The Golden Edge

7 - Attack For Gaslight

TWO MONTHS AGO

Sat inside her American home, Ivy would be watching TV. Trying to distract herself from life, the television would be her one getaway. Stuffing a handful of popcorn into her mouth, her eyes would gaze toward a photo. Sitting beside the TV, the photo would be of Ivy with her parents. Smiling as she did, she'd quickly sigh.

"I miss you both..." She mumbled, eating more.

Shaking her head, she'd peer back at the television. Being stuck, watching a movie, Ivy would start to sing. On the screen, playing, was Mary Poppins. Bobbing her head as she harmonized along, a small chuckle would leave her lips. Enjoying her mother's favourite musical, she started to actually have a good time.

"I still don't understand how they have a country now!" She laughed to herself.

But suddenly, a knock would come from the front door. Causing her to jump, she'd instantly turn to the entryway. With a confused look on her face, Ivy would grab the TV remote. Pausing the movie, she'd then jump off the couch. Strolling towards the door, she would quickly peek through the peephole.

Outside stood a man and woman wearing golden and white suits. Seeming very posh, they stood straight as they awaited for someone to answer. Leaning away, Ivy would shrug before opening the door. Tilting her head, the two would smile as they spotted her.

"Miss Ivy Gascoigne?" The male asked.

She'd nod her head.

"Well, Miss Gascoigne..."  The female would speak. "I am Head Maid Nat, this is Head Knight Ren. We've come all the way from Metalloic..." 

Ivy would suddenly gasp, with memories of her parents instantly flooding back into her mind. She knew exactly where they meant, having been told stories over the years. Shaking her head in disbelief, she'd move some of her blonde hair away from her face.

"M... Metalloic?" She spoke, shocked. "Why are you here?"

The two Metallo People would peer between each other with worried faces. Nodding to one another, they'd then look back.

"We know it hasn't been long since the passing of your parents..." Ren sighed. "But we have some unfortunate news to share..."

Tilting her head, Ivy would still look confused.

"Your aunt, Priestess Rosie... Known mainly as The Golden Edge. " Nat would pause, looking down. "She too passed, just after Christmas..."

Ivy would gasp, holding a hand to her mouth. Her father, Samuel, had informed her all about her aunt. To be honest, Ivy did look up to her even though they'd never met. Seeming sad, Nat would place her hand on her shoulder. Comforting Ivy, Natalia would quickly stand back.

"That's not the only reason you're here... Are you?" The soon-to-be leader would question them.

They'd both shake their heads.

"Indeed not..." Ren would fake a smile. "As the last remaining Gascoigne family member, the title of The Golden Edge inherently goes to you..."

---

Walking down the hallways of the palace with her grandfather, Ivy and Demetrius would be casually chatting with each other. Both smiling widely, chuckles would leave their lips as they continued to speak. Turning a corner, the two would head toward the atrium. Arriving outside, the pair would walk in to spot Ren. With a smile on his face, it seemed he had waited for her. 

Smiling back to her friend, Ren would nod to Ivy. Taking a step toward his leader, Ren would go to speak. But he'd suddenly be interrupted as the doors to the room violently swung open. Without a warning, two Metallo knights would storm inside. With their white swords in hand, they'd hold them at Ivy, Ren and Demetrius. Tilting their heads confused, the head knight would step forward.

"What's the meaning of this?" He shouted.

Looking between each other, the two would chuckle.

"We were sent..." One spoke.

"To kill her!" The other looked to Ivy.

Within a flash, one knight would leap towards Ren. Bringing their sword down towards him, the head knight would quickly raise his. Clashing the two weapons together, a metallic sound would ring out. Trying to push each other away, the two would continue to battle.

As Demetrius watched confused, The Golden Edge turned to the second knight. Gripping onto her staff, her eyes would squint towards them.

"Bring it on!" She growled.

With a nod, the other knight charged in for the leader. Slicing their sword toward the female, she'd quickly dodge. Leaping to one side, she'd smack her royal weapon onto the knight. Hitting the back of them, they'd growl before spinning around. Launching at the female, the knight would jump into the air. With their sword, they aimed it down toward Ivy's head.

With a smirk on her face, she'd aim her staff right at them. As the red sphere that sat atop the staff began to glow, a beam of ice would quickly shoot out. Hurtling toward the knight, it would quickly strike against them. Knocking them to the ground, cold air would begin to swirl around the room. With a smile on her face, she shot another beam at the soldier. Aiming at their feet, the knight would quickly get frozen to the ground. With a chunk of ice keeping them stuck in place, the soldier would try to free themselves.

For Ren, the man would be winning. Knocking the last knight back, the head knight would suddenly kick the soldier down. Smirking within his helmet, Ren would sprint over to the knocked-down knight. With the handle of his weapon, he'd force it onto the opponent's headpiece. Doing it several times, the force to the helmet and the knight's face would knock him out. 

Nodding down at the unconscious soldier, the head knight would stand back up. Turning to the frozen enemy, Ren would aim his sword toward him. Marching over, he would growl.

"Who sent you!" He yelled, grinding his teeth.

"GASLIGHT!" The knight would scream, grabbing his sword from the floor.

Smashing it down onto the ice, it would suddenly crumble. Now being free, the mind-controlled knight would leap to his feet. Kicking Ren away, they'd quickly turn to The Golden Edge. Using all their might, the knight would launch their sword directly at her.

Squinting her eyes, Ivy would use both her hands to hold her staff. Aiming it at the sword, she'd smile. Suddenly a purple, translucent light erupted from the staff's sphere. Flowing toward and surrounding the weapon at a high speed, the sword would stop mid-air. Levitating just a few inches away from her, Ivy would throw it to the ground. Nodding her head, Ren would immediately tackle the knight to the floor.

Pulling the helmet off the pinned knight, Ren would notice their eyes glowing gold. Confused, the head knight would begin to repeatedly punch him. The knight would chant the name 'Gaslight' as blood began to pour from his nose. After a few more seconds, he too would be unconscious. The golden glow would dissipate as Ren stood up straight. Peering to The Golden Edge, he would sigh.

"What the hell was that?" He spoke, extremely confused.

The two would make their way over to Demetrius who was just standing still. Shaking his head, he would sigh. He felt scared for his granddaughter, especially now she was in charge. Anything could happen now. Taking her hand in his, he'd smile at her. Ivy would light up, feeling determined.

"I have no idea..." She'd sigh. "But we can't allow this Gaslight to stand in my way, I have the perfect idea to unite The Metallo and Ingoshian People!" 

Demetrius and Ren would tilt their heads, intrigued. Quickly, Ivy would turn to her grandfather.

"I need you to take me to the leader of your people!" She smirked. "I need to meet The Silver Lining!"