Main Event Brand of the Hawk

[Takumi]

"I'm fine, get off!" Guts exclaimed in response to Sera as he pushed away Lindel, rubbing his head and shaking it as he got up, "The only thing hurt is my pride. Dunno where the hell he came from," he grunted, finally managing to draw his Dragon Slayer as he eyed Etrigan from a distance, watching his movements warily. He seemed to have little more to say than that. A very friendly fellow indeed.

Meanwhile, as Ben in his Laservision form made the first move, taking on both Faust in his new monstrous body and Etrigan, both of them were quickly put on the defensive, blocking in order to defend themselves, seeming to manage to withstand the barrage at least for a little, before Etrigan let out a beastial growl.

"Rrrrr... Kryptonian?! Or at least, the pale imitation of a plebeian!" He growled as Ben continued to attack, before suddenly doing what might have been thought of before as unthinkable.

He caught Ben, thrusting his hand forward and managing to grab him by the throat. It was ambiguous as to how he did it, between actually managing to catch up with Laservision's speed with impeccable reflexes, or just timing his grapple just right considering how fast Ben had been shifting about, or even just blind luck, but he'd managed. Evidently, it seemed as though he recognized the race that Ben had transformed into, likely making it all the less convenient if Etrigan knew exactly what his capabilities are.

With that, he delivered a few focused punches toward Laservision's face, before smashing him into the ground and attempting to hold him down there with one hand, and then proceeding to continuously bash his head in with his other hand!

Meanwhile, Faust, still attempting to recover from Ben's initial flurry, was caught off guard when Sebastian also went for the offensive, managing to slice away at parts of his new body, and letting out a pained, inhuman shriek as dark green blood spurted from his wounds, but he would not be beaten so handily.

FURRGHH!

Quickly opening his mouth, a noxious, green vapor leaving and heading straight for the butler, evidently possessing a highly corrosive nature as the moment some of it came into contact with the ground, it melted away as though it were touched by acid, and likely would end up burning away Sebastian if he weren't careful as well!

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

Simply grunting as he was pushed aside, the elder stood. How rude.

Noticing Libra attack Etrigan with his staff, the blond mage grew concerned.

Occupied with Sebastian, the monstrous Faust attempted to burn him away with the full force of his corrosive breath, creating a trail that intended to follow the butler even onto the walls, but was quickly stopped by Sumia's arrows, bellowing in pain as he lurched away, shifting his position before attempting to swing one of his long appendages right at Sumia with the intent of slamming her into the wall like a long rod!

Regardless of whether he was successful or not, he would then refocus his attention onto Sebastian, leaping into the air like a massive insect and following him around the walls, evidently hoping to catch up to him and trample over him, even as stray knives pierced through his body.

Meanwhile, Etrigan grunted in pain when Libra stepped up with a strike to the back of the head, sending him stumbling back, the strike jarring his concentration long enough for Ben to follow up with heat vision and freeze breath, effectively stopping the demon in his tracks, but the hero's hunch was right; it wouldn't hold him for long. And indeed, he broke free from his icy confines with a savage roar. With Ben changing his form into Pesky Dust, the most obvious target now was Libra, whom he leapt toward with a diagonal slash from his sharp claws! Regardless of whether he landed a hit or not, Etrigan let out a loud groan as Pesky Dust attempted to enter his mind, but it would prove to be a difficult process initially, as it seemed Faust's magic was able to resist to a degree.

"N-Nnghh... Out, out of my head! Or I will slay you if you dare further tread!"

To this end, while the battle for his mind began, the clash between the two forces in the demon's head elicited a visibly pained expression, before shaking his head and opening his mouth, a bright, scorching fire erupting from his mouth as he sprayed it all about blindly, hoping to hit his enemies with it and subdue them before the dust would be able to take effect.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

Seeing Etrigan move to attack, Lindel scowled and his hand glowed a different color this time as he channelled magical energy.

"Winds, help me move faster than before, to protect my allies and smite my foes..." he muttered under his breath as he ran over to the two, moving between them to block Etrigan's attack with his sword. Following up with this, while seeing Ben as Pesky Dust trying to get into Etrigan's head, he started singing an short incantation in hopes of helping enhance Ben's magic.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Kaykay @Alex Azure @Crow @Raptor Jesus @Minerva @Jeremi @Otto @Sen @Archmage Jeremiah @Everyone

 

[Kaykay]

Figuring that the more occupied Faust was, the more his concentration on Etrigan was going to lighten, Grace cast Call Lightning to send a bolt of lightning down on him.

