A Bitter Pill

Melace invades the towers grounds and is immediately met with resistance.

Jonah faces off against Henry, Mark and...  a Tentacle!  
I mean, it is TENTACLE TUESDAY after all!

Lastly, What will become of Arista?  Will she be captured?  Or has Melace under estimated her and is about to be ... well

Listen and find out!

Transcript

Battle of Malus and Arista

Speaker 1 0:00

The following podcast is a work of fiction. All characters are the creation of Peter Williams. Any resemblance to someone living or dead is purely coincidental. Thank you. A battle will soon ensue as Jonah faces off against Mark Henry and a tentacle. Perfect for a Tentacle Tuesday, don't you think? And let's not forget about Malus and Aristar as Malus steps forth onto sacred ground, and before we join them, let me remind you that this podcast may contain images of graphic violence, child endangerment and, of course, naughty, salty language. Naughty, salty language. Now let us grab our own tentacles as we join this action-packed episode of Arista and Chapter 20, a Bitter Pill.

Speaker 1 1:00

As Malus stepped onto the ground near the tower, the entire plane shifted. The tower seemed to pull back even further, as if the gulf of time that kept it out of humanity's domain extended itself. The key he bore heated up, searing his skin, and Malus tore it off and discarded it with Silas's arm. It was no longer needed. It had given him the access he had long desired. The ground around him trembled as several shapes began to take form, similar to Cassandra's men of mud. Four massive clay sentinels came to life. Interesting, mela said as he bared his claws, ripping into the center of one of the clay beasts, the wet clay squished between his fingers, making it difficult to grab at them. Its ruby eyes lit up and looked down at him as it formed a pair of clenched fists and slammed down on his head. Maela, seeing it coming, jumps and backs up in annoyance. I don't have time for these tricks. He spats out, before bringing his own hands together, a deep, blackish, purple light emanating from his eyes and hands and forming into a sphere, spreading his hands apart so that the sphere expanded into a swirling mass of energy that now resembled a floating ring. Nihilus pulls back his arm as the sentals move in to encircle him. He brings it down in a sweeping motion, down and forward, as if throwing a frisbee, setting the energy into motion, spinning like a buzzsaw, the energy blades cut through the clay figures, severing them in the middle so they split, falling in two halves.

Speaker 1 2:35

Smiling Malus steps forward only to be stopped by something grabbing at his ankle, turning. Looking down, he sees the clay sentinel gripping him and, from the stumps, new sentinels rising, as now eight of these obstacles stand in his way. Enough, he shouts, blasting from within his own body and outward a blast of energy vaporizing all eight sentinels. But the delay composed by someone long ago had done its job. The sky above him split and with a clap of thunder, and adorned in light, blue and gold, white wings extending outward, blinding him in their splendor, the archangel Uriel. Uriel.

Speaker 1 3:17

Malus growled and turned his attention upwards, placing his hands together and again preparing another energy burst. Uriel shook her head and smiled you don't belong here, malus. Her voice sang out. But yet here I am, uriel, and not even you can stop me from getting the girl. Do you really think I'll allow that? Uriel chirped at him. What you do doesn't. But something like silver lightning was speeding at the two, crisscrossing from the tower through the grassy field and then to the edge of the wood. See, she wants to come with me. Malus grinned Be careful, what you wish for, malus? Uriel quipped, and sure enough, he barely had time to pounce as a long blade. The hilt, purposely shaped in the symbol of the word, clang as it caught Malus's claws. And sure enough, he barely had time to pounce as a long blade. The hilt, purposely shaped in the symbol of the word, clanged as it caught Malus's claws, dispersing the energy ball he was forming. Malus's long black tongue extended out and licked his lips. Don't you look tasty? Malus sneered, pushing the girl back. Uriel rose up to a higher position in the air to observe the battle. She would only step in if she was needed to.

Speaker 1 4:30

Arista struck Maelys with her open hand, sending Maelys back with a huff, his eyes opening wide in surprise. I've heard a nasty rumor. Arista spoke that you want me? Well, here I am. Arista's eyes lit up, not giving Malus a second to regain his composure.

Speaker 1 4:49

Malus began running scenarios in his head. That sword it wasn't the Eus Delecion or its twin, mikal's Flame of Death. No, this was something human made In all of history. Only a few times had humanity produced something that could hurt or slay a demon. But he didn't recognize this blade. The sun caught the blade as Arista raised it up again.

