Protect • "Looks like I win." • Fantasy RPG
From @yumecentral on Twitter. See the prompts here!
"It seems that I've won this one."
Smugly did Akechi strike at the last creature with his blade. He leapt in the air and performed some kind of somersault when he attacked. Chifuyu rolled their eyes. What a show-off.
The score was 10-7, in Akechi's favor. Releasing their spell on the creature, Chifuyu lets out a sigh, somewhat disappointed in themself. They knew Akechi was a skilled fighter, as they were his close confidant, but they thought their magic would at least bring their scores to a tie.
There was a quest posted on the job board in the city's town square—it was a competition of sorts. Those who are able to take down the most creatures from the Forest of Dreams wins a special prize. This was the final round, and it looks like the prize is for Akechi to take.
"If this were simply a magic competition, I would have you beat," Chifuyu retorts, slumping down a tree and allowing the earth to take them. Akechi lets out a loose chuckle.
"A sore-loser now, are we? Someone doesn't like losing."
"You say that as if you aren't the same," the mage fires back, sticking their tongue out and blowing a raspberry at the taller brunette. This makes him laugh even more. He shuffles closer to Chifuyu, and takes a seat beside them. Of course, placing his sword in its scabbard before doing so.
"Do you want to return home, Higanzakura? You seem exhausted," Akechi's soothing voice fills the air, almost melodic to Chifuyu's ears. They hide their flustered face within their knees, bringing their legs close to their face.
"You just want to get your prize already," they mumbled.
"Hm. Half-true, I won't deny that," Akechi hummed. Again, Chifuyu would roll their eyes. They rise from their position, brushing the dirt off their boots and their pants. "I don't mind going—"
"Watch out!" Akechi suddenly interrupts. He rushes forward and immediately unsheathes his rapier, performing a slashing motion. The creature that was sliced backs up, snarling at Akechi. It was so quick, that Chifuyu didn't have time to blink. The mage swiftly turns around and mutters an incantation. A purple sigil manifests out of thin air, above their tome, and three arcs of lightning blasts the creature. This, however, doesn't deter it. The lightning seemingly bounces over the creature, and it doesn't even have a cut.
Now that the creature was in front of them, both Akechi and Chifuyu could have a closer look at it. Its body was a deep brown color, and it wasn't like any other forest creature the duo had seen before. There was a certain aura of magic to it, as if it was capable of wielding magical powers. It had sharp claws and long fangs, which it used in an attempt to intimidate and frighten the two humans. The creature didn't seem to have a specific form to it; in fact, it could be more accurately described as some kind of... blob. It shifted shape every few seconds, not being confined to one appearance.
Chifuyu grits their teeth. "Looks like your prize is going to have to wait," they said, as their tome opens. The spellbook levitates a few inches away from them, pages turning until it lands on a spell that binds the target. They chant the spell under their breath, and before they could finish casting the spell, a yellow whip appears in front of them and strikes at Chifuyu's lips.
"Ah-" was the last sound they made as they stagger backwards, hitting a nearby tree. They were going to say something, but as soon as the words were about to leave their lips, they realized...
They have been silenced. The creature casted a spell on them. This was no good—most, if not all, of their spells required verbal components. They were practically useless now.
Akechi quickly understood what was going on. "Don't worry about me. Just stay safe, and I'll protect you!" He calls out as he infused his rapier with radiant energy before hitting the mysterious creature with it. The creature lets out a virulent roar and forms a large golden spear with its claws—before stabbing Akechi square in the chest with it. It draws its claws back, and blood drips from it.
Sickening. Red. Blood. The dripping was enough to drive Chifuyu insane.
Chifuyu's world was spinning. They quickly sprint to his side, carrying his limping, bleeding body in their hands. The creature was about to make another attack, this time at the mage. And they braced themself for it, shutting their eyes tightly and readying themself for the pain. Waiting, and waiting, and waiting... But it never came. Opening their eyes slowly, they find a glowing blue sigil, shielding them and Akechi from the onslaught. It was Akechi's magic. The sigil caught the creature by its throat, slicing it in half.
As both pieces of the creature fall to the ground, Akechi lets out a pained cough.
"Looks like the prize is yours, Higanzakura," he croaks, before closing eyes and letting his magic flutter away.
