Bonehead was making his way through the sands- running without stopping or slowing down like only an undead could. Immune to the heat, unaffected by the sinister energy everywhere and used to the sands and the stone islands from hundreds of years in this hellish place, which he was supposed to consider as his second home.
His main base of operation in his 'life' as a skeleton was of course the Necropolis Dimension, where he ranked among the very top. If he was there now, he could have taken a skeletal horse, but the Necropolis territory, the only territory which remained unchanged after Inferno invasion, was too far from here. It wasn't because of their strength that the Necropolis was spared from complete integration. As the demons invaded, very soon they realized that the necropolis, or the realm of death, was just as tainted and corrupted as the places they come from. With the walking, flesh eating corpses and evil spirits. Not to mention the vampires. Both dimensions wanted to consume and conquer everything that wasn't them. Their difference was in style rather than substance. So after a few battles to establish the chain of command, the Necropolis became sort of an autonomy inside Inferno.
Bonehead started his mission roughly where Tsukiyama was separated from Metsuhai – Tsukiyama had the wisdom to understand and record the coordinates where it happened. For someone not familiar with Inferno, Tsukiyama had great insight. Bonehead of course could find his way even more efficiently, but still, Inferno was just too vast and ever changing. The sands moved, the volcanoes erupted and diverted the lava flow. Even the stone islands didn't have fixed position. Being away from Inferno for a while meant Bonehead didn't know exactly where he was, but he had clear guidelines and moved without hesitation.
Unlike Metsuhai, who as a human attracted attention both from hungry predators and recruited soldiers, Bonehead practically had no opposition. As a skeleton, he fit in just fine. Though most of them stayed in the Necropolis area, they did come to these places when assembling assaults or when delivering messages. So seeing a skeleton here and there was unusual but nothing new. The dark army recognized him as one of their own, and most predators, found the meatless walking bones not particularly appetizing. Even among those who would have wanted feasting on his bone marrow, some were intelligent enough to sense (at least partially) his energy level and bowed or stayed away. The others he cut down with no remorse.
Finding Metsuhai though, was found out to be impossible, as Bonehead expected. The boy was obviously hiding his energy, as he damn well must. He went far from this place before Bonehead started following, and any footprints or even hints of battle were buried by the sands. So Bonehead had a simple plan – he'll go to where Chizue is being held. If Metsuhai was still alive, that's where he'll be going too. But Bonehead didn't have a magic compass to show him the way. He could rely only on his own memory and understanding of Inferno.
Bonehead approached a group of seven crushers. They were preparing to go hunting, and although initially not intending to go after Bonehead, now they sent hungry looks to his direction. Bonehead placed his hand on the handle of his sword, ready to cut through them, but that turned out to be not necessary. The biggest of them signaled his pack members to stop, sensing Bonehead was stronger than he looked.
"Tell me who is in charge here now," commanded General Bonehead.
"Demon lord Ghostmaster is commander," roared the big crusher, bowing deeply. It seemed he guessed correctly about the power gap between his group and the undead. Bonehead continued his march without bothering to say anything else. The crushers stood silently until Bonehead was gone.
Ghostmaster. This news is both good and bad. On the one hand, he knows me and we generally get along. On the other, he is one of the few beings in inferno skilled enough in necromancy to overwhelm my mind. I do have a plan though…
Bonehead knew Ghostmaster well enough to guess where he would watch over Chizue. One way or the other, Bonehead had no intention of backing down.
…
Metsuhai wiped off the sweat from his forehead, his movement sluggish from exhaustion. His throat dry, his hunger tormenting him. I've got to be close to her by now… Metsuhai tried to convince himself, forcing himself to keep moving. What if they are moving her? No no, they have no reason to. Besides I think the compass is consistent… Metsuhai didn't dare voice his thoughts about the compass being unreliable even in his mind. It was his only lead forward. Besides, it did seem to work so far. At least until today. Metsuhai tried to use it to find a snake but at some point the compass started spinning in place. Tsukiyama sensei's eating and drinking regimen backfired, thought Metsuhai in frustration. After days, if not weeks almost without food and water those gemstones opening the way back looked more and more seductive. Yet Metsuhai persevered. His sorcery magic allowed him to summon water, just barely. It was sour, foul water which didn't improve his mood even when his thirst was great. And he couldn't make too much of it- even summoning a bit of water exhausted much of his strength. Still, it was infinitely better than not drinking at all.
