Tales of Zestiria The X: Calamity's End

Chapter 2: Take a stand

"But we can't!" Bienfu said worryingly, fear hazing his round eyes.

Alisha frowned at Bienfu, "I'm sorry, but this is what I have to do! I can't leave my friends behind!" She suddenly pushed hard on her right foot and tilted the board, turning it back in a sharp turn as Bienfu hold on for his dear life.

"Bieen! We're going to die!"

Alisha ignored Bienfu's cries and went back to the first area. She quickly jumped off the board near and took cover behind a rock. The board disappeared back into the ether, and Bienfu slid beside her leg. Alisha slowly leaned over the rock to get a glimpse of the area. Everything felt stranger than before; the teleported and broken furniture were devoid of colour. Even the broken mirrors that scattered about had dim reflections.

"It wasn't like this before-"

"That's because his domain sucks the life out of everything! Even stones and rocks!" Bienfu informed.

Then a giant shadow loomed over the ground. Bienfu retreated further back and balled behind Alisha. The shadow shrank into a single figure over the far side. Fearless, Alisha stole a glance of the man; A subtle smile curved into his pale face, and his red eyes reflected the light like a nocturnal predator. He tilted his head up, sniffing the air.

"It appears that a nuisance escaped my attention and managed to bring you something that hides you from my eyes." He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply in enjoyment, "But it can't hide your smell, little princess." The man chuckled and spread his arms wide. "I have to say this: you haven't run away from me."

The man immediately opened his eyes widely. Alisha noticed they were now the same as a dragon. He bent over, and his body shuddered, his muscles pumped up and growled like an animal as his figure began to transform. Malevolence filled the area around him before he burst out of the smoke.

Alisha gasped at the terrifying sight of the creature; A humping draconic hellion, 7 feet tall with hind legs and spikes all around his shoulders. He opened his arms and claws and roared into the dark sky above. Smoke billowed out of its mouth, and dark purple hues illuminated the cracks from its long horns down to the tail.

Bienfu hugged and squeezed Alisha's metal boots, panicky, "We're dead!"

The hellion smiled and squared his shoulder. With fangs and sharp teeth bared, his stout turned to the rock Alisha, and Bienfu were hiding.

"Found you!"

The hellion shrieked and took a massive leap forward, heading right for Alisha. He extended his claws and widely slashed the rock. Alisha and Bienfu rolled across the ground as the hellion shattered their cover easily. His head whipped around, gazing at Alisha as she scrambled to her feet. "It's been a long time since I waited to meet the likes of you." His disembodied voice echoed around her, "I'm Basmu, the fourth child." He turned fully at Alisha.

She took a step back, gazing over its enormous body, but suddenly, she stumbled back as her right shoulder burned in agonizing pain. Alisha turned her eyes and noticed two of his claw tore the cloth and flesh over her shoulder.

"You are faster than I expected," Basmu growled lowly in amusement and licked the claws off of blood. "But not fast enough to evade my attacks."

Alisha bit her lips, trying to control the pain. Bienfu quickly sent a wave of healing magic over her body. Her wounds began to fade away slowly.

"What you want from me, hellion?!" Alisha demanded.

Basmu chuckled in a low voice, baring his teeth, "Time for talk is over, princess, and time for you to play your part is nigh,"