Last Stand (part three)

            Meanwhile…

            Rayon was firmly chained up. He was a mere ten feet from the ball of flames now. He had been stripped of his weapons and tunic. There was a strange device on his chest, clinging with small hooks like insect feet. There was a small, tube-like force field going from the device to the flames.

            Michael and Akbarr both walked over casually. Akbarr had the piece of paper in hand again. Michael loomed over Rayon, then smiled in an evil way. Rayon deadpanned, “Come on, tell me what your evil loophole is.”

            “You forgot one thing with your bargain,” Michael purred, “You forgot to ensure your own health and safety.”

            “No,” Rayon shook his head, “I never bother with that, so long as I can help those I love. You ought to try it some time.”

            “Sorry. My days are limited,” Michael sighed, “Turns out, you were right about one thing. All of that alcohol I consumed over the years is paying a price. My liver is failing. With less than a year to live, I must complete my work now.”

            “Yeah, you must really want back into Hell.”

            Michael stared for a moment, then burst suddenly into laughter. Akbarr laughed nervously, a forced laugh that was laced with apprehension to Michael’s response. Michael’s laughter stopped abruptly, and Akbarr quickly followed suit.

            “Akbarr,” Michael said calmly, “Explain to Rayon what we’re doing.”

            Akbarr’s eyes lit up, thrilled. He pointed to the large ball of fire, “Rayon, do you know what is over there? Over there is a giant flaming ball that explodes. We’re going to sap you of your powers so it explodes in the right direction,” he paused, thinking, then added, “That quote sounds better when I do the original version.”

            “Oh Akbarr,” Michael face palmed, “No wonder you lasted for only one series,” he eyed Rayon, “Allow me to explain.

            “That spell,” Michael gestured to the giant fireball, “is the Magical World version of a massive bomb. If anything touches it… a bird, a stone, someone’s hand… it will explode massively. I stole this page out of a library book,” he held the paper up to Rayon’s face. It was a description of what spells and equipment to use to make it, “Now it only needs one more ingredient.”

            “Something to give it direction, I’m assuming,” Rayon concluded. Michael pulled the paper away, “That’s why you let the Magical World Warriors go. You’re going to launch that thing at Heroicits and blow it up. But why did you bait me here with Alek? You could’ve killed me in Heroicits with the others.”

            “In case you hadn’t noticed, Rayon,” Michael poked Rayon in the chest, “You are Heroicits. By draining your powers and some of your life force, and giving it to this spell, we will ensure that it is rocketed at Heroicits, and not any other country. Do you understand now?”
            Rayon nodded slowly. Akbarr added, “Oh, and once Heroicits is exploded and the Magical World Warriors, we’ll kill you. Just so you know.”

            “And, finally- yes, I’m sorry this is taking so long, there’s just so many details to go over- the icing on the cake,” Michael said, “Do you remember Mistress Daed?”
            “Yes.”

            “I am the one who stopped Algehra from killing her,” Michael continued, “You may have sensed me there. I stepped in and told Algehra that I would kill you if he left Daed alone. Algehra agreed, but declined my offer to come here and fight you. Daed repaid me wonderfully for saving her life. She told me all about your family, and Alek, and your habits, and where you left Alek when you went on adventures. Thus, I had my bait. So, what do you think?”

            Rayon smiled.

            “You will fail.”

            With a rush, Michael had activated the spell. Rayon let out a yelp and ground his teeth as the device lit up with magical energy. Michael and Akbarr both stepped back a pace. Akbarr lowered his hood.

            “Has he gained any more powers since I fought him?” Akbarr asked.

            “Not that I know of,” Michael responded, “Ah, here’s the first one.”

            Rayon yelled in pain. A shining ray of light slowly made its way up the tube to the fireball. The magic seeped into the fireball, dissipating into the spell. Rayon tried to roar, but failed. He looked down at his hands, trying to morph claws, but he did not succeed. He opened his mouth and touched his teeth with his tongue. His fangs were gone.

            “His lion powers have been taken from him!” Michael cried gleefully.

            “Thank goodness,” Akbarr muttered, “That was my downfall.”

            “Now for that odd falling-without-injury thing,” Michael said, “That one won’t come as easily, because it’s been with him longer.”

