The Young Clerics Chapter 15

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Uriel had to examine the situation rationally. Michelle had targeted the clerics using deceit and trying to turn their ardour against them. She had failed. Camiel had attempted to best them through brute force. He had also failed. Uriel would not fail. He was confident in that.

*****

“Welcome!” Ingrid declared. She let Alice and Greta in. Medina and Sabrina were already inside.

“It’s been too long since we did this,” Alice stated. “And we didn’t have Sabrina with us then.”

“No offence intended, but are your parents okay with you being here, Sabrina?” Greta asked.

“They don’t mind at all,” Sabrina said. “I usually don’t get to go to slumber parties though. But that’s because other girls’ parents can be weird about it.”

“Fortunately, mine don’t care,” Ingrid said. “They like Sabrina. They say she’s a good influence.”

“Great news all around then. So, what are we going to do first?” Greta asked.

“I got this new card game called Ninja Burger we can play,” Ingrid stated. “But we should wait a little bit. I also invited Ganika and Kitra.”

“Weird that you’ve been hanging out with those two lately,” Greta said. “Something happen?”

“Kind of,” Ingrid answered. “Nothing that we really need to get into though.”

There was a knock on the door, saving Ingrid from awkward follow up questions.

“Hey,” Ganika said. “I brought snacks and I found a book on slumber party etiquette. So, I should be fully prepared.”

“Great,” Ingrid said. She lowered her voice. “Though I don’t think you need the book. A lot of having fun at a slumber party is just… you know, winging it?”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ganika said. “I may still reference it, though.”

“Suit yourself,” Ingrid said.

“So, we’re just waiting on Kitra,” Sabrina stated.

“She promised me she’d come,” Alice said. “So we can trust that she’ll show up. For all her eccentricities, she’s not a liar.”

“She is already among you!” They heard the declaration but saw no sign of the speaker.

“Kitra, where are you?” Medina asked.

“Like a true mistress of the night, I thrive in the shadows.” Kitra’s voice said.

Alice sighed and sat down with her legs in a lotus position. “My lap is so cold,” she loudly and unconvincingly exclaimed. “If only someone could help me warm it. Perhaps Greta could, or maybe Ingrid.”

Kitra rolled out from under the bed and quickly plopped her head into Alice’s lap. “I shall take this duty and woe unto any who would dare try to wrest it from me.”

“Great, with that settled we can play!” Ingrid declared.

The girls enjoyed games, watched a film and talked. Eventually, the subject turned to romance.

“Okay,” Greta said. “Who would be your ideal partner? She glanced at Ingrid and Medina. “And you can’t pick your actual partner.”

Ingrid thought for a moment. “I guess Miranda from True Chivalry.”

“Really?” Medina asked. “I’d go with Courtney. “

“If not Klaus, I guess a young Mathias Schlung,” Sabrina said.

“That is a very you answer,” Ingrid observed.

“Izetta from that anime,” Alice said.

“My selection would be the luscious Lady Miriel from Fire Emblem,” Kitra said.

“Kanade Tachibana,” Ganika said.

“Greta, you can’t bring up the topic and not answer,” Medina stated.

“What? You all know I have a thing for Raine Whispers,” Greta said. “If I had a young one of them, I wouldn’t be the only single one here.”

“I’m also unattached,” Ganika pointed out. “But it’s nothing to be concerned with. We’re still young after all.”

They continued their activities until it was time to shut off the lights and go to bed.

That night Medina had a horrific nightmare. She was walking down a long hallway. The walls were littered with banners and ribbons. After what felt like an eternity, she came to an ostentatious door. Upon opening it, she saw something that made her blood freeze. Greta, Alice, Ganika, Kitra, Sabrina and Ingrid had all been hung up like trophies. Ingrid in particular was in a horrific state.

“Gaze upon your future!” She turned. A shadowy form gazed at her. The raspy but feminine voice spoke again. “If you would change things rise. Rise and face me outside of your beloved’s home.”

Medina woke up with a start. Was it really just a nightmare or was it some kind of twisted message? She carefully crawled out from under Ingrid’s arm and quietly made her way outside.

She felt the presence before she saw anything and reacted immediately. She rolled forward away from the door. She felt the impact behind her and got pelted by clumps of dirt. The monster was a frog-like woman with a massive hammer, armour and a mohawk.

Medina transformed and struck back. The creature deflected her spear thrust and attempted to bring her hammer to bear against her but Medina was able to quickly pivot out of reach and smash her shield against the frog’s face.

The monster was thrown back but quickly leapt up, kicking Medina’s stomach, hard. She was thrown away from Ingrid’s house and into the dirt but quickly regained her feet.

She and the frog circled each other cautiously. Medina grabbed her shield and hurled it at the monster’s head. The creature moved to block it. “Wisdom strike!” Medina went low, her spear piercing up into her opponent’s chest. The battle ended. She undid her transformation. She was tired. Every part of her ached, but she’d done it. She returned inside.

Uriel watched from the air. He’d almost done it. By targeting a single cleric and putting her in the mindset that she had to act quickly and alone, he’d almost dwindled their numbers. Now, he just had to target a weaker girl. With that thought on his mind, he returned to the Triad’s base.

The Young Clerics Chapter 14

First Chapter

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The monster looked like a twisted cross between Medina and a leech. Ingrid fought back the repulsion in her stomach and began firing arrows. To her surprise, the creature turned from her and slithered away with surprising speed.

She hurriedly pursued, never considering that it could be leading her into a trap. To her right, she noticed the real Ingrid. She seemed to be following a second leech-human creature but at more of a distance. To her left, Kitra was chasing a third. In front of her, Sabrina and Ganika were chasing their own.

“Everyone, back away!” Medina shouted.

Ingrid instinctively moved backwards. The five human/leech hybrids coalesced into one multi-headed, writhing abomination. Most frightening was the base of the creature. It had a swirling mass of human faces and limbs. Ingrid could still recognise Medina in it. She also spotted Alice, Klaus and… herself?

The leech mouths opened and bursts of energy surged for the group, scorching the ground around them. The five evaded the blasts and gathered together.

“Lunar Arrow!” Ingrid fired and destroyed one of the leech heads but it reformed almost instantly.

“How do we beat this thing if it can regenerate like that?” Sabrina wondered.

“We hit all the heads at once,” Ganika stated. “Medina, leftmost. Then Ingrid. Sabrina take the centre. I’ll take the one after and Kitra, rightmost. Strike in thirty seconds.”

