The Hellboy Chronicles: The Elemental Equation

Chapter 11: Finality

Chapter 11
Finility

Several years pass by. Roxy's daily training continues. The wizard, Athar, seems to be becoming weaker as days go by. Roxy is torn between stay here or going back to her world. Roxy is tending to a garden outside the tower. With a simple wave of both hands, limp plants are sprung up to full height and nutrition. Her earth elemental abilities are the newest spells she's gotten control off. Right now, it seems to be limited to helping nature grow and become beautiful. She hasn't found a combat ability for the element yet or perhaps she hasn't been in a situation that may have called for it. Almost all of her abilities she seemed to have learned at the spur of the moment. Almost has if a button was finally pressed to activate it. Her abilities awaken when a need arises for it.

Roxy spent random nights with the village boy, Jack. She never developed strong feelings for him but considers him a friend who has taught her things that Athar couldn't have. Jack seems content working on his craft while Roxy is focused on mastering her skills and preventing the apocalypse, but even then natural human needs arise.

Her dreams in this world were random. Most nights were dreamless but when she did dream, they were disturbing almost as if she was glimpsing into the future. Each dream was different. Some had horrible outcome. Some pleasant.

Her feelings for Hellboy still confuse her. After a few years, she still misses him deeply and awaits the day to rejoin him again. She vows that she will keep him close because she feels she could prevent the awful thing from happening, but still a part of her is uncertain.

Athar approaches the garden. "We have a mission." He states assertively.

*****

They arrive at the village square. What looks like a small war has broken out. The windows of shops and homes are smashed. Debris is scattered everywhere. There are some bodies sprawled out in unnatural positions, some with pools of blood beneath them. Roxy covers her mouth in shock. A tall, dark figures approaches the village square.

"Finally, Athar. I can have my vengeance." The figure speaks. He is dressed in all black leather with a a flowing cloak and a hood over his head. His hands appear pale white with long nails adorned upon them.

"Erasmus. You have come back." Athar says surprised.

"Shocking, isn't yet? You thought me dead, but no you only severely injured me. But I recovered and I have come to claim this world."

Athar brings his staff to his side and his opposite arm straight out to appear larger. "You shall not have it."

"Oh, but I will." Erasmus rushes to Athar who counters him with a blowback spell. Erasmus lands hard against a building wall behind him. He crashes to the ground but right away gets back up.

"I am indestructible, Athar. Throw what you want at me. You will not win."

"You will not take this world, Erasmus."

Erasmus laughs coldly. "You don't understand. It's already mine." He motions to the village around him. "These people will rise up and join me. This world will belong to the vampire race once again."

"No!" Athar slams his staff down in defiance.

Erasmus rushes towards him again. Athar throws a powerful spell at him. Erasmus is stunned for a moment but continues to fight with the wizard. Roxy stays behind contemplating how to arrive into the fight and if she even should. She watches Athar closely. He seems to stressed but is handling himself well. They fight for a few minutes until Erasmus pulls a knife that was hidden in his clothing and stabs Athar through the shoulder. Athar screams and falls to his knees. Roxy's instinct has her rushing towards him but she find herself flat on her back on the ground. Erasmus has her pinned. His hands are around her neck and his knees are pinning her legs down.