Metsuhai Fugughuu adjusted his backpack as he looks up. The bright sunny day welcomed his gaze causing him to narrow his brown eyes slightly. "Man it's hot," he mumbled, moving his hand across him brown hair. After sighing he picked up his pace. This 16 year old student wore his school uniform, consisting of a grey suit with a black tie.
Metsuhai crossed the street, moving fast like a soldier on a mission. Only the traffic lights slowed him down. He didn't pay attention to a group of five middle schoolers walking by. One of the kids had a tiny mean-looking horned creature on his shoulder. This kid looked a bit sad and seemed out of focus. Like something went really wrong with him. The red being was sitting comfortably on the shoulder as if he enjoys a book at the library. He looked muscular compared to his tennis ball like size. As Metsuhai passed few feet away from whatever it was, the creature smiled viciously, bringing his mouth corners high up and to the sides of his face. Exposing a set of razor sharp teeth, especially the two yellowish blades located a bit to the sides of his mouth. Metsuhai kept crossing the road as if nothing happened.
It wasn't the first time Metsu, as his friends used to call him, encountered these strange phenomenon. Thinking back, the first time was probably at the age of five. He clearly remembered swinging happily on a wooden swing as the orange like autumn leaves float down carried by the soft wind. His mother, Hikari, looking after him with a look of complete harmony. Then a creature not so different from the red pest ran through the playground, stopping to move a few meters away from them. The creature focused his eyes on the kid. His tong sticks far out of the side of his mouth.
"Mommy, what's this?"
"He doesn't belong here. But no worries, you can just ignore him."
Hikari drew a weird amulet, with a big green gemstone at its center. The stone was covered by yellow stripes over the surface, circling around it. This contraption was held by a seemingly golden chain.
"This will protect you," explained Hikari, putting the chain around his neck.
16 year old Metsuhai touched the gemstone, hidden beneath his suit. Little did he know that when he looked away with his little head his mother lifted her index finger, releasing a tiny ray of light. The creature previously sure to be unseen screamed in horror as the light lending on him pierced every organ in his body. The creature collapsed and began to deform as particles were rapidly coming up off his body. Soon nothing of him was left and little Metsuhai never saw this one again.
Haven't I seen too many of those lately, wondered Metsuhai. Metsuhai stopped near a vending machine looking for change in his pocket but something felt wrong. Was his head spinning? Is it a small earthquake? Metsuhais hand was shaking a bit. So strange, he was feeling well all day. Before Metsuhai figured out what's going on his amulet trembled violently. Then the sky turned red.
From all directions Metsuhai heard cracking noises as if children are playing with firecrackers all around him. Next came the roars. They were terrifying, full of anger and hate. Unnatural. As if lions escaped the zoo and went mad. A screaming voice from a panicked woman echoed from a nearby store. A massive building caught flames right in front of Metsuhais eyes. All inner senses of Metsuhai told him to flee. But he was just too curious. Stronger than his curiosity though was his sense of justice. That woman sounded in trouble. But here a whole building burns. There could be many people inside. But I'm no fireman or policeman. What can I do?
Metsuhai ran towards the burning sky scraper as he pulls out his phone. He dialed the police and started shouting into the phone. There were too many disturbances. Metsuhai could hardly recognize any words at all. He put the phone back in his pocket with a sharp move of frustration. The wind changed direction engulfing the entire street in smoke. Metsuhai began coughing and covered his face with part of his suit. He thought he'll never get to the building like this, but the smoke cleared as the wind changed direction once more. Metsuhai kept running when a bright, unnatural, violent red light appeared from the corner of the street just for a moment. Without any warning Metsuhai heard steel bending and braking above him and the upper part of the closest skyscraper detached from the lower part, collapsing right on top of Metsuhai. Metsuhai froze in terror as the building crashed half a meter away from him. As the massive steel structure landed all glass was obliterated. Sharp fragments fell everywhere. The wind from the fall combined with his fear knocked him off his feet. Metsuhai looked at the wreckage with horror as he crawled back with hesitation.
Metsuhai closed his eyes while his heart still pounded hard in his chest. I almost died! He realized, taking a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Soon he could breathe normally. Metsuhai got slowly back to his feet realizing he is surrounded by debris of metal and smashed glass. He was spared by sheer luck. Is this a war, or a terrorist attack? Never mind. The woman might still need help.
