Unbreakable

Unbreakable

Brayden Jardoa stood strong, viewing the robed man before him. His longblade and kite shield readied, clad in plate armor from head to toe. He had conquered the elements, soothed the violent spirits of the zodiac, coming to his final trial, the 13th spirit whom claimed rule over the astral plane, Serpentarius. The man who laid between the strongest, the eagle, laying between the serpent’s head and tail - the serpent bearer. The view was astounding; He stood upon a translucent platform spilling out from the door of light like angel dust in a circle, the man at the other end staring out to his surroundings. It was impeccable; galaxies, stars, planets Brayden had never dreamed of. The beauty of the sky knew no bounds. However, it was all in jeopardy due to Serpentarius; the robed man.

The man turned toward him. He was olive-skinned, a long, black beard, no hair atop his head. He grew a crooked smile from end to end.

“You are far from home, little man,” the man said plainly in a gruff voice. He closed his eyes, creepling closer as if floating upon the platform. “You have calmed the lion, the twins, the fish and the maiden.” He coughed up a subtle laugh. “Are you ready to die?”

“I will not falter, fiend,” Brayden threatened. He sliced the air with his blade. “Why do you threaten the planes? Why destroy what the spirits have come so far to build?”

Serpentarius laughed loudly. “Those fools rejected me from their ‘team’, their pathetic council of the stars,” He paced back and forth. “They thought they could hold me back, stop me,” He paused, shooting Brayden a sly grin. “Portals open on planets in the material plane across the universe, with the beasts of the zodiac. They obey me now. It’s only a matter of time before your world is destroyed. Why did you even come alone, fool? What power do you have?” Serpentarius cackled again.

“I have the power of the gods!” He yelled. He was blessed by the heavens to carry out their deeds, and he would smite those who sought imbalance. “Gods more powerful than you. I have calmed the wind, earth, fire and water, I have beaten the lion, the twins, the fish and the maiden!” He continued, readying his weapon. “Are you ready, serpent? Are you ready to taste the steeled power of the divine?”

Serpentarius laughed uncontrollably. He was undeniably insane. A spirit which felt conquering was the only thing, the best thing, one could accomplish. Brayden knew this, and would not break. I will not fail, he thought.

Serpentarius raised his staff, waves of all forms of colour swished around him, Forming him into an abomination of man, a man with a serpent’s body with arms, and the head of a cobra. He hissed violently as two massive constrictors emerged from the ground out of nothing, each two feet across and thirty feet long, fangs like blades each with venom deadlier than the most violent poison on his planet. “Tell your gods I rule them now, I will make you scream in pain for their mercy!”

Brayden raised his blade and charged full tilt at the man of serpents. I will not falter, he thought.

I am unbreakable.