[Chapter 64] Dawn – Blood Arena IV

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Free was spearheading their offensive. Installing herself near Wise, she’d conjured a twisted tree which spread out over the force field enclosing them in. From its branches, roots rained down. If only we could incapacitate him for a second… Meanwhile on the ground, seeds were baring fruit, littering the arena with a variety of deadly proximity mines. Sion was destroying them, but more just kept sprouted.

Under cover of these distractions, the others were mounting their own attacks. Even Silver and Kate had joined in, darting in and out of flames as they attempted to claw Sion apart. With his lost weapon and Light’s affliction, close combat is no longer suicide. If anyone ran into trouble, Wise manipulated time to help them escape.

But it’s going nowhere. Apart the small cut Light had inflicted, they’d failed to land a blow. Sion was circling the perimeter while evading everything. He’s obviously waiting for Wise to tire. They were racing against the clock with little to show so far.

Dawn was distraught, and it wasn’t simply the prospect of death. Everyone else but me has made a critical contribution. Kate and Silver had stolen the ivory-tipped weapon, and Soul had destroyed it. Hope’s mithril bullets had provided the diversion for the theft. Light had cursed their enemy. Free and Wise had taken control of the battlefield. What have I done? Nothing noteworthy. Wise even had to bail me out. The frustration seeped all the way to her bones. Losing is bad enough, but WHY do I have to be outshone by my weaker siblings while it happens?

Her mind went quiet as she sent razor icicles flying. I could try that… It was a ludicrous concept she’d dreamed up the other day, one which might serve as a last ditch strategy. But if nothing happens, it’d be humiliating beyond imagination. It’d also cost them their slim shot at victory.

Too bad I can’t ask Wise. While her brother would know the odds of success, he wouldn’t be able to answer. What she was contemplating would only work as a true gamble. Wagers with known outcomes impress no one. Dawn glanced at her brother crouched with Rose and winced. Determination was holding together a consciousness that should’ve long since departed. We don’t have long…

Then disaster struck when Silver and Kate pursued a particularly bold assault. While Wise’s ‘freeze’ avoided their immediate demise… They ventured too far. Their aura armor faded before they could reach safety. Gold spear shimmering, Sion lunged and pierced their torsos.

Noooooo… Everyone lashed out simultaneously, forcing the immortal back. Roots grabbed the two, carrying them to the tree where Free emerged and began treatment. It didn’t look like their lives were at risk, but her sister would be occupied for a few minutes. Sion took three out of play with a single strike.

Dawn clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth. I won’t accept this. Again, she’d watched loved ones get hurt. Despite being the most amazing person in existence, if she couldn’t protect those she cared for at a time like this, she truly was worthless. Time to live up to my own expectations and take down an immortal.

“Keep him busy for a minute.” She ordered the others. “Do whatever you have to.”

While they heeded her instructions, Dawn took to a knee, hand on her chest, and closed her eyes. With a deep breath, she recited a prayer of her own creation.