𝐸𝒩𝐹𝐿𝒜𝑀𝐸

Chapter 2 - Phantoms

As the gross, zombie-like creatures made their way deeper in the field. Amethyst hurried with a dash, pulling out his two 'Kunai Knives' from his pocket. He got these handy weapons from his deceased uncle-grandpa who learned ninja-like moves in his younger days. So, these knives are known to be ancient. "You two, get any weapon at the basement. Prepare for battle.", "But I-I don't know-" Onyx's shoulder started to tremble. He was clueless. And doesn't have any knowledge on how to use any kind of weapon. But Amethyst paid no heed to this. He had hope on Onyx, and he knew he would do his very best just to protect his beloved city. "Just try a few swings, you'll get used to it," Amethyst said as he dashed towards the hall of the mansion and left the room in a flash. Flinn whipped out the hilt of his blade and hurried over to follow Amethyst. Onyx was left alone, with his face paled. But he had no choice, after all... And raised his head with a new, serious expression. And sprinted throughout the mansion's deep halls...

"Help me!", A phantom grabbed onto a woman and started to dig it's sharp, slender nails to her chest. Making her screech pained screams. But before the Phantom even made the young woman suffocate. Flinn joined in to help the woman as fast as possible. With a swift blow, he swinged his sword to the Phantom's thin torso. Hoping that it will break apart. But as his blade reached the Phantom's gooselike flesh. He shook his head frantically. His blade did not do any damage to the Phantom. No new bruises or scars... Beads of sweat started to fall from Flinn's forehead. The Phantom's fists grazed to his Addam's Apple. And for an instant. He went flying, and failed to rescue the poor, woman. And slammed to the rocky floor. And fresh blood oozed through his skin. As he was glued to the floor, and was unable to stand up. He wanted to back out, or maybe even worse. But after recalling his dear daughters. He reminded himself to keep fighting, and try his very best to survive any situation that leads him to. He stood up with pained grunts, trying his very best to carry himself up. But with such a bruise... It might dull his senses or worse. But it doesn't matter now. Didn't Claude say that the Phantoms have just started attacking at Ushinatta ...? That's all they way from Japan... And for only one night?! Is this how fast their venom spreads?! Many thoughts swirled around his head, with no answer to behold. But he ignored all of this, and swiftly gripped on the hilt of his blade, with a fierce expression. Ready for battle. But before he even got the chance to dash to a nearby Phantom. A voice from behind interrupted his fantasies. It didn't sound like one of his comrades, nor someone he knows. "A sword like that wouldn't work.", as Flinn looked from behind to look for the source of the voice. He spotted a lean, young man. Who seemed to be in the same age as Amethyst. But as he paid a closer look. He noticed that he didn't belong from the forces, nor from Liberte. But then he suddenly had a faint memory of Claude describing how most Eclate clans looked like, and what they wore. They normally have luscious golden hair, and sometimes had a few brown marks... And most of them wear fine, leather cloaks decorated with unique diamond shapes in black. And he also mentioned that this Deon was the youngest, alive in the clan. So, this had to be him. With a faint, and curvy grin. The boy came right up to him teasingly. "That wound seems really deep. One more hit, and bye-bye.", Flinn did not utter a word, and stared at the younger boy unfazed. "Watch and learn." The boy leaped to low ground, leaving Flinn to watch him in silence. The boy whipped out a sharp scythe that was wrapped in cloth at his back and headed to the parade of Phantoms. "Phantom Art, Flaming Tempest!" and with a graceful spin. He released a magnificent flame that was formed like a tornado. Devouring all the Phantoms it touches. As the Phantoms were scooped inside the blazing gale. He swiftly turned to another attack, as he hopped from high ground. "Phantom Art, Scorching Blood!" As fast as a blink, he created another illuminating attack. But this time, it was formed like blood. This blow reached the phantoms inside the previous art, and made the dying Phantoms groan in such unbearable pain, due to their state. (Elemental reaction guys) Flinn watched in silence. Blankly, yet amused. That boy defeated several Phantoms with just 2 attacks! But as soon as that. He started to ponder on how he was able to learn such unreal combat, such as this. As Deon finished the Phantoms and proceeded to the next alley of enemies. A strange, red flash came before him in an instant. Which made him stop for a moment. His eyes followed the flash, as it was getting closer, and closer to him. Which made him grip his scythe tighter, incase of combat. For a fighter like him. He is always aware of battle in any times. He turned to the suspicious flash skeptically as the red beaming light emerged to a fine, slender boy. Who also came out with red, luscious hair. He seemed younger than him. The older boy found this fellow familiar. He'd recognize the red, curly hair. And that petite looking face. Right. That's Mikhail... "Well, well, well. Monsieur Deon it is... Long time no see, after that training hell. It had been like what... 3 years..?", "Surprised you still remember that." Deon answered with a heavy sigh. As if disappointed with Mikhail's presence. Mikhail grinned at his face, in a friendly way. But the more Deon sees it. It looks like he's smirking in a menacing way. Mikhail shrugged the slightest bit, and turned to Deon again. "The Master told me to fight alongside you. Liberte is truly a delicate place, especially when it comes to Phantom-slaying... So that's why he'd sent two professionals over...". "The Master never sent 2 SS ranks to defeat ordinary Phantoms... Why so sudden, huh?" Deon looked from behind Mikhail, to see several Phantoms already making their way deeper in the city, near the field of Claude's office. But before Deon got his chance to arrive there in a trot. Mikhail blocked his way, with his free hand. "I know there are nearby Luminal Crystals around this area... I handle the Phantoms, while you activate the Scepters. Got that?", "I thought this place doesn't have any Luminal Energy..." Deon added, as he pushed Mikhail's arm away from his path. But Mikhail glanced at him, this time passionately, "The Master knew this was going to happen, long ago. Everything is planned..." Mikhail said, with a softer tone of voice. But Deon was still lost for words... At first, he didn't really took Mikhail's words to heart. And saw it trivial, But there had been ego to his words. But he knew this was a story to be explained sometime. Mikhail left the scene in a trot. Leaving Deon to work on the Luminal Crystals.

