The troupe continued towards the summit. This was indeed the longest battle they had ever fought, save maybe the battle in The Grindery seven years ago. At least the creatures in there died. Whether Animaxus would be harder than Ghaleon was soon to be found out.
Finally, after hours of grotesque combat, they had reached the summit. The air up there was more stagnant than ever. The summit seemed to be shaped in the demonic sign of a pentagram. There was a river of blood that flowed from the summit, out onto the rest of the island. And in the center of that was Animaxus. He sat on a throne of dead bodies; still decaying, rotting bodies. Luna couldn't help but cringe at the sight.
Animaxus was an old necromancer around his 60's (though you can never tell how old a necromancer really is). He was leaning his chin on his hand, that rested on the arm of his throne. He was wearing an obsidian robe with the sign of the pentigram embroidered in the center. Around his neck wore a cape, that was the color of blood.
Animaxus slowly rose from his throne. "Welcome my soon to be disciples; you have defeated many of my minions, but that can be forgiven." Animaxus picked up a goblet and dipped it into the river of blood. "Drink of the blood, and join me in eternal damnation!"
Kyle, with his sword ready, charged Animaxus. "I'd rather die than drink that blood!"
Animaxus gave a sardonic smile, and outstretched his arm toward Kyle. "That can easily be arranged," and with a brisk movement of his hand, threw Kyle into the river.
"Kyle, no!" Jessica ran to the river where her husband had been thrown, but it was too late. He was already nowhere to be seen, under the demonic river. She started to weep, but then stood up. "You bastard!" she screamed at the necromancer, who was grinning sardonically.
"You're a feisty one," Animaxus finally said, "I like that in a woman. Why don't you become my queen, and rule all of the Undead world." He reached out his hand, beckoning her to come.
"Who in their right mind would want to marry you! I've seen better looking boars!" Jessica was now back in combat position, ready to rejoin the rest of the party.
Animaxus' smile now turned into a frown. His patience was growing thin. "If your so loyal to your husband, then why don't you join him!" Animaxus quickly raised his hands, and his cape started to flap upward in a breeze that seemed to come from the ground. Animaxus jerked his hand toward Jessica and she was thrown upward, being suspended by the same black wind.
Alex turned around briefly at the others and said, "We got to save her, c'mon!" They all ran at Animaxus, Mia and Nash chanting spells.
Animaxus turned his head toward them. He no longer looked remotely human. His eyes were glowing in a very empty, soulless, black color. His mouth was wide open, showing a pair of razor sharp fangs.
Animaxus thrust his other hand towards them and grunted. "Gyaaaah! Now your turn!" The black wind thrust everyone else into the air.
Alex felt his strength draining away from him, but managed to ask, "You're no ordinary necromancer are you?"
Animaxus started to grin again. "That's right Dragonmaster. I'm a vampire, a very powerful vampire. Master Terranox promised me I could stalk the Dark Earth for all eternity, if I help him. Soon I will be able to walk freely, without having to worry about the sun ever again!" Animaxus started to laugh maniacally, "And you are just one step closer to that goal, prepare to be totally drained of your life-force and soul! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"
Luna knew she had to think fast, if she didn't everyone would die. So he's a vampire? she thought. If I could bring the light here somehow.
That's when it hit her. She remembered when Jessica cleansed the souls of the undead. She remembered how the evil was negated, and the pure soul was in the form of a bright light. If she could somehow call them back here to fight this vampiric madman. She tried to concentrate, and somehow reach the souls they had saved.
Luna started to concentrate harder. If anyone can hear me, please help us. Animaxus stole your souls, don't let him steal anymore! Aid me! Give me your light, your power!
A subtle glow started to radiate from Luna. The light grew larger, and brighter. Animaxus was starting to worry. "What are you doing! Turn that light off now!" His screams were meaningless, his powers over Luna decreasing because of her aura.
A faint smile crossed Alex's face. There was finally hope in defeating Animaxus. "I don't know what you're doing Luna, but keep it up. For the sake of Lunar, keep it up!"
Luna did not hear her husband's encouragement's, she was too deep in concentration. The light was bright, but not bright enough; she needed more souls to aid her assault. C'mon, we're almost there. All those souls lost to Animaxus, come clean; break free of your evil prisons.
The aura around Luna was larger, but still not large enough, she had to concentrate more. All the souls in Heaven, join our assault, your holy presence is the only thing that can stop Animaxus! Help me, help-----me!
Like an Arrow from Heaven, a pillar of light shot from the sky, onto Luna. Luna spread her arms, and accepted the light.
Animaxus started to below screams, that didn't resemble a human's.
"Aaaahhhhh! The light, the burning light!" Animaxus tries to cover his face, but there was no retreat from the light.
"How can this be; I thought you lost all of your powers of a goddess! Terranox, I have failed yooooouuuuuu! Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Animaxus' screams ended in an explosion of fire, and the necromancer was no more.