Morte meanwhile had no such inclinations and decided to focus on Etrigan. "You like to spew fire do you? Well take a look and see what my mouth can do!"



That was a lot of fire. Morte tried to twist and turn from the flames as he came closer to only to be hit by a stray fire burst that set him aflame. "Aaaah!" He looked like a shooting comet as he flew around the room in a panic.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone

"Hold still for a moment!" Sera called out as she used her Cancel dream to try to disassemble the fire that had engulfed the floating skull.

Once she had finished with that, or perhaps failed to do so, she dashed in front of Sumia as Faust's attack came for the girl. Imbuing her sword with the disassembling property of the Cancel dream, she sought to completely disintegrate the appendage, hopefully helping Sebastian as Faust continued to attack the butler.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Ver @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Yun Lee]

"Lindel?!" Libra was taken by surprise as his friend intervened right before Etrigan could slash at him. There was no time to delay, however, as soon the demon let out flames in their direction. Grabbing Lindel by the arm, Libra pulled him out of the way of the fiery blast, hopefully before either got burned. "Thank you," he said, appreciating the help.

He wasn't the only grateful one, either. "Thanks!" Sumia called to Sera, sure she would've become a Sumia sandwich had she not been helped. Instead, she fired some more arrows at Faust's head, in case Sebastian's attacks weren't enough.

@Kaykay @Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Otto@Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Ver @Takumi@Everyone​

 

[Takumi]

"Lindel?!" Libra was taken by surprise as his friend intervened right before Etrigan could slash at him. There was no time to delay, however, as soon the demon let out flames in their direction. Grabbing Lindel by the arm, Libra pulled him out of the way of the fiery blast, hopefully before either got burned. "Thank you," he said, appreciating the help.

He wasn't the only grateful one, either. "Thanks!" Sumia called to Sera, sure she would've become a Sumia sandwich had she not been helped. Instead, she fired some more arrows at Faust's head, in case Sebastian's attacks weren't enough.

@Kaykay @Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Otto@Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Ver @Takumi@Everyone​

"Why, hello Libra. Really, you should do better to--hm?" his slightly teasing manner of scolding was cut off when Etrigan started spewing flames haphazardly and suddenly being pulled back by Libra, the mage stumbled slightly before regaining his footing.

"Looks like I'll have to save that for later. Thanks." he nodded, rather grateful. So much for scolding the other about doing something reckless like that.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Kaykay @Alex Azure @Crow @Raptor Jesus @Minerva @Jeremi @Otto @Sen @Archmage Jeremiah @Everyone

 

[Ver]

"N-Nghh... Silence! Silence, loathsome insect! Your bothersome intrusion I must reject!" Etrigan continued to yell as Pesky Dust dug deeper into his psyche, bolstered by Lindel's support. Tightly clutching his head with his large hands, as though hoping to squeeze out Ben's intrusion, he bellowed once more.

"Constantine... His... is a friendship of deceit and smoke screen! And that witch of raven hair... She will not be so lucky if she believes her I shall either spare!" He growled, the names at least managing to reach him as he continued moving sporadically, blindly swiping at the air now in hopes of swatting away Ben, as his resistance slowly began to wear away, especially with Faust being preoccupied in the meantime.

As for Faust himself, he continued chasing Sebastian around on the walls adamantly, rampaging across, before eventually being stopped by Sera's disintegration, catching him off-guard and causing him to slide back to the ground as his body continuously began to disappear on him, allowing for Sebastian to get the drop on him with a stab to the head, along with Sumia's arrows and Grace's lightning. Though he let out another monstrous shriek, miraculously he was somehow able to survive the stab to the head, and even recover swiftly enough to attempt to counter Sebastian, slamming his own (wounded) head onto the ground in order to knock the butler off.

Afterwards, his attention turned to Sera next, letting out a hiss like a snake as he glared at her with empty, white eyes, as though recognizing her as the new threat, especially considering that with his appendages gone now, he was little more than a linear worm.

