The warmth of the sun bathed over a large continent. A vast land that stretched from sea to sea. A land that held just as many environments as it did people, known simply as Keltic.

  However, for one of the countries within Keltic, the sun wasn’t shining. Its bright, warm, golden rays were blocked by dark, heavy storm clouds.

  Within the country of Ielos, it was gray, cold rain fell over a vast open field where two armies were on the verge of combat.

  On one side was an army with the head of a dragon with two crossed swords engraved on their chest plates and their banners; this was the Ielos military.

  While there were people dressed in uniformed armor, there were some who seemingly wore clothing more fitting for adventurers and warriors rather than soldiers. With grins on their faces, they all looked to the head of the army.

  At the front was a man with scarlet red hair that, with age, seemed to have turned a slightly rusted color towards an invading force.

  This invading force was the military of Nergal, their symbol, a serpent coiled around a hammer, was worn proudly on their chest plates and in the banners they waved.

  With a thrust of his criminal blade the rusted scarlet-haired king was the first to charge onto the battlefield. Leading his followers into battle with the opposition as the roared behind him.

  Screams were overpowered by metallic clashes, warriors from two different counties started to fight.

  Sword clashed against sword. Magic blasted groups of soldiers away. Arrows fell like rain. Blood was spilled and watered the soil, limbs were severed and lives were ended.

  However, that field wasn’t the only place to face conflict.

  From a distance far away from the battlefield, suffocating, burning, black smoke rose from a small village and clashed with the cold rain. The small village of Charvaile was forcefully brought into the conflict.

  The sound of horrified screams filled the air as people ran from the invading forces.

  Many ran for the hills, others tried to hide in their home, others tried to defend the place they called home. It only caused the horrified screams to continue, they too were drowned out by the sound of clashing blades.

  A young woman whose scarlet red hair seemed to glow as bright as a roaring flame that was tied into a ponytail that fell down her back, could only watch the carnage unfolded.

  Obsidian black eyes could only absorb the carnage that was unfolding before her.

  Her white and red robe marked with a golden flame pattern grew damp as it covered the light golden armor underneath. On her clenched hands were two rings, on her left hand was a simple golden ring and on her right was a red ring.

  Watching the chaos before her, her fingernails pierce through her skin.

  “Lyn, you ok?” The words from the black haired, muscular man adorned in silver armor carrying a shield, with a sword at his side, his words little to bring her focus away from the sight.

  His blue eyes took in the same view as the redhead next to him, bye he chose to keep his attention on her. His left hand grabbed hers as he stood next to her, it too had a matching golden ring.

  “I’m done, I’m so sick of this Achilles.” She didn’t say anything else before she broke away from his grasp and ran into the village, leaving Achilles to cry out as she ran to the conflict. Even when his words reached her, they didn’t slow her down.

  She was hoping.

  Praying.

  Begging.

  That she could make it on time before another life was ended.

  ——————————————————

  The small village was burning under the rain fell, soldiers bearing the mark of the hammer and serpent raided and looted as they set fire to the buildings.

  A village man with a cutting axe, green scales covering his arms with a tail pushed at a bald man dressed in black armor who wielded a massive war hammer and wore a chain with a black gem around his neck.

  Only to have a boot smashed into his chest sending him flying back into a group of people. Some were normal looking people, some with sharp pointed ears and others had animal characteristics.

  But they all had one thing in common.

  They all held a look of terror as this man seemed to shake the ground he walked on as he led a small group of soldiers towards the group.

  With a wave of his hand his soldiers stepped past him, their blades drawn as they made their way towards the group. They tried to quell their nerves as they stood in front of the women and children, but their legs shook with each step those soldiers took.

  The closer they got the more the villagers shook as their sword rose, screaming children clutched to their mothers as they tried to avert their gaze away. The men, despite their fear, stood in front, ready to act.

  Nergalian steel came falling down ready to spill more Ieloisian blood.

  Only for twin bolts of flame to soar into two of these soldiers, blasting them away from villagers, their burning screams were quickly snuffed out. Before any of them had the chance to react, another pair charged the interpoler, but their blades were cut in two but a crimson dagger. One soldier was met with a burning blast with the other had a burning boot crash into his side. The sound of ribs breaking was all they heard as this man was sent flying.

  While few watched their comrades be dispatched. The leader, the soldiers, and the villagers all found their gazes stuck on a scarlet-red haired woman, whose body was engulfed in flame. In her right hand was a massive, sparking fireball and her left held a dagger with a deep black handle and the blade was a beautiful, bright crimson red.

