Unforgiving

Chapter 11

The vast axe was dragged out, emitting a rough sound that sparked flames. Footsteps echoed from both heavy boots and a muted hue. The mists enveloping the massive figure slowly receded, almost inviting the figure to emerge with a sense of dread. Long white hair fluttered and tangled, revealing sharp teeth and steaming breath. Large chains once binding its hands had been broken apart, as if this monstrous creature had been in vain captivity.

Gianna stood observing her surroundings and the figure before her. She recognized him; that colossal figure was none other than her long-deceased grandfather. He had met his end due to his own mistakes, and the blood of his past brutality still coursed through his vampire veins.

"Oh, there he goes," Gianna murmured under her breath, catching the words that slipped through the air.

A roar echoed through the strange chamber, the surroundings shrouded in uncertainty. Facing this situation, Gianna felt a twinge of fear. Her first encounter with her grandfather was during her childhood, and she never anticipated having to confront him in a fight. 

"I can't tell if this is a dream or reality. This incident feels incredibly tangible," Gianna mumbled once more. 

The grandfather remained silent, yet a fleeting glimpse in his eyes revealed pity for his granddaughter. Gianna, the only one who held significant influence over their clan, had earned his gratitude since she came into the world. His past cruelty prevented him from expressing it. The old man then raised his massive axe. 

Gianna found herself empty-handed, not possessing any enchanting abilities—she had no interest in learning such arts. The massive axe hurtled toward her, prompting Gianna to roll with all her might. In the dream, she remained oblivious to the pain from the athame attack. The axe's friction against the rough ground sparked flames that pursued her relentlessly. 

Gianna ran as hard as she could to evade the axe. Screaming for her grandfather to stop proved futile; in the realm of dreams, compassion was nonexistent. Exhausted, Gianna surrendered to the relentless situation; running only drained her energy. Strangely, in her dreams, she felt irritation, fatigue, and breathlessness, surpassing the weariness of real life. 

She just surrendered to the situation, no matter how hard she ran, it only used up her energy. For some reason, in her dreams, Gianna still felt irritated, tired, and breathless, which was even more tiring than in real life.

"Athame poison still lingers in my body," she realized.

The giant axe ceased its swing, and her grandfather momentarily halted, as if sensing Gianna's struggle.

"Grandfather, can you hear me? Can you talk?" Gianna cried out desperately.

Silence enveloped the space.

"Damn it, this is useless," Gianna grumbled in frustration, collapsing.

Despite feeling no pain, intense fatigue rendered her helpless. 

The axe shifting echoed again, accompanied by the thudding of large boots drawing closer to their prey. The grandfather swung his axe again, unleashing a harsh and dangerous hiss of wind. Gianna remained silent, attempting to regain consciousness. The axe then descended towards Gianna's body.

At that precise moment, the axe appeared to shatter an invisible barrier, its impact resonating through the darkness and disrupting the air. The grandfather halted abruptly as if a protective shield enveloped Gianna. The barrier gradually emanated a glowing reddish hue while the axe remained frozen. A hairline fracture formed on the giant axe. Undeterred, the grandfather raised his weapon with renewed strength.

Soon after the axe was withdrawn, the grandfather staggered, his eyes turning red. He glared at his granddaughter, who persisted in kneeling in front of him. Slowly, she lifted her head. 

The grandfather grew increasingly astonished at the expression on his granddaughter's face. As Gianna raised her head, her countenance underwent a profound change. Fiery red replaced her eyes, and her once-white sclera turned black, void of life. She roared like a monstrous beast revealing the true form of the vampiry lady. Exerting all her energy, the protective barrier emanated from her rose brooch. Unbeknownst to the grandfather, Gianna tries to cast a spell to unleash the mystical brooch energy. 

"Conjure the aegis," Gianna chanted the spell again. The barrier expanded its area further. The grandfather sensed Gianna's territory growing, defending where he stood. The ground beneath him shook violently, yet the grandfather, undeterred, commanded the vibrations to halt as the massive axe head slammed roughly. Gianna faltered as the vibrations subsided, her balance momentarily disrupted by the spell's aftermath. She realized the value of her spellcasting, especially when facing an overpowering enemy. She hadn't wanted to learn about the arcane, but her ability in enchantments proved quite worth it. 

The dream realm fell silent again. Gianna's breath was ragged, still in her completely monster state. The grandfather picked up his axe again and ran over to Gianna. The thudding sound sounded again. The huge axe came flying with a heavy sound. Gianna threw herself away. Move position.

Touching the brooch, she chanted again, "Invoke Potentia the Reliquary." Gianna withdrew her hand holding a spear blade that suddenly came out of her brooch. That works to its advantage, but the force can cause corruption. Gianna coughed up blood.

She started running towards her grandfather, holding the spear tightly. Likewise, her grandfather seemed to happily accept the attack. The sound of giant axes and spears broke the silence of the dreamscape.

"Elicit Defensive Magic."

Abruptly, Gianna awoke back to reality, Dmitri intoning a spell to bring an end to the dream whose duration remained uncertain. In the moment, Dmitri harnessed his powerful magical abilities to quell Gianna's subconscious conflict with her grandfather. Fleur, recognizing Dmitri's proficiency in magic, always sought his help for such matters. 

"How? Did it work?" Fleur inquired, her concern for Gianna evident as she addressed Dmitri.

"She's already opened her eyes; I believe this spell has effectively worked for the time being," Dmitri explained.

Gianna released a heavy breath, rising from her bed. "Are you the one stopping me again, Dmitri?" she asked.

"Yes, my Lady. Fleur is deeply concerned about your condition, and so am I."

"He's saved you countless times, Gianna. Are you still having the same dream?" Fleur questioned.

Gianna lapsed into silence for a moment. "Thank you, Dmitri, I appreciate your help. But, it seems that every time I dream of meeting Grandfather, you don't need to stop me."

"What do you mean, my Lady?" Dmitri asked with curiosity.

"Grandfather appears to be trying to convey a message to me, through fighting."

Fleur and Dmitri exchanged a questioning look.

"Has it been like this before?" Dmitri inquired once more.

Gianna nodded. "The fight is almost the same, but I couldn't cast the spell before. I don't know if I can do it this time. Is this the result of the athame?"

Fleur's eyes widened in surprise. Gianna had never engaged in spellcasting, let alone dealt with magic, making this revelation truly unexpected. Primarily, she relied on her physical abilities. 

"I'm deeply concerned about you, Gianna. You should limit your physical engagements after being pierced by the athame. I sense that the athame poison is making it increasingly difficult for you to maintain control," Fleur expressed. 

Dmitri gently touched Fleur's arm to soothe his partner and shook his head.

"I can teach you a few things about magic, my lady, if you're willing."

Gianna looked up at Dmitri. "Yes, I need it. And this brooch, a gift from you, has truly been a helpful aid."