It was obvious now that the way to the burning skyscraper is blocked beyond all doubt – tons of rubble filled the street. Steel, glass, torn electric wires. It will take long climbing through there, not to mention the risks involved. Even if I wanted to go to the burning building I'll have to go around. Metsuhai began walking and then running. The roars and some various noises sounded from time to time. As he was going around the corner a horrible scene met his eyes.
Metsuhai was so shocked that he didn't immediately clearly understood what he sees. A trail of fresh blood, lingering from a store entrance with a broken window. At the end of the blood trail lay a dead woman. Probably beautiful once. Something large and crimson red was bent above her. It was chewing. Closer look revealed muscles, spikes and scars. The four legged creature raised his horned head, revealing yellow eyes with red pupils. His mouth was filled with big sharp teeth, covered with blood. His front legs\ arms ended with sharp claws attached to ape like fingers. His back legged claws were griping firmly to the asphalt. It was a monster, worse than anything Metsuhai saw even in his nightmares. Metsuhai automatically stepped back (big mistake). The red pupils slowly locked on Metsuhai. Saliva flowed out of the red mouth. The creature opened its huge mouth breathing in large amount of air. The next thing that shook the street was a devastating roar. Now Metsuhai knew where the roars came from. The thing bent backwards and jumped, crossing distance fast. One more second and his massive paw would tear through Metsuhais flesh. As the distance between the two shrank the pendant beneath Metsuhai's suit activated. It was vibrating violently again. Blue power flawed and over flooded Metsuhai, making him feel strong. Static electricity discharged around him. His skin tingled a bit. To the creature's astonishment instead of sinking his claws into human flesh, his jump was broken on bubble like force field appearing for a mere second. The bubble faded, leaving the monster to softly land on the ground about half a meter from Metsuhai. Metsuhai screamed as he sent his fist deep into the face of whatever it is. The hard red face covered with tough skin folded-in deep, as the creature was thrown back five meters. Metsuhai rubbed his hurting hand. He never hit anyone before. Surely not with a face as hard as rock. The monster recovered swiftly, preparing for another round.
The amulet gives me power. I can beat this guy!
The creature charged fast. Metsuhai dodged and counter attacked with a kick, sending him into an unforgiving concrete wall. Metsuhai felt power bubbling in his palm, like asking him to release it. The creature shook his head from side to side, starting to get up. Metsuhai released the power. A light blue energy beam flies off Metsuhais hand. Metsuhai subconsciously sensed the powerful energy was about to explode and concentrated his will to maintain control. The creature did not block in time. He was too confused. Massive explosion engulfed the monster's body, swallowing him. Everything got covered with dust, blocking all eyesight. When the dust slowly settled, the first thing to be seen was that the monster remained there. Metsuhai noticed that the face of the unnatural being expresses horrible suffering. When the dust completely stopped blocking eyesight it was impossible to miss the large hole in the middle of the monster's chest. A river of blood was pouring out nonstop.
Metsuhai just stood there paralyzed, shaking. His tears found their way out of his eyes on their own. The beast, raging with a face distorted by pain rose to his back feet and closed distance making precise steps. Walking right towards Metsuhai. It looked right into Metsuhai's eyes, standing inches away. He lifted his muscular paw ending with huge claws. And then collapsed.
Unpleasant smell, seemingly coming from the beast made Metsuhai nauseous. He bent forward forcing himself not to vomit. And that's no surprise. All that blood, belonging to both human and monster not to mention the unwashed muscular body of the beast.
Metsuhai took a few steps away from his beaten opponent, moving backwards, not taking his eyes off the thing even for a second. Then a new feeling gripped him. Anger. It wasn't about the ripped woman. He was angry at himself. That thing, whatever it is, is a killing machine and yet I stood there frozen, crying like a child. Waiting to be torn to pieces. What kind of a man am I!?
Metsuhai slapped himself on the face as hard as he could. I swear, this will never happen again. Metsuhai wiped his tears scanning the battlefield. Another thought crossed his mind. A scary one. Mom, she might be in danger! Metsuhai slowly turned to the side and started walking. Soon his walk turned into an all-out run.
