FSE

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Maria Wildwind was sitting outside the walls of Cumulus City with Coda Breeze. The two were there to help with stockpiling supplies and assist in other ways. The added protection by the guards put Maria's mind at ease, but Coda was itching to fight the horde of Demons that came through the portal.

Ever since Coda had almost lost his life due to a demonic attack, he'd been waiting to seek revenge. He didn't hate Blaze for what happened. Still, Coda held him responsible for letting his emotions be unguarded for possession. However, he forgave Blaze when he apologized.

Now, the Dark Realm was invading their world as a slap in the face, saying, "You can't beat us. We dare you to try." Well, Coda would rise to the challenge, and Maria knew that he would. And, perhaps, there was some small part of her that wanted to fight, too. After all, this was her home too, and she didn't want to see it destroyed.

Maria helped load the last crate of food into the warehouse and wiped the sweat from her head with a small handkerchief. Her long black hair, tied in a bun, stood out in contrast to her sky-blue back scales. The six-inch jet-black horns matched perfectly with her hair and made her front silver scales dazzle in the firelight. Her wings were tucked to her back as her grey, yellow-trimmed shirt flapped loosely in the wind. She wore black pants and handmade sandals as her tail swished mindlessly. Her eyes were a glacier yellow.

Coda had all the same features but with a few exceptions. First, his horns were the same color but stood at a foot each. Second, he didn't have hair. Third, he was two inches taller than her, standing at six feet and nine inches. Fourth, his front scales were a darker gray. His shirt was yellow with light blue trim as his tail swished violently.

This was the first indication that Maria had received that something was wrong. Usually, Coda was a happy, go-lucky sort of Dragon, but he had changed a lot since that day in the Terrain Region. At first, Maria wasn't too worried about it, thinking it would blow over in a few days. However, Coda became more isolated from his emotions and sought more time by himself. She didn't think it was good for him to be alone, but she didn't want to press the issue. Everyone heals differently, and she knew that. Maria just hoped that it wouldn't be a negative way.

Maria's thoughts turned to Kyle, whom she'd known for most of her life. Her family grew up next to the Whirlwinds, and she played with Kyle as kids. Both were the best of friends and even went to the same academy to stay with one another. Secretly, she loved him but never really said anything because she figured he had enough on his mind than to worry about her. So what was the point?

Still, she couldn't help but wonder if Kyle was doing okay and longed to find him. Maybe even help him if she could, but she had duties to take care of before heading out anywhere and thought she might take Coda with her.

There was an explosion as Kyle launched himself from the ground to avoid it. War lobbed energy balls at him the size of cannonballs, and Kyle did his best to dodge them. After an energy ball whizzed inches past his head, Kyle saw an opening and to it. He swung his father's Wind Sword and shouted, "RAGING CYCLONE!"

Instantly, the winds responded to Kyle's command, and a towering twister sped towards War at incredible speeds.

"Is that it?! Is this all the power you can muster?" Ware said with a laugh and shot an energy ball into the twister.

Kyle cracked a smile and turned his hand, which caused the cyclone to reverse its wind direction. The energy ball rounded the twister and fired back at War, who held up his hand to halt the sphere. "Alright, in that case."

Kyle didn't like the sound of that, and his suspicions proved correct War worked the energy ball. Suddenly, Ware lanced out a wave of energy. Kyle barely had enough time to deflect the wave with his Wind Sword and direct it to the ground. However, the explosive wave sent Kyle flying up into the air, flipping end over end.

War took the advantage and suddenly appeared over Kyle, who tried to stop, but couldn't. War brought down his sword, and Kyle raised his in the best defensive move he could make.

By some miracle, Kyle could block most of the attack with his sword. However, part of War's sword bit into Kyle's right arm, causing him to cry out in pain.

"Yes, that's it. Scream for me, lizard. Let me feel your anguish." War said as he ripped the sword out of Kyle's arm, making him yell out once again.

Kyle could feel the hot blood dripping down his arm and soaking into the shirt underneath his armor. Not only that, but he also felt the slight tinge of fear creep into his heart and thought for the first time that this fight might very well be his last. But, he refused to let that fear consume or control him. He knew what must be done and took a deep breath and said, "you are a disgusting and foul creature. I gave you a chance to leave, and you didn't take it. One way or another, I shall defeat you."

War let out a violent laugh as he licked the blood off of his blade and said, "Brave words. I do hope you can back them up."

Kyle reached down inside of his soul and concentrated. The wind began to pick up as Kyle's eyes glowed light blue, and his aura radiated off of his body like smoke. His blade began to hum the tune that told of the wind's rage and sounded like a feral beast's low growl.

