The cave was nowhere to be seen, far behind them. Metsuhai and Capablan made their way through the unforgiving sands with a fast, uncompromising pace. This time Metsuhai had no longing for the shade left behind. With Capablan accompanying him, even Inferno felt less hostile. Well, it was still hot as hell, and the sand was fighting back, but having someone to talk to made all the difference. Capablan was also a great hunter. Catching and decapitating the snakes they ate.
By now, Metsuhai told Capablan about the barrier and the ritual duels. He talked to him openly about everything he had to endure since coming to Inferno. Capablan listened with great interest, adding his own commentary rarely.
"I guess visiting your home would be pretty tough. Our races are in an all-out war."
"Yes… The Order of the Sun, the army I belong to, would view you as an enemy. Though my belief in the order was shaken. They should have done something. How could they…"
Metsuhai didn't even want to keep thinking about it so he changed the subject. "Chizue will probably be guarded by an invincible guardian. Someone so strong you can hardly imagine."
"Then I shall challenge him first. You focus on your rescue mission."
"Are you sure? I have seen your strength first hand and I know how far you came. But if I'm right, this will be an opponent beyond your ability. You'll probably die."
Capablan smiled with pride. "I don't fear anyone, not even Dungeon Lord. Death in battle does not scare me."
You come with me without understanding it will lead to your certain death. But I did worn you…
Metsuhai couldn't avoid feeling guilty, but his mission and goal came first.
Bonehead was on top of a small hill of sand, looking through his binocular, watching Metsuhai and his new steel friend walking at the distance. He actually got all the way here. Bonehead paid no heed to Metsuhai's companion, he trusted Metsuhai's judgment and assumed Metsuhai tricked the guy with the six arms somehow.
"Its show time!" Bonehead slipped into his torn red pants and headed straight to the skull castle, a massive stone building, taller than anything nearby. It was a skull- like fortress from which the flat stone platform where Chizue laid, sleeping, was easily seen. Chizue wasn't even tied but at the side of the platform stood this strange hooded guy with yellow eyes, whose body was mostly covered with a torn grey cloak. His green scales were barely seen under the cloak. He was strong, but Bonehead ignored him and the platform completely, keeping his distance. Bonehead knew where he was headed. He went right for the skull fortress. The fortress gate was lowered, but the nearly empty building was far from inviting. Even the most ignorant Inferno creatures knew instinctively they should keep their distance. Bonehead entered confidently.
He made his way up to the top floor crossing stairs made of grey rock, only encountering a few undead, which he ignored and they ignored him. Bonehead approached the very last room. There sat on a chair made of real human bones the great demon lord, one of the two undead kings- Ghostmaster. Ghostmaster was a wide-bodied steel phantom with steel spikes coming out of his shoulders. It was hard to discern his steel clothes from his body. He was carrying a huge broadsword on his belt. But the most unusual thing about him was his head. An elliptic ball of steel with no mouth or nose. Just two really big eyes with no pupils. Three times the size of those of a human. Even more remarkable was the black flame ever burning around his head. He was stronger than Barran. He seemed to be deep in thought.
Ghostmaster sama, his power knows no bounds, but I know his weaknesses.
Bonehead stepped into the room. Ghostmaster blinked.
"General Bonehead?" Ghostmaster's voice sounded like thunder. "You were lost in action. We thought you died!"
"Yeah well, the rumors of my demise were exaggerated."
"So how did it go? Why didn't you come back sooner?"
"Had to keep a low profile for a while, yet still had to retreat in the end. Never mind that- look what I've got." Bonehead drew a bottle filled with rose liquid and put it on the table. "Greek vintage. Very rare and expansive. Took 100 years to brew."
Ghostmasters eyes opened sharply. "Go ahead, lets share it," Bonehead generously suggested. Ghostmaster took a sip, his center of face opening up, and so did Bonehead. Yes, you just keep your attention on the wine while I blur your senses, cutting you from the outside.
Bonehead already made some magical preparations before entering, but the final, most key element of his plan could only be accomplished here.
"Look what else I got," Bonehead drew a bone covered with meat. "It's a child's leg with blood." Actually it was mutton Bonehead kept somewhat fresh with his magic. I'm full, looks tasty doesn't it?"
"Give it to me now!" Commanded Ghostmaster.
"Not just yet."
"You dare disobey a demon lord?!" Ghostmaster got up sharply, his chair falling.
"Hold your horses. If you want the meat, you need to beat me."
