Two's Trial - Chapter 5
Well people, we've finally reached the nitty gritty stuff. Combat galore!
Last weeks was Artomis's turn, but now it's mine again. I really hope you like this one, it took me ages to get it done. I put a lot of effort to get the emotion across. I might not be nearly as good at the combat like Arti, but i feel like i did something pretty good this time around.
Anyways I'm babbling and keeping you from the story.
Enjoy!
Two's Trial
Chapter 5
I guess my performance wasn't convincing enough.
The moment we had stepped into the room I knew the jig was up. The lights went out, but thanks to my sharp eyes, I could quickly see like the lights were still on. The subsequent battle was bloody as we fought off the men intent on killing us. I guess though, master had been good at concealing his blade, none of the men in there were prepared for a dragon armed with a massive scythe.
We soon escaped from the room, master teaching me an effective, but primitive way of unlocking doors. It would be perfect when stealth was needed, but right now, I just wanted to move fast.
"Alright... I need you to tell me where the Training Grounds are... If they don't have her here, then she must not be 'ready' to display," Master asked looking up and down the stone hallway.
"Well, one is down there on the other side of the building and the other is really close by. They had them in two different areas with how many of us they had. I was kept in the closer one."
"You go to your old quarters, and I'll go to the other. Free as many as you can with that spell I taught you. Zaledrik knows what to do once you take them outside."
"Yes Master," I ran off not waiting for a reply. There just wasn't time for one. I sensed master smile and run off in the other direction. I never liked killing things, the room wasn't too bad being pitch black, hiding my victims faces, but the rabbit I had moments before almost cut in half gnawed at me. I decided stealth was my best option to avoid any unnecessary blood shed.
Even though I hated everyone who worked here, I knew not all of them did so by choice. Only a few did it because they wanted too, and those I would kill. Shyla being at the very top of my list.
I sheathed Phoenix and began my hand signs, quickly vanishing, my aura soon following. The only person now capable of seeing me was my mother, and she would by no means help my enemy.
I ran through the corridors at full pelt, ducking into corners and doorways when others came in my direction, occasionally having to perform a wall run when there was no other option.
Suddenly there was an explosion. The ground dropped out from under me, throwing me against a wall. The pain from the blow made my concentration fail, the spell vanishing and revealing me.
"Fuck..." I held my head in my hands. I could feel a heat under my palm, drawing it away to look at the red stain on my fur. "Crap I'm bleeding, damn it I can't afford this."
I managed to take my mind off the pain long enough to use a spell to heal myself. It wasn't a permanent fix, but it would stop the blood and hold back the pain. I picked myself up and resumed my run, now having to leap and slide over and under pillars and fallen walls.
Finally I arrived at the large gates that lead to my old training yard. I swallowed, not fully prepared for what lay on the other side. I sucked the fears up though preparing for what lay ahead. I didn't use the technique master had shown me. I needed to throw everyone off when the doors opened, so I used my own way.
Placing my hand on the locks, the metal quickly began to freeze. I took a deep breath and focused, drawing my hand back, before thrusting it forward.
The lock shattered from the blow, and the heavy doors didn't fare any better, blowing in and splintering, showering the area behind them with pieces of wood and dust.
I didn't wait for it to settle, and neither did those on the other side. The ring of steel was pure and true as I gripped Phoenix's hilt and drew the now precious sword. I pushed off the ground as the first combatant swung wildly at my legs, vaulting clear over him. Turning as my first foot touched the ground and slashing at his back. He screamed and fell to the ground. He wasn't dead, but he wouldn't bother me anymore. I rose Phoenix to block another attack, the parry sending embers flying from the blade. It was only afterwards did I realise this little feature was how she got her name.
After defeating a dozen men, many twice my size I turned to one that was still breathing, lifting him and propping him against a wall. He coughed up a little blood and grimaced at me.
"Where is Ono Darkfire!" I spat at him "Never heard of her," another grimace crossed his face as a trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. I sigh and focused my mind, a green glow forming around my free hand. I rose it into his vision.
"You see this, it's healing energy, If you tell me what I want to know, I'll help you."
He coughed a little more, several emotions crossing his face, one of them being fear. Fear of death no doubt, he was a coward for sure. But death was approaching fast for him, even if he did tell me I wouldn't be able to save his life. He'd lost far too much blood.
