The Quest - Book 1 Ch. 23
By Eliad Sholomovich

ARENA IN DELCRATOR

Shadowbane landed on his feet. Before him stood in equal height his opponent the dragon-man Draco. Draco swung his sword and Shadowbane ducked. He grabbed Draco's wrist and with his inhuman strength threw him into the arena wall. The force caused cracks to appear in the wall.

Draco rose to his feet. He raised his hand and lightning gathered in it. Shadowbane looked around for cover but had none. He ran forward and jumped.Draco laughed and thrusted his hand forward. A bolt of lightning hit Shadowbane's chest.

Shadowbane groaned and flew backwards. Darco charged forward. Shadowbane landed on his feet and lept into the air. Draco missed and Shadowbane hammered his back from behind.

Draco fell to the ground. Shadowbane's back was bleeding from the slash he recieved fom before. Shadowbane punched the wall and it shattered. He picked a chunk of rock. Draco opened his mouth. a stream of blazing fire hit Shadowbane before he could react.

Shadowbane clutched his chest. His body wasn't injured badly. But without magic. He wouldn't survive for much longer. Draco loomed above him "Die little vampire" He spat and swung. Shadowbane rolled aside and immeadiatly lept backwards.

He landed all way across the arena. Shadowbane motioned with his finger. "Catch me first lizard lips". Draco fumed at the remark and lunged forward. He swung at Shadowbane's head. Shadowbane ducked and the sword cut threw the rock as if it were butter.

Shadowbane kicked his back. Draco slammed into the wall face first. Draco turned around with such force. Shadowbane blocked but was flung backwards. Draco raised the sword. It glew in red. He thrusted it forward and a beam of red lightning hit Shadowbane.

Shadowbane's chest was seared and his body jolted by burning energy. He fell to his knees unable to breath proparly. The sword's and that of soul reaver were the only forces that were fatal to him.

Draco kicked his ribs. Shadowbane huffed and was sent flying backwards. Shadowbane rose to his feet. But was hammered again by Draco. "Not so tough now are we Little one" Draco laughed.

Shadowbane looked at him in anger and disguist. "Fool once my magic returns you shall fall" Shadowbane thought. Then he knew what to do.

"You cowardly little lizard. I thought your father was honorable. I bet he is so proud to his son cheat to avenge his sorry attempt at fighting. From all my challenges of super beings your worthless father was the weakest. Maybe its herdetary since you can't defeat me without magic"

Shadowbane spoke words he knew would enrage the dragon-man. "Insolent Fool I'll slice you in half" Draco growled. He raised the sword and swung downwards. Shadowbane rasied his arm and the sword slammed into one of his cuffs. It bent but didn't break.

Shadowbane cursed. Draco closed his fists. His eyes glew in bold red light. He thrusted both hands and opened his mouth. A huge combined fire beam nailed Shadowbane's chest. He was picked off the ground and sent towards the wall. It was already cracked this time it shattered.

Shadowbane was covered with huge boulders. Only his hand was left uncovered. It was limp.

Draco raised his arms and the crowd cheered. "The age of Kain is dying long live New Nosgoth" Draco screamed.

MEANWHILE BATTLEFIELD IN KELLITH NEAR IRONFIST CITIDAL

The night was cold and winds blowed violently. Ryu sat next to his friends. He hugged Chunli they shared body heat. Ryu noticed that Mel and Mariko did the same.

Dan rubbed his hands. "D*mn its cold". Guile laughed "You want me tho hug you so your warm Dan" Everyone laughed and Dan frowned "Hey it ain't funny. Their laughter was cut by a long loud horn blow. They all rose to their feet.

"Alright lets rock" Ken said and cracked his fists They all nodded "Ryu looked at them "Stay together and be careful" Ryu said seriouly. "Lighten up Mon we'll be fine" Ken told him and punched his shoulder.

Ryu shook his head "If only I could Ken If only" The armies amassed. Many new soldiers and knights from all the armies joined the army now.

The Elven sorceress spoke "All right my friends round two begins lets kick those monsters all the way back to the smelly hole they came from"

The armies cheered. On the mountains sat Silver and golden dragons. Beside them stood several angels with double handed swords and feather wings.

One of them whistled then shouted "Enemy at twelve O'clock" The troops turned around and saw an equaly large army as their standing ready. Two horns were once again heard and both armies charged.

Ryu was standing near his friends "Good luck guys and be careful" They all nodded. Ryu and the others then joined the charging troops.