At 1 PM, both Taro and Vincy arrived at Abodo's
house, returning from the camping trip. Taro couldn't speak since that time. Nothing was explained about what happened, nothing made sense to Taro, and there were a lot of questions with no answers nor solutions for this kind of mess. The only one who knew what happened was Taro, the victim of this incident himself.
Taro, however, found a way to communicate with Vincy by writing on a paper what he wanted to say instead of speaking. It was effective, yet annoying.
Taro wrote about how he turned into that, who was responsible for this new look, and when that happened. Vincy couldn't understand what was going on, as nothing seemed legit, nothing felt connected. It was all so random, and he started questioning everything, yet Taro didn't know anything more than that.
Even Taro started to ask himself who that wizard was, where he came from, and where he went after the incident. Taro was stuck for a while, thinking with his hand under his chin, just until something strange happened. Taro heard someone say:
"It is a blessing to see you once more, young one."
Enzo, that wizard, appeared in front of Taro, shocking him like he had seen a ghost... or more like a spiritual one. Enzo was floating, transparent, and invisible to Vincy. Taro was confused about how he had ended up like that.
Enzo is that you?! Taro asked in his mind, shocked. How could you end up in that way? What happened to you?
"Fear not, dear friend," Enzo answered, "I have become a wandering spirit. None may sense my presence, hear my voice, or lay eyes upon me, save for you."
How do you know what I was saying? Taro asked in his mind. I can't even speak…
"Though you speak no words, I can hear the thoughts within your mind. Such is one of the few spells I have retained. I am afraid my power is limited... I may only guide you, speak with you, and lend you magical strength," he responded.
That's actually very helpful, Taro thought, smiling. Thanks for everything, Enzo.
"You are most welcome. Tell me, brave soul, what name do you go by?"
I'm Taro Abodo, Taro responded, nice to meet you!
"Taro Abodo… could it truly be?" Enzo murmured.
"I must take my leave for now, Taro," Enzo added after a few seconds, "My essence fades with each passing moment. Call upon me should the need arise. And heed this: no matter what happens, you must stop Armageddon and his minions. This burden now lies with you."
Armageddon? Taro asked. Who is he?
Enzo vanished before he could answer. Taro had hoped to get some answers, yet he couldn't build the ladder to the truth of this mystery.
After a few hours, while Taro and Vincy were watching television, a breaking news alert interrupted the show. The topic was about the invasion of unknown dark creatures appearing from a purple-colored portal at the east side of the beach. They recommended staying indoors and locking everything from inside immediately.
Vincy was shocked by the news. However, Taro was wondering if that was what Enzo meant or not.
I have no time to waste! Taro thought. I must defeat those creatures before they hurt anyone!
Taro rushed out quickly without preparing for anything. Vincy was shouting Taro's name, but he didn't listen. He had to follow him so he wouldn't get in trouble.
On the streets near the east side of the beach, those creatures started spreading like a virus, mindless and moving like zombies. Taro kept throwing rocks at the creatures, trying to aim at their heads. It was effective, since even with their huge numbers, the creatures were still weak. The ones that got hit disappeared, but the portal kept sending out more waves.
"I know you really wanna stop these creatures, but this is a VEEERY bad idea!" Vincy said. "So, let's just retreat and let the police take care of–"
Right before Vincy finished his sentence, a creature ran forward to attack him.
It got very close, that until Taro kicked that creature away. His eyes were glowing blue, and his body somehow became faster than before. He realized it was because of Enzo's boosting magic. He kept rushing in, punching and kicking those creatures with everything he had.
A few minutes later, the boosting magic faded, and Taro was exhausted. Vincy was surprised that Taro could do all this alone. He remembered
that Taro's body was too weak for this kind of fight, yet he still defeated them like it was nothing.
Suddenly, one of the creatures blasted a stunning beam. Taro couldn't move, so he was stuck in place. Another creature's arm shifted and became sharp like a sword, and it rushed to stab Taro.
That plan didn't work well… but it still ended in a tragic way. The one who stopped the stab was Vincy, and his stomach was bleeding roughly.
"Silly… you should always... watch your back…!" Vincy said with his last breaths.
Taro froze in shock at the sight of Vincy's blood, then a huge aura charged from him. He stood up and began to crush those creatures again without slowing down.
At that moment, a red eye with bat wings was flying nearby. It was a magical object used to spy on different places from far away. The one behind it was a black-haired lady with a long red dress, pale skin, and two horns.
That lady was watching where Taro was fighting. She saw Vincy lying in the street with a large stab in his stomach.
"I got what I need," she said with a grin, then entered his soul.
Inside a dark void, Vincy wandered alone.
"Where… am I?" he muttered.
"This is your inner soul," a voice called from behind.
Vincy looked behind, getting shocked the moment he saw her.
"What the–?!" Vincy said in shock, "Who are you?! Don't tell me you're behind this invasion!"
"Silence, kiddo," the woman said coldly. "Those pathetic creatures? I have nothing to do with them. I'm Zara, the fiend princess."
"You look more like a devil to me!" Vincy snapped. "Why are you inside me?!"
"Ugh, too many questions…" Zara groaned. "I hate nosy people... especially dying ones."
"What happened to my friend?" Vincy asked, more quietly.
"He lost his mind fighting with fists and feet," Zara said, showing him Taro through the eye.
"I can save you…" She added, "but on one condition. You must become my serv–"
"Forget it!" Vincy snapped, cutting her off. "I'm not dealing with a devil!"
"First of all, I'm not a devil," she snapped, "and second, your friend won't last much longer without me. I'm only helping because we have
the same enemy, and almost the same objective. But we'll do things my way. Refuse, and both of you die."
Vincy paused, wrestling with the decision. He didn't trust her, but he'd do anything to protect Taro.
"Tsk… whatever. Just do it!" he said, turning away.
"Hmph. As you wish, my servant!" she said with a twisted grin.
She raised her hands and unleashed a red beam that engulfed Vincy, leading him into something that could change everything.
Later on, Taro became so exhausted and reached his limits. He tried to gather his strength to recharge even just enough to move, but it was no use. His body gave in, collapsing to the ground. Dark creatures began creeping closer, sensing their moment to strike… ready to finish him off.
Suddenly, a massive surge of red energy erupted across the field, heating the air with intense pressure. The atmosphere shifted and the temperature spiked. That overwhelming aura... was coming from Vincy, or rather, a new Vincy.
"You did great holding them off, my best bud," Vincy said, his voice was deeper and calmer than before, and flames appeared in both his hands, "but now... stay back…
...because it's my turn!"