  Some felt fear, others hope, and one a sickening excitement.

  “Not only did you bring war to my lands, but you dare attack my people,” There was fire in her words as she screamed. “Prince Grizen! I will have your head for these transgressions!”

  “If it isn’t Lyndis Riser, you came all the way here just to see me, I’m honored. Tell me where are your dogs, shouldn’t you be taking orders from your father?” Grizen taunted as the grip on his war hammer tightened. The metal pole was connected to a boulder sized chunk of metal, despite the size he held it with ease.

  Her obsidian gaze didn’t look away even as she heard the murmurs from those behind her.

  “Wait, that's Lady Lyndis.”

  “There is a god.” One man cried out, falling to his knees.

  “Momma, are we gonna be saved?”

  Each word that escaped formed the group was caught in her ear. She could feel their eyes sear her back, a feeling that only caused her flame to burn brighter.

  “All of you,” She finally spoke to them. “Run, get out of here, I wouldn't let them get near you.”

  As if they were waiting for her command, they took off running.

  Grizen’s laughter brought Lyn’s focus back onto him. “Do you really hold these people's lives equal to yours?”

  “Their lives hold just as much value as mine and I’ll put mine on the line to keep them safe!” Each word that came from her mouth was filled with fire.

  As a response, he slowly raised his hammer with a taunting grin. “Kill them.”

  The small army he had with him chased after the group

  “Firebolt!”

  A massive bolt of flame collided with the approaching force, an explosive flame forced them all back.

  Several were left laying in the ground while others were trying to put the fire out as they got back up.

  “If you want to get to them…” Large flame took shape in her hands. “…you have to go through me.”

  Grizen just laughed. “So be it.”

  Without having to say a further word his men attacked. Running at Lyn with their weapons drawn, she sidestepped the thrust of a spear and counted with a bolt of flame that scorched her attack, sending him flying back.

  Another with a sword followed soon after, his blade came down on Lyn only for her crimson dagger to become engulfed in flame and it cut through the steel like butter. His shock didn’t last long as Lyn’s dagger embedded itself into the man’s shoulder. The following force of her blazing kick sent him flying.

  Another came at her side. His axe cleaved through the air as Lyn evaded, her hand rose and without a single word a bolt of flame was expelled from her hand.

  The man flew back, leaving the stench of burnt flesh in the air. A foul odor she was forced to grow accustomed to.

  One after another they attacked, and one by one, they fell. Some recovered quicker than others and some didn’t recover at all.

  From her left, the words of a chant, hidden within the rain, were caught by her ear.

  It was a mage.

  Out of the corner of Lyn’s eye, a tidal wave of water was sent her. She was quick to respond.

  “Firebolt!”

  A burning bolt of fire and raging tide clashed, enveloping the town in a cloud of steam.

  ‘Be ready.’ Looking from side to side trying to predict where an attack would come from.

  As a man with a hand axe rushed her, Lyn avoided a horizontal strike. Retaliating by placing her hand on the man’s back and without a single word, launched a blast of flame at close range, launched the man out of the mist cloud.

  Before she could even breath, the glint of a metal spear caught her eye as it flew.

  The object came within inches as she dodged.

  And the small thrower rushed her with a barrage of thrusts. Her obsidian back eyes followed each jab, looking for an opening. An opening she was quick to find.

  Ducking under the trusts, Lyn moved in. Ramming her knee into the man’s gut, she followed with a flame-infused fist that slammed the man into the ground.

  ‘Alright, what’s next—

  Her calm breath was cut short and a massive shadow came crashing down.

  With an evil smile Grizen appeared from the mist as he swung down. Lyn avoided the war hammer as it cratered into the ground, shaking the very earth. His follow-up shook the earth. Ramming his fist into Lyn’s stomach, this time she was the one sent flying out of the mist cloud.

  “Now archers!”

  The moment her back hit the cobblestone floor, Lyn was forced to watch as a group of six arches each lined up two arrows, only to free them.

  Bring her arms up to guard herself from the raining arrows, they never hit their mark.

  Instead metallic clicking rang out as the arrows collided with something else.

  Looking up only to find a man with black hair standing in front of her, his shield deflected the raining arrows.

  “You know Lyn, it's a good thing I promised to follow you no matter how far you ran off.”

  She just smiled, taking his hand, she got back on her feet. “Thanks Achilles. Let’s take him down.” As she spoke, flames engulfed her body once more.

  “It wouldn't just be us.”

