With a cigarette in one hand burning an orange glow and a tablet screen blaring white in the other, Mr Waters inhaled a deep drag. Ash crumbled away from the tip and smoke filled the air. The air was cold but the wind was still, the grey smoke lingered under the bright street lamp as Mr Waters walked past clutching his tablet.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ozmg1UYT4
Darkness roamed the empty street, patches of light lined on the edges, illuminating the buildings that were boarded up shut and windows broken.
The eerie sound of the Portal hummed all around. Mr Waters hated night shifts in desolate towns, nobody to talk to, nobody around to keep him company, not even a lady of the night.
Mr Waters paused under a street light and checked his watch, the gold trim shined as Waters looked at the time “Two thirty two” he mumbled as he casually turned back to his screen.
It had been roughly an hour since the Miners had left the Portal and his crew had entered. The Miners didn’t even reach their quota and when they left, they didn’t even seem to care.
Mr Waters didn’t care either, it was just another excuse for his Guild not to pay them the full amount.
As Mr Waters waited for his crew to return, he was very careful in using his smoking hand to swipe his tablet screen, scanning through his documents, he didn’t like the idea of dirtying his brand new tablet with ash.
The Portal’s humming seemed to get louder as Mr Waters passed by, flicking through files on Miners.
He was pacing up and down the street walking past the Portal on each side as he circled. He wasn’t normally an impatient man, but when he’s looking through private documents on Personnel not from the Guild he represents, he can get fidgety. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ008htc3lHs
After one last inhale before the cigarette reached his finger tips, Mr Waters tossed the end onto the street then parked his butt down on a nearby bench.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlpePJ4lEA
He had finally found what he was looking for “Andy Berkins, 36, married no children” he mumbled as he scoured through his documents.
The Miners today had shown a great deal of disrespect to Mr Waters, daring to have a non scheduled break, costing him valuable Units and then have the gall to question him in front of the Warriors.
Mr Waters was having none of that in the future and he was going to make sure of it you people need to learn your manners when in the presence of your betters he snidely thought.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0pt3K5o54
“Dylan, 47.... Nope. Oscar....hmm nothing, Scott....”
His eyes narrowed as he scanned the pages in front of him. He was intent on finding about everything he can about the Miners. Any information he could find can easily be used against them, a few words here or an empty threat there should put them in line if they act up again.
He was good at this sort of job, he had to be as a Supervisor.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx7XhJJQkX
It was his role in the Guild to watch over troublesome Warriors out on the field, make sure they stayed in line and not terrorise the public. His latest baby sit, as he would put it was on Bastion’s crew.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtOJJ0iAdh
They had been an eye sore in the public lately and a thorn in the Crimson Claw Guild as a whole.
So when the Guild Master “Gurion” gave him this task to make Bastion and his crew look better, Mr Waters thought it best to take him away from the public, as far away as you could with Greendenn. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPwLuAeBit
He did intend to do his job properly at first, keep Bastion in line and keep everyone on their quota. But when Bastion wired a few extra Units in his bank, Mr Waters would start to look the other way.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumWD709URu
It didn’t mean he wouldn’t do his job in the eyes of the public, to a certain extent. But in the ears of his bosses he would fabricate compelling lies, just to make himself and his current crew look good.
It was probably this reason why Bastion liked Mr Waters so much, he even respected the man despite being a regular human.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u16BOpKXV
“Mandy, 30, divorced...” he mumbled.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ6JAzPuLP
So far nothing of worth came up from his research, he was hoping to get some dirt from these peasants, but so far their lives seemed pointless and uninteresting.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBX8aL1FOr
Not even a single parking ticket173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRPsViC9sI
Mr Waters flicked to the last page.
“Carin, 20, single” he began as he skimmed through the useless information, but then he came across a locked file attached to Carin’s.
