Chapter 29 – The Fight for Survival

The roar wasn't just a sound—it was a feeling. It rumbled through their bones, an earthquake of fear that made even the strongest of them falter. Bastian's heart hammered in his chest as he strained to see through the hazy battlefield horizon. The massive shadow moved closer, its form obscured by the swirling mists of the battlefield.

"What the hell is that?" Jacob whispered, his usual bravado gone.

"Bigger than anything we've seen before," Trixie murmured, her hands trembling on the hilt of her blade. "And it's coming straight for us."

Hugh let out a shaky laugh. "You think it's a coincidence? No way. Someone sent that thing. They know."

"No." Bastian's voice was sharp, cutting through the rising panic. "They don't know. Not yet. This… this is just the battlefield doing what it does best. Testing us. Breaking us."

"And what do you suggest we do, fearless leader?" Phillip snapped, his wings twitching nervously. "Stand here and let it test how fast it can rip us apart?"

"No," Bastian said, his jaw tightening. "We fight. Together."

The mists parted just enough for them to see it—a towering, grotesque creature that seemed to be stitched together from nightmares. Its skin was a swirling mass of shadow and flame, its eyes glowing like molten lava. Massive claws dragged along the ground, leaving scorch marks in their wake.

"Great," Hugh muttered, drawing his blade. "It's got claws. Because that's what we needed—more reasons to die horribly."

"Focus," Bastian barked, his wings flaring wide as he drew his own weapon. "We've faced worse."

"Have we?" Jacob shot back, his voice high-pitched.

Bastian ignored him, turning to Trixie. "You're the fastest. Flank it, distract it, keep it off balance. Phillip, you and Jacob aim for its legs—bring it down if you can. Hugh, you're with me. We go for the kill."

"And what if it kills us first?" Phillip asked.

"Then we make sure it remembers us," Bastian said grimly.

The creature lunged, its massive claws swiping through the air with a speed that didn't match its size. Trixie darted to the side, her wings a blur as she circled around it.

"Over here, ugly!" she shouted, hurling a blade of light that sliced into its shoulder. The creature roared, its attention snapping to her.

Phillip and Jacob moved in, their strikes aimed at its legs. Jacob's blade bit into one of its knees, and the creature stumbled, but its tail—jagged and spiked—lashed out, slamming into Jacob and sending him flying.

"Jacob!" Bastian yelled, his heart lurching as he saw his friend crash into a jagged rock formation.

"He's alive!" Hugh called, dodging a claw that came dangerously close to taking his head off. "Barely, but alive!"

Bastian gritted his teeth, focusing on the creature. It was strong, fast, and relentless, but it wasn't invincible. Every wound they inflicted slowed it down, even if just a little.

"Hugh, now!" Bastian shouted, leaping into the air.

Hugh followed, their blades glowing with celestial light as they struck at the creature's head. The beast roared, rearing back and swiping wildly. One of its claws caught Hugh, slicing into his wing.

"Dammit!" Hugh cried, spiraling to the ground.

Bastian pressed on, diving toward the creature's exposed neck. His blade pierced through its flesh, and the beast let out a deafening scream, shaking the ground beneath them.

But it wasn't enough.

The creature thrashed, its massive tail slamming into Bastian and sending him crashing to the ground. Pain exploded through his body as he struggled to get up, his vision blurring.

"Bastian!" Trixie screamed, darting toward him.

"Stay back!" he shouted, forcing himself to his feet. "We're not done yet!"

The creature loomed over them, its molten eyes blazing with fury. It was wounded but far from defeated.

"We can't keep this up," Phillip panted, his wings drooping. "It's too strong."

"We don't have a choice," Bastian said, his voice steel. He turned to Trixie, who was still circling the creature. "Trixie, go for the eyes. Blind it."

"On it!" she called, shooting into the air like a streak of light.

As Trixie distracted the beast, Bastian gathered what little energy he had left. He didn't have the strength for another direct attack—not alone.

"Phillip, Hugh," he said, his voice low. "I need you to buy me some time."

"What are you planning?" Hugh asked, clutching his injured wing.

"Something stupid," Bastian admitted.

Hugh let out a bitter laugh. "Great. Love that for us."

Phillip and Hugh launched themselves at the creature, their attacks relentless despite their injuries. The beast roared, swiping at them with its claws, but they held their ground, giving Bastian the opening he needed.

Bastian closed his eyes, summoning every ounce of his remaining strength. A faint glow surrounded him as he focused on the creature's core—the swirling mass of energy that kept it alive.

"Come on," he muttered, his voice a prayer and a curse.

The glow intensified, and Bastian shot forward, his blade aimed at the creature's heart.

Just as Bastian's blade was about to connect, the creature's molten eyes locked onto him. Its claws shot out, faster than he could react, and time seemed to slow.

"Bastian, no!" Trixie screamed.

There was a flash of light, a deafening roar, and then… darkness.

When the dust settled, the battlefield was eerily silent.

Phillip staggered forward, his eyes wide. "Where's Bastian?"

The others looked around, their hearts sinking as they saw the massive crater where the creature had stood.

"Do you think…" Hugh started, his voice trembling.

"No," Trixie said fiercely, her eyes burning with tears. "He's not gone. He can't be."

But deep down, they all felt the same crushing fear.

Bastian was gone.