Revelation Of The Chosen (Book 1 of The Radiant Warrior Series)

Chapter 43: A Dangerous Encounter

The lightning struck and elucidated Chrome's knight like stand and his true identity.

"But why? How? What is going on here? This has to be a dream, no, a nightmare. You are an Apprentice sworn to protect the Light," said Irown apparently still in disbelief.

"How are you able to conceal your true identity from the great Hyods, to mingle with them and not exude your dark aura. What is your secret?"

"It is simple," said a brazen and smug General Chrome. "I am a formidable opponent for the Light and you're so-called heroes, the Hyods."

"I, I, I must battle, battle you, stop you," said a stuttering, shivering Irown.

Chrome could see the warrior was scared from the rapid movement of his chest. The Metal Warrior finally realized who was before him. He was most likely recalling the stories of his lethal and deadly victories told to them by their instructors.

Another jolt of lightning struck the ground and Irown decided to break the silence with his wavering words.

"I will stop you Warrior of," but before Irown could finish his sentence, a swirling flame sphere impacted him in the chest, sending him soaring into a nearby pillar of the House of Metal.

Irown impeded the pillar with his back and screamed out. "I am not worthy. Forgive me Lord Hallious. I was not ready for Chrome."

Irown looked like a crucified warrior pinned to the pillar. Eventually the liquid from the rain released him onto the grass but unconscious.

Chrome's helmet materialized onto his head, concealing his identity once more.

"So much for the battle. Lord Hallious, you need better warriors under your belt, ones who can actually make you proud of them, not like these inferiors you allow in your House."

Chrome commenced forming fragments of a bonfire and dispatched them towards Irown for the kill.

However, beams of lightning intercepted his assault and the two discharges formed a huge yellow and red explosion, noticeable by everyone in the storm. It gouged a hole into the ground and sent debris of grass and dirt all over the place.

It was Arion who intercepted. It was Arion who protected the falling Metal Warrior by lunging himself in front of his fellow Apprentice's body.

"Chrome? No, this cannot be possible! Here? At the Hall, what's going on?" said a disenchanted Arion.

He too was stunned. How was Chrome able to step forth on hallowed lands. This should not have been possible. It was like he walked through the barrier, the fence like a spectre.

"I don't know how you are able to walk on such pure grounds but you are not going to escape unharmed."

Arion was still conflicted but he had no time for questions. He had to gain all his courage and overpower his heart and stomach which begged for him to flee for his life. They felt he was no match for the General but he would prove them wrong.

"I will persevere. Even if you, my army are not on my side," said Arion, his palm on his chest.

He raised his left arm into the air and grasped several jolts of lightning and hurled them down at Chrome however, the Dark General managed to doge them, every time, swaying, zigzagging with ease, backwards.

"You have to do better than that you thunder brat, if you want to be a match for me and my skills," said a delighted Chrome.

He was about to release something at Arion when more lightning from the storm started to aim themselves at his chest. He flipped, jumped and even countered with balls of fire to avoid being struck down.

"This is my chance. It's now or never."

Taking advantage of Chrome's preoccupation by the lightning, Arion dispatched one of his thunderbolts and heaved it at the General.

It twirled like a boomerang towards Chrome while it glittered from the raindrops and the light which fell upon it.

However, the General managed to detect the bolt and kicked it into the air. He watched it spin mercilessly into the dark sky and away from him.

"What an interesting weapon, too bad I know all of its tricks," whispered Chrome wickedly to himself.

Arion took the opportunity of the General's distraction and materialized behind him, lightning slithering off of his body.

With his other thunderbolt in hand, he decided to strike the General in the back for what he had done to Irown, but Chrome was too quick and drew out one of his shimmering silver swords and blocked the bolt as he rotated to Arion.

"I can detect your every move. You cannot hide your intentions from me," said Chrome in a devilish and low toned voice.

"Then detect this, you bastard," said the struggling Arion.

Chrome looked down at Arion and said while the two placed every ounce of their might into forcing their weapon upon the other.

"You are a strong one, not like your friend, who was scared by the very image of me," bragged Chrome.

"I do not back down, not even to the likes of you," replied a bold Arion.

He looked up and into Chrome's eyes. There was something about the General, something knowing. No, it could not be. He had never come face to face with him until tonight so why did he still have that feeling of familiarity and if so, from when and where?

"You can hide your fear, but I can feel it and it's making me stronger," asserted Chrome.

He gawked down at the young Thunder Warrior, enjoying every minute.

"I am sure I know you, that tone but who are you?" whispered Arion, breathing heavily while concentrating on the General's eyes, however, the thunderbolt and shimmering sword started to spark and broke his concentration.

Several Apprentices began arriving on the scene, distracting Arion.

"Your friends are here but what can they really do to help you," said Chrome in a laughing tone.

He took the sudden opening and kicked Arion with his long legs in the stomach and the Thunder Warrior fell to his knees, dropping his bolt and clutching his stomach.

"I do want to finish this but unfortunately I have to take my leave."

"I'm sure we will meet again," said Chrome, gawking down at Arion with disgust.

The Hyods would soon be along. He back flipped into the air and dematerialized with flames, leaving behind a dying Irown and a bruised ego Arion, who now made his way over to his fallen friend.  

Question:

1) Do you think Arion is a match for General Chrome in combat?