Claymore Fanfiction Discussion

[KillerYomaFromSpace]

Originally Posted by Yosei

Please look forward to the last three fights of this Carnival Arc.

looking forward to it =), and by reading the titles I have the feeling that its not gonna be pretty.

anyway, I'm glad this is not the end of Miria ^^

[hell88]

Wow Jean sure kicked some ass in that fight. Good chapter, I'm looking forward to the last three fights now, and now that Irene is going to be watching Clare and Jean. Its almost a cliffehanger ending.

[shelter]

Originally Posted by AkatsukiYu

It's pretty simple, I require participation of those who are willing to take part. An author must come up with a 3-chapter short story (arc) developing a Claymore (from the War of the North campaign) and a OC (which is entirely made up name) bonding relationship (love type). There are 18 (possibly 20) short story arcs to be made.

It's straight forward thing. It's all according to the author himself or herself on how to write it. The OC have names, but they have no physical descriptions or background since I allow the author to describe the OC in their way.

Hmm...Sounds interesting.

But there are some things which I find a bit unclear. What do you mean by write an "arc"? The 3 chapters bit I understand. And why all 21 Claymores? Do you want us to come up with a rewrite of the Northern campaign? Or just a set of stories?

Please don't misinterpret my queries. I'm willing to join (it's about time there was some coordination between Claymore fanfic writers anyway), but I don't get your description that you've mentioned here - is it a rewriting or a short story project? Maybe you can PM me will the details of what you are planning to write exactly & how interested people can contribute.

[Yosei]

Thanks for the willingness to help out AkatsukiYu, Shelter. Actually, if I may drop in a word about collaboration by the people around this thread, I'm proud to say Hell will be a guest writer in my current story. Expect his presence in the story sometime in the future.

It is late night over here, meaning it is time for the evening's completed chapter.

Chapter 13 is a very important chapter storylinewise, and I didn't plan for it to be that way. So when I completed it, I decided to change its name from "Champion Carnival! Clare vs. Sophia", to "The Legacy of Teresa". Sorry for the minor change, but this chapter focuses heavily on Irene and Teresa, and consequently, offers a dramatic possibility, storylinewise, of Clare's future. In other words, a fair bit happening in this chapter, moreso than usual.

I also indulge in some Irene-style angsty love towards Teresa, hope you can detect it in this chapter.

Spoiler for space:

Chapter 13: The Legacy of Teresa

Clare felt her stomach churning. She hadn’t had breakfast, and she hadn’t even give the sleeping Teresa her usual goodbye kiss as she dragged herself out of bed before the cocks crowed, to do her pre-dawn running. And now, having arrived at Bordeaux with Galatea, she she felt her palms clammy as she inhaled and exhaled rapidly, trying vainly to calm herself in preparation for her meeting with Sophia.

“We’re here. Sophia should be here too,” muttered Galatea, pointing to the high, stone entrance of the Coliseum. she glanced behind her in the sandy hallway, and indeed, someone else was walking towards the entrance to the arena, where the pit lay. “And here she comes. See the one with hair down to her shoulders? That is Sophia. Speak of the devil.”

Her large eyes suddenly widened further. “Well, well. Speak of the devil indeed. I… was not expecting her to come too.”

“Who?” Clare turned. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes fell upon the two women who were approaching them. She gasped, not believing who she saw.

The pointy-eared, silver haired woman!

Beside her strode a shorter figure, as Galatea had described, and clad in the grey outfit of Sutafu boxers. That must be Sophia. But why is that silver-haired woman here? “Y – you!” stuttered Clare, caught completely off-guard. What had she come for? Clare had already witnessed her superhuman skill firsthand, around a month or two ago. And now she was in Bordeaux…

Who was she?

“Do not address Mistress Irene as ‘you’, Miss Galatea,” chastised Sophia. “Know your place before her.”

Clare was too amazed to offer a retort. So this really is Irene? The Featherweight Continental Champion?

“Greetings, Miss Galatea,” grimaced Sophia, as if she was reluctant to even associate with the Rabona warriors. “I trust your rather rude boxer has prepared herself well for this bout?”

“Well enough to defeat you,” returned Galatea, her expression also rather disdainful. She looked at Irene. “But of all people, I never thought you’d come.”

Irene stepped in. “Enough,” she said. “Galatea. The match must begin in a few minutes.” She glanced at Clare, and for a moment, her face flickered. Clare could not catch it. Was it one of surprise? Shock? Or… of recollection…? Then, as quickly, it was gone. Irene continued to speak. “I would like to observe your boxer. After all, in a few weeks, it is possible that she will be my opponent.”

“Are you implying that I may defeated, Mistress Irene?” said Sophia, offended.

“I’m not simply implying it. I’m warning you of it,” said Irene, her voice final. “Now. Shall you two ladies enter the pit?” she invited, gesturing to the man-made crater in the ground of the arena. She glided away, walking into the gaze of the crowd, raising a thundering round of applause and cheering.

Bowing towards the audience, an impressed Rimuto gestured towards her. “My friends, this day we have a guest of honour, Flash-Strike Irene herself, coming to personally oversee this bout! Perhaps she has a vested interest in her ‘Muscular Sophia’?”

Good guess, thought Irene coolly, crossing her arms. But wrong. She stood beside Galatea as they watched their fighters positioning themselves. I am more interested in the fighters you are throwing at me, young Galatea.

Rimuto waved his arm. “And the penultimate Champion Carnival battle… begins!” he roared.

So this is Clare, pondered Irene, as Clare and Sophia began to circle one another. Clare made the first move, striking past Sophia’s guard and into her chin. Sophia stepped back, but her eyes were not stunned. She pivoted and swung a powerful hook, and it narrowly missed Clare, who was evidently faster than her. However, Sophia’s sheer strength was too much for Clare, and it showed. She pushed her back, mounting an unstoppable offensive. But Clare managed to weather the storm, weaving and slipping through the powerful blows like it was her second nature.

You… are that boxer I met that time, when I was jogging across the mountains and into the fields beyond Rabona. Irene paused in her thoughts, watching Sophia bash into Clare’s mouth again.

The moment I saw your name on the contract list for this year’s Carnival, I had a nagging feeling within my heart… that you were somehow related to Teresa. She remained silent and didn’t take her eyes off the young boxer, even as Sophia staggered under the power of Clare’s blindingly fast cross.

I could not have recognized you when I first met you and your friend. But now, I know who you are.

You must be the adopted daughter Teresa spoke so proudly of… before she was crippled by that witch from our own Academy, Priscilla.

*

Eleven years ago


In the forest that surrounded Sutafu Academy, Irene sprawled to the ground, feeling her wrists sprain on the dirt and leaves painfully. She looked up at the woman who had felled her, who did nothing except offer a faint smile. Irene gritted her teeth, avoiding her eyes. “It seems… that even my resolve to take revenge on you has not helped me. I still cannot reach you.”

“I suggest you take it easy,” shrugged Teresa, rubbing her knuckles, as if she had defeated Irene with the equivalent effort of squashing a mosquito. “This is just a spar. And be grateful I returned to Sutafu Academy to see you at all. I wouldn’t have come if it was anyone else.”

