It was a mistake what happened that day when I died” Icsha said as Astral continued to wriggle around in the tight grip of the skeletons. “And it is a mistake that shall be rectified” Icsha walked up close to Astral and got in her face. “Do you know what your father‘s last words were ?” Icsha continued with a smile.
“No! I refuse to listen to you” replied Astral, still struggling to break free.
“Take care of Astral, Icsha. She needs you.” Icsha laughed “your own father didn't think you had what it took to be a queen. But then, he always was an old fool. Did you know he lusted after me?”
“Stop it!” Astral yelled as a tear began to roll down her cheek.
“Its true. Your father wanted my body more than anything” Icsha laughed loudly “and he got it. I mean how do you think I was presented with the opportunity to poison him”. Astral felt her sadness instantly turn to anger as Icsha spoke and she broke free of one of the skeletons grasp and slapped Icsha hard on the cheek. Icsha cried in pain as Astral hit her and then rubbed her now bright red cheek, watching Astral as the skeletons grabbed her once more. “That” Icsha said “was the biggest mistake you could ever make” and she began to float in the air. Icsha’s eyes had darkened over again, with her pupils disappearing again completely. Tiny bolts of energy began to flow from Icsha’s body as she began to chant something in a language which Astral did not quite understand, still she knew something bad was about to happen. Something appeared in the ground as Icsha continued to chant. It was half a red sphere, with the other presumably being below the ground. The half sphere began to expand as Icsha continued to chant and get closer to Astral. Astral continually tried to free herself from the skeletons grasp but to no avail. The half sphere grew closer and closer to Astral until it was near her feet, she began to feel a burning sensation as it got even closer to her, now almost touching her toes. As a last resort Astral looked at the two skeletons and brought her fists up to their skulls, knocking them down and freeing her. Astral dove out of the way as the half sphere expanded over the skeletons, reducing them to black dust within moments. Astral then looked to Icsha, who was still floating safely above the half sphere with her eyes closed, still chanting. “This is for my father” Astral said as she extended her energy whip from her right arm, catching Icsha and making her fall into the red half sphere. Icsha's dying scream could be heard all around the battlefield as she melted away into nothing. Also still fighting were Imunzo and Kage, even now going at the pace which could only be seen as a blur by the human eye even though they were still fighting without swords. Imunzo threw fist after fist at Kage, who blocked each attack and turned it into an attack of his own. Kage went to throw a right fist at Imunzo but he ducked it and Kage immediately jumped backward preventing Imunzo from attacking his now exposed stomach. Both warriors were virtually exhausted as they were fighting and as the battle went on but neither showed any signs of fatigue. Kage and Imunzo circled each other, staring into the other’s eyes and looking for any signs of emotion. The two looked breathlessly into each others eyes before Kage took the first move, tearing off his black top and exposing his upper body. Sweat poured from Imunzo as the two leapt in on each other again, throwing rapid punches and swift kicks at each other in a frenzy of attacks. Kage began to advance on Imunzo now, pushing him backward as he began to throw fist after fist and leaving Imunzo no opportunity to come back at him whatsoever. Imunzo continued to block all of Kage’s attacks, waiting for the right moment to mount an offence of his own. Kage continued to push Imunzo backward until Imunzo blocked one of Kage’s lightning quick punches and held onto his fist, twisting it around and then getting Kage in an armlock. Kage tried to attack Imunzo with a left elbow as he was behind him twisting the other but Imunzo quickly moved to Kage’s side and continued to twist his arm around. Kage arched his back and moaned in pain as Imunzo continued to apply pressure to his arm and then somersaulted on the spot which twisted his arm back the other way. Kage then pulled his arm toward him and went to hit Imunzo with his left arm but Imunzo ducked it and put his arms around his waist. Then as Imunzo began to tighten his grip, Kage rolled over his back and waited for Imunzo to turn around before throwing a fist at him, which Imunzo only just about managed to lean back and avoid. After this Imunzo instantly went to kick Kage with his right leg but Kage managed to catch this with his left hand. Imunzo hopped on his left leg for a second before pushing his foot down on Kage’s hand and jumping into the air, kicking Kage in the head with his right foot and then somersaulting and landing back on his feet as Kage fell to the floor. Imunzo looked around the battlefield among all the masses of Legian soldiers and skeletons that continued to clash and saw on the floor his and Kage’s swords. Imunzo instantly jumped in amongst them, avoiding all of the skeletal sword attacks and shattering their bones with his punches and kicks. Imunzo retrieved both swords and jumped out of the melee and back to where Kage was now standing. “The way of the Djiani. Fair fight, always” Imunzo said as he handed Kage his katana.
“You always were noble Imunzo. It shall be the death of you” Kage said as he lunged at Imunzo, who jumped back and parried the blade away. The blades of Kage and Imunzo were cutting through the air with enough force to start a hurricane. Imunzo began to get the upper hand on Kage now, slicing through the air and preparing in advance for Kage’s block, then changing the direction of his blade at the last second giving Kage little or no time to react. Kage battled back against Imunzo, converting his blocks into attacks within the blink of an eye and forcing Imunzo to go on the defensive instead of continuing his offence. Kage’s concentration was beginning to drop below complete as the unyielding battle continued, with Imunzo being able to dictate the pace now. Imunzo continued to cut and thrust his blade through the air faster than ever before now, catching Kage completely off guard and cutting him on the cheek. The two of them stood back, both of them somewhat at Imunzo drawing first blood. Kage wiped two fingers through the cut and examined the blood before looking at Imunzo again. The cut on Kage made his concentration return to full and he began to overpower Imunzo, the power and frequency of his attacks pushing him back. Imunzo tried to come back at this by quickening up his blows but Kage continued to return him blow for blow. Then when Imunzo thought he had Kage exposed once more Kage spun to his side to avoid the blow, then went behind Imunzo and grabbed him. “Looks like you lose again” Kage said as he pressed his blade against Imunzo’s throat. “Time to die” Kage then said.
“Maybe, but I‘m taking you with me” Imunzo said before Kage had the chance to slit his throat, Imunzo then pushed his blade through his own stomach and into Kage’s. Kage let go of Imunzo and Imunzo quickly pulled his blade clear of them both, turning around and severing Kage’s head before falling to the ground himself. “Imunzo!” called Valandt, who saw him fall over in the corner of his eye. Valandt looked to Golan and kicked him to one side as he ran toward Imunzo. “Presto, Astral, get over here!” Valandt shouted as skeletons began to draw closer to the heavily wounded Imunzo and Valandt. Valandt began to swipe at the skeletons, taking several out before they overcame him. As Valandt saw a skeleton about to stab him, he then saw the skeleton fall to the ground, Sierra had destroyed it. “You saved me!” Valandt exclaimed.
“Don't take it personally, I saved Imunzo” she snapped back, moments before Presto and Astral appeared. “You two see that he is alright” Valandt said to Astral and Presto before turning to Sierra. “Think you can handle the skeletons ?” Valandt said to Sierra.
“Just do what you have to do and stay out of my way” she replied, adding spite before rejoining going off and taking on any skeleton that came within striking distance. As Valandt turned around he felt a foot slam into his chin and knock him from his feet, Golan’s. Valandt quickly got to his feet and thrust his sword viciously at Golan. Valandt began to push Golan back now with the power and speed of his attacks making it difficult for Golan to keep up. The two swords clashed with a resonant sound echoing throughout the field. Golan pushed on his sword as Valandt did the same and they got in each others face, staring into each others eyes and seeing the hatred that dwelled there. Valandt used all his strength to push Golan to the floor and then got too close as Golan pulled Valandt’s legs out from underneath him. Valandt and Golan then both got to their feet slowly and circled each other before Golan lunged at Valandt with intense power. Valandt had little time to get out of the way and Golan cut his shirt. Valandt fell to the floor as Golan continued to advance on him. “Foolish boy. And you are the king? Legia has no chance with a king like you” Golan said as he stood over Valandt and went to lower his blade down on Valandt‘s chest. Valandt rolled out of the way of Golan’s sword just in time and got to his feet, kicking Golan in the stomach. “While I still breath I will fight for Legia” Valandt said as he slashed his blade through the air against Golan’s.