The writhing mass fired another barrage of energy bolts, scattering the girls as they hustled to dodge. But they weren’t deterred. They each watched their assigned head as they avoided subsequent blasts and struck when the thirty second mark hit. All five heads were destroyed. However, that didn’t end the battle. Once again the heads reformed.

“Is it actually impossible?” Ingrid wondered.

“No opponent stands on high above us,” Kitra stated. “We simply need strike the heel.”

Ingrid looked at her with an upraised eyebrow.

“She’s right!” Medina called out. “Ingrid, fire another arrow. I need to check something.”

Ingrid did as she was asked. Medina watched the mass. It confirmed her suspicions. “I know what we have to do. Fall back for the moment!”

They followed Medina in a quick retreat. The abomination followed them.

“What did you see?” Ganika asked.

“The central mass started glowing when the head was destroyed,” Medina answered. “The creature’s core is in there. And I have a plan for how we’re going to hit it.”

She hurriedly explained her plan and the clerics turned about to face the creature. Medina took position in front of Ingrid. Sabrina took position in front of Kitra.

“Wise Aegis!” Medina raised her shield in front of herself and Ingrid. A grey energy surrounded it.

“Loving Protection!” A barrier formed in front of Sabrina and Kitra.

The masses writhing heads lurched forward to blast at their defences. That was when Ganika acted. “Strangling Vines!” The vines tore through the ground and entangled the creature’s leech heads.

“Now!” Medina called out.

“Lunar Flurry!”

“Moonlight Hex!”

Kitra surrounded Ingrid’s arrows with a silvery energy. They tore through the abomination’s central mass. It shattered into dust.

“The foul mimic returns to the choking dust that spawned it,” Kitra muttered.

Ingrid hugged Medina “Your plan worked, you’re a genius!”

Medina broke free from the hug, her face flushing. “It… it was nothing,” she said.

“Still, the enemy must be getting desperate to send a creature like that,” Ganika stated.

“I wonder if the current general is on their last legs,” Medina said. That was the exact moment that a powerful bolt of light slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.

The group looked up. A woman with silver hair and reptilian wings was hovering above them and she did not look pleased.

“Cursed Clerics!” she spat. “You think that you can best me? Michelle, the ardour of the Triad’s forces?”

Ingrid faced her while simultaneously looking right through her. The expression made Sabrina shudder.

“You hurt Medina.”

“You…” Michelle began.

“You… Hurt… Medina,” Ingrid paused after every word. “You hurt Medina!” She raised her bow and began firing wildly and swiftly. Michelle was able to dodge and weave through the wild volleys but the sheer number of arrows made it a difficult task.

Kitra and Sabrina helped Medina up. “She okay?” Ganika asked.

“She’ll be okay,” Sabrina said. “She’s just stunned.”

“Good,” Ganika said. “Because it’s only a matter of time before Ingrid wastes all of her energy and we’ll need all the help we can get.”

“The fury of a woman acting on her lover’s behalf is terrifying indeed,” Kitra said.

Ganika turned to her. “Kitra, I need to know a little more about what your skillset is.”

*****

Ingrid wasn’t listening to a word her companions were saying. Her mind, the very core of her being, was focused on nothing except an all consuming frenzy. Unfortunately for her, her body was starting to slow down.

Michelle dived towards her and knocked the bow from her hands. Ingrid tilted her head back and headbutted Michelle as hard as she could. Then she punched her in the gut.

Michelle was stunned for a moment but quickly recovered and sent Ingrid flying with a quick energy bolt. That was when all the light drained from around her and she found herself within a cloud of darkness.

Michelle kept calm. She took a defensive stance. They’d have to come into view or make some kind of noise to attack her, right?

She heard a noise to her right and quickly fired an energy bolt. There was no sign that she’d hit anything and the darkness remained. Another sound, this time to the left. She quickly fired again and, again, there was no sign that she’d hit anything.

A laugh echoed around her. “Welcome to the cage of abyssal void.” Michelle fired a bolt in the direction that the voice seemed to come from. Still nothing. She decided that her best chance was to take to the air. She spread her wings to fly and was swiftly pulled into the ground by vines she hadn’t noticed creeping around her legs.

“Rose Beauty Storm!”

“Crushing Hex!”

“Nature’s Wrath!”

She was hit by the attacks simultaneously. Kitra banished her void. There was no sign of Michelle aside from some blood staining the ground.

*****

Michelle stumbled back to the Triad’s base of operations. She hurt everywhere. She wanted to tell herself that it was a temporary setback and she’d get them next time but she had no idea how she’d manage it.

Failure!

The Triad’s voice echoed around her.

“No I…” she began.

She never finished. The Triad converted her entire body into water with a wave of his hand.

Uriel.

A tall, slim figure with butterfly wings and short, spiky, dark hair came forward and bowed.

You will destroy the clerics but first remove this stain from my altar. The sight of it offends me.

“Thy will be done, My Lord.” Uriel stated.

*****

Medina was sitting by Ingrid’s side when she woke up. “Thank goodness, you’re okay,” Ingrid muttered.

“Of course I am,” Medina said. “I was wearing armour. But you… What you did was reckless and foolish. How could you let her get to you like that?”

“I’m sorry,” Ingrid said. “It’s just…” she glanced at Medina there was anger in her eyes certainly but also a deep concern. “It’s just… I couldn’t stand to see you hurt because… I’m… I’m in love with you.”

Medina was noticeably shocked. “Wow, did not expect that.”

“Sorry. I’ll try to keep my feelings under control. I won’t even say anything else. Can we just pretend I didn’t?”

Medina gently stroked her cheek. “You’re a real goof,” she laughed. “Didn’t you notice? One of that eel things heads was you. I’m sure you also noticed that it tried to tempt us with the person we loved the most.” She leaned in close to Ingrid and gently kissed her forehead. “It used you to get to me because I feel the same way about you.”

“Then will you give me one here?” Ingrid asked, pointing to her lips.

“Only if you’ll be my girlfriend,” Medina said.

“Yes, yes, a million trillion yeses!” Ingrid declared.

“Then pucker up,” Medina said. It was the first time she’d ever kissed someone on the lips. It was a little awkward and she wasn’t certain that she’d done it well but it also felt wonderful and special and she was really happy.

Next Chapter

The Young Clerics Chapter 13

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

Medina arrived at school early with her guard up. She sensed something… something strange, like a thick miasma had settled over the building.

