The arrival of the strongest of the traitorankers and their abrupt disappearance caused a mass outbreak of hysteria: "GUIDO BETRAYED US ALL, THE FUCKING COWARD. RETREAT!" A voice shouted from far away in the back.

Waves of Gobheads began to swarm back towards the Palace of the Peoples, unable to think clearly and out of fear they may die shortly. Endless sounds of metal stomping the ground and weapons clattering against each other's armour rang out, echoing around the caverns.

The traitorankers were all but at their wits' end. This was an unforgivable betrayal. Their minds were in different places. Garfisk could see nothing but a warped and twisted reality around himself. Shadows that were not there, a strange floating series of elements hovering high in the air, watching and waiting.

Anton was readying his way out of the place; he saw it as nothing but futile to follow an imaginary figure, thought up by the ramblings of a lunatic to lure him over. He took advantage of the blindness to make his escape. Leaping to the sides of the caverns, he made his way to the exit and out towards the surface.

Affilan had tracked him the entire time; the intentions of a sneak attack were all too present right now. Kaiser whispered into her ears while also monitoring the situation, "I did not expect one to leave so abruptly... Tis a shame. He was the one I wanted most; there was something cunning about that one."

Affilan nodded in agreement. She remained quiet so as to not give her position away amidst the darkness. This gas is a NUISANCE. Is it just affecting me? Can these roaches see where I stand? I want to tear that fucking heart of yours out, you little bastard. Raging thoughts filled her mind, yet she remained calm in her motions.

One thing was for certain: Guido had not left the area. For those that have fought against only the mightiest of beasts and individuals, Affilan was no pushover. You can hide in the shadows all you want. I sense you out there, Guido Fawkes; that killing intent is your weakness.

Guido knew it too; Affilan could feel him just as much as he could see her fully in the pitch black spreading out around them. A curious foe that can control the flow of battle single-handedly against both Art and Ability users. It does not surprise me why they failed to win against her.

Colt was still contemplating everything. I never thought I would encounter someone like this and in these circumstances. What she says must be true. There's no other explanation... For someone to be this well hidden from those high in the ranks, she couldn't be doing this without a serious power behind her... Colt had slowly stepped back. Observation was more useful in this moment. They found a spot to create barriers and hid away.

Affilan tried to clear the gas away by twirling her blade and pushing it around with Kaha. But to no avail. It was something unique and of high calibre; it wasn't going to disappear under normal circumstances. She thought there was an outline of a figure in the dark; stabbing at it, she found nothing of the sort. What felt like a tap on the shoulder caused it to spin and slash on the spot. Her blade met the same dark cloud as before.

How peculiar. He seems to have made the gas a living thing of sorts. Taking control of it to distract you during this tension. Unleash your techniques, girl. Show them the superior ways that I have taught you." Affilan dissipated her sword and conjured a staff in its place. Menacing green energy began to envelop her and pierce through thick darkness, blotting the area.

What a horrifying primitive energy that is emitting. I best deal with that quickly.

Guido took the opportunity to strike before Affilan had the chance to unleash the frighteningly powerful move.

He traversed the darkness, gliding along it towards her. The closer he was, the more he felt the threat of death in the air. With a dagger at hand, he crept up to her back, attempting to stab through to her heart.

The blade pressed against her, yet she disappeared into the darkness. He had attacked an afterimage. Twin daggers carved their way through the cloud and met against him; he blocked one, and the other managed to cut into his face. "Impressive." Guido said, fighting back against Affilan's powerful attacks and elegant movements. "It seems I've underestimated you." 'together we go' he thought in his mind.

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His three comrades began to lose all sense of self. Now they were locked in their minds, fully under the control of Guido. "This is my one warning to you. Leave now; I won't grant you such a gift twice." Guido dodged and parried against Affilan's blows as the three lost their senses and began to rush into the fight. The tides had turned against Affilan; strikes began to connect far too frequently. Deep cuts and powerful blows pushed her back.

"FUCK. You sentients are all the same. You fight together instead of alone. I'd have torn you apart if this was a solo battle."

Affilan leapt far back towards the entrance, but her moments of reprieve were cut short as Anton launched explosives at her. The blast tore several chunks from her arm as she shielded against it; a secondary blast took her arm completely.

