Corpse Party... And Dinner (Ardere/Job)

The hordes of ghouls surrounded them, but there was no time to waste. Ardere dashed forward, assuming Elyx would take the other side of enemies. He began to slash at the ghouls, as his blade heated up with a corrupt flame. During this barrage, Celica re-entered her battle form. Flames wrapping around her fists and lower legs, she provided some cover fire. The odd thing about this situation though, was that he kept seeing flames of apparitions in between each ghoul. It was almost as if his mind was being messed with. From the best he could tell, he was taking on one of the groups of three while a mirror demon lurked behind. But every now and then, he would get a glimpse of figures, dark ones. He could almost see snakes on the floor, as if they had been miraculously summoned. But he did not view it as a miracle, rather it made him a bit more angry. Furiously slashing at the ghouls, the fire mage incinerated what he could. His phoenix partner was beginning to notice his frantic actions, but she was also encountering a problem. Flashes of bright lights and creeping darkness around her legs prompted a volatile reaction, as she punched the remaining ghouls away. Once they were defeated, the mirror demon began to move forward. The two were so distracted by the apparitions and figures, that they were knocked back with severe force. We gotta get our heads in the game. Nodding, his partner took a deep breath and so did he. The mirror demon was no joke, and they could not afford to be so distracted during their fight with him. So they charged in from opposite sides, like a pincer attack. Whatever was around them, had to be some conjuration from Dracula but his body kept responding to it as if it were real. There was not much avoiding it. 

Swinging his sword around, he still had quite the bit of magic left. Perhaps this was the time to use it, or at least a portion of it. Dishing out a barrage of punches and slashes, Ardere and Celica were blinded for a moment by the impeding darkness. Then, they were knocked backwards. Ugh. Gripping the handle of his sword tightly, he swung it horizontally. A blast of black flames scorched forward, smacking into the demon. Flame God's Infernal Swipe! During the burst of flames, he kicked forward to dish out a powerful strike. In doing so, he saw a horde of snakes burst towards him. Flailing around, he cut the snakes to pieces. Celica attempted to help him, but she was knocked back by the mirror demon. No! She did not appear heavily injured, but she had been hit nonetheless. Turning to the mirror demon, he plunged his blade into it's chest without even thinking. Destroying it's armor and revealing it's true form, he took no time in slashing him to pieces. He was covered in cuts and some bruises, but the guild master was far from done with the fight tonight. He slashed right through the demon, before running back to his phoenix. Helping her up, he rubbed his eyes slightly. The apparitions and snakes kept appearing and reappearing. Hopefully Elyx and Ignite were having an easier time. Whatever these conjurations were, it almost messed him up.

His fire body sealed up all of the scratches on his body, being a useful trait of his. Unfortunately it did not work as ell on the ghouls as it did the demons, perhaps it would prove more useful against Dracula. Ardere was a bit battered from the energy fueled attacks, but he could still stand just fine and that meant he could fight to his fullest. Celica was able as well, but the enemy before them was far too strong for her. Twirling his blade, the ground beneath him was cut slightly just by sheer force. The world around him was still strange, shadows moving past his eyes and snakes across the floor. But the bottom line was; he could not stop now. Celica, stay back. The phoenix narrowed her eyebrows, placing a hand on her partner's shoulder. I can't just let you fight him alone. The fire mage placed both hands on his sword before taking a deep and slow breath. I'm not alone, I carry everyone with me. Plus, Elyx can bail me out if need be. Now get your butt back before the flames start flying. Bursting forward, the full extent of his speed was now seen. Moving at slightly beyond S ranked speeds, a trail of wind was left in his wake as he brought his sword up. Bringing it back down, his cold red Ca-Elum steel was blocked by the wicked claymore. Dracula stood there, holding his sword up to block. The sheer force displayed caused the vampire's feet to sink into the ground, cracking the concrete he stood on. For a moment, he seemed surprised by the amount of force the Fire Kind had unleashed. It was a little known fact, but his strength was even greater than his speed. Twirling in mid air, he brought his leg into the side of the demon's armor, bringing his sword back around. The lord was quick enough to block the sword strike, but he did not expect what came next from the kick. While it did not deal as much damage as he had hoped, it did dent the armor slightly, causing a burst of black flames to appear on the armor.