Speaker 1 5:11

She wasn't really foolish enough to try to take his head, was she the pose suggested so Inwardly he smiled? As soon as she came within his range, he'd grab her and leap from this place, pulling her into the waist with him, where he'd be at full strength. Here he was limited, especially now with Uriel present. Arista leaned down, sword bent over her shoulder, and streamlined herself, running at top speed. Excellent. Uriel watched. She understood Malus's ploy but trusted in the girl's training. She must have seen something that Malus had not. The earlier strike she had hit him with made it clear that Arista could handle this. Malus watched intensely. A few more, just a few more, but the girl was gone. How, he thought Above you, arista, said with glee.

Speaker 1 6:04

Maela's image, dried with a black pool of energy surrounding him to entrap Arista, now realized it was going to be used against him. Arista came down, struck him in the back with a seal that Jonah had given him over a month ago. She smiled as she thought about it. He had known even then that he was going to leave her here and had even suspected this possible scenario. This Jonas said while holding up the seal the campfire illuminating his face. This is one of the many tools used to protect this place, if ever one of Ekmalok's servants managed to get here. Remember these three things Arista Delay, distract and disrupt Arista.

Speaker 1 6:45

The clay sentinels had delayed, uriel had been the perfect distraction and well, maelus felt the seal strike his back. He'd have no chance to retaliate, to grab her and pull her down. Whoever had designed the defenses here had done their job, and done their job well. However, it was not a complete loss. He now knew better what this place was and and if all goes well today, he'd be able to come back here again. He closed his eyes as the vortex grabbed at him and dragged him away, leaving Arista standing next to Uriel. Arista watched as it took Malus. She knew this was just the start of her mission. She would need to accompany Jonah just a little bit longer. And then, is it time? Arista asked yes, uriel replies he needs you. Then, with your permission, arista said, kneeling before her. Granted, a strong gust of wind came, and with it Arista was gone.

Speaker 1 7:50

Jonah watched as the doorway to the old church basically exploded outwards and the purple and green tentacles sped at him across the field. It was a well-conceived ploy by some unseen puppet master, but IT wasn't the real threat. It swirled with a sickly green-yellow energy, suggesting IT had eaten something that didn't agree with it. I wonder. He scanned the field, sensing something large and inhuman approaching from his left flank. Instantly he recognized the head of Henry Thomas and, sensing the conflicting energy sources from within his frame, he didn't feel sorry for the victims. How could he? One of them had killed his mother. No, he'd show it no sympathy. Not to that horror. Instead, he simply stated Flashpoint, discharging an energy he had been holding back for three years.

Speaker 1 8:42

The energy, once released, took on the semblance of its original owner. It glowed red and stood about seven feet tall and although it didn't maintain any memories from the troop form, he couldn't help but think about Mr Alistair upon seeing it stand before the oncoming tentacle. That will hold you for a little bit, I think. Jonah mumbled as Henry was bounding up the hillside at him holding a chunk of a church pew. Like a club Hollander, it screamed I want my family back, not my concern, henry jonas said, bringing the obsidian colored arm up, black flames smoldering around it as he did so. Again he said one singular word smite, and a blast left his hand and henry went flying.

Speaker 1 9:28

Henry was slow to get up, clutching at his center Give me that arm. He began to charge once more and Jonah spied the two lesser demons Malus has used as bodyguards approaching with their battle axes. Jonah smiled, his eyes flashing amorous. He knew they were mere distractions. It was Mark that he had to be concerned about. That spear he carried was a powerful weapon as Brutus and Mason swung at his midsection, forcing him to jump as he tried to find where Mark was Then.

Speaker 1 10:00

The energy he had released on the tentacle collapsed earlier than he expected. Fuck, it was shooting off the ground directly at him. If he eats it, it will overload him. That's exactly what they want. He could fall backwards and, ah, well played. He had found where Mark was hiding. He was waiting directly in his fallback position. His choices were minimal Eat the poison pill or retreat and get hacked. Neither was a good option. Well, it was a good run, max. He gripped at the heart of hope as he allowed himself to be forced back. He knew the second he landed Mark would have him. The air shook, followed by a clap of thunder. Something silver was falling from the sky. No, damn it. No, it was Arista. She had followed him after all.

Speaker 1 10:49

Arista descended, her sword aimed downwards as if she was holding a giant pin. She spied the sickly-looking tentacle. It broke through the last of Mr Allister's energy and was jumping into the air at Jonah, surveying the surroundings. She didn't have many good options. She could not get to Jonah. Henry was trying to hold himself together and the two lower class demons looked pitiful as they attacked. She really only had one move Diving down directly towards the back of the tentacle. She nailed it, sending it to the ground with a thunderous boom that shook the demons who stumbled, and Henry immediately looked towards her with an innate fear. Jonah, however, he smiled at her briefly, his arm fully extended as he was about to employ another attack. But he knew, she knew, and Mark did as well that he was fully exposed, jonah Arisa screamed as she used the back of the tentacle to fling herself directly at both Jonah and Mark.

