Awakening

The cracks of the fierce battle slowly spread to the hospital. The two women were in the air, clashing again and again. Both had sustained wounds, though Saphire was bleeding more. The battle against Dara had left its mark on her and drained her energy more than she had expected. And now, that cost was being paid.

Seraphina threw her spear at Saphire, who managed to defend herself by slashing the spear away. However, when the spear was gone, Seraphina too was nowhere to be seen. Only when Saphire heard the beating of wings did she raise her head—just in time for Seraphina to smash her burning fist into her face. Saphire crashed into the ground. But Seraphina wasn’t done. The battle had shifted in her favor, and she would use that opportunity.

Immediately, she opened her mouth and unleashed a sea of flames at Saphire, who was still struggling to stand. The flames struck her mercilessly.

Still, she wouldn’t be a Celestial if that was all it took to defeat her. She rose from the flames—wounded, yet her majestic demeanor remained. And she bellowed:
‘So that is the power of a Dragon Monarch! Excellent! You’re the first dragon to push me this far! Let me display my true power!’

The winds started gathering in one place, and at its center, wicked darkborn energy also condensed. So much air was drawn in that Seraphina struggled to breathe. At the same time, she fought the pull of the wind.
(Seraphina: Damn! If we continue, this place—no, the whole city—will be blown away!)

In the hospital
Dean had no time to question what was happening. He had one job—only one: protect Larah and defeat the light priest. And he would accomplish it, no matter the cost. Once again, he felt that burning sensation, stronger this time. He pounced on the roots closing in, not understanding anything but thrusting his fist forward. And it worked—his fist destroyed the roots, one after another.

‘The fuck!’ the light priest bellowed. ‘No, that can’t be! I must finish him as fast as possible!’ The priest formed a sword from his ability and launched it at Dean, hiding behind more roots. Punch after punch, Dean destroyed them. The last root transformed into a snake and slithered toward him. Dean was sweating heavily. His heart pounded, his palms ached, his legs screamed for rest, and his eyes craved a break. But his will had other plans. It fueled his body with the strength needed to face the enemy once more.

Dean formed a mighty fist, glowing with white and golden light. Without understanding what was happening to his hand, he punched the snake—and obliterated it completely. From behind the explosion, the priest emerged. With a thrust of his sword, he pierced Dean’s chest. Immediately, a blinding light exploded from Dean, towering into the heavens and destroying everything in its path. Larah stood frozen. She didn’t know what to say or do anymore—and had no strength left to try. So she remained silent, marveling at the beauty of the light. And embracing the warm it radiated.

On the battlefield
Commander Nootra transformed back into his human form. At once, all energy left his body. Fortunately, Nicole was at his side to keep him standing.

‘Boss, didn’t know you had that power in you!’

‘I never told anyone. The first time I used it... I killed many people. People dear to me. That’s why…’ HE squezzed his eyes shut, suppressing the tears that where about to form and to lock his gaze away from the soldiers who looked at him with fear and confusion.

‘I understand. I understand.’

Just as she finished speaking, soldiers from Special Force Alpha arrived on the battlefield and helped Jessie and the others exterminate the remaining ghouls. One of them parted from the group and joined Nicole and the commander. Commander Nootra coughed and took a step back, giving Nicole some space.

‘Explain the situation! Why are you here? What is happening in the forest?’ The soldier saluted and reported:

‘A darkborn appeared. She’s a Celestial. Dara stayed behind to get you.’

‘That can’t be Dara fighting right now. I can feel it!’ the commander muttered. ‘This is a battle between two beings, two Celestials—that’s for sure! We should—’

A pillar of light—Dean’s light—shot out from the hospital, piercing the heavens.

In the forest
Just as Saphire and Seraphina were about to clash again, they noticed the column of light. Seraphina was the first to stop. She fixed her gaze on it.

‘Someone you know?’ Saphire asked.

‘Yeah.’

‘Then let’s stop the fight. Seems like your presence is needed elsewhere. And I must admit, fighting you in my current state... I hate to say it, but I stand no chance right now.’

‘Well, we did agree on a fair fight. It wouldn’t be fair to fight you while you're weakened. Okay then, go. But if I sense your energy in this area again, I’ll hunt you.’

‘You won’t. I give you my word.’

And so, Seraphina hurried toward the light, while Saphire left the battlefield.