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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLKuhZvoOV
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dXb6mibG6
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgaKwHi1Fm
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31m71kzT6Q
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo90OSbKtk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4XgOwGVh8
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh1XEKp9Fw
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuGexKznYJ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFnk5yfMmp
“Mandy, 30, divorced...” he mumbled.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YFPnps5Um
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80HcNP1oBH
Not even a single parking ticket171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi98y80cu4
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMVDOkkLwL
*******************************************************171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G82oUuhOM
A ball of light hovered high above the ground, illuminating the dry black cavern around Bastion and his crew.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONXWIKERDc
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8Ta7YwlUi
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N0T9f18UX
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDCG5HRfi7
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI9uBW7ml9
The ball lightly tapped the Door and bounced out its surface, just halting a few inches away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGURVghYpa
“Alright then, who are you?” Bastion softly spoke as he investigated the large door.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ2FQDItci
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOUBBSLNJL
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMFKvs9TNC
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuKp0aHjU1
A sound of tapping echoed in the room, It had only been two minutes and Ember was already tapping her foot to the ground.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNxPqofjtk
Ember was taller than average woman keeping at the same height, if not slightly taller than Bastion. But her patience was a lot shorter.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBdrtG3SxZ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqVDVyZd5N
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGEsshs53x
“Ku...Kupmeh... Gehk... Kupmeh Gehk” Bastion read out loud.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofOkhAXsKt
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmtEmLaSkV
“So what is it?” Ember piped up from the moment of silence.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrtCBxHeyw
Alex smiled as he nodded to his fellow crew members “Goblin King, it’s a Goblin King”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl3zyGYOIQ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4aFsFAuFO
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ890odQAbGN
Loosening the knot around the neck of the bag, Bastion pulled out a large Spirit Stone dyed in murky red.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyX1SXfvGr
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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPSATgHHOX
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTTrd2WIk4
“Fuck you, you know that wasn’t my fault” she bit back, pushing past Bastion and stomping up to the door.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR9YUBTUj0
“We gonna do this or not” she said annoyed.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX5mcVxMU5
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnSUGKB1wo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fqsahoe74
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wEaycE0AT
The large Spirit Stone acted like a key, opening the doors outward as dust and rocks fell from the ceiling.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKLE7efvMN
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWkkjujw9y
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8sTikHpAW
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxlhGPD2tV
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54zqL4PUGT
Nothing, no traps and no sign of any Monsters.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP9bdeLS0y
“I can’t see anything, can you Ember” he whispered.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiDsfsGC2s
Ember crouched next to the shield placing her right hand to the ground for support.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgsywoNOig
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjozckFW02V
With her vision improved Ember scouted the room in front of her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP0mBqsc5N
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIoY5SDTTM
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFI1ssK6ql
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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhmqRgmpGY
“What about the King?” Alex inquired as a bead of sweat rolled on the side of his cheek.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfNOTLrF1b
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSLDg9PynY
“Just like the other Portals, they haven’t moved or even seemed to notice us”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRLLl1zALb
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5jJ5eqhrX
But with time against them Bastion knew he had to close this Portal today, or else it would crack open.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFveUvRWql
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2hET11LUN
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFnJh9F2eN
The ball of light shimmered and flickered, its energy slowly depleted and the room got darker.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZMZqxy8UW
“GO!”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0phjBN7C9u
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kv0LVL7Ti
Until a cackle of laughter echoed around them.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9uyETzkjQ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QIiWxKVe0
Before the King at the end of his throne stood two lowly goblins dressed in a hound’s skin; Beast Tamers.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH49mWtKpJ
Each Tamer held on tightly to a chain leash and at the end of the leash was a Blind Hound.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpgGNf0xuS
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SBlW0K3KP
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTjy9WbLuC
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRM02tW50x
With savage speed the beasts darted across the throne room, chains flying behind them as they lunged at the closest Warrior, Ember.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Z6WHYGrF
Fangs bared wide, the beasts pounced at Ember who braced for the impact.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3hCta3nNs
Suddenly Alex charged passed Ember, slamming his Tower Shield into the creature’s side, sending them hurling across the room.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmnqyoVyb8
A light whimper escaped the beasts’ mouths as they picked themselves from the floor. Barking loudly they challenged Ember and Alex.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYCnYBVoU7
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqrBP2CUvP
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKASf4NpZNW
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQJmNbZYrW
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42Ak0T7rVy
Blood dripped from his Halberd as Bastion readied himself once again, his legs wide apart, ready for the Goblin to make its move. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5FPjPg5YM
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00fulHkR9F
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJogkTpMmV
The monstrous King laughed, it was now satisfied with watching... it was now time to participate.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u4tDv940c
The Goblin King rose from his throne, his full might almost reached the ceiling as he towered over the ants bellow.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYigjaWPq1P
