Alchemica felt the Philosopher's stone around her neck flare into life, protecting her from the oncoming grenade. She was surprised to feel a sudden wave of weakness as something impacted the second mystical barrier she had raised to protect herself form the unorthodox rounds Judgemental's men had been using. The buildings swam in her vision for a moment, then steadied.

I have to end this, I can't keep the shield up for much longer, one more of those and it's going to fall. Time for the plan.

Alchemica whirled back to face Judgemental, ignoring Dimples who was peering into the business end of her rocket launcher in confusion. The Dark Amazon was walking slowly closer, an amused expression on her face. Alchemica's lips curled in an angry sneer as she flung the orb she had been holding in her hand on the ground. The fragile crystal smashed and a sudden darkness filled the area, cutting Alchemica and Judgemental off from everyone else. The Dark Amazon paused , her eyes narrowing as she took in the shadowy walls around her.

"Nice trick, but unless you have some back up lurking in the darkness, you are just prolonging the inevitable."

"Oh I don't think so, I am getting out of here. And you!" Alchemica pointed her finger at Judgemental. "You are coming with me."

Judgemental laughed, it was  rich sound of amusement holding no mockery. "Am I now? Pray tell where do you plan on taking me, and more importantly." The Dark Amazon began to walk closer, "How do you plan on taking me anywhere I do not wish to go, I have no fear of darkness Alchemica, you might say we're old friends, the darkness and I."

Alchemica plucked a vial from her belt and quickly gulped down the contents.

"Strength potion, haven't we danced this dance before?"

"Upgrades, now we're equal. And to answer your question, we're going to Avalon bitch!" Alchemica stepped forward, feeling the new found strength fill every limb, closing the distance to her foe.

Meanwhile...

Dimples peered down the barrel of her weapon and shook her head "Iz sure I woz load this!"  She looked up as the world grew dim around her. "Huh?" Dimples tapped her ear bud, "Say...iz we expecting an eclipse?"

"No Dee, it's Alchemica, some form of magic. You need to hit her with another round." Her sister Book's voice came back over the communications device, calm and devoid of emotion.

Dimples loaded her second round, picked up the weapon and activated her sights, cycling through the modes. "I iz got nothing, starlight, I.R. zip. Now wot?"

"Alchemica is still tagged by our tracer round. Which way are you facing?"

Dee pointed, "Uh..this way?"

"Focus Dee, before it went dark, what way were you facing?"

"I woz looking at Alchemica's back." Dee's head bobbed in a nod.

"Okay, she is still in front of you then, you just need to move forward, okay Dee?"

Dimples nodded again. "Kay" she replied cheerfully. This was turning into a real fun afternoon.

But what of Alchemica..?

Alchemica and Judgemental surged back and forward, the Sorceress struggling to hold the Amazon and finish casting a portal spell. Every time she tried Judgemental would press her back or try to isolate a limb, forcing Alchemica to focus on the fight. She was beginning to realise her plan was going horribly awry.

Judgemental read that growing realization in Alchemica's eyes and smiled. "Now you know the truth, we were never equals Alchemica. I respect you, admire you in some ways but when it comes to a contest of strength, to a fight? You are not in my league, and you never will be."

"Ngghhhh, says you. " Alchemica groaned with the strain, fighting now just to keep Judgemental from locking her down in some form of sleeper hold. She was forced to retreat desperately trying to fend Judgemental off, to keep the Dark Amazon at arm's length. The battle engaged her full attention, she was trusting the darkness to keep the others out. Eyes on Judgemental, she didn't notice Dimples appear out of the gloom.

Dimples paused, watching the fight. She had a conundrum, Alchemica was really close, if she fired now, and the two combatants turned, she might hit Judgemental. Dimples pursed her lips in thought, her dark brown eyes narrowing.

"Ah Ha!" Dee exclaimed happily as an idea hit home. She engaged her weapons safeties  and quickly unloaded it, then stepped up behind Alchemica, holding the warhead like a knife. Raising it over her head she brought it down fast, aimed at Alchemica's back.

Several things happened at once. Around Alchemica's neck, the Philosopher's stone flashed yet again, sensing the metal round as it was thrust at her mistress. The metal casing dissolved.

Judgemental, who had been aware of Dimple's presence and could see her young friend's plan smiled. She grabbed Alchemica's arms and twisted then pushed them back and up.

Alchemica was forced back another step, her upper body arching backward under Judgemental's pressure. Then suddenly she felt a stabbing pain in her left shoulder. "Agghhhhh...what?"

Dimples, armed with her sister's analysis of Alchemica's defences, expected the metal casing to vanish. The only uncertainty in her head was whether the real warhead underneath, the rubber one with the special organic and plastic syringe attached, would penetrate the heroine's second layer of defences.

Dimples felt the resistance of Alchemica's spell barrier slow her strike, then let out a whoop of delight as the shield failed and she struck home, burying the needle in the heroine's back. Now the fun was about to begin...

Previously

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Mature Content