The fire mage possessed a special ability, to be able to light his opponent on fire with a physical strike. Using his pyrokinesis ability, he lifted his hand up. The black flames on the armor knocked Dracula right on his chin, knocking him as if he had been hit with a full force uppercut. A perk of having such corrupt flames was that they could be quite physical if he wished them to be. Dishing out several strikes, the claymore was coated in a dark energy, knocking Ardere backwards. He was not severely injured, but he slid across the concrete floor. By this time, it was likely the Black Rose mage would have joined the fray. Let's finish this guy off Elyx. A black aura formed across his body, blazing around him like a dark flames. Powering up, he clenched Clarent rightly. Sinking his feet into the ground, this would not be an easy fight, but it was not one they could afford to lose. I say we rush in at the same time and barrage him, then you blast him low. I'll jump up and blast him high. Then we'll wing it from there. A smirk crossing the lips of the vampire lord, he brushed his white long hair back. I may be older than  this country but I am not short on hearing. Giving a counter smirk, the god slayer straightened up. Oh, I know. 

Readying his sword, Ardere waited a moment with his comrades. And then, in a split second they burst forward like bulls being released from their cages. While Elyx and Ignite came in with their barrages, the fire mage whipped around the other side. Slashing his sword in an arc it was blocked, but his side kick was not. The armor the vampire lord was wearing was tough, but the second trigger on his physical attack ability had gone off. He was covered in a black flame, prompting him to rip off the chest plate. Sliding back, the demon growled at the group. Allowing the Black Rose mages to get in a few more combos, he leaped over them. Everything seemed to move in slow motions for a few seconds, as he brought his sword down upon their enemy. It was blocked by the massive claymore, but he had succeeded in knocking the lord off balance, causing him to tumble a bit before regaining balance. He was taking hits, but it all seemed to be for nothing if they didn't land a massive one. It would be dangerous to attack with his full magical power, but there would be no victory if he did not take risks. Get back! Motioning for the group to move backwards to allow him an all out attack, he brought his sword back. Burn in hell, dark one. Just as Dracula regained his balance, he looked up to see black flames swirling around the crimson blade. Drawing his blade back, the guild master slammed it forward. Their opponent thought he was ready, smirking and bringing his energy covered sword up to block it. Flame God's. The flame swirling formed a drill, and when it collided with the energy sword, it burst to sizes almost uncontrollable. Gungnir!

The black flames swirling and destroying everything in it's path were blocked by the sheer strength of their vampire opponent, but only for a few seconds. The rubble and concrete turning to ash and dust, Ardere slammed the white haired man right into the wall. Forming a massive crater, he let out a battle cry. Barraging and keeping him pinned into the surface, cracks formed along it. Once the flames dissipated and the smoke cleared he slid back to join Elyx and Ignite. An ominous laughing sound was heard coming from the crater in the wall. An imprint of the Lord Dracula's body had been made, and he was stuck in it for a brief moment. When he brought himself out, the laugh continued to echo throughout the basement as rubble fell to pieces behind him. Finally, a soul truly worth devouring. It has been far too long. Ripping off his cloak, it revealed a slightly opened black button up shirt. A dangling necklace swayed back and forth, as his eyes glowed yellow. A dark purple aura burst around his body, it seems the true fight had begun. Ripping his blade from it's place in the wall, pieces of the surface fell to the ground. It appeared there was a system of catacombs beneath the house, perhaps something they could use to their advantage. Get ready. Hopefully by this time, Elyx and Ignite would have taken their chances to attack the man.

Watching Elyx and Ignite go in, Ardere swung his sword backwards. Allowing them to get their attacks in, he stepped back a bit when the glowing began. The house had begun to shake, as they burst into the catacombs. Gritting his teeth, he watched as the Black Rose mages tried their best. They were able to get some hits in, but this ultimately led to the phoenix being hurt and the violinist falling to his knees. Now was the time. Now was the time to rush in, and finish this fight. Letting out a voracious yell, the fire mage burst forward with his sword blazing. Diving headfirst into the catacombs, he provided a bright light within the darkness. This was his job, to provide light when those he cared for needed it most. The vampire lord was beginning to heal, but he was still stumbling. This would be the opportune moment to lay in a heavy attack. Hyaah! Slashing open the vampire's chest, no blood spurt across the floor. His wound was instantly cauterized by the searing hot blade, but the corruption from the flames turned his wound black. Growling in pain, the vampire sent an army of bats from his body to the guild master. Deflecting the hordes of bats, he was overwhelmed by them. Agh! Celica widened her eyes, as he was engulfed in bats. Ardere! The darkness seemed to overwhelm him, biting across his body. The bats burnt themselves when they bit him, but it did not stop them. A flame inside him began to awaken, he could not stand by and let them devour his body and soul. The only choice he had, was to obliterate everyone one of them. Get back. Grabbing one of the bats, he began to charge it with energy.

