The Married Life Of Immortals

Bane and Mizuage stood still, their senses heightened in the forest's growing darkness. The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the thick canopy, casting long, eerie shadows across their path. Mizuage's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, his senses attuned to any sign of danger.

"We're getting close," Mizuage whispered, his voice barely audible. "The Moonlit Glade should be just ahead. Stay alert."

Bane nodded, summoning Kyōka and Yume. The forest seemed to close in around them, the air growing colder and more still. As they moved forward, the dense trees began to thin, revealing a clearing bathed in the soft, silvery light of the rising full moon. In the center of the glade, a single flower with luminescent petals stood out—a Lunar Lotus, its glow casting an ethereal light across the clearing.

"There it is," Bane whispered, his eyes fixed on the flower. "The Lunar Lotus."

Mizuage nodded, his gaze intense. "And somewhere nearby, the Lunar Moon Beast. Be ready."

As if on cue, a low growl rumbled through the glade. From the shadows, a creature emerged, its form both majestic and terrifying. The Lunar Moon Beast stood tall, its white fur shimmering under the moonlight. A single, curved horn glowed with an otherworldly light, and its eyes, sharp and intelligent, locked onto Bane and Mizuage.

Bane's grip tightened on his weapons. "That is a lot bigger than I thought it would be... Got any plans on how to beat something like this?"

Mizuage looked over at Bane with narrowed eyes. "I will weaken its Moonlight Shade Barrier, and then you will have to sever its horn. Once that happens, the Lunar Moon Beast will enter into a new form, becoming much smaller. We will have to restrict its movements, and then land a fatal strike. Anything less will be regenerated almost instantly."

Bane nodded, taking in Mizuage's plan. He knew this battle wouldn't be easy, but with Kyōka and Yume at his side, he felt a surge of determination. "Alright, let's do this."

As the Lunar Moon Beast prowled closer, its horn glowing brighter, Mizuage sprang into action. He darted forward with astonishing speed, his sword drawn and shimmering with spiritual energy. The beast reacted swiftly, summoning a barrier of moonlight that shimmered around it like a protective shield.

Mizuage's sword struck the barrier, sending ripples of energy across its surface. He pressed on, relentless in his assault, each strike aimed at weakening the barrier's integrity. Bane watched closely, waiting for the right moment to strike.

With a sudden burst of speed, Bane leaped forward, Agarta's knives in hand. He aimed for the Lunar Moon Beast's horn, his movements swift and precise. The beast reacted with surprising agility, twisting away at the last moment. Bane's knives grazed the horn but didn't manage to sever it completely.

The beast retaliated, its glowing horn emitting a pulse of moonlight that sent Bane stumbling back. He gritted his teeth, regaining his footing as Mizuage continued to press the attack. Together, they forced the Lunar Moon Beast on the defensive, each strike weakening its barrier and wearing down its defenses.

As the battle raged on, Bane focused on the beast's movements, searching for an opening. He summoned Kyōka's power, its blade glowing with lunar energy. With a swift, well-timed strike, he aimed once more for the beast's horn, channeling all his strength and precision into the blow.

This time, Kyōka's blade sliced cleanly through the horn, severing it from the beast's head. The Lunar Moon Beast let out a deafening roar, its form shrinking and its barrier dissipating. Mizuage moved swiftly, trapping the beast in a whirlwind of spiritual energy to restrict its movements.

Bane seized the opportunity, charging forward with Yume at the ready. The illusions created by Yume danced around the beast, confusing its senses. With a decisive strike, Bane drove Kyōka into the beast's heart, channeling all his remaining mana into the blow.

The Lunar Moon Beast let out a final, mournful cry as its form dissipated into spiritual energy, dispersing into the moonlit glade. Bane and Mizuage stood panting, the intensity of the battle finally subsiding.

"Well done," Mizuage said, his voice filled with grudging respect. "You fought well."

Bane nodded, feeling a mix of exhaustion and triumph. "We got what we came for. Let's take the Lunar Lotus back to Wei Nam Lee."

Together, they carefully harvested the Lunar Lotus, its luminescent petals glowing softly in the moonlight. With the flower secured, they made their way back through the forest, navigating carefully under the watchful gaze of the full moon.

When they returned to the clearing, Wei Nam Lee was waiting, his expression one of relief and anticipation. "You've returned. And you've brought the Lunar Lotus."

Mizuage handed the flower to Wei Nam Lee, who examined it closely, nodding in satisfaction. "Good. Now we can proceed with the final phase of sealing the Nexus Tree."

As Wei Nam Lee set to work preparing the final array, Bane looked around the clearing, reflecting on the battles they had faced. Lysia joined them, her presence a calming influence amid the tension.

"We're close," Lysia said quietly, her eyes fixed on the Nexus Tree. "Once the seal is complete, the Nexus Tree's power will be contained, and we can leave."

Bane sat down where he stood, and then flopped back, the moonlight illuminating his body. Seeing this, Lysia walked over to stand over him with a knowing smile.

"Still feel like you could go another round?" She asked, but Bane just put his arm over his eyes.

"No more, Master. I was tired after the fight, but the walk back has me beat. I just want to get out of here and find somewhere to sleep. No matter how tired I am, no part of me wants to sleep here," Bane complained, and Lysia sat down beside him.

"You did good. I was concerned about you fighting the Tree Spirits, but you proved that you are adapting well to the power I gave you. I am curious to see just how strong you will become in the future," Lysia said, looking up at the stars above.