War's smile faded as Kyle noticed he could sense the energy waves coming off and said, "Oh, getting serious, are we? Well, it's about time. Come on, show me what you...."

War was abruptly cut off by a sudden punch in his face, followed by another to the stomach. While Kyle was nowhere near Raz's speed, he was still faster than most Dragons, and with the help of the wind, it made him even more quickly.

War was taken off guard by this, but he soon corrected himself and blocked a strike from Kyle's sword. Soon they were moving so fast that they would've looked like a blur to a potential witness, each trying to find an opening in the other's defense. Fortunately, Kyle was the first to strike War square in the chest and send him flying back to the ground. He crashed so hard that the area shook with violent tremors.

War struggled back to his feet as Black blood trickled down from a cut on his lower lip. He grunted in anger but soon regained control of his emotions and smiled.

Kyle didn't like how he looked and wondered what he was up to. It was not that it mattered because he wouldn't let this horseman in front of him get away with anything.

Kyle went into a free fall, diving towards the ground like a bird of prey hunting small rodents. Ware quickly slipped his hand into a pouch of black powder and patiently waited until Kyle was close enough. He flung the powder into the air and created a spark with his sword and a stone. Instantly, the black powder caught fire, and a loud BANG accompanied a bright flash as Kyle was blinded.

Suddenly, Kyle was struck in the head and felt his father's sword ripped from him his hand. The only thing that Kyle could see was stars that danced across his watering eyes, and he tried desperately to locate War.

"If you are looking for me. I'm over here." War said off to Kyle's right.

Kyle turned just as his vision cleared and saw War holding his Wind Sword. The fear that had been in his heart dropped like a stone into the pit of Kyle's stomach. He knew what would happen if the Wind Sword was ever stolen from his family and didn't cherish the thought of half of Dragos disappearing in the bright flash of an explosion. The sword that his family carried was a heavenly relic and weapon.

The Wind Sword was given to Kyle's great-grandfather as a gift for becoming governor by Michael. It was the Whirlwind's responsibility to take care of the relic.

"Give me back my sword. It's more dangerous than you realize." Kyle grunted through the throbbing pain in his head.

"The only thing I see dangerous about this sword is that you cannot control your wind without it. Now, you are defenseless, and I would stay to eat you, but I have wasted enough time. I have a mission to fulfill, and I think I shall let my soldiers handle you." War said as he raised his hands and hundreds of soldiers appeared out of a large portal. All of which looked like War.

"Have fun, my soldiers, and don't let your meal spoil," War said evilly as all of his soldiers smiled razor-sharp teeth.

All at once, they attacked Kyle as War waved his hand and his flying horse rematerialized before him. Then he climbed aboard and turned back towards Kyle, giving him a two-fingered salute, and took off. Kyle fought the best he could and thought, "I'm in for it now."

After Maria and Coda finished with the warehouse, they went to help the local infirmary finish up stocking supplies. Maria looked at Coda, who was still swishing his tail violently. She quietly walked over to him and asked, "Coda? Are you alright?"

Coda looked up in surprise and quickly gave her a weak smile. "Yes, yes, I am."

Maria knew that he was trying to be strong but could see the anger buried deep inside his soul. She knew that it was festering like an infection and would, eventually, consume Coda if his hatred was not handled here and now.

"Coda, I think we need to talk. I'm worried about you." Maria said as Coda's face grew stern.

"Then you worry in vain. I am unharmed, and I am grateful." Coda said.

"I can see that you are physically fine, but your heart and mind compel me to speak."

"My heart and mind are not your concern! I have bared my testimony already, and it is not enough for you? Will you give me peace of mind and not bother me again with such idle chatter?!" Coda said more aggressively than he meant to and looked at his hands before storming away. Maria, at this point, had tears in her eyes. She felt as though she was losing one of her most cherished companions, and it seemed as if nothing she did helped, in the least.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden explosion, and she felt the ground shake beneath her feet. She ran and saw a figure sitting on a flying horse, blasting at random buildings and Dragons.

There were several screams from the crowd as many scattered in different directions. A detachment of guards flew out to meet his threat as Maria watched in horror.

The horror she felt was not mainly for herself, because she knew that the guards were highly trained, but because she knew from reports that Kyle had been fighting one of the four horsemen. In Maria's mind, she knew that if this horseman was here, then Kyle might be... No, she wouldn't allow herself to believe it until she saw Kyle's body.

She ran to find Coda but couldn't locate him through all the commotion. She, suddenly, looked up and saw the guards charge War. Silently, she hoped that they had subdued him but felt a warning in her heart. Then, the night sky lit up with several bright light flashes, and she heard several cries from the soldiers. All of which were blasted away from War.

"Is this it? Is this all you have for a defense? Pathetic!" War taunted loudly.

"Want to bet?" Said a voice as Maria saw Coda fly up to meet this enemy. Instantly, her heart gripped with fear as War laughed out loud.

"Well, you certainly are brave, if not foolish. I do hope you are stronger than my last opponent." War said proudly.

Maria still refused to believe it and prayed under her breath, "Kyle, please hurry!"

Kyle was in the middle of a group of War's minions, trying desperately to hold his own. War was half right about the sword in that it did help focus the user's wind ability. But, every Wind Dragon knows that using such tools was only luxury and has trained themselves to Wind Work without them. That is how all Dragons start.

Kyle had a more critical matter to worry about, getting his sword back. However, better said than done, and being surrounded by evil creatures didn't help matters.

Suddenly, Kyle had had enough and blasted away War's offspring that went flying in all directions. After this, he took the opportunity to extend his arm, and the winds picked up quickly.

The creatures regrouped and charged after Kyle at blinding speeds. He took his right hand and brought it up to his left as the winds suddenly collected in the shape of a bow. The creatures stopped upon seeing this while Kyle drew back his right hand, outlining an arrow notched to an invisible string.

The creatures barred their sharp teeth and charged once again as Kyle let loose the arrow with the sound of a twang. At first, the only thing the Demons heard was a light tone in the wind. However, after the arrow passed came the roaring winds like a hurricane, ranging from two hundred to three hundred miles per hour. This left a path of destruction as the winds were powerful enough to rip up the very ground.

The powerful winds ripped every one of the creatures into the air and tore them apart: They screamed out in pain and fear. Kyle felt his energy running on low but knew he couldn't rest just yet. He needed to get to Cloud City as soon as possible and took flight.

Coda was knocked back through the outer wall of Cloud City as blood poured out from several cuts on his head, arms, and chest. He looked up through watering eyes to see War slowly approaching him, desperately trying to get back to his feet. He struggled and leaned against the wall, holding a Morning Star in his right hand. One eye was swollen shut as he panted heavily, and sweat mixed with blood soaked into his torn-up shirt.

Maria watched all of this in fear and felt rooted in place. She didn't know how to help or fight such a monster as War, but she knew Coda needed her. Every fiber of her being wanted to immediately rush to his side and beat back this brute that dared to not only threaten her home but threaten one of her closest friends.

"Well, well. I must say you are far weaker than I expected. Perhaps I shall feed on your flesh now that it is well tenderized." War said as Coda looked at him in disgust.

"I'm not finished yet. I still have fought enough in me." Coda said as the Morning Star in his hand started to radiate a sky-blue aura of power. He, suddenly, charged at War with a great battle cry. War saw this coming from a mile away and side-stepped Coda, striking him in the gut.

Coda felt the pain explode over his stomach and felt the air leave his lungs. War, however, wasn't done just yet, and he moved quickly behind Coda and wrapped his arms around the back, pinning him into place. Coda struggled to free himself, but with the loss of blood and injuries sustained, he lacked the energy.

"Coda!" Maria yelled out as she took flight and sped towards War. On the way, she pulled out two Sais from her back and readied them as she drew closer.

Suddenly, War grinned as Coda yelled out, "No! Maria! Stay back!" But War was too quick and fire energy beams from his eyes, hitting Maria in the chest. She cried out and went flying back to the ground.

Then War opened his mouth wide and bit into Coda's shoulder, causing him to scream out in agony. Maria heard this as tears flowed and said, "Kyle, where are you?"

And just as if her wish was granted, she heard a light, high-pitched tone upon the wind, followed by the onslaught of roaring wind. She barely looked up and saw the outlining of an arrow pass through War's leg, narrowly missing Coda. War dropped Coda and bowed back in pain, but he quickly put his arms up to block the powerful winds.

Coda looked as if he would hit the ground when Maria saw Kyle catch him in mid-air. After that, her vision faded and turned black.

Kyle sat Coda down and quickly looked him over with trepidation across his face. He was in shock at the amount of damage Coda took as he looked into his friend's face, who was smiling weakly and said, "I knew you'd come."

"Coda Nightbreeze, you fool. Why did you push so hard?" Kyle chirped with sadness.

"Because I had to protect our city until you could get here. I'm sorry, Kyle. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough." Coda choked as he coughed up blood. Kyle tried to reach for his pouch, but Coda weakly stayed his hand. Kyle looked at him strangely.