"She's... not... here," he managed between deep heavy gasps for air. That was all I got from him though. Not much use, she could be anywhere in the compound. I hope Master was having better luck.
But this also meant that I could see to some personal business. I rested the man down and left the training yard. Running through more corridors, many were swamped with trainers and trainees trying to escape. There were more explosions and the retort of gun fire as Masters comrades battled with the Sanctums guards.
I pushed and shouldered my way through the mobs, many not even noticing I was there, either that or they simply couldn't care less. I spotted a familiar corridor and pushed my way towards it. I almost fell into the dim hallway as the mob surged past. I was surprised that no one was guarding such an important area. But then again, the whole compound was evacuating, so likely anything of importance was either taken or destroyed already.
Still I couldn't take any chances.
I slowly made my way up the corridor, but stopped outside a door that was slightly a jar. My keen ears had heard something. Something like a whimper.
It was pitch black on the other side, and the door made a long groaning noise as I pushed it open, making me cringe. I looked around the dark, dank room, not seeing anything that would have made the noise I heard earlier. As I made to leave, there was a scrapping noise as something in the room shifted over the stone floor. My ears twitched as my hand rested on the doors handle, a quiet gasp as someone drew in a shallow breath touched my ears. Someone was hiding in here. I turned and walked slowly into the room, my eyes soon adjusting to the darkness, to see a small grey and white wolf cowering in the corner, trying to make himself as small and harmless as possible.
A memory jolted into my mind, me, doing exactly the same thing after having broken a pot. Trying to hide from an impending punishment. He cowered, shaking, trying to hide the best he can, trying to shrink back further into the corner as I approached.
I crouched down in front of him a gentle smile on my muzzle.
"Hey there," I said, my voice nothing more than a whisper. I reached out to place a hand on his arm for comfort, and felt him flinch away. A small tear ran from the corner of my eye. His trainer had him scared half to death of another's touch. Even if this place continued he would be no use as a slave, no one would want to buy a scared little pup like him.
"It's ok little one, I wont hurt you," he peaked at me from behind his fluffy tail. "I used to train here, I was just like you not so long ago."
He still looked unsure, his eyes darting between mine and my swords hilt. I Smiled and removed the harness, pushing the sword a slight distance away. Far enough to calm him, close enough to be in easy reach in case of a surprise. It seemed to work.
"You... you used to be here too, like me?"
"Yes, and I was bought too," he seemed confused at this.
"Then... why are you here? Why are you disobeying your master?"
"I'm not little one, I'm following his orders. My master is one of the kindest, gentlest and compassionate masters you could ever ask for. He is never violent, never shouts, he is just..."
I stopped myself, I was gushing, I couldn't help it. Master Taithar was just such a wonderful person to be with. I extended my hand to him.
"Come with me, I'll take you away from this horrible place," a nearby explosion shook the room, making a few pieces of masonry fall from the ceiling. He eyed my hand, as I could hear the stones shifting above me as more explosions rocked the room.
Time was up, I couldn't wait any more.
"Come!" I grabbed hold of him and my sword whisking him from the room as the ceiling came down. I doubled over in the hallway coughing dust from my lungs. The little Wolf clung tight to me, clearly he was scared.
"What's... your name... little one," I managed.
"Iruto... what's yours?"
"Sunette," I replied. I was surprised he still remembered his name. He must have only been young, probably 8 or 9, 10 at most. "Well Iruto, stay close to me, and I promise you nothing bad will happen to you."
He looked nervous, but quickly nodded when some nearby gun fire echoed down the hallway. I scooped him up in my arms and ran as fast as I could, practically sliding around corners as I sprinted down the last leg.
"Hold on!" I shouted to Iruto as I formed some hand signs. Just metres from the door, we both vanished, the wood splintering and moments later us both appearing on the other side. I looked around the large area that was the Mandrakes quarters.
"Well, well, well, look who came crawling back," The voice seemed to have no origins, coming from every where and nowhere at the same time. I let Iruto slip from my arms and ushered him behind me. He gripped tightly to my Kimono.
"Stay here," I whispered to him, moving further into the room.
