Dedicated to mieshafiedx ✨

TW: Violence and gore.

PS: I bled (an exaggeration) while writing the fantasy and fight scene but it's so satisfying.  Hearing your comments is highly appreciated. 

"Who is the true evil? The one who is revered to as one or the cause of why such atrocity... existed in the first place? "

The place was foreign to the idea of peace because noise populated its thresholds. One might have the intrusive thoughts to pack up their bags and leave through the door or cover their ears for the chance to taste a glimpse of solitude - that's what Aimee was feeling at the moment. She's sitting by a long lounge; hands gripped on the fabric of her dress. She was beside the nymph's village chief while they're facing three tall blonde men arguing with each other; each of their tones refusing to back down to a minimum volume causing a burst of unwanted discord. They were quite young looking despite the veins popping out their foreheads trying to prove their point and their actual age... passing a hundred years, one was even made past that. 

The village chief, Thriak, was sweating profusely. He was trying to say something but words couldn't reach his throat or perhaps he's just afraid to be the target again of these men's wrath. 

One of the nymph's elders, Gragnir, slammed his hand angrily on the wooden table. "This is all humans' fault! " He glared. "And also that woman as well! She told us never to attack humans even though they're entering our forest, now look! We're stuck here on... this disgusting human settlement! " Prejudice laced on his voice, although the humans were at fault for conniving with the vampire, there's a deep grudge that he keeps that pushed his rage to its fullest. 

He was angry at Artemisia who he saw as a thorn in their side. If not for her, they'll be waging war against humans... the cause of their past village chief's death. 

For the first time since they started arguing about their current status and next move to progress forward, the trio agreed to one thing-humans are despicable. They were nodding their heads in agreement, each's expression indicating bloodlust among humankind. 

They have a point but too much hatred clouds sound judgment until rationality ceases to exist. 

The second of the elders, Klionè, turned his full attention to Aimee who was bowing her head, closing her eyes in reservation waiting for whatever they'll say. She knew the moment they'll blame humanity; given her bloodline, they'll turn their hatred to her and hold her responsible for all the things that had happened. 

A look full of distaste was thrown to Aimee. Klionè raised his index finger, disrespectfully pointing it at her. "This halfling was also useless! We're just keeping her here despite her sinful blood because of her abilities but because of her incompetence many had died from our end and their corpses were taken! " He spat, not even sparing to thank Aimee who risked her life to protect the rest of the survivors. 

Aimee gritted her teeth, she must be used to this but their words still stung. Her breathing started to become shallow; lips suppressing a whimper. In a low voice, she apologized as usual, "I'm sorry for my incompetence. " It was hard to say it because she tried her best but there's no point in arguing with them because they will never listen. 

Thriak went to hold Aimee's shaking hand. It's the only thing he could do to comfort her because even he is powerless when faced with the elders. 

Klionè snorted, face doesn't register any trace of him believing Aimee; in fact, he's wishing for her to fail even more. "Do you know how many corpses were taken by that traitor? He's sullied our bloodline for making us fight against our own people's corpses! " He brought the topic of Trace, the only necromancer djinbè general who was once a member of their village. 

The third of the elder Cyon, gripped his knuckles. He was the angriest of them all upon mention of Trace; his face was blazing red as blood dripped from his knuckles. Trace killed three of his wives and made their corpses attack him. 

"That ungrateful bastard! We fed him, clothed him and accepted him even though his sister betrayed us first by befriending humans. It was natural for us to kick her out like the sinful Hale, " Hale was the first nymph ever kicked out from the village. They left him to die and never held a funeral when his body wasn't found in the forest. 

"But I guess it's in their blood to betray sooner or later, " he continued, eyeing Aimee who chose to remain silent. "He chose to ask for human's help. He should be blessed that we didn't leave him half-dead but what did he do?! Allied with the enemy and attacking us! " Cyon's nose flared, his eyes bloodshot wanting to have a piece of the traitor Trace that he's been talking about. 

