Chapter [B3] 46 — Ambush

Chapter [B3] 46 — Ambush

Labby watched the sky turn dark, as a foreboding sensation filled her mind. She looked at the sky, watching the moon be swallowed into darkness, followed by the world all around her. A sinking chill spread throughout the area, flowing out into everything. There was something at the edge of her senses, making her feel uneasy.

Ash growled next to her, sensing something similar as well. Little wisps of flames danced around his wrists, as his eyes scanned the surroundings.

We move. Go back to Master, Ash said, glancing down at Labby.

Labby returned a nod. She followed behind Ash as they walked out through the gardens outside, the beautiful flowers now swaying in the cold wind with a haunting presence. Labby kept her eye out for anything around her.

Just what had happened? Shed been eating treats and dishes made from spirit herbs happily when all of a sudden the entire atmosphere had changed. It wasnt just her or Ash either, some other people had also noticed the change and begun moving out.

She hoped Master was fine. Though she didnt think anything could hurt him, he was strong now, very strong. But she felt worried nonetheless.

A sharp dark clade figure moved through the bushes around the garden, leaping rapidly. Labby spun, leaning back as she dodged the strike with barely an inch. The figure moved past in a blur and before she could even see what it was, fire erupted from Ash, blasting the creature who shrieked in pain as the flames began to engulf it.

It was only after the light of the flames died, as the creature fell, that Labby could see what the creature had been. A strange beast with a horrifyingly human like appearance lay, writhing in pain from the flames as Ash continued to burn the creature. Its arms had been twisted and grafted, with the portions before the wrist turning into barbed blades. Its teeth were razor sharp, eyes containing a red glimmer in them and its skin was a dark muddy brown, bordering on being near pitch black, and a coat of thin Gu covered its body, hiding the creature almost entirely during night unless illuminated by something.

Labby felt her heart sinking. That was not a natural creature. It wasnt anything that could exist normally. Something or someone had made it, made them, for a single purpose. To be living weapons, meant to strike in the dead of the night.

Before she could think, four other shadow figures moved. Three leapt towards Ash, as the wolfs fire blazed outwards, but one aimed for Labbys throat.

Lightning surged, as Labby struck back, prepared this time to react as the creature was rocked back, tinged by the attack, but she could not detect any pain or hesitation in it. Even the strongest willed warrior would have a moment of hesitation when attacked and struck, but the creature moved towards her once more, slashing with its bladed arms, aiming to kill her in a single strike without any consideration for its own well being.

Labby moved back but felt a slash cut her cheek drawing blood, another missed her throat by an inch as she struck back with her lightning once more, channeling her Chi rapidly to match the demons strike.

She didnt even have the time to look at Ash and see how he was doing, desperately moving as the creature continued to attack her. Its body mutated, bones creaking and muscles shifting. After a second the creature moved faster than before, rushing for her face, she struck back with lightning, dodging to the side but the strike had been a feint as the monsters second claw swung around and Labby barely blocked the attack, feeling the slice cut through her shoulder, drawing blood.

She winced, the pain searing hot and felt her anger rising. Lightning burst all around her in a crackling storm as she pushed back the demon, channeling the technique shed learned from the dragon.

The air around her shuddered, lightning forming crackles around her body as a swirling gust swirled around her with the scent of storm. She felt the surging power in her core rise as she let the technique out towards the abominable creature with a shout.

Dragons Tempest!

Lightning, carrying the might of a dragon swirled out towards the monster, charring the ground striking bolt after bolt. But the creature pushed on, its arm was scarred to a husk, dark blood seeping from wounds but the creature shrieked, eyes mad as it rushed closer trying to end her life no matter what.N♡vεlB¡n: A Haven for Bookworms and Dreamers.

Labby poured everything she had into one final strike nearly blowing off the monsters face but even at the verge of death, using the very last vestiges of life the monster swung one last time.

It was going to get her.

She closed her eyes in fear, anticipating a painful strike as the blade sunk into her face, but the only sound that came was a crunch. Opening her eyes again, she saw Ash holding the creatures body, crushed in his fist as blood and flesh dripped down like oozing black tar.

Demons, Ash growled, fury burning in his eyes. We must run. Demons have arrived. This place is no longer safe.

What about Master? Labby asked, looking at Ash.

As the vision faded, Labby found herself back in the garden next to Ash. The wolf looked at her with concern, but a moment later, he understood what had happened.

Good change, Ash said.

Labby nodded. She may not be strong enough to help her Master. But she was stronger now. She would not be a burden.

***

Yang Shen walked through the running crowds, putting a hand on his straw hat as he made his way in. He supposed he didnt need the disguise anymore. Dark flames burned at the clothes, unraveling the disguise. Shadows stirred next to him as a dark figure appeared next to him.

The ward is in place. The capture was successful.

Wonderful! Yang Shen said, cheerfully, as he looked at the entrance of the palace in front of him. Then lets go greet the all mighty emperor shall we? he said, stepping through the barrier and into the Jade court.

The sight insight was brilliant enough to make Yang Shen smile.

Ah, what an esteemed crowd! He exclaimed, walking inside.

The lords and nobles inside stood with expressions ranging from terrified to furious. More than a couple who had tried to resist lay on the ground, dead. While the rest were captured in a formation burning underneath their feet typing them down in place where they stood with black vines.

Oh, I almost forgot to greet the emperor, Yang Shen said, turning towards the man seated on the throne before giving him a bow. Greetings, your majesty. Its been a long time since I last saw you.

Raising his head, he looked at the man before glancing around the area. Oh, where are your Divinities? I thought this was a banquet for one of them! He exclaimed.

The emperors expression remained dark.

Four complex formation devices burning with Miasma sat on the thrones. Each one contained a Deathless he had hand picked, meant to trap the Divinities inside, long enough for him to fulfill his purpose.

We thought you had died, demon, the emperor said. Even given the situation, his voice was filled with authority, not a shred of panic on his face.

Of course, of course. I had! But you seem to be forgetting something, my dear emperor, Yang Shen said, smiling at him. I am Deathless, after all. Same as you!

He could see surprised expressions and confused expressions on some of the lords. Yang Shen smiled. Ah, I suppose they dont know, do they? The truth behind things? Right, right, Id forgotten. Thats supposed to be a secret and everything, Yang Shen said.

You walk on thin ice, demon. Speak, what do you want? The emperor said, his aura lashing out.

Want? Yang Shen asked, before bursting out in laughter. You seem to be misunderstanding something. This is not a negotiation. Im here to simply take that which I am owed, Yang Shen said, spreading his arms out.

But if you want, lets have a wager. We can have a battle, you and me, and if you win, I let everyone go free and never return. If I win Well, lets worry about that for later. How does that sound? Yang Shen said, smiling.

The emperor looked at him, before standing up. A powerful authority manifested around him, Qi burning around his body. Well finish what we couldnt last time, he said.

Yang Shen grinned.