The battle began with an explosion of energy. Garrosh charged at EMI, his weight shaking the ground. Every swing of his hammer echoed like thunder, forcing EMI to dodge with precision. Meanwhile, Zarek lunged at Serena, a maniacal grin on his face, savoring the challenge she presented.
Aria, attempting to neutralize the Dark Grandmaster, summoned ghostly shadows that rose like specters around him. These figures, made of pure darkness, attacked with sinuous, lethal movements, forcing the mage to retreat and counter with explosive spells.
In the middle of it all, Alex stood frozen. The chaos around him made him feel small and useless. He watched his friends fight with everything they had, while all he could do was clench his fists, trapped in his own helplessness.
Behind him, Azrath yawned loudly, drawing his attention. The enormous pink lion, with disconcerting calm, conjured a glowing artifact that transformed into a massive pillow. With a lazy motion, the lion collapsed onto it and closed his eyes, completely ignoring the battle raging around him.
---
Shattered Pride
Alex turned toward Azrath, incredulous. "You're not going to attack me?" he asked, trying to hide the mixture of relief and humiliation he felt.
Azrath opened one eye and looked at him with boredom. "Attack you? There's no point. You have no magic, no strength, and you don't even know how to hold a sword properly."
The lion's words hit Alex like a dagger. Azrath yawned again and closed his eyes. "It would be a waste of time. Better to nap while they have their fun."
Alex clenched his jaw, feeling his pride crumble. He looked at his hands, remembering every time he had been saved by others, every time he'd felt like he wasn't enough.
---
Alex's Decision
He took a deep breath and raised his head. "So, there's no problem if I help my friends?" he asked, trying to stay composed.
Azrath, eyes still closed, replied in a tired voice. "Do what you want. It won't change the outcome."
Alex felt a mixture of frustration and resolve. If he couldn't be a strong fighter like EMI or Aria, or a strategist like Serena, then he would at least do whatever he could to be useful.
---
The Battles Continue
EMI skillfully dodged Garrosh's devastating strikes, but each block with her shield made her arms tremble under the pressure. The burly man laughed with glee, clearly enjoying every second of the fight.
"Come on, little one! I know you can do better than that," Garrosh roared, raising his hammer for a final blow.
Serena, on her end, was locked in a deadly dance with Zarek. The magic flowing from her hands summoned thorns that struck at her opponent, but Zarek seemed to move with supernatural speed, dodging each attempt effortlessly.
"This is what I love! A fight where I can kill or be killed," Zarek shouted with his usual manic smile.
Meanwhile, Aria held the Dark Grandmaster at bay. The shadows she had summoned slithered around him like snakes, but his magic was so powerful that each exchange felt like a clash of titans.
---
Alex Takes Action
Alex looked at the scene and knew he had to act. Though he didn't know exactly what to do, he ran toward EMI, who was slowly being pushed into a corner.
"Alex, what are you doing here?!" EMI shouted, blocking another massive blow from Garrosh.
"I came to help you!" he replied, though his voice trembled slightly.
"And what do you plan to do? You have no magic or weapons!"
Alex looked around and saw a pile of rubble. He grabbed a large rock and threw it with all his strength at Garrosh. Though it didn't do any real damage, it hit his shoulder, distracting him just long enough for EMI to counterattack, blasting a ray of light straight into his face.
Garrosh roared in pain and staggered back. EMI looked at Alex and smiled. "I guess that's something. Just don't die."
Alex nodded, knowing that, even if small, his contribution was a step forward. And maybe, someday, he'd find a way to be more than just a bystander in this war.