DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
The United Roleplayer's Guild
HTML https://unitedroleplayers.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Multiverse/Elseworlds Stories
*****************************************************
#Post#: 20514--------------------------------------------------
Elseworld Story: Clash of the Titan
By: Coolcat207 Date: December 11, 2025, 1:23 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Back to where we left off:
General Maxine Mumfre known ever since she was a child that
Cordath is a real cruel bastard who will just do things for
shits and giggles. Being powerful, evil and bored is one thing.
Being powerful, evil and bored who ends up finding something
interesting is a problem. Especially for those who are blessed
by Orion, God of the Spirit Realm. Now? She believes that
Cordath is just a major assh0le. Especially since this whole
situation literally went to hell. From the raid that took so
many lives, to her goddaughter being accused of a crime, seeing
that same goddaughter getting kidnapped by a terrorist who is
supposed to be dead, and now dealing with evil nether knight
specters. Just her luck.
Maxine: Keep pushing them back!
She barked as she along with whatever is left of her men begin
to fight through the prison building. General Winre along with
Lieutenant Vega and a few others spirit user soldiers also push
the nether knights back as they make their way for escape.
Despite their best efforts, they were being overwhelmed when
humanoid ant specters begin to join. That was when Sam and Alisa
barge in to help. Sam creates a spirit barrier to shield her
mother and the others while Alisa use her white tiger sprit
animal to dispatch the threat. Once they clear the way, Sam lead
the group to a hidden door. It leads to an underground
passageway toward a secret hideout where they are met with a
young woman.
Young Woman: You were lucky you got out of that ambush alive and
still standing, minus a couple of scraps and bumps here and
there.
The young ponytailed scout said as she guides the group through
the sewers with a lamp in her hand.
Vega: Barely.
Maxine: Who are you exactly? And where are we going?
Young Woman: Oh right. Well, I'm Mr. Dragunov's weaponsmith. My
name is Riona. She introduced herself with a half-bow.
Winre: Well Riona, where are we going?
Riona: We're going to Safe Haven.
Vega: Safe Haven? Did you make that up? She scoffed, showing no
interest to the name.
Riona: No, I did not. Plus, it was a last minute name given to
by some assassin.
Maxine: What would an assassin be doing here? Wouldn't they be
with Goten and some of the Darkfires?
Footsteps approaches the three with a female voice echoing the
walls.
Voice: True, but things do happen.
A young man with short black hair comes out from the shadows. He
is lean yet muscular who is wearing casual assassin attire. One
distinct thing about him despite his tanned yet pale skin is
that the man is wearing an eyepatch while his other eye is
silver. The man is shown to be Senji "Voltan" Hazeldine, son of
the Blood King, Issun Hazeldine in the Hazeldine Clan. The
Hazeldine Clan had a rocky relationship between the Zolnerowich
and Darkfire family back when Natasha Zolnerowich and Qrow
Darkfire were in their prime. But after the major evil specter
event, things began to mellow out to the point that some of the
Hazeldines such as Voltan went to go do their own thing.
Sam: Voltan! Holy crap, you're alive! She exclaims with a laugh
as she excitedly approaches the dhampir and gives him a huge
hug. Voltan return the hug with a snicker before the two let go
of each other.
Voltan: I see you tykes have gotten better since the last time
we've met. Ya even got some battle scars to show proudly. You
and bird girl.
Sam: You're one to talk. Heard that fight against that bat guy
pr*ck was brutal.
Voltan: Yeah, it was. Glad that I was able to stop his ass up
for good. But let's just say that if I had power like that, I
would've acted like a rampaging beast as well. But no use in
dragging stuff like that. Besides, figures that it's time that I
welcome you both to Safe Haven. Not as lavish as the Darkfires'
home but it's good enough.
Voltan walks over to a dead end of the passageway. Using his
blood magic, he activates a portal on the wall. He then casually
steps through. Once the group follows through, they see a
makeshift camp leading to an underground storage that has a
family of survivors resting and three others helping those who
sustained injuries during the raid. There are two Apothecaries
who are healing those in need of serious attention and about
four knights and three dames who survived the nether knights
ambush.
Maxine: Are these residents of the village? She ask with a
frown.
Voltan: Yeah. Those who weren't killed or ran off anyway. Same
goes for the few good knights and dames. Sparks is here as well
with Sergei, Vik and Ana.
Alisa: Wait, Maya is here?! I thought she was with Sergei!
Voltan: Some of the specters came through and tried to finish
what the raiders started. Sergei and Maya held them off as best
as they could until I showed up with Vik. Good thing too. Sparks
was still recovering from that raid attack.
Sam: And the evil specters made things worse.
Volatn: Yup. We got a few healers trying to help her recover.
But you know how boar headed the Zolnerowich family are. He says
with a sheepish fanged smile
Maxine: Trust me, I know. Gets that from their old man.
Voltan: Heh. Hey, Riona! Get Major Hardass and the chick to the
medical area. I got Sam and Max here.
Winre: General Winre, dhampir.
Voltan: Yeah, yeah.
Before Winre can say anything, Riona guide him and his
lieutenant to the nearest medic area, which is met by reluctant
grumbles from the general. Meanwhile, Voltan gesture the women
to follow him so he can patch them up but mainly talk to them in
private.
Voltan: Right this way, ladies~!
Later:
After the group recover from their major wounds, the group of
soldiers and their allies group up to form a plan.
Voltan: We only got a few good soldiers who didn't wind up dead
or become a specter. Majority of them are injured, but we've
gotten them fixed up and ready to fight.
Maya: We can't really just charge up on them head on. We'll only
be hurting ourselves and those who will fall for Ostell's
tricks. She point out with a sigh Not to mention the possible
allies he has. We don't even know where he has V or where they
will appear.
