Chapter 26: Hey… Its Been Awhile
Elias trudged through a ruined town. He had no real direction other than Gabriel telling him that he felt a strong magical presence ahead. He continued through coming across Abyssal after Abyssal. He hadn't seen this many in one area since Ifrit and the others attacked. A large group of them appeared hoarding around him.
Elias: "Man what's up with these guys. There's gotta be hundreds here Gabriel."
Gabriel: 'It must be due to the high concentration of magic. The Abyssals themselves are pretty much mindless but are attracted to magic. They were headed to the reading I felt but it seems yours is of more interest now."
Elias had a sweat bead fall down his face as he looked out to the horde. They made low growling noises as they stumbled toward him. One charged at him swinging violently. Elias sidestepped the swing and palmed its face, shoving it to the ground as it ignited into a ball of fire. Several more charged and he sent out a huge blast of fire incinerating them.
Elias: "Man I wish they'd give up. They're making it annoying for me to press on."
Elias suddenly felt the number of Abyssals drop drastically. He looked out to see several fall limp and dead as a large cloud of dust took over the area. He couldn't see three feet in front of him. Then he felt something coming towards him. It was fast and sharp, he barely had time to react. Something zipped by him cutting his cheek as he dodged. His eyes widened as he touched the cut with blood running down. Suddenly a blade swung at him from within the dust. He backed away as it snagged his shirt ripping it open.
Elias: "What the Hell-!"
Then a powerful fist came his way. It connected sending him flying. He was thrown across the ground, skidding before he braced himself. Then several more arrows flew his way cutting him as they passed. Then he felt a presence behind him sneaking up. They went to strike but Elias dodged grabbing their wrist. He picked them up and threw them to the side. He heard the person wince which caused him to hesitate. Then the fist from before came out again. He barely blocked this time as the hitting sent him skidding backward. The figure continued throwing punches. Elias ducked and blocked before sending his own punch. It connected with the figure's stomach, sending him flying into the air. Elias could feel the pressure in the air filled with static. All of his hairs stood on end as he felt a blade swinging by him. He quickly punched the ground with a flaming fist sending flames upward blocking the strike. But he was caught off guard as the individual appeared behind him swinging again. He caught the blade with hands covered in flaming claws. The blade unwavered though as it continued pressing down. He felt the presence from before with the daggers coming behind him ready to strike. Elias swung the blade and person around throwing them into the person behind him.
Elias: "I've had enough of this! Whoever you are, I'm done!"
Elias raised his heat level as he combusted in flame. The fire covered the area around him. The dust lit and burned away revealing the attackers. His eyes opened in shock but before they could see who he was they all charged him. From up behind Kairos grabbed his arms and Lyra held her blade against his throat. Lorcan had his bow drawn pointed at Elias' head and Aria had her daggers against his side. They stood a moment before they all realized. Lyra was the first with her eyes as wide as they could be. Her hands shook as she lowered her blade. The others followed suit realizing their friend had returned from the dead.
Lyra: "...Elias?"
Kairos let go of him and they circled him. Lyra collapsed into a hug with tears rolling. Aria put her hand over her mouth and Kairos and Lorcan stood in disbelief. They ran over and hugged him along with Lyra. Kairos stood back not comprehending it all. Elias himself couldn't believe he found them already.
Lyra: "We.. I.. thought you were dead! I thought I failed you.. I thought I failed everyone!"
The words sliced through cleaner than any blade, and the tears softened him up unlike any punch or kick could. His face lowered as he wrapped his arms around them. Despite it all though he kept a small smile on his face.
Elias: "Hey… It's been awhile, Everyone."