  Just as Achilles spoke, there was a set of screams as she looked to the roof, seeing a hooded figure covered in black, cut down one archer after another. One tried to fire an arrow only for the target to catch the projectile and throw it back, piercing the archer's shoulder as her thin shortsword left bloody streaks that marked their end.

  The last thing they saw was a masked face, lavender purple hair and a pair of heterochromatic eyes. One green and the other purple.

  “Ha, so I see you faithful dogs finally arrived, Lyndis.” Grizen laughed over the burning building as the rest of his soldiers stood behind him.

  The hooded figure quickly came to Lyn’s side. “Maryan, I thought you were with my Father?”

  The mask that covered her face moved with her lips. “He sent me to keep an eye on you, besides looks like you might need help more than the old man.”

  A smile grew on Lyn as she stepped forward, Achilles and Maryan followed her. Watching Grizen’s men, those who could get back onto their feet, made their way back to his side.

  To her left Achilles gave Lyn a smile and on her right Maryan held a deadly gaze. With a smile her flames grew once, but this time not just in her hands. “We take him down, we get once step closer to ending this war. So, Lets GO!”

  ““Right!”” They roared as they charged as Lyn started to chant.

  Grizen’s army charged as well and the village was forced to become their battlefield once more.

  “With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky…”

  Achilles led the charge, his shield bashing through the crowd and two of Grizen’s men were smashed into the ground.

  From behind a cloaked figure leaped from a building roof, aiming to stake a knife into Achilles’ back. Only for Maryan to deviled a swift kick into their side, throwing a knife that skewered the attacker onto the building wall.

  “Don’t forget to watch your back, Achilles.”

  “Why would I need to do that when I have you and Lyn watching it for me?”

  Even with her mouth covered, Achilles knew she was smiling as the two continued their advance.

  “...I call on thee to light the path to victory…”

  As she kept going, she remained focus on her words even as Achilles and Maryan continued to force their way

  A woman ran out of the alley way to Lyn’s right, with a pair of knives she attacked with a barge of wild slashes. “Let's see how long it takes until that spell breaks!”

  Obsidian black eyes followed each slash as they came close to reaching her skin, however.

  “…No matter what odds stand in my way…”

  The woman’s attack did little to break her focus, her attacks didn’t even cause Lyn to stutter as she quickly, almost effortlessly blocked each of the twin knives with her own crimson dagger. Sparks flew when the blades collided, this whole time Lyn didn’t stop her chant.

  “…these flames shall light the way forward...”

  Her crimson dagger caught flame, melting the metal dagger as she cut though it and with another swift kick, she kicked her attacker away. And with a slashing motion with her hand that held the dagger and without a single word a slash of fire was launched from her dagger. The blast of fire raced at the would be assassin as she was caught in the flaming explosion.

  Without giving her a second glance, Lyn turned back to Achilles and Maryan. They had made their way through Grizen’s forces, only a few remained. Maryan continued to bring their numbers down with calculated sword slashes, thrown knives and graceful strikes.

  One by one the soldiers that targeted her fell just as quickly as they stepped to her.

  A pair of them tried to attack simultaneously, only for their blades to clash with each other as Maryan took them down just like the rest.

  Achilles was facing Grizen in single combat. Each time the two struck the other, the weight of their attacks was felt in the air.

  A heavy hammering blow came crashing down, only to be blocked by Achilles’ shield.

  Even that hit caused the cobblestone road to crater into the earth as the force of the impact shook the buildings. But Achilles didn’t just defend, after all he only needed one arm to block such a blow.

  With a righteous roar and a strong arm, his sword was thrusted forward. The blade ran across Grizen’s armor as he narrowly avoided the blade. In that moment he pushed his arm up and forced the warhammer off. Seeing an opening, Achilles swung his blade once more.

  Only for the metal pole of the hammer to stop the strike.

  The moment Grizen heard Lyn’s words continue, he was met by a cocky grin from Achilles as he pushed further against the hammer.

  They both groaned as Grizen tried to force his way past Achilles, who was doing all he could to not let him pass. Both were locked in a dead struggle, the rain continued to fall on them.

  “Get out of my way, you bastard!”

  “If a pathetic phase like that could move me, I wouldn't be where I am today!”

  Grizen’s anger only grew as he slammed his head into Achilles, forcing him back as blood trickled down their faces.

  As he stumbled back Achilles swung, but this time Grizen stepped back and brought his hammer down, catching and shattering his sword as it smashed into the ground. The bald warrior didn't stop there as she rammed his shoulder into Achilles.

