The Final Battle (Part 2)

NICOLE didn't know where they were heading. They were by the seaside, running. They were already at the edge of the island, far away from their companions. Kyle tightly held her hand. While Althea took the lead. The scene was familiar to her. Then suddenly, something struck her. This was one of the scenes she dreamt about before their graduation. 'We shouldn't run. We have to face them," Nicole shouted to Kyle. He shook his head. 'No! I won 't let them take you away from me again. Don't worry. I'll just make sure that you're safe before I face them," he said firmly, his every word laced with a threat, silencing her. She had no more strength left to oppose him. Even though she was confused about what was happening now. Especially with the knowledge that Steph was the traitor among them, which she still found hard to believe. But Nicole was startled when she felt something piercing her side. Because of it, her knees suddenly weakened. She couldn't run any longer. Her vision blurred. 'Nicole! Shit!" Kyle quickly rushed to her side, his eyes glaring as he removed the knife lodged in her side. 'Where the hell did this thing come from?" They were almost deafened by the impact of whatever exploded. They looked up and were certain it came from the place they left Athena. 'The converted vampires," Althea said as she fought against the converted vampire who had thrown the knife at Nicole. She released a powerful energy from her hands and directed it straight into the enemy's heart. Because of what she said, Althea caught Kyle's attention. She knew that her sister and the royalties had already broken the barrier she created. She needed to hurry. After defeating the enemy and Nicole's wound gradually healing, Kyle lifted her once again. He intensified his senses at that moment, and they started running once more. Nicole, on the other hand, couldn't shake off her uneasiness. It seemed like there was a strange effect from the knife that was stabbed into her, even though her wound had already healed. She felt something spreading throughout her entire body. Kyle stopped running when Althea came to a halt. They were at the entrance of the forest. 'We're here," Althea announced. Nicole strained to make out what Althea was doing, as she was currently opening a portal. 'Let's go," Althea said. But Kyle remained unmoved from his position, which puzzled Althea. 'Kyle? Let's go! We need to get Nicole away from here." Althea walked closer to them, wearing a worried expression. Kyle shook his head. Even Nicole had been confused by his actions for a while now. She knew she was keeping a lot from her, and she hated it. 'I never expected that out of everyone we trusted, you would turn out to be the traitor," Kyle said, startling both Nicole and Althea with his words. 'Kyle!" Nicole shouted at him. She was truly confused now. Who was the real traitor? Everyone became a suspect. Not even Nicole and Kyle were exempt from that. She never imagined they would reach a point where they would accuse each other. 'What? Didn't we already tell you that Steph was the traitor? Why are you accusing me of things I didn't know?" Althea replied, tears welling up in her eyes. But deep inside, she was seething because she couldn't get the two of them to enter the portal. And the fact that Kyle caught her. Kyle clenched his jaw. 'You can't fool a Clarkson, Althea," he said with a snarl. 'To be honest, I've noticed something about you for a long time." He paused, waiting for her reaction. But Althea was skilled at hiding and pretending her emotions. 'W-what do you mean?" Althea let a tear fall from her left eye. Kyle's aura darkened. His eyes turned burning red, and his fangs extended to their full length. 'The way you look at Athena. It's different. Maybe you haven't noticed it. But whenever we're together, I can sense it. You seem angry and jealous towards her, and I don't understand why. Besides that, you often disappear without a word. When everyone is already asleep, or so you think, I usually catch you sneaking out. Especially that night when we had an overnight stay at the mansion before our graduation. And guess what? I wasn't the only one who noticed." Nicole felt Kyle's firm grip on her, and despite her weakness, she tried her best to understand his words. 'Because that night, Steph and Vince caught you as well. I'm not sure if they've noticed anything else about you. But I saw them following you. So, I just let it be." Nicole tried to remember what happened that night. It was only now that she recalled waking up abruptly, and she saw the retreating figures of Vince and Steph. Althea smirked. 'You know what, you are indeed a Clarkson." Kyle grinned. 'Yes, I am. The reason I came along with you here was to confirm my suspicions— and you haven't disappointed me." They exchanged glances. Kyle was about to turn and walk away when someone suddenly appeared in front of them. 