The Guardian's Blade, Episode I

This close to the shrine, you should be swarmed in merfolk by now. But it's deathly quiet. Something is wrong
Maybe Sparky scared them all away.
That wouldn't happen, this isn't something they're afraid to give their life for.

"...hmm..all the merfolk are gone. Why is that?"

"Follow me."

He stood up and continued walking down the path, if you could call it that. According to Corona, the "shrine" he was looking for was nearby. But even as he continued, there was no noise whatsoever.

They came to the entrance of a large cave. Surrounding the cave was deep water, and it seemed the only way inside was to swim.

There should be guards here. Just inside this cave is the sword.


"Look..."

Paul motioned at the rocks that lay in parts of the water. But upon closer inspection, it would be clear that they weren't rocks. They were heads, arms, bodies..all turned to stone. But that wasn't all, there were several bones and lifeless body parts that were not turned to stone laying about.

Something else had been here first.

He looked like he was going to burst into laughter at what she just did to her face. But he would soon notice this was no laughing matter. For there would be a sudden gust of wind and a shadow fell over both of them. Up above was what looked like a giant pterodactyl. But it was transparent, and almost seemed to be made of pure darkness. Its eyes were blood red. It stared menacingly at the two and screeched loudly. As it screeched, terrible images of death and decay entered both of their minds.

"How surprising of you to make it this far." A sudden voice rang out from nowhere, it obviously was not the creature's. "I expected the natives to make quick work of you. I suppose it can't be helped, my pet here will have to destroy you. I'm afraid the two of you will never leave this marsh alive."

Moonlight would then notice that Paul's eyes and hair had turned completely golden.

"We have this, Moonlight. Don't worry." A feeling of peace surrounded her, and he seemed to be alot more calm and serious now.

The creature made another screech again. It didn't seem to like what had just happened to Paul. It made a dive after both of them, its mouth opening to reveal razor jaws of darkness. Corona pushed Moonlight and himself out of the way, causing the creature to miss. It spun around and faced them, screeching again, preparing another assault.