Capítulo 28: The Way of the Waves Pt. 3
The air was tense inside of Riverside Cave, Rene standing off against me and Tsuna. She braced herself for a tough battle against us, but inside her heart my words stuck to her. Despite her hesitant gaze, she braced herself as best as she could. Tsuna and I got into our stances, our eyes shining with determination and our gaze battle ready.
"I'll defeat you, Tsuna!" Rene bellowed, launching multiple ice spikes toward us.
I dashed forward, the Aries Symbol shining on my shoulder and my body being encased in flames. I charged forward, clearing a way for Tsuna then maneuvered out of the way. Tsuna caught Rene off guard with a swift low slash, aiming to cut her legs with precision.
Rene noticed the attack, using her staff to block the slash then launched a fast kick toward her face. Tsuna blocked the kick, countering with a swift right hook directly to Rene's jaw. Rene staggered to the side, but caught her footing then launched a left hook straight to Tsuna's chin, the strike landing its mark.
Tsuna slashed upward toward Rene, her blade trailing water energy. "Why don't you truly open your eyes?! Rivule is in a better state than its ever been!"
Rene blocked the attack, grunting softly as Tsuna broke through her guard then stumbled back. She recovered then rushed forward, throwing her staff toward Tsuna. "That's not the point!"
Tsuna dodged her staff then noticed Rene warping toward her staff, turning around only to be met with a clean strike to her face from her staff. Tsuna stumbled backwards, finding her footing and her blue eyes shined brightly.
"Why..? Why did you have to do it?! That was my Papa! My blood! You took him away...took the throne...your took away our birthright. What purpose did you have doing it?!" Rene yelled, her voice thick with emotion.
"I did it because that's what the kingdom needed. Did you not see the state Rivule was in before? The waters were black, your people were dying left and right! Is that the kingdom you wished to rule?! A kingdom of dead residents and Beasts practically roaming through the lands without care?" Tsuna asked, her gaze unflinching.
"What choice did I have?! Father made it clear he wasn't stepping down and no matter what, I would follow my blood no matter what they do! They're my family! Wouldn't you do the same for yours?" Rene asked, her grip upon her staff tightening.
"I wouldn't know because my Family is from Eyica. A Continent that prioritizes Order above all else. Unlike Arthirus and Pyroc, Rivule lacked Order...and like my fiance, I brought Order to Rivule," Tsuna said, watching Rene closely.
Rene clenched her teeth, her blood beginning to boil. She let out a battle cry, launching herself toward Tsuna. She swung her staff toward her, but Tsuna blocked her attack with her dagger. The two began clashing, their movements a contrast of grace and harshness.
Tsuna parried her next attack then landed a powerful kick to Rene's stomach, knocking her away into the cave wall. Rene grunted heavily as she slammed into the fall, falling upon one knee. Upon the impact of Rene's back against the wall, the cave rumbled and a large chuck of rock began to fall toward Rene.
Noticing the large chunk crashing down toward Rene, I acted quickly by using my sword to slice the rocks into tiny pieces, saving Rene's life. Rene looked a bit surprised, her gaze narrowing up to meet mine.
"You...saved me..? Why? I'm your enemy... you're not supposed to save an enemy," Rene said, her tone softening as she stared at me.
I gently grabbed her hand, helping her upon her feet. "You're an opponent...not an enemy. Like I said before, I understand how you feel. Losing your family no matter how long ago it was can really leave an everlasting impression on you."
"I don't want to fight you... because by making you my enemy, that only means I'm invalidating your feelings without understanding you first," I continued, cupping her hand in mine, using my Crest of Manami to heal her.
Rene noticed soothing green energy surrounding her body, feeling a warmth she hasn't felt in years. She closed her eyes and slowly began to break down, lowering her head. "I just...miss him so much...He was all we had after our mom died because of a Beast attack...I know he was a bad man...but I didn't want to lose the only other parent I had left.."
I listened to Rene, watching her break down into tears. I could understand how much the pain weighed down upon her, how badly she was hurting on the inside. I gently pulled her into a warm embrace, sympathizing with her. Rene didn't try to pull away, instead she held onto me, crying and still mourning over her father's death.
After a few moments, I let go of Rene, holding her at arms length. "Rene, look at me.."
Rene slowly glanced up at me, tears still falling from her eyes. She tried her hardest to stop crying, but the dam was already broken.