She turned with a start feeling a tap on her shoulder.

“Ingrid?” She took a deep breath. “You startled me.”

“Wow, you’re on edge,” Ingrid said. “So, what are you doing here so early?”

“I sensed something sinister,” Medina answered. “I think the enemy may have infiltrated the school.”

“Then let’s go find them,” Ingrid said. “If we stick together, nothing can stop us, right?” She grabbed Medina’s hand and led her into the school.

*****

Ingrid, Sabrina , Greta and Alice all arrived at school together.

“Did you guys hear about the new maths teacher?” Greta asked.

“We have a new Maths teacher?” Sabrina inquired. “I haven’t heard anything.”

“Apparently, everything really adds up in her class,” Greta said.

Ingrid started chuckling. Alice rolled her eyes. “Don’t encourage her.”

Ingrid looked up. “Oh, hi Medina.”

Medina walked over to them. “Ingrid, I need to talk to you,” she said. “In private.”

“Oh, okay,” Ingrid agreed. “I’ll see you guys later.” She ran off to join Medina.

“Think Medina is finally going to confess?” Alice wondered.

“It would be about time,” Sabrina stated.

“What are you two even talking about?” Greta asked.

Before Sabrina could answer, Klaus approached the group. “Hey, Sabrina, I need to talk to you,” he said. “It’s about our last date.”

Sabrina nodded and followed behind him. She was a little worried that he’d seen her transform but she hoped it was something else.

“Well, guess it’s just us,” Greta said. “Unless you’re going to ditch me to hide in a dark room with a certain red-headed girl.”

“Maybe later,” Alice teased. “Right now I want to stop by my locker.”

*****

Ganika waited in class. She was reading the third volume of Journey to the West when she felt something unusual. She put a bookmark in the book and left the classroom to investigate. She still had around thirty minutes until the first class started.

She didn’t really see anything except for other students.

“Umm, excuse me.”

She turned to see a student with bright silver hair, tanned skin and bright violet eyes. The girl looked away from her, a slight lush coming over her cheeks. “Would… would you be so kind as to show me where the administration room is… Onee-sama?”

Ganika felt her own cheeks starting to flush. “Sure,” she answered. She didn’t protest when the girl gingerly took her hand.

*****

Kitra, as usual, was sitting in a dark, empty classroom. There was something very wrong. She was certain of it. But she couldn’t quite pinpoint the source. It seemed to be coming from all around the school.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening. Alice walked determinedly in.

“Hey, Kitra,” she said. “I’ve been thinking, you and I are always alone in these rooms. And no other students will be here until second period. Won’t you take off that heavy robe and give yourself to me, completely?”

“Foul Doppelganger!” Kitra shouted. “You dare take on that form in front of me?”

“Kitra?” Alice asked, sounding confused. “I don’t know what…”

“Don’t seek to mislead me!” Kitra exclaimed. “Monster, show your true form lest you perish wearing another’s. Light of Hecate, Shine upon me!” She transformed and turned to face Alice, or the creature that looked like Alice.

Alice frowned. Her features twisted and became wormlike with a massive suction mouth filled with sharp teeth. She charged at Kitra.

*****

“Let’s check here,” Ingrid said. “The gym storage closet would be a perfect place for the enemy to hide, right?”

Medina followed her inside. True, the threat she sensed did seem to be coming from nearby, but it also seemed to be far away. It had her feeling more than a little discombobulated.

“It looks like nothing’s here,” Medina stated. She was about to go when Ingrid grabbed her arm.

“Hey, Medina,” Ingrid said. “You know, I’ve liked you for a long time.” Medina froze in place. Ingrid shuffled her feet. “We don’t get to be alone that often any more either. So, won’t you give yourself to me?” Ingrid’s lips started going up towards Medina’s.

Medina closed her eyes then quickly opened them. “That’s Kitra! She must have engaged the enemy. We should go help her.”

“Wait,” Ingrid protested. “She can handle herself, right? You and I can still make the most of the time we have alone, right?”

Medina pulled away from Ingrid. “What are you?” she demanded, her eyes going cold.

“What do you mean?” Ingrid asked. “Why do you have that scary look on your face?”

“Cut the crap!” Medina demanded. “You aren’t Ingrid. Ingrid would never suggest leaving a friend to fend for herself. Ingrid would say ‘let’s finish this later’ and we’d go help. So I’ll ask again, what are you?”

“Tsskkk,” Ingrid spat. “Almost had you.” Her features twisted and she lunged for Medina. Medina managed to dodge and hurriedly transformed.

*****

Ingrid followed Medina behind the school. “So, what did you need?”

Medina looked directly into Ingrid’s eyes. “I love you!” she declared. “I’ve loved you for a long time. Please, won’t you give yourself to me?”

Ingrid felt her heart beat quickly. They were words she’d always wanted to hear but something about the way Medina said them… “If you’re teasing me, it’s really cruel,” she said, looking away.

Medina grabbed her chin and guided her eyes towards hers. “I’m serious,” she stated. Ingrid’s heart felt like it was about to burst as Medina began closing in. That’s when she sensed it.

“Wait…. that’s Medina?” She glanced over at Medina “But… how?” A realisation sparked in her mind and she pushed the fake Medina away and transformed.

The fake Medina’s features twisted and she quickly attacked Ingrid.

*****

Klaus leaned in close to Sabrina.

“You know,” he whispered. “We’ve been going out for a long time.”

“It’s only been a month and a half,” Sabrina said.

“Isn’t it about time you gave yourself completely to me?” Klaus asked, ignoring her comment.

“I…” I’m not ready to go that far,” Sabrina answered.

“No need to be shy,” Klaus said. “It’s a natural thing for a girlfriend to do.”

Sabrina pushed him away. “Who are you really?” she demanded. “Klaus… Klaus would be respectful. He wouldn’t be so… crass.”

Klaus’ features shifted. Sabrina hurriedly transformed just in time to meet the monster’s attack.

*****

“Onee-sama, follow me.”

The strange girl led Ganika into the restroom.

“If you have to go you don’t need me here,” Ganika said.

“Onee-sama, won’t you give yourself to me?” the girl asked. “Right here, right now?”

“Won’t you end the charade?” Ganika asked.

“Whatever do you mean, Onee-sama?”

“You think that by choosing a cute form and talking cutely that I’ll forget that the enemy likes to take human form? Did you think I wouldn’t even question why a girl I’ve never seen before conveniently appears right when I sense a malignant presence?” Ganika transformed. “I’m not an idiot.”