This admittedly caught him off guard, the only time he would find locked files was when they were attached to.... “She’s an Awakened...” his smile widened as he came to the realisation. He could use this.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uWbFRhYXx
*******************************************************173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlem78wZMKz
A ball of light hovered high above the ground, illuminating the dry black cavern around Bastion and his crew.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5OSjgxQ4x
Bastion, a tall red headed man was leading his crew down the winding paths of the cave, as the ball of light followed closely next to him.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhslaHMRVv
In his right hand he was carrying the neck of a small leather sack. It swayed with every step as something heavy inside kept it in motion. Attached to his belt was a small orinasal mask, they each had one to protect themselves from poisoness gasses and other environmental hazards.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3QE9lTuBz
To his right followed a young blonde man, Alex. He was slightly shorter than Bastion but his handsome baby face made up for the difference.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK0lzVatsa
“Should be around this corner” Alex gestured to a nearby bend.
“Yeah, it feels denser in magic here” confirmed a woman behind them. Ember was a young black haired woman with elegant curves and a devilish sweet smile and lustrous red lips.
Around the corner, Bastion’s team was greeted by a large and imposing steel door with intricate and strange murals decorated its surface. The room itself was just as large and imposing, they couldn’t even see the ceiling.
Bastion lightly pushed the ball of light towards the door, it floated gently across the room as Bastion closely followed behind it.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjinjKl12b
The ball lightly tapped the Door and bounced out its surface, just halting a few inches away.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNrUECtsG7
“Alright then, who are you?” Bastion softly spoke as he investigated the large door.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhFLFNjtxp
The large imposing frame that stood before the Crimson Claws was a Boss door, every Portal had one. It didn’t matter what Biome the Portal formed, Sand, Snow, forest, it did not matter, each Portal had a door similar to this one deep inside. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47H7jX3I7k
Bastion dropped the small bag he was carrying and ran his hand over the surface of the door, feeling each and every bump and crevice of the strange designs and patterns.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNcS9aTHYO
He was looking for an ancient language engraved onto the Boss Door, they were often used as warnings to deter any who may enter or in some cases they would tell a story about the Monster inside.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiGe1S7Ad0
A sound of tapping echoed in the room, It had only been two minutes and Ember was already tapping her foot to the ground.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmMDJoUgwz
Ember was taller than average woman keeping at the same height, if not slightly taller than Bastion. But her patience was a lot shorter.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwaRgHMyOP
Ember walked over impatiently to Bastion and leaned against the door in front of him, purposefully getting between him and the ball of light shining on the door “well? What’s inside” she asked annoyed.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsI6RmAyUm
Bastion clicked his tongue as he gave a brief pissed off look towards Ember, his hand continued to feel for any form of words or patterns on the door despite the lack of light.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T6cqT7o0S
“Ku...Kupmeh... Gehk... Kupmeh Gehk” Bastion read out loud.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI40bShBls
He and Ember turned to Alex who looked lost in thought, his hand clutching his chin. Even though Bastion could read the strange language, it was Alex who could translate it. Bastion had always struggled comprehending another language, which is why he always hated going to another country on business. Listening to the local dialect made him feel uncomfortable, like everyone was talking about him in public and he couldn’t understand it.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3jLlELg9t
“So what is it?” Ember piped up from the moment of silence.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VJTrXhbwv
Alex smiled as he nodded to his fellow crew members “Goblin King, it’s a Goblin King”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3SPVttzCu
Bastion and Ember grinned at the sound of the Boss Monster. They’ve taken down many types of Goblins before in other Portals like Knights and Bishops, but they have yet to take down a King.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI7d5qDN4M
“A Goblin Boss type in a D rank Portal, should be an easy task” Bastion said smugly as he picked up the small bag from the ground.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hR0DWHv4c
Loosening the knot around the neck of the bag, Bastion pulled out a large Spirit Stone dyed in murky red.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhiJ96r3VK
Unlike other Spirit Stones, this one had a much larger purpose inside Portals.
With the stone cupped in one hand Bastion gathered his crew in a circle.