"Bewitched by a mere child... You will know the folly of your ways!!" He yelled, before suddenly burrowing into the concrete ground and digging in, like a worm digging through dirt. His presence seemed to disappear for a good few seconds, before his return was signaled with rumbles in the ground, and before anyone knew it, he arose once again from the ground, emerging right behind Sera and hoping to blindside her, leaning in with his extending neck with the intent of biting down on her midsection like a feral predator if she didn't take action!

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Yun Lee]

"BACK OFF!!!" Sumia would throw her lance into Faust's gaping maw, hoping to stop him from inside before he touched Sera.

"thimiix dim eripurnej žà ipâ dim sug thimiix thuchâvoj dim sug shjihith kàhu fjingulehi fi!"

Considering how well the exorcism spell had worked to subdue Etrigan before, Libra would try again, hoping to but Ben some time to free him.


@Ver @Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi@Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Crow]

"N-Nghh... Silence! Silence, loathsome insect! Your bothersome intrusion I must reject!" Etrigan continued to yell as Pesky Dust dug deeper into his psyche, bolstered by Lindel's support. Tightly clutching his head with his large hands, as though hoping to squeeze out Ben's intrusion, he bellowed once more.

"Constantine... His... is a friendship of deceit and smoke screen! And that witch of raven hair... She will not be so lucky if she believes her I shall either spare!" He growled, the names at least managing to reach him as he continued moving sporadically, blindly swiping at the air now in hopes of swatting away Ben, as his resistance slowly began to wear away, especially with Faust being preoccupied in the meantime.

As for Faust himself, he continued chasing Sebastian around on the walls adamantly, rampaging across, before eventually being stopped by Sera's disintegration, catching him off-guard and causing him to slide back to the ground as his body continuously began to disappear on him, allowing for Sebastian to get the drop on him with a stab to the head, along with Sumia's arrows and Grace's lightning. Though he let out another monstrous shriek, miraculously he was somehow able to survive the stab to the head, and even recover swiftly enough to attempt to counter Sebastian, slamming his own (wounded) head onto the ground in order to knock the butler off.

Afterwards, his attention turned to Sera next, letting out a hiss like a snake as he glared at her with empty, white eyes, as though recognizing her as the new threat, especially considering that with his appendages gone now, he was little more than a linear worm.

"Bewitched by a mere child... You will know the folly of your ways!!" He yelled, before suddenly burrowing into the concrete ground and digging in, like a worm digging through dirt. His presence seemed to disappear for a good few seconds, before his return was signaled with rumbles in the ground, and before anyone knew it, he arose once again from the ground, emerging right behind Sera and hoping to blindside her, leaning in with his extending neck with the intent of biting down on her midsection like a feral predator if she didn't take action!

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

Not even Khyber was this difficult for Pesky Dust, and he was tougher in battle compared to Etrigan! Then again, Khyber didn't have magic... so...

Pesky Dust flies about like a butterfly to evade the swatting.

"I'm no insect! I'm Pesky Dust! But I guess you needed something to rhyme."

With yet another push, Pesky Dust then tries to envision and enter Etrigan's dreams once more. Using his dream manipulation abilities, he tries to bring up at least one or two good memories of Constantine & Zatanna in Etrigan's mind to be played, more if possible, hoping that the reminder would bring his mind back to the surface.

"Why do I have a feeling that this is the hard part?"

If that failed for some reason, he figured that he would bring up all bad memories regarding Felix Faust in order to remind him that he did not wish to be controlled by such a being, a nightmare, if you may.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Kaykay @Otto @Lucky @Jeremi @Raptor Jesus @Takumi @Alex Azure @etcetcetc​

 

[Lucky]

Mike and Josh

Mike had taken a deep breath and had started to rationalize his plan when it had seemed easy that they had defeated Faust.... and then he became an unholy abomination of mess and he sighed. Why couldn't things ever be simple for him? He took a deep breath and using his new found book, he aimed fire towards the torso of the worm to gain its attention.

Josh was done with being nice and done with it all. He turned to Etrigan and hoped to help Pesky Dust. " Hey ugly, you need to break from Faust's control, you are better this," he said. In case his speech had him being attacked, he prepared the piece of Diamondhead Ben had given him and was ready to defend.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Kaykay @Otto @Jeremi @Raptor Jesus @Takumi @Alex Azure @Crow @Everyone

 

[Kaykay]

It was quite difficult to track Faust once he'd begun burrowing around. Though she looked around, there wasn't anything that gave away his location.At least, until the rumbling came. But he was still nowhere to be seen for Sera, who was looking forward.

But hearing Sumia's shout, Sera whirled around as well. "My thanks this time!" she called back to Sumia, brandishing her sword just about at her waist. With a quick backstep to attempt to just keep out of range of Faust's jaws, she swung once more with her sword. This time at his head!

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Ver @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

"N-Nghh... Silence! Silence, loathsome insect! Your bothersome intrusion I must reject!" Etrigan continued to yell as Pesky Dust dug deeper into his psyche, bolstered by Lindel's support. Tightly clutching his head with his large hands, as though hoping to squeeze out Ben's intrusion, he bellowed once more.

"Constantine... His... is a friendship of deceit and smoke screen! And that witch of raven hair... She will not be so lucky if she believes her I shall either spare!" He growled, the names at least managing to reach him as he continued moving sporadically, blindly swiping at the air now in hopes of swatting away Ben, as his resistance slowly began to wear away, especially with Faust being preoccupied in the meantime.

As for Faust himself, he continued chasing Sebastian around on the walls adamantly, rampaging across, before eventually being stopped by Sera's disintegration, catching him off-guard and causing him to slide back to the ground as his body continuously began to disappear on him, allowing for Sebastian to get the drop on him with a stab to the head, along with Sumia's arrows and Grace's lightning. Though he let out another monstrous shriek, miraculously he was somehow able to survive the stab to the head, and even recover swiftly enough to attempt to counter Sebastian, slamming his own (wounded) head onto the ground in order to knock the butler off.

Afterwards, his attention turned to Sera next, letting out a hiss like a snake as he glared at her with empty, white eyes, as though recognizing her as the new threat, especially considering that with his appendages gone now, he was little more than a linear worm.

"Bewitched by a mere child... You will know the folly of your ways!!" He yelled, before suddenly burrowing into the concrete ground and digging in, like a worm digging through dirt. His presence seemed to disappear for a good few seconds, before his return was signaled with rumbles in the ground, and before anyone knew it, he arose once again from the ground, emerging right behind Sera and hoping to blindside her, leaning in with his extending neck with the intent of biting down on her midsection like a feral predator if she didn't take action!

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

After being thrown off Faust's back, Sebastian skid back on his feet, the butler's feet almost digging into the concrete floor below them as he tried to stop himself.

When the demon inevitably did stop, two more knifes slid out of his sleeves and into his palms. With both knives in hand, Sebastian took off directly towards Faust at full speed. Once he was close enough, the butler leaped up into the air and brought both knives back. As he ventured near his face, Sebastian quickly threw down both arms, and in turn, the knives, attempting to stab Faust in both his eyes.

@Ver @Kaykay @Yun Lee @Lucky @Takumi @Crow @Jeremi @Otto @Alex Azure​

 

[Ver]

Libra's spell helped to subdue Etrigan and facilitate Ben's ability, resulting in his memories being dug out by force, and thus, Etrigan recalled one of the lighter moments he shared with Constantine.

That one time he forcefully summoned Etrigan into defending him from a bunch of demons, who were quite disgruntled upon finding out Constantine cheated in the poker game they were playing. This was probably the best experience he was going to get.

Still, it seemed to be enough, as his resistance more and more began to wear away, before exploding into a final outburst of anger, blindly clawing at the air as he stumbled in Libra's general direction, before suddenly stopping right in front of him, his face shifting from malice to crushed as he let out a deep groan, and then his legs gave out, falling on top of Libra... if he didn't move, at least.

Either way, he was down for the count.

"N-Nnngh..."

Meanwhile, warded off by Sumia's lance and Mike's fire, both of which elicited an angered screech as both afflicted him, Faust could only follow up with a sharp gasp as the combined attacks, along with Sebastian's attack and Sera's fatal slash, managed to finally finish him off, his head cleanly lopped off the rest of his worm-like body, which in turn dissipated into dust and ash.

As the large form disintegrated gradually, Faust's human form slowly became visible, as though it had been laying wait inside his monstrous form all this time, commandeering it like an inside influence. His old, frail body was visibly battered, bruises visible on his face and blood trickling from his lip as he lay prone on the floor, shaking with intense rancor as he looked up at his enemies with fiery hostility, bolstered as he saw his control over Etrigan had been broken, undermined by his defeat.