Aimee stayed still, but her body started to tremble; not in fear but in cold anger. Certainly, Trace was wrong to side with the enemy but they never listened to his sister-Aimee's mother's lead against the enemy which caused her death. It was their stubborness and closed mindedness that made the situation worse. Hale's death was never enough for them, they started a tradition of kicking their own kind once proven having contact with humans. 

Aimee was there when she saw her uncle getting kicked and humiliated by these men. 

Aimee was frantic inside a nymph's hut; she was fidgeting over her fingers while she sat by the fireplace, anxiously waiting for any news about her mother who went missing for two weeks. Her mother ventured to find Artemisia for her to help since the nymph's elders refused to listen in exchange of letting Aimee seek refuge in the settlement. According to them, it's already an 'act of kindness' to accept a halfling bore from a traitor. 

Her uncle, Trace, who was also just recently home from trying to find her mother, was out to speak with the village chief. Aimee blew her breath as she stood up; her eyes fixed on the wall clock. It's already been an hour since her uncle went to meet the village chief. 

"I should go check on uncle. " She walked towards the door, deciding to not wait anymore and just pick her uncle from the chief's office. 

But as soon as her foot stepped out from the house, she heard the nymph's whispering with each other as they threw her a gaze; each either laced with disdain or pity. 

She was used to this treatment, trying to feign ignorance to what they're saying and always walking with her head hung low. But this time their hushed voice reached her, creating a ripple of panic in her heart. 

"Human blood is truly cursed! Poor child! First, her mother, now her uncle! " she heard a female nymph whispering to another lady beside her who placed her hands toward her lips, gasping. 

Aimee's blood ran cold, her heart hammered against her ribcage. Their words might mean something... perhaps ominous. Her immediate concern darted to her uncle Trace. She never thought of anything as of that moment but to run as fast as she could towards the direction of the village nymph's office. 

"Uncle... no... " Her breathing began to hitch; her lungs felt like it was burning as she quickened her pace. 

Her eyes began to water. She couldn't afford to lose another right now. She was desperately praying that her uncle was okay. 

But as soon as she arrived there, she found her legs gave way; her legs buckled by the damp grass. Her eyes went wide as tears continued to fall, her hands shaking; reaching forward towards the figure of her uncle whose face was bloodied. His nose was broken and his left eye was already swollen but it didn't stop Cyon, one of the village elders, from landing a punch on Trace's abdomen. 

A grunt escaped from Trace's throat. The metallic taste of blood lingered on his mouth, his vision started to narrow. His body wanted to fall from all the hits it took but two of the elders were holding both of his arms in place, not allowing him to lie down on the grass from pain and exhaustion. 

"You traitor! You know asking for help from humans is not allowed! You useless thing! " Another jab landed towards Trace, this time it reached his face. Blood blurted from Trace's mouth as he intentionally spat it to Cyon's face. 

"I asked for yours... " Trace was still adamant to talk even in his weakened state, "But you let her die! You evil dogs! Trace 's voice was mixed with anger and sorrow; his arms trying to squirm and fight back but it never led to mercy but assault. 

Aimee witnessed how her uncle was kicked ruthlessly by Cyon whose face red in rage and by the presence of Trace's blood. The nymph's started to gather at the scene but none of them stopped the abuse. 

"No! " A pained scream erupted from Aimee's lips; her eyes began to blur from the tears. She tried to help her uncle but the village chief held her arms, stopping her. 

"Let me go! Don't hurt my uncle please! He's the only one I got... " Aimee was sobbing, trying to break free from the village chief's grasp. 

"Help! Please... anyone... " her voice was now getting faint but still full of desperation. She was trying to look at the village chief's face for help but he couldn't look her in the eye. 

She uttered numerous please; her knees now bended-kneeling and hoping it'll make a difference. She hoped for a miracle, she doesn't care what kind but she only wants her uncle to live. 

It was in the span of a moment when a blinding light enveloped where she was. The people, including the elders, shield their eyes using their hands. Warmth surged into Aimee's chest; it was almost too comforting, capable of lull anyone to sleep. She wished for the light to reach her uncle and it never failed her desire - better than those who were blessed with ears but fell deaf. 