  The young warrior could only watch as Grizen lifted his hammer above his head as it came crashing down with the all the force he could muster. Achilles readied his shield as the blow came crashing down. The hammer bashed against the shield once more, but this time Achilles felt is his shield get smashed into him and his body got smashed into the ground. The weight and force of the hammer only drove him deeper into the dirt as the sound of his shield and armor cracking could be heard.

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  The only reason his gear wasn’t shattered became clear as Achilles watched as only one hand held the hammer, the other held Maryan by the throat.

  The moment Achilles was knocked a dagger pierced the metal on Grizen’s shoulder and into his shoulder. His gaze shot to the path the dagger took, seeing that Maryan propelled herself off a building ready to strike him with her blade. But the moment the dagger sank into his flesh, Grizen caught Maryan by the throat, stopping her speed and gripping her throat with such force blood was expelled from her throat, splatting against her mask.

  Heterochromic eyes glazed at him as a dagger rose and slammed into his arm. She would have done the same with her sword, but it fell out of her grasp as Grizen’s grip tightened on her neck. Shaking the air out of her.

  A pair of blue eyes looked to Maryan, before darting around only to find more of Grizen’s forces arriving.

  “Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash.” “Achilles, Maryan, MOVE!!” Lyn cried out, finishing the chant. Her warning brought their attention back to her.

  Maryan weakly looked back, struggling to breath.

  Grizen looked back to the redhead as a swarm of flaming orbs appeared behind her.

  And Achilles used the moment to grab the shaft of the hammer and rammed his foot into Grizen’s. Rolling out from underneath, he threw his shield at one of the approaching men. Metal rang out as it bounced off his chest and came flying back. But as the shield returned to its target, Achilles summoned all the strength he could to break the hammer out of Grizen’s hold.

  “NOW LYN!”

  Like a saw, the shield sliced through the arm that held Maryan as Achilles smashed the war hammer into Grizen’s back, he tackled Maryan out of the way as Grizen flew towards Lyn!

  “Flare Storm!”

  Her hand shot to the side as all of the flaming orbs she summoned flew past her like shooting stars and striked Grizen repeatedly, exploding in the flash of heat and light, he tried to stand against the burning onslaught but he was quickly overwhelmed. Each orb was its own explosion, each collision sent him sent him flying but he orbs gave chase.

  Witnessing the scene unfold Achilles and Maryan watched as those obsidian back eyes were void of both mercy and sympathy. Even as they heard the exploding flames soon made contact with the rest of Grizen’s men, not even their final screams phased her. They were as constant as the falling rain until the flames stopped coming, the screams stopped screaming, until only falling rain could be heard.

  Footsteps against the cobblestone could be heard as Lyn made her way to the pair. Her words were calm once she reached them.

  “... so that they can continue with their journey.”

  A faint green glow came from her hands as they found a place on both Achilles and Maryan’s head. “You both feeling alright?”

  A smile grew on Achilles, being the first to answer. “You don't need to heal me to make me feel better, your smile already dose that.”

  A mirroring smile took hold on her, but she wasn't able to respond.

  “You better be speaking for yourself 'cause I could use some healing.” Maryan was rubbing her throat. She spoke as she lowered her mask. “That bastard was so rough on my throat, I was afraid I was going to become a mute.”

  Her complaint got a small laugh out of the pair.

  “Excuse me, miss, but… are we saved?”

  The newly arriving voices caused Lyn to turn away to see who approached. It was a small girl with short red hair; it wasn’t a bright scarlet like her, it was darker, more like a reddish-brown color. Behind, other people started to come out of their homes, one by one.

  A warm smile grew as she addressed her. “Yeah everything will be o—

  “It’s… Not… Over.”

  The wind picked up, the rain seemed to fall harder. They all looked to find that Grizen rose back to his feet, his remaining hand grabbing the chain around his neck as he started to quietly speak.

  The trio wasted no time, charging him.

  Flames ignited.

  A hammer was readied.

  Blades were drawn.

  A glass-like shatter echoed.

  “Showtime...”

  The ground shook as black force of energy erupted from where Grizen once stood. The trio was sen them back as a hissing screech that broke the sky. This screech was so loud it forced everyone to reflectively cover their ears as glass shattered and stone cracked.

  All but Lyn.

  The pillar sent waves over the ground as a being seemed to slither up the black light. Wrapping its body around the pillar as it climbed higher and higher into the sky.

  Watching in horror as a black light gave way to an enormous serpentine body that floated above them.

  Its body was longer than a river, covered with scales that were blacker than a moonless night. On its back, massive scales took the shape of spikes. It’s underbelly was a dark silver and as horrified eyes traveled towards the head, passing by dark silver markings, a muscular pair of arms with three razor sharp claws. Hearts were shaken by massive wings with feather-like scales that created its own current with each flap.