The strange girl lunged for her, her features shifting into something monstrous as she did.

The Young Clerics Chapter 12

First Chapter

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Kitra followed Ingrid without talking much. Convincing the redhead to undo her transformation had taken effort. Ingrid hastily texted Medina. It didn’t go unnoticed by the girl following her.

“Fiend, you seek to plot against me?” Kitra demanded.

“Not at all,” Ingrid answered. “I was just letting Medina and the others know to meet up with us?”

“And what do you mean by ‘others’?” Kitra stopped in her tracks as she asked the question.

Ingrid sighed. “You and I… we aren’t the only ones with transformations…. powers like this. There’s also Medina, Sabrina and Ganika.”

“And what business does Sabrina have amongst the children of the earth?” Kitra asked.

“I… what?” Ingrid asked. She shook her head. “Look, I don’t fully understand it myself, but we were all chosen by Goddesses to protect the world from a threat. That monster we just fought was part of it.”

“So, my mystic senses have been accurate!” Kitra stated. “I’ve been aware of something amiss. Still, you follow that deceitful reptile, why?”

“Herald is the one who brought the whole situation to our attention,” Ingrid said. “I don’t think he’s deceived us about anything too important. Come on, we’ll talk about this at my house.”

*****

Thou art a failure. As Camiel was before you.

“Triad, I haven’t failed yet,” Michelle insisted. “Now that all five of them have been brought together I can…”

Silence! Michelle flinched at the resounding shout. You shall have one final opportunity to redeem yourself. If you are to be forgiven, at least one of the five must perish at your hands. Fail me again and Uriel shall be granted the task in your stead.

“I… I understand, Lord Triad,” Michelle stated. “The Clerics of the soon to be fallen Gods will be dealt with.” She quickly made her escape.

A man with long black hair and moth-like wings watched her go. He didn’t particularly care whether or not she survived but he was going to observe her effort regardless. After all, it was important data.

*****

“So, you seek to enlist my aid in defeating these sordid ruffians?” Kitra said.

“To put it bluntly, you don’t have much of a choice,” Ganika stated. “Based on what Ingrid’s told us, the enemy has already seen you. You can fight with us or by yourself. Which probably wouldn’t end well for you.”

“Ganika, you don’t have to put it so harshly,” Ingrid said.

“She’s not wrong though,” Medina said.

“I have ever walked in solitude. Do you truly think I would hesitate to do so again?” Kitra asked.

“Then do it for Alice,” Sabrina said.

“You bring the ever welcome sun of my world into this?” Kitra demanded.

“Look,” Sabrina said. “When I was on a date with Klaus, we were attacked and he came to school bandaged up and unable to participate in Gym. These enemies of ours, they won’t hesitate to bring our loved ones into it and we can protect them a lot more easily if we work together.”

“There is a ring off truth to your words,” Kitra admitted. “However, I would know the true form of that devious reptile before I agree to anything.”

“I haven’t seen that either,” Ingrid said. She looked towards Herald. “And you didn’t deny anything when she said something earlier.”

“She’s not wrong,” Herald said. “This isn’t my true form. But, the truth is, I can’t reveal my true self. You see, I’m a messenger for the Goddesses. This tortoise form is something I use to carry out their will. My true form is humanoid, like yours, but I’m expressly forbidden from showing it to mortals. Were I to disobey this edict, I could suffer severe consequences. The important thing is that, whatever my form, I’m a friend and ally to all of you.”

“I sense no falsehood within your words,” Kitra muttered. “Perhaps I judged you too hastily, False Testudinidae.”

Ingrid held out her hand for Kitra. “Friends?”

“Comrades in arms,” Kitra corrected. “Perhaps friendship will come later.”

*****

Michelle carried a glowing purple orb to the school attended by the clerics. Within the orb was a swarm of leech-like creatures.

“Five of you, five of them,” she said. “Go, my Darlings. Infest. Intensify. Then, when the right time comes, Exterminate!”

She dropped the orb, allowing it to shatter and her ultimate weapon to be unleashed.

Next Chapter

True Chivalry part Sixty Two

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

“Grandpa, why are you here?” Miranda asked.

The old man hurried to her side with a speed that was unexpected for someone of his advanced years. “Glad to see that you awoke in my brief absence. Here, something interesting arrived at your tent.” He held out a letter for her.

“That’s… I can explain that,” Miranda said.

“You don’t need to explain it to me,” Hector said. “I already know. Some bonds just can’t be broken easily, regardless of what’s happening in the world around you.” He moved close to her. “Be discreet when you answer.” He lightly kissed her forehead. “Well, I’ll leave you to recover for the night and check back first thing in the morning. I love you.”

“Love you too, Grandpa,” Miranda said. She opened Courtney’s letter the moment he had left.

Miranda

I was going to write about a lot of frivolous things to try and take my mind off of this war. I’d planned on reminiscing about the past and speculating on the future. A future where everything would be behind us and we could start seeing each other in person again. But then I heard what had happened. About you being injured and dragged off of the field. And that kind of got me thinking about the present. I can’t believe that you’ve been seriously injured. If I thought that there was any chance of that, I would simply shut down. But I can’t help but wonder, what happens next time? What if you, me or some of those closest to us aren’t so fortunate next time? If you can convince your king to push for peace talks, I know that I can persuade my mother to agree. If the two of us work together, I know that we can end this war.

Ever Yours,

Courtney

“Speak to the King, huh?” Miranda mused. Sometimes she envied Courtney’s optimism.

*****

Aiko met with Janice in private.

“What is it?” Janice asked, looking away from her.

“Dame Pienta is your friend, correct?” Aiko asked.

“Oh, you’re worried about targeting Courtney.” Janice stated.

“You know her?” Aiko asked.

“Not personally,” Janice answered. “But I’ve heard Miranda talk about her… a lot. Her… her feelings are pretty strong, I think.”

“I got that impression too,” Aiko said. “I’m worried about how she’ll react when she finds out about the plan.”

“I don’t know how the plan is going to play out,” Janice said. “But I can tell you that Shauna’s operatives haven’t found anything regarding what she looks like or her unit.”

They’re back already?” Aiko asked.

“No,” Janice answered, giving Aiko a pointed look.

“Oh, I understand,” Aiko said. “I’ll pretend to be surprised when the report comes in.”

Janice nodded.