“Alright so you know the drill. When the door opens, Alex you stand in front and shield us from any projectiles, I don’t want any sudden traps flying towards us. Ember, I need your eyes and tell me what else is inside, remember to check the walls and ceilings, I don’t want a repeat of last time”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UTrJycXGR
Bastion was referring to a previous mission in a Portal where his crew got ambushed on all side by large dog sized insects. That was a terrifying scenario to get out of. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWefx4U7c9
“Fuck you, you know that wasn’t my fault” she bit back, pushing past Bastion and stomping up to the door.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnNJitRZS6
“We gonna do this or not” she said annoyed.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7p6jpXsS0
To be honest she was right, the Boss room they got ambushed in was like an ant colony with tunnels hidden away at all sides. But Bastion would say or imply anything if it meant pissing off Ember, he enjoyed the cold hard stare she would often give him.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1L7MgMTQM
Alex sighed as he shrugged to Bastion, out of the three Alex was the quiet one. But that didn’t hide the fact he was pretty arrogant and rude to others.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lEuJ4H3lF
“Fuck it, let’s go”
Bastion held up the Spirit Stone and poured a small amount of Magic into its core. The murky red inside the stone began to swirl and shine as a loud rumble rang throughout the cavern.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCL1wgm6oD
The large Spirit Stone acted like a key, opening the doors outward as dust and rocks fell from the ceiling.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhCJKKhis4
The Crimson Claws took a firm stance and each one reached for the centre of their chests.
With three taps on the battle armour over their chests, a flicker of light emerged in the centre just below their necks.
The light began to form shapes reaching for their hands as weapons began to appear in their grasps.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn2wLiogfG
Alex stood clutching a large silver coloured Tower Shield, the unknown metallic shield reached up to Alex’s chin was adorned with the Crimson Claw logo engraved onto its surface.
To his right was Ember, pounding her fists together as they enveloped into a pair of red Gauntlets with spikes poking out of her knuckles.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsMU63T8iq
Bastion readied his crimson Halberd, the crescent tip shaped like a pair of claws.
The loud rumble stopped as the doors had fully opened and the large Spirit Stone evaporated. At the mouth of the door the Crimson Claws took formation.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBzsHVEubY
Alex inched forward as close as he could to the door without entering the room, he braced himself behind the Tower Shield ready for any traps. His right eye just appearing to the side of it as he looked forward into the dark abyss of a room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H1gBGuG2I
Nothing, no traps and no sign of any Monsters.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jTf3omD6p
“I can’t see anything, can you Ember” he whispered.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAaoDR6EkI
Ember crouched next to the shield placing her right hand to the ground for support.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx8K64Q93U
With a short chant and the word “Sight”, Embers eye’s turned a red glow. The spell she used improved her sight greatly in the dark but only for a short minute.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQW8BBo82g
With her vision improved Ember scouted the room in front of her.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1lBQvrfIw
The room was a long corridor adorned with massive black steel braziers, two by two throughout the centre, leading to what appeared to be a gigantic throne made from bones. In fact the walls and ceiling appeared to be decorated with skulls and large teeth. Around the room littered fallen debris, pieces of the ceiling shattered on the floor and stone pillars stacked over each other, almost arching over the room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZj4mxYQgg
Bastion moved behind Ember and the shield, he leaned in towards her ear while clutching onto his Halberd for support “what do you see?” he asked quietly.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSBtZqZOzh
Ember squinted as her magic began to fade but she does clearly see at least three individuals “two guards...they look small, maybe regular Goblins or Goblin soldiers”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LPPx9Fb4M
“What about the King?” Alex inquired as a bead of sweat rolled on the side of his cheek.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAQeOmFDEp
“Sitting on the throne at the far end, looks fucking huge, way bigger than any of us. From this distance it has to be at least thirty feet” she replied as her confidence began to wane. She has taken down many a foe with her fellow Crimson Claws, but she have never seen one this big before, it was at least taller than a two story house.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHY7JlMm4p
“Just like the other Portals, they haven’t moved or even seemed to notice us”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3NIr2ZMYO
Boss rooms were a strange environment on their own, even compared to the biomes of Portals. Boss rooms acted as if they were a separate dimension, as long as nothing enters the room its occupants don’t react or even feel the presence of those outside.
