Tender Loving Support

*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

Now that the smoke had cleared, Cyclo stood before his opponents flashing a toothy grin. Even with the bruises all over his body from the attacks of the skeletal limbs Essie had summoned, he appeared to be ready to fight once again.

"That was the most powerful poison spell I had....." Essie said defeatedly as tears filled her eyes. "I'm so sorry everyone, I thought this would end the battle...."

Cyclo fell to the ground laughing uncontrollably. Once he regained his composure, he stood back up to address the mage.

"Against an enemy as weak as yourself sweetie, it could have worked. But against me, an enemy that surpasses you in every way possible, your spell could do nothing. And I took in more than enough of your poison to prove it worthless."

"Don't sweat it Essie, it's ok." Rick said softly. "I just requested some more blue grenades that should be on their way to my helmet's inventory in five minutes. And you still have plenty of great spells to bring to the table. He talks a big game, but look how beat up he looks! I doubt he is feeling as good as he says he is."

"Thank you Rick." Essie said sweetly as she hugged him. Besides natural endorphins from the embrace, Rick felt his abilities heighten again from the power of mage's embrace. Essie then held a glowing hand over Rick before letting him go.

"I added some buffs to protect you from ice, fire, lighting, wind, poison, and Earth spells." Essie said as her heart melting smile shone once again. "They should last as long as the power up from mage's embrace. If he has any other magic that doesn't fall into those categories, I'll pull you back over here and give you buffs for those too!"

Essie began to fall again, but Rick once again caught her. He then threw down another blue grenade to restore his precious friend's strength.

"You're too kind hun, but I don't want you to overdo it." Rick said tenderly. "You've done enough, and I will make sure I make these gifts you've given me count. Alright Cyclo, I'll show you how superior Essie truly is to you!"

To be continued....