We will see...

A FEW MINUTES LATER:

The trio has moved further up the cave, the thundering footsteps now quiter than before but still loud enough to warrant concern and stealth.

Kyuala checks the corner and sees a trio of guards standing with weapons sheathed however they're still a little on edge from the cave-in.

Kyuala looks back at the two and begins to lay down a plan, "Okay, Terra, what other magic do you have?".

"I have studied a multitude of schools of magic, but i've always been more adept with defence magic" Terra responds.

"Okay, good, I can work with that at least, can you hold one of the guards while John and I take the others?" Kyuala asks.

Terra flashes a grin before saying, "Oh, I can do better than just holding".

Kyuala is slightly impressed by the cockiness of the elf and decides to take a chance by saying, "Alright, John and I will move up, then, when I give you the signal, you do whatever it is that you do, got it?".

"Got it" Terra says, readying for the moment to show off her power to the duo.

Kyuala then puts her hand on John's shoulder as she says, "Take the right and i'll head left".

John nods his head, agreeing with the plan and so with the agreement, Kyuala begins to creep toward the guards but as John is about to, Terra puts her hand on his shoulder before saying, "Hey, are you sure you can, y'know, do this?".

John remains quiet for a moment before saying, "If it means saving my friends, and you, then yeah, i'll, do it, whatever it takes".

Terra is a little surprised, that worry now easing a little but still as prevalent as before as John sneaks up through the shadows as he gets beside his assigned guard.

Both are now in position as Terra gets to hers, just then, Kyuala raises her hand and then waves it downward, signalling for Terra to attack.

Terra then waves her hands around the other, a purple glow now forming around them, and then, she extends her hands forward.

The guard in the middle is then suddenly wrapped up in this purple magic, almost like a massive ribbon that wraps around his torso before growing him into the wall, meanwhile Kyuala swings with her huge axe, instantly decapitating her target whereas John has a repeat of his past attack, thrusting his sword forward, this time getting his guard in the heart, instantly killing him.

However it has the same effect of John, everything seems to stop, his ears deafen as he simply stands there holding a sword coated in blood that drips to the cold stone beneath his feet.

His eyes almost feel like they're shaking but that's when e sees Kyuala walk up and step on the knocked out guards neck, killing him with a sickening crack which brings him back out of his frozen-like state.

Just then, Kyuala walks up and gives him a pat on the arm before saying, "You're doing well, precise strikes often lead to quicker victories, well done, now, let's move these guys".

Terra walks up to the two, quickly looking at John to confirm is he's alright but he avoids her eyes as he drags his guard into the shadows.

The trio then reconverge in the middle of the room as they get ready to advance further up the cave but that's when it happens.

"HELP!"