Ghostmaster drew his sword half way, "I'll slice you with one blow."
"If you want the meat you need to beat me in cards." Ghostmaster scratched his head. Bonehead drew a deck of cards.
"You see this card. This is a familiar. It's the weakest card. And there's the crusher. He is stronger. All the creatures in the deck are ranked by the standard Inferno ranking. The blood fencer is the most powerful. Each player has two cards. However two familiars defeat one crusher."
"This is ridicules! Two familiars cannot beat a crusher!"
Bonehead gestured forward with his bony fingers, "It's a card game."
Bonehead explained pairs, Kenta, and full house. He explained the details of this Inferno- style poker. Bonehead created a table and two chairs, and took his seat. Ghostmaster took his own sit, now facing away from the window. Let's see if I can still cheat as well as I did in my youth. He will never defeat me. I can stall him for hours.
"I lost again!" roared Ghostmaster.
"Try as many times as you need. You'll do it right in the end," stated Bonehead as if it's a solid fact. While Ghostmaster kept loosing, Bonehead was looking behind his shoulder to where Chizue was located, waiting. Hurry up Metsuhai, I can't keep him busy forever.
…
Capablan is surprisingly cooperative, thought Metsuhai, the two of them ducking, slowly moving around hills of sand. They began sneaking according to Metsuhai's request when he noticed the skull fortress, and the compass being more sensitive to their shifts in direction. Maybe he sees this as the movement of a hunter trying not to alarm his prey to early, but it's almost the other way around…
Finally he saw her. Chizue looked so fragile and helpless in her sleep on the exposed rock. Metsuhai's heart pounded strongly in his chest but he forced himself to keep cool. She must be guarded…
Metsuhai noticed the lone green- skinned hooded foe. He felt reasonably strong, even very strong. But nowhere near Barran's power. His energy felt sinister, tainted. Metsuhai discarded the notion this one was just hiding his power – there was no reason to do so on guard duty. Metsuhai was extremely worried about the inhabitants of the skull castle, from which he couldn't feel any presence, but there was no way except forward to the exposed plane.
"This is it," whispered Metsuhai to Capablan, "it seems this is your opponent," Metsuhai pointed at the hooded stranger. "You keep him busy while I snatch Chizue."
Capablan didn't answer. He simply walked out of their hiding place. The sinister fellow raised one eyebrow.
Capablan drew one of his swords (still some distance away from his opponent,) pointing it towards him. "I am Capablan, survivor of Experimental Colosseum Six! I challenge you to an honor duel!"
"I am Hydron," answered the cloaked one with his hoarse voice, "I accept your challenge."
Capablan drew all his swords, a wide smile spread across his face. Hydron took an unusual fighting stance, exposing razor sharp claws. Metsuhai snuck around, rushing to Chizue as much as possible without exposing his position.
Capablan charged, his six swords whistling through the air. He fenced against Hydron's claws with great success, quickly putting several shallow cuts on him. Hydron roared, unleashing a vortex of flames. Capablan rotated, swinging his swords, moving like a spinning top, dispersing the flames. He put a deep cut on Hydron's left arm. Hydron roared again, yellow energy rising from his palms and forming a long heavy- looking energy blade.
With his newly created weapon Hydron stood his ground much better, fencing with one sword versus six. Still Capablan was leading, beaming from excitement, pushing Hydron back. Hydron however did not look worried.
Metsuhai made his way to the platform. Chizue laid beneath his feet. Metsuhai swung his sword with all the strength he could muster severing the chains with a loud clank. Finally, I've done it. As Metsuhai peeked at the fight raging in front of him he noticed Hydron's gaze. He saw me breaking the chains! But surprisingly Hydron ignored Metsuhai.
Metsuhai pulled Chizue up, placing her on his shoulder, carrying her like a wounded comrade.
"Metsu…hai," Chizue said, still sound asleep. Metsuhai pulled out one of the three gemstones, the turquoise one, holding it up. He concentrated for a moment, putting two fingers on his forehead. The gemstone floated up. Metsuhai's eyes glowed white and in an instant the stone was consumed by flames. For a moment nothing happened. Then a tear in reality opened up with a shredding sound as sinister as ever. The reliable barrier, protecting humanity, looking like a firm brick wall was there, turning transparent, letting Metsuhai through. Metsuhai jumped in when a mean, sharp steel gate slammed from above, blocking his path. It radiated evil. Metsuhai bumped into it and was thrown backwards from its evil magic. A second barrier?!