Irene bitterly spat out her blood on the ground. Ten months earlier, had won the Featherweight Continental Championship, qualifying to challenge the World Champion, Teresa. She had expected a mighty struggle between them, but was confident that at the very least, she could reach the summit, and thrust her fists up in triumph.

That was not to be. You knocked me out cold with nothing more than your left hand. I believed in myself back then. I believed my training, all my trials, all my tribulations, had tempered me enough to face you as a worthy opponent. You crushed that illusion with nothing but a punch that could have killed me, had you decided I deserved it.

She had no choice but to remain content as the unchallenged Continental Champion. For all these years, there was no one who could hold a candle to her power.

Yet…

She could never hold a candle to Teresa’s power, either.

Despite her utter defeat, Irene had won Teresa’s admiration. Following their World Championship bout, they had kept a sporadic correspondence, with one visiting the other occasionally. Yet the more she kept Teresa company, the more Irene was convinced of her own worthlessness. Today was no different. “I cannot surpass you in the pits, and I cannot even defeat you in a spar,” she snapped, as Teresa helped her up. She couldn’t look at her, so she stared angrily at a nearby oak that happened to be standing there. “Am I destined to lose everything to you?”

Teresa didn’t say anything. “Perhaps it’s time you and I had a rest,” she muttered, guiding Irene to sit on a venerable, large tree stump.

“Will you remain on the World summit until you die?” seethed Irene, obeying Teresa and plonking herself down. She swallowed a mouthful of water from her pouch. “In the end, only a… legend such as you cannot be replaced. Perhaps you will have to wait until I lose my Championship to someone who can truly give you a challenge.”

“You mean no one can replace you,” snorted Teresa. “You are the one person I’ve ever even considered worth loving. As I said, if it were not you, I would not have returned to Sutafu. You’re my friend, and I consider you my only friend.” She paused, smiling. “Well, there is one more. Just one more.”

Irene raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t tell you, did I, Irene? I…” Teresa hesitated, but then she smiled, almost shyly, and continued speaking. “I adopted a young girl.”

Irene’s narrow eyes widened. “You, Teresa? I do not believe it.”

“In some ways, I don’t either.” Teresa looked up at the bounteous forest canopy, her eyes clearing. “Her name is Clare. It’s a bit of a boring story. But let’s just say that I’m confident I can care for her, with the revenue I’m earning from my bouts.”

“Do you take her to the matches?” asked Irene quietly. "Surely it is unwise."

“Clare? No… although I’ve been forced to do so every now and then,” muttered Teresa, kicking at a twig and scattering the leaves below. “One day, when I’m filthy rich, I’ll retire, and spend my the rest of my days watching Clare grow into a far better woman than I can ever be. She’ll find a noble man to marry, and together, they’ll move mountains. And she’ll do something respectful, something life-affirming, like becoming a teacher, or a nursemaid.” Teresa looked away. “I don’t even know why I’m saying this to you, Irene.”

Irene shook her head. “I cannot imagine a world of bare knuckle boxing without you, Teresa.”

“Don’t talk rubbish,” laughed Teresa. “I hate bare knuckle boxing, make no mistake. But it’s the quickest way to strike big money, so I can raise Clare the way she deserves. I have no other talent. Outside of this bloodsport I’m a useless woman, and the more I hold Clare to me, the more I hate myself for that.”

“Are you belittling our discipline?” challenged Irene, louder than she would have liked.

Teresa blinked, then closed her eyes. “No. No, I’m not. But I am saying that you can direct the future of bare knuckle boxing,” she replied softly. “You possess a passion I’ve always lacked. We can’t be the future, we’ll both be too old. But you alone can find a boxer who can fulfill both our expectations of the new generation. Do not listen to the old farts up there,” she added, gesturing rudely up at the Sutafu Academy complex nearby. “They’re so obsessed with the ‘purity’ of our school, one day, they’ll look around and wonder where all the good boxers went. That’s right,” she said mockingly, “they’ll have gone to Pieta. To Rabona. To Darene. Anywhere but Sutafu. And it is in those cities where you must direct your attention, Irene. When I’m gone – it’ll be your task to bring to fruition a true warrior, one worthy of redeeming the dignity of bare knuckle boxing.”

She smirked. “I sound like a prophet, don’t I?” She circled around Irene, kneeled down behind her and laid her hands on Irene's silver hair, smoothing it out, sifting her fingers through it. "I'm sorry for dumping my dreams onto you. They are nothing more than the dreams of someone who has spent far too much time in the pits."

“I hate myself for being so weak before you,” protested Irene, her hand itching to find Teresa's. "Do you not wish I was stronger? I … ”

“No, I don’t,” whispered Teresa, her lips only just brushing at Irene’s ear. “I like how you have always hidden yourself within my heart. You and Clare both.”

Irene looked away, desperately trying to suppress a smile. “Teresa…”

Teresa continued to stroke Irene’s hair, leisurely, teasingly, fondly. The two Champions remained like that, for a very long time in the calm forest, at one with each another’s unspoken, rather strange affection.

*

Irene blinked, forcing herself back into the present. She glanced at Sophia, who had been pummelling Clare desperately, with the other returning blows of a similarly vicious kind.

So… this Clare… this daughter you adore so… has been forced to fight in the pits after your defeat at Priscilla’s hands? she wondered, forcing herself to look at the struggling combatants. Clare’s cut lip was bleeding profusely, while Sophia had suffered an ugly black eye. Sophia was losing patience, her swings growing wider, easier to evade. While she was easily stronger than Clare, it was Clare who kept an even head, who pulled through. Her Flashcutter had cut into Sophia’s head as a counterblow, almost putting her to sleep. She did truly fall to the ground – it was more of a stagger. Although she had not been knocked unconscious, she could not get up. Her knees trembled desperately, her nervous system not responding.

She could not raise herself, and if she couldn’t, victory belonged to her challenger.

Irene had barely paid any attention to the match; yet even she knew the result, and it was coming together like some twisted riddle. It seemed so… coincidental. Clare had bested Sophia, and it seemed there could not have been any other way. She could barely hear the crowds; she could only just make out Sophia’s cries of futile anger. She glanced at a beaming Galatea, who was calling for the wardens to attend to the wounded competitors.

She also found herself smiling, but for a different reason. Yet her heart was torn.

Teresa. You once told me that it would be my task to find the greatest boxer the world has ever seen. And yet you have made very clear to me that you would hate yourself if Clare was forced to enter the pits. The fact that she is here… must already torture you so.

Yet what if… that legendary boxer of your dreams you told me of so passionately… is your own adopted daughter?

*

It was almost sunset and the Coliseum was largely emptied of spectators. Pressing a pack of ice around her head, Sophia glared at Clare, fuming even as Irene approached the benches outside the Coliseum, where Clare and Galatea sat. Irene had personally requested Clare to remain after the fight, and for that reason, they waited. But Sophia’s fuming presence did not help. “To be defeated by a Rabona boxer… ” Sophia gritted her teeth, turning violently away. “Perhaps I do not deserve to call myself a student of Sutafu.”