And within a matter of seconds, the horde of bats swallowing him up would be reduced to mere ash. Flame God's Judgement! Charging the bat up with energy, a massive dark explosion engulfed the horde of bats. Explosion after explosion, wind gushed throughout the entire basement. He filled it with smoke and flames, even knocking Dracula back, burning his chest severely. Standing back up, steam gushing from his muscular body. The pieces of armor began to fall off of his pale physique. The only armor remaining was below his waist. As for above his waist, he was completely shirtless covered in bite marks that began to close up. Twirling Clarent between his fingers, Ardere glared at the injured Lord Dracula. Ignite, fire in some shots then carry Elyx back. Celica, make sure they are safe when they do so. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled harshly. Pivoting on his right leg, he took a fighting stance. Holding his sword above his head, the blade was place horizontally along with his line of sight. This was his final stance, before his heaviest strike would come into play. This fight had gone on far too long, and the injuries on his friends accompanied this fact. Tightening all of his muscles, the burning sensation in his body began to fade, for it knew what was to come.

Pulling his sword back a bit, Ardere's dark and corrupt aura burst around his body like a flame. Waiting for Ignite's attack, he took it as an opportunity. Dashing in, as soon as her chains were fired, he took control of them using his pyrokinesis ability. The lineage of the Fire King, that was his past and his future. Dracula expected the attack and was ready to deflect it, but what he did not count on was the fire mage controlling the chains. Having the chains arc around his sword, he made them wrap around the vampire several times. Constricting him, the man growled in searing hot pain. His skin was being melted, and as this occurred the guild master burst in ready to attack. At the last second, the fire chains broke. The white haired man burst out of them, bellowing enough to shake the room. Furiously slashing his claymore, he would receive resistance. Voraciously returning the slashes, the bastard sword clashed with the massive old sword multiple times. Each of their clashes and strikes was fueled with such strength, that the ground beneath them began to crack. Nicks and cuts scattered across the hydra mage's body, but they only did half damage and would close due to his fire body. Regardless, he was getting pounded with attacks. He had to do something. Encasing his blade in a massive amount of flames, it reached a length of ten meters. The dark lord seemed surprised at the size of the flame blade, but he continued to block it. It was beginning to get harder to block due to the sheer size and intensity of the black flames, scorching across his arms and sides. The two were locked in eternal combat it would seem, but the fight had to end at some point. 

At the last second, Ardere was disarmed. For the first time in his life, the sword had been knocked out of his hands. And for the first time against a demon, fear overcame him. That sword was an extension of his soul, he loved it and cherished it. But it was not the source of his power, merely a part of it. The true power came from within, and that's what would happen. Holding up his arm as if to block the massive blade coming down upon him, the blade went right through his arm. Being made of fire had it's perks, and he used this to get his fist right in front of the man's chest. Landing a punch right on his chest, his arm reformed out of flames. Crash energy formed in his fist, as did black flames. Flame God's. The flames engulfed his body, but not harming him. These flames propelled him and engulfed the lord dracula, harming him unlike the fire mage. The fusion of crash energy and black flames formed golden bright flame, burst through over a dozen walls in the catacombs until they hit a large piece of earth. EARTH SHATTER! This punch turned Dracula to crisp, breaking every bone in his body, especially when he hit the wall. A gargantuan crater was formed in the chunk of earth, as dracula was embedded into it. For a moment, he appeared to be still physical, but he would drop into a pile of ash, leaving only his necklace behind.  

