Part 4 (2): Brannigan

“A brawl or violent argument.”

“My fellow soldiers, merge with me.”

At the orders of the primary knight, the other knights & their sentient biomass slowly slithered over towards the wrecked body of the Head Knight. Not wasting even a second, they began assimilating themselves into one massive bloated creature. A gargantuan fleshy substance dimmed by the ever so luminous crescent moon, materialized a biomaterial freak of nature. The substance was a reddish pink, constructed of flesh that moved like a warping slug that beat as if it were a human heart. Its unsettling aura amped by the sheer overwhelming quantity of eyeballs that were embedded into its mushy exterior. Balefully serrated canine teeth, resided in the many mouths plastered onto the various sections of the entity in a strangely eldritch fashion.

“HAHAHAHAHHA! I feel more powerful than ever!” the creature spoke in an energetic & joyful manner. Its deep resonating vocals, resounding throughout the entirety of the vast forest.

“This power. The power of a greater existence. I can feel it coursing through every cell in my body! I need more. I must achieve it.”

It spoke for a second time, this time in a shallow & resonating tone. Its voice is irate & raspy. Speaking of anything that came to its unusual mind. But what are these archdemons he speaks of?

Supposed demons of the highest caliber. Spiritual entities, prominent in the infernal hierarchy as a leader of demons. They possess incredible supernatural power superior to ordinary demons, wield unchallenged dominion over demons and minions, & tremendous supernatural abilities in both domains. Though this, this wasn't even the power of an average archdemon. It was more than enough to satisfy their hunger for power at this moment.

The Clannad rushed her target with no time for the useless chatter. Her eyes tracking the trajectory of its attacks seconds before it even launched them. Constantly attacking & slicing anyway she could, dodging the behemoth’s massive swings aiming for her head. This being, this entity. It can quickly recover from any damage, even things that could leave mountains telling tales. It is consistently developing immunities to any source, even rebuilding itself from scratch. It’s as if this thing is virtually indestructible. Dashing back, she knew what had to be done.

Ceasing all activity, the Clannad stood serenely. Her amble movements like a butterfly as they glided past the evergreen leaves nearby. Double gripping her weapon similar to before, silently praying to it as the enemy maniacal laughter sent chills down Basil’s spine.

As she reopened her eyes, her left eye’s bright red pupil began to bleed strongly, dripping down her left cheek as if time had slowed. Her axe igniting, being spontaneously set ablaze. Flames spew out wildly from all directions. Was it a chemical reaction utilizing the nearest oxidizer, such as a gaseous substance in the atmosphere? With the axe acting as the source of the searing temperatures, which exceeded the heating flash point? No, this was something far more incredible. Far more unbelievable.

These flames differed from the ordinary via the reasoning being these flames originate from mystical origin. Flames created at her whim, malevolent transcendent flames specifically from the depths of the underworld. Capable of nullifying all forms of restoration, even if the being can regenerate themselves from their consciousness. The transcendental blazing flames protruded from the base foundation of the weapon, an infinite ethereal inferno set ablaze in a finite realm once more.

The Clannad was mute as she slowly led her battle-axe upside the torso & steel chestplate of the enemy. Igniting a trail of flames along its path. Prior to this, she accelerated her weapon, completing the attack. As an arch of fresh illuminating staggering flames was summoned directly on the enemy. The flames have an arching like curvature, with the surrounding area also being set ablaze & devastated in the process.

“Ignite.” A single word escaped her mouth, her feminine voice as emotionless as her unfazed facial expressions.

Conflict concluded, the endless satisfaction of utter victory flooded in as the demonic entity was purified & vanquished, erased from all eternity. The Clannad watched inaudible as the enemy's deceased charred body dropped silent, burnt to simply nothingness. Still quiet, knowingly on the inside she was pleased that she was able to taste the strength of an at least somewhat worthy opponent once more. Though now she could finally rest, regain her stability even. It wasn’t the feeling of fatigue that overtook her, but the absolute feeling of utter boredom.

Swinging her axe in a sweeping motion, placing it in her back holster until further use. Her clenched fist tightly clasping the remnant of the perished soul. Releasing it into the wild, her palm aimed upwards towards the heavens. Looking downwards at her surroundings & the catastrophe she had caused.

Hands set ablaze & her heart excessively thumping. Although she seemed to be tremendously holding back, it was definitely an exciting experience. Shifting her vision from her fist towards the surrounding environment. As he glared upwards at the strange blinding lunar moon & the results of her victorious battle, she finally felt at peace knowing that another person was secure. Speaking of this ‘another person’ what were they doing during this time?

Basil was appalled, he had just witnessed the battle of a lifetime.

Born in a wealthy family, an individual whose had his parents & others provide for him who his entire upbringing. Receiving weekly allowance from his parents in order to afford daily necessities. His allowance was even more than any person in a state of virtual penury could dream of. It was to such an extent, he grew up not having a stable friendship with anyone in the literal sense.

He was an introverted & secluded individual. His Father’s wish was that Basil be regarded as a hero & honoured by all of humanity. A cunning individual who wished for the best of others. Though he did have a deceptive disposition to him, almost as if he were hiding something in plain sight. Looking back at these moments, it was pure manipulation brilliantly commenced by his Father.

However, under few circumstances surrounding his birth, numerous other wealthy families openly ostracised & resented Basil for containing his parent’s status & riches. The children even viewed Basil as a lonely & quiet freak. Soon, his parents would forbid anyone from mentioning Basil's name, or even visiting the young boy. Hoping that the younger generation would not continue to blindly despise Basil as their parents did.

But, Basil's peers emulated their parents' hatred of him, despite not knowing why. Following their parents without a single thought. This social isolation caused Basil to crave acknowledgement, which he would gain by racking accomplishments. The feeling of being wanted, being cherished.

This child had nowhere to sleep, go, he didn’t even know right from left at this point. Basil gripped her fingers tightly. The Clannad turned to face his direction. His eyes empty just as hers were.

She continued to stare at the helpless child for a bit before crouching down on one knee to his height, patting his hair gently. A dumbfounded look on her face as she then plucked his forehead. Basil staggering back holding the area of impact to ease the sting.

Standing tall again, she walked off into the vast forest. Basil dumbfounded as well, staring at her back as he came face to face with what seemed like a menacing presence even from behind. As he then ran after the woman, following her every step, mimicking every movement. He didn’t know where this expedition would lead him, but her protectiveness gave him a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long while.

-End