The King roared a battle cry and the room violently shook, knocking all around him off their balance.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDAcSQw7AW
The last Goblin Beast Tamer trembled in fear as the King stepped down from his throne, every step he made quaked the ground.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y4SYBZKkO
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ojf10MgP9
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH6Z4F7esG
“What’s the plan of action?” Alex asked as he locked his gaze with the King.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAB66iErKJ
Bastion racked his brain for a strategy, taking on large foes is not an easy task when you’re only working with three.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyCJ6hpGMj
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiALBygCK8M
“Ok. Alex, you take the aggro, use “Knight’s Tower” to distract him”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg5Vmz9tw9
“Got it”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA57Wjy6Ks8
“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?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk34HHb1TI
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJEtIVu6yy
“Alright then gang, LET’S MOVE” Bastion cried as his crew separated.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZuz437b9d
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXpDwjE0W5
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn5Ity0a9i
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd9IbUpuwx
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkzFZhxmzo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qVFAtqWCD
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYt0CvLHqZ
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqiXo4p3jH
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcXC2R9Gii
The Goblin King cried out in pain as he fell to his knees shattering the floor under his gargantuan weight.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjUNK0Yrzm
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv13uEqWRG
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40PsWrq794
A series of lightning blows slammed into the back of the Kings head, his hair singed as each punch burned into the greasy flesh.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokAOrHKlDq
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpqV9CjdRA
“Shouldn’t be much longer now” Bastion cheerfully remarked as blood started to drip down the Monsters neck.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLXhMA1FsX
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnd83J3FD3
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZtfRCC5iq
He was going Berserk.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSbM8wakVR
The flaming oil from the braziers erupted around the King, giant pillars of purple flames surrounded and gnawed at the Monsters legs.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6h6JXsHGv
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. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZZvLPk0Vc
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWWY3PFnjF
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ChmdljDsK
We need to finish this quickly or were all doomed Bastion thought as he peered around the Tower Shield.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJiWN6GdlT
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4QhNce9nO
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwRH3HN0Uo
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMkVHRQIGp
“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?171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvnPj3etHM
Suddenly a sharp pain erupted on his face as Alex slapped him hard “WAKE UP YOU BASTARD!”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEpZdFwTqm
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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSoUHdjgnh
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoiQhiRySy
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdpDUYjiEd
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcNOlImBmB
Alex’s face was awash with worry but even he knew they were running out of time and ideas “alright then, get into position”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP5u3PclRw
Alex lowered his shield at an angle and crouched underneath it, while Bastion climbed onto the boiling metal surface.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fuRFvQ1EL
Searing pain pierced through his hands as he positioned himself like a crab on the hot plate.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pwlaq3mpB
“READY?” Alex shouted beneath the Shield.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVZ3w7rLDK
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uwMSHSIMX
“DO IT!”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtPDqyXUSy
The Tower Shield glowed a bright blue amongst the searing orange, Bastion could feel the energy welling up underneath him building into his legs.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthYWwqCUbX
“SHIELD BASH” Alex boomed as he shoved Bastion like a projectile flying towards the King. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDHh4W0VoZ
With his Halberd leading in front, Bastion soared like a bullet over the field of fire, lunging towards the mad King.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc3M5KtPCy
RRRROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxuoILcI2z
The beast roared as Bastion’s Halberd imbedded into the Kings eye.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8TzbPo8bN
Adrenaline overwhelmed Bastion as he shoved with all his might, pushing his Weapon further into the Kings eye, piercing its skull.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXsAwuoa5p
The thick black smoke was intense, he could barely see or comprehend his surroundings.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzGHzEenDb
“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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k1CD5Bai0
A large charred hand pierced its way through the dense smoke reaching for Bastion, but it missed. The beast was confused and lost.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4HLZxslxo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuogwZX7Sct
“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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcXTntstjM
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zliGoQQKF
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqF9btqSCl
Bastion tried to pull out his Halberd from the carcase to no avail.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhECuQwKXk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xyap6csUt
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! 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWvvMAcwyh
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcIZWSg7zN
Must have made it out171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSjgta18O7
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGCTv6PJ2M
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Xm5uFuHU
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuNODTur0S
Bastion filled with hope rushed through the intense flames towards the source of the sound, and then he found her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLeXXyybBk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8S2u8d0ON
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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmXlk3Z6m2
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”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihSZggrOd5
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”.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyI4Ii1ggR
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kTXYtpCv5
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtViVAwfhq0
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Authors notes:171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgcI2BT451
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlp1sWksuf
So, while the events above happen, you get to see what Carin did in the next chapter.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c8bCij0iF
See you next time.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktmlWYNQic
