Awakening the lake monster

[illuminedshield]

He doesn't like the idea, but he has no real choice. Without doing this, they will surely lose the war. Their strength is depleted already. Still, Endymion watches the lake for a long time before he makes his move. He stays grim and serious, expression unchanging. His black armor suits his dark face

Comments

[illuminedshield]

Endymion is barreling towards the monster as it barrels through the woods towards the nearest clearing. He has to cut it off before it reaches any civilization; he is not here to to destroy innocents.

It takes no notice of its would-be handler. Instead, the serpent streams into the air, where it looks around from the advantage of its height. It heads straight for Nehellenia as soon as it spots her.

"Give him back!!"

[illuminedshield]

The serpent-woman hisses and pulls back as the energy hits her, just in time for Endymion to strike it from below. It writhes in pain between the two attacks, but lunges towards Nehellenia again.

"Stay back," Endymion warns Nehellenia against the serpent. "I am responsible for this creature."

[illuminedshield]

The creature writhes and coils and hisses in pain. It's enough to keep it in place, and Endymion frantically looks for a vulnerable point to end the fight.

[illuminedshield]

He does not take his time, but Endymion strikes frantically and furiously. He finally finds a patch that seems different than the rest... but the creature is writhing too quickly for him to aim there.

"It is too well-guarded," he calls back to Nehellenia. "I cannot strike at its vitals."

[illuminedshield]

It's enough to stop the creature completely. It stares in a mixture of disbelief and wonder at whatever it's seeing. Endymion doesn't know what the illusion holds, or why Nehellenia's seemed to stop attacking, but he knows when his chance has come. He leaps into the air, remarkably high, and slashes at the serpent's exposed vulnerable side. The blood comes quickly.

[illuminedshield]

This woman disturbs him. Endymion finally has the chance to face her once the creature is dead.

"What happened here was by my fault," he tells Nehellenia. "I thank you for helping me to set it right." Despite his slight dislike of her, she deserves that recognition.

[illuminedshield]

That name again. "I no longer use that name. I have returned to my true name, Endymion," he corrects Nehellenia.

"I am grateful for your help, but I have no wish to involve myself with a cruel woman." He starts to step away.