With that, it seemed that the battle was finally over, with Etrigan seemingly conked out for the moment, and Faust battered. Struggling to even stand up on his own two feet, the sickly magician gritted his teeth, almost to the point that they threatened to crack if he even had enough strength in his jaw, before clutching his side, coughing madly.

"Gnngh... So then, you've beaten me... Congratulations," he said sourly, breathing heavily, "What now then, strugglers? Will you slay me in cold blood? Take me in as a prisoner? Go on. Do your worst. You'll all pay for your insolence once you came face to face with the master soon enough...!"

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Libra's spell helped to subdue Etrigan and facilitate Ben's ability, resulting in his memories being dug out by force, and thus, Etrigan recalled one of the lighter moments he shared with Constantine.

That one time he forcefully summoned Etrigan into defending him from a bunch of demons, who were quite disgruntled upon finding out Constantine cheated in the poker game they were playing. This was probably the best experience he was going to get.

Still, it seemed to be enough, as his resistance more and more began to wear away, before exploding into a final outburst of anger, blindly clawing at the air as he stumbled in Libra's general direction, before suddenly stopping right in front of him, his face shifting from malice to crushed as he let out a deep groan, and then his legs gave out, falling on top of Libra... if he didn't move, at least.

Either way, he was down for the count.

"N-Nnngh..."

Meanwhile, warded off by Sumia's lance and Mike's fire, both of which elicited an angered screech as both afflicted him, Faust could only follow up with a sharp gasp as the combined attacks, along with Sebastian's attack and Sera's fatal slash, managed to finally finish him off, his head cleanly lopped off the rest of his worm-like body, which in turn dissipated into dust and ash.

As the large form disintegrated gradually, Faust's human form slowly became visible, as though it had been laying wait inside his monstrous form all this time, commandeering it like an inside influence. His old, frail body was visibly battered, bruises visible on his face and blood trickling from his lip as he lay prone on the floor, shaking with intense rancor as he looked up at his enemies with fiery hostility, bolstered as he saw his control over Etrigan had been broken, undermined by his defeat.

With that, it seemed that the battle was finally over, with Etrigan seemingly conked out for the moment, and Faust battered. Struggling to even stand up on his own two feet, the sickly magician gritted his teeth, almost to the point that they threatened to crack if he even had enough strength in his jaw, before clutching his side, coughing madly.

"Gnngh... So then, you've beaten me... Congratulations," he said sourly, breathing heavily, "What now then, strugglers? Will you slay me in cold blood? Take me in as a prisoner? Go on. Do your worst. You'll all pay for your insolence once you came face to face with the master soon enough...!"

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

"Yes, that is the intention." Ciel said as he looked down upon Faust with his singular eye. "However, It is a shame that you will not be alive to see it. Sebastian!" The young Phantomhive looked up to his butler, ripping off his eyepatch to further emphasize his next words.

"I order you to kill this worm!"

"As you wish, my lord." Sebastian said as he approached Faust. Without uttering another syllable, the demon simply brought his arm back behind him before...

CRACK!​

In one fluid motion, the butler's arm went straight through Faust's chest, no doubt killing him instantly.

@Ver @Crow @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Otto @Lucky @Jeremi @Takumi
​

 

[Yun Lee]

Fortunately for Libra, he was able to realize that Etrigan was about to fall, and managed to avoid one final injury courtesy of Etrigan.

"Hmm..." Libra brought his staff forward, healing any wounds Etrigan might have had. After all, he was now free of Faust's control.

Sumia, meanwhile, would retrieve her lance if it was still available, cringing at the death of Faust. "Well...one down, one to go."


@Ver @Crow @Yun Lee @Alex Azure@Kaykay @Otto @Lucky @Jeremi@Takumi @Raptor Jesus​

 

[Jeremi]

"Hold still for a moment!" Sera called out as she used her Cancel dream to try to disassemble the fire that had engulfed the floating skull.

Once she had finished with that, or perhaps failed to do so, she dashed in front of Sumia as Faust's attack came for the girl. Imbuing her sword with the disassembling property of the Cancel dream, she sought to completely disintegrate the appendage, hopefully helping Sebastian as Faust continued to attack the butler.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Ver @Takumi @Everyone​

Morte had dropped to the floor and tried to roll away the flames before Sera helped him out. "Huh?" As the flames vanished he looked around confused. "Hey, thanks!"

Libra's spell helped to subdue Etrigan and facilitate Ben's ability, resulting in his memories being dug out by force, and thus, Etrigan recalled one of the lighter moments he shared with Constantine.

That one time he forcefully summoned Etrigan into defending him from a bunch of demons, who were quite disgruntled upon finding out Constantine cheated in the poker game they were playing. This was probably the best experience he was going to get.

Still, it seemed to be enough, as his resistance more and more began to wear away, before exploding into a final outburst of anger, blindly clawing at the air as he stumbled in Libra's general direction, before suddenly stopping right in front of him, his face shifting from malice to crushed as he let out a deep groan, and then his legs gave out, falling on top of Libra... if he didn't move, at least.

Either way, he was down for the count.

"N-Nnngh..."

Meanwhile, warded off by Sumia's lance and Mike's fire, both of which elicited an angered screech as both afflicted him, Faust could only follow up with a sharp gasp as the combined attacks, along with Sebastian's attack and Sera's fatal slash, managed to finally finish him off, his head cleanly lopped off the rest of his worm-like body, which in turn dissipated into dust and ash.

As the large form disintegrated gradually, Faust's human form slowly became visible, as though it had been laying wait inside his monstrous form all this time, commandeering it like an inside influence. His old, frail body was visibly battered, bruises visible on his face and blood trickling from his lip as he lay prone on the floor, shaking with intense rancor as he looked up at his enemies with fiery hostility, bolstered as he saw his control over Etrigan had been broken, undermined by his defeat.

With that, it seemed that the battle was finally over, with Etrigan seemingly conked out for the moment, and Faust battered. Struggling to even stand up on his own two feet, the sickly magician gritted his teeth, almost to the point that they threatened to crack if he even had enough strength in his jaw, before clutching his side, coughing madly.

"Gnngh... So then, you've beaten me... Congratulations," he said sourly, breathing heavily, "What now then, strugglers? Will you slay me in cold blood? Take me in as a prisoner? Go on. Do your worst. You'll all pay for your insolence once you came face to face with the master soon enough...!"

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

Grace knew the answer to his query, and to be fair, she wasn't sure if allowing him to live would be an option. Instead she went over to Etrigan and cast a healing spell on him. A foe he might have been but she was sure that he was going to be an ally once he regained consciousness.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone

 

[Crow]

Libra's spell helped to subdue Etrigan and facilitate Ben's ability, resulting in his memories being dug out by force, and thus, Etrigan recalled one of the lighter moments he shared with Constantine.

That one time he forcefully summoned Etrigan into defending him from a bunch of demons, who were quite disgruntled upon finding out Constantine cheated in the poker game they were playing. This was probably the best experience he was going to get.

Still, it seemed to be enough, as his resistance more and more began to wear away, before exploding into a final outburst of anger, blindly clawing at the air as he stumbled in Libra's general direction, before suddenly stopping right in front of him, his face shifting from malice to crushed as he let out a deep groan, and then his legs gave out, falling on top of Libra... if he didn't move, at least.

Either way, he was down for the count.

"N-Nnngh..."

Meanwhile, warded off by Sumia's lance and Mike's fire, both of which elicited an angered screech as both afflicted him, Faust could only follow up with a sharp gasp as the combined attacks, along with Sebastian's attack and Sera's fatal slash, managed to finally finish him off, his head cleanly lopped off the rest of his worm-like body, which in turn dissipated into dust and ash.

As the large form disintegrated gradually, Faust's human form slowly became visible, as though it had been laying wait inside his monstrous form all this time, commandeering it like an inside influence. His old, frail body was visibly battered, bruises visible on his face and blood trickling from his lip as he lay prone on the floor, shaking with intense rancor as he looked up at his enemies with fiery hostility, bolstered as he saw his control over Etrigan had been broken, undermined by his defeat.

With that, it seemed that the battle was finally over, with Etrigan seemingly conked out for the moment, and Faust battered. Struggling to even stand up on his own two feet, the sickly magician gritted his teeth, almost to the point that they threatened to crack if he even had enough strength in his jaw, before clutching his side, coughing madly.