Metsuhai jumped over an upside down car with smashed windows. He ran along asphalt that seemed to have melted. Everywhere around him were bent down street lights and concrete walls with deep claw marks. Somewhere far away above the skyscrapers roofs something was flying. Hitting the air beneath it with its grey wings. Metsuhai had no time to figure out the details. He kept running, his feet hitting the ground beneath him. He moved with speed exceeding human norms. His body glowing with faint blue aura. Before he knew it home wasn't far away. But there was another problem. Three of them for that matter. And they were attacking people. A crying blonde woman cowered in fear as a relatively tall, human like being with brown skin and hoofs instead of feet grabbed her arm. Two small horns came out near the sides of his forehead. A young man hiding behind his big backpack, which was being torn to pieces fast appeared to be in middle of prayer. From the other side of the backpack a grey, slightly long headed two legged thing with a somewhat longer jaw lashed at the backpack furiously with his thin long arms ending in small claws. A panicked business man swung his suitcase at a light orange, thin as a match, relatively short creature with a massive head. Despite standing on two feet it couldn't be mistaken for a human. It had pointy ears and infant sized eyes. However the look on the face of that thing was no infant like at all. A grin like smile. Not to mention those shark like teeth filling his long mouth. The only thing it wore was a brown loincloth covering his groin, exposing abs near the center of its anorexic like body. The suitcase missed by a thread. The creature counter attacked fast, trying to sink its teeth into the neck of the victim. The attack failed and instead the teeth went deep into the steel suitcase. This is horrible. But I can't save everyone. My family comes first.
The blonde was gonna be eaten first but out of nowhere a brave police man came running. He shot twice from his pistol aiming at the tall brown one. The creature stumbled back releasing the woman's hand. A small stream of blood slowly made its way out of his belly.
"Is that all you got?" asked the brown skinned with squeaky unpleasant voice. The cop pressed the trigger, releasing loud shots until his bullets ran out. Not missing his target a single time. But the enemy was ready this time, holding a double block stance with both arms crossed, defending his body. He seemed to be just fine. The two other monsters watched with confusion. "Damn!" exclaimed the cop and threw his gun aside. He drew his police club, taking a martial arts stance. The cop charged with no hesitation, landing a crushing blow right on his opponents chin, knocking him down.
"Have you had enough?" the police man bravely stated. Now all three monsters, including the one coming back to his feet, closed in from three directions, bloodlust in their eyes. The cop spoke quietly, "It was good while it lasted". All three enemies charged from three direction, sending their claws deep into his flesh. Swinging their sharp endings of arms. Every move puts deep wounds on the already bleeding cop's body. Three on one was just too much. They were tearing him to pieces.
"Damn!" exclaimed Metsuhai and ran to the cops aid. He couldn't back down no more. But he knew he'll not make it on time. The cop was too wounded and the claws were too sharp. Metsuhai ran desperately forward stretching his hand forward. "No!" screamed Metsuhai.
Then it happened. His hand glowed yellow. Out of nowhere all three monsters got torn to pieces like food in a sushi kitchen. Even more impressive was the fact the cop was spared. The remains were braking to particles and disappearing fast.
How did I do that? Pondered Metsuhai, looking at his no longer yellow hand. Metsuhai concentrated and his hand glowed once more. "I see. This is how it works."
The bleeding cop fell on one knee. It's clear he was in great pain. Metsuhai quickly drew his first aid kit, applying iodine on numerous wounds. Countering the contamination. The policeman gritted his teeth, it was painful. The other people were nowhere to be found. They had all the time needed to flee. "Thank you," the cop told Metsuhai while the boy bandaged his many injuries. Metsuhai nodded. As soon as he finished his work, Metsuhai ran off without even saying goodbye. The cop resembling a mommy picked up his club and slowly walked away.
