Chapter 293: Skirmish

Jallah had been out on patrol that night.

It was a habit of his. After having done it for so long on Ignitus, one tended to stick to it. Especially after a thousand years of it.

So naturally...when he heard Mizik yelling, he went to go check it out. 

The area had been cloaked in a sort of illusion. Outside sources wouldn't be able to see what was happening, but once a person got close enough, it became clear.

Something was happening.

And Jallah watched, unable to act, as Mizik was disabled and knocked unconscious.

Almost immediately, Jallah decided to make a run for it.

They seemed to be intent on capturing him...which meant that Jallah would have time to get help.

The obvious choice would be to alert Johann and Iris.

And that's what he planned to do.

As he ran, he felt a presence rapidly approaching from behind. He used his Kinetic Aspect to stomp his feet into the ground and launch himself out of harms way.

A person encased in a ball of fire shot forward under him and slammed a flaming sword into the place he'd been standing.

He landed a few feet away as the flames dispersed.

"Well well...I suppose we have rat sticking his nose onto our business. Who might you be?" The red-haired woman said with a cocky smile.

Jallah returned a friendly smile.

"Who, me? You really startled me, you know? I just happened to be on patrol for his Majesty, the Oracle. Kinda weird that you'd be freezing someone in place. Even weirder that they'd be yelling about it, don't ya think?" He said.

"I asked you a question. Don't try to turn this around if you wanna live," the woman said.

"Sheesh. Can't catch a break these days... They really don't pay me enough for this kind of shit. Who are you, anyway? You're pretty cute for a hot-head...and aren't you cold, dressed like that?" Jallah said, trying to avoid giving his identity away again.

"Me? I'm-...wait. I SAID I ASKED YOU A QUESTION!!! STOP DODGING IT!!!" She yelled.

"Tch...some people are smarter than they look. Listen miss cleavage, that isn't a guy you really wanna mess with. My name isn't important, but I'm warning you...he's important to everyone's survival."

"You think I don't know that? We ain't about to let him live after all the trouble he's caused. And since you saw us, you get to die as well!"

"Very well... What's your name? A pretty girl such as yourself is sure to have one!" Jallah said with his most charming smile.

Her cheeks flushed slightly and she gritted her teeth in rage.

"SH-SHUT UP!!! WHO THE HELL ASKED YOU TO SAY THAT CRAP!?!?"

"No one? I'm just curious. Here, my name is Michael," Jallah lied.

"Kesia the Red. Second member of the Hero Party. Not that it matters...you'll be dying here, Michael!" 

"Aha, but that's where you're wrong. Now I have a name...and a face. Michael isn't my real name, by the way," Jallah said with a wink. 

He pulled out a cellphone and snapped a quick picture of Kesia.

"Be seeing you!"

Jallah turned and leaped high into the air. As he flew upward, he turned to see Kesia had closed the distance immediately.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" She said with a smile.

Jallah had expected this, however.

He kicked her in the chest with both of his legs and used her as momentum to launch himself in the other direction.

He flew backward like a rocket as Kesia was flung into the ground below with a thunderous crash.

As Jallah flew, he felt the rising power of magic nearby.

He looked down and saw a strange blue symbol had appeared on his chest.

"What...?"

The symbol exploded and sent him spiraling into the ground. 

As Jallah stood up, he almost laughed. The explosion had hurt, but the impact didn't at all. His Kinetic Aspect was something to be feared.

"Had enough?" Kesia said behind him.

Jallah turned to her and narrowed his eyes.

"You're a different breed, aren't you?" Jallah said.

"The same could be said to you. Most people would have died instantly from something like that. Oh well...I'm getting tired of this. Maybe I should go ahead and end it..."

"Like hell you will..." Jallah said. He held up his watch and pressed a button. "LEISO! I NEED BACKUP NOW!!! THINGS ARE GETTING HAIRY OVER HERE!!!"

"Reading you loud and clear. Johann has been notified of the situation. Unknown hostile will be met with deadly force," Leiso's voice said.

"Now you're in for it..." Jallah said with a smile.

"Hardly. You haven't seen even a fraction of what we're capable of. Now then...she that resists thine enemy is the willful one," Kesia said.

"What...? That sounds like..."

A flash of dark blue energy appeared in her right hand as it manifested into the shape of a katana. It seemed like it wasn't completely solid. The energy itself formed a pulsating blade.

"I am Kesia the Red. Wielder of Willpower."

"Really? 'The Red'? Your sword looks blue to me," Jallah said nervously.

"Shit...shit...shit!!! That's a Deus Arma! How the hell did she get hold of something like that!? But what the hell is wrong with it!? Damn...that''s the same one Tyras used on me...that one hurts..." Jallah thought.

"As if my sword's color would have anything to do with my title!? No. I rarely have to use it. This time is special, you see? Krow said to cut all loose ends...so I'll just cut off your head."

Kesia shot forward and slashed Jallah with Willpower.