"Gnngh... So then, you've beaten me... Congratulations," he said sourly, breathing heavily, "What now then, strugglers? Will you slay me in cold blood? Take me in as a prisoner? Go on. Do your worst. You'll all pay for your insolence once you came face to face with the master soon enough...!"

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

In a flash of green light, Pesky Dust had turned back into Ben. He helped Etrigan up, shoulder over shoulder.

"I'm guessing Constantine's feelings for big & yellow over here are one-sided, but they're feelings nonetheless... I think," Ben comments.

Ben glares at the sickly Faust.

"You're not even worth killing, Felix-"​

"Yes, that is the intention." Ciel said as he looked down upon Faust with his singular eye. "However, It is a shame that you will not be alive to see it. Sebastian!" The young Phantomhive looked up to his butler, ripping off his eyepatch to further emphasize his next words.

"I order you to kill this worm!"

"As you wish, my lord." Sebastian said as he approached Faust. Without uttering another syllable, the demon simply brought his arm back behind him before...

CRACK!​

In one fluid motion, the butler's arm went straight through Faust's chest, no doubt killing him instantly.

@Ver @Crow @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Otto @Lucky @Jeremi @Takumi
​

"- ... Faust."

Ben was surprised by the sudden action of Sebastian.

"Hey, Etrigan, was it, you doing good? Everyone else, you all holding up?"

@Ver @Raptor Jesus @Yun Lee @Jeremi @Kaykay @etcetcetc​

 

[Macy Moretti]

"Yes, that is the intention." Ciel said as he looked down upon Faust with his singular eye. "However, It is a shame that you will not be alive to see it. Sebastian!" The young Phantomhive looked up to his butler, ripping off his eyepatch to further emphasize his next words.

"I order you to kill this worm!"

"As you wish, my lord." Sebastian said as he approached Faust. Without uttering another syllable, the demon simply brought his arm back behind him before...

CRACK!​

In one fluid motion, the butler's arm went straight through Faust's chest, no doubt killing him instantly.

@Ver @Crow @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Otto @Lucky @Jeremi @Takumi
​

"That's taking it a bit far, isn't it? You murdered him, and in a pretty gory way. I don't know how much information there could be to give, but maybe we could have interrogated him a bit."

@Raptor Jesus​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

"That's taking it a bit far, isn't it? You murdered him, and in a pretty gory way. I don't know how much information there could be to give, but maybe we could have interrogated him a bit."

@Raptor Jesus​

"Perhaps. Though, it is not information I seek. I only wish to find Dracula and deliver him to the God's Hand so I may return home." Ciel stated before staring down at Faust's body.

"A man like Felix Faust was beyond redemption. Perhaps had he not stood in my way, he may not have suffered such a gruesome fate."​

@Alex Azure @Crow @Ver @Yun Lee @Takumi @Jeremi @Kaykay
​

 

[Ver]

As Faust was forever silenced with that, falling down in a pit of his own blood, Constantine and Zatanna remained silent for a brief moment, looking melancholy and contemplative, as their arch nemesis had finally been snubbed out after all this time. Suddenly, as though the fates that be wanted to ensure his death, Faust's body suddenly caught fire, scorching red with a hint of blue as he started to literally melt before everyone's eyes. Zatanna's eyes widened in shock, even stepping back in response, as she gazed upon the ghastly sight.

"T-That's hellfire! His soul's being burned away along with his body!" She exclaimed, wondering who could be capable of doing such a thing, in both regards. Her thoughts were quickly answered as a disembodied voice was heard in the air, echoing through the large chamber they stood.

"Death was perhaps too merciful a fate for him," it spoke with a deep, booming voice. It was the same as the voice of the fiery skull that appeared before everyone; it could only be none other than the master of the castle, Dracula, "For him to invite his own enemies into my domain without my knowing... Perhaps he was spared a fate worse than death, as he did not live long enough to be able to feel his soul burning away into ashes."

"But the deed is done, and what host would I be to not even greet my guests in person? After all, you've made it this far. Perhaps your misplaced valor ought to be rewarded with that much, after all," he continued, before more rumbling could be felt, this time in the walls rather than the ground, as stairs began to materialize from them, creating a new path leading upward into the unknown.

"Come then, if you dare."

Meanwhile, as Libra and Grace managed to help heal Etrigan and gather his bearings, the demon groaned, rubbing his head and shaking it lightly, before looking at the others around him.