Food was even more problematic. All his attempts of creating edible food failed miserably. It was like the realm itself was thwarting his efforts. As tainted and beneath all standards as it was, Metsuhai was forced to hunt, cook and eat the creatures of inferno. Rats, three eyed crows, and infernal snakes were what his diet mainly consisted of, with the little toxic meat they had on them. Even with the help of the compass Metsuhai rarely found prey, crossing great distances without supplies, starving. Yet he refused to hunt humanoids such as ratmen, beastmen or goblins. Even those under question like crushers or firestarters he avoided, at least for now. The meat he did consume had an unpleasant sharp taste, like a meal covered with black pepper. He was choking on it, trying not to think of the effects on his health. Metsuhai never had a difficulty to be alone. Most of his missions were solo, and he generally enjoyed his own company. But here and now, this was different. For the first time maybe ever, Metsuhai missed his friends and parents so much it was painful. To cheer himself up Metsuhai imagined his friends walking by his side, giving him words of encouragement. It worked for a while. Masaru was telling him not to give up. John reminded him that every moment he fights he continually avenges his death. Koi claimed he would do the same better. But the illusion broke when he thought of Kuma. If only Kuma was here he could summon all the food and water I need.
Metsuhai picked up the movements of a small snake, at the edge of his Sorcery enhanced field of vision. He cancelled his True Sight and rushed to the snake. This was one of the strategies Metsuhai used to hunt – he used True Sight for a short time to pinpoint prey, with long breaks between each use. After all, relying only on the compass to find moving targets was problematic, and if he tried using it all the time he would exhaust his eyes and mind. Got you now! The snake was within reach and Metsuhai leaped forward. Before he swung his blade however, the snake was cut in half in front of him.
Metsuhai didn't recognize what sort of being was it that beat him to his prey. He looked like a man made of black steel, two meters tall. And he had six arms wielding six swords. Other than his practically impossible to notice metallic underwear (which looked just like the rest of his body) he didn't wear anything on his muscular body.
Metsuhai stopped his movement sharply, but it was too late. The six- armed one had his two human- like green pupils locked on him. Metsuhai really wanted that snake meat, but this giant was clearly strong. Thinking fast, Metsuhai said as if disappointed "looks like you got him first."
The man of steel silently stared at Metsuhai for a moment. Then his expression transformed into an excited wide smile.
"You look pretty strong! Let's duel!" His voice was very normal, human like. Perhaps a bit deeper but with a childish intonation.
"I won't have a ritual duel with you. I am in a hurry…"
"No ritual. Just fighting for honor. To see who is stronger. I am Capablan, survivor of Experimental Colosseum Six!"
"You can have the snake…" Metsuhai knew his words wouldn't change anything even before he finished the sentence. "It's not about meat! I'll prove to everyone I'm the best!"
Capablan charged with incredible speed. Metsuhai met the six swords with his sword and shield. Even more power behind his moves than expected, noted Metsuhai, jumping back, avoiding a dangerous slash. The way he wields his swords… he didn't have proper training, but he is used to swinging them nevertheless. Real combat experience I suppose.
Metsuhai exchanged a few more blows with the fierce opponent, who seemed to be only increasing the pace. His stamina is superior, I shouldn't make this a long fight. Metsuhai analyzed well. Capablan was of the sort that practically never gets tired. Furthermore, though he didn't show it one bit, Metsuhai was weakened from his long travel through hell. His leg was still hurting, and he was lacking nourishment.
Metsuhai powered up to the max, burning with two colors, his energy raging around him. Capablan observed him with no fear. Only excitement and curiosity. Metsuhai went to the assault. Powered up and better trained he fenced with Capablan, pushing him back. Capablan seemed to have been holding back earlier, and even now wasn't totally on the ropes. Still, finally Metsuhai pierced through his defenses, delivering a perfect strike on his chest. Capablan flew backwards, staying on his feet. A tiny cut appeared on his chest. A drop of liquid metal forced its way out. So much effort, so little damage… But Capablan was ecstatic. He charged at Metsuhai with renewed vigor, his moves stronger and faster than ever before.