“I suggest you back off,” said the Rabona coach coolly. “Such talk belongs to the pit. Outside of the pit, you’re just a lowly human being like the rest of us. I’d suggest you get that drilled into that small head before the real world hits you harder than my student ever could.”

“Miss Galatea,” snapped Sophia. “I would have expected you would teach your boxers the way Sutafu Academy does. And yet you seem to not realize – ”

“Don’t talk beyond your league, kid,” growled Galatea, her eyes narrowing. “There’s a reason why I left that place.”

Clare started, looking at her teacher in surprise. She… she learnt boxing at Sutafu?

“Galatea is right,” came Irene’s voice. “Dispense with the arrogance. Your sectarian obsession is even more passionate than Noelle’s temper tantrums. Return to Sutafu now. I will follow you shortly.”

Sophia glared at Irene’s off-hand command, but forced herself up and stomped off to the horses.

Irene approached Clare, nodding at Galatea. “You must not be very impressed by my elite boxer today. I suppose your opinion of Sutafu is still rather low.”

“I wouldn’t say low, as long as you remain there, Irene,” corrected Galatea, softening back into her usual demeanour. “Well, you asked for her, and we’re here – what do you want with Clare?”

Irene looked down at Clare, her beady pupils boring into the younger woman’s eyes. “You are no ordinary fighter, are you? That day, when I met you on that track outside Rabona… I did not realize you would climb so high. My sincere compliments. Now…” she trailed off briefly. “Having beaten Sophia, you know it is I who shall be your opponent, should you wish to attain the rank of Continental Champion. Understand that I will fight to win. But at the same time…” she looked away again.

Galatea coughed quietly and began to walk towards the horses. “Me too, huh? I’ll meet you back at Rabona,” she called to Clare.

Clare nodded at Irene curiously as Galatea obligingly galloped off with her steed. “What was it you wished to say?”

“Teresa once told me that there would arise a new boxer, amongst the younger generation, who would surpass all of us – Teresa and myself included. Ten years ago, I believed that warrior was Priscilla, when she defeated Teresa. But I am beginning to think, looking at you, that I am seeing the possibility of a second candidate.” She nodded apologetically. “You are Teresa’s adopted daughter, yes? She told me about you, with great reverence, and love. She must not realize how strong a fighter you are. Perhaps she does not wish to know, for it would be a devastating revelation.”

“You know so much?” gasped Clare. “And she told you about me before her defeat?”

Irene’s eyes narrowed. “I dare not claim that I have found the warrior of her dreams in you, lest I break her heart by claiming that this boxer is her own daughter. But I cannot ignore this… possibility. And as much as I do not wish to hurt Teresa, I have promised her to fulfil what she hoped of me.” She turned, and began to walk away. “There is only one way to find out, and that is in our upcoming match. If you fall before me, consider me a raving fool and nothing more. But if you can wrench my title from me…” she hid a smile. “Prepare for much more than a mere congratulations.”

“What… what do you mean?” mumbled Clare.

Irene didn’t reply, she merely continued walking. Now is not the right time, she thought, her heart pounding in excitement. No. There is still a time to pass before our first and final battle. But if she can topple me…

If you can defeat me, Clare… you will be the warrior Teresa foretold.

You will be the woman whom she entrusted me to teach. On my part, I will fulfill that task – to guide and nurture that warrior, until she is strong enough to defeat Priscilla.

Until she becomes the World Champion, and stands upon the zenith in Teresa’s name once more!

[hell88]

@Yosei: When I was reading the part when Irene is thinking about Teresa I was starting to think you were going to put them in shoujo-ai. Lol anyway it was still a good chapter, I felt even more suspence when I was reading the part where Irene is talking to Clare, or mabye its because I sort of know whats going to happen.

[Tempest35]

Irene's like Yoda - only much taller and much better looking lol The way they seem to carry ageless wisdom despite being able to make mistakes and such and how they uphold themselves is frankly ... awe-inspiring. Aloof yet observant, disciplined yet passionate, speaks frankly and of little nonsense yet deep words and wisdom: Irene is in a class all on her own.

....with that said, I wonder if Yagi didn't base Irene off of Yoda for Claymore...

BTW Yosei - you've made Irene live up to her well-deserved reputation in this chapter. Well done. b

[Yosei]

Thank you.

With only three fights to go till the end of the Champion Carnival (including Clare vs Irene), new bios of two characters are now revealed.

Spoiler for space:

Noelle: An outspoken and fiery-tempered student of Irene, Noelle is one of the elite fighters of Sutafu, alongside Sophia. Eventually, she developed her own style and her own killing technique, leading to her nickname: “Stormwind”. It is said that her boxing resembles that of a tempest: relentless, unquenchable, and destructive, to the point of exhausting itself quickly. She is one of the two final boxers who must be challenged before the path to Irene can be opened…


Sophia: A warrior whose talent lies in her sheer physical strength, “Muscular Sophia” is is a feminine and polite woman, serving Irene with utter loyalty. She is also a believer in the “old values” that Sutafu Academy represents: that only the strong can make it to the top as boxers, and the rabble of newer Academies like Rabona are worthless, backwater scum that are like quickly spreading weeds. She is one of the two final boxers who must be challenged before the path to Irene can be opened…

[shelter]

@Yosei: Very good work on Chapter 13. You made good your attempts to make it both believable & yet exciting to read at the same time. Your story has gone to another level because you've brought in another element of tension with Irene's revelation. I find that the idea of Clare trying to live up to Teresa's legacy - and everyone else either trying to help her to it consciously or unknowingly - is the biggest struggle Clare faces. But it's not properly explored in the canon. So by coming out into the open in Chapter 13, it gives a 2nd dimension to Clare's budding sense of herself & her pitiless job.

Normally (if you've seen my reviews to Hell) I abhor flashbacks. But this one was completed very fluidly. For some reason, when a flashback incorporates more dialogue & an interruption of the thought process like Irene's it seems more realistic rather than just descriptions. It didn't feel too disruptive. And when the flashback ended, you moved your story forward in accordance to lapsed time. So I saw Irene/ Teresa's flashback bout as a replacement for Sophia/ Clare's. Now that's something original

Reading Irene's angsty love made me shudder at least once...

[Yosei]

Thank you, shelter. I'm glad I introduced the overarching theme of this plot: that Clare is the potential Champion who can surpass them all (despite Teresa having predicted that, she does not know/want Clare to be that person). I'm trying to make many of the themes in this story tributes to the elements of the canon (Teresa gets beaten by Priscilla, Clare's vengeance, Irene's role as teacher, Clare's monstrous potential, etc).

Hence I'm glad I abandoned the "fight-rest-dialogue, rinse and repeat" approach for this chapter.

Did you shudder at Irene's love because it was so corny, or because imagining Irene and Teresa like that is a bit... ick? I don't know, not sure how to interpret your sentence. Would like to know, because I am clueless but curious.

[Tempest35]

Hnnn, now that I read it over....I supose that it could be less....'lovey dovey'...between Teresa and Irene.

I mean, if you read it quickly in one go, it kinda seems as if they're all over each other on a regular basis... Maybe that's what shelter's refering to.

