On The Hunt For Nuns

It's extremely early in the morning; as good as night. The wind shakes Vol and I as we sprint down the stairs and onto the nearly empty street.

The road is marked by deep burn marks and some empty stalls are cracked and splintering onto the ground. There are clear signs of battle, but no Elizabeth and no thief.

We spin around at the sound of a small explosion further up the main road. We run up the street to see Elizabeth rolling out of the way of a small fireball, which passes right by her and hits a stall, setting it aflame.

I see Elizabeth look back quickly before continuing the chase.

I see the thieves a little further up the road as I begin to catch up, Vol breathing heavily behind me. It appears to be a group of 3 women, one smaller than the two others, their skin almost entirely covered with dark robes.

Nuns???

I briefly consider casting a spell after them, but there aren't many options. The manacaster is strapped to my arm, but most of the modules are missing. 

A reflected glint of light from the fire catches my eye as they take off. Held tightly in the arms of the smallest nun is Elizabeth's old sword. The three of us push past some frazzled pedestrians out for a nighttime stroll, not stopping to apologize, and rush after the nuns.

"They're going towards the docks!" Vol yells behind me, out of breath.

He's right. The street we just turned onto is a straight shot there. The ocean stretches far beyond. A few boats lay in the harbor, but one stands out. It's a large ship with its sails set and lamps alight.

"There's no way we'll be able to catch up to a ship like that," Elizabeth says from beside me, matching my speed.

The nuns are some way ahead of us, having gotten something of a head-start.

"Rogsfulnert!!!" a nun screams, aiming back at us.

Another small fireball comes flying straight at my head.

"Equeralliex!" Vol yells between breaths, blocking it in mid air with a barrier.

"Equeralnert!!!" the nun retaliates heavily, running up up the plank to the ship.

A thin-looking barrier appears before us, blocking the way down to the bridge. Elizabeth holds her sword in both hands and charges forwards just as the ship takes off. She swings her sword in one clean stroke, hitting the barrier directly.

*Crack*

With the sound of breaking glass, and with a similar visual, the barrier cracks and shatters to pieces, which fade away quickly.

Vol falls to his knees in exhaustion, creaking out "It's t-too late."

We stand there, looking out on the ship which has begun to leave the harbor. They must've had a crew aboard already if they were able to set off that fast.

Come on, come on. We're this close. I whip my head around, looking for any ships that could catch up to it. It doesn't matter if we have to steal it. There must be something.

But no.

Big ships aren't left unattended and no boat here is strong enough. It's at times like these when I wish I had a motorboat. Curse this world and its lack of modern technology.

I glare out at the ship getting further and further away when an idea strikes me. I look down at the manacaster on my arm, moving the switch up to one of the only three spells we've finished engraving.

To hell with the city. I'm not letting them get away.

"Taeilynert!"

"Seb, wait!"

For a moment, nothing happens.

Then...

*Rumble*

*RUMBLE*

With a loud roar, the ocean begins to move. As if a hurricane and an earthquake are happening at once, the water in the distance begins to rise. Growing higher and higher, the water begins to form a wave, its rising shape covers what little orange glow was visible at the edge of the ocean.

Then, in one smooth motion, the frothing tidal wave is forced down upon the ship, smashing its masts and bow to pieces. Waves ripple across the ocean, casting the torn ship towards us.

The wreckage is forced harshly up against the docks as water consumes bridges and boats alike, the waves throwing themselves against the sides of buildings all along the harbor. The weaker buildings of old wood crumple under the immense pressure.

"Equeralliex!!" Vol yells, covering us with a barrier as a piece of the splintering wreckage flies towards us. It bounces away as more pieces pound against the barrier like hail.

Then comes the ship. The smashed up bow barely misses us, ravaging what remains of the harbor and tearing into the bricks road marking the start of the main shopping street.

As the ship hits the hard ton of bricks that constitutes the main part of Tayde, it comes to a halt, tilting badly to the side.

With the ship settling partway into the road, the last of the water pulls back into the ocean, causing unsteady ripples in the water.

"..."

"...oops."