'That's enough for now." Nicole could feel Kyle's breath grow heavy as someone suddenly appeared in front of them. She strained to make out the face of the person blocking their path, but all she could see was a sinister grin on their lips. 'Hans Croven," Kyle whispered. Nicole gasped upon hearing that name. For the first time that day, anger surged through her heart. 'Carl Thompson, or should I say, Kyle Ethan Clarkson now." Hans laughed. From the opened portal created by Althea, five converted vampires emerged. However, their appearance was different from the ones who had attacked them earlier. It seemed like a mixture of half-wolf and vampire stood before them now. Suddenly, Victoria appeared by Althea's side. Of course, Kyle was familiar with her. He wasn't surprised to see her aligning herself with the enemy, as she was cunning when it came to power. It seemed like an army stood before Kyle now. But he couldn't be intimidated. He would do everything in his power to protect the woman he loved. 'Brother!" 'Kyle!" Kyle felt a renewed sense of hope upon hearing those voices. They are here. The real battle is about to begin. ON THE other side, Miley and the others made their simultaneous entrance. Their arrival was timely, as the opposing forces had yet to engage in combat. They glared menacingly at them, especially at Althea, who wore a sinister grin. Gone was the sweet and bubbly Althea they once knew. Kyle's claws lengthened and sharpened. He carefully placed Nicole down from his back. 'Just sit back and relax, babe. I can handle this." Nicole wanted to protest, but she felt something different within herself, so she remained silent. It was a different feeling from earlier. She knew that within a few minutes, she would be able to assist Kyle as well. That thought made her smile. Kyle's eyes turned blood-red. Veins started popping out as a surge of intense emotions coursed through him. 'Let's end this battle now, Hans. And this time, it will be certain." Hans Croven nodded, undeterred by fear. 'But of course. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time already." Without hesitation, both sides started running towards each other's direction. Gino was about to help Athena, who went straight to her sister. But she gave him a meaningful look, and he immediately understood what she wanted to convey. He nodded, and before turning away, he kissed her forehead. 'I love you." Athena suddenly felt a surge of strength upon hearing and witnessing what he said and did. 'I love you too." Althea's anger towards her sister grew even more due to what she witnessed. Maybe it's their tactic to distract her. But hell, she wouldn't let her emotions to become an obstacle to her plans right now. She didn't come this far just to let everything she worked for be in vain because of her feelings for the guy. Athena faced her sister, focusing her energy and forming an electric ball in her palm. Meanwhile, Althea did the same, creating a ball of fire in her hand, ready to be thrown at any moment. This fight is between the two princesses of the White Witch Coven. Althea leaves Athena with no choice. Only one of them must survive tonight. They both smirked at each other and began their duel. Gino then ran towards Miley, Kira, and Mikan's direction. They were fighting Victoria, the black witch. 'Mikan, just stay still. Don't fight. Your wound might get worse," Gino shouted to wherever Mikan was. He couldn't see her because she was using the bracelet she was wearing. But he knew that she was still fighting because there were bullets hitting Victoria from somewhere. But even so, Mikan's condition was still critical. The bracelet would be useless if she continued to weaken. He didn't receive a response from her. So, he sighed and took the gun hanging from his waist. He had only a few bullets left, so he needed to use them wisely. This is a four versus one fight. But they knew that it wouldn't be easy because they were up against a black witch who knew a lot about dark and forbidden spells. Kira used his teleportation ability to approach Victoria. However, she seemed to vanish like ash. Illusions resembling her were scattered around, and they knew she was silently observing them while hidden somewhere in the area. 'It seems like she's just trying to tire us out. We need to capture the real her," Miley shouted while fighting off the other illusions. But they were startled when a knife suddenly flew from somewhere. That's when Mikan appeared, and they gasped as they saw the knife impaled in her chest. 'No!" Miley shouted. In an instant, they were face to face with Victoria, the demoness, who laughed menacingly. Kira and Gino were supposed to approach her, but they froze when Victoria gave them a piercing look. 