They're suppose to be rivals, at least Irene views Teresa as such, but they also like and admire each other - Teresa admires Irene for her passion and dedication for this sport while Irene admires Teresa for her strength and is also not a little jealous of it too.

Spoiler for I have waaay~ too much imagination...:

The way I see Teresa, Teresa never use to touch people outside of punching them. She wasn't mean but she didn't offer much by the way of sympathy or kindness either. With Irene, I see her leaving a water bottle out for her then walking away when Irene begins to comes over. Of course this messes with Irene's head for about all of 2 seconds until it happens again. Next time Teresa's doing her workouts, Irene drops a towel off on Teresa as she quickly walks by, muttering 'thanks' for earlier. Irene learns that Teresa actually loves to prank and tease her, infuriating her to no end and it makes her try even harder to beat Teresa. She might even challenge her in a spar that if she wins, Teresa stops the pranks and the teasing but Teresa KOs her faster than ever. When Irene wakes up, she's on a cot with Teresa hovering over her. Of course Irene's frustrated but Teresa tells her that she's not really good with people and that she's seen how Irene's just gotten angrier with her. She just wanted to know how it would feel to have a friend instead of a rival. She gets up to leave but Irene mutters that she doesn't want a Teresa as a friend - she would rather Teresa remain a rival - her rival and no one else's - so that her goal doesn't change, so that her feelings won't have to change either. When Irene looks at Teresa, Teresa seems to understand and the two press their fists together tenderly with and understanding smile between them. Teresa then makes the off-hand comment that Irene's actually cute when she smiles and this sends Irene into a sulking huff with Teresa actually giggling. So from then on, Teresa still teased Irene, Irene still got upset with her and yelled at her but the underlying tone (and tension, if you will) changed.

Whew....all I can say is.... I hate when I do this... lol

Oh yeah....
@ shelter : Y'know, rare is the fic that I find nothing to be improved upon but the last two chapters you sent for Snakehead....They're good to go. I sense that you re-worked them a lil bit after I finished your first two chapters from so long ago....lol Re-read them a final time then post them up. They're good.

[Yosei]

Originally Posted by Tempest35

Hnnn, now that I read it over....I supose that it could be less....'lovey dovey'...between Teresa and Irene.

I mean, if you read it quickly in one go, it kinda seems as if they're all over each other on a regular basis... Maybe that's what shelter's refering to.

They're suppose to be rivals, at least Irene views Teresa as such, but they also like and admire each other - Teresa admires Irene for her passion and dedication for this sport while Irene admires Teresa for her strength and is also not a little jealous of it too.

Does it really seem like they're all over each other? Hmm... But I like the hawtness

Spoiler for I have waaay~ too much imagination...:

The way I see Teresa, Teresa never use to touch people outside of punching them. She wasn't mean but she didn't offer much by the way of sympathy or kindness either. With Irene, I see her leaving a water bottle out for her then walking away when Irene begins to comes over. Of course this messes with Irene's head for about all of 2 seconds until it happens again. Next time Teresa's doing her workouts, Irene drops a towel off on Teresa as she quickly walks by, muttering 'thanks' for earlier. Irene learns that Teresa actually loves to prank and tease her, infuriating her to no end and it makes her try even harder to beat Teresa. She might even challenge her in a spar that if she wins, Teresa stops the pranks and the teasing but Teresa KOs her faster than ever. When Irene wakes up, she's on a cot with Teresa hovering over her. Of course Irene's frustrated but Teresa tells her that she's not really good with people and that she's seen how Irene's just gotten angrier with her. She just wanted to know how it would feel to have a friend instead of a rival. She gets up to leave but Irene mutters that she doesn't want a Teresa as a friend - she would rather Teresa remain a rival - her rival and no one else's - so that her goal doesn't change, so that her feelings won't have to change either. When Irene looks at Teresa, Teresa seems to understand and the two press their fists together tenderly with and understanding smile between them. Teresa then makes the off-hand comment that Irene's actually cute when she smiles and this sends Irene into a sulking huff with Teresa actually giggling. So from then on, Teresa still teased Irene, Irene still got upset with her and yelled at her but the underlying tone (and tension, if you will) changed.

Whew....all I can say is.... I hate when I do this... lol

No, it's cool! It's a good suggestion. I hope someone can take it up next time there's an opportunity for a Teresa/Irene moment. But I admit, I enjoyed writing the hair-stroking scene with Irene inwardly drooling over Teresa's touch.

[hell88]

@Yosei: They're not all over each other that much, it could be more.

Alright well anyway I finally got the next chapter of my fic done, here it is.

Spoiler for double edged chapter 6:

Double Edged
Chapter: 6 Darkness Before Light

Priscilla walked out of the small town she was in, wearing clothes from people she killed. Her next destination was a large city covered in fog, she could feel tremendous amounts of powerful aura's. They felt different than yoki, what she was so used to feeling back home, this other continent was very different. She flew here looking for Raki, she could sense him she knew he was around somewhere.

A man walking out of the city with some armor on and his features looked like a dragons, walked to Priscilla. "Hey who are you?"

Priscilla thrusted her left hand into his guts and he let out a scream in pain as she killed him and devoured him.

"It tastes really good for some reason. A lot better than human meat, I wonder why?" Priscilla thought licking the blood off of her hand. "I sense more tasty people like him inside this city. I want all of them." Priscilla said in a childish voice now getting addicted to the dragon kins flesh and blood.

Nobody was gaurding the city gates, Priscilla walked into the fogy city looking at all of the strange looking humans. "No they aren't humans, they are something much better and they taste a lot sweeter than humans would." She thought. For some reason she felt a good feeling in her body, a real good feeling. It felt so good that she transformed into her awakened state and started attacking everyone. "I want your guts!" She yelled attacking people.

"What the hell is this?!" A dragon man yelled before Priscilla grabbed him and started to eat him alive.

"What is that?!" A dragon woman yelled just before Priscilla devoured her.

"My power is growing!" Priscilla yelled watching the people try to escape from her.

In the center of the city, gaurds and soldiers were running out of buildings. They were taken back though once they say Priscilla standing infront of her.

"Thats no dragon." One of them said. "Its a demond of some sort."

"Kill the ugly bitch!" Another yelled.

Priscilla laughed when she saw about a hundred of these dragon people run at her. "Yes come to me, come so I can eat you, come so I can have more power!"

She would literaly ate each one that would attack her in one bite, they were losing to one being that would just keep getting stronger. Until a man in armor came out, he looked like a human. "I'll kill this beast." He said turning into a large black dragon.

"Lord Ophiuchus, lord of the western empire." One of the dying soldiers said looking at the dragon.

"Oh I can sence that you are strong." Priscilla said licking her lips.

"What kind of creature are you?" Ophiuchus thought.

They both charged each other. Ophiuchus bit Priscilla's left shoulder making her scream in pain. She took her right hand tried to thrust it into his chest but his scaley skin was to strong and she couldn't do it. He took his left clawed hand and jammed it into Priscilla's left rib cage, and she let out another scream in pain.

"Your not that strong." Ophiuchus laughed.

He took his other hand and thrust it through her body and lift her up. She started to cry. "Huh?" He said noticing this.