The blade tapped Jallah lightly on the neck. 

"What!?" Kesia said in confusion.

"I don't normally like hitting girls...but I have to make this one count... Sorry."

Kesia's eyes went wide as Jallah drew his fist back. The air seemed to shift around his fist as a murderous glare sent shivers down her spine.

"KINETIC OBLITERATION!!!" Jallah shouted as he slammed his fist into her face.

There was a flash of dark blue light as it impacted. The shockwave caused nearby buildings to collapse and everything to his front was completely leveled.

When the dust cleared...Kesia stood there completely unharmed.

Jallah's eyes went wide.

"N-no way...what!? How the hell did-"

"I just barely had time to make a defensive rune... Otherwise that night have killed me. Too bad, so sad!" Kesia said with a wide smile.

Her sword flashed as multiple blades began to follow behind it.

Just before Jallah was slashed to pieces, several gigantic iron thorns shot out of the ground.

Kesia leaped back to avoid them and Leiso landed next to Jallah.

"It appears as if I arrived just in time... Are you well, Jallah?" She said.

"Yeah...I think so... I saw my damn life flash before my eyes. What took you so long!?" 

"I had to report to Johann that there was a skirmish in residential area 3. But I suppose the entire bloody realm knows something is happening by now. Geez...you idiot! How much damage do you think you just caused!?"

"Honestly, Lei...I think we have more pressing matters..."

"He's right, you know? Who are you?" Kesia said.

"Leiso Akali, seat one of the Enforcers. The Iron Tsunami. And you?"

"Kesia the Red. Wielder of Willpower and master of rune magic."

"Splendid. Maybe you'll help me relieve some of this pent up stress? The Oracle has been driving me mad with paperwork lately."

"You won't have to worry about that once I'm through with you!" Kesia said with a wide smile.

Leiso readied herself for battle and glanced at Jallah.

"Jallah...duet formation."

"You got it, boss," Jallah said.

Jallah ran to Leiso's left and prepared for battle.

Kesia's power spiked as a flaming sword appeared in let left hand.

"This is gonna be rough..."

* * *

"Haaaah...Kesia that idiot! She went and shook the bee hive! I knew I should have sent someone stealthy to get the job done..." Kronos lamented.

"Who? Mori? She's not really the best when it comes to being sneaky..." Mako said.

"Well yeah, but...oh whatever. Still, I need to take our package to the destination. Can I trust you and Mori to handle the crew of their little ship?" 

"Uhhh...their ship? The Cursebreaker?" Mako said.

"Of course. Your weapons are onboard, so their vice-captains shouldn't be a problem. Just be sure not to kill anyone. We want them all alive...we'll convince them to help us later," Kronos said.

"Understood, sir. Mori, get into position," Mako said.

"Yaaay! I get to help! I can't wait to have Inty back!" Mori said with a smile.

She held out her hand and a large sniper rifle appeared in it. In her other hand, dark blue energy manifested into the shape of a dagger. A clone appeared next to her also holding a dagger.

"This should be lots of fun!" Mori said.

* * *

Isabella awoke with a start as the lights in their room turned on and flashed red.

Virtus' voice boomed over the loudspeakers across the ship.

"ATTENTION ALL SLEEPYHEAD CREW MEMBERS! I HOPE YOU WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING LEWD, BECAUSE EXCELSIS MIGHT BE UNDER ATTACK!!! I REPEAT, EXCELSIS IS UNDER ATTACK...PROBABLY... ALL COMBAT PERSONNEL REPORT TO THE LIFT BAY FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT! MAKE SURE YOU BRING SNACKS AND PLENTY OF MILK!"

"Uwaaaaa...that robot sure is weird... Huh? Where is darling?" Cassandra said suddenly as she stretched and looked around.

"I'm not sure... You probably would have known if he'd woken up and left...hmm..."

Isabella couldn't shake the anxious feeling she had.

Regardless, the two of them got ready and went to the lift bay. 

The other Avatars were present..and Mizik was nowhere to be seen.

"Aldaril! Where is darling? And Nirani, have you seen him?" Cassandra asked sternly.

"Haven't seen him since yesterday..." Aldaril said. He seemed quite drowsy.

"I regret to say that I have not had the pleasure of laying eyes on Master since before bed yesterday..." Nirani said.

Isabella could already see Cassandra beginning to panic. She placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It'll be okay, sister. I'm sure he's around here somewhere," Isabella said.

"Yes...I am calm. I am the very definition of calm. We will find him very very soon...and whoever dares to harm him will pay with their lives," Cassandra said with a loving smile.

After she spoke, the loudspeakers boomed again.

"GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! AND IF ANYBODY SEES THE CAPTAIN, TELL HIM TO GET HIS BUTT...EHHHH THAT'S LEWD! JUST TELL HIM TO GET BACK TO THE SHIP AFTER THE ENEMIES ARE BEATEN UP!"

"Sure, whatever you stupid android..." Aldaril said with a yawn.

