[attr="class","skullbody"]
Zev Harcourt's apprentice? Really? Isaac's gut reaction was that Zev would laugh at the very concept.[break][break]
At the same time, it was easy to see why Jayden would think that. He fought like Zev, albeit with a touch more theatric flourish and a lot more restraint. He was one of the longest running employees at Zev's front business. At times, he'd even been a confidant to Zev, if only because his loyalty was so often assured.[break][break]
Things hadn't seemed quite so seamless between them lately. But, loathe as he was to admit it, Isaac really did owe Zev so much.[break][break]
It helped that Jayden had a way with words that made Isaac want to believe in them. In spite of everything, he felt his heart swelling with pride as Jayden told him he was an inspirational flame who could be looked up to by Rockets everywhere. Did Jayden seriously think that highly of him? Could he seriously make that much of an impact?[break][break]
Maybe he could. Beasthood still felt like the last thing on his mind, but the conviction in Jayden's words had taken root nonetheless. One way or another, Isaac would end up a symbol. Maybe he'd fall in line after all. Maybe he'd carve out his own path. But no matter what, no matter how, Isaac refused to let the flame die.[break][break]
A pained cry reminded Isaac that there were others he couldn't let die, either.[break][break]
"Kurze." Following the sound, Isaac charged through the carnage, looking for the Bisharp that he only now processed was missing. Megalon took off after him, elytra flared and wings buzzing as he skimmed off the ground. Together, the two arrived just in time to see a Kingambit looming over their fallen ally. Its foot was firmly planted on Kurze's head as he groveled at its feet, soundly beaten.[break][break]
"Not on my watch," Isaac hissed.
"Megalon, get in there!" The Heracross, incensed at his battle brother's treatment, smashed a fist into his hand and charged forward. However, before he could arrive, Kurze lashed out, a Night Slash sending poor Megalon off course. The confrontation broken up, he went back to kneeling before the battle's victor.[break][break]
Was it over? Had Kurze's light gone out?[break][break]
Or was the canny bastard just buying time?[break][break]
His apparent obedience had dropped the Kingambit's guard, allowing Kurze to buck his head up in a beautiful arcing motion. Darkness swirled around his crest, seemingly another Night Slash in progress, only for the a massive golden blade to erupt from the maelstrom. Caught off guard by a textbook
Kowtow Cleave, the Kingambit fell flat on its back.[break][break]
As Kurze's head bent back, the untamed mane of a warrior spilled out from his helmet. Seizing the advantage he had just claimed, he pounded down on the fallen Kingambit, sparks launching off of his fists with each pummel. In the light, they almost seemed to glow golden. It was a relentless onslaught, but also a repetitive one. After a few strikes, the Kingambit caught Kurze's hands in his own, locking the two into a dead stalemate. Bit by bit, the Kingambit got the better of Kurze, intent on putting the upstart in his place.[break][break]
Just as planned. Kurze pulled his hands back, causing the Kingambit to stumble forward. Kurze took this time to smash it in the chest with an Iron Head. As they locked up, two more blades erupted from the sides of Kurze's face. He wasted no time in using them to tear into his foe, carving into the gash his Kowtow Cleave had just opened up.[break][break]
It was over. The Kingambit had fallen, and Kurze was now its spitting image. He had evolved, triumphing over the one that had beaten him out of this territory long ago. Content, he sat atop his own mane, looking pensively down towards his nemesis.[break][break]
For a second, his crest grew a blinding white. Then, with a shrug, he dismissed it. A Low Sweep to the head was all the Kingabmit deserved.[break][break]
Content with his victory, Kurze rose to his feet. His reverberating roar echoed through the building, proof for any Pawniard and Bisharp still in the building that they were under new management.
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