"I can't lose." Priscilla said, her arms turning into tentacles.

They went around Ophiuches body, and she started to tear him apart. "What?" He said wondering how she could still fight like this, it was to late for him to do anything now that she had ripped him up into pieces.

Priscilla landed on the ground in her human form naked, covered in the dragons blood and body parts. She started to eat some of them and her body started to heal. Anyone still around got very scarred, how could a human girl be able to do this? She was not human or dragon, something they did not know of. They ran in fear of death, they did not want to die like the others.

Priscilla stood up, looking at all the carnage she caused. Buildings were burning, blood and bodies were scattered everywhere. "I guess I should leave now." Priscilla thought taking some of the clothes that used to belong to a woman that she ended up cutting in half.

She left the city, even more powerful than before thanks to the dragons that she ate. She was in search of Raki, if only she knew that Raki and the others would be coming to this city soon.

* * *

A few weeks later Irene and her group made it to the city. They hung outside of the city wondering why it looked so lifeless.

"Is this not the place we were supposed to go next?" Galatea asked.

"What happened?" Cynthia wondered.

"There was a battle." Irene said walking in and seeing all the bodies and body parts lying around. "A bloody one at that."

"Looks like someone got here before we did." Helen said.

Then they heard someone running behind a house. They were being watched.

"Get whoever that was!" Irene yelled making the group scatter.

Tabitha grabbed a woman that was watching them and brought her back to Irene.

"What happened here? Is this not where the western empire is located?" Irene asked.

"It is, well it was." The woman said. "A young woman ended up changing that."

This caught everyones attention. "What?" Irene asked confused about the situation.

"She was a very good looking young woman and didn't seem harmful at all, but she turned into a demond and ate everyones insides, even the leader of the western empire, he didn't stand a chance." The woman said.

All of the ghosts looked at each other thinking the same thing. "Could it have been an awakened being?" Yuma thought.

"What did she look like?" Irene asked.

"At first she was a pretty young woman with dark hair and dark eyes. Then she turned into a big purple demond with wings, her hair turned blond and she had fangs. Her eyes became amber and she had one horn on her forehead." The woman said still shaken up about what happened.

Irene's eyes widened and she felt her heart stop. "Priscilla is here." She said turning to the others.

Everyone else looked at Irene in shock as the woman ran away.

"We have to find the others and tell them whats going on." Irene said. "Lets go we don't have a minute to spair." She said getting everyone to run out of the city with her.

* * *

Clare and Jean stopped and hid behind some trees, they were leading the little group, with Raki and Miria behind. After what happened to Miria she just wasn't herself. Clare glanced out into a space and saw a man in black cloathes standing before them.

Clare looked back at Jean. "Its Rubal?!"

"What but I thought you killed him?" Jean asked confused.

"I did, but I thought I did." Clare said not sure of what was going on.

The man spoke to them. "I'm not this Rubal you speak of."

Jean and Clare watched him as his body started to grow, he turned into a giant spider. "But I've been hungry for a long time and nothing has walked into my territory for a while."

Jean and Clare drew they're swords, he ran ran at them and they jumped away. Only Clare got away though, it wasn't until then Jean noticed she was in a web.

"Shit I can't move!" Jean yelled as the spider bit her body.

"Jean!" Clare yelled when Jean let out a scream in pain.

Jean felt everything go numb, them she blacked out. The spider went to wrap her up in his web, but Clare jumped on top of his back.

"I'll kill you!" Clare yelled using the windcutter to cut up the spider into little pieces.

Clare cut Jean out of the web, Jean's skin was pale now and she was cold, blood was dripping out of her mouth but she was still alive. Clare picked up Jean and walked away from the remains of that gross looking spider.

"Clare what happened?!" Came Raki's voice.

Clare turned around then Raki and Miria saw what happened to Jean. Jean's body was healing though, and the venom inside of her was being pushed out slowly from the yoma flesh inside of her. When she woke up she didn't know where she was, but felt someone holding onto her. She looked over and saw Clare sleeping beside her and she had her arms around Jean. It was then that Jean knew she was okay, but what happened she didn't know they were sleeping in some tall grass under a tree that was blocking the sunlight.

Jean kept on nudging Clare until she woke up. "Clare what happened?"

Clare didn't open her eyes, she hadn't sleeped in a week now, she just answered one thing. "Everythings okay now."

Jean smiled and put her hands around Clare's head, Clare felt her head being pressed against Jean's breasts. Clare let out a soft moan as they savoured this moment of comfort, only until they heard voices and they had to force themselves up.

"Hey what are these two doing?!" Helen yelled. "Hey Deneve they're at it again!"

Deneve shook her head and didn't say anything.

"Hey its good to see that your all alive." Raki said as he saw the whole group walking up to them. "Oh who's this?" He asked once he saw Tyrath.

"We found him in the north, he seems to like Clarice though." Galatea said.

"Anyway we were just in the west and we didn't have to fight or anything. The western empire was already defeated." Irene said.

"What by who?" Miria asked.

Everyone went silent for a few seconds. "By Priscilla." Irene said.

Clare's eyes shot open and she got up. "She's here?" She thought.

Raki seemed confused as well. "Oh no."

"Then now that the southern empire is the only one left, we should just go their and finish things so we can go home and try to stay away from Priscilla." Miria said.

"It will be tough." Raven said. "They're army is the best out of everyone elses that we had to face so far."

"It won't take very long to get their from here." Dracul said. "We should plan something quick."

* * *

In the south.

The lord of the empire stood at the top of his castle looking out at the lands. A sevant of his came running to him.

"Sir! Sir!" The servant yelled.

His lord turned to him. "What is it." He said in powerful voice.

The sevant bowed and his body shook from the fear infront of the powerful being infront of him. "The northern empire was beat by a group of women."

"What?!" The lord of the empire yelled.

"Thats - thats not all." The servant said studdering. "One woman that could turn into a demond destroyed the western empire. We're all thats left."

"What?! Then get the soldiers ready if these people come here they will die a bloody death, I will show them no mercy! They will know the name of Lord Uruloki!" Uruloki yelled turning into a massive dragon and spitting out fireballs into the sky.

"Yes sir...." The servant said weakly as he went to warn everyone.

----------------------------
To be continued....

[Yosei]

I appreciate how you really highlighted Priscilla's power. It seems that even the Dragons are no match for her - of course I'm not sure how she will stand up to Dracul and perhaps some of the other "good" dragons. But I always imagined if Priscilla could be controlled, she would have been the best anti-Dragon weapon the Organization wanted...

And of course I always like it when Galatea's in the chapter...

[shelter]

Originally Posted by Yosei

Did you shudder at Irene's love because it was so corny, or because imagining Irene and Teresa like that is a bit... ick? I don't know, not sure how to interpret your sentence. Would like to know, because I am clueless but curious.

Maybe because unlike a lot of Claymore fans, I have no special interest/ liking for Teresa & view her as simply the "greatest" Claymore. And what Tempest says is kind of right: prior to Clare, both in canon & in your story, there's nothing to indicate Teresa is capable of such affection.