'Ahhh!" Kira and Gino shouted simultaneously. It felt as if their bodies were being pulled away to another place. Miley was momentarily stunned. She couldn't afford to make a mistake. Victoria was using another forbidden spell. Banishing. It can send someone to another dimension and prevent them from returning. However, she won't allow that to happen. Miley stood up and focused. She is trying to control Victoria's mind with all her strength. That's why Victoria became distracted. They are currently engaged in a psychic battle. Because Victoria is now using an audible inundation. She is distracting Miley's mind with various voices. But because of that, Victoria lost concentration in continuing her spell against the two. This allowed them to escape quickly and rush towards Victoria's direction to launch an attack. However, before they could get close, Victoria stabbed herself voluntarily. Miley had overpowered her. 'You don't mess with a Clarkson," Miley said while watching Victoria slowly dying. Meanwhile, Steph, Vince, Reiri, and Hiro faced the five converted vampires together. They knew that these vampires were stronger than the ones they encountered earlier, judging by their aura and appearance. Steph keeps shooting, but due to the agility of the enemy, not a single bullet hits its mark. She is running out of ammunition. Fortunately, she brought daggers and knives with her. While Hiro continues to chase the two converted vampires. He catches up to one of them and throws it forcefully at the other, causing them both to fall to the ground. Energy starts to form around Hiro's fist as he utilizes his vampire speed and delivers a powerful blow to their hearts piercing through a second one due to the strength of the impact. On the other side, Vince is attempting to control and lift the converted vampire in front of him. However, it is too strong and manages to resist. But Vince refuses to give up. Using his mind, he manipulates all the rocks around him and hurls them at the enemy. But those are not just ordinary rocks. Because they are surrounded by a strange kind of aura that, once it hits you, will paralyze you until you gradually lose consciousness. The enemy kept on running, avoiding all the rocks that had been following him. But he couldn't do anything when he was surrounded by huge rocks. Vince seized the opportunity and threw them all at him. His body shattering into tinier pieces until slowly turning into ash. On the other hand, Reiri was able to evade each attack from the enemy because she could see where he would strike. It was only now that her ability started working like that. Usually, she could only see glimpses, and she couldn't see the unfolding of the battle like this. As the enemy attacked again, she quickly bowed down before sweeping his legs, causing him to lose balance. Then she swiftly turned behind him and pounced. 'Die now," she said, and in a swift move, she managed to twist its head with her right hand and grabbed its heart with her left. 'Easy." She smirked. While Kyle kept throwing fireballs at Hans, it seemed like Hans was effortlessly evading each attack. But he was taken aback when he suddenly felt his breath on his neck. 'Is this all you can do, Clarkson? I hope you don't disappoint me," Hans said, shaking his head. He held him in both hands and threw him like a toy in a random direction. Kyle's back hit a tree, but he quickly stood up and grinned. 'That was just a warm-up." Hans wasn't surprised when, in an instant, it was Kyle who was behind him. He tightly wrapped his hand around his neck. 'I'll make sure we never cross paths again in the future because I'll end it all now." His eyes glared at Hans. Even though he didn't witness the entire incident back then, it wouldn't exempt him from exacting revenge for what he did to their family. 'Don't speak too soon, the situation might still turn against us." Hans forcefully removed Kyle's hand and effortlessly threw him aside as if he were a lightweight object. Kyle couldn't immediately stand up as Hans kicked him like a ball. He was sent flying far away due to the force of the kick. He looked around. Everyone was busy fighting. He didn't mind the pain he felt. He stood up and looked towards the direction of the sea. Gathering all his strength, he made the wind rise and twirl around him. His eyes glared as he extended his hand towards Hans. The water in the sea seemed to turn into a whirlwind as it continuously surged towards the enemy. But Kyle clenched his fist when he realized that his efforts seemed futile. That's when he noticed the massive barrier blocking Hans, absorbing his power until it gradually disappeared. He didn't see it coming. He wondered how the enemy had acquired such a defense. If things continued like this, all his remaining efforts would be in vain. He was contemplating an alternative plan when he sensed something different around him. Others felt it too, and they paused in their individual battles due to the strange aura circulating in the surroundings. Even Hans was momentarily forced to step back. They all gradually turned their attention towards the direction where Kyle left Nicole. There they saw her slowly standing up. Her skin had turned pale, and even her hair color had changed. It turned ash gray and became more vibrant. A smile gradually spread across Kyle's lips upon seeing her. His princess had truly returned. The pureblood princess is indeed back. Nicole suddenly