Suddenly, the ship shook from several impacts.

"LOOKS LIKE WE ALREADY HAVE TWO CONTACTS! EVERYONE, LET THE VICE CAPTAINS TAKE THE LEAD!"

The lift bay opened and both Isabella and Cassandra were the first to jump out of the ship.

They landed on the ground and readied themselves for battle.

Isabella was surprised to see the two people from the transmission earlier.

"Greetings...wow... Uh..." The man with the blonde hair blushed and looked away, avoiding eye contact with Isabella and Cassandra.

"Hm...? Is something wrong?" Isabella asked.

"Awww! Poor Mako! Sorry, he has trouble talking to pretty girls. Consider it a compliment! You two are suuuuuper pretty!" The small girl holding a glowing blue dagger said. 

Isabella remembered her name being Mori.

"Disgusting, meaningless compliments coming from anyone but my Darling are like nails in my eardrums. What do you people want with us? Do you know where my Darling went?" Cassandra said.

"Should we tell...should we tell? Mako, what do you think?" Mori said.

"Be quiet, Mori..." Mako said.

"So you DO know! BASTARDS!!! FILTHY, DISRESPECTFUL MONSTERS!!! I'LL KILL YOU ALL, STARTING WITH THAT ANNOYING LITTLE GIRl!!!" Cassandra screamed.

She flashed forward and lunged with her dagger towards Mori's neck. But Mori just smiled.

The dagger tapped her neck harnlessly before the blade crumbled to dust, leaving only a hilt.

"WH-WHAT!?!? INTELLIGENCE!?!?" Cassandra shrieked.

"Inty won't work on me, silly. She's my friend. Maybe I should demonstrate-"

Mori was unprepared for what happened next.

Cassandra leaped back and flung a barrage of shadowy daggers at Mori. They pierced her flesh and she disappeared.

Moments later, several more Mori's appeared.

"Awww...silly pretty lady! Surely you guessed it by now, right?"

One of them raised their hand and the hilt of Intelligence left Cassandra's hand.

It landed in Mori's hand and she gave a sadistic smile.

"You see...you aren't really the wielder of Intelligence. I am. All along, you've just been using her with my permission!"

The blade reformed and a wave of energy surged forth from Mori.

Isabella leaped into action at that moment and tried to attack Mori.

"SUNLIGHT BLADE!!!" 

She brought the sword down on Mori and it stopped mid swing.

Mako had blocked it with his hand.

"So sorry, miss...but that sword belongs to me. I'd like it back since I'm not fond of watching my family members get sliced to bits," he said sadly.

As he spoke, her blade crumbled to dust. It was violently pulled from her by an unseen force and landed in Mako's hand.

The blade reformed and his power surged forth. Isabella teleported back to Cassandra's side and tried to get a feel for Mizik's location. 

He wasn't anywhere nearby...

Not even on Excelsis...

"Please just come quietly. All of you will be spared. We don't want to hurt anyone," Mako said.

"Where is Mizik?" Isabella said in a low, menacing tone.

"I can't tell you that. But just know he's safe. He'll rejoin your crew when he's ready."

"If you make trouble for us, someone might get hurt. Do the right thing~! Do the right thing~!" Mori cooed.

"Very well...In Mizik's absence, I am authorizing full use of Divine Prosthesies. Everyone, take them-"

Isabella was struck with a powerful impact from an unseen attack.

Even while missing Bravery, her natural defense was still very high thanks to The Centurion.

Still...she had taken damage from it. 

She looked around and couldn't see any sign of enemy movement.

Several of her allies dropped down beside her. Aldaril, Nirani, Stella, Mikoto, and Sato. 

Nasuria stayed in the lift bay above to keep watch.

"This has gone on long enough..." Nirani said.

"We aren't playing around, you know? You're attacking the Cursebreaker. That's serious business..." Aldaril said.

"His Majesty would be quite unhappy to see such a sight... Return what you have stolen and I might allow you to live," Stella said.

"As expected of the evil one's crew. They are all murdrers... Very well. We will subdue you with every ounce of our power!" Mako said.

As he spoke, a crown appeared on his head and a cape manifested on his back. Bravery extended with pure light.

He stood as a fully armored knight ready to attack at any moment.

Mori allowed a cloak to appear over her body with a hood over her head. Her smile disappeared as she began to analyze all of her enemies.

"Targets sighted...engaging..." Mori said.

Suddenly from multiple directions, a barrage of magical explosions surged forward and exploded into the group. 

From the sky, several mortars fell upon them.

Isabella did her best to defend against them with her barriers, but she wasn't able to fight as defensively without Bravery. 

Instead, the Eye of Order flared to life as a new silver sword and shield appeared in her hands.

Multiple portals opened and several armored knights stepped out. Cassandra used the Eye of Chaos and summoned a flail.

"I've never used a flail...so this might be tricky..." Cassandra said uneasily.

"We'll do our best, sister. Get ready, everyone!" Isabella said.