Feeling his confidence wane at the thought of the size of the Monster, Bastion thought heavily about his next step. Each member knew how dangerous a Boss room was, and how it should never be underestimated.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGVLzrcpJr
But with time against them Bastion knew he had to close this Portal today, or else it would crack open.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZXpNu1BMJ
With a deep breath Bastion stood tall and inched closer to the brim of the door frame. His crew joined him waiting for his first move.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8emLFXOsz
“Ok, time to put on your masks” he ordered. The Crimson Claws had killed a small number of Goblins the day before, at that point though they didn’t bring their masks and suffered the intense stench of the smelly creatures. But now they were prepared.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4u2wsKE2R
The ball of light shimmered and flickered, its energy slowly depleted and the room got darker.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wdn4kAmu9
“GO!”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQabgBHZzT
The Crimson Claws charged into the room and the large doors slammed shut behind them. The room was pitch black, not a sound in the air, only the low breaths of the crew behind their masks.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqDgghfzlf
Until a cackle of laughter echoed around them.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuzVCmwzbk
Bright purple flames erupted from the braziers one by one lighting their way towards the throne. The flames illuminated a large Monster adorned with tribal tattoos, adorned in Monster skin and bones, the Goblin King laughed a deep cackle from his throne.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUr6lnLICj
Before the King at the end of his throne stood two lowly goblins dressed in a hound’s skin; Beast Tamers.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqW9oiPWBK
Each Tamer held on tightly to a chain leash and at the end of the leash was a Blind Hound.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3hfQJrVP3
The black shaggy beasts snarled and bared their ferocious fangs, barking and pulling hard onto the leashes as drool seeped from their mouths. They were hungry for flesh.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpuqTlks8P
Bastion knew this was a bad scenario for the Crimson Claws, these beasts may be blind but their hearing makes them impossible to hide from, and their teeth are strong enough to gnaw into their protective armour. And then they still had to contend with the Goblin Beast Tamers and their King. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NTidCoXa2
The monstrous beast spoke an unintelligible loud command to his two underlings. The two cackled and smile with a twisted grin as they let go of the metal chains.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf7voR4ZT9
With savage speed the beasts darted across the throne room, chains flying behind them as they lunged at the closest Warrior, Ember.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvWcEae52j
Fangs bared wide, the beasts pounced at Ember who braced for the impact.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntv5oVS96Y
Suddenly Alex charged passed Ember, slamming his Tower Shield into the creature’s side, sending them hurling across the room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcngcmieLgh
A light whimper escaped the beasts’ mouths as they picked themselves from the floor. Barking loudly they challenged Ember and Alex.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu7NR10VAg
Meanwhile Bastion readied his Halberd, twirling it around his body like a dance. The Beast Tamers cackled and unbuckled their whips from their waist belt.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tX4Cr5byt
With a crack of the whip the Goblins bolted towards Bastion with their tiny legs. They charged swinging the leather and cracking the air to try and intimidate the man before them.
