Logan chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "Oh, look who's speaking in sync now."
"They definitely practiced that," Morgan added with a smirk. The two laughed, amused and unaware of the storm about to be unleashed.
Joshua tilted his head back and let out an unhinged cackle. "Jack, do you remember what we said when we were kids? Hahahaha..."
Jack, still crying, nodded. "When and if we fight together… we should become one. We even trained out our combos…"
With a solemn yet synchronized motion, they bumped their fists together, then lowered themselves into a crouch. Their movements mirrored each other as they began a zigzag sprint toward Logan and Morgan.
Logan and Morgan assumed their kickboxing stances, ready.
Joshua reached Logan first, throwing a straight right at his face. Logan slipped it, preparing to counter but suddenly, Jack soared over Joshua's back and slammed a flying knee into Logan's face. The force launched Logan into the air before he crashed down, hard.
Morgan moved in with a roundhouse kick aimed at Jack's head, but Joshua intercepted it with his forearm. Jack retaliated with a sharp low kick to Morgan's leg, causing him to stumble. That's when Joshua's hook connected squarely with Morgan's jaw, forcing him down to one knee.
Jack grabbed Morgan's head and pulled it into a devastating knee, a sickening crunch accompanying the blood spray. Morgan's dazed gaze lifted to the sky but it didn't last. Joshua bent back, nearly touching the ground, then rocketed upward with a monstrous uppercut that sent Morgan flying high into the air.
From the sidelines, Crystal and Franciele gasped in unison. "Damn…"
Above, Jack soared again. Joshua had grabbed his arm, spun him, and launched him into the sky. Jack spun mid-air and came down like a meteor, driving a brutal axe kick into Morgan's face. Blood exploded from the impact as Morgan was hurled downwards like a missile, crashing into the ground with a bone-rattling thud. His body twitched once, then went still, eyes rolled back and form reverting.
Jack landed beside Joshua, his boots still wet with blood.
Joshua turned, grinning wildly. "Looks like there's one left, Jack. Hahahaha…"
They both set their eyes on Logan, who was crawling back, face pale with terror.
Suddenly, a white blur dashed in. Joshua was blasted off his feet by a thunderous kick, colliding with Jack as both hit the ground. Between them now stood a new figure, a tall werewolf with white hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Playtime is over," the man declared. "I'm here to take you and your sister back, Jack."
Joshua and Jack scrambled to their feet, adrenaline spiking.
"HEY, WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!!!?" Joshua shouted, laughing madly.
Jack's expression turned dark. "He's my old Muay Thai teacher. Barata. Fought in the great war. One of the 36 Heroes. Barata the Rat. Famous for… dirty tactics…"
"Who gives a shit, let's kill him!" Joshua howled.
Jack wiped his eyes. "You're right. Let's kill the bitch."
Barata cracked his neck. "You boys lost your minds. Don't worry. I'll beat the sense back into you."
They charged again in their zigzag formation. Joshua swung hard, but Barata dodged effortlessly. Jack followed with a side kick, also evaded. Barata's counter-punch landed on Joshua, sending him flying. Then he slammed his fist into Jack's ribs, making him vomit.
As Joshua tried to rush back in, Barata's axe kick landed directly on his head, driving him face-first into the ground. His werewolf form faded as he lost consciousness.
Jack staggered. "N-No…" But Barata struck again. One punch and Jack collapsed, reverting back.
Barata caught Jack by the collar.
"Oh right… The king wants your head, Jack." His free hand formed a claw. "Guess I better deliver."
Across the field, Joshua began to stir.
"No… Jack…!" he groaned, trying to rise.
But Morgan intercepted him, grabbing his arms and forcing him down, turning his head to make him watch.
"You monster!!!" Joshua screamed, powerless.
Barata chuckled, claw raised. "Didn't I say I'd bring you back to your senses? Hahahaha..."
A sudden flash of violet light halted his motion. A shimmering purple barrier pulsed between his hand and Jack's throat.
From the sidelines, Merlin stepped into the open, trembling, arms extended and glowing.
"I won't let my brother see another friend die…" she whispered, voice shaking.
Barata blinked, then smirked. "Oh? Joshua never told me he had a sister. And a pretty one at that."
He dropped Jack and began striding toward her.
"Don't you dare touch her!!!" Joshua thrashed under Morgan's grip.
Jack too began to move, slowly pushing himself toward Barata. But Logan intercepted, grabbing Jack and holding him down.
"Make him watch too," Barata giggled.
He now stood in front of Merlin, who was trembling behind her barrier. He placed his hand on it.
"This won't stop me," he said, crushing the barrier like glass.
Merlin fell back to the ground in fear.
"I'm gonna have fun with you, little witch," he purred, evil grin widening.