Escape From Tickle Tower

37

Rachel and Perrine were panting heavily as Lea and Turno helped them to their feet. “We gotta go. You two gotta get yourselves together.” Turno said as he took their shoes and threw them into the arena. 

“We'll do our best to cover your escape. Least we can do since we're all gonna be punished anyway.” Lea said as she gave them both their weapons. “Just meet up with your friend!” She yelled before getting out her sword. 

Rachel and Perrine couldn't help but fall into the arena, struggling to regain their breath as they landed by their shoes. Alice raced over to them, helping them to their feet as she kept an eye on the guards closing in on them. “Better be quick, or else we're all gonna be hauled away.” She yelled while holding her sword out in front of her. 

Rachel was the first to slip on her flip flops. Her hands slowly reached for her daggers, pulling them out tiredly. Perrine slipped on her shoes before taking out her wand. “Okay. I think we're ready.” She said softly. 

Just as she did, four guards surrounded them. Alice backed up to the other two, gritting her teeth as she looked at her opponents. Moments later, Johnathan used the blunt end of his sword to knock one out. “What's the plan?” He asked as he kicked another away. 

“We're heading up to the top floor!” Alice yelled up at him. As she did, a third guard slashed at her. The warrior woman swiftly parried the attack before kicking the guard away. 

“Then you can make it to the door. Just break it open and head up the staircase!” Johnathan said as he charged at the fourth guard. “I'll handle the guards.” 

“You sure? There's a lot of them.” Alice asked. 

“With how your party is, you'll just slow me down.” He responded. 

Alice turned to her allies who were regaining their strength. She then turned her head back to him and nodded. “Got it. I'll make sure to repay you for this.” She said before turning to Rachel. “Remember where the door is?” 

“Yeah. Follow me.” The redhead said as she took a deep breath. Seconds later, she led the three of them towards the exit of the arena. However, before they could escape, Olissa dropped down in front of them. “Out of our way!” Rachel yelled out. 

“And why should I? You three have been going through floors like there's no tomorrow. It's been causing chaos for us higher up.” She yelled back.

“What do you mean? Others have passed through floors as well.” Perrine asked as she stared at the black haired woman. 

Olissa only glared at them intensely. After only a few seconds, she let out a sigh. Slowly, her eyes changed to red before them. The armor she wore turned from heavy to leather and her hair became much shorter than it was before. Their eyes widened as they recognized the figure before them. “CLEAVE!” Rachel screamed. 

The shape shifter only glared at the three of them. Slowly, she raised her hand into the air, causing a few black feathers to fall from the sky. One landed in her hand while the others landed all around them. Each feather that fell around them created a steel wall in the shape of a feather, making it impossible to escape. The one that fell into Cleave's hand turned into a large feather before their eyes. “You know, we were told that if you caused too much trouble, we could kill you. And I think you've done enough.” She said just as the feather in her hand turned to steel before their eyes. Jagged edges lined the unique blade as the feather like design was etched into it. With a twirl of her fingers, she managed to hold the large weapon with a reverse grip. 

Perrine was the first to make a move. She thrusted her wand forward, causing the sand right next to them to fly towards Cleave. The shapeshifter swiftly put her sword in front of her, blocking the incoming attack. Seizing the opportunity, Alice flanked their opponent. Just as she went in for an attack, the black haired woman stepped back, letting the sand fly past her. Immediately after, she began to block every incoming attack from Alice.