  It’s rounded head came to an angular point. Both its eyes and jaw opened to show off ethereal blue orbs and pure white jagged fangs.

  Another screeching roar followed as it threw its head towards the sky.

  Villagers who finally gained some sense of hope, felt it wash away.

  “No way that's–

  “BEHOLD, LYNDIS! YOUR FAMILY LINE MAY HAVE GOTTEN ITS STATURE FOR KILLING THE CRIMSON DRAGON! BUT MINE HAS BEEN TAMING THESE BEASTS FOR CENTURIES!” His voice boomed from above as he threw his hand down. “GO NIGHTMARE WYRM FEAST ON THOSE BENEATH ME!!”

  Without a second thought, the flying serpent flapped his wings, propelling itself upward only to start its descent, racing towards the village, screeching once again.

  “EVERYONE RUN NOW!” As if Lyn needed to say anything as people already started to evacuate the area. Her attention snapped back to the dissenting serpent, her fist rose inflamed. “Firebolt!”

  Two twin bolts of fire shot from her hand as they charged the descending wyrm.

  The blasts hit their mark… but the serpent responded in kind. It’s descent stopped for a moment as it brought its wings up and with enough force to create a tornado, slammed them down, sending hundreds of feather-like scales that rained down like spears.

  However, more stubborn than a mountain, Lyn planted her feet into the ground and her words were faster than lightning itself.

  “Flare Storm!”

  From her side flaming orbs rocketed from her side to intercept the feathers. Each feather that collided with one of the numerous grow balls turned to ash.

  New balls of flame were constantly ignited at her side and launched into the sky, but the feathers continued to fall, slipping through the cracks in her fiery barge as they descended on the village.

  “O Great flame, I call on thee for aid. I beg for your protection, give shelter for the lost who seek out your warmth. Chase away the cold and grant us the warmth of fire.”

  “Grand Blaze!”

  Her words were faster then her actions, the moment she finished a great wall of fire appeared above them. The feathers that impacted the wall were quickly reduced to cinders.

  The burning orbs still continued to be fired from her side, Lyn spoke. “Achilles Maryan get them out of here now!”

  “Are you crazy?!”

  “We aren’t going to leave you!”

  “Just get them out of here!”

  That small moment of distraction was all it took.

  A dark purple mass of energy came crashing into the blazing wall and in a smoky explosion as the serpent’s head broke from the smoke.

  Lyn reacted.

  “I call upon— “GAH!!!”

  But she wasn't fast enough, while attention was on the wyrm’s head, unaware that the serpent’s tail came crashing into her, sending her upward and caught in its claws before slamming her into the ground.

  Looking down at the scarlet-haired woman, saliva dripped down its fangs.

  “LET GO OF HER!”

  Achilles came charging in and leaped into the air as brought the hammer down on the monster's head. An earth-shaking impact echoed as the wyrm slammed into a damaged home.

  The hammer shattered on impact.

  But he didn’t act alone.

  Maryan was right behind him, her daggers rained down, but while her blades seemed to bounce off the scaly hide. One did pierce Grizen’s shoulder.

  The wyrm’s eyes locked on to the pair as it retaliated. It’s tail crashed into them, slamming them into a home.

  “Achilles… Maryan…”

  Watching as the wyrm’s jaw opened and energy started to condense in its maw.

  Pulling her arm free felt like it was being ripped off due to the beast’s grip. The pain only grew as its grip became tighter.

  Raising her hand, Lyn didn’t need to call out the attack. She just left a loose fire.

  “KEEP YOUR TALONS OFF THEM!”

  A torrent of flame left her hand. Bathing the wyrm’s skull, stopping its attack. Looking through the flames, it eyed Lyn unbothered by the burning torrent. Only to have it slam its hand and her into the ground

  Wincing with one eye open, staring at both the creature and it’s commander, balls of fire appeared above them. But they wouldn't hit their mark as with a flap of its wings, the serpent took off across the village and into the field. Dragging Lyn, grinding her across the cobblestone that turned to dirt as they left the village.

  ““LYN!”” Achilles and Maryan’s cries couldn't reach her as she was dragged off.

  ——————————————————

  The serpent flew through the rain, dragging her through the field, leaving a trail of turned-up soil in its path.

  Struggling to free herself from the wyrm’s ever-tightening grip, but her focus on Flare Storm became harder to maintain. But balls of fire continued to form above and rain down, forcing the serpent to take evasive actions to avoid the raining flames.