In your scene, I found the relationship between the 2 hard to comprehend. People like to push that Irene has a love-hate-love-regret relationship with Teresa, & that Teresa playfully exploits that. But I think that's very difficult to show. I reacted to your attempt knowing you put the effort, but the kind of Teresa/ Irene closeness there is - for the lack of words - unprofessional for both. But it wasn't corny - trust me on that

It'll take me some time to see Teresa, Irene & all the Claymore characters of their generation as approachable enough to write fanfiction on.

Originally Posted by Tempest35

@ shelter : Y'know, rare is the fic that I find nothing to be improved upon but the last two chapters you sent for Snakehead....They're good to go. I sense that you re-worked them a lil bit after I finished your first two chapters from so long ago....lol Re-read them a final time then post them up. They're good.

You serious? But if that's what you think I won't bother you with any more emails or questions

[Tempest35]

I think that Teresa could have a teasing, playful side but due to the circumstances that made Teresa who she is, all we get out of it is her snarkiness to everyone. She won't pull pranks but she won't pull her punches either. She doesn't have to say that she's 'the best' the best all the time - that's what everyone else is there for.

"I don't care - you can keep on dreaming about being the best. I'm better than anything you could ever dream of anyway."

I think that sums up her actual disposition pre-Clare.

Ah, don't worry about this Yosei - I just love picking apart characters thru fanfiction. And this way, some of us better understand the actual characters. ^_^

[Yosei]

@ shelter and Tempest, ah I see, I understand now.

Hi all, Chapter 14 up. With the completion of this chapter there are only two fights ahead: the struggle for the Lightweight Continental Championship, and the Featherweight Continental Championship bout between Clare and Irene.

Spoiler for space:

Chapter 14: Anguish and Disillusionment

Rabona. Evening


Clare sat on a sweaty bench and stared absently at the sandbags that hung from the roof. Deneve and Helen had dropped by to visit briefly, before returning home. But Clare remained in the Academy with Jeane, waiting patiently for her to finish up her last day of training.

Irene has plans for me, if I defeat her… at least, that was what she was implying…

She will not go easy on me. It could be like my match against Flora. But what does she want with me, if I defeat her?

“Something interesting happened after my bout against Rakel,” called Jeane suddenly, stepping back from the bags and wiping her face with her hand. “I was expecting them to react… you know, the usual way. You know how you and I both hate their catcalling and their cheap gifts. But… compared with that day I defeated Rakel… ” she smiled at Clare, her eyes teasing. “You had a bout with Flora a few days ago. What did you two do to… change the crowd like that? I’ve never seen them so… affected.”

Clare lowered her head. “Let’s just say… I made a bit of a scene when I beat her.”

“Oh?”

“I mean, Flora needed help, and those pigs didn’t even move,” clarified Clare quickly. “So I… screamed at them. Rather angrily.”

Jeane smiled. “Well, perhaps this is the start of something new. A new kind of power, on your part.”

“I… I’m not sure what you mean.”

“A power that doesn’t simply lie in your fists.” Jeane tapped at the sandbag. “Something that compels a would-be enemy to… submit, in more ways than one. A power that you once graced me with.”

Clare shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

Jeane smiled. “I wouldn’t know what it’s called… but it is the one thing that can transform this world of pit fighting. Perhaps it could even change the age-old customs of bare-knuckle boxing altogether.”

Clare blanched. “You… you speak of a radical vision.”

“I don’t know,” qualified Jeane, laughing. “Perhaps. But all I’m saying is that you have started something, Clare. And perhaps in the future, your greatest victories will be rather… revolutionary ones.”

Clare tried not to think too much. First, Teresa, then Irene, now you too. I can’t possibly be destined for these things!

“I’m leaving,” came Jeane’s voice, as Clare felt her hand on her shoulder. “My bout against Noelle is tomorrow. Are you coming to watch?”

“Of course. Cynthia is still training, but Helen and Deneve will come. I know you’ll win.” Clare smiled. “I look forward to seeing your arms raised in victory.”

“See you at Bordeaux tomorrow, then.” Jeane lifted her hand off Clare and hauled her bag over her shoulder, opening the door and leaving the gym.

*

Bordeaux. Morning


Clare, Helen and Deneve watched tersely from the stadium as Jeane descended into the pit. Across, facing her, was a second warrior hailing from Sutafu Academy. Known either as Noelle or “Stormwind”, or both, she had a tomboyish haircut, an arrogant posture, and eyes that made no secret of the scorn she felt for the people of Bordeaux.

And, evidently, Rabona too. “So, you’re the boxer I need to pound into submission. You know your little friend Clare won, yeah? Well, I’m here to avenge Sophia,” sneered Noelle, pointing a finger at Jeane. “I hope you’re ready for a beating.”

“I will defeat you, just as Clare defeated Sophia,” was all Jeane replied with, as she raised her fists. Noelle shrugged and did the same, her young eyes narrowing.

“Who would have the advantage?” muttered Helen, watching Noelle aggressively attack Jeane. “She’s not called Stormwind for nothing.”

“Noelle is perhaps the fastest boxer on the Continent,” replied Deneve. Noelle was now upon Jeane, her blows increasing in speed and forcing her to weave and bob. “But her speed comes at a price – it tires her quickly due to its intensity, its overwhelming power. She is an infighter to the extreme.”

“So her style is not unorthodox at all,” observed Helen, cringing as Jeane staggered from Noelle’s powerful hook. “She’s just sacrificed all possibility of defence for the sake of beating her opponents quickly.” Indeed, Stormwind’s offensive capabilities surpassed even Jeane’s, her power impressive and her swiftness even more formidable. Another lightning-fast cross met Jeane’s head.

But Deneve did not look disturbed. “In effect, Noelle’s speed is her greatest asset, but also her greatest weakness. Watch.”

Recovering, Jeane calmly caught Noelle’s combinational strikes on her palms. She slipped past a cross, and as Noelle pulled back to defend, she twisted her wrist and sent a corkscrew cross flying out.

Noelle’s eyes widened. She did not expect it to come so quickly. She tried to jump away, but Jeane’s reach was longer. Noelle fell back, blood pouring on her nose, screaming and swearing in rage. It was not simply broken, but completely pulverized, since Jeane had twisted her wrist for a more painful impact.

“The Drill Strike!” gasped Clare.

“Yes,” said Deneve, as Jeane’s corkscrew punches warping Noelle’s battered face. Noelle closed up, hiding behind her raised arms, but her defence was poor; Jeane effortlessly struck through, punching into her chin, her chest, her stomach. Jeane began to shift into a brutal brawling style, her corkscrews carving angry welts across Noelle’s body and arms, despite the other’s desperate blocking. It would only be a matter of time before –

Jeane suddenly fell back, blood pouring from her nose.

“What?!” cried Helen. Deneve and Clare’s eyes widened. What just happened?

Noelle raised herself, smirking. “You… think my speed is all I’ve got going for me?!” she roared, her fist soaked in gore. “Come! I won’t lose to the likes of you!”