Dammit. Amethyst sprinted throughout the field trying to cover the secret base with wooden planks, to ensure that not a single Phantom would enter this forbidden base. He'd also think that Kaylia was doing the same. Yet he'd already sense the Phantom's rotten scent from afar. And it looked like the planks won't hold an army of Phantoms. He did manage to knock a single Phantom down, by using his ordinary Kunai Knives. But a single Phantom means nothing to such a number. Onyx also made the fellow residents evacuate to the Chamber's base without the need of permission. But no doubt, that not everyone survived. But suddenly, he sensed a strange, and unusual scent. But this scent did not belong to a phantom. As he slowly turned around to see the source of the unfamiliar scent. He spotted Deon. Making his way with a handful of odd-looking yellow crystals. Amethyst had already known this was the man Claude was talking about... Yet, he was still unsure if he could work as an ally. So, he edged his hand to his pocket. Where his knives were stored. "What do you want?", "Relax, relax... I'm just here to help. And by that look. I bet you've already heard about me, am I right?" Deon replied, as he dropped the crystals onto a nearby table. His suspicious smirk made Amethyst uncomfortable. And by the tone of his voice. He started to sound like a villain. "If you want to eliminate the enemies. They're outside. There's no point in ge-", "Lemme ask... Was your dear... 'Claude Breathnach' acting strange these few days..?" Deon said. Cutting Amethyst off in an instant. Hearing this. Amethyst flinched to anger. This statement sounded like an insult to the city. Their own mayor... Hiding something? (Alice Guo :0) "Excuse me?' "Did he mention about this city having Luminal Monuments..? Did he mention... He himself is a... Phantom..?" Deon slowly turned closer to Amethyst's face, with an alarming smile. But Amethyst ignored all of this fuss. And for the very first time... Grinned. But not for joy. But rather menacingly... "The Eclate clan, do really enjoy framing a name who admires them to the core.", "Don't believe me? Then can you explain this..?" Deon pointed onto three small, stone statues. There was a some sort of space inside, that it looks like its trying to tell you to place something inside it. And whatever it is. It must be something valuable. But it's surprising that Amethyst did not notice these monuments in plain sight. "These are Luminal Monuments... They were designed by my clan, centuries ago, in order to defeat Phantoms. The tiny space in it is where you place the Luminal Crystal. And activating this, creates a massive shield, that covers the domain completely. The remaining Phantoms inside the protected area will melt, and vanish entirely. That's why it is called 'luminal'. Which means sun, or something very hot. And only Phantoms can be affected by this." Deon explained, with no pause, nor breathing. But Amethyst was lost for words. All he did was continuously nod, trying to understand the situation. "Oh, and yes. About what I said earlier of Claude being a Phantom... The Breathnach Clan are very close to Phantom King – Seventeen. Simply, descendants. But some of them, like Claude for an example. Tried to flee Seventeen's leadership. So, Claude. Hid here in Liberte, so Phantoms wouldn't easily feast on him to death. So, apparently. If he manages to activate the monuments. Then he, himself will turn into mush.", "Why won't he let someone else do it, as he is outside Liberte?" Amethyst asked. Rather alarmed and hurried. He could already sense the reeking scent of Phantoms nearby. So, this conversation had to be finished, immediately "If he's outside Liberte, then the Phantoms will start feeding on him. Simple as that. That's why he sent you and Archer to look for me in the first place. He thinks that I can handle the work without the need of Luminal Fragments." Deon said, as he glanced at the crystals. As if he wanted to start the shield without the worry for Claude. But can't a mayor make a sacrifice for his city? Or Claude just wants to continue living? The reason is still unsure. Many unrevealed questions were mixed in Amethyst's head. But before they knew it. A large thud came before them, ready to see...

Author's Message: Chapter 2 is here!!! I'm going to be a bit busy with school stuff, but I promise to make more as fast as I can!! Thank you for reading and hoping you a fantastic day. *Sending virtual hugs* (*^▽^*)