Bastion took a battle stance, his Halberd pointed towards the ground, waiting for the right moment. With another crack of the whip, Bastion felt the sonic boom as the air exploded close to his face.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04bSfwMksA
Without warning, Bastion twisted his body in a sharp turn, side stepping the Goblins, in a sweeping motion he tore into the back of one, the heavy blade ripping through the green slimy flesh with a sideways slash.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCMb1sCePV
The Monster gargled a bloody scream as it collapsed dead on the ground, its upper torso inches away from its waist. The other Goblin stopped in its tracks and looked over his shoulder towards his fallen brethren, the creature shrieked angrily at the man as its face bore a deathly gaze.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpKU870kcm
Blood dripped from his Halberd as Bastion readied himself once again, his legs wide apart, ready for the Goblin to make its move. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC8Or8MMbK
The Goblin King watched on in amusement, such scrawny little play things should die for his entertainment. The Kings gaze shifted towards his hounds, one was already not moving on the ground while the other was being shoved against the wall, held in place by Alex’s Tower Shield.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9fawG1y1z
The King cackled a venomous smile as he watched Ember pummel the beasts face into the hard surface. With each heavy blow from her Gauntlets the hounds face cracked as bones shattered and blood splattered into the damaged wall. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYhkukCokN
The monstrous King laughed, it was now satisfied with watching... it was now time to participate.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3799kNycR
The Goblin King rose from his throne, his full might almost reached the ceiling as he towered over the ants bellow.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61CffO2cMi
The King roared a battle cry and the room violently shook, knocking all around him off their balance.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHty3LvoYp
The last Goblin Beast Tamer trembled in fear as the King stepped down from his throne, every step he made quaked the ground.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87HITjSsEu
Bastion took this opportunity and cleaved the head off the distracted Goblin. The head rolled to the ground as blood sputtered from the naked neck.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY3ehoNx6m
Bastion rallied his crew together in the centre off the room. Ember and Bastion took cover behind Alex and his Shield “Fuck that guy’s bigger than thirty feet” Bastion said nervously.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw8UgZeBZm
“What’s the plan of action?” Alex asked as he locked his gaze with the King.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii5DuwbOlg
Bastion racked his brain for a strategy, taking on large foes is not an easy task when you’re only working with three.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQqBECQVFZ
But then wave of confidence washed over Bastion as a nervous smile twitched onto his sweaty face. He has a plan, one that should work as a small team.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Q1QD657N
“Ok. Alex, you take the aggro, use “Knight’s Tower” to distract him”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ECyCqOeB
“Got it”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhjSwNeDGO
“Ember. You and I are going to topple him. I’ll take its legs and I want you to find away to reach his head, can you do that?”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYbSf6CTwx
Ember quickly skimmed the surrounding area and nodded confidently to Bastion. She was pretty sure she can find a way to climb up to the Monster.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRMVLHbcg1
“Alright then gang, LET’S MOVE” Bastion cried as his crew separated.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IAfFCg4Rz
The King laughed as he watched the ants scurrying around him, but then his attention got suddenly and violently pulled, as if he couldn’t take his attention away from Alex.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxQVqAp3Q7
A wave of blue energy engulfed the young man as he planted his Shield into the ground “KNIGHT’S TOWER” he bellowed as the King uncontrollably moved closer to him.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUzEFYnD5B
The King was puzzled he couldn’t stop his actions as if a force was whispering into his ear to attack this puny man. So he did.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhmL740k4p
With a mighty swing, the King smashed his huge fist into the Shield, Alex braced the impact and although the attack didn’t connect his body, Alex coughed up blood into his mask as the force sent shockwaves coursing into his body.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PEvs7vGkc
Still reeling from the impact, Alex continued to stand his ground and continued using his magic. He knew his team depended on him to keep this Monster at bay.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe2bTcpXQ8
As Alex took the blows of the King, Ember elegantly ran and jumped onto a series of fallen pillars that overarched the room. From the highest point Ember could see the King was distracted while Bastion landed blows to the Monsters ankles and tendons.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1EYoV3Wn7
Bastion was swinging and dancing around the Monster as he slashed and tore into the creature, but his attacks weren’t enough to topple his foe.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9vKmqPZ6G
With a brief pause, Bastion focused his Magic into his blade. The sharp metal hummed red before Bastion swung with flourishing waves of energy ripping into the King “SAVAGE SLASH” he cried as one last bolt severed the Kings tendons.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJkPmKSZVh
The Goblin King cried out in pain as he fell to his knees shattering the floor under his gargantuan weight.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYulkKPcPi4
Alex had to quickly run for his life as the King came crashing down, managing to reach a safe distance away as the Monsters hands slammed into the ground.
