63 Thunder and Lightning (2/2)

Kazimierz thrust his palms out, hurling streams of fire as he began to chant and Nikolai responded in kind, blades of wind creating a hurricane which devastated Kazimierz' attack. Innumerable spells were cast by both Mages, their sonorous voices overlapping and hands weaving to create runes in a horrifying melody of destruction. Seconds passed by as lightning and fire weaved a deadly dance through the sky, but this was only a prelude.

As if on cue, blinding waves of power surged from them, spells complete.

Flaming meteors fell from the sky, the very earth trembling at their passage and massive storms spread in a ring across their battlefield. Lightning and flames of devastating might blanketed the sky, fiery tornadoes and howling hurricanes gouging the land. Barriers flickered into existence for an instant, incapable of deflecting more than a fraction of the Magical power they were hurling at each other.

Spears of lightning slashed from the heavens to be met with a howling vortex of fire that devoured everything in its path before exploding in a chaotic storm of power. Nikolai clapped his hands together and released a tornado that tore through the explosion, eyes tracing another wave of meteors howling towards him. He punched through a thin disc of fire, choosing to evade the meteors instead of blocking this time. He'd taken measure of Kazimierz' abilities and marked the flaws in the Anima's Law. Unable to consolidate his understanding, their fight was wearing away at Kazimierz' spell casting.

Nikolai wiped ash from his face. Burnt hair and clothing coated his body, the heat from Kazimierz' spells enough to set them alight. His throat was parched and his fingers shook with each spell that was cast. The initial euphoria and power from his metamorphosis was wearing off but Nikolai grinned as one of his delayed spells triggered and hurled a radiant bolt of lightning that shredded the Anima from the waist down. Screaming in rage, Kazimierz retreated, amorphous legs reforming under him. The only reason he'd been able to withstand Nikolai's abilities for so long was his nature as an Anima, tireless and possessing unfathomable reserves of energy.

”Time to end this.” Nikolai's Magically enhanced voice boomed across the battlefield. He hurled the sealed Zebreski in Kazimierz' general direction, hoping the words and sight of his companion were enough to break the Anima's concentration.

It was.

Features contorted in anger and confusion, the disc of fire at Kazimierz' feet vibrated uncontrollably. A shell of unstable fire shot from his body and he shot towards Zebreski.

Nikolai chanted in triumph, gathering all the power in his body. His blood thundered in his ears and a stream of Divine power joined the swirl of runes cupped in his hands. Calling to the focus, Nikolai drew on its abilities to create a small formation containing many of the features of the Soul Rend. Linking all the powers together, a ball of turbulent energy hovered before him but he struggled to control it. The different powers pushed at each other and the hastily constructed spell holding them together was on the verge of collapse.

Nikolai slashed down with his arm like he was wielding a sword, the ball turning into a beam of light that cut across the sky.

Kazimierz had caught his companion and was already stabilising his flames to hurl sheets of twisting fire at Nikolai.

The beam arced across the heavens, shredding through Kazimierz' attacks and body in equal measure. The Anima exploded, his smoky form swirling in agitation as it struggled to coalesce. Sweat poured down Nikolai's cheeks, and he took a deep breath, raising Nezgrom with shaky arms in preparation for the sealing spell but the dark cloud which had somehow survived their battle split the sky. Nikolai shivered as an ancient gaze swept over him, unfathomable power breaking his control over his Law, the lightning surrounding him vanishing under the pressure. It seemed familiar, like one of the senses he'd felt when he absorbed the vial of blood earlier.

A stream of energy shot from the cloud and gathered the Animas before Nikolai could even react, pulling them into the void. Kazimierz was the last to be pulled through, his head reforming to gaze at Nikolai. Flashes of anger and helplessness raged deep within his eyes and he mouthed a few words before he disappeared along with the cloud.

”What does it take to make a God?”

Nikolai shuddered at the question. The will of the True Imperial raged within its cocoon at the mention of Gods and Nikolai clenched his fist, furious at his inability to stop their escape. Was Kazimierz trying to become a God? Or worse, was he trying to make something equivalent that he could control? There were too many questions he couldn't answer. How had Kazimierz known about the Soul Rend? Was freedom his only goal?

A wave exhaustion spread through his body and Nikolai shook his head to clear away his worries. Groaning in weariness, the Thunderform spell flickered and his wings burst with a blast of thunder. Nikolai cradled Nezgrom in his arms as he fell from the sky, relying on the series of protective spells he'd engraved for these sorts of emergencies. His flying spells had been broken so often, especially by his Master, that keeping a focus or device capable of slowing his descent became second nature. Without the protection of his Magic the chill wind bit into him, freezing his fingers and toes which were unfortunately bare.

”I should make some shoes which can withstand a direct hit.” He mumbled as the levitation spells kicked in, generating a flow of air that cushioned him. With plenty of time before he reached the ground, Nikolai scratched his cheek and replayed the events of his fight. Even though Kazimierz was able to escape with the help of that strange being, he would be weakened for a long time. The final bursts of Magic Nikolai had cast were infused with the Divine essence of his changing blood and arcane Azokarri formulas. Far beyond the Laws of a Master Mage, Divine abilities were closer to the truth of the world and only someone with the same level of understanding like Natalia or with a similar power like an ancient Imperial would be able to counteract it. It was a level beyond that of an Archmage and anyone who attained that degree of power was termed a Demigod, treading on the domain of Heaven.

That was why ancient Imperials were so terrifying, casually wielding abilities second only to the Gods. Unfortunately, Nikolai had no idea how his powers would compare to his ancestors or even an actual Demigod, especially now that the initial burst of power was fading as his body assimilated the blood. The only Demigod Mage still alive was the mysterious founder of the Avarian Council who remained in seclusion in her Tower overlooking the Fractured Lands and Aura masters at that level hadn't been seen in centuries.

”There's no way I'm going to pick a fight with those Avarians.” He thought. The Council was filled with Mages on a crusade to purge dark abilities. While his newfound Imperial nature would make them frown, they hated people powerful enough to contend with them, the Azokarri made them froth at the mouth. He summoned a drop of the melted focus to his fingertip and sighed as it purred in delight, humming an ancient tune. He would have to make a trip to the Eskrar Islands to meet with the Azokarri Sages. With nothing better to do on the way down he sang along with the focus, making up words randomly.

As he neared the ground, Nikolai prepared for the impact, flexing his legs and taking a few deep breaths. Even at his reduced speed the impact wouldn't be light. A blurry figure in the corner of his eye expanded rapidly and before he knew it, Nikolai was gripped in the familiar arms of his fiancée like a princess, drawing a long arc through the air.

”You didn't have to jump so far.” Nikolai complained, disgruntled at the reversal of roles. ”It will take us forever to get down.”

”Nice view.”

”Yes.” Nikolai said after a moment, the blazing sun descending over the horizon, its rays flickering across the sea. ”Yes it is.”

”Caught you.” Elya grinned, silver hair flowing in the wind.

Nikolai looked up at her, startled, before bursting into laughter.

It was a good day now that she was here.