Metsuhai ran into his homes staircase. This area was deceivingly peaceful. No burning cars. No broken windows. No corpses. Thank goodness. Metsuhai frenziedly looked for the entrance key in his backpack. In a rush he opened the door, getting into the house and slamming the door behind him (not on purpose). He didn't even take off his shoes. The clean shiny floor made little sound as Metsuhai stormed through. Home itself was an apartment in a rather small skyscraper. On the wall, above the sofa, at the end of the entry hall a large beautiful picture of two smiling adults and a small happy child was hanging, nailed to the concrete wall. It is there where Metsuhai automatically collapsed, feeling safe in his living room. He took a deep breath, trying to digest everything that happened. He sat for a long minute. The living room was not remarkable. An old Television, a few book shelves and a rolled red carpet. There was a lot of empty space, giving a homely feeling. The main light source (at least at night) was a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Eventually Metsuhai slowly moved in the direction of the kitchen passing near the entrance to the bathroom. Wondering where his mother could be. "Mom?" he called out with no answer. Metsuhai picked into his room. His desk had only one open book and four closed notebooks, all located in front of his computer screen. The open closet to the right of the desk was full of clean perfectly folded clothes. Everything seemed in order. In the kitchen, all the dishes were placed on the dryer in perfect position. On the table carefully covered by green tablecloth with flower imprints, stood two plates filled with fruit. Two bananas, an apple, a branch with grapes. An orange and a couple of plums. The only thing out of place was a red envelope at the center of the table.
Metsuhai hesitantly sent his hand towards the letter. Carefully opening the envelope and unfolding the paper within. Dear Metsu, I have been feeling drained for a while. So on a whim I'm taking a vacation for the weekend. By the time you read this I'll be lying on a sunny California beach drinking cola. Don't forget to feed Mrs. Akikos cat instead of me since she is also away. Love Hikari
Metsuhai released a breath of relief knowing that at least his mother is completely safe. His father worked overseas as it is, traveling around the world. (Gin never told his son exactly what he was doing but apparently his job was pretty important)
Metsuhai removed his shoes and went to his room. On the way passing near the window. Something outside caught his eye. It was another one of these invaders. At first glance he looked like an armored human if you don't count the long beautiful red horns on his head. The armor which was his body was red as blood and he had no mouth. His eyes were yellow and lacked pupils. Metsuhai imminently knew there was something different about him but he couldn't pinpoint what. He could be dangerous. I should end it fast.
Metsuhai stretched forward his hand through the open window and the yellow aura engulfed his palm. Soon yellow energy surrounded the horned one and the next thing happening was… nothing.
He is stronger, maybe I need to use both hands.
Metsuhai stretched his other hand, pressed hard with all his will. Once again nothing changed. Maybe he is too far away.
The armored one turned his gaze to Metsuhai, looking right into his eyes. At the same moment. Metsuhai felt tremendous pressure, as if he was carrying big weights all over his body. As if he was about to be crushed by a mountain. The feeling disappeared as fast as it came. The armored one turned away and began walking with measured steps towards the street entrance leading eventually to Fugughuu apartment on the third floor. My attacks don't work on him, he seems to be resistant. I wonder if I can fight him. Metsuhai wore his shoes fast and ran to the middle of the apartment entrance corridor. My powers, whatever they may be, didn't work. I can try going with him head on or I can try escaping through the balcony. There are some bulges on the building wall. Climbing out like this is just as dangerous. I might fall to certain death. Can I count on the amulet to protect me from this? Either way the door to my apartment is reinforced, probably with steel. It can buy me some time.
The reinforced door got torn out of its hinges and flew to the outside with great force. The red guy stepped into the apartment with measured steps showing he is in complete control. Metsuhai was supposed to be terrified but he was actually confused. The living armor spoke with a strong manly voice:" Why are you staring at me like a stone golem?!"
To Metsuhais surprise the living armor being spoke perfect Japanese.
Metsuhai didn't answer so the red one continued confidently:" Haven't you seen a demon before, kid?"
"All of this is new to me," admitted Metsuhai without really thinking about it.
"Is that so…"
"…I am baron Phaulin. "
The demon stood there, clearly waiting for something.
"I am Metsuhai Fugughuu, a highschool student."
"You look reasonably strong. Let's play a game. We duel. If you win I'll… make one wish come true, anything you ask."
"What if I lose?"
"I will kill you."
Metsuhai was thinking. Walking from side to side. Stories depict demons as evil and as cunning deceivers. Agreeing is probably a bad idea. While I keep him talking I'm gonna concentrate the strongest attack I have. If I can still do it.