*****

“The fortifications are well in place,” Arturia reported. “No sign of Torlans yet.”

“They’ll be busy with their own defences I’ll wager,” Caroline said. “They won’t want to be pushed to their gates again.”

“It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t keep that advantage,” Cassandra stated. “So, any ideas for where to go from here?”

“We can just retake the encampment and surround them again,” Rachel answered.

“It’s not as simple as you’re making it out to be,” Caroline said. “It might not even be the best thing to attempt.”

“You have an idea I trust,” Cassandra said.

“Possibly,” Caroline said. “To put it simply, the Torlans aren’t in a position for a prolonged war. Their only allies are the Pyre clan. Most of their usual trading partners are here, allied against them. And the people of further kingdoms don’t really want to get involved in this conflict. I suggest we send friendly messengers to all those kingdoms. Remind them that this isn’t their war and they don’t want to get involved, try and cut off potential trade deals with Torla before they happen.”

“It’s a good plan,” Rose agreed. “I think we can improve it though. What if there were very loud rumours about valuable Torlan goods being sent to those kingdoms? It wouldn’t take much to get bandits interested in Torlan envoys.”

“And with the war they can’t spare the manpower to deal with increased bandit activity,” Cassandra mused. “Let’s do it.” She turned towards Caroline. “And the other part of your plan is to go on the defensive?”

Caroline nodded. “Mostly, any way. I think we should send small raiding parties to harass and damage their moral. We go in quickly, hit them hard and get away. If it all goes well, they’ll think we’re trying to thin their numbers with hit and run tactics and won’t suspect that we’re stalling while their supplies dwindle.”

*****

Prince Reynard was in his chambers studying some charts at his desk when a young servant came in with a message.

He read it over quickly. “Fetch my cloak,” he ordered. “We’re going to make a trip to the front.”

“Highness?” the servant asked.

“I won’t get involved in the battle,” Reynard promised. “There’s just something I have to check up on.”

The Young Clerics Chapter 11

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

The classroom was set up with some dimly lit candles and a pentacle on the ground. A hooded figure stood above it chanting.

“Spirits of the wind, water, earth and fire, answer the question as I desire. What is this power I scryer?”

“You are so weird,” Alice stated, walking up behind the figure.

“You’re ruining it!” The young girl pulled her dark hood aside. She had bright red hair and light blue eyes.

“Kitra, you can’t just hide in an empty classroom during every lunch break,” Alice said. “People are starting to tell stories.”

“I don’t care what they say,” Kitra stated. “I stand at the crown of this school and my senses cry within me, telling me that something is amiss and a strange power swirls about. My spark has been ignited and I must find the source!”

Alice sighed. “Okay, fine. Just do that later and come eat something.” Kitra looked away. Alice sighed. “Powerful Lady of darkness, come for your repast with me and fuel your power gauge.”

Kitra glanced at her. “Can, can we hold hands under the table?”

“Yeah, okay,” Alice said. “But if you squeeze too hard this time I’m gonna pinch you.”

“Then I accept,” Kitra stated.

*****

The first one who spotted Alice and Kitra entering the cafeteria was Greta.

“She’s hanging out with that weird girl again,” Greta said.

“They’re old friends,” Ingrid said. “Remember when we were in grade school and Alice was the only one who’d talk to her?”

“I tried talking to her once,” Medina said. “She introduced herself as the crown of the circle, called me a child of the moon with the spirit of a buba virginias or something and didn’t say much else.”

“Bubo Virginianus?” Ganika asked.

“That was it,” Medina said. “Wait, you sound like it’s familiar and surprising.”

“It’s the scientific name for the tiger owl,” Ganika said. “Which is very interesting as a description for you.”

*****

The girls met at Ingrid’s house after classes let out and spoke with Herald about Kitra’s unusual insight.

“She may be the final cleric,” Herald stated. “Her associating Medina with an owl may very well be proof of her powers.”

“But I thought we got our powers through the jewels,” Ingrid stated.

“Not quite,” Herald explained. “The jewels are a catalyst that allow you to tap into the power of the Goddess who’s already chosen you but if you happened to have a connection with her in advance, you would be able to access some of her power without it.”

“In other words, Kitra might already have that connection,” Ganika said.

“Then we should approach her, right?” Sabrina asked.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ingrid said. “At least not for all of us to go. I’ve always thought that Kitra is kind of shy, you know? I think she’d feel overwhelmed if all four of us went. I’ll go talk to her by myself.”

“You sure you’ll be okay?” Medina queried.

“Positive,” Ingrid answered. “She knows that I’m also Alice’s friend. So, we should be able to have a conversation.”

“She’s probably hanging out in an empty classroom with her robe and chanting,” Ganika stated. “I’ve seen her there after school before.”

“Then I’ll just head over and see if I can find her,” Ingrid stated. “You three should see if you can find out where she lives, just in case she’s already gone home.”

“And how do you propose we do that?” Ganika asked. “If we ask Alice, she’ll suspect that something is amiss.”

“Could we just tell Alice about our powers?” Ingrid wondered.

“Bad idea,” Sabrina stated. “Klaus got hurt because I was targeted and he just happened to be around. We tell Alice or anyone else and we make them a more tempting target.”

“I do agree with Sabrina,” Medina said. “It’s risky to let anyone know. For now, just head to the school. I think I can get the information from Alice without rousing her suspicions.”

*****

Ingrid wasn’t entirely sure which classroom Kitra might be in so she started on the ground floor and started peeking into windows. She didn’t want to disturb any of the clubs that were meeting after all.

She was on her way to check the last couple of classrooms on the ground floor when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Medina? I thought you were….”

“Shhh,” Medina said. “I felt like I had to come help you.”

“But… I thought we agreed…” Ingrid began.

“I know, but I couldn’t contain my feelings for you any more,” Medina said. She gently put a hand under Ingrid’s chin and began moving her head forward.

“Halt!” Ingrid and Medina both turned. Kitra was pointing towards Medina. “You seek to borrow another’s shape and take advantage of an innocent maiden? Vile Deceiver!”

She hurled a piece of chalk at Medina. Medina practically melted into the ground and a monster emerged. She had a clear dome-like covering around her head and tendrils. Ingrid quickly backed away from her before the tendrils could grab her.

“Flee, Maiden!” Kitra stated. “I’ll handle this monstrosity.”

