Caught in Time

Chapter XI: The Storm Will Pass

The storm is still raging on Suovi. The people of Suovi couldn't even tell what time it is as the sun is blocked the whole day by the stormy skies. A few miles to the southwest of the outskirts of Suovi, the fight between the 'hunting party' and the Maiden of Rain is still ongoing. Rosa was standing by herself facing the rest of the party while resting the head of her battle-axe on the ground.

"Rosa, what happened to you?", asked Irina with a sad tone that was evident in her voice.

Rosa just stood there staring at Irina without giving the slightest of response. Meanwhile Lucia reappeared right beside Rosa.

"Look at us, we're basically looked like best friends, aren't we? *giggles*", said Lucia as she put her arm around Rosa's shoulder and smiled at the group.

"Get your hands off of her right this instant! What did you do to her!?", yelled Irina.

"Oh nothing... I guess she was already tired of you, little princess. Isn't that right, my dear Rosa? *giggles*", she replied as she poked Rosa's right cheek.

"Why you!?", replied Irina angrily.

"Calm down, Princess. She's doing it on purpose", said Kyleas.

"I know, but I just can't help it. I'm sorry", replied Irina as she lowered her voice.

"So how are we actually going to get Rosa back?", she added.

"You can't", answered Lucia who was suddenly got behind Irina.

Lucia tried to stab Irina with her umbrella, Irina immediately turned around and casted her ice burst spell which hit her right in the face. Lucia staggered back a few steps. Meanwhile at the same time, Rosa charged at Adran. He tried his best only to dodge and block her attacks lest he hurt her instead. Irina continued to shoot her arrows at Lucia who held up her umbrella to shield herself.

Kyleas suddenly blinked behind Lucia to attack her, he created a mana bolt and was ready to throw it at her. Lucia glanced at him and smiled, Kyleas immediately thought 'why is she smiling? Does she has something up her sleeve?' But he didn't care, he knew that she was just bluffing. Just as he about to throw the mana bolt, all of a sudden both Lucia and Rosa swapped places.

Kyleas immediately changed his direction to throw his mana bolt straight at the ground. Rosa kicked backwards and managed to hit Kyleas in the stomach. Meanwhile, Lucia suddenly appeared right in front of Adran. He was caught off-guard and Lucia immediately capitalized.

"Surprise!", said Lucia as she swept Adran's feet off the ground with her umbrella.

Adran fell sideways and Lucia attempted to stab Adran as he was still on his back. But he quickly shot a claw from the device on his left arm and pulled her legs, she didn't fall but it was just enough to give him some time to get back up. Adran spun around while still lying down, and returned the favor by sweeping Lucia's feet off the ground causing her to fall.

He ended up in a kneeling position and as he is about to stab her, Lucia launched a torrent of water that threw him back to the ground. While all that ruckus was going on, Rosa fixed her eyes on Irina. Rosa casted her rock essence armor spell and charged at Irina. She rolled down and dodged her attack, but as she drew her bowstring to shot her, she couldn't do it. Rosa turned around to look at her.

"Take the shot, Lady Irina", said Rosa in a monotone voice.

"What? No!", replied Irina.

"Please protect yourself, then!", said Rosa in a somewhat normal tone as she usually talk.

Rosa charged at her again, this time Irina decided to fight her. She blocked Rosa's attack with her ice shield and tried to counter-attack with ice burst. Rosa stepped closer towards her before she grabbed Irina's right arm with her left hand and redirected her spell upwards, she then dropped her battle axe and punched Irina on the stomach with her right hand.