"Brave coming here on your own pup," the last word was said with such malice I could feel it pulse through the room. "I would have expected you to stay with you master."
Shyla came into view, her hands at her sides, one holding something, I couldn't quiet tell what though at the time. She had changed from our prior meeting, now wearing dark black leather armour. Anyone else would become smug, thinking that she was no risk wearing such light armour. But I knew better, pricking my ears up and putting all my senses on alert.
"You think I didn't know who you were the moment I laid eyes on you? For sure I never expected a former slave to willingly return, but your file was the most interesting I had read. I must of read it several times. Oh yes, I knew who you were the moment you stepped into the compound."
Shyla smiled and tugged on what could only be a chain, dragging a snow white Wolfess into view. A think metal collar where the chain held tight adorned her neck, and her hands where shackled behind her back.
"Adiannon, I would like you to meet Sunette," Shyla was trying hard to keep her voice from breaking with the sheer rage she had. The Wolfess lifted her gaze from the ground, staring straight at me, her eyes suddenly going wide. I was slightly confused.
"KiLia, my little KiLia, is that you?" I didn't know what this woman was talking about, I had never seen her in my life. Although something felt familiar about her. Oddly her eyes had the same green luminance as my own, and her aura felt similar too.
"I... I don't know... you," I stammered, a feeling of dread beginning to settle on my shoulders.
"KiLia, it's me, it's your Mother!"
Phoenix clattered to the ground as she slipped from my hand.
"M... mother?"
"Yes KiLia," a tear streaked down her cheek as she lent forward, straining against her bonds.
"Isn't it touching, mother and daughter, reunited at last," Shyla lifted her hand, a blue light emanating from her fingers. Mother turned her head, and gasped.
"No... no, no, no, please anything but this! Anything!" she was panicking as her bonds fell to the floor. "Don't make me do this! Please!"
"You don't get to decide Adiannon, Now kill her!" Shyla growled, a very un-rodent like gesture.
Adiannon was devastated.
Her most precious thing in the world was being taken from her.
"It's time Adiannon, give me her," She looked up into the dark grey furred Wolf. She subconsciously held a little tighter to her daughters shoulders. "I'm sorry, but this was our agreement, I give you amnesty in exchange for your child. I was generous enough to give you till she was 5 years old before I took her, now the time has come."
"Please..." her voice was a whisper. "Please anything else, I love her too much."
"I'm sorry, but this is not negotiable, you signed the contract, gave me your word..."
"One more year, please, just one more."
He looked down at her, before letting out a long sigh as he shook his head.
"No," he gestured as two others came forward, one taking hold of her arms as the other pulled the young cub from her grasp.
"Nooooo!" she screamed, fighting against her captor.
"Momma!" the girls cheeks were soaking with her tears as she reached in vainly for her. Adiannon broke free and rushed forward managing to embrace the cub one, last, time.
"Stop," the grey Wolf said as the men drew weapons. "Let them be."
She hugged her only child tightly, whispering in her ear.
"It's ok sweetheart, everything will be ok."
"I don't wanna go, I don't wanna. I... I'll be good, I promise, just don't make me go!"
"Shhhh," she cradled the sobbing cubs head against her chest. "We'll meet again little one, I promise."
The cub kept sobbing, as she was dragged back, Adiannon's arms held tightly behind her as she was forced to her knees.
"Momma! Please!"
"Don't forget me KiLia, remember all I taught you, and most of all, remember your name!"
I looked on in horror as my mother was forced to lunge forward at me.
I shoved Iruto to the side as she collided with me. I exhaled explosively as we tumbled to the floor. I managed to throw her off me and roll to where my sword had fallen as Shyla made my mother reach for one of her own and a dagger hanging on a wall.
I brought Phoenix up just in time to parry an intended blow to the head, sparks and embers flying from the blades.
"Run, I... can't stop... myself!"
"I won't leave you again Mother!"
"You'll die though! This charm cannot be broken, and Shyla won't let you near her," I struggled to hold the opposing sword back. Mothers strength was incredible, I had to call up my already flagging reserves just to fight a losing battle.
"There has to be a way!" I managed to stand up slightly, pushing back as much as I could. Mothers eyes darted between me and Shyla.
"Kill me."
"What?"
