Penumbral

Chapter 45: Blood Desert

Alimur and Alexander followed the serpentine Demi-Human to a destroyed encampment, everywhere that could be seen was ruble with wood and stone as well as corpses divided into various pieces missing whole chunks of flesh along cloths bathed in a sickly crimson, underneath the ruble was a glowing white liquid, Jinetha plants fighting to survive, but in the end it was nothing but an unwelcoming sight for any observer.

-We couldn't burn them and now it's too late, beware the tremors- The guide said as he left.

-We'll face it alone?- Alimur questioned slightly annoyed.

-I don't want to die, that thing killed our best warriors and its company was vicious-

-Then leave already, we'll handle it- Alexander responded with annoyance coating his voice.

Alimur whistled and Velka took flight.

-Interesting-

-She learned most of it on her own-

-Hmm- Alexander shook his head and began exploring the ruins.

Alimur followed suit and paid close attention to the little details, after minutes and minutes of searching the Eclipsion had found a blood soaked letter containing details on attacks against Tasiuyon, Alexander read it himself and grunted in annoyance as the lead they gathered was a distinct signature, unfortunately before the men could formulate anything the earth beneath their feet rumbled.

Salokir took upon her real form and ripped a large scale from her back, she picked some pieces of white metal from her pile of belongings and fused it with her scale, a kite shield of black, gold and white which she gifted to her trainee, Aurora was confused and looked at the gift up and down figuring out how to hold it properly, the Dragon laughed and returned to her humanoid form to show proper stancing and form in which to use the weapon.

Salokir summoned a shield and spear of her own and smiled, Aurora summoned a helmet and prepared for a fight.

Aurora flapped her wings into a dash and stabbed at Salokir who blocked and instantly retaliated with multiple stabs that the Demi-Human narrowly blocked.

-Good, keep your defense high and_-

Aurora unleashed a flurry of attacks towards the Dragon that easily dodged and swept the Demi-Human off her feet using her two tails, the Eclipsion rolled and slashed with her shield at Salokir's legs but she jumped and tried stabbing her head but only hit the shield that Aurora held against the back of her neck, the Demi-Human backed away and took a wide stance.

Salokir took a narrow stance and charged into a powerful pierce, Aurora blocked the attack and got knocked into a backflip narrowly blocking a slash from Salokir who smiled softly, the Dragon took to the skies and exited from the temple's ceiling and the Demi-Human followed closely behind.

The blue background was beautiful and relaxing providing a sharp contrast with the women's activity, Aurora spun in the air and twirled her spear into a wide arc to hit the Dragon's head but missed as she closed her wings and descended sharply, Salokir opened her wings and dashed diagonally towards Aurora who dodged in the same manner as her mentor and finally landed a hit to her torso.

-Good- Salokir was engulfed by light and assumed her real form.

-Now show me your true power daughter- Salokir spoke with a soft growl.

Aurora took a deep breath and focused into her aspect that engulfed her body in light forming still wide wings and six protrusions on the sides of her head, the Eclipsion charged at the Dragon and the women locked each other in a duel of attacks and dodges.