The Forge

"AS you wish, ma'am", Ankoku said

Ankoku nodded and rushed against the creature again doing the same move to sweep the Shade's feet

The creature jumped up to avoid the sweep, dodged out the way of Fortuna and then, still holding onto the sword, spun around with it, and letting go, throwing the sword towards Ankoku, despite the fact Demios was still holding on.

---

Atticus lifted his hand away suddenly, and blinked.

"...how strange that feels." he commented, resting his hand on her stomach again.

Demios' eyes widened as he realized his sword was aimed directly at Ankoku. Without a moment's hesitation, he created a shadowy barrier in front of the boy, and yelped as he impacted with it. The barrier fell once he was safely on the ground. Demios shook his sword arm, hoping none of his bones were broken.

Fortuna glared at the creature, trying to find a place to breach its defense. She was quick and agile, but her blows wouldn't hurt it much.

-S-

"Indeed," Ayleth replied, shifting slightly and wincing as another volley of kicks came.

The creature blocked the attacks, and then swung its foot up at her, its foot forming into an axe as it did so.

---

Atticus rubbed the spot again, flinching a bit at the kicks.

"...I hope your both comfortable." he said softly.

Fortuna rolled out of the way, and the axe missed her by a hair. She quickly got to her feet and swung again, aiming at the creature's maw.

-S-

"I'm sure they'll be alright," Ayleth assured him. "Should I help you get ready?"

(It doesn't have a mouth)

The creature side stepped and its arm formed into a blade. It swung it around at Fortuna as it dodged.

---

"No. I can do it tomorrow." Atticus said, getting to his feet. "I just want you to be comfortable."

Fortuna gasped as she saw the blade coming at her. A shadow claw appeared in front of her, blocking the attack by grabbing hold of the blade.

"I've got your back," Demios called to her. He was on his feet, and ready to fight once more.

-S-

The yawn that had made itself known earlier had now infected Ayleth with sleepiness. She smiled at Atticus, and covered her mouth as another yawn escaped her.

"I believe I'm ready to go to bed, dear," she said.

"Okay...I'll be with you soon." Atticus replied.

---

The Shade suddenly leapt high into the air, and landed behind Demios, swiping at his legs.

---

The perculiar song from before could beheard near Carol and Adaigo...

Ankoku got scratched at the side, but did not yell nor anything actually grabbing the blade so that Deimos could have it back once he reached up the creature, taking the blow directed at Deimos' legs, but somehow managing to stand, despite the pain.

All of this just to handle him the sword

Seeing it had struck another target, the creature went to grab Ankoku.

Demios wasn't going to allow the Shade to harm the boy who'd brought him his sword. He brought his blade down on its arm, hoping it would release Ankoku.

Fortuna approached them with speed, jabbing her blades at their opponent again.

Ankoku looked as he was grabbed and used a knife on his belt to stab the SHade's wrist

The Shade didn't seem to be effected by the stab, and leapt out the way of Demios attack. He threw Ankoku at him.

Ankoku was inwardly surprised and was thrown like a ragdoll.

He was somewhat surprised that.... it did not have any effect

Demios tried catching Ankoku as he flew towards him.

Fortuna backed off. "This is ridiculous! I don't think we can beat this thing," she called to her friend.

Ankoku was surprised as the attack had not worked and was flung against Deimos simply stood up as his book feel from his persona and his page openened upon the creature he had linkened the Shade to.

Bongo Bongo, a beast made of shadow... whose only weak point was..., Ankoku said as he stared at the Shade's enormous eye.

"Maybe we can. I doubt the body possesses weak point to speak of, due to its shapeshifting nature... but what about the orb which replaces its visage"; he said pointing at it

A fanged grin slowly came over Fortuna's features. "It's worth a shot," she said, nodding towards Ankoku. "You've got quite an eye for that."

Demios created an orb of Shadow Magic in his palm, and hurled it at the Shade's eye.

"Actually, it does", Ankoku stated in a matter of fact was as he pointed at the shade

Fortuna laughed despite their current situation.

Ankoku tilted his head wondering why she was laughing, but immediately turned back at the monster

The Shade quickly dodged out the way, letting out a shriek when it saw the ball head towards its eye. It exaimed them. It brought up its foot, and slammed it into the floor, letting out a shock wave.

Fortuna covered her ears again, stumbling as the shockwave made her lose her footing. Demios was also knocked back, but it didn't deter him from making another orb of shadow. He threw it at the Shade, but it was completely off target.

"We need to distract it!" Fortuna shouted. "Then you can have a good shot!" She drew her swords, and ran forwards while Demios charged yet another orb.

Ankoku managed to dodge the shockwave in time, but nodded as he rushed at the Shadow hoping to distract him as thye had asked

Adagio's attention was drawn towards the mysterious tune. It was an unfamiliar melody that the passersby didn't seem to notice or care about.

He looked back at the young woman he was talking to. "Do you hear that?" he asked.

Carol blinked, suddenly aware of a strange song floating about. Had it always been playing?
"hmm? why yes, actually... where is it comming from?"