Never Ever

17

Nearing dawn, Noire came and took guard duty so Axel could rest

He only rested for a few hours but he was in a better mood than the previous week when he woke up. Maya's pep talk had worked..

Ever saw dark circles under his eyes

Ever: Are you alright?

He smiled at her: Yes, why wouldn't I be?

Ever: You look very tired. Last night was stressful, yet you barely rested

Axel's smile widened: Are you worried about me?

Ever ignored his question: I have a trick that will help you

She reached her palms to him, he had a quizzical look on his face

Ever: Will you allow me?

He nodded, watching her as she brought her palm to his chest, over where his heart was. She closed her eyes and concentrated, murmuring something. He felt warmth spread through him and once she removed her hand, he felt as if he was wide awake and fully charged

His eyes became wide: What was that?

Ever smiled, she looked a bit worn and he became worried. She had just shared some of her life force with him. He could tell..

Axel grabbed her hand, as she was going to stand up and leave: You shouldn't have done that.. Now you are the one who's worn out

She waved his words off: I'll be fine in no time. We fae recharge fast. How do you feel though?

Axel: Recharged

She smiled again

He tightened his hold on her hand: But I do not like the fact that you made yourself tired to make me feel better

Ever looked angry

Axel: It's not that I'm not grateful, and I know it's your life force and you can do whatever you want with it, but I care about you. I don't want to see you hurt or whatever because of me..

Her face softened and her cheeks became rosey: I assure you, I'm fine. In less than an hour I will be back to normal

He was surprised to note that she looked better already. Fae truly are remarkable creatures, and she was more so than any other he'd seen if her kind. He thought no other would care enough to do what she just did for him

They left the campsite to continue their journey to forest

They were even more alert than before

They expected a couple of peaceful days before the next attack. It seemed like it always happened this way, they'd get a few days to relax, probably so they would let their guard down and be more vulnerable when attacked

It did happen that way, but when the next attack came, they didn't expect it. This time around, the attack was pure magic

They only felt a surge of magic through the air, but it was too late to stop it. They searched for the source, it seemed far away, yet the magic was so strong and so dark

Noire was seized by it. He seemed to struggle, and the others were shocked, they didn't know what to do. He was fighting with an unseen force. all of a sudden, he stilled, then with dull eyes, turned towards Maya and charged

Ever: Your highness! Grab Maya and take cover!

Romeo was startled from his stupor, he dragged the girl away, while Axel blocked Noire's path. Their swords clashed

Axel's strength was impressive, but he didn't stand a chance against the hulking mass of Noire. Even for a fae, Noire was just too strong. Ever intervened. The two of them fought as one. They saw a second sword appear in his other hand. He was fighting them both, skillfully. They were only able ro parry the blows. Ever didn't want to hurt him, but she saw no other choice.. Somehow they had to knock him out, but for that, they needed to get close enough to hit him. She had to take a risk

She had already tried enhancing her physical strength, and even Axel's. She had somewhat succeeded, but not to the degree she'd wanted, and Noire seemed to have enhanced his power as well..

She had lured Noire a bit farther from Axel, who frowned at her, but she only ignored his frown

She summoned wind and currents enveloped her body, adding strength to her blows. She was tiring quickly, having used more magic than she was used to, coupled with the physical exertion was getting to her

She forced herself forward, charging at Noire with all she had. Axel had wanted to join in, but she shook her head at him. She jabbed at Noire, again, and again, it was getting too heated, sparks were flying. She didn't even pause to take a breath, she increased her speed, till Noire seemed fully engrossed in battle with her. She nodded at Axel, who flew swiftly ar Noire, and gave him a strong blow on the back of his head, knocking him unconcious

Ever breathed a sigh of relief, and dropped to the ground, panting, she clutched her arm, she had suffered a slash. Thankfully it was only superficial, but she had just felt it now

Axel produced a cloth from his satchel and tied her wound

They were just going to check on the others and Noire, when Ever felt another wave of magic. She looked towrads Noire, and saw his body lifting, eyes closed, moving like a puppet on strings. He was rushing at Axel's back with his sword aiming to kill

Ever: Axel, look out!