War Won

Sceptical glances. While their party did match some of the descriptors attributed to the fallen soldiers, it would be easy to notice that the troopers leading the prisoners into the camp were not the same as the ones sent to acquire them. This was abundantly clear as all three soldiers had changed species from Vakrael to Quatarrian and Soloss. With only metres left to go, Varkral decided to go his own way. Sukal made sure to catch up with him so as not to break their cover leaving the majority of the group safely heading towards their destination. Pipes snaked around them and into large storage columns which only seemed to grow in size as they neared the centre. There they were. Suspended in a service lift, dangling over one of the other wells, Sky sat bound and gagged. On the platform beside them, a crumpled figure addressed the crowd. “You asked for proof, and so I provide it! This human should be evidence enough that we should be preparing for war. They come here to infect us with their weaknesses or to simply overwhelm us with their weaponry because we choose not to fight.” The crowd murmured in agreement. “No more! Today we fight and today we win.” She turned to the lift and removed the faceplate from her helmet. All in attendance went without oxygen, exhaling simultaneously in disbelief. “Before they die, I will do them the honour of gazing at them, unobstructed by the helmets they make us wear.” Sky could have sworn they saw her wink before she sent them to their doom. War turned around to face her audience. “It is done and so, our true work can begin.” She raised her faceplate high, before returning it to her helmet, covering her furry grey face.
Lore, Char and Tay came together, forming their Reaper. Gold energy climbed up Lore’s left arm as blue climbed their right, meeting in the middle with their own white light. The three danced as time slowed before they coalesced into green once more. Given the conspicuous nature of the process, it didn’t go unnoticed. Although similarly bound and gagged to Sky, Brian and Alodrass were close enough to touch and too merged into their true Paragon form. The majority of War’s army dispersed and even moved out of the way of the two glowing individuals as they made their way towards the front of the rally.
The Reaper grabbed at the air and turned their hand anti-clockwise. What had become two, became one once more as the lift and it’s occupant were restored to their state before War’s intervention.
“Time. I always wondered what tricks you’d have up your sleeves.” She gave a slight nod. “I’m somewhat impressed.” Once again they threw aside their mask but this time, with it the remainder of their helmet. Given the helmet’s unique design and the wearers title, the reveal was unexpected; under the demonic, burnt steel helm, waited the face of an unlikely predator. Her fur, now assumedly grey from birth, covered the entirety of her face with the exception of her nose and inner ears. Before them, a five foot, hunched grey tabby cat.
“Is this a dream?” Lore thought to themselves.
“You’ve never seen a Vakrael without their helmet? I thought that’s why we went to see that film?” Char answered.
“I just liked that film. I had no idea the cats were real.”
Their internal dialogue didn’t go unnoticed as War used the opportunity to make the first move. War’s leg swept the floor at The Reaper’s feet, knocking them off balance but failing to topple them. Realising their mistake, War pounced. Shearing their gloves from their paws, they began furiously swiping at their face. Although not physically damaging, the attacks were wearing away at their ability to remain one individual. The attack ended abruptly as Life’s paragon made contact with War. Calmed to the point of paralysis, War fell to the floor.
“Bag her and let’s get going.” Alodrass and Brian had already separated before The Reaper could freeze War.
They were afraid her head would fly off as she span rapidly, disoriented and scanning her surroundings. As her vision cleared, she resumed her attack, clinging to them. Realising her tactic would likely not differ, The Reaper prepared themselves and were able to successfully repel the feline boarder. As she fell for the second time, her body jerked in the air, reorienting so as to land on her feet. As they connected with the floor, her eyes began to glow. It was a subtle change but it carried the glow of a growing fire. Her claws grew to daggers which she raised into the air before releasing an almighty caterwaul. The retreating forces stopped in their tracks and tore off their own helmets and gloves as they charged to their leaders aid. Alodrass and Brian together once again turned their back on War as they moved away to find their own fight. Despite having the advantage of foresight, War was now evenly matched with The Reaper. Blocking or otherwise deflecting every one of her attacks, they waited for an opening. A third Paragon joined the fight as Varkral and Space’s Paragon fought their way to the centre of the crowd. The Vakrael forces continued to push, filling the once comfortable well side arena and forcing the three Paragons to fight shoulder to shoulder with a fourth. Green, White and Blue light spiralled as the combatants were constantly reorienting and trying for an opening. As with War, her fellow soldiers had the same amber glow in their eyes. That glow then filled Sky’s. They touched their hand to the ground and focussed on the soil below. Then they found what they were looking for. With a flick of their hand, the battlefield began to rumble. Conducting the quakes like an orchestra, they waved their hands at various heights and in different directions in rapid succession. Hands open, they came together before imitating a volcanoes’ eruption. In time with the action, the well too erupted. War, her army and Life’s Paragon were swept from their feet and scattered across the nearby area. Sky opened their eyes but after they saw what they had done they promptly covered them and stepped away. The oil soaked ground now occupied by the majority of the combatants gave way. All who stood on it fell into the newly emptied space below.
“Brian!” The Reaper separated. Lore attempted to freeze time but found themselves too weak.
“Alo!” Tay screamed as she ran towards where they had been.
Behind them, locked in shock, Sky rocked. The pit was too wide and deep for them to consider attempting to jump so all they could do was stand and stare. At the holes base, a white light clawed its way from under the dirt. A hand became an arm and an arm became a torso as Life’s Paragon exhumed themselves. The light clung to the base for a moment before ascending to the mouth.
“She’s dead.” Alodrass confirmed after she separated. “One of the larger sections of the wall crushed her.” Sky let out a mighty whimper. “It was quick and painless.” She quickly added.
“Right then, who’s next?” Sukal chuckled breathlessly. Daughterly Departure.