Gently wiping away her tears, I lowered my tone to a softer, more empathetic volume. "I know right now you may not choose our side because of what happened...but I hope you can do one thing for me. Help us stop these phenomenons. I don't ask for much at all, I just ask that you help us save Rivule before it returns to the state it once was in the past."
Rene stared at me for a moment, turning her gaze at Tsuna then looked down. She nodded her head, accepting my request. "Okay... I'll help you stop the mess my sister and I caused..."
I smiled at her, looking back at Tsuna. Tsuna returned my smile and nodded, approving of Rene's decision to join us. Before we could move on, my C-Gadget began to beep. I took it out of my pocket then looked at the small screen, noticing Sera calling me. I decided to step to the side and let Rene and Tsuna reconcile while I talked to Sera.
I answered the call, the device extending and showing the extended screen. I noticed Sera's face and smiled at her. "Hey, anything new to report?"
"We managed to reach the top of the island in the sky and contained the contaminated waters for now. We are going to be heading back to the castle for now so Saffron and Phoebe can rest," Sera replied, her tone dry and stoic.
"You could at least sound a bit more happy," I said, softly chuckling.
Sera fixed her glasses and stared at me for a moment. "I am happy. Can't you tell?"
"It's...kinda hard to tell when you're sounding like a robot," I teased, giving her a playful smile.
Sera rolled her eyes at my comment, but a soft smile betrayed her usual stoic demeanor at my tease.
"Ahh, there's a smile. I knew I could crack one from the analytical woman," I jested, a soft laugh slipping through my lips.
"Har, har. Very funny, Lord Ryoma. I will see you at the castle," Sera said, a soft blush forming on her cheeks.
I chuckled softly and noticed the call end then I put away my C-Gadget. I made my way toward Rene and Tsuna. "Alright, ladies. Are you ready to face against this Mythical Beast?"
Tsuna looked at me, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Mhm! Rene told me that she knows exactly where she is, so we'll have no issues getting there."
Rene nodded, giving me a soft smile. "I would like to make things right by leading you to straight to the beast.."
"Alright, let's get going then. Sera, Saffron, and Phoebe await us back at the castle," I said, nodding my head.
With that, the three of us began to make our way through the cave, Rene leading us through each path. Despite the chilled air and eerie atmosphere, there was a warmth that surrounded the three of us, a sense of newly forming trust between us. I could definitely see a bright future ahead not only for me and Tsuna, but for Rene as well.
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The three of us made it to the location where Asena resided, and heard a melodic voice echoing in song. The voice was divine, soothing even. The song began to affect me, gradually causing me to feel drowsy but my Crest of Arcane dispelled the effects.
"The Siren. It is known that her song works best against male opponents than it does with female targets. This is the Beast that has been harming your men, even a few killed in this very cave via drowning," Rene explained, walking forward and entering an arena like area that was surrounded by a moat of water.
Tsuna and I followed behind, the closer we got to the arena, the louder the song became. Ahead, sitting upon a rock was a beautiful mermaid.
The mermaid had an elegant and majestic figure, with intricate and vibrant details. She had a regal and serene expression, with long, flowing white hair adorned with ornate headdresses and accessories. Her upper body was humanoid, while her lower body transitioned into a fish-like tail with beautiful green and blue scales.
She wore a combination of traditional and fantastical clothing. Her outfit included flowing robes with a mix of red, white, and green hues, along with decorative elements like bells and ribbons, enhancing her majestic and ethereal presence.
As soon as the mermaid sensed our presence, her singing and opened her eyes to look at us. She lowered her arm and stared at us. "You're immune to my Siren Song. That's a first."
"Well you're looking at two women, and an Emperor even though I must admit you almost caught me off guard taken I didn't have my guard up. Now that I have my guard up, your song holds no merit," I responded, crossing my arms.
The mermaid closed her eyes then hummed softly, a soft giggle escaping her lips. "I see. Well, I must assume there is a reason why you've come to my domain?"
"There is. To tame you and prevent you from further harming the people of Rivule again!" Tsuna answered, pointing her fan at the mermaid. "You've harmed many of my soldiers and fishermen for just doing their jobs, Asena. I am not going to allow that to slide by because you're hurting my kingdom's productivity!"
