Unranked

Epilogue

Joshua

Eistibus was too rash, completely forgetting the reason for our mission and instead allowing his vendetta to guide him.

Nine drew his sword, a wicked, black, two handed blade, and swept it in an arc. Immediately, vapour exploded outwards covering the rink in mere seconds.

I drew my own sword and swept it around me, dissipating some of the mist. Just in time too as I could hear the ice crack and the sound of blades clashing.

I looked around trying to find Armaros, but I couldn't. I had to get rid of this mist.

"Armaros! Armaros! If you can hear me, summon your wings and funnel the mist away! You're the only one that can do it." I shouted into the abyss but got no real reply. I could only hope she heard me.

The air turned rapid as wind strong enough to make me lose my balance pulled at me. The mist rose and funneled around a red and black twirling figure. Armaros' wings. The mist shot up over the city of Chicago, leaving wisps of it laying around the rink.

Nine and Eistibus were going at it, leaving nothing between as they tried to kill each other. Energy and sparks flew as the two connected over and over again.

I glanced away as Armaros dropped next to me. She would be in no shape to fight if she needed to. Nine, though a new angel, seemed capable enough to take Eistibus without his powers.

I hefted my sword and looked at Isabel.

"There's no need to worry, Joshua. I will not interfere unless I need to. Your student seems quite capable of handling both you and that demon of an angel." Isabel assured me. I didn't trust her majesty, but she was right. Eistibus needed my help.

I rushed into battle, aiming for Nine's weak spot but quicker than I anticipated, his blade intercepted mine. He switched hands to parry my sword and repeated the same to strike at Eistibus face.

He twirled, connecting his hilt with Eistibus nose. The angel fell back, tears streaming down his face.

"Dammit, Joshua!" Eistibus yelled, more annoyed than saddened. "How well did you train this fool?"

I narrowed my eyes at Nine. He was breathing hard, his eyes skirting between Eistibus and me. He played with Draco, probably trying to distract himself.

I gripped my bone saber. "I guess if anyone can defeat you, it's me."

"Well, considering you never really sparred with me I guess you can't. Time to swap blows." He gave me a small grin while Eistibus yelled in the background.

We barreled towards each other.

Sparks flew as our blades clashed multiple times. In the corner of my eye, Eistibus rose shakily. I had to keep Nine occupied, so I pressed harder, forcing him to cramp out.

Eistibus howled, leveling his staff at Nine's head. He was through, there was no way he could dodge it.

But he didn't need to. Eistibus staff flew out of his hand and skirted along the ice. Armaros chain fell on the ice, steam rising along it.

The ice rink fell silent. All that could be heard was the sizzling from Armaros chain and the constant crack of ice beneath our feet.

"Armaros," Eistibus voice was quiet with fury. ", what are you doing?"

The angel in question was trembling. Her hair was in its chain form, glowing with heat as tears streamed down her face.

"Stop..." She muttered. "This is wrong. Leave him alone!"

Nine's eyes glued on Armaros. Isabel sat quietly on the sidelines, not bothering to join the fight.

"You have chosen your side." Eistibus advanced only to find the tip of Nine's sword at his throat.

"Stay away from her." He growled.