Metsuhai started to concentrate energy in his left hand behind his back while pretending to think. "I heard demons steal souls," said Metsuhai with a fake suspicious voice.
"It's your body I want."
"I don't need any duel. I can just kill you."
Baron Phaulin put his hand forward as if holding an invisible bowl of soup.
Cigarette like column of smoke rotated above his palm, taking shape fast.
Before long a small version of a familiar human figure hovered above the palm. Horrified Metsuhai recognized his mother. "If you refuse to hold a ritual duel with me, this human will die." Phaulins word hit the mark this time. Shaking Metsuhai to the core. He almost lost control of his energy. Ritual duel or not, I'll fight him anyway. I was planning to unleash my force on him and flee while he is hurt. That's no longer an option. If I duel him I'll almost certainly die, but if I don't, I'll never forgive myself. My mother would have wanted me to say no, but I can't.
"Fine. Let's duel."
Baron Phaulin held out his hand. Metsuhai held out his hand with hesitation. They shook hands for a moment. His grip is strong. Intense heat and slight pain pierced through Metsuhais inner side of his right arm, close to the palm. It seemed the same force worked on the baron. Yet he seemed unaffected, as if there was no power in it or that all this had nothing to do with him. A burning mark of a crossed hammer and sickle formed on Metsuhais skin, as if scorched there by whitened metal.
The process had ended as fast as it began. The mark became solid black. "I have you now!" shouted Metsuhai when the power held behind his back become too great to hold any longer.
Metsuhai aimed his energy holding hand right at the barons' chest, releasing the incredible power. The light blue beam landed in an instant- a direct hit, causing a powerful explosion. Metsuhai was pushed backwards. His suit was torn in several places. The floor cracked, the dishes all fell on the floor and broke. The windows blew up outwards. The closet far in Metsuhais room caught flames. The pipes in the toilet exploded, beginning to leak. The walls fractured within an impressive radius. Everything was covered with dust. Metsuhai looked sharply into the dust cloud. He felt weak, tired and empty. The dust slowly blocked Metsuhais sightline less and less. Revealing the unharmed baron. He was not just alive, there wasn't a scratch on him. I hit him with everything I have and he didn't even bother blocking, yet he is unaffected. It's not fair! I'm done for.
Metsuhai grabbed a kitchen knife from the floor and raised his hands, ready to desperately defend his life. Phaulin just stood there without moving, looking at him with his empty yellow eyes. What am I doing? This is ridiculous. He wouldn't get cut! And why is he not moving?
Metsuhai thought fast. His eyes moving from side to side. Metsuhai threw the knife aside and jumped from the balcony all the way down. Landing hard. Surprisingly his bones withstood the impact. Metsuhai ran as if he was possessed. He ran faster than ever. He ran and ran and ran. Not even knowing where he is or where he is going. Eventually Metsuhai stopped, exhausted and out of breath. Leaning on a wall. He looked around. This street has clearly been through a lot. Metsuhai barely recognized it. Sounds of battle drew his attention. He glanced around the corner.
The monsters were everywhere. There were at least six of them, all looking very different from each other. One was big- headed, like one of Metsuhais previous opponents. He held a long wooden plank with two nails sticking out near the end. Another goat like horned guy covered with a bit of fur was holding a steel mace. A three eyed crow- man was standing in perfect martial arts stance, his purple wings as if locked on the target. A big cat with sinister eyes and bat like wings repeatedly beating the air. A small red crocodile exposed a lot of teeth. A grey skinned mouse like creature standing on two legs was holding a curved sword in his left hand. He had a long face, two round big ears and prominent front teeth. He wore dirty worn-out brown clothes. All of them were engaged in combat. Their opponent moved so fast that for a moment Metsuhai only saw a blur. A Wakasaki cut across the goat- guys belly from beneath, opening a deep and narrow wound. Blood sprang out. The stunned goat man collapsed. The big – headed orange creature charged, only to receive a fatal wound through his temple. The crocodile breathed fire. Above the flames Metsuhai finally saw the brave human fighting back to the beasts, six on one.
