Chapter 539 - Flames of Destruction (X) (2/2)
”Cadel, cover for Ella!” he swiftly called out.
However, his shout arrived roughly at the same time Lino did; the latter appeared before the unprepared Ella, his arm locked behind him in a full swing, tendrils of crimson smoke folding over the edges of his body, his entire being beyond imposing.
Ella tried to draw back and dodge, yet felt her Will completely being overwhelmed. This never happened to her before, meaning she was momentarily frozen, unsure as to what to do. The blade, however, didn't wait for her to come to her senses; she quickly realized he didn't intend to kill her, as the sword was aimed at her right arm, intending to cleave it off, yet she still couldn't help but feel a part of her heart crack. She hadn't moved an inch since the battle's beginning, still hoping, praying, yet he didn't seem to share the same inhibitions.
Gritting her teeth, she somehow managed to rip herself off from the constraints and withdraw a couple of dazzling, emerald swords from her void storage, crossing them over her chest and blocking the attack just in time. However, the sheer force of the clash caved her lungs in, forcing her to spit out a mouthful of blood before she was shot backward like a cannonball.
Lino had no luxury to chase after her, however, as a rain of chains interrupted his advance, forcing him to focus on them, deflecting and evading repeatedly. Limrur also caught up, circling in-between the openings and occasionally managing to strike at Lino cleanly, though not dealing nearly enough damage.
Finally managing to rip himself open from the quasi-cage, Lino pulled back and opened up some distance between them, his mood souring further. It wasn't because of them or the way they fought, but because of himself. Few could afford to dive into introspection at moments like these, yet Lino hardly cared. There was a knot around his heart, one so tightly wound it expanded into ground-holding chains that held him back. Had he been more decisive, he could have killed Ella swiftly and completely avoided the encirclement.
”… ugh, piss off already…” he grumbled angrily as he swung the Protector sideways, unleashing a gigantic beam of light that ripped open a gash in space and nearly sent Limrur tumbling into it. ”I'm in a really, really bad mood, so I'll give you one last chance,” he warned as the trio regrouped, Ella having already healed her wounds completely. ”Leave this place, and inform your daddy this is no longer his kingdom. If he has a problem with it, have him find me. I'm always open for a chat.”
”—he's rattled for some reason,” Limrur whispered to the surrounding two, taking in a deep breath. ”I'll need a minute to prepare something; keep him chatting, no matter what!” he spoke the last part to Ella who nodded silently, turning her eyes back to Lino; the hesitation in them was gone, replaced by deep resolve.
”Think about this again, Lino,” she spoke as softly as she could. ”You're not alone. Why would you want to thrust the entire Noterra into a war?”
”… who's the one thrusting it into a war?” Lino's mood worsened once again. It was too quick. Too abrupt. ”Besides, nobody there will feel the edge of war.”
”What? Do you honestly think you'll be able to protect them all by yourself?” Ella questioned.
”Why not?” Lino shrugged. ”Look. I'm even giving that idiot enough time to prepare whatever the hell he's preparing. I never once doubted my victory; it was only the question of whether it would be a calm and calculated one, or a pyrrhic one. I didn't ascend this far up to back down, El'. As I said, Noterra is no longer your kingdom. It's mine. And down below us, the same people you stood by are now fighting with their lives on the line, protecting what you've abandoned. What kind of a King would I be if I couldn't protect their burning hearts? I'd be too ashamed to look them in the eye if I replied to their wills with indecisiveness.”
”—you had a choice,” Ella said calmly. ”Don't shift the blame, Lino. I staked my name on the fact that we wouldn't touch anyone, even you, if you gave up your moronic intention of reviving the Edifice. Whatever excuses you may flaunt to yourself and to the world, none excuse that you held onto the power instead of ensuring those you loved were protected.”
”… your friend seems to be done,” Lino said after a short silence, moving his eyes past her to the man behind her who had begun shimmering in resplendent silver. ”You've bought enough time.”
”…” Ella bit her lower lip, partly in frustration and partly in self-loathing. She suddenly felt a warm current transfer into her bones, coming directly from Limrur; startled, she glanced back and met a pair of honest eyes staring at her with a faint smile.
”You have to remove the demon yourself, little sister,” he said in a warm and encouraging voice. ”Let him become a pleasant memory you'll look fondly upon, rather than a regret that will eat away at your heart until there is nothing left. Become the Agent you were meant to be.”
”… I'll leave them in blissful ignorance,” Lino said softly, ignoring the sudden increase in Ella's presence. ”Better they think you're in a distant land, a foe,” he spoke into his jaw, largely to himself. ”Rather than dead, forever gone…”