            Rayon’s fists clenched, and he gurgled a cry. Pain showed in the corners of his eyes. Slowly, steadily, a second golden ray climbed the tube. It, too, disappeared inside of the fireball. Rayon settled back a little, panting and sweating. He stared at the fireball, his mind racing.

            “Finally,” Michael said, “Some of Rayon’s own life force.”

            Rayon threw back his head with a wild scream. Akbarr turned white as a sheet. Even Michael jumped. The henchmen and guards were all staring at Rayon, a mix of pity and terror showing on their faces. Slowly, a third ray began to struggle up the tube. Rayon’s knuckles were white, and his teeth ground sharply together.

            The third ray dissipated inside of the fireball, and the device stopped glowing. Rayon collapsed heavily, exhausted and drained. The fireball churned, ready to be launched. Michael and Akbarr approached anew.

            “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Michael asked casually. Rayon was too weak to reply.

            “Michael, Akbarr,” one of the henchman jogged up, “The Magical World Warriors have returned to Heroicits! What are your orders?”
            “Go back to your pos-“ Akbarr began, but Michael cut him off, “Unchain the prisoner. He is too weak to fight us or even run. Drag him someplace where he will have a nice view of Heroicits when it explodes.”

            “Michael, we shouldn’t unchain Rayon,” Akbarr shook his head rapidly, “I’ve learned that the hard way.”

            “Akbarr, Akbarr, Akbarr,” Michael patted Akbarr on the shoulder, “He has no powers, he’s too weak to even talk, no place to go, and the Magical World Warriors are far from here. He will not be a problem.”

            But it’s Rayon, Akbarr thought, biting his lip, Rayon never goes down. I know that.

            The henchman unchained Rayon. Rayon slid onto the ground with a moan. One henchman grabbed Rayon’s arms, and the other grabbed his legs. They both lifted him up, carrying him away like an overgrown rag doll.

            “Now, Akbarr,” Michael looked at Akbarr, “Let there be fire.”
            Meanwhile…

            The two henchmen carried Rayon up the hill, out of sight of Michael and Akbarr. They came around the corner of a large outcropping, starting towards what would be the efficient route to the top. There were no other guards nearby.

            An eagle swooped overhead, letting out a cry. The eagle circled above them, peering at them with its golden eyes. There was something in its curved talons. The henchmen looked up. They did not notice Rayon’s eyes open.

            The eagle dropped into a dive, screeching wildly. The henchmen both jolted, alarmed. They dropped Rayon to the ground in a panic as the eagle clawed at their eyes. Rayon landed with an “oof”. The eagle screeched again. Magic snaked from the eagle’s mouth, hitting both henchmen with one blow. The henchmen both dropped to the ground.

            “Elizabeth,” Rayon whispered. He struggled to get to an upright position, his limbs shaking, “You came.”

            The eagle landed beside him, neck arched regally. She titled her head sideways so she could look at him. There was a tender look in her eyes. Rayon collapsed onto his back again, wincing, “Help me.”

            The eagle hopped awkwardly across the ground, going towards his hand. The eagle wasn’t walking right, as something was clutched in her talons. The eagle nudged Rayon’s hand with her beak. Rayon opened his fist.

            Her right leg stretched, and the eagle held her talons over Rayon’s hand. Her wings spread for balance. Her claws opened, and a small rock landed in Rayon’s palm. The eagle then hopped a bit away, folding up her wings again. She looked at him.

                Rayon struggled up again. He finally managed to sit up. He looked down at the rock in his hand, trying to understand. Finally, he looked at the eagle, “Okay.”

            I love you.

            The eagle spread her wings and flew away with the screech of one who is free. Rayon watched her go, feeling his strength slowly coming back to him. He gripped the stone tightly in his fist, his eyes flaring with sudden power. Rayon reached out his free arm, pushing against the rock wall. He slowly eased himself to his feet, knees shaking. He regained his balance swiftly. He felt something within him. It was something powerful, a fire that could never be quenched.

            “With powers or without,” Rayon whispered, “With my strength or without… with my family or without… in Heroicits or out of it… in the Magical World or the Diamond Realm… in good or bad times… I am one who is not to be agitated. I am powerful. I am mighty. I am a king. I am the one and only Rayon Hunter!”

            A henchman came around the corner. Rayon whirled to face him. Before the henchman could sound any alarm or unsheathe a weapon, Rayon’s right fist was sailing through the air. Rayon’s knuckles collided with the henchman’s face, and the henchman was sent sprawling. Rayon grinned.