In an instant, Trace's broken body started to mend everytime the light hit it. The agonizing pain he felt changed into comfort almost like he's being embraced. 

When the light subsided, several sharp breathing could be heard; startled by what happened. Aimee, too, was baffled but she couldn't help but to smile when she saw her uncle fully healed. 

The air became heavy when Cyon's attention turned to Aimee. Darkness loomed over his expression; a low growl fled from his lips. "You! " Aimee flinched when she heard the elder called her name in disdain. 

He pointed her index finger at her with a commanding tone, he demanded the village chief, "Get her! That's another traitor! " Cyon accused her. 

Thriak, the village chief, was reluctant to obey his command. Cyon was about to use force; his hands were raised and a whip made from vines came out. 

"I will not let you hurt her, you scoundrel! " Cyon felt a chill run down his spine when he felt an ominous aura directed to him-it was from Trace who finally broke free from the two elders by draining their energy using his cursed technique. 

Malevolent purple aura flowed freely around Trace, his eyes resembled that of a monster drowned in anger and pure instinct. His electric blue eyes showed an illusion of the luminescence of lightning; ready to strike his bottled fury to the elder, Cyon.

Aimee's thoughts returned to the present. She released a choked sob, her nails dug on her skirt. They were spared because Artemisia intervened before her uncle could do anything but Artemisia wasn't given jurisdiction over Trace's exile. 

The elders were talking to her but their voices seemed to be unclear murmurs to her; she could only think about her uncle... the only family beside her brother that she had that were taken by fate. 

She never saw her uncle since then until recently - on the battlefield and as the nymph's enemies. He only kills nymphs and contributes them to his undead army used to kidnap and harvest souls. 

It pains her that her uncle could only spare her cold glances, as if he doesn't remember her. They fought but she couldn't bring herself to harm him after all he saved her life before. 

Yet deep in her heart-although her mind screams it's wrong... she couldn't judge his decision yet she hoped... it sounded so naive to yearn that maybe someday... he'll realize that it's wrong to involve the innocent ones to punish a sinner. 

A sin couldn't outweigh another sin just like how a body has no way of recovering when another disease plagues it. 

She came back from her reverie when the village chief tapped her knees. She raised her head only to meet the intense gazes of the elders. Aimee cleared her throat. "Sorry, I zoned out. You're saying something? " Her voice was monotonous like an automaton. 

The elders glared at her, she was kinda amused that their expressions changed almost the same moment as each other. If they weren't powerful, they looked like three idiots sharing a pea-sized brain. 

"That Artemisia is a problem! She catered two new warriors under her wing, " Gragnir exclaimed. Aimee couldn't help but to raise her eyebrows on why it should be seen as a problem. 

She controlled herself not to deliberately say, "And? " Because she knew they'll not stop targeting her. 

The look on Cyon's face reflected that of finality and disagreement. Perhaps he couldn't understand his position or his ego already got the better of him to challenge a protector's decision.

Aimee has this intrusive thought to wait for Artemisia's patience to run off and smite these bastards. 

"The other one is a cat-person whose abilities resembled that who tricked us before and the other one was a halfling just like you! " Cyon continued telling the information with exaggeration. 

Immediately, Aimee thought about the cat-person she saw before in Cross' workshop. A faint smile etched on her lips. She's quite relieved that he's under Artemisia's protection. 

But she couldn't help but to wonder... Who was the halfling that the cat-person is with? 

-

Anthony was in front a huge rusty gate. There's a fairly huge property behind it. It is where Artemisia's car dropped them off for their new mission. It was far from the city and the road were even near a forest. The path was rather eerie; covered in thin fog. Anthony's face humored with a dose of confusion, his brows meeting each other. He was used to alleys being the hiding place of the enemy... but it feels like whomever enemy there is in there must also be a trespasser and the people who dared come here and killed must've climbed the gate for some reasons he doesn't want to think about. 

Anthony shook his head... Will they also enter without permission here? He blinked repeatedly, aware that's it's fucking illegal! 

With a questioning glance, he decided to inquire about it to Vin who is now rummaging over his brown leather sling bag trying to find his pair of gloves. The air was freezing cold and Anthony and Aegir were lucky enough to choose wearing a long sleeve jacket. 