Staring at the pile of ash, Ardere's breathing was heavy. Using his sword Clarent to prop himself up, he could tell he had exerted a lot of energy. Fortunately, he could still move. Straightening himself up, he struggled for a mere moment but pushed through it. The smoke and flames had cleared, and Dracula was defeated. Bending down, he stuffed the necklace into his pocket. It would be a token to show the Magic Council, proof that he had slayed Dracula and that the Sombra Mansion was free. It was not necessarily a legal matter, but it was something that the council would perhaps like to know. Turning back to Ignite, he nodded to the she phoenix. I'll be alright, thanks. And it was at about this time, Celica came rushing in to help carry him. It reminded him of all those years ago, when he found her half frozen near Mount Hakobe. He carried her back to the village close by, and nurtured her back to health. In her eyes, she owed him for this. If she had frozen back then, she would not have reincarnated like she normally did, it would have been her end. This was the bond they shared, and why she had chosen to enchant herself to attain a human form. Slowly but surely walking back towards the exist, he was able to conjure up a flame for light. He hated to use Clarent as a walking stick, but the Ca-Elum blade could take the force he was putting onto it. He had hit a meteor with it before, a little weight on the top would not affect it so much. Lead the way Ignite. Following the other phoenix, his partner helped carry him back into the basement and up into the mansion. It was a long walk, but after some time the group would make it. Up the steps and into the living room, they traversed the mansion itself. It had taken some damage during their fights, but the world around them was safe now. At least, around the mansion. The Cursed Lands was still Hell on Earthland, quite literally.

After making it back up top, Ardere sheathed his blade. Leaning against Celica, he nodded to the Black Rose mages. Thanks for your help, I'm sure we'll meet again. Tell Elyx I look forward to that day. Giving a reassuring smile, the fire mage took a deep breath. His phoenix partner gave a slight wave to her fellow phoenix, and continued to keep her master stable. See you around Ignite. Our kind are far too rare in this day and age, treasure the time you have with your companion. As he said, I'm sure we'll cross paths some day again. And just like that, the two parted ways. Unfortunately for the two Infinity Hydra mages, there was one last thing they would have to check on. The subjects of Dracula's servitude, the souls he had captured, they should be free of the lord's subjugation. If this was so, it meant they had accomplished something great today. The manor was free of it's dark master, and so were the great mages across history. Exiting the mansion, he looked off in the distance. The Cursed Lands was not a pretty sight, but perhaps he would be witnessing one soon enough. Running pale fingers through his thick brown locks, he removed the red headband through his hair, something he rarely did.  

Standing there, in the dirt on the cold night in the Cursed Lands, Ardere held his side tightly. He had a bit of a cramp, but as he stood there with his phoenix he knew it would be worth it. Gazing upon the house they had just been inside, something came from within. It appeared to be orbs of energy rising up from the house, high into the sky. It was almost like a beautiful light show, shades of blue and purple emitting from the mansion. Then, after giving a closer look, he now noticed they were not just orbs of energy but rather souls. The souls of the mages Dracula had kept in the house, slowly devouring their energy until he was done with them, were not free. After the defeat of the vampire lord, they were relinquished from their servitude or imprisonment rather. Twirling the necklace between his fingers, the fire mage knew he had done right tonight, yet something felt off. The world around him felt so dark, these cursed lands were dark, unlike anything he had felt before. The crackling of thunder and bright flash of lightning pierced his senses, as the rain began to fall. Some of the souls looked at him, waving good bye. A part of his heart ached with pain, they could finally be with their loved ones. There was no telling how long they had been trapped in the house, or just trapped with the Nosferatu. Gripping the necklace tight, he slid it into his pocket. The rain droplets evaporated when they touched his skin, for the flames in his body were searing at the moment. Celica could feel the mix of anger and relief in her partner, and chose to not say anything. He was so happy to release the souls, but something inside of him still hurt to think of being separated from one's loved ones. This was one of those moments where he felt a thousand years old, and in some ways he was. A slight smile crossed his lips, as all of the pain turned fully into relief. Letting out a heavy breath, he held his sword tightly in his hands, still in it's sheath. Let's get out of here Celica. We've got a home waiting for us.

Making their way back to the Black Sun, the phoenix and the fire mage hopped aboard the rather large ship. Fortunately no lycans or dark creatures of the night had found themselves enthralled with the ship and chosen to mess with it. The black wood was intact, and when he turned the engine on, it purred like a kitten. Quickly taking off into the sky, the trees in the area shook with vigor. The ship was rather fast for a personal one, and had quite the kick to it. Switching on the auto pilot, Ardere dropped into a wooden chair. Looking at the table before him, there was a nice little blue book about aviation. He found post-mission boredom a good time for a nice novel. That was dangerous, what you pulled back there. But I'm glad you're alive. A voice coming from that of his phoenix caused him to look up, and give a tired smile. Me too. Diving back into the book, they had a journey ahead of them to get home. The guild would be waiting for them, to hear of their journey, and they sure did have a story to tell this time.