"It's too late for me, my friend. Please help Maria with that potion you have and tell her of my apologies. She was only trying to help...." Coda said as he trailed off and stared blankly into space while his eyes glossed over.

"Coda? Coda?! No!" Kyle said with tears as he gently closed Coda's eyes and looked up at War. Fury started to build within Kyle's heart at the loss of his friend. He arose as the wind exploded with a ferocity the world had never known. Ware looked on at this in surprise, then cracked a wide smile.

"It would seem that I have greatly mistaken your power level. Therefore, I shall unleash everything I have to give you and I a battle worth remembering for the ages." War said as he threw Kyle's sword at him.

Kyle caught it at the handle and was surprised that War was giving his sword back. Kyle smiled despite the pain and gripped the sword; he lowered himself to a fight stance. He would avenge his father and Coda and all the Dragons that fell that day.

War lowered to the ground and readied himself, as well. He gripped his sword with both hands and started to radiate a red aura. The blood lust was spelled across his face with a mixture of malice. The very air around him seemed to twist and warp with the evil energy produced.

Their energies collided in the middle, even though the physical battle hadn't started yet. Their auras pushed against each other with great intensity. In fact, the power was so great that the air itself became electrified as arcs of light became visible and danced about. Both will be searching and testing the others for any sign of weakness, but neither will give in. They stared at each other, waiting for the longest time, and neither said a word.

Then, instantly, both exploded off the ground with so much energy that the very ground beneath them blasted apart. However, this was nothing compared to the collision they made afterward. As soon as they met, there was a colossal explosion that leveled one-quarter of the city. Each combatant trying to push the other back, and the sound from this collision broke windows clear across the city.

Quickly, both broke the struggle and disappeared, moving too fast for the average eye. But, the sounds of battle were ever-present, with that of crashing thunder being heard with every strike. Soon, the already ruined remains of part of the city were now punctuated with small craters. Still, they continued.

The bystanders quickly ran from the fight and took Maria with them. They all huddled near the capital building and watched this fight unfold before their eyes. All in shock at the amount of power being put out by both fighters. They knew Kyle was powerful but had no idea how much. Even Kyle himself was surprised by the amount of energy he was putting out.

Kyle felt his energy beginning to run low, but he would not give in. Soon, he found an opening in War's defense and punched him square in the face, feeling the bones crack within War. War went soaring back into the ground and crashed with the sound of a bomb. The shockwaves caused several buildings to collapse as Kyle slowly lowered a bit.

Suddenly, War blasted out of the ground in a blind fury and charged at Kyle, taking him off guard. Kyle felt a fist go into his gut as pain exploded across his body and another fist smashed into his face. Blood exploded from both nostrils and his mouth, but War wasn't done yet. He grabbed ahold of both Kyle's horns and began to throw knees into his gut. This caused Kyle to cough up more blood as War spun faster and faster until they were nothing but a blur. Then, War let go as Kyle went soaring through several buildings before crashing to the ground. The crowd gave a sudden cry out after this.

"You gave up a valiant fight, lizard, but I grow tired of this. I shall end this now." War said as he raised himself high above the city.

Kyle pushed himself up out of the rubble and saw War high above. However, this was not his immediate concern. He saw War charging his sword and saw the very fabric of reality starting to warp around him.

"No, he will destroy the who city!" Kyle said as he quickly grabbed the sword that laid beside him. He knew there was only a short time to act and also knew his energy was dangerously low. But, he would not let this Horseman win and took in a deep breath, closing his eyes as the winds started to swirl around him again.

"Die now!" War shorted and let lose a red blast that almost encompassed the entire city.

Kyle opened his eyes that were glowing light blue and shouted, "MUSICAL WINDTUNNEL!"

He swung his sword, and for a moment, a few strums of a lyre could be heard on the wind and unleashed a torrent of wind mixed with light energy. Within this was the shape of music notes that danced in and out. The blast, which matched War's, collided with each other.

Both struggled against the power the other was putting out. Kyle felt himself weaken as the center of the blast moved ever closer to him. He looked back to see Maria awake and looking at him. He smiled and gave a look that almost seemed remorseful.

Immediately, Maria knew what he was about to do and cried out, "No, Kyle!"

However, he turned back towards War as the winds increased, topping out at four hundred fifty miles per hour. Kyle screamed out, and every last ounce of energy went into the blast. It grew five times bigger and shot back towards War, who screamed, consumed by the explosion. Kyle looked back towards Maria as his vision faded and collapsed to the ground with a thud.