  ‘I’m not done, if I can just get loose!’

  The pain of being dragged through the wet dirt as it pelted her was ignored. Struggling to break free, the grip on her crimson dagger became tighter the moment her arm was pulled free. But trying to break her arm free felt like it was being ripped apart.

  “GET YOUR DAMN CLAWS OFF ME!” Raising her dagger as it caught flame, Lyn slammed it into the claw that gripped her.

  The searing of meat joined the rain as the blade cooked its flesh.

  Another ear-ringing screech was let loose as the Nightmare Wyrm shook its hand from the sharp burning pain and with a flap of its wings it took to the sky.

  Its grip became loose, just loose enough that Lyn was able to pull her other arm free. “Firebolt!”

  Sending a bolt of flame at the wyrm’s face, giving it such a burning pain that it flung its arm, throwing Lyn into the ground.

  The wind blew through her hair as she flew towards the ground, skipping on the ground like a stone in a vast, calm lake.

  Slowly regaining control with each bounce, Lyn watched the wyrm condense yet another blast of energy.

  Once it was fired, it raced towards the earth.

  An explosion that enveloped Lyn in a veil of black smoke filled the sky and shook the land.

  “HA! Was that the best you had? Grizen’s laughter boomed.

  But his laughter fell short the moment the black smoke was broken.

  Propelling herself forwards with a blaze shooting from her feet, as a now robeless Lyn flew over the grass.

  Grizen let loose an agitated growl as he commanded the beast to give chase.

  Practically flying over the ground as the fire covered her legs. The roar of the flames grew as the flap of the wyrm’s wings shook the sky; a new storm of feathers rained down.

  Lyn’s response was simple; she turned up the heat.

  Darting from side to side, she avoided the feathers as they missed their target and struck the ground, retaliating with firebolts. Bolting flames and scaly feathers collided. Lyn was stuck in her head.

  ‘I need to bring that thing down to earth! That way I can end this with a single blow.’

  As she flew over the grass, her attention shifted not at the Nightmare Wyrm, but past it and into the sky

  There, hidden within the dull gray rain clouds, faint orange lights started to slowly multiply. Despite being crushed in its claw, being dragged and thrown across the ground, her concentration on Flare Storm never broke.

  “What’s wrong Lyn? Are you so scared that the only thing you can do is run?!”

  His taunt was followed by another screeching echo as another mass of energy was condensing. However, her words were quicker.

  The moment the blast was fired, a grand wall of flame that matched the wyrm’s own blast. Once they collided, the force from the explosion forced her back onto the ground.

  For a moment, her gaze looked upward. ‘Good, the flames are still there. I don’t know if I could summon the same amount that quickly again.’

  Lyn’s moment of peace didn’t last as a mass of feather-like scales shot out from the smoke.

  Running to the right as she avoided the projectiles, reaching for her knife and engulfing it in a cloak of fire before sending a single burning slash their way.

  The wyrm came out of the smoke with a screech. Under Grizen’s command, it was ruthless as it fired another blast that ripped apart the ground on its way towards Lyn.

  And Lyn charged.

  Running past the feathers, her feet caught flame and blasted herself forward as she flew at the beast. Flying past the beast at such a high speed, neither beast or rider could track her as Lyn ended up behind them and shot out flaming bolts that burned its black scales.

  ‘I’m ending this now! Im don’t waiting for an opening, so I’ll make my own!!’

  She avoided one of the monster's claws as it tried to slash at her. Darting around the beast like a fly, every Firebolt Lyn made didn’t just hit their mark; they all came from her right hand.

  A new chant was started. The flames in her left hand started to swell.

  “Erupting flames…”

  The wyrm screeched, saliva dripping down its fangs as it grew infuriated. Each time she burned the wyrm, her smirk grew as Grizen's sadistic smile faded rapidly.

  “…breath through the earth’s crust to burn the sky black.

  Each blast came from a different angle. The right, the left, above and below. Balls of fire were blasted at

  “Spew out burning earth and leave those—

  The Nightmare Wyrm kept is the on Lyn the whole time and the moment she launched, hardly off the ground, it caught her in its tail. Its coiling grip on her was bone-breaking before it slammed her into the ground and threw her across the field.

  The grass stained her clothing green as she rolled, only coming to a stop at the incline of a hill. Her eyes shot open and burning orbs from above rained down like a meteor shower made of fire. Each burning impact pinned both man and beast to the floor.

  ‘It's now or never.’