Ember took this opportunity and leapt from the arching pillar. Landing on her hands and knees she raced across the Kings back, leaping over the large bones decorating its garments until she reached the back of his head.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL4TOyckdE
Cracking her knuckles, Ember could hear the heavy breathing of the King. The sound of this mighty Monster struggling made her wet, even the mightiest of foes would bow before her feet.
Ember pulled back ready for a punch, she poured magic into each fist “FISTS OF FURY” she cried as fire erupted and enveloped her hands.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID4zprfHuF
A series of lightning blows slammed into the back of the Kings head, his hair singed as each punch burned into the greasy flesh.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hW5VZHdsv
Bastion watched on from a distance with Alex as the King struggled to get up and the sound of the impacts to its head pounded throughout the room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMELfDMxEWG
“Shouldn’t be much longer now” Bastion cheerfully remarked as blood started to drip down the Monsters neck.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzM2NvJaFL
He knew he could trust on Ember to finish the job, her Magic attacks were stuff of nightmares to behold. Several Portals had been cleared thanks to her and her physical Magic attacks overwhelming the Monsters inside. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzsdvZPA7T
But suddenly Ember stopped her assault as the King shook violently, the Monster thrashed from side to side, slamming its body into the walls and knocking over nearby braziers.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoeoevrr1g
He was going Berserk.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1XRYoCyFv
The flaming oil from the braziers erupted around the King, giant pillars of purple flames surrounded and gnawed at the Monsters legs.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFTsOGc1Ff
Ember lost her balance and was sent flying off the Goblin King and slammed hard onto the rubble below. Rendered unconscious, Ember lay amongst the heat of the flames. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygrv64HFvB
Alex cried out to her but his words couldn’t carry over the deafening roar of the King. The Monster raged on like it was a mindless beast, sweeping away the rubble with its massive hands and knocking over more braziers, the oil washing over it covering the King in flames.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq00WfJZvFY
Bastion quickly took cover behind Alex’s shield as rocks and debris slammed into the metal surface and all around them.
“This isn’t normal! D ranked Boss Monsters shouldn’t be going Berserk?” Alex shouted as the sounds of metal banging rang in his ears.
Bastion ignored the comment, or at least he would of if he could hear it. The room was deafening with the sounds of roars and fires burning. The crackling and burning flesh filled the air as thick black smoke began to build in the room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdrYhJ9H5X
We need to finish this quickly or were all doomed Bastion thought as he peered around the Tower Shield.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3stVJ07By1
The King was still on his knees thrashing wildly splashing amongst the flames and boiling oil, Bastion couldn’t see Ember amongst the carnage which worried him greatly.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ5HNyBkr4
A sea of fire crept towards the two and the heat was getting intense, the pair was sweating buckets under their armour and Alex’s shield was getting too hot to hold.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPynr2ROXoF
“BASTION” Alex called out, but he didn’t respond, he was at a loss with the sight in front of him, the beast was still thriving as its skin burned and blackened, it was like a beast from hell.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsAAn6a0Lp
“BASTION!” Alex shouted as he shook his shoulder. Bastion turned to face his team mate with a face of utter defeat. How could he kill that, the fire isn’t killing it so how could he?173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOpuhuihnf
Suddenly a sharp pain erupted on his face as Alex slapped him hard “WAKE UP YOU BASTARD!”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l1NPd5VVJ
Silence befell the two as Bastion stared at his comrade, Alex was fuming as sweat flowed from his brow “YOU’RE OUR LEADER, SO DO YOUR JOB AND LEAD US”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxdc54Z4ry
Bastion was shocked at the usually quiet and calm Alex, in all his time with him he had never seen him so angry.
With the pain still stinging in his cheek, Bastion nodded to Alex. He felt wide awake and alert now.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ893B18g4fF
“You remember the combo we tried in the training room two years back, the one Gurion banned us from doing” he asked nervously.
