Third Wish: volume Two

Episode 38: I am an ethereal!

Romeo and Leon could hear the nightmarish creatures approaching. Their hideous roars echoed through the dark, dimly lit water where the two friends were standing near while underneath the bridge. With no time to plan an escape, Romeo knew what he had to do.

He steeled his nerves and took a deep breath, his hand hovering over his chest. In a swift motion, Romeo snapped his fingers, and a bright glow emerged from his heart.

Where Romeo stood there wielding a curse scythe, its black metal glinting menacingly in the moonlight.

Leon, with his backpack humming with power, eagerly thrust his hands into his orange gauntlets. Aiming at the incoming horde, the backpack produced miniature rockets that shot out from the gauntlets with a deafening bang.

The nightmare monsters, sensing their opponents' newfound strength and power, hesitated for a moment. But only for a moment.

The creatures let out an ear-piercing scream and lunged at Romeo and Leon, their pointed claws aimed squarely at the duo. Romeo deftly dodged and weaved amongst the onslaught, his scythe whistling through the air and splitting the creatures' gloopy, sinewy flesh with every stroke.

Leon was rallying into action. The rockets from his gauntlets exploded with such force that it knocked back the monsters, giving Romeo some much-needed breathing room.

This continued for what seemed like hours, but was only minutes. Romeo's movements were graceful and precise. Every time he struck with his scythe, a beast would fall down, writhing and dissolving back into the night.

As the last group of nightmarish creatures charged in, Romeo and Leon stood tall. Their weapons at the ready, they yelled at the top of their lungs, mowing down the last few monsters with a final burst of strength.

Relieved and panting heavily, they looked around and saw a clear path in front of them. They could finally escape, but not before Romeo and Leon shared a grin, both feeling equally exhilarated by their success.

"Come on, let's go help the others," smiled Leon with a nod, shouldering his backpack.

Romeo nodded, his scythe at the ready still. His heart pounding in his chest.

As soon as Romeo and Leon stepped into the stairs leading back up the bridge, they felt a chill run down their spines. It was as though they were being watched, and they couldn't quite shake the sensation.

Just as they were about to turn back and retreat, a man with pale skin, indigo-colored hair, and a stylish black suit approached them. Romeo and Leon knew at once that this was no ordinary man - it was Pluto, the indigo ethereal.

With a wicked grin on his face, Pluto spoke in a smooth, almost hypnotic voice. "Well, well, well," he said. "What do we have here? Two young boys who think they have what it takes to take on a ethereal?"

Romeo and Leon braced themselves, unsure of what to expect. But Pluto was in no hurry to attack. Instead, he began toying with them, speaking slowly and deliberately as he walked around them.

"You know, I was instructed to kill you both today," Pluto continued. "But I think I might have a little fun with you first. After all, I've been watching you, Romeo, and I must say, you're a fascinating specimen."

Romeo's eyes narrowed. What did Pluto mean? Had he been following him? But before he could respond, Pluto continued speaking.

"I've been watching you for the past few days," Pluto said. "You have a unique weapon, Romeo. One that I find very interesting. I'm curious to see what you're truly capable of."

Leon stepped forward, his jaw clenched in defiance. "We won't let you get away with this," he declared.

Pluto merely chuckled. "Oh, I do hope you try," he said. "I could use a little entertainment."