She was a slender teenage girl. The most beautiful Metsuhai had ever seen. She had golden- brown hair and soft grey eyes. Her curves fit her body type perfectly. She wore a tight green upper body leather armor, covering everything but her arms. Around her neck was a purple shield like amulet on a golden chain. On each of her exposed arms were several more different amulets. On her legs were long sleeved blue pants made of a similar material to the armor. Her feet were concealed beneath thick travelers' leather boots. In her right hand she held that light and very sharp Japanese sword. She moved elegantly and swiftly, landing accurate fatal blows.
The crow- man shrieked, charging to battle, trying to land heavy sharp blows with his thick wings. Surprisingly not a single hit got to her. She was too fast, dodging everything. Her sword cut swiftly through his body four times, leaving him choking on his own blood. Soon the crocodile and the cat were torn to pieces as well. It all took seconds. The grey rat man was the last one standing. He stumbled back, crunching his teeth strongly, raising his sword up. Knowing he is outmatched. Their swords clashed. A storm of metal hitting metal. The less fast rat man was surprisingly standing his ground well. It looked equal for a moment.
This guy did his fencing homework. I hope she can take him…
Before Metsuhai finished his thought the girl raised forward her left arm, energy accumulating around it. A white beam jumped right out of her hand, striking at the rat man, exploding violently. The rat man was stunned for a mere moment. That was all the time she needed. The next thing Metsuhai saw was her blade going through rat mans chest, coming out from the other side. As the girl was getting her blade back out, the rat man collapsed backwards with a stunned look on his mousy face.
Metsuhai stepped forward without thinking much, opening his mouth to speak but he was too late. In an instant her blade was pointing at his neck, inches away.
"Stay away sorcerer," she said with a stern voice "don't get in my way."
"Take it easy. I'm not looking for trouble."
The girl hesitated for a moment and then looking at his intimidated face decided he was no threat. She sheaved her sword.
"I am Metsuhai Fugughuu, nice to meet you."
"Chizue Arisu," she also introduced herself looking for some kind of a reaction, but of course her name didn't mean anything to Metsuhai.
"I am so confused," admitted Metsuhai wiping the sweat from his forehead, revealing the mark of the sickle and hammer, still glowing. Chizues face turned pale as the winter snow.
"You damn traitor!" she shouted with rage.
"How can I be a traitor if I don't belong to anything, except the student counsel. It's not like I'm giving away Japanese secrets."
Chizue put her index finger on her forehead, thinking. Perhaps his memory is damaged… well it makes no difference. He committed a sin against humanity.
"You shouldn't have done this," she said with somber voice "if you lose, we are all doomed."
Just as she spoke Phaulin appeared, slowly walking on the street. "Not him!" she exclaimed with fear. But there was no doubt. His duel mark was still glowing as well.
"I see the little girl recognized me, it's quite entertaining" commented the confidently walking baron. Chizue partially turned her head to Metsuhai.
"You agreed to ritual duel him?! Your recklessness knows no limits," she sighed "Run. Run and don't look back. I'll buy you some time."
Phaulins eyes shrank a bit with a smile. He lifted one finger and huge flames rose from beneath, creating a wall of fire, trapping himself, Metsuhai and Chizue within a circle. The incredible heat was felt despite the distance.
"Go on, try going through," Phaulin challenged Metsuhai "you'll make my work easy."
"Damn," Chizue called out desperately, charging to battle "let's see if you really are as strong as some claim!"
Chizue charged forward as if flying. Her sword glowing with white light, whistling through the air. Her swift blow was easily blocked. Furthermore baron Phaulin stopped the fast, strong attack by simply lifting his left hand. The power of the attack was completely broken on his forearm without any effect. Metsuhai wondered is that a very well-crafted armor or is it no more than just his skin? Chizue sent repeated blows with speed, power and extreme accuracy. Every time Phaulin simply put his arm on the way and the attack was blocked as if there was nothing to it.
Chizue jumped back, rotating gracefully through the air three times. "I have no choice," she stated, closing her fist around the shield-like amulet. Next powerful light engulfed everything with incredible power. Metsuhai flew backwards, desperately trying to cling to the ground. Even Phaulin was pushed a bit, covering his eyes with his hand. The powerful pushing glow ended as fast as it began. Now covering Chizues body was white transparent heavy plate armor. It radiated power. It covered everything, from her feet all the way to the top of her head. Light kept flowing out of the armor, filled with strength. Beneath the glowing protective gear, Chizue was breathing hard. The activation of the power took a toll on her. Then, Chizue disappeared. She was right on top Phaulin in an instant. White fire covered her sword as it clashed with Phaulins fist, releasing thunder- like sound and a small shockwave. Phaulin looked surprised at his small newly created scratch on his fist. Dark crimson blood was desperately trying to come out of the small scratch, unsuccessfully. The blood was coagulating too fast. Chizue wasn't moving. She seemed to be somewhat stunned. Baron Phaulin appeared in front of Chizue before anyone understood what happened. He sank his fist deep into her face. Her glowing helmet bent hard. She flew back four meters, landing hard on the unforgiving asphalt. Chizue struggled with the pain, with her head spinning and forced herself back to her feet. She wiped her bleeding nose with her hand. Slowly raising her gaze. But she was too slow. Phaulin materialized in front of her. First he hit her in the side of her face again. Then he head- butted her. As she stumbled back Phaulins armored fist penetrated deep into the middle of her stomach. Chizue spat blood as the hand of the baron threatened to come out of the other side.
Metsuhai looked stunned from the side as Phaulin was taking apart his new acquaintance. Eventually the baron stopped his onslaught, waiting, wondering, licking her blood off his fist with a crimson tong seemingly coming out of where his mouth was supposed to be. Chizue was barely standing, her legs trembling from weakness. Phaulin remarked casually "your power has significantly increased but you are still not me. I wonder how much longer you can keep that transformation on."
"I know I can't beat you," Chizue forced herself to talk "but humanity will survive." Chizue aimed her armored arm towards a random part of the fire circle, releasing a bright light beam. The beam exploded with great power, clearing the flames for a few moments. She sent a determined look on Metsuhai, clearly meaning run now! Chizue charged right on Phaulin, roaring with rage, swinging her sword. Metsuhai just stood there paralyzed and then started running as fast as he can. Soon he will reach the damaged firewall. In spite of trying not to, Metsuhais look wandered to that point, where Chizue was still battling Phaulin. And it didn't look good. The baron was beating the life out of her, using nothing but his fists. Working vigorously and without mercy. Chizue desperately clang to one thought as her body shakes hard from every blow, and her sword falling out of her hand. The amulet of justice is my only chance. If only I had but one second!
Fuck it! Metsuhai ran back to the middle of the circle. The wall of flames closing behind his back. It seems Metsuhais motivation reactivated the pendent, or was it something else? Power overflowing in him. Phaulin noticed on time and turned his attention to Metsuhai. Small streams of fire being released from his palms several times. Metsuhai met the fire head on, being pushed backwards again and again. Man it's hot! For streams of fire this small, they were pretty strong, leaving small painful burn marks.
"You are getting in the way of my enjoyment," Phaulin told Metsuhai as a matter of fact and released a massive stream of fire. This time the power was overwhelming. These flames could dry an ocean. Metsuhai put his hands in front of him in the nick of time, as if his hands are slicing the fire into two. The stream pushed Metsuhai back farther and farther. Bringing him closer to the firewall every second. Burning his hands with incredible power. Putting heavy pressure on his arms, so heavy that his muscles screamed from pain. To make matters worse Metsuhai somehow knew his amulet was running out of power. But Chizue got the moment she needed. She drew a small angel statue from her pocket.
"By the authority of the Arisu family I banish you!"
The angel statue glowed with soft yellow light. A massive surge of the same soft light was released on the entire body of the baron. The amulet of justice actually exists?! Thought Phaulin as he struggles to resist. Phaulin contracted every muscle in his body, fighting back to the holy spell, gripping the ground with his legs, yet being pushed back nevertheless. Chizue desperately thought He is too strong! It's not working! She and Metsuhai acted simultaneously, each putting a hand on the angel statue. The yellow power became even more intense. "No!" shouted the baron "you'll pay for this!"
As the baron fades away, he threw a small object on Metsuhai. Metsuhai raised his left hand to defend himself (he is learning…) and the sharp object stabbed his arm. It was a syringe filled with white liquid. The baron finally disappeared and his wall of fire extinguished. Chizues plate armor vanished and she collapsed. Metsuhai felt powerless, his head spinning. Metsuhai collapsed right on top of her. Everything went dark.