The silence after the voice was louder than any battle cry.
Then - he stepped out of the trees.
Big. Wrapped in black armor, etched with silver runes. His helmet was not wearing a face, only a single vertical slit glowed dark red. His hands crackled with restrained energy.
Rika moved in first. "Mizu, get her out of here!"
"No," Mizu said. "He came to her. If we run, he will follow."
The man in black raised a hand. Chains slid out of the palm of his hand like vipers, glowing with crimson light.
Sayos hurled a gust of wind - but the chains tore it through like paper. One knocked out and wrapped around Lucy's hind leg.
She howled in pain.
Mizu didn't think. The crystal around his neck flared up as he ran straight into the attack, fire and blue light gathered around his fists.
"Let them go!"
He hit the chain. Energy pulsated through her - she collided with the red enchantment. The two forces fought for a heartbeat.
Then the chain broke.
The man staggered back, just one step - but it was enough.
Sayo's blade cut through the fog. Rika threw a flame bolt on the figure's chest.
Smoke and sparks broke out - but the man did not scream. He did not even speak.
Just disappeared.
Gone. Like a shadow.
Lucy collapsed. The red mark on her leg still glowed weakly.
"He'll be back," Sayos murmured.
Mizu nodded.
"And next time he won't be alone."