Vin caught Anthony staring, without leaving his eyes on the pair of gloves he's now putting on; he asked, "What? " He sounded so nonchalant about it that Anthony couldn't believe what he's hearing. He's dumbfounded and he's trying his best not to facepalm. 

Perhaps they'll not die in the hands of an enemy but from an angry owner. 

Anthony was about to ask back if Vin was right in the head when Aegir placed his hand on Anthony's shoulder and spoke in behalf of him, "My master is having a crisis here on why it's perfectly fine for you to do some illegal activities, " Aegir insinuated, even putting an emphasis on the last phrase he had said.

Although Aegir had done this before back then he was stealing food from houses, especially Anthony's greedy aunt. But, he's not a cat burglar anymore. He changed! 

"And so? There's a murderer there at the very moment and you worry about sneaking in? " Vin zipped his bag closed, face with no fear of consequences like he'd done it before. "This place is already abandoned, no need to worry! " he reasoned. 

"No need to worry, right! " Anthony's voice is laced with sarcasm. Sighing, he stared at the gate thinking how he'll be supposed to climb it. He hadn't done it before, not even trees! "So, you'll climb first? " Anthony heard Vin snickering about his question. He glared at Vin who was now covering his lips trying to suppress his laughter. 

"As far as I know, I am not a monkey but a bunny! " Vin was bursting in laughter making Anthony's stares resembled that of daggers. 

The bunny even clapped his hands in amusement before he snapped his fingers; a yellow magic circle appeared below them. Vin winked at them. "No need to climb, we have magic, don't we? "

Aegir, who was not happy seeing Anthony being bullied by Vin, decided to retaliate for him. "Today, you're teaching us: 'How To Get Away With Crime With Magic', yey! " Vin was not happy with what he heard, Anthony, who was feeling advantageous by Aegir's help, continued what Aegir started. Anthony's hands motioned to him, like he's introducing him to an audience, "Guaranteed to not put you in jail! Curated steps from an expert! "

Vin raised his fist upward, gesturing he'll beat them up for ganging on him. He really wanted to knock their heads together but he chose not to and instead proceeded to run his magic. 

He could feel a presence watching them and they seemed impatient and irritated. He wanted to feign ignorance about it but it feels like this person is now looking down on them. 

His eyes focused on the direction of the old fountain inside the property; he lifted his right hand forward; palm spread. His other hand was supporting his right arm. A warm feeling seared on between his fingers; the sensation was tingling like a small amount of electricity coursed towards it. 

"Be careful once we enter, beware of ambush! " he reminded Anthony and Aegir whose faces were now stern and serious. 

Light engulfed them and in a matter of seconds, they found themselves standing behind an old fountain, surrounded by a massive amount of mana. From the shadows, emerged numerous walking corpses. Some of their flesh were still fresh, blood dripping from their wounds and others were already pale and skin starting to scrape. There's also mutilated ones that already lose some of their limbs, blood oozing; bathing the green grasses with red liquid. All of them have something in common, their expressions were blank and eyes lifeless just like those Anthony and Aegir encountered before. 

And they're all nymphs.  Vin could tell by their clothes;  especially those who wore armors,  identical to the victims of the attack that had transpired against the nymphs not too long ago. 

Anthony, Aegir, and Vin resumed to a fighting position. Their weapons are already geared on their hands. A chuckle could be heard in the once silent place, all of them turned their attention from the figure who appeared out of nowhere by the mansion's door. A tall man with a ginger curtain mullet hairstyle and electric blue eyes greeted their sight. For a villain, he looked dignified; sporting a butler suit. Though his actions were far from someone honorable. His eyes were piercing with cruelty as a low chuckle escaped from his throat; each passing seconds, the chuckle turned into something more sinister-a loud cackle echoing to the place. It almost sounded like a melody made from hell, sending shivers on Anthony and Aegir's spine. 

Aegir immediately holds Anthony's hands. The sound was familiar to them until it dawned on Anthony that it was the same voice he heard when Aegir was hurt before. 