felt an immense surge of power, much stronger than what she had felt during the eclipse. The strength was so overwhelming that she wasn't sure if she could control it. She slowly raised her gaze. She could feel her fangs fully lengthened now, while her eyes had turned red. She felt like she had truly returned just now. And she loved the feeling of it. She began to walk, and everyone around her held their breath, observing her every move. She stopped by Kyle's side, her smile unwavering as she gazed at him. He met her eyes, and they exchanged a silent understanding. It seemed like their eyes were communicating what they needed to do. Without delay, they both ran in opposite directions towards Hans. They threw daggers towards his direction, but as soon as they touched the barrier, the daggers returned to them. They managed to dodge and quickly caught them between their fingers. Kyle glanced in Nicole's direction and grinned when he read her thoughts. He knew he would weaken himself in the process, but he needed to unleash his full power in one go, and just hoped for the best. Kyle paused for a moment as he summoned the four elements. He formed a ball of fire, a large wave of water, a group of rocks, and a swirling wind. With a wave of his hand, the elements shot in four different directions. But they were all aimed at one target— Hans Croven. Meanwhile, Hans grew concerned as he observed what was happening. Yes, his barrier could absorb any attack directed at him. However, if it was overwhelmed, it was not impossible for it to break. But he wouldn't allow Nicole and Kyle to discover that fact. Nicole, on the other hand, sat down slightly before placing her hands on the ground, waiting for an opportunity. But she could only grin when Hans' barrier was completely shattered due to the simultaneous impact of the four elements. Meanwhile, Kyle was growing weaker as he sat down. His attention focused on Nicole. He had great trust in her. Hans, however, remained undeterred by what had happened. He quickly approached Nicole and unleashed a series of punches. But Nicole skillfully avoided them. Before long, she swiftly caught his hand. However, Hans managed to slip his hand from her grip. He swiftly turned around and kicked Nicole, who didn't even flinch from her position. 'Is that all you got?" Nicole smirked, and this time, she was the one throwing punches. The two of them continued their fight. Their strength and stamina seemed almost equal. You wouldn't see any signs of fatigue or exhaustion in them. Hans released a black fireball and threw it at Nicole. She quickly dodged it, but she didn't expect it to return in her direction, causing her to scream as it hit her back, causing her to fall to the ground. 'Nicole!" Kyle was about to run towards her, but she signaled him to stop. She slowly placed her hand on the ground. Hans took the opportunity to attack her once again. Then suddenly, a loud cracking sound filled the entire area. Everyone was startled. They all looked around. 'She stops the time for them," Miley said with amusement in her eyes. Nicole opened her palm. Gradually, it seemed to collect a gentle breeze. And the moment she released it, Hans and his army's allies instantly vanished in the wind. Athena slowly sat down on the floor. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Gino immediately approached her and hugged her tightly. 'It's okay, love. Everything will be fine now." Kyle also ran towards Nicole's direction. 'You're really back." Nicole nodded and they embraced each other tightly. It is now over. Completely over. 'Nics..." They were separated from each other when Nicole heard Miley calling her. She turned towards Miley, but Miley wasn't looking at her, so she followed Miley's gaze. She gasped and covered her mouth with her right hand. It was only now that she noticed Mikan was there. 'She's... She's dead," Miley informed between sobs. Nicole knelt down and couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She held Mikan's hand and placed it on her cheek. Then suddenly, something struck her. 'Help her, please." Those words from Dave in her dream felt like a bomb exploding within her. Now she fully understood what he meant. He wanted her to help his sister. 'I can still save her," Nicole said while wiping away her tears. Everyone fell silent and looked at each other. But Kyle involuntarily shook his head. He knew what was going through her mind. 'You can't right now. You have just been converted." Nicole bit her lower lip. She realized that she couldn't do it yet. Kyle couldn't do it either because several months needed to pass before he could convert again. But her heart skipped a beat when Miley intervened. 'Miley?" Nicole asked, surprised. Miley smiled at her. 'I'll do it." Reiri immediately panicked. 'Wait! Are you sure?" Miley nodded. 'Yes." They all exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Even Kira stood in support of whatever Miley was about to do. Slowly, Miley bent down to Mikan's neck, and her fangs emerged once again.