Twisted Wonderland 2

We Have an Agreement

Azul falls to one knee with a groan. You try to rush over to Azul but Malleus holds you back, bringing you behind him so he can protect you.

Rollo chuckles, quickly escalating into malicious laughter. "Well, that was a surprise. I wasn't expecting Azul to rush forth and take the brunt of the flames! Was he protecting you two? I suppose even villains can have a shred of compassion. I learned something new today."

Idia scoffs. "Dude, are you kidding? Do you believe for a minute Azul would go out of his way to shield us?"

Rollo's smirk drops. "What?"

"This is Azul Ashengrotto we're talking about." Idia says. "A guy whose whole brand is about being greedy, miserly, underhanded, and ruthless. There's a less than zero chance he would ever sacrifice himself for nothing."

Azul laughs, standing back up. "Oh, this is JUST the moment I've been waiting for!"

"What?" Rollo exclaims. "You're still standing?"

"Ashengrotto! You're safe?" Malleus asks.

"Of course I am. Don't think I'm like a certain freshman with a bad case of tunnel vision." Azul looks to Rollo with a grin. "It's time to pay up!"

Fire gathers around Azul, swirling around him like a tornado of fire. It causes your hair to blow across your face as the wind picks up.

Rollo's eyes widen and steps back. "Where's all that power coming from? You couldn't have kept all that in reserve!"

"You're in for a world of hurt! Double down!" Azul releases a huge wave of fire.

The flames rush right for Rollo who brings an arm to shield his head. The fire is so bright you have to close your eyes. Malleus and Idia step in front of you to protect you from the flames.

"Ashengrotto just shot a fire blast as big as Flamme's..." Maleus says in amazement. "No, even bigger!"

When the flames are gone, you see Rollo was knocked to the floor. He shakily props himself on his elbow, shaking his head. "What... how... how did you do that?"

Azul only laughs. "You fool. You thought you'd won?" He scoffs. "I saved a special present just for you and loaded it with all the nonsense you put me through. By all means, savor it. Oh dear, but you can't hear me anymore, can you?"

"Aw, come on, dude." Idia groans. "Couldn't you come up with a more heroic one-liner?"

Malleus tilts his head in thought. "The majority of that blast was comprised of Flamme's own magic. You took the attack and redirected it back at him. What an amusing trick, Ashengrotto. Is that your signature spell?"

Azul grins. "I'm impressed, Malleus. It took but a glance for you to break down the spell's structure. But it's not my signature spell. I borrowed it from Deuce."

"From Spade?" Malleus questions.

Earlier that night...

"I won't embarrass you guys by just letting them suck my magic dry." Deuce says determinedly. "I'll fight to the bitter end!"

Azul sighs. "You truly do have tunnel vision. All right, normally I'd hold off on doing this, but since we're not on campus, I suppose it'll be okay." Azul smirks. "Deuce, would you mind lending me a bit of help? I'd like to borrow your signature spell."

Deuce tilts his head. "Huh? You want my magic?"

Azul nods. "Your signature spell lets you hit a foe with the same damage they inflict on you. It's highly risky, but it's a perfect ace in the hole against a fool like Rollo who truly thinks he's superior. I'd have preferred to keep your piece on the board until the endgame, but your injury has scuppered that idea. Would you let me use my own signature spell, It's a Deal, to take yours for a while?"