The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 23: Son of Cecilee

The Legion and Naitosai were in route to Yesrek to look for the mysterious person who had been eliminating creations.

They came upon on a small village riddled with burnt bodies that were scattered among demolished cottages.

The stench of decomposing corpses made it difficult to breathe, nevertheless they continued cautiously and scouted the village.

"Be on guard everyone, a battle was waged here not too long ago." Dai said while watching his surroundings.

Naitosai drew his polearm as the three continued through the village, walking pass the ruined structures.

"Nothing, there's nothing left... everyone has been killed, who would do something like this?" Osyrus said as he cringed at the stench.

Moving debris that blocked their way, Naitosai whispered, "Krinx maybe?"

"I'd like to think not, but after seeing what happened to JinX, I wouldn't put anything past him now." Dai added while looking around, hoping to spot a survivor.

Mom must be having a hard time dealing with this... what happened to you Krinx, what happened that day... Naitosai thought to himself.

His deep thoughts were interrupted as a mischievous voice spoke out, "Well well, what do we have here? Ahhh..... This is what's left of the Legion."

The echoing laughter of this unknown foe forced the Legion and Naitosai to regroup with their backs towards one another. Dai scoured the terrain while shouting, "Everyone get ready!"

"So edgy ha ha, I am Cheyk one of seven generals that serve master Krinx. He will rule this land and there's nothing anyone can do to stop him. The last person who tried to resist his will... Well, see for yourselves." the figure taunted while stepping out from the shadows.

Cheyk turned his gaze from the newcomers, to Guru's mangled body. Naitosai tried to control his rage at the sight of a close friend in such a condition. Osyrus however, immediately ran to check on Guru but his good intentions were foiled.

"What's the rush?" Cheyk asked mockingly as he motioned with his right hand, causing the earth to tremble beneath Osyrus.

"Son of a ..." he exclaimed while rolling out of harm's way. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw the earthen pillar that was summoned to block his path.

Safe for only a moment, the ground beneath Osyrus shot up in the form of a spike, attempting to impale him. Quickly evading once more, he strafed and rolled to this left.

"Osyrus, pull back now!" yelled Dai.

Turning to look at Dai, Osyrus was oblivious that Cheyk had sent a wave of fire in this direction. He turned just in time to see it, but was too late as he was knocked back and temporarily pinned to the pillar that was summoned moments ago to block his path.

"Osyrus!" Naitosai bellowed.

Picking himself back up, Osyrus looked at Cheyk confidently as he reassured Naitosai "Don't worry about me, I'm okay." he said while dusting himself off.

"Interesting" Cheyk said with a grin. "It's been awhile since I've come across someone that was attuned."

"Attuned?" Naitosai said looking completely confused.

"The short version, direct attacks from the elements have no effect on me." Osyrus boasted.

"Hmph." Cheyk nonchalantly replied.

Naitosai was temporarily in awe while processing what just happened. "I was unaware such an Art existed." he said under his breath while staring at Osyrus.

Dai turned his attention back to the enemy, "What the hell do you want from us!?" he demanded.

"Amusement" he replied with a grin plastered across his face while gesturing for them to attack.

Taking a step forward, Dai replied, "Amusement huh, I think we can offer you a little more than that."

Cheyk smugly chuckled at Dai's overconfidence, "I hope you're right because that's the only way you're going to save Guru's life. Don't let him down, he's depending on you."

Enraged by his sarcasm, Osyrus shouted eagerly, "On your command Dai!"

"Naitosai, stay back for now. C'mon Osyrus let's do this!" he shouted back.

Before Naitosai could protest, Dai and Osyrus dashed towards Cheyk. Dai's injuries were apparent and anyone could see that he shouldn't have been there in his current condition.

As they charged, Cheyk unsheathed his sword while laughing and impaled it in the ground. "I'll even give you two a handicap because I'm so generous." He said while taking a defensive stance.

"I hope you can back up that ego of yours!" Osyrus exclaimed as he and Dai engaged Cheyk in a two on one fight.

Though they both attacked with beautiful combinations and strikes, they could not land a single hit. Cheyk managed to block and dodge all incoming attacks. Dai quickly looked to Osyrus and nodded, Dai attacked high while Osyrus went low, even then Cheyk countered by quickly grabbing both attacks at the same time.

"Impossible..." Dai whispered as Cheyk began to laugh while still holding his arm and Osyrus' leg.

Looking on, Naitosai surmised . Okay so he skilled at magic, has no problem attacking someone from behind and is so fast and strong that he can choose to catch your attacks instead of actually blocking them....

"What's wrong?" He asked while they both struggled to pull away but to no avail. "I thought you promised you could provide more than amusement?"

A dreadful look overcame Osyrus. How is he this strong... we can't even pull away from his grip.

He could stand idly by no longer as the young Dragon Knight dashed into action, spear in hand. I know you said to stay back, but I must try!

Naitosai jumped and came down with an overhead smash that forced the three apart.

"Come to save the day have we?" Cheyk said condescendingly.

"Give him room." Dai whispered to Osyrus while motioning to back away.

Looking over, Osyrus noticed Dai sweating and breathing heavily. He really shouldn't be here, he hasn't fully recovered. Even so, what the hell is up with this Cheyk guy, we couldn't even land a single... WHOA!

Before he could finish his thought, Naitosai managed to toggle Cheyk, causing him to reel and step back - reassessing the situation.

"Interesting... saved the best for last I see." Cheyk yelled to Dai while keeping an eye on his new opponent.

Truly trained by JinX, Dai thought with a grin.

Standing next to Osyrus, Dai spoke under his breath, "It would seem that our fate now rests in the hands of this young Dragon Knight."

Osyrus nodded in agreement.