Legacy of the Forsaken

9. His Icy Gaze

Chapter 9: His Icy Gaze

Niko's world was a blur of pain and shadow, his consciousness flickering like a candle in the wind. Through his hazy perception, he witnessed flashes of a chaotic battle unfolding around him. Every time he slipped in and out of consciousness, he caught glimpses of his friends locked in a desperate struggle against Elias.

Drayton, his form crackling with electric energy, hurled bolts of lightning that zigzagged across the cave, illuminating the darkness with fierce blue light. Each bolt aimed with precision, trying to corner Elias, who dodged with unnerving speed, with his movements almost blurry. The air was charged with static, and the smell of ozone filled the cave.

Mel wielded water with masterful control, sending waves and whips of liquid with icy precision toward Elias. Her attacks flowed like a dance, elegant but deadly, trying to douse and slow down the frantic movements of the wendigo. The splashes of her strikes echoed off the cave walls, adding a rhythmic undertone to the battle's chaos.

The twins, Kaz and Jaz, worked in perfect unison, manipulating the earth around them. Thick and gnarled roots burst from the ground at their command, ensnaring the space where Elias had been moments before. Thorns sprouted from these roots, creating a hazardous terrain to impede Elias's swift movements and perhaps even wound him.

Amidst this turmoil, Dizzy floated near Niko, her presence a calm amidst the storm. She conjured gentle, cooling breezes that caressed Niko's face, helping to ease the pain and bring him slowly back to the realm of the awake. Simultaneously, she maintained a protective wind barrier around them, deflecting debris and smaller roots thrown up by the force of the battle.

As Niko's senses sharpened, Drayton's voice broke through the din, his tone thick with emotion, "Niko, we need you, buddy! Wake up! Figure out a plan to stop him!" His words were a lifeline, pulling Niko towards full consciousness.

The urgency in Drayton's voice sparked something within Niko—a rush of adrenaline, a surge of willpower. Though still foggy, his mind began to race, piecing together the fragments of what he had learned about Elias and the nature of wendigos. He knew they needed a strategy that could counter the supernatural agility and strength of Elias's wendigo form, something that might exploit its weaknesses.

As Niko regained strength, his mind raced back through old tales and tomes from the village library. He remembered reading that Wendigos, creatures of the frost born from the relentless cold and unending hunger, were particularly opposed to fire and extreme heat—a weakness he was desperate to exploit.

He quickly reevaluated the utility of the salt formations in the cave. He remembered a crucial detail about the region's geology: the salt deposits here often contained trapped ancient oils, residues from long-buried organic materials that were sometimes released during mining operations. If they could liberate that oil, they might have a weapon that could turn the tide of their battle against Elias.

While the fierce battle raged around him, Niko whispered urgently to Dizzy. Trusting her ability to manipulate air, he relayed a message, hoping she could use her winds to discreetly communicate his plan to the rest of the group without alerting Elias. "Keep him distracted," he instructed through gritted teeth, the pain in his shoulder a sharp reminder of the stakes at play.

Dizzy nodded slightly, understanding the urgency, and sent the whispered strategy swirling through the air directly into the ears of Drayton, Mel, and the twins. The message was simple yet crucial: keep Elias engaged and unaware of Niko's true intentions.

With the plan set in motion, Niko, clutching his still-bleeding shoulder, began to move. His movements were cautious but determined as he dodged roots that twisted up from the ground and evaded sharp gusts of wind that cut through the air. His eyes scanned the rocky surfaces, searching for the tell-tale sparkle of salt crystals.