Irritation washed on Anthony's face but he knew that he couldn't afford to be impulsive today.  The sound of laughter subsided and was replaced with a sly smirk.  Two orbs started to look at them intently;  as if thinking what to do with them.

”I figured you'd come! Don't worry! My people will keep you company.  ”  Upon what he remarked,  the horde of undead surrounding the place bowed consecutively; movements synchronized with each other. 

That alerted the trio,  gripping their weapons;  they were geared up to attack.  Vin was stationed at Anthony and Aegir's back with his bow being drawn,  three arrows made of light were already prepared for relentless firing.  Anthony and Aegir were also equipped for battle.  A series of sharp claws erupted from Aegir's gauntlet's knuckles;  gleaming obsidian ready to shred enemies to pieces while Anthony coated both of his shears with violet flames; dancing dangerously,  creating a crackling and hissing sound braced not only to draw blood but turn anything it touches to embers. 

Amidst the air of tension populating the air,  their enemy; a general,  cracked a ’joke’. Perhaps to infuriate them,  ”Too intense,  huh? You guys ain't fan of introductions? Or you're aware you don't need it? For your comfort,  my name is Trace,  at your service, ” the enemy introduced himself with a curtsy,  his army's roars soon followed. 

”You may discard your names after this,  I'd be happy to add you in my collection, " Trace added,  clapping his hand in fake enthusiasm. 

Aegir, who is naturally bold, was able to fire some side comments,  ”It's a shame you're trying to be a comedian when you're a crazed clown... with criminal records! “ A tense silence filled the place but it didn't stop Vin to be unserious;  a faint laugh released from his lips. 

Anthony shook his head,  feeling that they might have angered their enemy but he clearly deserved the side remarks.  

Trace's eyes narrowed,  the mirth in his eyes disappeared.  With a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes; he raised his hand until it got enveloped with a vicious purple aura.  Each of the pupils of the undead turned crimson, shining maliciously. 

”Welcome them,  lowly nymphs! ” he bellowed.  The undead fell submissive to his commands;  they lunged forward with brandished weapons on each hand. 

”Attack! ” Vin cried,  launching his arrows in the air,  each of them precisely piercing the enemies' flesh.  ”Pierce through: Dissonance! ” The arrows started to vibrate indistinctly until in a swift moment,  resembling the might of a spear;  it penetrated deeper on the flesh and made its exit from the enemies' back with a wet crunch. Blood dripped freely from the open wound as a convulsed growl escaped from those who were hit by the arrows. 

Aegir raised his fist,  the gauntlet's claws emit a wicked gleam.  He was rather impatient,  he wasn't in the mood to wait for the undead to  prey on him.  He propelled himself forth;  his deadly razor sharp claws tore through the undead's flesh,  not even sparing their bones - breaking with a soft crack. Blood sprayed on the white pavement resembling ink on a canvas. 

”Daybreak Slash! ” Consecutive slashes welcomed his enemies who were running towards Aegir.  Their weapons dropped on the ground with a heavy clang. 

One was clasping their hands together; their body shrouded with a red light.  “Not so fast! ” Aegir shouted.  He charged head-on,  the heavy gauntlet hitting the undead's face.  The flesh ripped from its decaying skin.  Aegir didn't waste any moment and ended it,  his claws severing its neck,  reaching the carotid artery until crimson liquid rained. 

Aegir's eyes wandered around his master who was also busy fighting. Aegir breathed heavily,  his body covered in sweat. 

A deafening clang was heard as Anthony's shear met with another blade.  With his strength,  he pushed the enemy's blade upward.  He twisted his body and with a grunt;  using his other shear to deliver a mercilessly slash on the undead's abdomen.  It effectively injured the flesh,  the armor felt like paper against the sharpness of Anthony's blade. Blood spurted from the wound - almost greenish with a putrid odor, it smeared Anthony's jacket making him grimaced. 

The undead staggered and moaned in pain.  The violet flames from the shears started to spread around the undead's body;  licking across their decaying skin.  The stench of burning flesh contaminated the air as the once completed body started to crumble against the flame's harsh touch. 