“That can soon change boy” Golan replied as he blocked Valandt’s attack, then flooring Valandt with a vicious headbutt. Golan stood over Valandt and smiled. “Time to show you what real power is” Golan said as Goreoth extended a finger. A huge bolt of energy from Goreoth zapped into Golan and he began to grow to twice his size. “For what you did to me. You shall not die. You shall suffer!” Golan said as he smashed his fists down onto the ground, cracking the earth underneath Valandt. Valandt held onto the now wide crack in the ground with his free hand and looked down to see the lava below. Golan then stood over Valandt and smiled, he then put his foot down hard onto Valandt’s hand. Valandt groaned as Golan continued to apply pressure in the hope that Valandt would let go and fall to his death. Valandt gritted his teeth and continued to hold on, Golan then pushed his sword into Valandt’s hand. Valandt cried out in agony as Golan pulled his sword clear and Valandt began to fall. Valandt did not fall for long however, he pushed his sword into the edge of the crevice and used it to pull himself up. Golan had his back turned as Valandt pulled himself back over the edge. “Hey!” called Valandt after tearing a part of his shirt and tying around his wounded left hand. “We have unfinished business” Valandt continued as Golan turned back around. Golan was clearly surprised that Valandt was still alive and he drew his sword. Golan towered over Valandt as he approached him but Valandt didn't care, he lunged at Golan and barraged him with attacks. Golan couldn’t keep up with the ferocity and speed of Valandt’s attacks but one unstoppable hit from the magically charged Golan sent Valandt flying. Valandt got to his feet quickly and back in Golan’s face, quickening up his blows and avoiding all of Golan’s. Valandt now began to push Golan further and further back, continually upping the tempo and aggression in his blows. Golan held onto his huge blade with both arms and swung both his gigantic arms at Valandt in desperation. Valandt casually avoided this attack and pulled Golan’s feet from under him with his sword. “Time to say goodbye” Valandt said as he held his blade above Golan’s throat. “I don‘t think so” Golan said as he smiled and within a moment Valandt had Golan’s blade pressed against his throat. The two stared into each others eyes as both of them held a weapon to the others throat, each of them a heartbeat away from death. Then out of nowhere, Valandt felt something pull him back and turn him around. Sierra then punched Valandt hard in the face. “I will not let you kill my father again” Sierra said as Valandt fell to the floor, cut lip and all. “But...” Valandt said as he went to get to his feet before Sierra cut him off.
“But nothing” Sierra said as she kicked Valandt hard in the ribs and then stomped down on his spine. Sierra then turned to Golan and a tear ran down her eye. “The end is near my daughter. Once Goreoth has had his way with Legia I can rule it once more, with you right by my side. You can be a princess again. You have done the right thing Sierra.”
“The right thing...” Sierra said as she looked up at the ominous, now victorious looking Goreoth. Sierra then put her arms around Golan and burst into tears. “You have no idea how hard the right thing is to do” she said weeping as she drew a dagger from her side and plunged it into Golan’s back. Sierra ripped the blade across Golan’s back and let him fall to the floor lifeless, followed by Sierra who fell to the floor in tears. “I know that was hard Sierra” Valandt said as he put an arm on her shoulder, to which she pulled away.
“I saw you two” she began, in between tears. “It was a choice between saving my father and condemning this world to live under Goreoth. Or save you, the man I hate. I will never forgive you for having me make that decision”.
“I understand.” Valandt said. “Only one thing left now, to destroy Goreoth. The end is near indeed” Valandt continued as he looked up at Goreoth and got ready for one final battle.