//------------------------------// // The Black Lion // Story: Tales of the Abyss: Hymns of Equestria // by Genis94 //------------------------------// Asch quickly dodged to the side as Largo brought down his axe again, splitting the cobblestone on impact and sending debris flying. Asch already knew the immense strength that Largo wielded, and while he got lucky earlier by parrying his blow, he couldn't risk attempting it again. Seeing an opening in Largo's movements, Asch went on the offensive. "Sonic Thrust!" He shouted as he stabbed his blade straight at Largo. The attack certainly made Largo wince in pain, but he had survived a far worse wound inflicted by Jade Curtis. Largo squared up for his own attack. "Beast!" He shouted as he swung his axe outwards, projecting the image of a lion head. The spectral lion managed to catch Asch off guard as he was only dodging out of the range of the axe itself. "Augh!" He cried as he was knocked onto his back. Largo saw his opportunity and jumped into the air, ready to bring down his axe on the former ally of his original. "Time to end this!" *Krakrow!* A small bolt of lightning zapped Largo, throwing him to the side just enough for the blade of his axe to miss by an inch. "What?!" Standing with an angry look on his face was Private Thunder Crash. He tossed aside the small storm cloud he had managed to swipe, and bared his teeth at the towering human. "You guys aren't getting away with this!" He took a taunting stance with his spear readied. "So bring it on!" Largo removed his axe from the cobblestone as Asch rolled away and took a defensive stance. "Annoying pest..." He muttered as he began to bare down on Thunder Crash. The Private soon began to quake in his horseshoes. "W-what's going on? Why won't me legs move? T-this never happened in training!" "Move, dammit!" Asch shouted. Thunder Crash broke out of his stupor and moved out of the way of what would have been a lethal strike. "Holy bucking Celestia!" He cried as he realized how closely he and death had brushed. Asch used a Raging Blast to knock Largo back, though the God-General kept his balance. "If you want to live, follow my lead!" Asch ordered. Thunder Crash trembled, but nodded all the same. "O-of course!" "So now you're getting help, eh? This fight might be interesting after all!" Largo taunted. Thunder Crash kept darting his eyes to Asch, waiting for some kind of instruction as Largo began to make his way closer to them. Largo prepared to swing his axe in a wide arc, intending to hit them both with a single strike. The blade began to get closer and closer in slow motion, and Thunder Crash was beginning to sweat. "Now!" Asch ordered. Thunder Crash took flight just before the blade could connect, while Asch used the flat of the axe as a vault to propel himself higher above Largo. "Together!" Asch commanded the Private. Both warriors dove down and stabbed Largo in the arm and chest. The God-General stumbled backwards in pain, but his eyes seethed with anger. "Enough! I won't be made a fool of any longer!" Fighting through the pain, he swung the axe in a wide arc, with the blade coated in flames. "Rise from the flames of Hell! Brimstone Tempest!" The second swing managed to connect with Asch, but the truly devastating part was when Largo brought his axe up in an uppercut strike that released a geyser of flame. He managed to land on his feet, but he collapsed to his knees from the immediate pain. Quickly he began chanting the arte First Aid. Thunder Crash began to truly panic as his only ally was temporarily out of commission. "And now to deal with the annoying beast." Largo muttered as he turned to face the pegasus. "No way... I'm gonna die... I'm gonna freaking die...!" Suddenly Thunder Crash's spear began to crackle with electricity as he entered a fight or flight state. "I won't die now!" He shouted as thunder began to strike in a circle around Largo. He continued by smacking Largo with the lower end of his spear and launching him into the air. Aiming carefully he prepared to throw the spear at his airborne foe. "Crying Thunder!" He shouted as he tossed the spear. Largo was hit dead center and fell to the ground after being shocked by electricity. "D-damn... I got... careless..." Largo muttered as he clutched at his wound. Thunder Crash was staring at his spear in amazement. "How the hell did I do that...?" "Heh heh... Ha ha ha ha ha!" Largo began madly laughing. Asch, who had finished healing himself with his arte, was entirely confused. "Why are you laughing when you are so clearly defeated?" "I've finally got a challenge out of one of these pathetic creatures! And I didn't come unprepared for a difficult battle..." Largo said as he fished around in his pockets. Soon he produced a small red gel, an apple gel to be precise, and quickly consumed the medicine. The God General stood himself up, ready for another round with is opponents. "I'm through playing games with you, Largo. Your original is probably rolling in his grave as we speak." Asch taunted. "Whether I'm the original or not is irrelevant. I will end you, here and now!" The two humans clashed once more, while Thunder Crash was left in confusion. "Just what is going on?! Humans, originals, these powers... I wish I had never said I was bored today!" "Fiery Beast!" Largo shouted as he used a variation of Beast that let loose a burst of flames. Asch used Guardian to absorb the brunt of the impact, but could still feel the damage. He took advantage of the fire fonons that were left over from Largo's attack. "Out of my way! Burning Havoc!" He shouted as he used a Havoc Strike that released a blast of flames. Largo was barely managing to stay on his feet at this point, but his determination managed to keep him upright. "I'm... not finished..." "Largo!" A young female voice yelled. Thunder Crash looked up to the sky where he heard the voice, and suddenly felt his jaw hit the floor. "She's flying on a Manticore!" He blurted as he saw the young pink haired girl land near the other Human on the back of the large beast. "Arietta? You're here too?" Asch asked in confusion. Arietta ignored the question, instead turning her attention to Largo. "We need to get you out of here. We've already bought enough time, so let's go!" Largo glared at Asch one last time. "You may have won this time, but don't think it will be so easy when next we meet." Before Asch could intervene, Largo got on the back of the Manticore as it flew off into the distance. "What did they mean 'We've bought enough time'?" Thunder Crash asked. "It's likely that this Largo was merely a diversion the entire time." The Doctor surmised as he and Derpy came out from hiding. "And where have you been?!" Asch asked. "Fighting isn't my specialty, it's being clever. And unfortunately, I don't have hands anymore so it's kind of hard to use my wits to best a monster of a man that uses a giant scythe and fire." "...Fair enough." Asch admitted. "Right now we have to make it to the castle. Something tells me that Van's plot was to keep us from interfering with him there." "W-wait! Let me come with you!" Thunder Crash pleaded. "I want to help out too, no matter how crazy all of this stuff is." Asch sighed in slight annoyance. "Fine, but don't become a burden in battle, understand?" "Y-yes, sir!" Thunder Crash saluted. With the new addition to the party, Asch returned to the task of making his way to the castle, eager to finally bring an end to the the chaos brought about by Van Grants. Meanwhile... A peculiar statue began in the Canterlot gardens began to crack by an unseen force. "Ohh this is some delicious chaos! Grade-A stuff!"