"Kill me, it's the only way to get to her."
"No... I won't... I can't!" Tears we starting to fall down my cheeks, I knew she was right.
"Please KiLia, I've killed too many under Shyla's control, please, end my suffering."
"Enough!" Shyla made a sharp gesture and mother was forced to throw me off balance. I stumbled backwards towards a wall, mother lunging forward with the dagger.
I acted faster than I could think, side stepping and grabbing mothers hand taking hold of the dagger and spinning us around, using mothers momentum to push her into a wall and drive the dagger into her stomach.
She gasped as the blade hilted itself in her gut and she slowly slid to the floor, red already staining her fur and running from the corner of her mouth. Everything seemed to slow to a crawl as I dropped to my knee's next to her. She lifted a hand to my cheek, the charm being broken.
She smiled gently, her eyes shining, looking glassy.
"Thank you, Daughter."
"Please Momma, don't die, just hang on," I was already calling upon healing energies, pressing my hand to her chest. But she pulled it away and held onto it tightly.
"No, don't, let me be."
"I can't let you die mother!"
"Don't worry, we'll see each other again."
Tears had soaked my cheeks as I dipped my head. Her eyes were fluttering as she struggled against the inevitable. Her breaths were slow and deep, her smile warm and gentle.
"Now you have my gift KiLia, my... Daughter..."
"Momma? Momma no! Stay with me... please!"
Her last breath left her slowly as she closed her eyes, slipping a little further down the wall, her grip on my hand relaxing.
"Nooooo!"
"Pathetic," I looked over towards Shyla, as everything returned to normal, my eyes burning with rage and fury. Several explosions rocked the room as I stood from my mothers limp body. "She was definite I'll give her that, fought me every step of the way."
"You... will pay," I whispered, my fists clenching tight, my claws drawing blood. I didn't register it at the time, but there was a strange new power running through my veins. Like nothing I had felt before.
"What was that whelp? Speak up so I can hear you girl!"
"I'll kill you!" I screamed, leaping at her with a speed I had never known I possessed. Shyla didn't have time to react as my fist connected with her gut, sending her flying backwards into a wall. I felt magic swell from her as she managed to cushion the impact enough not to kill her. She ducked as my other fist flew at her head, obliterating the stone behind her. She vanished in a blur, appearing on the other side of the room, panting heavily.
"Missed me," she smirked, whipping a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth.
I turned towards her, feeling a pent up energy release inside me. I couldn't see them myself, but Iruto later said it looked like I had wings of flaming blue and red energy, the shape he said reminded him of a dragon. I looked closely at Shyla, making my way forward slowly. Panic was clear in her eyes as she searched the room for something, anything, to assist her.
As I stepped forward, I don't know what it was but some form of energy surrounded my body, making loose pieces of stone float off the ground. I reached the middle of the room and stopped, crouching down to pick Phoenix off the floor. The blade began to glow with a gentle red as I resumed my slow, methodical, pace forward.
Shyla was scared shitless. Her tail was between her legs, and her knees held closely together as she shook, rooted to the spot with shear fear. I reached her, and without warning, grabbed tight hold of her throat, lifting her slightly off the ground. She clutched at my arm, trying in vain to free herself as I held her off the ground, sword pointed down.
"You don't deserve a quick death," I whispered, not looking at her face. "But I'll get over it."
I didn't wait for a reply, lifting the swords tip and driving it through her chest. She let out a choked gasp, before going limp. In her final act, she managed to plaster a sneer on her muzzle, like she had still won.
Phoenix came free, the rats blood spattering across the floor and dripping from the soaked steel as I dropped her to the ground, feeling suddenly empty as I slunk to the floor. I looked vacantly over to my mothers body, managing to summon the strength to crawl over to her and pull the dagger from her. Some where off in the distance were more dull explosions, as Masters companions fought with the Sanctums far out matched guards. I could barely feel a thing as some one shifted in the corner of my vision, a touch on my arm feeling like nothing more than a gentle breeze.
"I did it Momma," I whispered, cupping her cold cheek in a shaking hand. A few tears streaking my already soaked cheeks. "I made her pay for what she did to you. You can rest in peace now."
I curled up next to her, feeling something warm trickle down my chest and soak into my Kimono as everything went black.