Asena laughed softly, placing the tips of her fingers gently against her lips, her tail gently slapping against the rock she sat upon. "It's not my fault your Soldiers and Fishermen aren't more careful. Haven't they heard of my Folktale of me dragging men into my waters for falling for my song and charms?~"
"Such a ridiculous folktale. It's time we stop you, and tame you so we won't have any of these problems in the future," Tsuna said, closing her fan.
Asena summoned her trident and smirked at us, her emerald green eyes glowing with allure as she readied herself for battle. "Alright, if you wish to take me...then battle me. I am Asena, the Mythical Beast of Rivule, The Siren. I am not known to fall against a mere human," she declared, jumping into the water.
Rene readied her staff, her eyes searching around for Asena's silhouette in the water. "I haven't ever truly seen Asena, so I don't know her tricks. We're all going in blind for this fight."
"That's fine by me. I've fought a Mythical Beast before during my stay at Pyroc. This is nothing new to me," I said, summoning my sword and bracing myself.
Asena swam around the arena swiftly then jumped out of the water, throwing her trident down toward us. We avoided the trident, but the trident produced a blast of water, knocking us back with great force. Asena summoned her trident into her hand once more and landed in the water again.
Rene searched around for Asena once more, using her staff to freeze the water, but Asena managed to break through the ice, jumping into the air again. She sang a loud note, summoning a large serpent to rise from the moat and rush toward us.
"She can summon other Beasts?!" Rene gasped, noticing the serpent rushing toward us.
Tsuna rushed forward, using her dagger to slice through the serpent just as it tried to bite down upon Rene. She used the rock to propel herself toward Asena, slashing at her but Asena blocked the attack, smacking Tsuna to the ground with a bash of her trident.
I rushed forward and caught Tsuna before she hit the ground then set her down. "Looks like it's my turn. Good thing I have an answer for this.."
Rene watched me and held her staff, grunting as my aura began to add a bit of pressure to the air around the arena. "Ryoma...what are you planning to do?"
"Cerealia, Sync with me," I said, the Pisces Symbol shining in my shoulder.
My body began to faintly glow, water energy spiralling around my body. My hair became long, flowing red hair that moved elegantly through the aire, giving me a dramatic and captivating presence. My skin became fair and smooth, emphasizing my new otherworldly beauty.
I wore intricate armor with a green and gold color scheme that covers my shoulders and arms, adding to my imposing and majestic appearance. The armor was adorned with ornate designs, suggesting it is both functional and ceremonial. The Pieces Zodiac Crystal hung around my neck, indicating a source of power and a significant personal artifact.
My lower body was now that of a mermaid, with shimmering green and blue scales that reflect the light beautifully. The transition between my human upper body and mermaid lower body was seamless, emphasizing my natural grace and elegance.
Rene and Tsuna stared at me in awe, both of them blushing madly as they took in my Pisces Zodiac Form. Asena stared at me as she floated around in the water, a quiet giggle escaping her lips.
"Well, well...A Zodiac Form? Planning to take the battle into the waters huh?" Asena asked, watching me dive into the water.
"Exactly. If we can't see you underwater, one of us just takes the fight to you," I replied, summoning my sword, a confident smirk playing on my lips.
Asena smirked then closed her eyes, her soft laugh echoing throughout the arena. "Well, I hope you're ready to die!"
Asena dove under the water and I dove underwater as well, the two of us swimming toward each other at great speeds. She thrusted her trident at me, but I deflected her attack, using my tail to knock her deeper under the water and chased after her.
Asena recovered and noticed me rushing after her, dodging my slash then countered with a powerful uppercut to my face, launching me upward toward the bottom of the arena above us. Quickly recovering, I swam backwards blowing multiple bubbles from my mouth then began to use my tail to knock each one toward Asena.
"Ha! Bubbles won't work on me!" Asena laughed, knocking the bubbles back toward me with her tail.
We began to send the bubbles back and forward toward each other in a rally, but with my next hit, I snapped my fingers, each bubble exploding around Asena. Asena looked around swiftly, her vision obstructed by the underwater foam around her.
Suddenly with a burst of speed, a volley of energy blast began to land their marks upon Asena with rapid succession. I swam toward Asena while she was stunned, landing a barrage of slashes then knocked her upward and swam after her, jumping out of the water.
"Zodiac Arts: Neptune's Wrath!" I bellowed, launching a destructive sphere of water at Asena.