"Nngh... My body aches. And my head, for that matter," he said flatly.

"Well, be glad it's not worse, ol' sport," Constantine replied, giving the demon a wave, "Good that you've finally come back to your senses. How are ya feelin', mate?"

"Like I ought to throw you through the wall in order to cure this incessant pain."

"Hey, you're not rhyming anymore? I thought that was your thing?" Zatanna questioned.

"As I've said before, rhyming without reason is a sign of subservience to the devil, and I serve no such devil any longer."

"Well, you served that devil upstairs," she said, gesturing toward the stairs, "Speaking of which... Guess we should get going, huh? Home stretch and all that."

"J-Just one more... and it'll all be over..." Miki mumbled, as though hopeful of the outcome, but seeming to obscure a hint of uncertainty as well. If there was one thing that was certain, it was that nothing was certain. It never was.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Yun Lee]

"We have no time to lose," Libra said, starting for the stairs. As he did, he said one final prayer.

"Naga, I thank You for the protection You have given us this far. I ask that you protect us once more as we face our final foe, and that you guide our minds and bodies to strike him down and free this world of his evil. Amen."

Sumia smiled at Miki. "Yep! And cosidering how we took Faust down, I bet Dracula will be a piece of cake! Well, a dangerous piece of cake, but still."

@Ver @Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi@Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

 

[Crow]

As Faust was forever silenced with that, falling down in a pit of his own blood, Constantine and Zatanna remained silent for a brief moment, looking melancholy and contemplative, as their arch nemesis had finally been snubbed out after all this time. Suddenly, as though the fates that be wanted to ensure his death, Faust's body suddenly caught fire, scorching red with a hint of blue as he started to literally melt before everyone's eyes. Zatanna's eyes widened in shock, even stepping back in response, as she gazed upon the ghastly sight.

"T-That's hellfire! His soul's being burned away along with his body!" She exclaimed, wondering who could be capable of doing such a thing, in both regards. Her thoughts were quickly answered as a disembodied voice was heard in the air, echoing through the large chamber they stood.

"Death was perhaps too merciful a fate for him," it spoke with a deep, booming voice. It was the same as the voice of the fiery skull that appeared before everyone; it could only be none other than the master of the castle, Dracula, "For him to invite his own enemies into my domain without my knowing... Perhaps he was spared a fate worse than death, as he did not live long enough to be able to feel his soul burning away into ashes."

"But the deed is done, and what host would I be to not even greet my guests in person? After all, you've made it this far. Perhaps your misplaced valor ought to be rewarded with that much, after all," he continued, before more rumbling could be felt, this time in the walls rather than the ground, as stairs began to materialize from them, creating a new path leading upward into the unknown.

"Come then, if you dare."

Meanwhile, as Libra and Grace managed to help heal Etrigan and gather his bearings, the demon groaned, rubbing his head and shaking it lightly, before looking at the others around him.

"Nngh... My body aches. And my head, for that matter," he said flatly.

"Well, be glad it's not worse, ol' sport," Constantine replied, giving the demon a wave, "Good that you've finally come back to your senses. How are ya feelin', mate?"

"Like I ought to throw you through the wall in order to cure this incessant pain."

"Hey, you're not rhyming anymore? I thought that was your thing?" Zatanna questioned.

"As I've said before, rhyming without reason is a sign of subservience to the devil, and I serve no such devil any longer."

"Well, you served that devil upstairs," she said, gesturing toward the stairs, "Speaking of which... Guess we should get going, huh? Home stretch and all that."

"J-Just one more... and it'll all be over..." Miki mumbled, as though hopeful of the outcome, but seeming to obscure a hint of uncertainty as well. If there was one thing that was certain, it was that nothing was certain. It never was.

@Yun Lee @Crow @Lucky @Jeremi @Kaykay @Otto @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Takumi @Everyone​

Ben glared in the supposed direction of the voice.

"You're prepared for us, but just know that we're just as prepared for you too, Dracula!"

He then runs alongside everyone else towards their next destination.

"It's hero time!"

Ben was definitely mentally prepared, and even if he wasn't physically prepared...

... well, he would use his Trump Card. That's what everyone does.

@Ver @Yun Lee @Raptor Jesus @Alex Azure @Kaykay @Minerva @Jeremi @etcetcetc​