In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

52: Maximum Collision

Flying on his magic carpet, Kalim swept Cassie off the ground and dashed for the exit. He ensured to hold his breath as to not suffer the same fate as the witch. The last thing anyone needed was for more victims to fall under Vil's curse. As he steered the carpet, he tried to shake Cassie awake, but she remained unresponsive.

Back on the surface, he noticed how the once clear sky was covered by ominous storm clouds. Even the very air, though free from the toxic vapor, made his skin crawl. Deuce, Ace, Epel, Jamil, Rook and Grim came towards him.

"Everyone's out, but there's a fog surrounding the building," Ace said, "It burns anytime we touch it."

Grim's eyes widened at the sight of the unconscious girl, "What happened to Cassie?"

"Vil overblotted and Cassie took a hit," Kalim climbed down and instructed the carpet, "Get her as far away from here as you can." With his orders, the carpet flew off to the highest stands, the only area safe from the poisonous fog, at least for now.

The group were unsure if Cassie foresaw this incident. All they knew was when she got a bad feeling, it was not to be questioned. Up until this point, she handled every single overblotted individual. No matter the situation, she always came prepared and succeeded. Now, she was out of the game. It was all up to them. They wanted to ensure her sacrifice for the group would not be for naught.

An overblotted Vil made an appearance and glared at the group, "You will not escape," the clicking of his heels against the stage floor echoed throughout the venue, "Everyone who has seen my unsightly image will not leave here alive!"

"Looks like we have a fight for us," Jamil told the group, "We have to keep Vil busy until reinforcements arrive."

In attendance at the festival outside of the coliseum included several powerful mages and sorcerers. One of them should notice the immense amount of magical energy coming from the inside.

"Today...I will not lose to you!" Epel declared with determination to his overblotted upperclassman.

With their magical pens in hand, the group initiated their magic battle against Vil. Even Grim joined the fight, blowing out his turquoise flames as a distraction while the others attacked with any opening they could find. However, Vil was extremely quick in his reaction and gathering magic. Whether or not it was because of his overblotted state, the Pomefiore Dorm Leader put out the attacks as quickly as they were sent out. It didn't matter whether it was fire, earth, water, wind, or light, nothing seemed to impact Vil.

However, even the most powerful of magical users had a limit.

After what seemed like eternity, it was apparent the NRC tribe were running out of fuel. Vil was just as exhausted as the rest of the group, but he refused to back down. He released another round of his poisonous violet smoke on the premises as his last stand.

"Vil! That's enough!" Kalim shouted, "Your life will be in danger at this rate!"

Ace panted, "Guys , I don't know how much longer I can keep up."

"I keep huffin' and puffin' and nothing is coming out!" Grim coughed out, "I can't even make a small fireball!"

With nowhere for them to evacuate to, their only option was to accept their fate at Vil's hand. Everyone's magical supply was nearly drained and they were starting to see it as a losing battle.

It was then, Deuce confidently commanded, "Everyone, get down!"

The group turned to him in confusion at his sudden decision to take charge. Epel urged, "Do as he says! Hurry!"