  Every single burning orb that was hidden in the clouds came fading down like meteors as they trapped their targets until a veil of fire.

  “...trapped in your cage burned to cinder.”

  “Scorching Pyre!!”

  Wiping the blood from her mouth, slamming her burning fist into the ground, burning geysers of fire broke through the ground and into the sky. Pillaring flames chased and encircled both the wyrm and Grizen as the flaming orbs from Flare Storm continued to fall from above, pinning them to the ground.

  Monster and rider found themselves trapped in a cage of fire. Burning pillars on all sides and raining bolts of flame. Only to look down and watch as the ground beneath them started to melt. The earth went from wet to unbearably hot, dirt grew brighter and hotter as it started to melt. The ground beneath them erupted.

  Obsidian black eyes watched as like a volcano, the flames erupted from the earth. The ground was melting in to molten magma as the flames reached into the sky, bringing a bright light to the gloomy day. It was almost like a second sun was born on earth and fire covered the land.

  ——————————————————

  As the warring slides continued, the rusted scarlet-haired man struck down another foe. Looking to find his next challenger, not just his but everyone's gaze was brought to the pillar of flames that reached into the sky.

  He could only watch as a single word escaped. “Lyndis.”

  ——————————————————

  A flame-covered hand gave away to a green glow as Lyn spoke, placing her palm on her chest, developing her body in a green glow. Watching the flaming geyser continued to burn.

  “Lets see you bastards survive that.”

  It slowly became easier to breathe and the wounds that painted her body slowly started to heal. Each cut, bruise and bloody mark started to close as her skin regained a healthy glow; the sign that showed they existed was the markings on her clothing.

  “I should get back, Achilles and Maryan are likely worri–

  “Wwaahhh!”

  A sudden cry snapped her attention to gaze behind her. ‘Is someone crying?’

  Behind her, on the top of the hill stood what remained of a house, as the cries continued. Small fires scattered across the outside of the small home fought against the rain to stay lit, the charred wood had ash fall from them even if they were touched by the gentlest of breeze. Each and every window was shattered and the door was kicked in giving her just the faintest view of the interior.

  As the cries continued, her eyes continued to stare at the scarred home, her body started to move long before her mind could register what was happening.

  “That sounds like a baby.”

  Turning her back to the flaming pillar, her body took the first step towards the home.

  Another screech erupted.

  She shot back, a blast of energy shot out of the burning pyre. Leaping back, her guard rose when the blast hit the ground and launched back, sliding across the ground.

  “It can’t be.”

  Looking back only to watch as the serpent broke free from the flames. The jet black scales that marked its body slowly fell off, leaving a trail of smoke, ash, and blistering red flesh.

  Its wings were barely held together; with each flap, more feathers fell in ashes.

  Grizen didn't look much better; his skin was charred and blistered. Most of his clothing was reduced to burnt cinders and the armor he wore fused together with his body from the heat. His cries of anguish and anger overcame even the screeches of the wyrm we rode on.

  “THIS ENDS NOW YOU WITCH!! YOU WILL DIE SCREAMING!!!!”

  Matching his cry the Nightmare Wyrm started to create a deep rumbling hum as the dark purple energy started to gather as its silver markings started to glow.

  “You’re right about one thing.” Getting back to her feet she roared back. “As long as there is one life, one person who needs help, I WILL NOT YIELD!”

  A deep cold breath entered through her nose, her chest rose as her lungs collected the fresh oxygen, only to fall once the breath escaped.

  “With flames as numerous as stars in the night sky, I call on thee to light the path to victory. No matter what odds stand in my way, these flames shall light the way forward…”

  Her eyes shot open as flaming orbs surrounded them all. Hundreds of these flaming orbs, they almost seemed to outnumber the falling raindrops as she was briefly surrounded by a cluster of burning stars. And like most stars in the sky, they flew.

  “…Each flame gives light to a star that will reduce those obstacles to ash.”

  “Flare Storm!”

  Like stars in the night sky, hundreds of large burning flames swarmed around her.

  The flying nightmare unleashed a beam of purple energy. It’s echoing hum filled the land, its light eclipsed the cloudy sky.

  The burning stars rose to intercept the descending beam.

  One after another the burning orbs collided with the beam. New balls of fire appeared at Lyn’s side and shot out, clashing with the descending beam.

  When they met, they were briefly even. The hundreds of flaming stars stopped and pushed back against the beam, only for Grizen to scream at the beast to put in more power.

  The Nightmare Wyrm responded to its master’s anger with its own as the beam expanded and started to push past Lyn’s flames.

