Chapter 324 - The Verses of Victory (V) (1/2)

Aegin gripped his left wrist and snapped it back into place for healing, then reached up to adjust his jaw the same way. Such a one-sided fight was becoming tedious. Had it always been like this for the Chaos races? Did they just exchange blows until both of them got bored? He and Yashi must have been nearly there by now. They'd destroyed half a city.

”So, Vampire, do you think I burn now?” asked Yashi as he landed on the rubble just above Aegin's head.

”I haven't decided yet, your wind is too good at blowing out this little candle flame,” Aegin said as his hand swept over the burning contents of the building they were in.

Yashi chuckled, ”Candle flame? You say that as if it's not affecting your own flesh”.

Aegin huffed, turning to look back as Yashi as he brushed a stray ember from his shoulder and tapped at the smouldering hold it had made in his cloak, ”I've been through worse”.

”I doubt-”

Yashi's amused expression suddenly froze, and he turned towards the Estate with shocked eyes. Seeing he was distracted, Aegin lunged forward. His claws passed through Yashi. Only this time, it didn't heal.

Ha! This was it! He'd finally worn the Djinn out!

But even as Aegin celebrated, he realised that something else was going on. Yashi wasn't even paying attention to him. The wind generated by the fire around them passed by them, and Yashi seemed to disintegrate like dust with it, vanishing before Aegin's eyes.

Aegin frowned. What had happened?

Aegin pushed his way out of the crumbling building and onto the street, seeking answers from the Mist as he tried to track Yashi's location. He moved rapidly from the burning zone towards the as yet unburned part of the city. Then, as the air before him began to clear of smoke and ash, Aegin sensed it. His eyes turned towards the Estate.

Yashi had gone back to his Master. Or rather, he'd been recalled.

Someone new had taken up the Djinn's Vessel.

Aegin ran forward.

***

The room was still for a moment before Gryffyn's expression morphed from shock to rage and he thundered across the room towards Rima.

Sevis and Tigin reacted a heartbeat later. Tigin dragging Rima behind him, and Sevis propelling himself forward to intercept Gryffyn.

”Oh no you don't!” said Sevis as he raised his sword at Gryffyn.

”Give it back little girl!” snapped Gryffyn as he tried to dodge around Sevis, ”You have no idea the power you're messing with. Only I can control the Djinn!”

Sevis frowned, ”Come now, Gryffyn, I hardly think you look the part to be claiming that”.

Rima opened her mouth to speak out too.

”Rima…”

The air whispered and Rima felt it pass over her skin. She shivered, taking an involuntary step back. She frowned. That…that felt weird.

”Rima…”

Louder this time, and clearer. Like someone was speaking close by. She turned, seeking out the voice.

”Rima Bluesun…”

”Bluesun?” Rima muttered, confusion in her tone. Her eyes found nothing as she vaguely registered Tigin turning to ask if she was okay. But her eyes were immediately drawn to the pendant hanging from her fingers.

”Rima Bluesun…is that not the name you wish for?”