Eclipse

Chapter 29

Grant's POV

Akihiko held tight to me when I kicked our horse so we could escape being in the absolute middle of the fight. I leaned to the side, grabbing a sword from a soldier before kicking him in the head. The village people began fleeing when they saw the werewolves running in, Atsumu and Osamu leading.

They were swift, far swifter than any human soldier. They were easily able to tackle and tear apart the armor with their fangs. Tobio yelled for able villagers to take injured to the shores. Those who were able to began picking up or dragging already injured innocents towards the seas where the mermaids were waiting to heal them.

I turned when I heard Kuroo's laugh, seeing him and his crew mates having quite a fun time with the sword fighting. Well. Except Kenma. I was scared Kenma was going to get killed by the way he mostly just stood there, but when a soldier charged him. Kenma just stepped aside and stuck a rusted sword in the soldier's back as he passed. Guess he was going to be just fine.

Osamu called my name, retreating back a bit. I pulled the reigns and followed after him quickly. He rummaged around in a bush before pulling out a large crate.

"From King Oikawa himself." He said with a smile before turning and running back, his tail smacking my leg in the process. I shook my head and quickly looked at what was provided. Akihiko looked as well as I called over Kuroo and his pirates.

"Coat your swords with this." I ordered, Kuroo's men watching each other's backs as they took turns coating their swords in the poisonous salves. As we returned towards the heart of the fight, I quietly cussed when I saw archers from the palace walls taking position. I didn't want to destroy the palace. I knew there were kind people still trapped inside. But there were more archers and arrows. I watched an arrow pierce through one of the wolves, watching him writhe in pain before going still. 

"Fuck... alright. Nightfall!" I shouted as loudly as I could, moments later, it seemed like everyone froze when they heard the ear-piercing roar. Nightfall appeared above the entire village, causing a massive overcasting shadow. He opened his mouth, flames engulfing the palace walls, even over all the clashing of swords, spears, and whatever else people could grab as weapons, you could hear the screaming of the archers.

Whoever was in the palace was quick to try and retreat. The walls and ceiling of the castle began crumbling, crushing retreating soldiers and servants. Nightfall circled back, spewing another large wall of fire at the palace before pulling up. I watched him retreating into the sky when Akihiko shouted.

"Grant LOOK OUT!" Before I could turn to see what he was warning me of, a sword pierced through my arm and knocked me down. The sudden movements spooked the horse, causing the horse to rear up and back away as Akihiko held on. I groaned, a soldier rushing over to make sure the sword would pierce my chest. I watched as he raised his sword, prepared to bring it down.

But before he could, he was tackled by someone. I heard him scream as his armor was torn from his head before he went silent. Akihiko ran over and pulled me up quickly. I turned to look at who saved me, seeing Suna look at me with a smile. Blood dripping from his mouth and tail wagging.

"Got the right person this time." He said before dashing off. Akihiko pulled me back towards the horse, both of us managing to climb on and we headed to go to the shores to get my arm healed. Once we reached the shoreline, I scowled to see some soldiers made their way here.

My people were in no way prepared to fight on land, so they would retreat in the sea and use what magic they could. But unfortunately, splashes of water did little to help them. I rushed over to try and help even the odds when suddenly the water began to bubble, almost like it was boiling. All of the mermaids and mermen retreated into the water, the injured people looking terrified and abandoned until our very own Loch Ness Monster lifted her head from the water.

It was rare for her to use confrontation. But I was glad she chose today to use it. I backed my horse up as she was still rather graceful but extending her head, grabbing soldiers with her sharp teeth before tossing her head to the side, letting the dead bodies fling into the water and stain it red. Soldiers ran away, the merfolk returning and quickly going back to helping the villagers, pirates, werewolves, and anyone else dragged here.

"Grant!" I turned, seeing my dad. Both of them. My arm was killing me, and was getting worse. We made our way over to them, the sudden stop in the sand made me fall to the side. Akihiko panicking and sliding off. My fathers helped remove the shoulder and collar of my shirt. Being quick to clean and cure the wound.

I winced, even though the cut was being healed. It still hurt like hell when literal salt water was being poured into it. Akihiko was crying as he watched.

"Hey, look at me." I said, cupping his cheek with the hand of my uninjured arm. He sniffled, apologizing for crying at a time like this. I shook my head and watched him wipe his tears.

Once my arm was healed, I got up and pulled Akihiko up with me. I gave both of my fathers a nod before returning to our horse, pulling Akihiko up with me. He held onto me tight as I looked back at him.

"You don't need to cry, love. See... I'm okay. I promised I wasn't going to die on you. And I intend to keep that promise." I said, Akihiko nodding. I looked forward, the horse galloping back towards the village. We were almost at the end... we couldn't give in. Not now. Not ever.