  Sending flame after flame, watching them all fail, the helpless crying that echoed from behind continued to pound her ears.

  But despite having to constantly send wave after wave of burning spheres into the beam, as she felt her body start to weaken…

  A soft smile grew.

  “Hey, it's ok. There’s no need to cry like that. I can hear you loud and clear.” Her words were calm, taking a moment to look back. “Just rest your voice and if you can, count to three. It will all be over soon.”

  Flare Storm slowly came to an end as every burning orb vanished.

  Fire started to grow around her, as if it was trying to both consume and envelope her in its light. The rain couldn't even land on the ground where she stood.

  She started to chant anew.

  “I call upon fire.”

  Her arms stood at her side, letting fire flow through her veins as her eyes fell close.

  “I summon forward a Crimson Blaze.”

  With each breath, fire escaped as her body became surrounded in flame. Each heartbeat caused the flames to rise; breathing out made them sink. But the whole time her body grew hotter, the ground below her started to melt.

  “There are those who cry out in their time of need, let the fury of hellfire be their saving grace.

  The wyrm’s beaming roar blew past rapidly drew closer. Towering over her as the crying got louder, but it went ignored.

  “So hear the roar of a wild unmatched blaze.”

  The flames that surrounded her started to travel through her body.

  Like blood, it started from her beating heart and lungs, only to fill her arms and legs with heat. In her hands, two blinding balls of fire started to condense as they made their home in her palms.

  “Use my courage, my wrath, my will, as fuel for those flames.”

  The flames she held grew hotter and brighter. As she spoke the more they grew, going from simple orange and yellow flames, to a bright, vibrant red that matched her hair only to finally be surrounded by a condensing, blinding white.

  “Blast—

  The beam was a few mere feet in front of her. Her hands came together, combining the two burning points into one. Flames were set free once her eyes shot open. Thrusting the condemned flame forward with a sky-shattering cry!

  The moment the wyrm’s breath came within arm's reach of Lyn, it was split in two. The purple beam was overpowered and divided by a raging torrent of blazing red flames that raced out of Lyn’s hands and into the sky.

  “Burn!!!”

  It was like a dragon made of fire was unleashed from her palms. Soaring into the sky as the fire roared, it climbed higher.

  As the flames rose, the atmosphere’s temperature rose rapidly to the point where the rain vanished as each drop of rainfall was turned to steam.

  The dull light of the rainstorm was blown away and replaced by flames so bright, they forced the land to be covered in darkness. A darkness where raging flames are the only source of light for miles.

  It was only a matter of seconds for the flames to close the gap. The roar of fire drowned out any and all of the commands Grizen gave the Nightmare Wyrm as the beast tried to fight back.

  A snowball in hell, it outlasted its efforts.

  Armor and scales were burnt to nothing, blood wasn’t even given the chance to turn to steam. Barley three seconds passed, three excruciatingly long seconds that couldn’t end sooner as each cell, each molecule, each atom that marked their being was scorched. Nothing it did could stop the flames from washing over, immolating them both as the flames raced into the clouds.

  They couldn't even scream out their agony as with the few breaths both Grizen and the Nightmare Wyrm were able to snatch was molten air that melted their lungs. The only thing the pair could do was watch as their body crumbled to ash before being swept away by the blazing torrent.

  In a single moment, punching through the gray rain clouds, the raging flames kept going into the sky. Those same clouds that covered the land were forced to dissipate, freeing the sun and blue sky to greet the land once more for miles.

  Not a single drop of rain was spared; there was no trace of any clouds left for miles. Only a bright blue sky and the now freed sun were visible as the sky only continued to grow clearer.

  The flames kept racing into the sky, only for the stream to slowly narrow and growing thinner and thinner until it came to an end.

  With each breath that left, a small flame escaped. “Take that… you bastard.

  That was for all the heartache you brought on to these lands.”

  Catching herself as she stumbled back, Lyn stood tall as her breathing started to calm.

  Off in the distance, a crimson blade shined in the newly returned sunlight as the rusted scarlet-haired king led his forces in a victorious scream.

  Their cries even reached Lyn as she let loose calming breaths. With each exhale, small flames flared from her mouth as the fire that covered her body still burned, until the two died down

  “Sounds like Father won.” Looking out into the field, her fight wasn’t just weather clearing; it was destructive.

  The ground was scorched black for miles and steam rose from the ground. A town-sized scorched crater that plunged into the earth’s depths, not even the weather was spared as it was forced to change.

  “I don’t have time to worry about that.” Turning her back on the battlefield, she made her way into the house where the voice kept crying.