Metsuhai didn't let him have his way. Time after time he punched through, putting cuts on the invincible steel man. The damage should be accumulating… But Metsuhai was worried. Capablan showed no signs of slowing down. As if those cuts barely scratched the surface. Actually, his movements were becoming better somehow. Metsuhai couldn't explain the subtle improvement but it was there. Is he… copying my style, or adapting to it? Either way this was bad. Metsuhai didn't have a backup plan. Air cuts would be inefficient against this metallic, armored body. Capablan was constantly trying to outmaneuver Metsuhai leaving very little time for complicated moves. Still, after a long exchange, Metsuhai managed to blast Capablan with a large white beam, sending him flying back. Capablan was finally caught off guard. Metsuhai couldn't miss this chance. Closing in, Metsuhai bashed capablan's head with his shield, sending him to the ground. Metsuhai thrust with his sword, aiming for the neck, but Capablan rolled away. Jumping to his feet, he kicked Metsuhai back.
The kick hurt badly but not the worst Metsuhai had endured. I've got to finish him off! Metsuhai charged desperately, his moves becoming more acrobatic and reckless. It turned out to be a double- edged sword, Metsuhai managed to land several cuts, and even struck away one of the six swords, but Capablan left a bleeding cut on Metsuhai's wrist. Metsuhai fought fiercely, using deceptive moves and complicated maneuvers, hoping to make use of his opponent's lack of formal training. It worked at first, but within a minute Capablan was already adjusting. What a formidable fighter, Metsuhai had to admit. This guy was good.
This was one of Metsuhai's longest fights ever. He didn't know how he could still perform so well. Was it just the adrenalin keeping him strong? Or his resolve? Either way his time was ticking. Capablan surprised Metsuhai with a faint and managed to cut his leg just above the knee. Metsuhai shouted in frustration, pushing more power out of himself, feeling as if he was about to explode. With a burst of power he delivered a series of successful strikes. Finally Capablan was really hurt. The liquid metal flow leaving visible trace on his body. Capablan acrobatically jumped backwards, copying almost perfectly one of Metsuhai's earlier moves.
Metsuhai stopped for a moment in shock, breathing hard. Capablan grated his teeth, but there was no anger there, Just satisfaction. "That technique. I have seen it used several times already. This thing called powering up. I think I have it figured out."
Capablan roared, black energy enveloping him like a small tornado. It… it can't be. Capablan looked at his arms, surprised of how strong he felt. And Metsuhai was in despair.
Capablan became unstoppable. Now that he moved as fast as Metsuhai and carried more strength behind his blows, Metsuhai's still superior technique just wasn't good enough. The advantage in reach, in amount of weapons and the lack of exhaustion were just too much. Metsuhai was pushed back, barely trying to defend. He was cut again and again, his red blood leaving his numerous wounds.
"I… am… not done… yet!" Metsuhai shouted with all his fighting spirit, refusing to accept defeat. He fought Capablan like a berserker, defense secondary to going all out.
Metsuhai received a devastating blow from behind. A red fist bashing at his spine. Stumbling, Metsuhai sliced the crusher, which he failed to notice in time, delivering a fatal counterattack. This crusher wasn't alone. Two more crushers coordinated their assault jumping on Metsuhai simultaneously, trying to pin him down. Metsuhai just barely avoided their grasp. But there were more crushers coming. Many more. They surrounded him, hitting, biting and kicking with no mercy. One of them got him right in the head. Metsuhai could barely comprehend what's going on, his sight blurry red. But he clearly heard Capablan roaring. This time he was really done for. I have failed you Chizue. I am sorry. I really did try my best.
At this moment Metsuhai didn't have rage in him. Even his despair was fading along with his life. But if he had to die, Metsuhai wanted it to have meaning. It seemed in this case he had only one goal to aim at. I'll take you down with me Capablan, before you become a menace for others.
Metsuhai activated his Light- Speed- Time acceleration, his vision cleared momentarily. His ultimate weapon came to him naturally, now that he didn't have to worry about self-preservation. For a moment Metsuhai was engulfed by the unique sense of freedom and power only this technique could grant. He glowed with golden aura, moving across the battlefield with speed the crushers couldn't fathom. He slashed at Capablan, tearing deep into the steel, his speed transformed to power. Capablan wore a shocked expression, though Metsuhai couldn't be sure with his sight fading again. This time it was final. The exhaustion turned everything dark. He was defeated.