Riona: Well, if I was a power hungry, sociopathic bastard who
will do anything to get what they want, I would start by
gathering an audience up on Rockwell Hill. The place is isolated
and no one is allowed to enter that area unless you got corpses
to bury or burn.
Vega: Impressive.
Winre: Wait, how would you know that?
Riona: Simple, General. Scrappers often take damaged armors and
clothings from thieves and the undead such as zombies. They keep
anything useful. And as for the bodies, they either bury them or
burn them on Noman Hill, so people won't get sick.
Maxine: Alright, so we got our potential location. Question is
how do we get there unnoticed?
Voltan: Hey, Maya. You alright?
Voltan gently place a hand on Maya's shoulder, shaking Maya from
her her deep train of thought.
Maya: Yeah, just... sighs
Alisa: We will save V. Once she's safe, we'll regroup in the
Kingdom of Tera and contact the Darkfires.
Maya: I know. I just wish I could have been here sooner.
Sam: Don't blame yourself. We can't control what fate has
planned for us, whether we like it or not. Best we can do is
keep moving forward. We will make things right. The deaths of
the innocents will not be in vain.
Winre: Finally, something we can agree on. He says jokingly with
a half smile. Where did you learn to talk like that?
Sam: Turns out those boring ass lessons weren't a complete waste
of time. She replies back with a smirk Plus, Vampire Boy and I
found a way to sneak through the back entrance and toward the
hill mentioned earlier. Only problem is that we'll be running
into some undead and freaky bone sucking specters.
Maya: Of course we will. She says sarcastically with a sigh
Maxine: Alright, it's settled. Let's make it happen.
Without wasting time, the underground insurgent group prepares
themselves for a fight. Voltan and the now recouperated soldiers
sharpen their blades, repair their armors, ready their spirit
powers and pray for Orion's strength to pull through. In the
Apothecary corner, Maya finished up her meditation, making sure
that her connection to her Thunderbird spirit is intact. Maya
then walk out to see her gauntlets refined alongside everyone
else's weapons. Maya walk up to the group, ready to move out.
Alisa: In Russian: "Ready to go?"
Maya: In Russian: "Let's go save our family."
Meanwhile, Winre has a private conversation with his lieutenant
as the two ready their weapons.
Winre: This is between the two of us and nothing more. I don't
care how close both houses are when it comes to family. We still
have a job to do at the end of the day. Even if that girl is
innocent, Benedict probably had turned that girl into a wild
beast by now. If Vendetta has a drop of innocent blood on her
hands, she will be executed. No hesitation. No persuasion.
Vega: And if her family intervenes?
Winre: Do what they cannot. If they can snap the girl back into
some sense, good on them. To be honest, I rather you deal with
the Zolnerowich family than those savages (Darkfires) that they
are aligned with. But if all else fails, you know what to do.
I'll deal with the aftermath. I refuse to let another Natalya
roam the land again.
Vega: Yes, sir. It will be done.
Winre: Good. Meet up with us when you are done here.
With that, Winre leaves the room to join the others, with Vega
following behind minutes later. Armed up and filled with courage
and determination, the Insurgents along with the resident member
of the Zolnerowich family have made their way through the tunnel
exit, leading them outside to a dawning field.
Sam: Sunrise... it's been that long huh?
Maya: Okay, there might be a few assholes trying to take our
home. Fantastic. She grumbles sarcastically.
Alisa: Seems like a good time for a speech. Maya?
Maya: What? Why me?! You're the Captain! I'm not a Darkfire. I'm
not even a royal!
Alisa: You're a guardian and the child of Natasha Zolnerowich.
They need to know that there's at least one with them.
Maya sighs as she walk to the group of soldiers who came with
them. Maya hate speeches, but Alisa was right. Clearing her
throat, she begin to speak.
Maya: People of this land! For those who do not know me, my name
is Maya Zolnerowich. I'm the first child of Natasha Zolnerowich
and Ezekiel Pierce. Our enemies believe that they gained the
upper hand and why would they? Our homes are burned. Our
families are scattered. The blood of our loved ones stain this
land, and they will do whatever it takes to divide us from our
friends and family. I know you are scared. I know that you are
tired. Filled with sorrow. Filled with rage. I know this because
I feel the exact same way as you all do. But I want you to know
that you are not alone on this. I stand with you. We stand with
you. With us working together, we can win this! We can and we
will show these people that we do not go down easy! That we come
back twice as hard! We will make sure that these bastards will
regret coming here with their blood!!
Maya raise her fist in the air, her spirit aura flaring and
revealing thunderbird wings from her back which made the crowd
cheer and roar with her.
Maya: You are not fighting for the Zolnerowich family or for the
Darkfire family! You are fighting for your family! Your friends!
Your home!
Winre: She's really enjoying this, huh? Not a fan of speeches,
my ass.
Alisa: Shush. Let her have this.
Meanwhile:
Valentina march down the hall of Benedict's manor with silent
fury in her eyes. Everything has gone south. Those damn
Darkfires do everything but what they're supposed to do. No
wonder they get along with the Zolnerowich family so well.
They're both arrogant, boar headed fools with power. Seems like
something that Valentina can't be fully rid of completely. Bad
enough that she had to share the same air as that fool Anubis.
She can tolerate Cordath well enough. But people like Anubis...
you give a hairless ape like him immense power and they gain a
god complex to the highest degree. Valentina only follow one
person and that sure as hell isn't someone who wants to be god.
Although not powerful enough to defeat him, she is powerful
enough to make sure that he doesn't try something with her...
for now. Good thing she has allies. Speaking of which, Valentina
takes a deep breath and open the door to Benedict's study room,
nearly slamming it shut. She sees Benedict going through some
papers and adjusting his glasses.