“No,” Ingrid said. “She toyed with my feelings and I won’t forgive her. Light of Artemis, Shine on me!” She transformed and quickly began firing arrows. Her opponent floated in mid-air, bringing her tentacles around to deflect the arrows.

“Such power,” Kitra muttered. She watched in awe.

“You have that kind of power too,” Herald approached her.

“Another Deceiver!” Kitra pointed. “Fiend, show your true form!”

“I’m a friend,” Herald said. He held a ring out to her. It was embedded with a grey stone with a noble looking hound proudly emblazoned on it. “This is a conduit that will allow you to unlock your true power.”

“And why should I trust one who hides his true self?” Kitra demanded.

“Because if you don’t she’s going to perish,” Herald nodded towards Ingrid. “And Alice may never recover from the loss of her close friend.”

“Very well,” Kitra took the ring. “You may instruct me on what to do, but this is not over.”

Ingrid narrowly avoided a tentacle. “Lunar Flurry!

The woman shined with electric light and Ingrid’s attack was reflected. She was wondering how she could possibly get past this thing when a confident voice rang out. “Light of Hecate, Shine upon me!”

For a moment, Kitra seemed to be in pitch blackness. Then, torches slowly lit around her, illuminating her as her body shifted. Her clothes were replaced by an ashen grey gown with black and silver highlights. In her outstretched hand an ornate scythe materialised. Her face was covered with a mask of a great black hound with shining crimson eyes though Ingrid could see her regular face beneath it.

The Jellyfish woman turned her attention towards Kitra, tentacles shooting out towards her. Ingrid reacted quickly, firing arrows to occupy the tentacles. Kitra moved with surprising speed and her scythe cut through their opponent, reducing her to dust.

“It seems we need to talk,” Kitra stated.

“Agreed,” Ingrid undid her transformation. “Follow me. I have a lot to explain.”

Next Chapter

Where the Fuck have I been?

Lately, my content has been a little sparse. I went from posting thrice or four times a week to posting maybe once. So, I do want to apologise for that. As for why, the short answer is I’ve been struggling with my mental health lately.

This is nothing new. I’ve had problems with anxiety and depression since I was in secondary school . At best, these issues have led to a lack of motivation and difficulty doing basically anything besides playing games and watching telly. At worst, I’ve had suicidal thoughts and even some attempts that have left me scarred in more ways than one.

For a while, I had my issues largely under control. I felt pretty good, had some close friends I could confide in and I was doing my routine balancing work with my recreational writing/ reviewing. But that, unfortunately, changed after a while of being in a Pandemic.

You might think that the whole situation wouldn’t affect me that much. My job can be done from home. All my hobbies are inside activities that don’t have to involve other people. Which is kind of a fair point. However, the increased stress from the whole situation, not being able to see my friends regularly, losing some people as a result of the virus and my beloved black lab mix passing away from age-related issues all took a toll on me which greatly exacerbated my mental health issues.

RIP EJ Fuzzlebottom Esuire

After a while, I started spiraling into a pretty deep depression and it drastically effected both my creativity and motivation to write until I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and actually do it. It’s been a struggle to talk to other people about it especially since I grew up in a time where talking about your mental health was a lot more taboo. It’s also been troublesome to overcome the self-loathing that comes from feeling like a failure because I’m not actually accomplishing anything even though there’s a rational part of my brain that says “it’s not your fault, Ktulu, you’re just having a rough time.”

For the past month, I’ve been taking some time, talking to people, getting the medication I needed and slowly been crawling back to a point where I can sit down and write again. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to post stories and reviews every single week with no issue and basically on schedule, but I have gotten to a point where I think I can mostly manage it. So, once again you have my apologies for the lack of posts lately. I also want to thank those of you who stuck around and still read my output after everything. I am back and, hopefully, updates will keep coming out consistently for a long time to come. I’m going to try and get back into the routine of two story updates and one review a week with a bonus review every month first and then start going back to doing short stories here and there and finish editing the Last Draconian for publication when I’m feeling back to normal.

The Young Clerics Chapter 10

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

Ingrid, Ganika and Medina all met up at Ingrid’s house with pajamas, pillows and snacks at the ready.

“This is going to be so fun,” Ingrid said. “Do you guys want to watch films, play games or just talk first?”

“I’m down for anything really,” Medina said.

“Even talking about our crushes?” Ganika teased. She watched as Medina turned towards Ingrid without thinking before quickly correcting herself.

“I don’t really have anyone in particular,” she muttered.

“It’s just a shame Sabrina couldn’t come,” Ingrid said.

“Will her parents not let her have sleepovers with other girls?” Ganika asked. “Or, perhaps, your parents are a little opposed to the idea.”

“Neither,” Ingrid stated. “She just had a date tonight.”

*****

Klaus handed a white rose to Sabrina. “A pretty flower for a pretty girl,” he said, flashing a winning smile her way.

Sbrina’s face flushed. It wasn’t the first time he’d given her a small gift during a date but it got her heart racing every time. “Thank you,” she managed.

“Ready to see You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown?” Klaus asked. “I hear it’s a good show.”

“I’m excited for it,” Sabrina said. “I’ve heard some of the music but I’ve never seen it performed.”

“There’s definitely nothing like seeing a live performance,” Klaus said. “Sure, a musical can have great music but it’s only when you see the actors on stage giving it their all that everything comes together. Well, unless they do a bad job.”

Sabrina laughed. “Yeah, I’ve seen that happen. When they flub the lines or go far too over the top.”

“Or they just have no passion,” Klaus added. “Come on, they’re going to start soon. Let’s hope it’s as good as I’ve heard.”

“If it’s not we can always make out… if you want,” Sabrina said.

“In that case, I kind of hope it’s awful,” Klaus stated.

“You’re incorrigible,” Sabrina said, her face flushing. “But also really sweet.”

*****

Medina and Ganika sat together while Ingrid was off to greet Alice and Greta since they’d just arrived at the door.

“I’m confused about one thing,” Ganika said. “Why do you not tell her you like her?”

“I’m sorry, what?” Medina asked.

“Ingrid,” Ganika said. “Literally everyone at school who actually knows you has noticed that you like her.”

“It’s not that simple,” Medina said. “Even if she did like me the same way I like her, we’re in a dangerous situation. And attachments could prove disastrous.”

“Is that so?” Ganika asked. “Well, I have a slight rebuttal. Firstly, I’ll bet you a thousand euro that if you ask her to be your girlfriend she’ll accept. I’m very confident in that much. But beyond that, if having relationships is really that dangerous, why don’t you try to talk Sabrina out of it? Surely, a relationship with a normal boy is more dangerous than a relationship with a fellow cleric would be.”

