feral | sting eucliffe

LXII | ASG

Episode 62: A Sudden Goodbye!

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HIS EARS RANG, his vision blurring back and forth. He slowly set his elbows behind him, rising up and barely sitting up. He saw his friends standing up, attempting long-range attacks, or running straight into the battle. His eyes widened, seeing the scenery in front of him and not believing it for one second.

However, that brief moment to himself was quickly ruined by a soft hug. Nikos blinked, his face pressed up against Galena's torso. She was crying, her green eyes filled with tears as she pulled away. Her brown locks were filled with dirt and grime, showing her own cooperation into this war. "I'm so glad you're okay," She sobbed, choking on her own words.

A small smile shaped his lips and he pulled her close, kissing her forehead. "It's okay, alright? I'm fine. Now, go heal others, okay?" He urged her. She knew that he didn't mean to sound so rude when he'd just woken up, nodding quickly before rising to her feet and running off to another incapacitated mage. 

Chase shot another chain that burned with fire, feeling his magic energy deplete at alarming rates. Just as someone had attempted to land a hit on the fire boy's side, Nikos quickly stepped in and kicked them on the side of the head, sending the opponent flying. "Nice to know you're alive," Chase snorted, looking to the side before launching another chain.

Nikos rolled his eyes, "Quit being so cool and just admit you missed me, you sap." Chase's cheeks burned with a flaming red out of embarrassment as he ignored the male's statement, doing a spinning kick as the chain spiraled through the crowd. Nikos grunted again, getting punched in the back. "Where are the others?"

Chase tilted his head to the right, giving a curt nod. "Over there." Just as he said that, a blast of magic energy radiated from the same direction. He quickly grew worried, attempting to go there, but Nikos stopped him, giving him a small grin. Chase—knowing the male could handle it—simply nodded and let him go, counterattacking again.

Nikos made a show of hopping over people's heads and avoiding attacks, using his snake-like reflexes as he imitated a gliding snake. Just as he arrived, there were two large magic circles. One on the ground and one in the sky, both a bright f/c. He gritted his teeth, moving faster as he immediately figured out who was behind the magic energy surge.

All of a sudden, he was stopped in his tracks. A blur of white tackled him, appearing to be Carla. Her wings were spread out as she looked down at him, "I had a vision, you're going to—" His heart dropped, but he understood. A small smile appeared on his face, "—I know. I had a feeling." She stared at him briefly, brown eyes growing dull at his statement.

Nikos shook her off before helping her stand up, "I'm willing to. Rather me than her, right?" She didn't know how to respond to that, but he had already disappeared. Launching into action, his feet skidded on the ground. He set a hand on Y/n's shoulder, sending her a small smile as she grew fatigued, feeling him drain her magic energy. "I'll handle this one, lil' sis."

She fell on her side, her breathing labored as Sting quickly caught her, looking towards him with a confused glance. Nikos looked back at him, smiling. "Take care of her, alright?" The white dragon slayer grew even more confused, watching the snake boy suddenly lock eyes with Yukino's celestial spirit.

The serpent bearer let out a low hiss, curling its tail before glowing a dark black. Another blast of magic energy radiated around them, sending their opponents flying back as Nikos rose from his position on top of Ophiuchus. The snake hissed again, clones of it appearing. Yukino was bewildered, attempting to close the gate until she realized Nikos's presence in her spirit.

The headmaster lifted a brow, smirking. "You've finally figured it out, Anguis." The male scowled bitterly, knowing he had the upper hand as his cold expression turned into a confident one. "My name is Nikos, you old bastard," He clasped his hands together, growing into his ultimate form as a glow of black emitted from him. "Now let's see how much magic your tech can handle!"

The six clones of Ophiuchus immediately flew into action, burrowing into the ground and ramming through the dozens of enemies. The others watched in awe, blasts of black flowing around as dangerous amounts of magic energy blew from the scene. "Finally," Nikos said, Ophiuchus rising before clamping its head down onto the headmaster's head.

Just as quickly as it had been finished, his end began. The celestial spirit dispersed, tuckered out, and closing its gate on its own. Nikos fell from the sky, Lisanna leaping into action and flapping her bird-like wings before catching him swiftly. Settling him back onto the ground, the others scampered towards him. 

Within a foot from him, Y/n's heart dropped as tears filled her eyes, leaning against Sting for support. Thump thump. . . thump thump. . . thump thump. . . thump thump. She could hear his heartbeat slowing down, her heart being crushed into pieces as he chuckled lightly, turning his head tiredly over to her. "They say life flashes before your eyes when you're dying."

He coughed, blood spilling from his mouth and coating his lips. "I guess they're slightly right," He blinked, feeling incredibly fatigued. Y/n crouched towards his body, holding onto his hand as she sobbed. Nikos tilted his head at her, grinning widely. "Don't be sad, Y/n. I get to finally see Lily now." He smiled, his happy expression not faltering.

"Out of the way!" Chase shouted, pushing others away from him as the rest of the Kyuuseishu ran towards their dying friend. All of them let out cries and reactions of their own, falling to their knees and trying to convince their friend to stay alive. Thump. . . thump. . . thump. . . thump. Galena attempted to heal him, but his organs were already on the verge of failure. 

She pulled back, crying even harder. "Don't cry, princess," Nikos coughed again, more blood coating his face. "I figure I'll be going to Hell for a lot of things, but hopefully this shit makes up for it, right? It did cost me my life, after all." Thump. . . . . thump. . . . . thump. . . . . thump. He laughed some more, spitting out more blood. Thump. . . . . . . thump. . . . . . . thump. . . . . . . thump. 

"It didn't have to!" Y/n cried out, her voice hoarse as tears streaked down her cheeks.

His laugh sounded out again, growing raspier by the second.

Thump.