“Deneve! Why is she – ”

Deneve couldn’t reply. Her hooks… no, not just those… all her power punches… have become as fast as her feet, as fast as her very breath. Stormwind overwhelmed Jeane completely, her wild swings supernaturally fast, crushing into her body again and again. Jeane roared in outrage as Noelle’s punch smashed into her lips. How could this be? How could such barbaric, techniqueless punches be so meticulously swift?

Was this the true face of the Stormwind?

You little –

Her world went black for a brief moment. Noelle’s powerful punch sent her spinning, her footing losing its balance and her body spiralling away.

Galatea could not believe her eyes. “Resist her, Jeane!” she cried desperately. “Don’t let her pressure you into opening up!” But Jeane was buckling, barely able to block Noelle. Galatea could only shout more advice, but they seemed to ring hollow.

Where… where did I go wrong?

How could I have failed my student so?

“You’re done!” roared Noelle triumphantly, as her final hook struck Jeane’s temple. The Drill Strike warrior fell to the ground, convulsing. Froth gathered around her mouth. She must have suffered a severe neural disruption.

“This could be dangerous,” whispered Deneve, as Clare watched helplessly.

The crowd roared in disappointment. It was over. It was suddenly, unexpectedly, almost unfairly, over.

Stormwind laughed gleefully, stepping roughly on Jeane’s head. “What on earth was Sophia doing, being defeated by Clare?” she mock-grumbled, grinding her heel on the fallen boxer’s skull. “Well, not that it’s any of my business anymore,” she shrugged, grinning. “I’ve done my job. Now all that’s left is for Irene to destroy Clare.” And with that, she swaggered out of the pit, thrusting her arms up, amidst boos and catcalling. “I won, you weaklings! Mistress Irene will never be surpassed by the likes of you, Galatea!” she spat, as the coach of Rabona trembled in fury. “Tell it to that piece of meat down there, and tell it to your precious little Clare!!”

Clare hurried down from the stadium steps and into the pit, ignoring Rimuto and the wardens. “Jeane! Jeane!”

Galatea shook with fury, but her rage was not for Jeane. It had seemed such a brilliant plan in the beginning, to have four of her boxers fight in the Featherweight circuit of the Carnival. It would have maximized their chances of challenging Irene.

Now, for the four steps they had taken, only one had not backslid, and that was Clare. In all practicality, she had sent three of her warriors to fight… for nothing.

“Have I overestimated our capabilities? First Deneve, then Helen, and now…” she turned away. “Have I… overestimated my own ability?”

Deneve and Helen stared at one another in despair as Clare scooped Jeane up, intending to take her to the ward. Jeane looked at Clare, her eyes weakened and self-reproachful. “I… I underestimated that monster…” she groaned. “Perhaps I don’t deserve to go on.”

Clare shook her head vehemently and tightened her warm hug around her friend.

Now, only she remained.

Deneve, Helen, Jeane. They had all failed, one way or another.

Only she could bring the title home.

Was everything to unfold as Irene had suggested?

…as Teresa had foretold?

*

Within the Academy at Rabona, Cynthia punched the sandbag one last time, before looking out the window, wiping the sweat off her forehead. The sun was dipping below the mountains. Silver eyes glimmered with red as they reflected the setting sun.

Nightfall was coming.

She had been training for the entire day, her body restless and dissatisfied without her coach by her side. The butterflies in her stomach refused to rest, and she could think of nothing except Clare’s distraught words when she returned from Bordeaux:

“Jeane lost to Noelle. I’m the only challenger Irene can accept now.”

Her fist met the sandbag again, hurling up a cloud of dust. So, it’s just Clare and me now, is it? She must take the Featherweight title, and I must do the same for the Lightweight.

I must defeat Ophelia.

Tomorrow, tomorrow.

I will show the world who the greatest boxing teacher in the world is.

I will become the Lightweight Continental Champion.

I will win Galatea glory.

[hell88]

@Yosei: Oh no Jean lost! Well there goes my bet, it felt like to me that Noel seemed to be a soar winner when she stepped on Jean's head after she beat her. I could almost feel the humiliation. Finally Cynthia will fight now, I've been waiting for her to fight for a while now. Anyway good job, your story telling feels like it keeps getting better and better.

[muk]

wow there are some really good fanfiction in here ...

i ought to read a few later

[shelter]

@Yosei: I was kind of expecting Jeane to lose (sorry Hell...) because of Clare's overwhelming power & influence. The manner of Jeane's defeat, I think, as cruel as it sounds, differentiated this bout from the others. Because I find Noelle's advantage a bit hard to follow, the effect of the defeat mattered.

Saw that your section breaks & chapters ends are handled with the same format: deep thoughts in single paragraphs. It's worked all the way. So its a bit of a shame that I say perhaps some variation might be good.

This chapter still can't compare to the previous Chapter 13 though. Hoping the Cynthia fight or the Irene vs. Clare one will

[hell88]

Here is chapter seven, I'll probably have chapter eight up tomorrow.

Spoiler for double edged chapter 7:

Double Edged
Chapter 7: War Is Hell Part 1

The ghosts of the organization and the three dragon kin were now in the south, Miria stood infront of eveyone. "Everyone, this will be the final battle, and it will be dangerous. I thought up a plan when we came here. I will make teams and we will go in all at different times and at different places." As she was talking Helen whispered to Raki.

"Hey whats wrong with her? What happened when she left?" Helen said wanting to know.

Raki shook his head and whispered back to her. "Its better if I don't tell anyone what happened."

Miria was now making teams. "First my team will be made of Deneve, Dracul, Tabitha,Clarice and Miata. Irene will be the leading the second team. She will have Helen, Yuma, Tyrath, and Raki. Galatea will be leading the next team, Clare, Cynthia, Jean and Raven will be on your team. Now everyone, we are all going to go in the city where the enemy is and when we go at seperate times it will make everyone in the city go to the group that went in first, leaving the others to go right to the leader of the empire. He is in the biggest building at the other end of the city. Kill him at any means necassary."

"So who's team is going in first?" Galatea asked.

"Irene's team will be going in first." Miria said.

When everyone was preparing to go into battle, Miria went over to Raki who was standing alone. "Raki be careful."

"Don't worry I will." Raki said kissing her, it almost felt like he was kissing her good bye though with all the tension before battle.

Everyone kept low as they watched Irene lead her team behind the city walls, and right away they could here swords and yelling. Then a lot of yelling. "Okay everyone my team is going in next." Miria said. Clare and the others watched them leave and go to the west of the city. More sounds of fighting were heard.

"When are we going in?" Clare asked.

"Right now. Come on everyone we will be going in the east side of the city." Galatea said as everyone fallowed her.

They ran into that part of the city ready for some type of resistance, there wasn't anyone around. It was quiet, and they could here the sounds of war coming from the other side of the city.

"Hey that must be the building way over their." Raven said pointing to a large castle.

"Come on everyone lets get their before anyone finds out we're here." Galatea said leading them to the castle.

It didn't take long for Miria's team to meet up with Irene's. Miata was destroying anyone that would get near Clarice, her power surprised Dracul. Raki couldn't keep up with the dragons and was on his knees. A spear came flying at him and he closed his eyes, but it never came. When he opened his eyes Helen was standing before him, the spear went through her back and out her stomach.