“It’s… it’s complicated,” Medina said.

“It’s really not,” Ganika stated. “You’re scared of rejection and you’re making excuses. I mean, it’s your decision. But, as your friend, I suggest telling her how you feel. I really do think it will go well, for both of you.”

“I… I’ll think about it,” Medina said.

*****

“That really was a great show,” Sabrina said. “You want to watch the film version of RENT next time?”

Sabrina and Klaus were walking from the theatre together, hand in hand.

“Sure thing,” Klaus said. “Though, if it’s okay, I’d like to also watch La boheme and compare them.”

“I’m down,” Sabrina said. “But do you know where to find La boheme?”

“Sure I do,” Klaus said. “I’ve watched it a couple times. Watching both should make for a fun date night.”

The pair were so engrossed in their conversation that they inadvertently bumped into a well dressed middle-aged woman.

“I’m sorry,” Sabrina said.

“I’m sorry too,” Klaus added. “Are you okay?”

“I’m not okay!” she shrieked. “Naughty children like you who assault adults need to be burning in Tartarus!”

She turned towards them and both winced. She had an almost serpentine face with pockmarks and small, blue eyes.

She slithered towards them. Klaus held Sabrina’s hand tightly and bolted away from her. She followed the pair, seemingly swimming through the air, releasing small bursts of lightning as she went.

Sabrina looked back at her, she was glowing. “Klaus…” she warned. He glanced back, and quickly moved behind Sabrina, shielding her just as the eel woman hurled a bolt of lightning at them.

Klaus went down, unconscious. “Klaus!” Sabrina screamed.

She looked back at her opponent with a look of pure rage. “Light of Aphrodite, shine on me!”

She quickly used her wand to shield herself and Klaus. The Eel woman’s next blast bounced off of it but she felt the pressure. She was frightened. Badly frightened. She was alone with little hope of the others coming to her rescue and her shield wouldn’t survive many more blasts. She steeled herself and waited. The moment the next blast hit, she dropped the shield and acted

“Chains of love!” Flowery vines quickly entangled the Eel woman. She immediately started slithering out of them, making quick progress, but Sabrina wasn’t about to let her advantage go to waste.

“Rose Beauty Storm!” A typhoon of razor sharp flower petals surrounded her opponent. Cutting her to shreds.

Sabrina made sure no one was watching before undoing her transformation and checking on Klaus. His skin was burned where he’d been hit but he would be fine. Sabrina sighed with relief and gently put his head in her lap. She couldn’t lift him in her ordinary form so, she’d just have to make him comfortable until he woke up.

Michelle watched with great annoyance. She’d been confident that her soldier could kill a single cleric separated from the others. Perhaps a more under-handed tactic would work. She moved away, confident that she could come up with something. She still had time before the Triad gave up on her. She just had to deliver.

Next Chapter

The Young Clerics Chapter Nine

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

The trio met up at Ingrid’s house after school.

“We’re going to have to be a lot more careful,” Medina pointed out.

“Could they always transform into normal people?” Sabrina asked.

“They never have before,” Ingrid said.

“It’s entirely possible that its a characteristic of stronger Generals,” Medina suggested. “Or, possibly, that it’s just a trait of this particular General.”

“There’s a strange girl watching the building,” Herald stated.

Ingrid, Medina and Sabrina all moved to the window and glanced out.

“Oh, that’s the quiet girl,” Sabrina said.

“Ganika,” Ingrid said. “She, Medina and Alice always have the highest grades in class. She’s super smart but I don’t think she has any friends.”

“She’s leaving,” Medina noted.

“Could she have just been walking by?” Sabrina asked.

“No, she was definitely looking at the house,” Medina said. “I just don’t know why.”

“She’s not one of them, right?” Ingrid asked.

“Very unlikely,” Medina said. “She transferred long before Herald showed up and gave me my gem. I doubt they’d put someone undercover that far in advance.”

“I do sense something odd about her,” Herald stated. “But I don’t think she’s a monster.”

“Should we try talking to her?” Sabrina wondered.

“I’ll do it,” Medina said. “She and I have a lot in common. I think I can figure out what’s going on with her.”

*****

The next day before classes, Medina called Ganika over to talk in private.

“I noticed you out of Ingrid’s window yesterday,” Medina stated. “You were definitely looking at her house.” She folded her arms. “What, do you fancy her or something?”

“Not particularly,” Ganika answered. “I’m not you.”

Medina’s cheeks flushed. “So, what is it then?”

“I was wondering when you two started fighting monsters,” Galinka said. “And the third, was that Sabrina?”

“How did you…” Medina started talking only to be interrupted by a loud crashing sound.

Medina ran back towards the classroom. There was a downpour of water going into a classroom and what looked like a humanoid lionfish monster wreaking havoc. Sabrina and Ingrid were already transformed and in action. The students had already fled, though a few were watching from a distance.

“We’ll finish this later,” Medina said. She made sure no one was looking at them, hurriedly transformed and joined the fray.

“Fascinating,” Ganika said.

“Hey,” she glanced down for a moment before turning her attention back to the battle. “Not going to pay attention to me?” Herald asked.

“Compared to this, a talking tortoise isn’t unusual,” Ganika said.

“You have the same kind of power that the three of them do,” Herald said. “Or did you think that everyone else failed to recognise them just because their bodies age a bit?”

“How?” Ganika asked.

“First, you need to reach into my pouch,” Herald answered. “Reach deep and bring out the gem you find.”

Ganika did as she was bidden. Her gem was a deep, foresty green with a serpent design. “What do I do with it?”

“With confidence and authority, just like you heard Medina use, say ‘Light of Demeter, shine on me.'”

“Light of Demeter, Shine on me!”

For a moment, Ganika was surrounded by a field of flowering plants. Vines crawled up her now grown body and transformed into a green tunic and skirt with floral accents with matching gloves and boots. On her head, a flowery circlet. In her hands, a thorny whip, and across her face, a snake mask.

The lionfish monster was swirling around in its downpour, darting in and out of the water, trying to pierce the Clerics with his spines.

Ganika cracked her whip, wrapping it around his waist and halting his attack. In that moment, an arrow from Ingrid and a spear strike from Medina both met their mark and the sudden assault ended.

*****

After classes, Ganika met up with Ingrid, Medina and Sabrina.