            Without waiting another moment, Rayon whirled on his heel and charged straight into the open. A hundred henchmen, a deranged father, and a burned villain all whirled when Rayon let out a yell of, “Hello! I’m here to stop you!”

            “Bye,” Akbarr turned on his heel.

            “No you don’t!” Michael grabbed Akbarr’s shoulder, forcing him to turn back around, “We’re going to launch this thing, Rayon or no Rayon! Henchmen! Get him!” Michael jabbed his index finger at Rayon.

            Rayon was undaunted. He charged towards the hill, henchmen closing in on all sides. Rayon tensed the muscles in his throwing arm, the rock still in his fist. There was a dangerous gleam in his eye. Rayon was alive, and ready to do battle.

            “Launch it!” Michael roared, “Launch the %&^#*&@ spell already!”

            Akbarr nodded rapidly, reciting something swiftly. The paper from the spell book crumpled in his hands. Akbarr finished the spell swiftly, looking up at the giant fireball. Everyone looked up at it, henchmen, Michael, Akbarr, and Rayon.

            Slowly, the fireball began to lift itself into the air. Rayon continued running, his eyebrows lowering and the corners of his mouth turning up. The henchmen were almost to him. Right as one was about to reach out and grab his tunic, Rayon threw the stone.

            “For love, for freedom, for hope, for joy, for dreams!” Rayon roared, “For Heroicits!”

            The Hunter Castle…

            “…No, really, he’s had enough time,” Nessah was saying, “We should go rescue him.”

            There was a massive boom outside, louder than thunder. The boom shook the castle, and made the forest trees quiver. A huge mushroom cloud expanded in the distance, reaching high into the sky. Everyone jumped, and the wolf humans clutched at their ears.

            “Oh my gosh! Look!” Sandra cried. She was standing in the hallway, looking out the window. Everyone else stampeded for the hallway windows, or any window. Sandra continued rapidly, “There was a huge explosion and a fireball in the other territory! The one we came out of!”

            “The one we left Rayon in,” Panthan’s eyes widened.

            “Come on!” Sara hurried to put her shoes on, “Let’s go to the border!”

            The Border…

            The Magical World Warriors ran to the border. Heroicits was practically untouched. Even a small sapling near the border was safe, blooming gracefully. Beyond the border, however, the land was worse than when they’d left it. The Heroicits-sized section of land was charred and still burning in places. Ashes floated down from the sky. There was no sign of life, henchmen, of Michael, Akbarr… or of Rayon.

            “Rayon blew it up,” Sandra whispered, “He kept that spell from coming here by blowing it up. He saved our lives, and the lives of everyone in Heroicits.”

            “Rayon!” Sara called out into the territory, “Rayon, can you hear me? Rayon!”

            Everyone paused, waiting. There was no response. There was no triumphant yell, no roar, and no sign of life.

            “It’s no use,” Nessah lowered his head, “I’m sorry, Sara. Not even he could’ve survived that.”

            “Rayon! Rayon ol’ buddy ol’ pal!” Frg bellowed. Rachel silently clamped her hand over his mouth again.

            “Look, everything in there is ashes and soot. They were incinerated instantly,” Harret whimpered, “Including our Rayon.”

            Annabel offered Alek to Sara. Sara took Alek sadly, hugging him. Tears slowly began to trickle down Sara’s cheeks again. Alek seized hold of a lock of her hair. Slowly, steadily, the nine turned and began to walk slowly off into Heroicits again. Alek clung to Sara’s shoulder as she walked.

            “Mommy,” Alek said, “Where daddy?”

            “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Sara kissed Alek’s cheek, “You’ll see him again soon.”

            Alek let out a loud squeal. Sara flinched, rubbing her ear. Alek waved his arms around wildly at something behind Sara. Sara turned, and so did the others. Nine pairs of eyes lit up with joy and wonder.

            “Oh my gosh! It’s the Bog monster! Everyone run!” Frg screamed.

            Rayon walked across the border. His shoulders were squared, and he held his chin like a king. He was covered with soot and ash, as well as scratches and scrapes from the explosion. His right eye was dark blue and puffy. He did not say a word, only smiled to see his family and his home safe. He had won.

            “Rayon,” Sara whispered.

            Rayon collapsed onto the ground.

The end.