Chapter 37: In the Sky

Chapter 37: In the Sky

Seed? Now may be a good time to offer a Charge.

It stayed silent.

Of course its got nothing to say.

Luke looked at the giants equally giant fist with incomprehension, his life flashing before his eyes as he struggled to think of a way to escape. Wondering if this is how he was going to die.

Honestly, its better than dying in a car crash. Way more impressive if nothing else. Is this really the end? Already?

No.

It cant be. Maybe the Seed is going to try and put me in a different body when this one

A bolt of lightning shot through the giant's head. Turning it to ash as it passed, and pausing the creature's movements.

Or it was waiting for that.

Luke blinked in surprise as he scrambled to his feet, and leapt back from the creature that had almost ended his life.

Is it dead? He looked at the monster's headless corpse. Watching with disgust as squirming tendrils of lava erupted from its neck.

NOPE.

Get away! Nel flew to him and scooped him into her arms. Carrying them both a good distance from the town and the Earthborn.

Dropping him to his feet she turned back toward the giant, and they watched in apprehnson as the tendrils were formed into a new head. The giant set its eyes into a smile, and waved at them cheerfully.

I really hate how that thing is so happy. Luke thought to himself. It really makes this way creepier than it has to be. Im already scared for my life, isnt that enough for it?

This is bad! A worried frown worked its way onto Nels face. Sighing she held out her hand, and a spear freed itself from deep beneath the earth, and flew to her waiting palm.

A second later, her ring flashed, and a talisman appeared in her hand. She ripped the end off carelessly, and Luke watched in awe as it folded itself into a bird, and faster than his eyes could follow it, disappeared in a stream of light.

What was that?

A look of resolve came over her face, and she clutched her spear tightly. The smell of ozone filled the air, as arcs of lightning traveled up and down the shaft of her spear.

Im going to keep it busy. We cant let it run free no matter what happens. The wards protecting the town wont hold up forever. I called for help, but if I die, tell my mom I love her!

Wait lets think this

Her foot braced against the ground, the earth crumpled, and Nel appeared in front of the creature.

She had moved so fast, that even with his freshly enhanced Agility, he struggled to see more than a blur. What he did see left him feeling nothing but dread.

Nels spear was caught in one of the giants hands, it cocked its still partially formed head curiously. While its chest rose and fell in what Luke was sure was perverse laughter.

ARRRHHRR Nel screamed at it before relinquishing her spear and flying higher into the air. A bow appeared in her hand, an arrow already nocked. From high in the sky, she rained down one arrow after another. Each one worming its way into the monster's body, and exploding, leaving deep gouges in there wake. Peppering every surface of the giant's body.

The monster just stood there. Weathering her attacks, and seemingly unconcerned by the damage that was being done to it. Its posture practically screamed boredom as it rested three of its hands on its hips, idly drumming its fingers against its rocky flesh, while it inspected her spear. Slowly turning it over, and occasionally stabbing the air with it.

Luke observed the battle from the ground. Slowly beginning to realize that the monster was not only beyond him, but Nel too.

It was too fast, and too strong. Whatever damage they did, was pointless in the face of its ability to regenerate itself, and it knew it.

There has to be something I can do, right? If things keep going the way they are, itll exhaust Nel, and then whats stopping it from killing everyone else?

Should I run? A treacherous part of his brain whispered that he had no real connection to these people. That he didnt even know who they were.

Cyzicus cut her off with a wave of his hand. The tide is near, and it is increasingly dangerous to wander in the wilderness.

Yes Grandfather. Nel bowed once again. We will return home.

Where is Lukeus? He left with you did he not?

I sent him to the town to organize matters with the mortals with the Outer Disciples. In case the mortals panicked. She lied smoothly.

Isnt she just wonderfully smart Lady Arke? Cyzicus beamed at his granddaughter proudly.

Very. Arke said dryly.

I knew you would agree! I think Agnella will be the one to succeed me as Emperor once my old age catches up to me. He supplied to the disinterested not-angel. Looking every bit like a proud parent. I thought Id introduce you, in case youre still here when that happens.

Did he just?

Luke buckled to his knees as something pressed down on him. He lifted his eyes and saw that with the exception of Cyzicus and Arke, everyone was on their knees. From Nel, to every Inner Disciple.

Be careful how you speak to me, Cyzicus.

Of course My Lady. I would never dream of being anything other than my most hospitable. He bowed down to her. As you know, Ive mobilized every cultivator on all of Sylcra in search of your thief, and it seems that we will not rest until he is found.

And yet, he does not stand before me. She bit out.

Technically correct. Luke thought to himself, as he mulled over their conversation. I am on my knees.

I cannot present to you a thief that is not here My Lady, as much as I desire to do so. Nor can I present to you a thief who I have never seen, or whos abilities I do not know, or a thief that you do not know is on this island. He grinned at her.

The pressure doubled, planting Lukes face deep into the earth.

Cyzicus frowned distastefully. I humbly ask that you not torture my subjects, Lady Arke. Especially not those who so valiantly fought a battle far above their abilities in defense for those Im sworn to protect by the Creed. He said, his voice suddenly cold. A duty I will fulfill even if you kill me.

You do not command me.

I wouldnt dare. However, many grow increasingly impatient with your antics. No ship has docked on the archipelago for weeks. I cannot afford to turn them away much longer.

You will do as you're told. She hissed.

I do as the divines bid me too.

The pressure suddenly eased and Luke lifted his face from the ground.

She doesnt even know its me, and Im already eating dirt.

Pray tell, what have the Gods told you.

That is between me and them Im afraid. He adjusted the crown on his head. You should know the rules.

Hmph. She flapped her wings, and for a moment Luke thought that he would be carried away with the resulting gusts.

Okay, the mean lady is gone now, we can all be normal. Cyzicus clapped his hands, and smiled.

Luke shakily rose to his feet.

You! Cyzicus grinned and pointed at Luke. You were brilliant! Never in a thousand years have I seen a Mortal charge a Warrior-tier monster so brazenly. Truly spectacular. For a moment I even thought you would succeed. Incredible. Truly amazing. He turned to Nel. And you, so heroic! he rumpled her hair again. If your father was still alive, he would be so proud of the women youve become. Come give this old man a hug! He stretched his arms wide, and not even bothering to wait, he closed the distance between her and captured her in a bear hug. And you! He pointed to the Inner Disciple who had thrown the explosive talisman. So brave. It warms my heart to see my family surrounded by fine upstanding cultivators.

Luke opened and closed his mouth as the Emperor of Sylcra drowned everyone present in compliments.

Is this how he always is? Luke thought to himself amused. I kinda like him.