Benedict: I see that things didn't go so well?
He ask sarcastically, not looking up from his papers. In a burst
of speed, Valentina place both palms of her hands onto the desk,
making it creak under her strength.
Valentina: Cut the sarcasm, Ostell. They're coming this way.
Cordath spoke to me about what happened.
Benedict: I know. He spoke to me as well. He says as he finally
glare up from his papers. Although maintaining his calm
composure, Valentina was able to tell using her senses that
Benedict is also as vexed as she is about the situation. Out of
all the times those Darkfire brats would stand together to face
a threat, it's when a good plan comes together. Doesn't help
that fool (Anubis) is also plotting my demise as well.
Valentina: Guessing that Cordath warned you to see what you'll
do as well.
Benedict: Indeed. Though that's the beauty of dealing with
certain people like him. It's also a game of who's the bigger
king of fools. I swear, you give someone a sliver of immense
power and they gain a huge ego. It's typical, really. Had plenty
of those back then to deal with.
Valentina: And yet here you are, about to meet the same end as
your former leader.
Benedict: Oh, now you insult me. Even if my demise comes, it
will not be by his (Anubis) hands. This I am sure. He says as he
gets uo from his chair and begin to walk away from it. Walk with
me.
He says as he begin to leave his office. Valentina trudge behind
Benedict closely as they leave his office and walk down the
hall.
Benedict: It's true that I had tried to find some form of
immortality through my studies, but what I seek and what I had
gained was something far greater than some mere god. During my
time, I have aligned myself with those who share the same ideals
as I have. Those who would go beyond to further humanity in
terms of evolution and expand on the power that was given to us.
I had only met a few who shared my vision or something similar.
Although Natalya had bigger ambitions of her own, there were
some things that I have agreed with when it comes to certain
things such as divinity. Gaining godhood isn't something to
laugh at. Hell, gaining demigod-hood is also a far fetched
attempt but better than nothing. There were many tales and
stories behind it. But what those like Natalya and I seek was
far greater than mere godhood. There are beings that are far
older and far more powerful than gods from different myths and
legends. You have ancient monsters, primordial beings and so on.
For my previous organization, we had primordials and we had
Titans. Hence was the power I gained which was amplified by
Cordath. To achieve the power of a Titan. It also proved that no
matter the godhood, there's always something far greater. I plan
to not use my abilities for something so simple minded such as
ruling a bunch of lesser creatures. That is a desire for the
simple minded. What I desire is what I stated before. To
continue on my purpose as a scientist. Being an executioner is
just a hobby. turn his gaze to Valentina You mentioned earlier
that the Darkfire Brothers worked together for once against
Nightshade. I was informed that as well. I was also informed
that it was short lived due to a disagreement followed by
careless actions that divided them once more. Those actions cost
the soul of a man one of them tried to save. This only proved
that our plan to divide others can work. We just need to push a
little further.
Valentina: And what of the Zolnerowich and their allies? One is
alive back at the village, one is in your custody, and the other
two are somewhere across the land. I told you before that I want
that family wiped out. You know as much as I do that their bond
is inseparable.
Benedict: Yes, until Natalya came along. There are still people
to this day wary of Vendetta and Vinette due to what their
mother and older sister has done. And once we unleash our other
plan, things will turn out okay. By the time the Darkfires
appear, it will already be too late.
Valentina: And what, your plan is to torture the girl to do her
bidding?
Benedict: If I'm some primate like everyone else in that blasted
village, yes. Savages torture people. What I do, dear Valentina,
is something close to creating life. Rebirth as some say. I
pick, I prod, I burn, I tear through flesh and bone to create
something new. Something better. Whatever comes to mind. I would
like to let you in on a little secret on the Zolnerowich family:
You cannot control them no matter what you do. They're too
bull-headed to be control in both mind and spirit in both
mundane and supernatural means. The most powerful being on the
planet would try to force them to do their bidding and they'll
flip them off in response. Natalya learned that the hard way
when she tried to control her own flesh and blood. There are
some theories as to why they are like that, the most plausible
being that they have some sort of connection to Orion or the
Spirit Realm as a whole.
As Benedict talk about his theory, the two stop by his living
room. Benedict turn the handles on the large clock tower which
activates a secret room. As the two walk down the stairs,
Valentina ask Benedict a question once he is finished with his
theory.
Valentina: If that is the case, then what makes you think that
framing Vendetta would work?
Benedict: I learned that there are other ways to go about it. As
you will see soon enough.
As he says this, he and Valentina stop in front of an operating
table made of stone. On top of it is rubber infused with dark
spiritual energy. On it lays a barely conscious Vendetta
Zolnerowich, who is slowly recovering from her vivisection that
Ostell was performing on her. Her torso still open with her
internal organs and ribcage still showing. There were diagrams
of V's internal organs that were written down and drawn. The
smell of blood and organs hit Valentina's nose like a truck.
It's not a bad smell but it was potent enough to make her wide
awake. V's regeneration us still kicking as it begin to close
the gaping wound but it's taking some time, showing that
Benedict has been doing this many times along with using some
kind of drugs that slows regeneration. Valentina look at the
teenage girl who in turn glare back at them both with justified
animosity.
V: Well... look who it is. The worst that Cordath has to offer:
A disgraced mad Titan and a wretched tapeworm.
Benedict: I see that your insults are getting better, brat.
V: Goes to show I'm still educated, assh0le. Now what the hell
do you want?
Benedict: Well I've been thinking. Since my associate and I are
on borrowed time at the moment, I figured that we expedite
things a little by having you put on a little show with you on
the spotlight. Benedict calmly approaches her with a malevolent
look in his eyes.
V: Tempting, but hard pass since I'll be getting out of here in
a moment!
V attempts to accelerate her regeneration but was subdued by
Benedict grabbing an anti-elemental scalpel and pierce V's
smaller intestines with, making her shout out a swear word in
Russian. V grunt in pain as Benedict slowly twist the blade
before yanking it back out, but she never loses focus on her
assailants.
V: Without that accursed dark spirit powers and these binds
holding me, I'd show you a thing or two on what I learned from
the raiders.
Benedict: Pups learn how to bite at such a young age, little
Zeus.
V: Stop calling me that! I'm not a god! Something you and those
who sold their souls to Cordath need to know along with the fact
you're never going to get away with this. By the end of this,
your blood will be shed, whether it's from my blood family or my
bonded family.
Valentina: Still the optimistic, just like your fool of a
father...
V: In Russian: You demented, blood sucking bit---!
V was nearly done regenerating due to her intense emotions but
Valentina manage to plunge her clawed right hand into V's
closing abdomen before it fully healed. V yelp in shock and
panic when Valentina wrapped her hand around V's liver, almost
tempted to rip it right out but held it firmly. Meanwhile,
Benedict calmly thank Valentina with a small wave of his hand as
he go through his medical equipment on his desk.
Benedict: Save your strength for the show, little wolf.
Especially when they put you down like the animal that you truly
are.
V: Fat chance in hell, you pr*ck! There is no way you can lie to
these people to convince them to kill a Zolnerowich!
Benedict: I don't have to even lift up a finger to do anything.
The people already have doubts of you due to what your mother
has done in the past. That and some of the higher ranked
soldiers suspecting that you played a part in the raid is more
than enough to convince them to execute a mangy dog like you.
All I need is one little touch. Aha! Here it is!
Benedict lift up a syringe full of red substance. In it has a
skinny black tube worm like substance as thin as an inch worm
wiggling around. V's eyes grew wide and she leans away while
looking at the syringe.
V: Wh-what the hell is that?
Benedict: Oh, this? Ladies, this is the source of your little
rampage at the village. Every raider has either this injected
inside of them or some medallion on them. It's activated when
fed with anger, hatred, violence and most importantly the blood
of it's victims it's host kills. And it so happens that when you
were brought in by Alisa and that bald brute Viktor, I happened
to snatch the medallion before the guards could stow it away in
storage. Unfortunately, the medallion was broken. But thanks to
some help, I was able to find other ways to utilize it.
Benedict explains as he walk over to the left side of the
operation table where while watching V's eyes slowly form tears.
Benedict: And you could already guess what I plan to do with it.
And trust me, Valentina, this is much better than the medallion
idea.
V: You bastards! You can't do this to me! Get off of me!
Ignoring her liver being held captive, V still tries to fight
back, even going as far as breaking one of her restraints to try
to rip out Valentina's throat with her left hand. Both Valentina
and Benedict had to restrain V as she struggles to break free
and kill them both, but the experiments took a toll on her body.
Valentina manage to knock V out again by hitting her pressure
point while Benedict quickly inject the syringe inside of V's
neck. After catching their breaths, the two quickly get up.
Benedict snaps his fingers and summon his nether knights.
Benedict: You two. Grab the girl and get her into position in
the forest by Norman Hill. Now!
The knights nod and grab V after taking the restraints off of
her. They then begin to sink quickly into the shadows. Benedict
then turn to the rest.
Benedict: Find whatever nit witted and hard ass knight still
lurking around that godforsaken village in disguise. Send word
that Vendetta Zolnerowich is going on a rampage by Normal Hill,
attacking villagers.
The nether soldiers salute and disappears as well. Benedict use
his shadow powers to travel back to the study room with
Valentina trailing close behind. Once she steps out of the
shadow, she sees Benedict pick up his spear that is hanging by
the fireplace that has just been snuffed out, making the room
very dim to the naked human eye.
Valentina: This is your glorious plan?
Benedict: Save it. It's already bad enough that I have one human
cockroach with so called divine power counting on my downfall.
For now, I need you to head back to Abaki and the others. I will
send some reinforcements to delay the calvary that will be
storming in to save whatever left of their precious human pets.
Valentina: Are you kidding me---?!
Benedict: Have you forgotten what Cordath has said?! He raised
his voice angrily toward Valentina that even had her stunned for
a moment. Our advantage was lost the moment Qrow's brats decided
to work together after years of conflict with each other! At
least one of them are on the way here! Time is NOT on our side
anymore! And I will be damned if I let ANYONE take what I have
created with my own two hands! What I have sacrificed! Even if I
have to die on the battlefield, I will do it on my own terms, as
a TITAN!!
As he emphasized that last word, he slam the hilt of his spear
with rage, shadow tendrils sprout out of the ground like wild
animals as it crawls onto his skin, burying deep inside of it
with sickening squelching sound. Once done, Benedict is now
covered with spiritual nether armor, almost as if it came from
Cordath's realm itself.
Benedict: Head back to Abaki. I will join you soon with the
others. If I am not back within a week, tell Abaki to initiate
phase two. Stay vigilant, Valentina. Anything can happen.
He slam the hilt of his spear again on the floor. In an instant,
Benedict disappears into the shadows once more. Huffing out a
short exasperated sigh, Valentina slink back into the shadows.
Whether it's out of care or rage, it does not matter. Not
anymore. Because milliseconds later, the whole manor erupted
into a exploding inferno. All of his work. His research. Gone.
Reduced to ashes. And even if someone manage to somewhat salvage
whatever is left, even before this has happened, they will find
nothing but gibberish if they're lucky since many were hexed
with traps that can harm even powerful dark spirits. Even if
Benedict falls tonight, so will his work. Only he and he alone
will obtain the knowledge he has.
The Battle of Norman Hill:
V woke up into a white empty space. Nothing. This isn't the
first time that she has been in a situation like this. This just
means that she has been knocked out again. V look around, only
to face a white wolf in front of her. Her spirit animal, Ragna
the Tempest Wolf.
Ragna: Back to where it all started. He says with a sigh
V: Getting real sick of this place. She grumbles bitterly Sick
of being treated as an experiment. I need to escape.
Ragna: Vendetta, listen to me. That substance that mad titan
injected into you, that was what your mother was experimenting
on years ago. He finally was able to perfect it. If that manage
to get out of the village...
V: A lot of people could die...! We need to move!
V tries to move but notice the black substance holding her in
place. She tries to use her lightning powers but it too engulfs
her hand. She struggles to see her wolf spirit being coated with
the same substance as well.
Ragna: Listen to me, Vendetta! It feeds off of your most potent
negative emotions! Fight it! Remember the people who cares about
you! Remember--!
The wolf's maw is snapped shut as the substance fully engulfs
him. Once it fully engulfs V, she is met by darkness. She tries
to find a way to wake up, only to be met with a pair of red eyes
and a splitting headache. The emotions of rage and hatred pounds
into her mind. V screams in pain as she tries to fight back. But
it was relentless. It focus on the people who wronged her. Her
mother. The organization. The raiders. The doctor. Valentina.
Those memories fuel her buried emotions. Emotions she tried to
move on from as it forcefully form fangs and claws onto the
teenager. V tries her best but it was futile. Her agonizing
cries for help is only met by a wrathful roar. In the forest,
V's eyes fly open, her blue eyes being replaced by crimson red
as she lunge at the nearest nether soldier disguised as one of
Winre's own. They begin to restrain V and put her by a stump.
Benedict, disguised as one of the higher ranked soldiers of the
Kingdom of Tera begin to speak to the angry mob, his voice being
disguised as well.
Benedict: People of this village! You have suffered greatly at
the hands of the raiders. You lost so much! Many of the
perpetrators may have escaped, but we can still rely a message
toward them. Here is the child of the infamous Natalya
Zolnerowich, someone who tarnish everything her own family and
those once allied to her for her own selfish gain. And here,
history repeats again. Tonight, the cycle stops here! For
justice!
The angry mob chants as the executioner readies his bardiche.
Before he can bring it down on V's neck, a lightning ball
collides with the Executioner's bardiche, knocking it out of his
hands. Another lightning ball makes contact on the executioner's
chest, knocking him back.
Benedict: What is this?!
He exclaims and was shocked to see Maya, Sam, Voltan and Vega
fighting their way through the angry mob. They've incapacitated
moat of the crowd and soldiers that tried to stop them. The
adults and the small army that were with the group fell back to
fend of hellspawns and their generals. Maxine told Sam's small
group to advance. Benedict hiss in annoyance as he turn to his
guards.
Benedict: Don't let them near the savage! Kill them!
Benedict ordered both of his remaining guards and the other
guards that he fooled while he tries to find the bardiche
dropped by the executioner. V sees this and starts to wriggle
free from her chains while snarling in anger and hysteria. A
group of knights charges against Sam's group, forming a shield
wall against them. Sam steps up with her sword drawn.
Sam: All of you are pledging an alliance to the wrong person. A
madman disguised as one of our own who's goal is to destroy us
all!
Knight: He has stopped most of the raiders from killing any more
innocent lives, Commander! He also has all the right to execute
the savage that caused all this, the savage you once knew as
Vendetta Zolnerowich!
Maya: It's all lies! That knight is Benedict Ostell in disguise!
He wants nothing more but to stain our family's home and
everything it stood for! You are being lead blindly by a madman!
A nether knight charges behind Maya only to be slashed and
knocked back by Voltan Hazeldine.
Voltan: Back off! He growled as he form blood blades from his
arms. The knights close in on the group, ready to attack.
Knight: Can't believe that the Darkfires would let some of your
kind still roam free, Hazeldine.
Voltan: Good thing they did. Would miss the opportunity to kick
your stupid asses! He sneers as he flash his fangs at the group.
Knight: ENOUGH! Close in on them!
A knight instructs as they charge at their direction. Sam, Maya,
Voltan and Vega charges as well clashing against their
adversaries. The group were able to tell which ones were the
nether knights and which ones weren't. Voltan keeps his footing
and swiftly slashes his targets, but not after enduring a number
of cuts and is then staggered from by a mace-wielding knight. He
falls on his knees and looks up to find the knight winding up
for a killing blow. Voltan swears silently in Spanish as he
brace himself for a blow that he knows will only incapacitate
him. Maya sees her fallen ally and quickly punch a knight out of
the way. Vega shoves a knight off of her and closes in on Maya
while activating her spiritual armor. Vega gives Maya a boost in
the air which made her punch the ground, sending a powerful
shockwave which blast the knights back and save Voltan and Sam.
Maya begin to get back up, only to hiss in pain. Vega rush over
and help the young woman up.
Vega: I got you.
Maya: Thanks.
Sam: You okay, Maya?
Maya: Yeah. Where's Voltan?
Voltan: Here. He groans as he stretch, his back fixing itself on
it's own due to cracking sounds it's making. Damn, that's gonna
sting tomorrow morning. But I'm the last one to be worried
about. I see that your injuries aren't fully healed.
Maya: They're healed enough. Don't worry, I'll be careful.
Voltan: You better. Or else, I'll personally kick your feathery
ass myself.
Vega: Wait a damn minute, you still have injuries and yet you're
out here on the battlefield?
Sam: She'll be fine. She assures as Voltan takes Maya away from
a now annoyed Vega
Vega: She'll be a liability! We have a job to do! I'm here to
kill a mad scientist, not babysit someone who can't even protect
herself!
Sam: grabs Vega by the collar Listen here, b*tch. I don't give a
damn what your hard ass general says. This is my group. My
operation. We do this my way.
Villager: THERE THEY ARE! KILL THE TRAITORS!
A follower shouts with a group equipped with sickles, pitchforks
and farming flails. Voltan pulls out a bottle with red liquid
contents and drinks it. He then gives Maya a small leather bag
as he steady her on her feet.
Voltan: This has only one use. Use this carefully. I'll buy you
some time.
Maya: You cannot be serious.
Voltan: Yup! Don't worry, I won't kill them. Just mess them up a
bit. Now go save Live Wire!
That was V's nickname that Voltan gave her. The dhampir then
laughs maniacally as he charge towards the villagers like a
madman. Though despite the bloodlust appearance he is playing,
Sam and Maya knows very well that Voltan won't harm an innocent.
Just smack some sense into a ignorant one. Maya let out a small
laugh as she begin to move, followed by Sam and Vega
Vega: Are you sure?
Sam: Yeah, he'll be alright.
Vega: I meant the villagers.
Sam: Oh, them too minus the possible head trauma here and there.
Suddenly, they heard V's hysterical scream that echoes the quiet
night. They also hear shrieks from specters which force them to
run even faster to the source of the scream and chaos.
The nether knights loaded crossbows and charged against an
enraged V who had just recently bit off a vampire soldier's neck
and claw open another's jaw. She continues this rampage while
resisting the pain of the crossbow bolts landing on her and the
various stabs and pokes from the attacks.
V: I'LL TEAR YOU APART!
V calls out, her voice distorted almost sounding like a specter
herself as she punches and pushes away more incoming soldiers.
Benedict growls as he turn to a ice mage and orders him to
freeze her.
Mage: But our men...!
Benedict: grabs the ice mage by the collar It's either them or
you watching that thing feast on your own entrails. Choose
wisely.
The mage quickly regain his composure once Benedict let go of
him. The mage then casts an ice ray freezing most of his own men
just to put V in a deep freeze state.
Benedict: Heel, girl.
He scoffs as he arrogantly smirks underneath his helmet. The
crowd begin cheering for the knights which Benedict pays no mind
to until he notice Sam, Maya and Vega fending off more knights.
Sam breaths heavy and tries to maintain her stance. She checks
on both Vega and Maya who are also trying to recover.
Sam: Everyone good?
Vega: Peachy.
Maya: I'm good. coughs Just trying to jump start myself.
Sam: Now who's making terrible jokes?
She lightly tease Maya. Vega roll her eyes lightly, silently
agreeing with Sam until she notice shadows moving. She grabs the
two young women and lept back before the shadows form spikes.
And second later and the women would've been impaled.
Benedict: Another group who can't do a damn thing right! One
refuse to remain home and another refuse to stay dead!
Benedict growls underneath his knight helmet. Maya sees V's body
frozen in a large block of ice which made her eyes spark angrily
with lightning.
Maya: What the hell did you do to my cousin?!
Benedict: Your people have trapped the savage in her rightful
place! As you know this execution was to have that b*tch's head
on a pike, so the people of this village would feel so much
safer under proper leadership!
Sam: You mean under false leadership! You've done nothing but
perverse this home with your twisted vision!
Benedict: You mean prepare it for a better tomorrow. Your soft
hearted family wouldn't know any better if a hellspawn ripped it
right out of their asses!
Maya: Mock our family again and I will turn your spine into a
lightning rod. She growls at Benedict
Benedict: I would like to see you try, little girl. He says as
he begin to march down the hill. He summon his spear from the
shadows and gets into a offensive stance. I'm running on a very
tight schedule here. So be good children and die quickly.
He demands darkly as he summons multiple nether stalactites on
the ground towards the trio who moved out of the way. Vega
rushes forward as Maya conjures spirit lightning balls to
counter Benedict's darkness tendrils and small needles. In the
midst of her dodging, Vega gets gets hit by the flying shards,
but pushes through thanks to her armor. Vega shouts bastard in
Spanish as she blocks the incoming shards and switches to charge
towards Benedict with her spirit spear which she summon from her
armor. Benedict was fighting both Maya and Sam simultaneously.
Benedict proves to both women how dangerous he is in close
quarters combat. As he is kicking both of their asses, Benedict
notice Vega charging towards him. Benedict parry her charge and
counters by kicking her toward Sam, knocking them both to the
side and causing them to crash through some bushes and trees.
Maya looks in horror as she proceeds to advance on Benedict. Her
flurry of punches pushed him back until the final one made him
skid back a few feet. Benedict then dodges her next strike with
an nether pillar and proceeds to swipe her with his spear which
he resummon into his hand. Maya hiss in pain when the blade
scratches her body. She felt her wounds freeze like ice, but
sting as if it is burning her from the inside. Maya grit her
teeth as she then counters his attack with a quick uppercut,
successfully hitting Benedict to his stomach and strong enough
to push him at a distance again. Maya's hands spark with
lightning as she gets into a fighting stance. Sensing Benedict's
rising power, Maya begin using her Thunderbird powers. With a
battle cry from Maya and a snarl from Benedict, both fighters
clash metal and elemental spiritual power, both locked in a duel
between nether straight from the pits of the underworld and the
raging storm straight from the skies above. Both are now locked
in mortal combat, testing their might against each other.
Meanwhile, Sam gains consciousness after getting knocked back,
she felt weak while struggling to get up. Her body tired from
the fighting, she let her regeneration kick in as she goes to
help Vega up who is still unconscious. Once she knows that the
lieutenant is alright, Sam tries to wake her up. Though she
stood upright when she heard the bushes rustle and she can hear
the clinks of chains.
Sam: Who's there? Show yourself!
Sam ordered she marches forward, but always turns her back to
ensure she catches the noisemaker and that Vega is still there.
The rustling on the trees caught her attention as she readies
her short sword. She scans the trees with mix feelings of fear
and bravery as she felt unfocused upon hearing Maya's and
Benedict's fight at a distance. Ignoring the distraction, she
hurriedly runs to Vega's direction.
Sam: Damn it, Vega, wake up!
Sam shouts only to be interrupted by a wild scream. With barely
any time to react, V tackles her godsister to the ground. Sam's
heart raced as V lunges forward preparing to bite her neck, only
to be intercepted by Sam's weapon handle.
Sam: No...! Sam's eyes swell up after seeing V covered in blood,
bleeding from the head, gazing back at her with big red eyes
that stroke fear into her heart. V, snap out of it! It's me,
Sam!
She begged as she gripped her weapon strong trying to strategize
on how to break free of her sister's bite. V continued to growl
at her sister, her inhuman strength starting to overpower Sam's
own. Before V can do anything, she yelp in pain as a metal fist
smack V in the face, sending her flying back. Sam struggle to
get up which is aided by Vega.
Vega: You're welcome. She responds sarcastically as she gets
ready to advance but Sam stops her in her tracks. What the hell
are you doing?!
Sam: Just wait a damn minute!
Vega: Are you insane?! Look at her!
V just continues to grunt and growl as she recover from the
blow. She slowly turns her head towards Vega and Sam. V can see
their status: tired, fatigued, sorrow, rage and worried. She
felt Sam's pain along with Vega's caution and for a moment, a
sense of humanity grips her heart.
V: Sam...? V struggles to call her name, she snarls and tries to
fight back the parasite lingering in her.
Vega: What the hell?
Sam: Ven? V, it's me. It's okay. Everything is going to be okay.
Just... listen to me.
V tries her best to speak, but the pain in her heart and the
feeling of bloodlust still rushes in her veins. Her mind clouded
with the spectral image of the a large wolf from before stands
before her.
Specter Wolf: She is nothing to you. The wolf voice whispers.
Hurt her, then hurt the bad man.
V: I can't...! I won't...! Please... just leave me be.
Specter Wolf: YOU WILL OBEY ME!
The wolf howls, causing V to snap back into her enraged self
with a pained scream. V sprints to Sam's position and manages to
scratch her armor, causing bleeding. She continues another claw
attack, only for Vega to should bash V to the side.
Sam: Lieutenant, wait!
Vega: Can't do that, Commander! That's not your godsister right
now! We need to fight or else we'll both die!
With a shout, Vega charges toward V with a battle cry.
Meanwhile, both Maya and Bemedict are have been continuing their
combat, but the last few spiritual power had cost them to
temporarily stop to take a breather, especially Maya who find it
hard to breath normally due to the consistent fighting with her
Thunderbird powers, not to mention that her wounds aren't fully
healed. Maya takes cover behind a large tree in which Benedict
fire a few nether aura shards at Maya's position which narrowly
miss her.
Benedict: You're persistent! Impressive. Even I'm a little
surprised. But even you have your limits. Benedict shouts at
Maya You'll never save your cousin, Amaya! You know that it's
useless to even try when she's out there killing innocents like
a savage! Not even the greatest mind breakers will be able to
snap her out of it!
Maya: If I were you, I would quit while I'm ahead, snake!
Maya rest her back on the tree with a pained sigh as she try to
maintain her breathing. Her lungs are burning. If she continues,
best case scenario, she will pass out. Who knows how long it
will be until then for reinforcements like the Darkfires to show
up. But she can't give up yet. Not now. Looking at the small
leather pouch, she opens it and bring it to her mouth. She begin
to slowly drink from it which will help her stamina and her
injuries momentarily. She will continue to fight. For the people
she loves. As she tries to regain her strength, Benedict comes
out of hiding and begin walking toward Maya, growing impatient
with her.
Benedict: You can come out of hiding, Amaya. You're on your own.
He states as he spin his spear once, holding it behind him with
one hand. I noticed some things during our duel. You're fighting
with injuries that you haven't fully recovered and you've been
overexerting your powers. It's a miracle that you're still
standing. Zolnerowich or not, you're still human. You still have
limits. You don't have the same firepower as your younger cousin
and your younger sister. You're not even on the same level as
those Darkfire Brothers. I get it. You're the eldest. You're
supposed to be strong. But even you can't fight off an entire
army and still have strength to fight someone like me. And if
you're struggling to fight me, then you're nowhere near ready to
face what is to come next, even if I die tonight. None of you
are. The best option you have is to give up. I'm positive that
you can be granted power to be the strongest to make your little
dreams come true. But only if you're willing. It's not for the
weak.
Maya has heard enough. Her dark brown eyes glow and spark dark
blue in anger. She steps out her cover in front of Bemedict with
a glare. Benedict observe Maya's physical status which made him
snicker lightly in amusement under his helmet.
Benedict: So you do have tricks up your sleeve. I was beginning
to worry for a moment. Even then, that little trick of yours
won't last long. You push yourself too far, you'll pass out
while ripping your own muscles.
Maya: I'll take those chances, doc. Maya snarls as she taps into
her Thunderbird powers once more. Anything to destroy you,
starting with your wicked heart!
Benedict: Then come! Show me what really makes you special,
soldier.
With a flick of his wrist, Benedict goes into his offensive
stance as he and Maya clash again, their powers lighting the
dark forest which blind all who are witnessing this fight, even
blinding Sam, Vega and V at a distance.
Vega: No way...! Is that...?
Sam: Maya?!
Sam calls while both her and Vega are shielding their eyes from
the bright light. Meanwhile, V screams in pain as she shields
her eyes and curls up. Seeing this, both Vega and Sam takes this
opportunity to pin down V.
Vega: Use your spirit magic to kill the parasite festering
inside of her!
Sam: What?!
Vega: I know, it's crazy but I manage to take a look while
fighting Vendetta. I was looking for weaknesses, but I found
something else instead. Now hurry!
V is snapped back into her subconscious as she is faced with the
specter wolf again.
Specter Wolf: They will never break us apart. You belong to me
now! You. Will. Obey. Me! The wolf's voice echoed through V's
mind. I control you, Vendetta Zolnerowich! Something your mother
owed me for far too long! Not that sorry excuse of a pup! Finish
them. Then the bad man. Then everyone else.
V then felt her left hand gripping Sam's neck as she tries to
fight off Vega. It was until V manage to snap out of once the
parasite was weaken. V manage to scramble away from the two
women with her wind powers, trying to force the parasite out of
her. Meanwhile, the specter wolf tries to regain control, only
to be stopped by Ragna who was free from his prison thanks to
Sam.
Specter Wolf: You fool! Stop this and OBEY!
Ragna: Shut up! You don't control us! You have tarnished our
spirits long enough!
Specter Wolf: Stop this! I own you both! Obey me! OBEY!
V: You don't own us! Now get out of our heads!
The specter cried out no in a desperate howl as both Ragna and V
manage to banish the Specter Wolf out of her body due to not
hearing it anymore. V then double over and cough violently until
she spat out a large tapeworm from her mouth. Gasping, she gaze
at the worm who tries slithering back to V, only to be stomped
on by a disgusted Vega. It was hard to tell what is going on in
Vega's mind due to her face being hidden behind the helmet, but
Vega manage to pick up V and carry her over her shoulders.
Vega: Hurl on my armor and I'll toss you into the nearest river
bank.
She states to V, who only responds by passing out. Vega carries
V and hand her to a worried Sam.
Vega: She's still breathing. I think she'll be alright. She just
needs rest.
Sam sigh in relief and gratefully place a hand on Vega's
shoulder. Vega nod to Sam back. Though the bittersweet reunion
was interrupted by the still glowing light and the screams of
people.
Sam: Oh, crap! Maya!
Vega: Stay with the girl! I'll be right back!
Vega says as she sprints toward the battle, with Sam following
close by with V in her arms. Unbeknownst to them, the essence of
the specter wolf pulse before bleeding into the grass.
Disappearing back to Cordath.
Back at the fight, the remaining knights notice Vega charging
towards them again, making them advance on the soldier to keep
her from interfering. Despite the brutal fight to the death,
both fighters have suffered some injuries. Maya's lungs begins
to sting and her wounds begin to reopen. She even has a new stab
wound in her right side and left shoulder, but she pushes
through once more ignoring the pain. Meanwhile, Benedict's
breath becomes ragged and short as his powers begins to falters
as well. Despite this, he ignores the pain as well as he
continues to try to put the pressure on Maya.
Benedict: You think that you're the hero in this story?! There
are no such things as heroes! Only animals killing each other
for trivial things! Even if I were to die here, another will
replace me. At the end, you're only delaying the inevitable! You
can't save everyone! Your family can't even band together as one
to go against mere followers! What will the plan be if someone
far worse than comes to play and destroy everyone?!
Maya's eyes narrowed as she taps into a semi powerful state,
which later on will be known as a semi version of her divine
state.
Maya: We'll find a way. We always do.
Despite Benedict's best efforts, it was futile. Maya violently
grabs Benedict by the throat and breaks his neck, bringing him
to his knees. She then reels her arm back and punches Benedict's
face with tremendous, thunder infused force from her gauntlet.
This leaves a huge hole through Benedict's head, which she
slowly pulls her arm back out, leaving her opponent to collapse.
Benedict: You.... saved... no one...
Benedict muster to croak out before succumbing to his wounds.
Vega then arrives with Sam close behind, having an unconscious V
on her back. Upon seeing them, Maya let out a small chuckle
before collapsing onto the ground herself, her powers shutting
down and her body succumbing to her injuries and fatigue. Vega
barely manage to catch Maya as she ease her down.
Vega: Hey, hey! Stay with me!
Vega sigh softly in relief as Maya open her eyes weakly. Vega
check on Maya's status as Sam catches up.
Vega: She's okay. Took one hell of a beating but she's tough.
She even kicked that mad scientist's ass.
Sam: Heh. Not so tough now, are you?
She taunts the corpse as she lay the unconscious V by Maya. Both
Zolnerowich family members safe. Maya notice V by her side,
giving a weak smile before falling unconscious again. Before the
two can say anything, they both jump up to their feet at the
sound of night walkers lurking by. The two soldiers ready their
weapons, fighting off their pain, especially Sam due to some
blood loss.
Sam: Menu is closed, boys. Come again another time. She sneers
as she readies herself for battle.
Vega: You'll have to go through us if you want them, you undead
freaks.
The creatures slowly approaches them with claws and teeth ready
for the taking. But before they could lunge at them, they have
been struck by fire arrows and white magic. This scared off the
remaining creatures who ran to their caves and dwellings. Vega
can barely stand herself, let alone hold Sam up to process what
had just happened. Before Sam can even comment, she pass out
with Vega holding onto her. Crap, it was the blood loss from
their scuffle with V.
Voice: THEY'RE HERE!
Voice 2: Get them out of there! Hurry!
These were the words Vega heard before finally closing her eyes,
rememering seeing black flames from a distance. Unbeknownst to
everyone, Benedict's corpse turns black before seeping into the
darkness and disappears. A minor setback.
End
*****************************************************