Aiana: SwordXPlanet Volume 1

Saint George of Merry England

"Paladin's Volleygun!"

Gaira's execution was interrupted by the loud sputtering of the Red Cross Knight's machine pistol, sending a wave of bullets bouncing off Epica's shield. The king looked down the slope. Running up was the Red Cross Knight, gun in hand.

Ro had made her decision. She was terrified but determined. All her life she had just used the armor of the Red Cross Knight to scare visitors into giving the fairies some respect. Used smoke and mirrors to trick the Galaxy into thinking they could put up a fight. Never before had she actually put her life on the line. But if there was ever a time to do it, it was now. Sure, the four Paragons were muscle headed idiots with an uncertain moral compass and a vicious temper. However, they were still people she respected, for they fought for a cause that they believed in. And such people didn't deserve to die. Not on her watch.

Epica switched his spear for his bow. "Trial of the Axes." The king let loose his last arrow in a supersonic streak. But this time its target was prepared.

"Red Cross Defender!" A sturdy titanium kiteshield with the famous red cross painted on appeared in her left hand. The arrow collided the slab of metal, but did not slow her down. Epica was not the only one with a repulsor field- Ro had a powerful shield generator build into her defender. When the steam cleared, the Red Cross Defender was unscathed, and its wielder was still running harder than ever.

Epica took out his spear. "The famous Red Cross Knight. I was not directed to eliminate you. Leave while you can, and I will guarantee your safety."

Ro had no such plans, and in her deep knightly voice, she spoke. "I am the guardian of this world. You shall not harm my guests."

"Then share their fate," the king said somberly. Ro knew that her gun wasn't going to cut it, so she switched it out. "Paladin's Handsword." A beautiful, deadly knight's sword appeared in her right hand, thirsting for blood after all these years.

The two clashed. Ro was fresh into the fight, but even after crossing arms with the Paragons Epica had no shortage of energy. Both the knight and the king joined in a storm of strikes, blocks, and dodges, neither one intending to let their opponent have a chance to think. Gaira and his friends looked up from their positions on the ground. The Red Cross Knight was versatile in "his" fighting style, ably switching between a light and dextrous sword-form and a furious series of hard swings and power attacks when the time was right. Ro had never fought a real battle before, but she was the reincarnation of the original Red Cross Knight, and had relived every one of his battles in her subconscious memory. It wasn't a replacement for real battle experience, but even against a foe as strong as Epica it was serving her well. While this was certainly the most terrifying moment of her life, it was also the most exhilarating.

Along with his personal bubble shield, King Epica had an excellent guard. Being aggressive wasn't working, so Ro decided to try some counterattacks. The next time he struck, Ro attempted to parry the blow with her shield and strike him with her sword. But Epica quickly pulled his spear back and jumped to the side. Great, so he had incredible reflexes too. The king then did the unexpected and vaulted over her, thrusting his spear down as he flipped. Ro just barely blocked him with her shield pointed upwards. When he landed on his feet, Ro attempted to turn around and thrust at him. Epica quickly got back into stance and jumped back first.

"Vengeful Slaughter." Epica unleashed a volley of images at her. Ro blocked them all, but every one knocked the wind out of her and pushed her back. When she got back into stance, Epica was already upon her, throwing out a thrust that she could only barely block. This was bad. They were at a stalemate, but she was running out of energy and kal, while Epica looked like he could go on for hours more. She needed to think of something fast. She had an idea. But it was dangerous. Saying it would risk her life would be an understatement. But it was the only way she could save her guests and get out alive. She had to do it!