Metsuhai acted immediately, knowing he has no time to lose. Metsuhai struck with his sword as strong as he ever did. Yet the gate wasn't even scratched. Metsuhai was sent back every time. Metsuhai sheaved his sword, powering up with the double power up. He concentrated energy into a huge white ball, only letting go of it when he could no longer control it. The ball slowly smashed into the steel gate, exploding with incredible power. White flash blinded everything. The tremor went through the platform, small pieces breaking off. Even Hydron and Capablan who were off the huge platform felt that one. Hydron's cloak shook violently and Capablan covered his eyes so the sand wouldn't go in.
When the smoke cleared the gate was still there, unharmed. Before Metsuhai could do anything else, the rift began closing. The brick wall reappeared and the rift snapped shut.
Metsuhai shouted in frustration. He reached for the second gemstone, stopping only for a brief moment to consider his next move. Metsuhai proceeded to sacrifice the lemon- colored gem. The rift reopened, blocked by that steel gate. Sorcerer's Eye! Metsuhai tried to figure out the nature of this magic, his eyes glowing blue. No matter how far Metsuhai pushed himself all he saw was a steel gate. With hurting eyes finally Metsuhai had some progress. The composition was extremely dense and intricate. I have never seen anything like it. So complicated! No… I have seen one spell even more powerful- the original barrier. Metsuhai tried every technique which even seemed somewhat relevant, every spell combination digging deep into his experience in the order. He focused on his sorcery, desperately trying to influence the indestructible obstacle. But the gate wouldn't move. There wasn't even a scratch on it. Metsuhai stared at the fast closing rift in disbelief.
I did not go all this way just to fail here! Metsuhai grabbed the third gemstone but stopped himself. Something in this place is blocking the way out. It can't be like this everywhere. Maybe I just need to get some distance.
Metsuhai rushed, carrying Chizue away from the platform. For the first time Hydron, who seemed to be slowly losing his fight, was worried.
Where is Ghostmaster? Why doesn't he intervene? Hydron couldn't understand, it's not like him. Hydron's worry transformed to fear and rage. No matter, I'll just deal with this myself.
Hydron's expression turned to a smirk. "I guess playtime is over."
Hydron roared so loudly he could be heard for miles, discarding the robe off himself. His body glowed green, expanding to the outside fast. Even if Metsuhai didn't notice how his energy skyrocketed, he couldn't miss how his body grew to the size of a big bus. The bulk of his body was now carried by four sturdy feet, ending with claws which dug into the stone. His thick bulky tail, slightly short compared to his size, playfully swung from side to side. He had eight long necks ending with snake heads. All of them looked furious.
Hydron lifted one of his front legs, slapping Capablan with his claws, sending him flying. Capablan, who blocked with all his hands, had to grip the ground with his feet and still he was thrown far. Hydron appeared in front of Metsuhai, completely blocking his view with his enormous size, his shadow cast over Metsuhai and far behind him. Those hungry heads all looking down at him. Then came the hypnotic attack. Metsuhai screamed. His head pounding with pain. Perhaps his previous experiences of that kind hardened Metsuhai's will, for he withstood the mighty mental attack. I have to stay sharp, this thing is dangerous.
Metsuhai had no choice but to throw Chizue away, her gentle body rolling on the hot sand. He probably doesn't want her dead but I can't count on that. I don't like the look in his eyes. One of Hydron's heads went for the assault. Metsuhai held his blade forward trying to create distance. Hydron's head was hunting him down, homing in, looking for an opening, while the other heads watch with satisfaction (mixed with rage). Metsuhai ran like the wind, light on his feet. Hydron ran at his side, not falling behind, the ground shaking beneath his feet. His heads trying to take a bite out of Metsuhai.
How can he be so fast with that size?! Metsuhai thought in panic.
Just when Hydron was about to finally land a decisive blow, Capablan, now powered up, smashed into the side of his body with his shoulder, knocking down the beast. Hydron collapsed with a loud bang. Metsuhai rushed in, and in one, perfect fluid motion, with his sword glowing white, cut off the closest of Hydron's heads. The bulky head sent him a last look of hate before collapsing on the exposed rock. A river of blood poured out of the severed snake- like body. Capablan landed near Metsuhai, his swords drawn. Both fighters were breathing hard. "Is he dead?" Capablan wasn't sure.
"We caused him some serious damage, but I think he's not done yet."
As the team took a few more breaths one of Hydron's heads began shivering. This looks bad.
