TerraWorld~The Youngest One.. (#8)

Chapter 22

Enna and William moved silently through the dense forest, the dark outline of Shadow's castle barely visible through the twisting trees. They had prepared for this moment with intense training and cautious planning, but now that they were here, the weight of the task loomed heavy on both of them.

"Remember the plan," Enna whispered, her voice steady. "We sneak in, find Shadow, and do as much damage as we can. Don't hold back."

"Wasn't planning to," William replied, clenching his fists. "But, hey, try not to go full Terrabeast until we absolutely have to."

Enna gave him a quick smirk. "Can't make any promises."

As they approached the castle, the sounds of Shadow's forces rustling within the walls grew louder. Shadows flickered from torchlight along the battlements, but the guards seemed distracted, most of them on the outer edges of the fortress.

"We're in luck," William whispered. "Shadow must have them watching for a big team. They aren't expecting just two of us."

They darted through the open gate, using the darkness to their advantage as they slipped inside. It didn't take long for them to reach the main hall, a dimly lit chamber lined with twisted banners and eerie shadows cast by flickering torches. At the far end, Shadow himself stood, hands clasped behind his back, as though he'd been waiting.

"So, you finally showed up," Shadow said, his voice echoing through the hall. "Though I must say, I expected a bit more... backup."

Enna glared at him, eyes narrowed. "You won't need to worry about our 'backup,' Shadow. We're all you need to deal with."

Shadow chuckled, stepping forward. "Confident, aren't we? I suppose you think you can just waltz in here and take me down?"

William clenched his fists. "We didn't come here to chat."

With a flash of energy, he charged at Shadow, fist glowing as he launched a punch aimed directly at his enemy. But Shadow dodged with ease, smirking as he sidestepped the blow.

"Foolish," Shadow taunted. "You'll have to do better than that."

Enna's patience snapped. Without hesitation, she took a few steps back and, in one fluid motion, closed her eyes and focused, feeling the power within her grow. She jumped up, spun, and called out, "Third Form!"

In an instant, her form shifted, the dark aura of her Terrabeast emerging as black fur covered her ears and tail, her eyes glowing with a fierce blue light. The energy radiating from her form seemed to make the entire room shake.

Shadow's grin faded. "Ah, the Third Form... I see you're serious now."

She dashed forward, moving faster than Shadow could react, landing a powerful strike that sent him sprawling across the hall. He staggered to his feet, clearly rattled but still smirking.

"Not bad," he muttered, wiping a small trickle of blood from his lip. "But I'm far from finished."

William joined her side, preparing his own energy to charge. Together, they unleashed a barrage of attacks, keeping Shadow on the defensive as he struggled to keep up. Every time he tried to land a hit, Enna's Third Form allowed her to evade and retaliate, while William's quick moves struck him from unexpected angles.

"You won't last much longer," Enna said, breathless but determined. "You can't beat us both."

Shadow's eyes flashed with anger. "You think this is my full power? Allow me to show you... the real darkness."

He chanted something under his breath, and the room was suddenly engulfed in a thick, swirling shadow that seemed to sap the light from the torches. A cold chill ran through Enna and William as Shadow's figure morphed, his power multiplying.

Enna's grip tightened on her weapon. She'd have to push her Third Form further, but she was determined not to let Shadow get the upper hand.

"William," she murmured, "get ready to attack on my signal. We're going all in."

He nodded. "I'm with you."

With a final burst of power, Enna lunged forward, unleashing her Third Form's full strength, catching Shadow off guard and forcing him back. William seized the moment, following her lead and hitting Shadow with everything he had. The two struck together, their combined power pushing him to his limit.

With a final, furious roar, Shadow was forced to retreat, his form dissolving into shadows as he escaped through the cracks in the walls.

William took a shaky breath, wiping sweat from his brow. "We... actually did it. We beat him back."

Enna's form faded as she reverted to her usual self, though the black remained in her fur. She nodded, steadying herself. "For now. But this isn't over. He'll be back, and we'll be ready."

William offered a small, grim smile. "Yeah... next time, he won't stand a chance."