"Helen!" Raki yelled catching her before she fell.

"Damn...." Helen said spiting blood out of her mouth. "You humans are all the same...." She said trying to joke around even know she was in pain.

Deneve chopped some of her enemies heads off and ran over to her fallen friend. "Helen no!"

"Relax I'm not dead, just get this out of me." Helen said weakly.

Deneve pulled the spear out of her. "Raki get her out of here!"

Raki picked up Helen and took her away from the city. "Here stay out here, I'll come back for you later!" He yelled as Helen nodded back to him.

By the time Raki ran back into the city he saw Tabitha and Yuma on the ground, he picked them up. They were out and they're bodies were bloody, he took them to where Helen was.

Miria yelled at Raki when he was leaving. "Stay with them!"

* * *

Galatea and the others got to the building with no trouble, there wasn't even any gaurds. This was to easy, it was like they were just inviting them in. They ran into the place and no one was around. It was dark, they walked up some stairs, and eventually got up to the top floor. They opened up a door and then they were on the roof, the door closed behind them and they turned around only to see a man standing their.

"Thats him!" Raven yelled. "Uruloki!"

"Thats me I'm honoured you know me, well not really." Uruloki said transforming into his dark dragon form already.

"Raven can you turn into you form and hold him off?!" Galatea yelled.

"Sure thing!" Raven said transforming.

The two massive beings charged each other and grabbed each other in a death grip, with Raven losing. Galatea, Cynthia, Clare, and Jean went to attack from four different angles. Uruloki threw Raven back and he fell on Cynthia, his giant body crushing hers.

"Cynthia!" Clare yelled releasing her yoki.

Raven quickly got off of her and turned back to his human form, he checked to see if she was alive, she was but just barely. Galatea and Jean released they're yoki too. Jean hit Uruloki with the drill sword, his skin was so strong though, that it stopped Jean's attack and she broke her arm on impact. Galatea went to attack from behind, his tale hit her and she was sen't over the castle.

"Galatea!" Clare yelled jumping over to get Galatea.

It wasn't until then that Clare realized that the otherside of the castle was right next to a cliffes edge and her and Galatea were now going over. Galatea got caught by a root sticking out of some rocks. Clare grabbed onto her, but then Galatea lost her grip and they were falling again. They let out short screams of pain as they tried to hold onto each other and when they hit rocks on the way down. They hit the ground hard, Clare landed on her back, and Galatea landed face first into the ground.

Miria used her phantom speed to get to the castle, she jumped right to the top where she felt everyone's yoki. When she got their all she saw was, Jean and Raven fighting the dragon lord on they're own, Cynthia was knocked out and Clare and Galatea were no where to be seen. Miria used her speed again and was infront of the dragons face. This confused him, when he went to attack her she used her speed to show up behind him, and she slashed at his neck.

"His skin is to thick!" Miria yelled releasing her yoki.

Miria was soon joined by Deneve, who had to fight her way to the castle alone. She released her yoki and attacked the dragons legs. Uruloki didn't seem to notice Deneve and he kicked her hard. She fell back near Cynthia.

Irene was easily killing weaker dragons with her quick sword, until she noticed Vritra.

"Well we meet again." Vritra said. "You should have killed me in our first meeting.

Irene yelled as she went to attack him. He blocked her with his blades, he was going to throw her with them but it was Dracul who saved her, in his dragon form.

"Good bye Vritra!" Dracul yelled crushing him with his right hand.

Clarice and Miata ran to where Miria was, Tyrath slowly fallowed. He was killing anyone that were trying to fallow them.

"Man these guys are weak." Tyrath thought.

* * *

Outside of the city, Raki watched Helen, Tabitha, and Yuma heal. He was holding all three of them near him, then someone wearing a cape with a hood like his walked up to them.

"Raki?" The person said.

Raki was shocked. "Priscilla?!"

Priscilla took her hood off and smiled at him. "I missed you Raki." She said running to him. "Wait who are these three?" She asked looking at the three women sleeping near Raki.

"They're friends, and they were hurt by dragon like people in that city. I'm helping them heal right now." Raki said.

"Did the dragon people try tp hurt you?" Priscilla asked.

"Yes." Raki said. "I have more friends inside that are trying to stop these dragons. Could you help them?"

"Okay." Priscilla said turning around and leaving him to go in the city.

Priscilla walked in and saw a bunch of bodies on the ground, and heard people fighting. Irene turned around once she felt Priscilla's yoki.

"Oh no she's here?!" Irene said in confusion.

Dragons ran up and attacked Priscilla, but when they did she would rip out they're guts and eat them.

"Tasty" Priscilla said walking to others for more guts.

Priscilla transformed into her awakened form and easily killed more dragons. She looked up at the castle. "The strongest one is over their." She was going to walk their but stopped by more dragons.

"She must be the demond that took out the westerm empire!" One dragon yelled.

"You know me?" Priscilla asked putting fear in those infront of her. She quickly devoured them, they didn't stand a chance.

Then Priscilla saw Irene standing infront of her. "Huh Irene? Its been a long time hasn't it? I was wondering if you were still alive."

Irene started to get scared. "Oh no, what am I going to do."

Then Priscilla stopped walking to her. "Are you one of Raki's friends?"

"What? Why the hell would she ask me that?" Irene thought. "Yes I am."

"Oh then I guess I can let you live then, well for now at least." Priscilla said walking by Irene.

Irene was shaking and she could feel sweat dripping down her face from fear just now. "What just happened?" She asked herself.

Clarice and Miata made it up the castle, and saw Miria trying to fight Uruloki on her own. She didn't have much left in her though, he grabbed a hold of her and started slowly crushing her. She let out a loud scream that would make your blood stop pumping your heart once her bones started to break.

"Miata we have to save Miria!" Clarice yelled.

Clarice and Miata ran up to Uruloki and jumped, Clarice was swated like a fly, but Miata jammed her sword in his rist and he dropped Miria. Tyrath jumped up and caught Clarice when she almost fell over the castle wall.

"How dare he hit her!" Tyrath thought turning into a dragon form of his own.

It didn't look like the other dragon forms the others had, everyone elses was like a medieval dragon, Tyrath's was more like a chinese dragon. He put Clarice down and crawled around Uruloki and tried to constrick him.

"Whats this?!" Uruloki yelled grabbing onto Tyrath and throwing him onto ground.

The castle caved in from all the wieght. Tyrath was able to gather up everyone and bring them down safely, Uruloki blasted through broken stone. This time he was facing Dracul in his dragon form.

"Where do you all keep coming from?!" Uruloki yelled.

Irene went up to the others that were all in a group. "Miria, Priscilla is here and she is helping us."

Miria was still injured but could talk. "What, why?"

"I don't know, all I did was say I was a friend of Raki's and she started helping me." Irene said.

It wasn't long before Dracul was taken down. Uruloki laughed at they're weaknesses, only until Priscilla showed up.

"You look tasty." Priscilla said.

"What the hell are you supposed to be?" Uruloki yelled.

"It does not matter what I am. All that matters is that I'm going to eat your guts!" Priscilla yelled.

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To be continued....