In the Middle of a Battle

The clash of swords echoed across the battlefield as adventurers scrambled to hold the line against the advancing skeleton knights. Meira's feet skidded to a halt when she found herself suddenly in the thick of it—adventurers scattered around her, some downed, others locked in desperate combat. Without hesitation, she spotted a fallen sword near her feet, its previous owner incapacitated by the undead.

She bent down, grabbing the weapon swiftly. It was heavier than she preferred, but she'd make it work. Her eyes flicked toward Arthur, not far off, already engaged in battle, his massive blade cleaving through the skeleton ranks with ease. But there wasn't time to focus on that—three of the undead soldiers were closing in on her.

With fluidity, Meira twirled the blade in her hand, shifting into a stance. One step forward—slash. The first skeleton collapsed, bones shattering from the impact. She spun, bringing the sword up just in time to parry the second, the clanging of metal-on-metal reverberating in her ears. Her muscles tensed as she deflected the skeleton's strike, using the force to pivot and bring the blade down on its exposed neck, severing the head clean off. The third came at her full force, its glowing eyes filled with malevolent energy.

Meira sidestepped, her body moving gracefully despite the cumbersome sword. With a final swing, she brought the blade across its midsection, the skeleton crumbling to the ground in a heap of bones.

Arthur, mid-swing himself, caught sight of her movements. "Looks like our new receptionist is good with a sword?" he called out, a teasing lilt in his voice.

"There is more to me than meets the eye, Mr. Valebrandt!" she shot back.

But the battlefield was no place for smug jokes. "Behind you!" Arthur's voice rang out, his eyes widening as two more skeletons charged at her from the rear.

Before Meira could even turn, Arthur lunged forward, his giant sword swinging in a wide arc. The first skeleton shattered into pieces as the sword made contact, while Arthur swiftly dispatched the second with a quick thrust. He stood beside her now, towering over her, his chest rising and falling heavily from the effort. "Careful, they almost scared that beautiful face of yours"

Meira glanced up at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Beautiful? I should've known flattery was your secret weapon," she replied smoothly, though her tone was light. 

Arthur chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "Only when it's true. I would hate to see something happen to you, your son would be sad as well." He swung his blade up again, preparing for the next wave. "I would want to stand by you tomorrow, you know."

With a nod, Meira stood shoulder to shoulder with him. "Agreed!" she smiled, a slight blush appearing on her face. Together, they carved through the undead ranks, Arthur's brute strength and Meira's swift precision complementing each other in perfect harmony.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in Meira's mind, clear and urgent. It was another guild receptionist, using telepathy to relay critical information.

Meira, you need to listen carefully. Axel is missing from the guild hall. There's a magic circle left behind—a teleportation circle. It's likely he's been kidnapped by that demon we heard about.

The world around her froze, the sounds of battle dimming as her heart raced. Axel was gone? The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine. She gripped her sword tighter, her knuckles turning white. "That…"

"Meira, you look pale." Arthur said, grabbing her shoulder. "Is everything alright?"

"Arthur!" she called, her voice shaking slightly with urgency. "That demon kidnapped Axel! I…" Meira stopped. Her gaze then sharpened, focusing on the horizon.

"That demon needs to die."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, noting the fierce determination in her eyes. "You can't go alone, Meira. I'm coming with you." Arthur stepped closer, his towering presence radiating strength. "This is a demon you're dealing with, remember?"

Meira took a breath, weighing her options. She had intended to do this alone, but she knew he was right—she'd be much safer with him by her side. "Fine," she relented, her voice firm but softening. "But you follow my lead. We get Axel back, and then we take care of that demon."

"Right." Arthur agreed.

Meira's body then started glowing a bright gold as she lifted her sword, pointing it at the battlefield. She locked her attention onto dark box in the distance."This way!" 

"Do you know where he is?"

"I have a skill that allows me to pinpoint his location…" Meira said, thinking back to the time Sofia taught her how to use that skill "Follow me!"

***

The carriage swayed slightly as it lurked behind the skeleton frontlines, the distant sounds of battle echoing like a gruesome symphony. Inside, the atmosphere felt tense yet oddly calm for Axel. He leaned against the wooden wall, arms crossed, an air of defiance hanging about him. Kylian lounged across from him, making himself a cup of tea.

"What a mess out there," Kylian remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he peeked out through a small window. "But it's always fun to watch ze fools fight. Ze never realized the real game at play." He turned his gaze back to Axel, who remained cool under pressure.

Axel snorted, rolling his eyes. "The real game? Like kidnapping little boys? Is that what you're into?"

"Quiet!" Kylian scoffed. Kylian walked around Axel, eyeing his prisoner. "You're not exactly helpless, are you? You've got ze fire in you." His eyes glinted with intrigue. "Not many can keep their composure like you in this situation."

Axel shrugged. "Been there, done that." He leaned forward, curious. "So, what's the deal with the elf, why'd you want her?"

"So you do know ze elf?" Kylian raised an eyebrow.

Axel's expression shifted, a flicker of curiosity washing over his face. "Yeah, Meira. What do you know about her?"

Kylian leaned forward, his demeanor turning serious. "She's a rare individual, you see. The demons are particularly interested in her for reasons that go beyond mere conquest. Her bloodline, her potential… it makes her invaluable to us."

"Valuable? What do you mean?" 

Kylian waved a hand dismissively, a playful glint in his eyes. "Zat…is something you need not to know." He leaned back, observing Axel with interest. "Ze demon Sofia was tasked with keeping her hostage, and as you know, she has failed."

"Yeah, obviously." Axel scoffed, "Your demon buddy cursed me and that elf to live together as mom and son."

"She is not my buddy." Kylian yelled. "If she did her job, I would not be in zis mess from ze beginning!"

"I feel for you bro." Axel sighed. "I guess we're in the same boat."

 "To think I would have the same opinions as a mere human." Kylian chuckled. "You said your name was Axel, yes? I suppose we can---"

The atmosphere in the carriage shifted in an instant as the door was flung open with a deafening crash. Meira stood there, a radiant figure silhouetted against the chaos outside. Her presence was both fierce and ethereal. Six magnificent white angel wings unfurled majestically behind her, each feather shimmering in the dim light like freshly fallen snow. Her golden eyes gleamed with determination, illuminating the darkness of the carriage, while a halo hovered above her head, casting a divine glow around her. "What happened to her?! Damn…" he thought.

"Release him, demon!" Meira commanded, her voice steady and resolute, cutting through the tension like a blade. Arthur stood just behind her, ready for battle, his armor gleaming as he surveyed the scene.

Kylian raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the display of power. "Ah, the elf in question has come to play. How delightful. But you see, I can't simply let him go, can I?" He leaned back nonchalantly, a smirk dancing on his lips. "He's rather entertaining company."

"Entertaining?" Meira shot back, her eyes narrowing. "He's my child, and you have no right to keep him like this!"

Axel became flustered at that remark. He wanted to talk back, but now wasn't the time to do so.

"How about zis," Kylian continued, "You surrender yourself to the demons, and I shall let him go. How does zat sound?

"I refuse!"

"So you would rather fight a demon?!" Kylian laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the confined space. "You think you can defeat me with your pretty little wings and glowing sword? How quaint." He gestured dismissively, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

Don't underestimate me." Meira stepped forward, her wings spreading wider, illuminating the dark confines of the carriage with a radiant light. "I shall protect this town, and my son!"

Arthur chimed in, confidence brimming from his stance. "You've messed with the wrong town today, demon! This is where you shall die!" With that, the stage was set for a fierce confrontation.