CHAPTER 13

Back at the Regens Gate, Bluefang’s was relentless. Its chains twisted extending in length like serpents. Each strike forced us back into a defensive formation, as pressure mounted on us to evade. We tried to strike back breaking some of the chains, however, each regeneration made every victory feel futile.

“We’re going to need a new plan,” I thought looking at the others.

“Use the chains!” Felicity’s voice chimed in. “Try to tie him up, somehow. If you can immobilize it for a moment, you can pass through.”

“Easier said than done,” Brock grunted, deflecting a chain strike with his hammer. It shattered, the impact ringing like a thunderclap as the chains reformed instantly, glowing brighter with every movement.

“This thing regenerates everything!” Chester remarked, narrowly dodging another attack.

Brock charged forward, dodging the chains with surprising agility for his size. With a well-timed strike, he drove his sledgehammer into the ground, creating a shockwave that caused Bluefang to stumble momentarily. Rin and I leaped into action, grabbing the chains as they rattled violently and wrapping around its legs.

The beast thrashed, but the chains tightened with every movement. Brock followed up with a powerful blow to its head, sending it crashing to the ground.

“Now!” Rin shouted.

Chester teleported in, pushing the beast with his telekinesis toward the gate. The gate showed an aura like a force field around it. At that moment, the chains shimmered, their golden glow now connected visibly to the gate in seven chains. An aura surrounded the gate, rippling with power.

“Guys look at the gate!” Chester said his eyes widened. “It’s connected to the gates somehow, if we can break the chains we can pass through the gate.”

Bluefang staggered but recovered quickly, its glowing chains rattling ominously as it let out a deafening howl. The sound reverberated through the battlefield, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

“Chester might be right for once. This thing’s feeding off the gate!” Rin shouted. “We need to break those chains!” As if sensing the shift in our focus, the beast launched itself toward Rin claws outstretched. She braced herself, her swords positioned effectively but the force of the attack sent her sideways as she blocked.

“I’m working on it!” I yelled back, charging forward with my twin blades. The chains shimmered with a golden hue as I knelt, slicing at the glowing tether. The beast turned its attention to me, its blue eyes flaring. Before I could react, it was upon me. The air seemed to freeze as its claws came down.

“Watch it!” Brock bellowed, throwing himself between us. The blow landed squarely on his side, sending me sprawling and tumbling.

“Brock!” I scrambled to him, but blood was already pooling beneath his uniform He gritted his teeth, clutching his side.

Bluefang loomed over us, ready to strike again.

“Not today!” Chester yelled, grabbing our arms. In a blink, we were teleported to safety beside Rin.

Chester stumbled, visibly shaken. “I… I can’t believe that worked. I’ve never teleported anyone before.”

“Nice Chester,” Rin said, panting. She shot a quick glance at Brock, her concern evident. “Fel, we might need backup here.”

“Hang tight,” Felicity’s voice came through. “Natasha’s on her way.”

“We need to keep it distracted,” Rin said, tightening her grip on her sword. “Rebel is counting on us to finish here.”

Chester and I exchanged uneasy glances. Without Brock at full strength, the odds of holding off Bluefang head-on weren’t great. My blood powers were erratic to say the least, and my second ability hadn’t surfaced again.

Then, a sharp cry tore through the sky.

A brilliant streak of light plummeted toward the battlefield. Natasha landed with a thunderous crash, a shimmering force field rippling outward and sending Bluefang sprawling.

The impact rattled the gate, shaking loose debris as the force field dissipated. Natasha stood, her grin as electric as her entrance.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said, casually flipping her short hair back. “Looks like I made it just in time to save your hides.”

The beast growled, recovering quickly, but Natasha didn’t flinch. She turned toward Brock, her expression softening. “We need to wrap this up. Brock’s not looking too hot.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?” Brock coughed, his voice strained. “I can still fight. No problem.” He winced, the pain overtaking his bravado.

Natasha turned back to the beast, her grin returning. “Good. Let’s finish this.”

She charged, the force field glowing around her as she slammed into Bluefang again. This time, a chain snapped, forcing it to stumble back toward the gate.

“Now’s our chance!” Rin yelled.

Natasha held the beast in place, her force field sparking against the glowing chains. Chester and I darted forward, attacking the chains connected to the gate. Each strike sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield.

One by one, the chains shattered, their golden glow faded as the gate’s aura flickered. Rin joined in with her swords as the beast struggled to get out of the force field.

Bluefang howled, its movements growing sluggish. Natasha held firm, her force field shimmering brighter as the last chain snapped.

The gate shuddered, its energy dissipating. With a final, ear-splitting cry, Bluefang collapsed, its body dissolving into ash. We stepped over the ash as the gate creaked open to reveal the chaos within.

At the Founders’ Gate, Adelle’s flames had carved a path through the gate, and she slipped inside just as the six-armed colossus roared in frustration. Michael and Frank, battered but determined, delivered a coordinated strike to the creature, bringing it to its knees.