Chapter 19: The Clash and Reunite
The 200 soldiers marched relentlessly toward Shinobu. At the heart of the battlefield, Zimbraya and the unknown entity finally stood face-to-face.
Meanwhile, Fiery and Scarlet lay unconscious. Aqua, Peter, and Goldie were trapped in the forest, while Kai remained with Ethan and Alyssa, far from the chaos.
Kai's Decision
Kai glanced at the two unconscious warriors, then at Ethan and Alyssa. Kai: "We need to head into the forest and save Peter's team."
Alyssa: "But Scarlet and Fiery are in no condition to move… Scarlet especially. She's already lost too much blood."
Ethan: "I understand. But if we abandon the plan now, we'll never have another chance to rid Shinobu of these enemies."
Alyssa: "We can't just leave them here!"
Kai's voice softened. Kai: "We won't. We'll take them with us and regroup with Peter's team in the forest."
After a moment of tense silence, Alyssa and Ethan nodded. The remaining ten soldiers arrived just then.
Soldier: "We'll accompany you to the forest as well."
They quickly set a microphone on the battlefield, ensuring they could monitor the clash between the two terrifying forces, then hurried toward the forest with Scarlet and Fiery in tow.
The Battlefield Duel
Back on the battlefield, the tension was suffocating.
Unknown Entity: "We both know why we're here. Isn't it true, you pathetic clone of Zimbraya?"
Zimbraya (smirking): "Indeed. Our goals are the same to bring Shinobu down. But it seems we've chosen different paths."
Unknown Entity: "You… you serve the powerful, don't you?"
Zimbraya: "And you… were created by them."
Ethan, listening through the microphone, clenched his fists. What are they talking about…?
Suddenly, the unknown entity attacked. Unknown Entity: "Ten-Tentacle Destruction!"
Ten monstrous tentacles erupted from the ground, striking with devastating force. Zimbraya countered, his iron mace smashing the tentacles one by one while he dodged the others. Then, with brute strength, he lunged at the entity but his opponent slipped away with inhuman speed.
The battle raged on.
The Reunion in the Forest
Meanwhile, Ethan, Kai, and Alyssa finally reached the forest with their soldiers. Scarlet and Fiery were barely conscious. With one swift slash, Kai cut through the tentacles restraining Peter, Goldie, and Aqua.
The moment Peter was freed, Ethan rushed forward and embraced him, trembling with emotion. Ethan (voice breaking): "I'm sorry, Peter… I couldn't do anything. Everything is going wrong. We're at a dead end. Scarlet and Fiery… they're unconscious, badly hurt. They fought so hard, and all I did was watch…"
Peter placed a hand gently on Ethan's back, a calm smile on his face. Peter: "I know you've been suffering. We all have. But don't blame yourself. The truth is… ever since I became leader, everything has gone wrong. If anyone's to blame, it's me."
Alyssa (worried): "Peter, don't be so hard on yourself."
Aqua (cutting in): "He's right, our leader is an idiot."
For once, Goldie didn't interrupt him, letting Aqua continue.
Aqua: "He lacks knowledge. He lacks strength. But Zimbraya-sensei chose him for a reason he saw something in Peter that we didn't. Don't forget: if Peter hadn't been here, Shinobu would've already fallen. If there's even a one percent chance of overturning all odds… we'll take it."
Peter clenched his fist tightly. Peter: "We will."
He turned to the soldiers, who stood waiting, their faces heavy with grief.
Peter: "I have no grand speech. But listen—those 200 soldiers aren't marching toward Shinobu. They're marching toward your families, your friends. Show them what happens when anyone dares threaten our home!"
The soldiers roared in unison. Soldiers: "Lord Peter, we will fight till our last breath!"
Aqua: "I'll lead them. I'll also take Scarlet and Fiery with me to safety."
Peter nodded firmly. Peter: "Aqua… don't die."
Aqua (smirking): "Same to you."
With Scarlet, Fiery, and the ten soldiers, Aqua departed for Shinobu.
The Brothers in Arms
At last, Peter and Kai faced each other after so many years. Without a word, they embraced.
Peter (whispering): "Thank "
Kai (interrupting gently): "Don't say anything yet. We'll talk after we've done what must be done."
Peter nodded.
Kai: "Now… use the power of the dark element. Open the portal."
Ethan (shocked): "What?!"
Goldie: "This is the final plan."
Ethan: "Final plan? What final plan?!"
Kai: "We'll have Peter open the same portal that the unknown entity came from. We'll rescue Reynolds… and then seal the entity inside."
Kai: "If Peter closes the portal from the outside, the entity will never escape again."
Alyssa (stammering): "That sounds simple when you say it… but the entity will never step inside willingly. How do you expect to pull this off?"
Goldie smirked. Goldie: "That's the brilliant part. Peter already has a plan. But first, he'll need to open not one portal… but two."
Alyssa (throwing her hands up): "Ugh! This is going way over my head…"
The forest grew quiet, every pair of eyes fixed on Peter. The future of Shinobu now rested on his shoulders.
End of Chapter 19