We left after lunch, riding with full bellies. This time I went with Peppermint and Belladonna at their insistence.
“I don’t care what you say, I’m coming with you to make sure you don’t do something stupid.” Peppermint exclaimed when he heard of our expedition. So we reached the ravine with a full party.
“We should make it down okay,” Kennedia judged, since we knew Lance wasn’t coming home without a fight, there was no reason for anyone to stay behind. She lowered a rope and we made it down without incident. I lead everyone through the forgotten city to the swirling waters at its center.
“Moment of truth.” I breathed, taking off the circlet that had served as a symbol of reconciliation and friendship. I tossed it into the water and activated my communicator. I would go first, and would give the others the go ahead if I made it okay. We didn’t want to take any chances, and I insisted I go first. It was my idea, after all. Strapping the communicator to my belt and scooping up some water in my canteen, I turned to give the Eagles one last look before plunging into the water.
There was an eerie sensation of falling, and then I stumbled onto a seemingly glass floor. After taking a quick glance to see it was safe, I gave the others the okay, and a few moments later we were all present and accounted for.
“Really?” I gestured to now Peppermint stood in the crystal hall, looking a bit ridiculous indoors. Belladonna stood by his side.
“He commanded we poured some of the water on him so he could join us, and Belladonna just jumped into the water after you.” Robin explained apologetically.
“Where are we?” Atalanta asked from behind him, turning in a circle to examine the chamber we found ourselves in. The walls were made of a crystal material, giving the room an blue color. The walls consisted as one continuous staircase, leading to an unknown number of floors above and below.
“More importantly, where’s Lance?” I queried, taking my diadem from where I found it on the floor and put it on, upside down so it was more secure in the event of a battle. Beside me, Belladonna’s ears perked up.
“I hear something.” She reported, and walked towards the stairs, not looking back as we followed behind. Having Peppermint’s hooves clop down on the steps eliminated any chance at stealth but we pressed on nonetheless. We climbed with a tangible tension, until we could hear what must have caught Belladonna’s attention. A voice that chilled to the bone, it was a hiss at first, that grew as we drew closer. At last I could make out what was being said.
“I’m losing patience, boy. I suggest you start talking. I don’t think you can for much longer without water.” The voice scratched, and then, it was followed by a starved rasp.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I will tell you nothing.”
Lance.
I locked eyes with the Eagles, and I watched them draw their weapons. All at once, we charged up the stairs. We found Lance huddled on the floor, overshadowed by a cloaked figure, face obscured by a copper mask made in the likeness of a snake. The second he came into view, I hurled my halberd, sending it spinning one end over another into the arm of the cloaked figure. I only managed to snag the sleeve and send the figure backward into the wall. Behind me chaos erupted. I turned around when I heard a cacophony. Robin was blade to blade with Atalanta, and Daedalus swung at Kennedia.
My friends were trying to kill each other.
I heard a cold laugh behind me, and knew the figure was responsible somehow. He had dislodged my halberd and was now dragging Lance to higher floors. Lance struggled, but whatever he had endured during his imprisonment had weakened him. Unaffected by whatever hindered the others, I followed hot on their heels. The figure turned to face me, putting Lance behind him.
“Allie Sage.” The voice resounded throughout the chamber, sending my name bouncing of the walls.
“Ouroboros.” I guessed at the figure’s name, earning a cold laugh.
“Correct, though I shouldn’t be surprised, with all you’ve achieved thus far. You are quite the wildcard, and a nuisance,” Ouroboros spat, taking deliberate steps towards me.
“Funny, I could have said the same of you, putting in all of this effort into a plan foiled by a student,” I taunted, hoping to spark outrage.
“I won’t make that mistake again, I assure you. Your little rebellion ends here.” And then we were locked in combat. Ouroboros was a fighter in a different class than the Viper subordinates, and I found myself struggling to block all of the slashes and thrusts aimed at me. The sword in his gloved hands proved deadly and sharp as it bit into my forearm. I moved as fast as I can, blocking and parrying as fast as I could. Ouroboros moved like lightning, disarming me as quickly as I formed my blades. Soon enough discarded swords and knives littered the floor. The fight was too close to create and maneuver a halberd, so I had to deal with fighting with my secondary weapons. Behind the both of us, Peppermint watched helplessly with Belladonna and Kyrie, wanting desperately to help but not knowing how to.
We kept clashing, whirling and whipping across the floor in a deadly dance. My heel caught an unattended blade and I fell, crashing to the cold crystal floor next to Lance. I curled on my side, gasping for air as the wind left me. No sooner had I stopped coughing Ouroboros had the cool silver sword pressed against my neck.
“I believe common courtesy dictates I ask if you have any last words to share.” Ouroboros mocked, putting pressure on my throat.
“Well, Allie Sage? How shall history remember you?” A wicked grin stretched demonically underneath the serpentine mask. My chance to reply was taken by Lance answering for me.
“Burn in hell you wretched cur,” he spat, before willing his hand aflame and latching onto Ouroboros’ ankle. The stench of burning flesh filled the room as our enemy screamed in pain and wheeled backward. I scrambled to my feet, hauling Lance up with me. The reprieve was brief, and it seemed Ouroboro was up again in a heartbeat, limping steadily but surely our way. Lance sagged against me, drained even further by his rebellious spark. Desperate, I turned my head, frantically searching for a way out.
Behind me, I caught sight of a doorway that shone with light, obscuring what lay beyond. I hurried towards it. Peppermint quickly made his way to my side and with help from Belladonna, I manage to to push Lance onto his back. Grateful for the high ceilings and the arching gateway, I guided Peppermint by the reins and made way over to the light.
“Run and hide, Allie Sage! It’s the only way you’ll survive.” Ouroboros called from behind me, voice shaking with pain and anger. I sent Peppermint ahead of me so I could turn to address my nemesis. I gazed at the struggling figure.
“You lost, Ouroboros. I suggest you keep that in mind next time you pick a fight with me.”
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