It didn't take long for the warriors to reach the city, now finding themselves at the walls as they prepared for their last defense. As the guardsmen rounded, they could see that they had put some distance between the Risen and themselves- though their assailants were approaching fast. As formations were resumed in preparations for what could very well be a final defense, something seemed odd... The air around them resembled that of a desert, free from any form of moisture and blistering hot. Though highly uncomfortable and near unbearable, the native guardsman seemed somewhat relieved. If one asked, the only reply they could get from their allies would be, "Just watch."
Sure enough, not long after they had reached the walls; a massive crack resounded from within the city. Those who looked up to the top of the defensive structure would see a massive torrent of flame arc into the sky, parting clouds as it flew out of sight. For a moment, a odd stillness set over the land... Then- without any prior warning- a bellow roar would echo across the fields. All at once the ground began to tremble and quake. Those who had their eyes on the Dark Esper would see it divert it's attention from the city to the ground beneath it, an eerie screech utterly drowned out by the disembodied bellowing. It was then that the ground began to split- seemingly of it's own accord- branching all about and under the Risen who continued their mindless charge. At first, the fiery desecration merely seemed cosmetic in nature, not seeming to hamper the undead in any manner as they continued their charge.
That was until something seemed to fall from the sky, slamming into the ground with such force that the split lines on the ground seemed to erupt in fiery magma. The wave of volcanic fluids washed over a great portion of the Risen, dropping their numbers down to just a few stragglers. As the assailants turned to face the fallen figure, a might roar could be heard once more- the form of a great horned beast appearing from the ashes and dust that had once cloaked it's presence. Rearing it's head back with outstretched arms, the beast could be seen coating itself in flames, swiping it's massive claws through the few Risen that remained. Then it's attention turned to the Dark Esper. Thoughs with superior vision would be able to see the beast change it's demeanor. Once a mindless fury had now been directed solely upon the black creature, the bellowing subsiding to an onimous growl. At once, the creature leapt at the Dark Esper, claws out to it's side as it prepared to pounce upon it's prey. Yet the Dark Esper seemed unphased, merely standing it's ground as the fiery creature drew closer.
It was then that an pale green light began to eminate from the newly summoned creature, still set to collide with it's victim. What had merely taken a few minutes to devastate the legion before them had began to fade away, turning to nothing but whisps and steam as it disappeared completely. The Dark Esper stood for a moment, it's vision returning to the city. The odd silence that now presided over the recent battlefield lingered for quiet some time, not a soul daring to speak. In time, the black creature turned it's back on the city, seeming to head back in the direction of the woods. All at once, the silence was broken by the cheering and shouts of the few warriors that had remained -the ground forces that once accompanied our heroes now at half mass. The torn and mangled bodies of both the undead and fellow soldiers now littered the ground once more, a mix of sorrow and excitement settling over the crowd as the realization slowly settled upon them.
@Cyrania As the Taguel reverted back to her normal state, she might've been surprised that very few were paying her any mind. One might expect those not accustomed to seeing dragons to be alarmed or frightened, but the crowd was more focused on the remnants of chaos before them. It was then that she noticed the familiar form of the Viera from before, her arm coated in a red hue that stained her clothes- though it was unclear if it was her own or others. Yet, Cedwic could not be seen... An ominous feeling arose in the woman.
@Evanist As his steed leapt from the dragon's back, Erion couldn't help but assist those around him. In his attempts to cure the wounded, he would see all manner of injuries sustained by his fellow combatants. It slowly set in on him, that not all of these people could be healed by his cure. Some had sustained near fatal injuries and where hardly able to stand, some had been dragged here by their comrades... All the horrors of war in just a few short minutes... These were truly dark times.
[@Eklipse]
As the myrmidon settled in amongst the crowd of wounded and broken men about him, he couldn't help but feel that whatever morale they had garnered had been lost. For the town to lose half of it's ground defenses, this was sure to be a heavy blow. But one other thing stood out to him. The ornately armored knight from before was not among their ranks. Try as he might, Holliander could not be seen. As the crowd began to disperse, seeing the wounded ushered to the barracks and the others slowly acclimate to the lack of combat; Arus couldn't help but feel that this was a losing battle... And time was growning short
@Crimson Raven As the heavily armored man leapt off the dragon's back, he would find himself in a mixture of seasoned and novice warriors- all of which had sustained one form of wound or another. Some barely clung to life, some would obviously lose limbs, and other seemed completely broken- even if their bodies where in better condition than the others. As he began to ask around for the commander of the forces, many would point him back to the fort. There was one that actually stopped and spoke to him.
"Sir, Holliander led the ground forces... Though he did not return with us. Now we answer to Vernire, he runs the entire fortification- or rather, what's left of it." Gabranth could tell the soldier was trying to speak as calmly as he could, but sorrow lined his voice.
@Lugia Right before the Nu Mou's very eyes, he would see the torrent of flame leap from Robin's tome into that of the summoner's.
"King of Flames, bear down upon thine enemies. Through fire and flames, unleash thy rage upon them, Ifrit!" The summoner spoke aloud, his voice garnering an unnatural echo as his hand lifted from his tome, now overwhelming flames rocketing into the sky. As the display of fiery might before them played out, Robert couldn't help but feel amazed, though shortly reminded of his condition as a sudden throng of pain rocketed through his body. The spell that had effected him made itself known, only increasing his fear. For a moment, Robin and the Summoner stood in silence before turning their attention to Robert. Calmly the Summoner looked off to the side to one of the priests nearby.
"Prepare a Re-Raise spell. We don't want him gone for long." With a nod, the Nu Mou male approached, his form adnored by a white robe as he carried a long wooden staff by his side. Shortly after, he'd begin uttering a prayer, closing his eyes and bow his head as he uttered his chant. The green robed man turned back to the black mage as he spoke, almost seeming apologetic, "I pray it works..."
"What is he talking about?" the one called Robin spoke up, turning between Robert and the summoner.
"Follow me," the green robed made his way past Robert, heading towards the stairwell some distance behind the small group. Pausing for a moment- as if unsure- Robin followed shortly after, patting Robert on the shoulder for just a moment before continuing.
The chaos of battle is over. The stillness of death lingers. The severity of this world's crisis slowly sets in.
All characters gain a level in Character and Job.