For Kaiser, however, he had not predicted such a possibility. "It displeases me greatly that this has turned the tide in their favour. Can you still stand, Affilan?"

"Yes, my lord. I will still stand until the last breath."

"Yes, yes, I know you would. But it seems they had a trump card all along. I fear today we have lost the colonies; how tragic."

"NO, MY LORD. I WILL RETURN TO US."

Guido continued to charge towards Affilan, commanding the other three to assist him in attacking her from different angles. Colt began to cast a sealing Art, 'Immobilus'. A grey symbol rose up around her as a chain burst forth from the ground, binding her.

"Enough, Affilan, we shall rise again another day. I do not wish for one of my most devoted followers to needlessly fall today."

Affilan readied her blade to defend herself; a figure burst from the sides of the cavern, sending out a large ball and chain at Anton.

A barbarian wearing purple leathers appeared after the dust settled and spoke out.

"You're far too precious to fall, Madam Affilan. Allow me to join you."

Zilaceni? What the hell are you doing here?

"Zilaceni, take Affilan and aid her in escaping. I commanded you!"

"As you wish, my lord!"

The chain swung several metres away in length, then a crack in the air rang out as the ball end flew towards the traitorankers. It's impacted, spreading the group far away from each other, and Zilaceni grabbed hold of his comrade.

"Affilan. Can you generate the warpway? I'm afraid I no longer have the energy to do so."

Zilaceni fought with one arm, directing his weapon backwards, pushing the group back, and creating obstacles with the terrain.

"Yes...I can manifest it. Give me a moment to channel the energy."

Affilan was deflated in her mind; never had she failed Kaiser in such a manner.

Zilaceni's eyes glowed green. A door-like structure made entirely of crackling energy began to form from the ground. Zilaceni managed to land several blows against Garfisk and Anton, sending them crashing backwards. Guido and Colt attempted to fire off ranged attacks, but the two were able to exit before the projectiles connected.

Guido ended his abilities, returning his comrades to normal. "Well done, comrades; it seems we have been victorious today!"

"Guido, what the hell did you do to us, man? How dare you use your abilities against your own kind!?" Anton was furious and grabbed at his questionable comrade's jacket.

"I did what had to be done. Let me go lest I deal with you myself, coward. You spared no time in abandoning Colt and Garfisk to save your own hide," Guido smirked. He had gotten under Anton's skin, judging by the sour face he sent back his way. Guido began to make his way back towards the battle. "We shall deal with the fodder, then regroup at the palace."

Garfisk followed, and Anton waited a moment before grunting under-breath curses at Guido.

Colt couldn't help but stare towards where the portal stood. There are more questions than answers for them. Perhaps I am on the wrong side...

***

Affilan pushed Zilaceni away, heading to her chambers. The echoes of her footsteps thundered as she banged the sides with her fists, shaking the followers who stood around in attendance of the darkened halls.

"Affilan, you're blinded by rage...lick your wounds and be done with the emotions. I order you to begin your recovery immediately lest you receive punishment."

Affilan remained silent, storming her way to her quarters. Her attendant, hooded and cowering, brought her a vibrant orange swirling potion. Taking it and pushing the man away, she answered Kaiser after drinking the potion, "I promise you, my lord, I will paint the walls with his blood in your honour."

Her arm began to glow; what fatigue she had disappeared.

"I expect no less. His head will be a fine display for my collection in due time."

***

The battle had been won, and Guido, joined by his comrades, spoke up to the Gobheads standing around.

"Let it be known...that on this fine day, Her Majesty's finest stood against the surface dwellers and came out victorious!"

"FOR THE QUEEN! "LONG LIVE HER HIGHNESS," shouted one of the Gobshot's at the front. He jumped, reaching his hands in the air; his fellows soon joined him, "Long live the queen, long live her highness!" They said it chanted together.

"This was barely a victory, Guido. Why would you bullshit them? Garfisk barked at his friend.

"I want to see their little faces when the real fight happens. "This was just a warm-up after all."

Colt spoke without thinking, "You lunatic... Do you think that little of them?"

Guido shrugged, walking away. "I think of my reward. Nothing more."

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