When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 39 - Ending of the End (Battle Pt. 10)

Zero's POV

I was relatively surprised, yet delighted, to see Oiamh alive and well. I turned to her and embraced her tightly. "I-I thought I lost you!" I cried out.

"Yeah. It's me Sparky," she wheezed. "I love you too but let me go! I can't breathe!"

"Oh... sorry," I replied, and I loosened my grip on her. "Where did you...? How did you...?" The words escaped me as I could feel tears well up...

Oiamh giggled for a moment. "My mother had much the same reaction when they reached camp. She thought I was dead too, but after she gave me much the same hug, she sent me in to help you. As for why you both thought I was killed, it appears they used Baal as a catalyst to fool you into thinking he was me. Look." I looked down where Oiamh was pointing. It was the head that, at the time, was Oiamh's. In its place was the head of a demon. "Rose and Leyla's intent was to weaken your resolve and make you vulnerable. They did not anticipate that you would draw upon primordial power."

"You've become powerful yourself it seems," I said as I noticed her transformation and powerful aura. Did we both receive a similar power?

"Yes, but we have a more pressing matter to attend," Oiamh insisted and pulled out not only her physical blade, but an ethereal one as well. She then turned to face Leyla. "You will pay for her transgressions against our people and this land, Leyla!" I followed suit with a ready combat stance as well. Now a bit calmer, I think I have more control over this new power of mine. Though slightly disappointing is the realization that my healing power has yet to manifest.

"Well, it's about time. I was beginning to feel ill from your jabbering back and forth in your lovey dovey manner," Leyla responded. "So, Oiamh of the forest clan, wielder of the forest clover, power of the essence of mother nature. And Zero of the sky clan, wielder of the thunder star, power of the god of thunder. I know your powers and I fear your abilities. I am at a disadvantage here. Rose better return with those reinforcements swiftly."

"Then quit talking and let's get this over with," I stated.

"Despite your abilities, don't underestimate my own. I am the demoness of destruction after all," Leyla returned. As we all sized each other up and stared each other down, I began to believe that she was stalling for time. I also realized that she may also be trying to mess with my head again to make me lower my guard. Then again, Leyla appears to be in a defensive stance. I don't know whether I should hold my position or make the first strike. It felt like Oiamh was also waiting for me to make a move. I noticed Leyla glance over to Oiamh, so I took the opportunity to strike.

Using my newfound power, I bolted forward quickly with the intent of running my blade through her chest. It was a futile attempt as Leyla's speed was faster than I had anticipated. She parried my thrust, causing me to spin around and she kicked my back with such force, that I went flying halfway into a pillar, nearly destroying it outright. Oiamh panicked as Leyla sent bolts of black magic in my direction and ran in front of me, ready to parry them. She succeeded in doing so. "Are you okay?!" she asked.

"I am," I groaned and shook my head to clear the cobwebs. "She's stronger than she's letting on." Mere moments were all I required to get back on my feet. I quickly eyed my surroundings for something; anything to use to my advantage here. Then, I found what I was looking for. There were some pillars holding up the ceiling that were severely damaged, probably from my rage fit earlier. Maybe if I... "Oiamh! How much do you trust me?!" I exclaimed quietly to her.

"I fully trust you. Do what you need to do. Do you need a distraction?" she responded, but the look on her face was full of confusion and curiosity.

"Please," I noted to Oiamh, then I flew up into the air.