”Even the toughest detergent won't fix this! '' Anthony complained over his bloodied clothes while blocking another attack from an undead's sword. It never stopped there,  another undead lunged forward.  Anthony kicked the other one with force until it stumbled backwards.

It seems like eternity fighting the horde of undead.  The trio huffed heavily;  their lungs felt like burning with all the exertion.  They exchanged a long gaze.  ”This feels like nowhere! They just keep on coming! “ Aegir yelled out of nowhere. 

Truth to be told,  no matter how many parts they chop or slash the undead before them - even if they burn them to ashes - they just keep on reviving.  A low hoarse cry reverberated from the newly spawned undead.  Their faces may be lifeless but Anthony had noted the red liquid pouring from their eyes - as if they felt the pain inflicted to them. 

Anthony felt useless that even with his power - he couldn't free their souls.  There's something tampering his magic. 

Despair crept on Anthony's heart but his gut is trying to push him to something.  His eyes darted on the house entrance where Trace - the enemy general - were standing;  eyes filled with cruelty and amusement to their struggle.  What caught Anthony's attention was the glinting crystal ball that Trace was clutching. 

”Damn it! ” Anthony heard Aegir cursing.  He was being pushed around by the enemy;  Vin immediately nook some of his arrows to rescue Aegir. 

Anthony gulped a lumpful of his saliva;  his eyes never left the crystal ball.  A desperate plan flickered on his mind; it's an unsure gamble but it's all or nothing.  He called Vin and Aegir's attention,  his voice was shaking,  “We need to get closer to that fucker! ” He motioned one of his shears in Trace's direction,  using the other one to slash two undead on his path. 

”I know it's risky but we'll just exhaust ourselves here! ” he muttered;  his face contorted into a frustrating scowl. 

They heard Trace cackling from a distance,  followed by clapping his hands.  ”Fools! Do you think you can reach me? Have fun trying! “ Almost on cue,  the undead started to block the path towards him. 

Anthony, though irritated,  tried not to mind the general first and focus on what he's saying to his companions.  

Aegir plummeted the ground using his gauntlets creating shockwaves of ripples enough to send the undead surrounding him flying.  He was heaving,  eyebrows crumpled due to the weariness his body is experiencing. 

”How do we do it? ” Aegir asked his master,  subtly coughing due to the dust created by his attack. While in his vulnerable state;  a huge golem,  the one he took control from Vin threw punches against the enemies. 

Vin stepped forward;  this time he was not holding his bow anymore but on his grasp was a baton used in music.  He raised the baton,  and soft yellow orbs danced around it.  ”I will keep them busy,  you two go! ” he urged the two;  Vin's body levitated a bit,  a burst of energy was released from his body.  

Numerous shimmering music notes swirled around him.  They danced like graceful ballerinas on a theater stage; each with different sizes and colors.  “Sonic Barricade! ” The music notes pulsed into different rhythms;  some were beating fast as if adrenaline were in the moment of excitement and the others vibrated gently like a soothing lullaby.  Seconds later; a beautiful symphony erupted in the place covering the ugly sounds of weapons clanging and the dissonance created by the undeads' moans and groans of darkness. 

An array of the lightest of yellow surrounded the place; preventing the undead to reach Anthony and Aegir who immediately follow Vin's commands,  with their blood-filled weapons they sat on each of Aegir's golem;  charging forward to the direction of Trace whose face were now serious and body oozing with a malevolent aura. 

Anthony's eyes wandered to Vin's direction while casting consecutive spells.  He couldn't help but to admire and feel envious at the same time.  He wants to utilize his magic just like that. 

Trace began to chant,  his now violet aura turned into a mixture of red and black.  It was moving slowly;  like fire ignited on a candle.  

”Darkness,  the chancellor of the grave and the unfortunate! 
Heed my call,  feast on my sacrifice before thee! 
Obliterate! 
Magniš Pax! ”

Two heads resembled skulls materialized from the aura,  it opened its mouth and released a shriek.  Its eyes were creepy,  with a spiraling iris staring at their targets - Anthony and Aegir. 