Alex looked puzzled at the question, he knew the combo Bastion was on about but couldn’t understand why he would risk it “I know the one. But, didn’t I break your leg”.
Bastion smiled as he remembered the pain of being in hospital for two weeks, it was worth it at the time, got him the digits of his attending nurse.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPqIc7qmWu
“Yeah, but I have an idea and it involves getting up close and personal with that thing.... it’s our best bet right now” he said as his confidence wavered.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiTPq7Ch8j
Alex’s face was awash with worry but even he knew they were running out of time and ideas “alright then, get into position”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eDDg3ENT0
Alex lowered his shield at an angle and crouched underneath it, while Bastion climbed onto the boiling metal surface.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTraapxDyX
Searing pain pierced through his hands as he positioned himself like a crab on the hot plate.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwTzqQlIH1
“READY?” Alex shouted beneath the Shield.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1rSqyqFn
Was he ready? Not really. A Monster, a true Monster bathed in flames and boiling oil was before him, and he had to get very close to it.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dInHCJzQw
“DO IT!”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk3N0ZJsu2
The Tower Shield glowed a bright blue amongst the searing orange, Bastion could feel the energy welling up underneath him building into his legs.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eQbyt4rnx
“SHIELD BASH” Alex boomed as he shoved Bastion like a projectile flying towards the King. 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1DfZJY5Ke
With his Halberd leading in front, Bastion soared like a bullet over the field of fire, lunging towards the mad King.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOvIGfIjiY
RRRROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o9eBLaNr2
The beast roared as Bastion’s Halberd imbedded into the Kings eye.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFUBNsQeUm
Adrenaline overwhelmed Bastion as he shoved with all his might, pushing his Weapon further into the Kings eye, piercing its skull.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OEj3vLq0d
The thick black smoke was intense, he could barely see or comprehend his surroundings.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1z6Tc4ijD
“AAAAALLLEEEEXXXX” he blasted, hoping his comrade could hear over the beast’s screams and roars of the fire “GET TO THE EXIT, I’LL FIND EMBER”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwJdGBcv9L
A large charred hand pierced its way through the dense smoke reaching for Bastion, but it missed. The beast was confused and lost.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwD8cLr616
Looks like I reached the brain he thought thankfully.
With his Halberd almost all inside the bleeding eye Bastion used up a large amount of his Magic supply for one last attack.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciznM0KiJq
“ELECTRO VOLT”
Surges of electricity bolted into the Monsters brain, boiling and popping the matter inside. The King writhed in agony as the shock coursed throughout his body, blood vomited from its mouth as organs ruptured and its heart exploded.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtwHoZQKjh
Silence befell the King, it sizzled and reeked of burnt flesh, its body stuck in place as its muscles stiffened almost like it was frozen in time.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbblS8O52T
Bastion paused, his breathing was heavy and he had to remove the mask, but started to choke from the smell of charred meat and thick smoke.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UtxxtvNvX
Bastion tried to pull out his Halberd from the carcase to no avail.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNENn8JjrW
With the weapon stuck in place and no chance to remove it physically, Bastion tapped his chest three times and the weapon dematerialised back into his Core.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCKIk7SKfQ
Coughing and standing atop the charred remains Bastion felt the room rumble, the beast wasn’t moving.
The Portals starting to collapse, the bastards really dead! 173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgh4F8Yl9c
A sensation of relief flowed through his body like a weight was lifted from his heart. But now was not the time to relax.
From atop the fallen King, Bastion tried to survey his area, searching for Ember. He saw that the Boss doors were open and he couldn’t see Alex.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L5fRjiMkS
Must have made it out173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGIeYsyOXc
But he also couldn’t see Ember.
