Chapter 11
The 4 of them had surprisingly got through the first part of the woods throughout the day without consequence. However, they didn't account for the possibility that the challenges may only come out at night.. So after they made a campfire and sat by it before going to sleep, the fire was suddenly blew out. "H-How did that happen?? It isn't windy at all.." Hugo asked. Cass already had her sword ready, saying, "They have arrived.." "Who's 'they'??" Eugene whispered. "The Ghosts.." Varian announced. As soon as he finished the sentence, they revealed themselves, the pale blue figures of cold, terrifying mist with the power of electricity manipulation. "Oh God.. They're creepier than I thought they'd be.." Hugo whimpered. Varian pretended to disagree, "Not creepy, sick!" He exclaimed. Though he was still lying, he thought they were scary too. The battle was swift but fierce, with Varian's black rocks, Cassandra's blade, Hugo's alchemy and Eugene's frying pan. Except these ghosts were relentless and persistent, with their lightning powers, one of them began hurting Hugo very bad, for it started to electrocute him non-stop. "Ah!" He cried out in agony. "No.. No no no.. H-Hugo!" Prince Varian shouted, trying to run to him. But the other angry spirits held him back from helping him, making him helplessly watch them try to kill the love of his life. He knew he had to bring back a certain incantation, one he dreaded to even think of, but he just knew that it was probably the only way to save everyone. Varian desperately squeezed his teary eyes shut, preparing to chant it, "W-Wither and decay.. End this destiny.. Break these earthly c-chains.. Ah!" He froze, the Ghost's had let go of him, his eyes still closed. Hugo was okay, now staring in horror. Varian opened his eyes to reveal that they were completely black, like what happened before when he used it in the Great Tree a couple weeks before, and he said the last line in fury, "And set the spirit.. free." A ginormous wave of dark magic pulsated from him, vanquishing the remaining apparitions. But now, Varian couldn't find a way to snap himself out of it, and the immense shadows were becoming overwhelming, the rage now fear, but the darkness still shot through him as he fell to his knees, wrapping his arms around himself, shaking while the power took over. Hugo was afraid for him, however the magic kept knocking him back. But he didn't give up, despite Cassandra and Eugene's protests, he walked up to his partner, crouching down to his level, and just gently called out his name, "Varian.." He stopped trembling, recognition of himself coming back to him, the black in his eyes retreating to reveal the original sapphire. Eugene and Cass were surprised that Hugo was actually able to anchor him unscathed. Varian was timid to let Hugo slowly put his hand on his shoulder, but it brought him warmth and strength. Suddenly, Varian tightly embraced him, sobbing. "Hey, it's okay, that was awesome dude, it was scary sure, but in the end, you protected us regardless." Hugo comforted. The Prince was unresponsive, but he was okay, he knew that it was going to be okay.. for now.. TO BE CONTINUED..