Aegir didn't waste any opportunity,  a pink aura encased his body.  ”Python: Overwrite! ” From his hand sprang pink snakes that resembled ribbons.  It slithered in the air; heading head to head with the skulls.  It coiled and constricted the skull's movements,  pink light like acid ate its way towards the skulls leaving a hissing sound in its wake. 

With a fraction of his power,  Aegir pushed Anthony closer to the enemy.  He raised a thumbs up and smiled on his master,  “I believe in you! “ He mouthed on which Anthony smiled back and replied,  “Take care! " Anthony prepared himself for the enemy's next attack;  gripping his shears and coating it more with his violet flames. 

On Trace's side,  numerous fire balls took its shape.  Trace has a smirk on his face - enjoying what's happening.  Afterall,  his victims put up a good fight and seeing them trying makes him excited to break them slowly. 

Anthony,  upon seeing the emergence of the fireballs from the enemy's side casted one of his own.  His ring shone brightly as the violet colored fireball took its shape on his hands.  ”Not a chance! ” he bellowed,  aiming his attack on the incoming fireballs of the enemy.  The colliding force met halfway;  resulting in an explosion.  

When the explosion subsided its remnant left nothing but ringing silence.  Anthony blinked repeatedly,  trying to remove the dust obscuring his vision.  It was fast that Anthony wasn't prepared - in a span of motion he saw the blurry figure of Trace charging towards him with a crazed expression written on his face.  

Trace was wielding two swords - aiming to fight par on par with Anthony's two shears. Trace's swords moved in deadly precision.  Anthony instinctively raised his two shears to pary Trace's rather heavy blows.  Steel met with each other creating a unique sound made by clashing weapons;  sparks fly everytime their relentless attacks dared to promise each other bloodshed when one fails to defend themselves. 

Anthony gritted his teeth,  he was finding it hard to defend himself against Trace's attacks.  Despite Trace's slender built; the strength he has is no joke as well as the precision of the techniques he's using.  

Trace sneered.  He couldn't help but also to take notice that despite his advantage; whomever he's facing right now can hold his own.  He suddenly remembered what his master told them before about a certain raven that they needed to capture alive. 

And according to the reports... The raven was half nymph,  half human. 

A deranged expression etched on Trace's face as his lips slowly painted a predatory grin,  “You must be the raven... a nymph halfling! " Excitement laced on his voice as his attacks turned fast and more vicious. 

It sent shivers on Anthony's spine as he desperately tried to block the attacks,  his jaw clenching.  “You're one lucky one! Your sinful bloodline is my favorite.  Amuse me more! ” The expression of glee never left Trace's.  Although his heart tells a different story... It was anger against the nymphs that were masked with a fake smile.  Anger that fuels his powers to its maximum. 

The clang of steel echoed once more, but this time, the sound was tinged with a sharp hiss. Trace's sword had found its mark, grazing Anthony's arm. A gasp escaped Anthony's lips, a flash of pain contorting his features. He stumbled backwards,  his hand clutching at the wound, golden orbs hardening with a mixture of agony and defiance.

Anthony could tell that there's anger deep within his enemy's eyes.  It was familiar - something being bottled for far too long.  But he couldn't help but to pour his heart's out,  “I am not my bloodline! I am my own self and the only sinful here is you! ”

It was a brief moment;  an unexpected haze that passed through Trace's vision.  A blurry image of a woman with the same color of his hair; she was standing beside his enemy. 

A feeling of longing grazed through Trace's heart.  He couldn't remember her face nor her name but he knew that she was the reason for his hatred towards the nymphs.  He heard her cries because of them. 

He will kill all of them until there's nothing left over their dirty lineage. He'll bathe in their blood until it'll cover his tears. 

”I will kill all the nymphs! “

The image of the woman was shaking her head but Trace was blind to care - he charged towards the halfling;  decided to draw his blood to satisfy his anger. 

And Anthony won't back down even if he's aware he's at an utmost disadvantage. He wouldn't let Aegir and Vin's effort go to waste. 

And yes,  the battle between Anthony and his... is still going on.  I couldn't finish it on a single chapter because it'll reach more than 5k words.