Jumping down from the beast and making his way to a solid piece of land, Bastion began calling out for Ember “EMBERRRRR....EMBERRRR”. He knew he couldn’t stay long as the Portal was on a time limit, 30 minutes away from disappearing but he didn’t want to abandon her.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Pmii3kyB
The rooms rumbling intensified as Bastion searched frantically, leaping across rocks in a sea of fire. Maybe she’s dead, maybe she was burned in the fire these thoughts raced through his mind as he made his way across the sea.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85UY3nseBL
Suddenly he heard something, he swear he did. It wasn’t the sound of fire crackling or the sound of water boiling, it was like coughing.
“Cough...cough” there it was again.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu3NalTVxx
Bastion filled with hope rushed through the intense flames towards the source of the sound, and then he found her.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft2borCBfi
Ember was partially buried under a slab from the ceiling and her mask melted into the right side of her face “EMBER!!”
Bastion shoved aside the rubble with ease and cradled Ember in his arms. Making a mad dash for the door the ceiling started to collapse as large chunks of rubble splashed into the sea of hellfire.
The rumbling shifted to quakes.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbcWP3IawE
Quickly summoning a ball of light to guide him, Bastion blazed through the intricate cavern dodging falling Zafrite and obstacles in his way.
Ember was barely breathing and she was scolding hot to the touch. He needed to get her out of here and fast.
A bright beam of blue light rapidly approached as Bastion charged for the Portal, barely reaching it as the cavern collapsed behind him.
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A fresh cigarette in hand and his elbow resting on the other, Mr Waters watched from a short distance as the Portal flickered in front of him finally killed the Boss huh, bout time he said impatiently as he checked his watch “three sixteen, guh, I’m not getting any sleep tonight”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs23WIFuuMX
With another puff of smoke blowing from his nose, Mr Waters waited.... and waited....
“Three thirty nine” a worried feeling crept up through his spine, like spiders crawling under his skin. His fingers rhythmically tapping his elbow he began to pace near the ever flickering Portal.
What’s taking then so long, they’ve got at least seven minutes left before it vanishes
“Three forty”
“Three forty two”
“Three forty five”173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9EFHIbvC4
His pacing intensified as he tossed his cigarette aside choosing to focus on his watch “shit, shit, shit, this can’t be happening, I can’t lose another team”.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjhGEVqIMx
Suddenly the Portal began materialising something from the other side, Mr Waters sighed in relief as he saw a member of his team starting to come through.
From the light formed a burnt and weakened Ember being carried in the arms of an exhausted and blackened Bastion.
Shock blared across Mr Waters face as he witnessed the state his team was in “what the hell happened? Why are you so burnt up, why is she.... where’s Alex?”
“Alex?” Bastion repeated, wondering why Mr Waters would be asking about him when he should have... made it... earlier...
Fear burrowed in Bastions throat as he quickly turned around to check the Portal.... but it was gone... the Portal was gone....
“Alex....”
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Trivia section:
Warriors: a series of chosen individuals with strength and durability far superior than your average human. A Warrior can be easily recognised when they brandish their specialised Weapon from their Cores in the chest. Any Warrior that fails to materialise their Weapon is referred to as a failure or a “Non-Ranker”.
Weapon: each individual Warrior can summon at will their own unique Weapon. There can be various similarities between same types of Weapons but each one is unique in their own way. The type of Weapons summoned appears to reflect on the individuals Core which is the manifestation of the human Soul taking physical form.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORbaWWX6o6
Magic: a common tool used amongst Warriors, all have the ability to use it but not all have the ability to channel it properly. In order to fully utilise Magic, the individual has to first understand it, which can take years to grasp for the average Warrior. Magic has limited uses in battle, not combat wise but in how much they can consume in battle.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YRPWTJR8w
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Authors notes:173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JyLioZ7mq
Good lord I hate writing battles... so I wrote a long one in my second chapter.
So where's Carin, you're probably wondering. Well in Soul Story, each chapter is written around one of the four main characters. They each have their own story that will connect at various points in the plot.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0UoZNsNiS
So, while the events above happen, you get to see what Carin did in the next chapter.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw4ozHgjag
See you next time.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuYgwyQdAQ
