A Brief Encounter

I don’t think anyone can ever really understand how hard it is to tell a story in words when it should be told in pictures, unless you have gone through the journey yourself. But here goes.

It was at the 2779th annual celestial ball.  People where dancing, laughing, drinking and enjoying their night.  The they sheer force of power was upon them in an instant. The negative spirit energy radiating from its source like an ocean wave crashing down on them. 

The civilians knew what was happening but was paralysed in their tracks.  The soldiers reacted without even thinking. 

Alora was in the middle of the dance floor when she felt the presence of the enemy.  She was transformed out of her ball gown and into something akin to a soldier’s uniform in an instant.

Blade was in conversation with one of the guards, turn to Alora in that moment and abandoned the dress all together. In a single step she was by Alora’s side – in her skiviez. Alora used her transmutation power and supply Blade with a similar attire to her own.

“Great. Lets go.  Who ever this is, after we kick their arse, remind me to thank them.”

Alora snorted. “This is so not the time Blade”. Alora knew full what Blade was referring to.  Blade was her nickname, Captain Commander Marion Beazer, loved a well crafted sword but loathed a dress.  These balls were absolute torture for her. 

“Yeah yeah, what ever.  My weapons are upstairs.”

Alora nodded. “Right! See you up there.” And I the next step she teleported to the palace roof.  She gathered herself and assessed her surroundings the dim light of the city lanterns couldn’t even come close to bringing a flicker of light to the darkness of the night and there was no moon.  The stars in sky was bright and Alora sighed at the idea of someone spoiling a beautiful nights view.  She cracked her knuckles and lowered her arms.  Then lifting her her right arm just a bit she manifested her Staff.  The head pointed down for a moment as she waited for the enemy to appear.

Artimira (Ami) appeared in the sky before her.  High above the city below.  She had not yet realised Alora was there as she readied herself to attack. As she gathered chi for maximum damage the ground beneath her trembled. 

“Stop right there”. Alora said out of the darkness.  

“I’m NOT afraid of you.” As she continues to wind up her attack.

Stupid girl

An almost unseen move – the rotation of Alora’s left hand – the energy ball exploded two inches from Ami’s right eye.  It was more than enough to disrupt her rhythm and with it the flow of her chi and her impending strike.

“You missed”. 

Alora smirked at the notion.

A second presence registered – Blade had just arrived on the battlefield.  “I hate fighting in the air.  Why you Magi always have to do this to me.”

“At least you got out of the dress.” 

Blade shot Alora a look of annoyed sarcasm. 

Alora’s demeanour reverted back to serious.  

“Artimira! What is your purpose here.”

Ami was reading herself for another strike.  Alora waved her staff – horizontal across her body with and out with the head in Ami’s direction. This motion released a compressed air wave that hit Ami in the stomach and knocked her off balance.

“Use… your… words. If its revenge you want, your fight is with me.” 

“Nothing to do with vengeance, I have a message to deliver thats all.”

“A message that involves declaring war on every nation represented inside this palace. Don’t make me laugh.”

“I was sent here by my Master Xavior to deliver a message to the Celestial Emperor.”

People had started to gather outside on the ground.  One person in particular had his eyes focused on Alora at that very moment.  She glanced down at him and he shook his head. 

Okay thats whats going on.  Xavior might have sent her but not for the reason she believes.  He knew or at least he had hoped we would intervene before she could blast the palace.  I dont know if he knew Blade was here too (though its is unlikely that he didn’t) but he definitely intended for her to end up in fight she has no chance of winning.  Not yet at least. 

 “Well then, you have to go through us.” Blade’s voice came from behind her and startled her.  This was the first she noticed another player on the field.  Yet her demeanour didn’t shift.  

“You are out numbered and out matched.” 

Blade: “Do you know whats going on.”

Alora’s eyes shot down to Micheal again “I’ll beat it out of him later.  But for the most part, I think she’s being tested, so don’t underestimate her.  

“You think she can take us?”

“I think she will hold her own. Just be careful.”

“Right!”

Just then Ami disappeared, about three seconds past and she reappeared behind Blade. About a meter behind her, sword in high, both hands on the hilt.  Bringing her sword down slightly slanted to the left, striking from the right aiming for Blade’s neck.  

At that point Blade had not yet drawn a weapon.  She carried, by nature, a broadsword on her right, a 10inch dagger on her right, and a set of three throwing knives in each boot. Though she was a qualified mage. She didn’t like the use magic all that much,  always said it made her feel itchy. 

But, Blade’s sword was in her hand and in position to parry just as Ami’s blade crossed her shoulder.  Steel met steel, sparks flew, their eyes locked and Ami retreated a few steps looking for an opening for and second strike. Blade in-turn turned to face her more directly. Ami tried again and again to open find an opening, keeping Blade on the defensive the whole time.

Alora was watching them like a hawk.  Assessing their movements. Gaging the Ami’s power. 

 “Okay Blade… my turn”

Alora sent an energy ball straight at Ami’s head using her left hand. Ami deflected it but it was a decoy.  They real attack hit its mark. Alora drew blood.  Ami’s energy level spiked. 

 Thats it.  Let me see how far you can go.

Alora’s magical attacks put Ami on her heels.  

One last swing of Alora’s staff and Ami was one her knees from exhaustion. She was trying to get back up

“There is no doubt that you’re powerful, just train for a another century and you’ll be on the right track.”

“You, wretched &*%%&^% , you’ll pay for this.”

“Language child.”

“Bitch” Ami muttered 

“I really didn’t want to do this.  It takes too much out me but you need to learn your place.”

Even Blade knew what was coming.  Alora’s demeanour changed completely in that second.  Her eyes turn serious as she moved her feet together standing the way she did before the fight had begun except now her staff was upright. The head holding the magic orb only slightly higher that her own.  

Then Alora raised the head of the staff and lightning stuck down where Ami kneeled.  The barrier between them and the ppl on the ground faded and and Ami fell out of sky.  This was the punishment for disrespecting the oracle. 

“Catch her dumbass.”  Blade shouted as Micheal who moved lightning fast to intercept the falling woman.  

“Was that really necessary?” 

“That child needs to learn, and tell Xavior next time I wont hold back.”  

Michael nodded and in a flash disappeared.