267 The Death of a Party Member (1/2)
Vines from the nearby undergrowth had started to wrap around him.
”Stay away from her!”
That familiar voice shouted as more vines reached out and pulled Daliea away from the bounty hunter.
Jack forced himself to stand up, bearing the pain as he saw Eliza and Keela descend from Appa above. Some water in his eyes still ran but in gladness, not sorrow.
While Trank destroyed the vines crowding his body, Keela waved her staff and removed the stun placed on Jack and Daliea. With both supports to back them up, the party was feeling a bit more optimistic about the situation.
”So, you won the race, huh? No matter. My men will be here shortly,” stated Trank, now acting more serious than perverse. ”You've earned my respect lasting this long and somehow keeping her alive, despite losing such a precious Flame Tiger. I can accept killing the others, but please don't make me have to kill you, Mr. Party Leader.”
Not saying a word verbally, Jack refocused himself and stored Appa as Keela healed him and Rydel. Though Rydel's wound wasn't fully healed, at least he could use a bow now, albeit slower than he would wish.
'We need to hurry and kill him. His team will be here any second, and there's no telling what will happen if they help him.'
'Then you'll need Bowzer, Jack,' Rydel flat out stated his opinion. 'We don't want to reveal ourselves, but would you rather die? Bowzer's the only one he can't touch, and if you use your flame body then it's the same as revealing Bowzer.'
Not disagreeing with Rydel, Jack ordered, 'Bring out your companions. Do it now while you have the chance.'
All at once, more beasts appeared to join the battle. Eliza's dryad emerged with an aura of life and vibrant energy to bless the party members with increased mana. Keela's fairy shone a light on the entire party, blessing them with partial health regen.
Ayden and Appa were kept away, as to both offer a getaway and to also not reveal their location due to the giant bird that's visible at a distance.
Bowzer finally emerged, more anxious than ever to get out and join a fight instead of only spitting out a few fireballs. His bestial instincts took over the moment he saw Trank standing over the corpse of the Flame Tiger, the beast that had only recently befriended.
”That's… Wait, are you with the Adventurers Association?” Trank couldn't help but ask when he saw the fox.
Jack's only response was the activation of his flame body as he used Sudden Death to charge the man.
Not daring to take that flame unprotected, Trank evaded the attack, but only to notice the fangs of the now flaming fox barreling towards him. Again, he dodged the attack and created some distance between him and his fiery opponents.
”I don't like the idea of antagonizing the association, but if it means playing with you two then I won't be able to help myself.”
While Trank gathered more and more electricity around him, a few figures appeared from the forest.
”Men, these two are mine. No matter what, don't interfere with my game!” Trank shouted ecstatically. ”Now I can focus on my true prey.”
Not wasting a moment, the six new arrivals leaped into action. Two targeted Dirk as the remaining four fought alone.
'Protect Daliea!' Jack's order blared in Bowzer's head.
'But Jack--'
'Now!'