“Nice to have you on board,” Ingrid said. “Now we have, what, the dog left?”

“Actually, I have a question,” Ganika said. “If our powers come from the Greek Gods, and you’re a Tortoise named Herald, does that make you a subordinate of Hermes?”

Herald almost seemed to smile. “Well, something like that.”

“I’m just surprised they tried a direct attack this time,” Ingrid said.

“Our opponent doesn’t want to be too obvious,” Medina stated. “If they constantly send disguised monsters against us, we’ll just suspect anyone we see. But if they take the direct approach sometimes…”

“Well, at least we have four of us now,” Sabrina said. “Hey, Ganika, which Goddess is associated with dogs?”

“Well, Artemis was the mistress of beasts,” Ganika said. “But we obviously have someone with Artemis’ power already. I’m not really sure.”

“Well, we’ll know when we meet her,” Medina said.

*****

Michelle was not happy. True, she hadn’t expected her lionfish to succeed. But she definitely hadn’t expected a fourth Cleric to show up. She would have to deal with this problem quickly before the Triad became impatient.

Next Chapter

The Young Clerics Chapter Eight

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

It had been a couple weeks since the clerics had seen any sign of the enemy. They continued to meet regularly but they mostly ended up watching a film or talking since they’d pretty much discussed everything they knew multiple times.

“I don’t like it,” Medina stated. “It’s been too long.”

“Isn’t it good that they aren’t attacking people?” Sabrina asked.

“Maybe that Camiel guy was just badly enough injured that he can’t get back into action,” Ingrid suggested. “You’re way too tense, Medi.” She shifted behind Medina and gently rubbed her back.

“It just doesn’t make sense for one of the big bad Generals to be nursing their injuries this long,” Medina said. “It has to be part of some kind of plot.”

“Quite correct,” Herald flew in with a little winged helmet on his scaly head. “I’ve been looking into this General Camiel and I found something quite interesting out. He’s dead.”

“Wait, what?” Sabrina asked.

“But… but he escaped,” Ingrid said. “We didn’t… Did we?”

“You aren’t responsible,” Herald answered. “At least not directly. The Triad decided that he’d failed too many times. At least, according to my sources.”

“Is this delay a natural part of choosing a new General to fight us?” Medina asked.

“No,” Herald answered. “I don’t know who your next opponent will be, but I know they were chosen very quickly. This delay is deliberate. My guess is that they’ve been secretly observing the three of you in order to come up with some stratagem.”

“Which means that we can expect a sneakier opponent at the very least,” Medina stated.

*****

Michelle had her plan. It was the perfect setup to trap the clerics once and for all. She glanced at an image of the three clerics in their human forms sitting with Klaus, Sabrina had her head on his shoulder while Ingrid and Medina sat on the other side of the table. “Galeo, I have a form for you to take,” she said. “And the perfect Cleric for you to start with.”

******

The next day at school the class was greeted by a transfer student. Sabrina was shocked. He looked almost exactly like Klaus but with blue hair and grey eyes. He was introduced as Cole.

“Hey beautiful,” he winked at Sabrina.

“Please don’t hit on me like that,” Sabrina said. “I have a boyfriend and it makes me uncomfortable.”

“Well, wouldn’t want that would we?” Cole asked.

For the rest of the class, he was quiet. But he did occasionally glance back at Sabrina.

*****

During lunch, Medina, Ingrid, Sabrina, Greta and Alice sat together.

“I don’t like it,” Medina said. “The new guy looks way too much like Klaus and he also happens to have a thing for Sabrina?”

“Well, it could be a good thing,” Alice stated. “Judith and Becky can chase after him instead.”

“Maybe they’re half brothers or cousins or something,” Greta said. “Sabrina could ask him about it.”

Medina didn’t push the issue further but Ingrid caught on to what she was implying. *****

When lunch got out, there was a note waiting for Sabrina on her desk. After classes, she excused herself.

Medina motioned for Ingrid to join her and they followed at a distance. Sabrina went behind the school where Cole was waiting. He flashed her an almost predatory smile.

“So glad you could come, Gorgeous,” he said.

“I told you, I’m not interested,” Sabrina said. “Your note said that there was something important you needed to tell me. If that was just an excuse to hit on me, I’m going to be upset.”

“Oh, no, this isn’t about that,” Cole said. He beckoned for her to come closer. “I know your secret.” He whispered.

“Me being trans isn’t a secret,” Sabrina said.

“Not that,” Cole said. “I know your other secret, Miss Power of Aphrodite.”

Sabrina hurriedly backed away while Cole shifted. He grew larger, his teeth sharpened. Stripes decorated his now heavily muscled frame. He had a large fin across his back.

“Some kind of shark,” Medina observed. She nodded at Ingrid and the pair transformed.

“Lunar Flurry!” Ingrid fired her attack to get the shark monster away from Sabrina. He dove into the grass like it was water.

Sabrina hurriedly transformed. Cole leapt from the grass and lunged for Sabrina. Medina quickly blocked the attack with her shield.

“We have to finish this quickly!” Ingrid cried out. Their fight was drawing a crowd. A bunch of other students were starting to gather.

“We need a way to stifle his movement,” Medina said. “I’ll see if I can grab him the next time he comes up.”

“No, I’ll do it,” Sabrina said. “Trust me.”

Cole leapt from the ground again, this time aiming his powerful jaws at Ingrid. Ingrid narrowly avoided the strike and kicked him backwards.

“Chains of Love!” Sabrina’s wand flared and flowery vines entangled Cole. “Now!”

“Pallas Strike!” Medina’s spear was empowered and a quick thrust reduced their foe to dust.

The three hurriedly vanished, not wanting to answer a bunch of questions or lose their transformations in front of the students.

“Wow, that was incredible,” One said.

“Was it some kind of film shoot?” Greta wondered.

“I don’t think so?” Alice said. She was disturbed.

“Hey,” They looked over. They were being addressed by a lanky, dark beauty with smooth black hair and chestnut eyes.

“What’s up, Ganika?” Alice asked.

“I didn’t even think you talked,” Greta added.

“You know those girls, right?” Ganika asked.

“I doubt it,” Alice said. “Those were some tough ladies. And with those figures, I don’t think you’d mistake them for anyone.”

“Not like you could tell with those masks anyway,” Greta added.
“Oh, right,” Ganika said. “Sorry.” She left them feeling slightly bewildered.

Next Chapter