All-Out !

Sagus readied his sword. "Everyone, ATTACK!!" This caught the girls off-gaurd, so Sagus ended up being the first into the fight. Before he got within reach, however, Sharcha had already drawn his blades. The three swords clashed again and again, all of them going so fast, that a few streaks of light were the only clues as to thier path. As Sophie looked in her cloak for a useful catalyst, Rebecca loaded her crossbow and took aim for Sharcha's eye. But the serpentine was quick, and as soon as he heard the bow launch the arrow, he shifted his head to the side, making the arrow only bounce off his cheek.

"Dammit, his hide is too tough!" she grumbled as she readied the next bolt.

Sophie pulled out three vials, filled with liquified oxygen, oil, and phosphorus, respectively. She poured some of the contents of each into an empty tube and kept a sharp eye on the battle.

Marianne could only watch, feeling helpless, **** to help her friend. But she couldn't use her skill, not with everyone around, and not so close to a town. So, she only watched, praying for Sagus's safety.

But Sharcha would not let her prayers be answered, if he was able to. He swung his swords rapidly, always barely missing Sagus' neck or chest, as Sagus' blade always missed him. Finally, the serpentine knocked Sagus to the ground and stood over him, blades ready to strike. This was Sophie's cue! She threw the vial of mixed chemicals as hard as she could, making it shatter against Sharcha's scales. At first he was confused, but soon relaized what the plan was when he saw Sagus' lips moving silently but quickly. But, it was too late by then.

"SPARK!!!" From Sagus hand came a stream of fire. Not as large as some mages could conjure, but enough to ignite Sophie's little cocktail. Sharcha became engulfed in blue-hot flames almost instantly. He screamed in pain as Sagus stood up, resheathing his sword. Marianne laughed and ran up to Sagus.

"Sagus! You and Sophie beat him! Aren't you glad we found him now? You're heroes!!" Sagus winked at her, though she could only tell because his forehead moved slightly on one side.

"Somehow, I knew we would encounter him." Marianne went silent. Did he somehow know they would face Sharcha?

The burning snake-man screamed, still alive. Then, he laughed. "I AM NOT DEAD YET!!" He reached his fingers into a small crack in his face and pulled it open. The crack grew into a gash, then a large cut, and finally rant down his back and chest all the way around. He pulled hard one last time, sending his skin flying away in two directions, each side landing in a field on either side of the road.

And Sharcha, though now slightly lighter silver-colored, stood smiling.