Speaker 1 11:49

She watched as the weapon came down, its black lightning mixing into the swirl of black energy pouring from Jonah's arm like a torrent or a miniature tornado. She saw something small and silver, gleam briefly in the light. It seemed to catch the weapon as it descended and mingled with the heart of hope which cracked under the pressure, a blast engulfed everything. Arisa could no longer see Mark, but she could hear the thud of metal hitting flesh. Energy that was released almost like a pent-up sorrow that pummeled her, spreading out like wings as Mark stood over Jonah with a smug look, holding up a severed arm, jonah, in pain, grasping at the wound, falls to his knees and Henry prepares to blow the blow. That will, but it didn't come. Something dark stood between him and Jonah, something Arista couldn't make out from her vantage point. But it was clear Henry was shaking, terrified.

Speaker 1 12:47

Arista, regaining her composure, lifts her blade and again shoots towards Mark, who meets her blade with a clang and parries Take the arm, henry. You Mason Brutus, get to Malus. I will handle this child and then finish off the demon eater. Henry nods, unsure about the dark figure that has emerged. Had it come from his arm? Or was this something? Something they missed? Mark smiles as Jonas seems to be slipping into unconsciousness, leaving him just the girl and, oh yes, the tentacle. It could still serve a purpose. He could see it struggling, pushing itself upwards. Once more, an obvious, near-fatal wound gushing blood off its back and down its side. Had the girl not tried to stop him, it surely would have died.

Speaker 1 13:36

Arista leveled her blade as the shadow moved over Jonah's body. It turned and looked at her. Tears seemed to be rolling down its face. I see she said loud enough for it to hear Please take him, I will follow when I can. It seemed to understand, wrapping itself around Jonah with tenderness.

Speaker 1 13:58

Mark turned and looked back. What was getting in his way this time? But the second he did, arista was literally breathing down his neck. I believe you once told my master don't take your eyes off me. It seems you've made the same mistake. He tried the twist and turned in a way that he could counter her move, but her speed was faster than he'd imagined. The blade pierced his shoulder like a hot laser, burning through his flesh, clutching at the wound.

Speaker 1 14:25

He turned with his spear, hoping she hadn't seen the tentacle move within range to devour her as he pulled away. Good, that will make up for. But she had vanished. The tentacle was now bearing down on him, not her Bitch, he screamed. Arista had jumped into the air, the same move she had used on Malus, when she had applied the talisman on him. The tentacle came down hard on him, its teeth ripping into his rotting flesh, and with one arm, immobile, he couldn't push back with his spear. Instead, he thrust it into the belly of the monster, pulling it against himself. You want me, beast, come, I'll take you with me. The energy from the spear encircles him and the monster. A portal formed beneath them and Mark and the tentacle vanished, returning to the waste, leaving Arista alone on an empty field near a ruined church.

Speaker 1 15:22

She felt a figure approach her from behind. I see, it went the way you remembered it, the figure stated, arista nodding in frustration, tears running down her face what will you do now? She paused, thinking Was this exactly how she remembered it? The shadow? Arista said softly Hmm, I don't remember that shadow. She insisted I don't remember that. Oh.

Speaker 1 15:51

The figure replied Do you think it's possible? Arista asked pleading Anything is possible, arista, I'm proof of that, I guess. So, pleading Anything is possible, arista, I'm proof of that, I guess so. She answered. Anyway, he will need you as he heals and he will need you to help retrain him, I know. She replied how much longer? Just a little, arista. I'll be home soon. Make sure, when you speak to Alex, to tell her to come see me, and when he's ready, you too, boy, will she be surprised? Arisa said, turning, hoping to at least give the figure a hug before he vanished. But, as always, he himself seemed like a shadow. She closed her eyes and focused her abilities, like Mark had done a little while ago. She opened up a gateway and returned to the tower. Her master would need her more than ever now.

Speaker 1 16:49

Even though they had failed to kill Jonah, the Kaedric Order had managed to dismantle the Sacred Dawn piece by piece if it hadn't been for him. But now it was her turn to stand. The battle is over. Jonah is badly hurt and Malus in retreat has gained both knowledge and another arm. Is he looking for more arm to arm combat or something? Oh, meanwhile, a strange shadow has taken Jonah away. Is he looking for more arm-to-arm combat, or something? Meanwhile, a strange shadow has taken Jonah away and another mysterious figure has entered the stage. What and who are they? But perhaps that is something I'm not ready to reveal. I am, however, ready to take you back to Alex and Sam and Chapter 21, home.