Chapter 160: Even Odds

Begrudgingly, Solomon and Stolas would try to keep up the pressure. The Marrow would be quick in having Harvard face off against the two children, the crackling of branches indicates his control, like a puppet on a string. He'd have the boy use the branches to lunge and stab into Stolas' throat, blocked by the latter using their arms to take the damage, while the stars that were attached close by formed a small ball to expel and blast him back into one of the trees, causing some damage to his skin. Solomon would react to the blast by applying a plague upon the branches, though the moment one of such insects bit into such flora, the Card Magician would wince in pain, indicating he can still feel. The Biblical Sorcerer would be careful with his attack, trying to at least focus on getting its control off before serious harm came.

Meanwhile, the Wendigo would try and flank the children on the left, whistling its tune once more, before being interrupted by Pria, being met with a left hook and a knee to its stomach. The Beast would be quick in its movements, having its claw-like hands catch the knee and stab into her leg, ready to pull back and throw the Mage right into a tree with enough force to fracture her spine. Pria, being aware of such a plan, would have her other hand grab ahold of the Wendigo's arm, having the momentum of the throw be in synch with her movements to spin around and twist it, attempting to rip the whole thing clean off. The Wendigo merely lunged forward and headbutt her in the face as a response, yet her grip was still firm. The Beast would do a slash at her arm to cause further damage, yet she did not let go. The Monster braced itself as it knew what was coming next.

RRRRIP!!

The Beast's howl was immense as it had its arm ripped off, pushing itself back and having the flora grow upon the stump, willingly letting the Marrow's magic invade his wound and create a new arm in its place. It realized it was going to fall, so in an act of desperation, amongst the chaos, it prepared its Final Gambit.

Meanwhile, Stolas and Solomon would fend off the child in any way they can. The Marrow was quick to realize that the boy's magic was mangled beyond repair. Realizing its potential, despite the risks, the Woodland Beast would try and recover such energy, having the roots and vines ingrained in his body to modulate his energy in its proper place, letting the boy slowly but surely get his magic back. He'd have the child use the plants within him to sharpen and send a flurry of blows forcing the boys to push back. Solomon would create a barrier to stop the onslaught, yet Harvard still pushed on, the branches hitting at such small points and ready to slice the barrier apart in order to get closer. Stolas would utilize Pisces to barrage him back, burning the wood, despite knowing the pain he's going to endure. The boy would wince at such heat, and would indeed retreat back, though only for a moment as he'd break such branches and regrow new ones, ready to attack again. Stolas would arrange another constellation, one unknown to anyone else but Solomon.

Gemini.

Two bodies in similar to Stolas, both coming in both sides and striking at the child, with one aiming for his face, throat, and chest, the other aiming for his arms and legs to hold down and try to strike back. The child would weave each attack, his body cracking at each movement, the wood within him snapping in place as he dodged. The moment Stolas jumped in and tried to attack at his center and jaw, the Marrow would give his whole focus in having Harvard dodge each and every single attack, some barely grazing at his skin, all to ensure his puppet remained firm. Stolas would even try and have Gemini coat around the boy to burn the roots down, yet it still remained strong. The control was still present. The boy would somehow use a card underneath his sleeve, casting it, spawning the very chains that he weaponized to bind around his friend's neck, attempting to strangle him. The Marrow looked on as he'd try to ensure the death of such a person came, yet despite that...

Stolas was smiling.

The Creature realized what was going on, yet before it even tried to shift focus, Solomon was already there, casting a plague directly onto the Marrow's head, gnats burrowing and gnawing at its makeshift mind. "Gotcha.." He'd say proudly, preparing to cast the barriers again once he'd see the branches elongate and attempt to pierce into him, blocking the incoming strikes at once, watching the trees even turn themselves around to ensure a hit was made. It was getting desperate. It wanted to finish this fight without hesitation. He and Stolas realized that this might cut down Harvard's chance of survival, however, they also knew that by striking at the likes of the Marrow directly, it may provide a chance to break off the control. Just as they achieved such hope however, they would hear another voice.

"Re...qui...em..."

The Wendigo has casted its spell. Moreover, the child was also still under the Marrow's Possession, already setting up another card to cast. A Card depicting the very sigil that can summon his monsters. The boys would have their eyes widened, looking towards Pria and witnessing her already going through the effects of the Wendigo's magic. They cannot see it physically, but they knew fully well something went awry. They'd brace themselves, retreating back to prepare their offense further, now that they've gotten the Marrow's attention. The Marrow was set on casting his Final Gambit once more, the pollen and spores building up within its hands. Their plan was already set, and beginning to go into motion.