Hydron pulled himself back up, his head staring to grow back, covered with green mucus. Furthermore, all his wounds, including those inflicted by Capablan before the transformation were healing fast. Hydron released a roar of excitement. "How do you like my true form," Hydron spoke now I a snake-ish manner. "Few had the privilege of witnessing it with their own eyes. You see, my true nature is somewhat chaotic."
Metsuhai's thoughts raced frantically. He couldn't find a way to get Chizue away from this hell. And Hydron was an opponent Metsuhai had little hope of defeating. Metsuhai couldn't come up with any solution.
Hydron moved forward, his heads attacking. Three breathed fire. One spat acid. Two more concentrated and sent huge yellow energy beams. Metsuhai and capablan ran, jumped and defended as everything blew up around them. Even with everything, Metsuhai kept glancing to Chizue's direction, making sure she was out of harm's way. One head closed his teeth on Capablan. Capablan shouted as he pierced the snake head through the mouth. Hydron let him go, clearly annoyed, but the damage was done. Capablan had liquid metal coming out of him, injured. Metsuhai blasted hydron with a large white beam. Even if there was some damage, it healed fast.
Around the fierce fight, more and more Inferno creatures of all kinds began gathering. There were even some types Metsuhai had never seen before. The fight provided every possible reason to draw their attention. The roars, explosion and especially faith magic. They were a whole army, yet they kept the distance. Neither of them desired to go into Hydron's mouth. Hydron's rampage kept them away.
We can't take him down, but even if we do, the army will tear us to pieces. I have to take my chances with the steel gate. One last desperate try. Metsuhai refused to think about what happens if he fails. He didn't even want to consider the situation where the only thing he could do for Chizue was killing her.
Metsuhai drew the rose colored gemstone. "Capablan, I have to open the way out. I am sorry."
Capablan dodged one snake head, answering "it was my fight in first place"
Hydron laughed "there is no way out. That gate is indestructible. Even a demon lord will have hard time braking it, and the only way to unlock it is high- leveled demon magic. They don't teach you that in the order do they?!" demon magic… demon magic! This is one thing I could do…
A smirk appeared on Metsuhai's face as he turned away from Hydron. "Capablan, keep him busy, I have a plan."
Metsuhai burned the very last gemstone, opening the sinister looking rift. He focused and released energy. A blue beam came out of his hands. The gate- like barrier was unaffected. Capablan was jumping in the background, fighting for his life. I didn't do it for so long, realized Metsuhai in desperation, it came so easily once when I didn't want or need it. Now the venom is gone, I don't know if I can do this anymore. Metsuhai tried again and again, trying to remember the sensation he had when using demon magic before. Angrily releasing white, light blue, and yellow energy in beams, waves and streams. The steel gate wouldn't move. The rift began closing.
Metsuhai was furious. What the hell am I doing wrong! What is stopping me from winning? Maybe I am just not evil enough. It's worth a try. Metsuhai concentrated and remembered how he killed a group of ratmen for the first time, ratmen who did not want to fight. He thought of the dark grey club, with its various members who couldn't quite shake away their inner darkness despite trying really hard. He focused on the ugly and cruel aspects of war, how he felt pleased with himself when killing the enemy. Metsuhai was looking for his darkest self. Still no use though. Only yellow beams came out. Metsuhai tried harder imagining Roteah and how it's like to be a guy like him. He still remembered the glimpse he got of his memories. Finally Metsuhai imagined himself as being Baron Phaulin himself. With a burning sensation, the spider mark was back. Metsuhai released the crimson beam with a roar. As the rift shrank, the steel gate slowly began to open up. Metsuhai maintained the sinister, hate filled magic despite feeling how it affects him. He couldn't stop now. Filled with reasonless rage and hatred Metsuhai's steel will kept him focused. Metsuhai throw Chizue unceremoniously throw the gate. "No!!!!" Hydron shouted behind his back, charging. Metsuhai rushed in, but the rift practically closed on him. The barrier, the thick indestructible brick wall was flickering in and out of transparency. Metsuhai held the rift open with his hands, trying to squeeze through. It felt like holding a mountain. All of Hydron's heads charged to Metsuhai. They would have surely consumed him if it weren't for wounded, battered Capablan putting himself in the way. Capablan was thrown at Metsuhai. Metsuhai felt Capablan lading hard on his back, felt a horrible pain in his left hand. And the next moment both he and Capablan were on the other side, shocked by the moonlight. Chizue was on the grassy ground to his right.