The sphere of water struck Asena, causing a massive explosion in the air. Rene and Tsuna watched in awe, their gazes following me as I landed on the ground in my normal form. Asena groaned as she crashed onto the ground, in a weakened state.
Asena slowly got up, chuckling darkly and her tail slowly began to disappear, revealing her human legs. She stood up and her eyes glowed dangerously, she let out a battle cry, raising her trident in the air. A low roar sounded, the arena rumbling as another beast was summoned.
"Feathered Black Whale, emerge from your slumber!" Asena commanded, her trident glowing brightly.
Suddenly, a large black whale energed out of the water with authority, the usual smooth skin of the whale replaced with a feathered coat. The eyes of the whale shined blue, a low hum escaping from its mouth.
"That's...another Mythical Beast.." Rene marveled in complete awe and disbelief, her gaze fixated upon the whale that hovered above her.
"A Mythical Beast able to summon and command another Mythical Beast. Hmph..things have just gotten a whole lot more interesting," Tsuna said, smirking at Asena.
Asena jumped upward, landing on the whale's back. "Come, Royals! This will be the final phase! I will not take such a loss so easily! You can not stop Nature's Course!"
The three of us grunted as the Feathered Whale launched itself through the cave ceiling, causing multiple rock spikes and chunks to crash down upon us. We all began to escape the area, hurrying out of the cave to track down Asena.
I whistled loudly to summon Nebula, my call echoing through the air. A loud neigh was heard, the sounds of gallops hurrying to my location. I leaped in the air and Nebula jumped up to catch me, transforming into her Alaricorn Form.
"Rivule!" Tsuna called out, a loud roar sounding into the air following her call.
A large serpent with six wings, emerged from the ocean beside us, roaring loudly and responding to Tsuna's call. Tsuna grabbed Rene's hand and began to lead her toward Rivule, the two of them mounting her back.
Asena stood on her Beast's back twirling her trident and smirked at us riding on the backs of our trusted Beasts. "Heh! Now this is what I call a climactic battle!"
A few of Rivule's citizens began to notice the battle happening in the sky, everyone stopping what they were doing to watch the fight. Sera, Saffron, and Phoebe noticed the battle as well, their gazes turning to the sky.
"We have to end this quickly! If this drags on for too long, we might not have enough time to save Seafoam Lake and Almeria City!" Tsuna called out, looking over at me.
"Yeah, I know! Cover me, I need time to gather energy!" I said, tugging Nebula's leash to have her ascend higher into the air.
"Alright, Rene...it's us against Asena for now. Use your magic and cover!" Tsuna rallied, commanding Rivule to rush forward.
Rivule and the Feathered Whale began to clash and land blow for blow upon one another. The Feathered Whale let out high pitched squeals, launching pulses of energy toward Rivule but Rivule evaded each pulse of energy.
Rene did her best to keep a steady aim with all of the rapid movements going on, launching beams of ice energy toward Asena. Asena deflected each beam of energy, sending spheres of water toward her and Tsuna in response. Rene swiped her staff down, forming a shield of ice in front of them, blocking the spheres of water.
"This is exhilarating! Absolutely breathtaking! Maybe humans can provide fun to me instead of being a nuisance!" Asena laughed, singing a loud note and launching the soundwaves toward Rene and Tsuna.
Manami appeared in front of the two, strumming a powerful chord, using the soundwaves of her harp to collide with Asena's Siren Song. Asena gasped in shock, caught off guard by Manami's appearance then heard a neigh above her.
I jumped off Nebula's back, letting out a battle cry. "The End!"
Slashing through both Asena and her Feathered Whale, my sword sliced through the fragments of space between us, causing a powerful explosion in the sky. The shockwave of the explosion cleared the clouds in the sky, the sky islands rumbled, and the ground felt the minor effects of the sky explosion.
The Feathered Whale slowly disappeared into magic particles, causing Asena to fall out of the sky. Nebula hurried toward Asena, catching her on her back while Rivule swooped down to catch me.
"We did it!" Tsuna cheered, holding her arms in the air with a cheerful laugh.
Rene couldn't help but to laugh along with Tsuna, her heart still pumping with adrenaline. "Y-Yeah! We did it!"
I watched as the two gave each other high fives and smiled, laying back against Rivule and sighed softly. Half of Rivule was saved finally, and all that was left was the other half of Rivule to save.
Status de energia semanal
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