The roar of the engine and the thunder of the passing wind drowned out the cries of his assailants as they tailed close behind with increasing speed. The surrounding terrain, with steep hills and deep gorges, made it an ideal place for an ambush. It was near impossible to maintain speed on the rough landscape, which made Fade all the more prepared for this chase to end in hand-to-hand combat. Off in the distance about several kilometers away he saw his destination in the outline of a city. Dragging innocent civilians into his dilemma would be pointless; besides, Fade couldn't afford to draw any more attention to himself than he already had. In one fluid motion, Fade leapt backwards off the motorbike whilst still in motion and landed successfully. He walked towards the bike, now flipping through the air in an uncharacteristic manner, and upon the final turn it quickly morphed to that of a large sword as it planted itself hilt up into the ground. The sifting gravel alerted Fade to the arrival of his pursuers and as he took his blade in hand, he turned to face them.
Chimeras. Three of them; the largest of which approached Fade cautiously as the creature transformed into its human shape. The resemblance between both forms was astonishing. The man's mane of hair not unlike that of his Chimera form, along with the razor sharp teeth and deep crimson eyes. Fade poised himself in his battle stance, sensing any sign of movement from the two remaining Chimera while never severing his gaze from the leader. The Chimera man hissed with a forked tongue disapprovingly.
"Got no where left to run to, boy... You think you can fight us?" He jerked his head as he motioned at Fade's sword, a malicious smile crossing his already grotesque face.
Fade merely gazed on, never wavering to the Chimera's words. "I've got somewhere to be. Let's get this over with."
The crude smirk disappeared from the Chimera man's face instantly and moments later the other two leapt into battle. Fade evaded the attack, his movements swift despite his hefty weapon. The leader, having returned to his bestial form, charged toward Fade as he bypassed his stumbling comrades; Fade raised his sword vertically as it acted as a shield against the indignant advances of the Chimera. A clawed hand pushed down upon the blade attempting to break through Fade's defenses, to which the latter immediately swung the blade to knock the adversary away. The chimeras now stood, progressing steadily towards Fade in a line, each rearing their malformed heads to intimidate him. Fade's eyes shifted calmly from one to the other, his mind reeling as his senses were put on high alert.
And then, quite suddenly, it happened. An inexplicable yet prominent pain stabbed at Fade's head accompanied with a burning sensation in his left eye. The intensity of throbbing pressure nearly blinded him and he was forced to drop his guard. Dammit! Of course now, of all times, it decides to act up! The cackling of the chimeras only added to the agony and try as he might to mask the pain, Fade was reduced to one knee as he desperately clutched the left side of his face. As if the pain was not enough, a small but wicked voice echoed in his mind, tempting him with such dark enthusiasm to outright slaughter his opponents.
The voice of the leader thundered through heavily filtered sounds of monstrosity. "Not so menacing now, aren't you?"
Kill him!!
No! Dammit... get lost!
She smelled them before she saw them. Their stench was pungent and stale, so much so, that it near burned her nose. Her mind raced with the probable creature to whom the smell could belong to, but none came to mind. Who were these creatures trespassing on her family's territory?
ReplyDeleteAs she neared the source another scent enveloped her senses. It was unfamiliar...tainted with an unmistakable scent of darkness.
She arrived at a ledge high above the fray and quickly assessed the situation; three aggressors, one civilian. She was at a tactical advantage by having the element of surprise but she was outnumbered. But she had faced worse odds.
Without further hesitation she launched herself off the cliff, her eyes focused solely on her target, the largest of the creatures. Just as she approached the ground, she drew her weapon with lightning speed and before the creature could sense her approach, she struck.
It fell quickly,her blade finding no resistance even as it cut through the bone of its neck. She turned ever so slightly, her eyes quickly scanning the condition of the male. He was in severe pain but she noted no physical wounds from him. . . that was good, now she just needed to get rid of the others.
She turned her attention back to the other two, they seemed hesitant to attack, their eyes betraying a fear she knew all too well in her enemies.
"This does not concern you, Valkyrie!" One of them sneered, stepping forward and holding his head high in an attempt to intimidate her.
"You made it my concern when you trespassed my lands and attacked this man. Now, you may leave peacefully. . . or you can feel my wrath."
They snickered at warning, both of them thinking that she would be easily taken down. Their underestimation will cost them dearly.
The two split up, each coming at her from either side. She blocked the attack on her right with her blade while catching the other in her hand. She twisted the creatures arm until she heard the familiar sound of bone snapping. It reared its ugly head, its fangs bared at her as if to strike but added pressure to the broken limb caused it to screech in pain instead. It stumbled back away from her, giving her the opportunity to turn her attention back to her other agressor, only to find he had disappeared. Instinctively she turned to the male she was protecting to make sure he was not harmed but much to her surprise she found him standing, if he was in pain he did not show it anymore in the depths of his eyes.
"Are you alright?" Her body stayed primed and ready for an attack. Her eyes kept track of the enemy's movements to escape just as the other had. Surely it would be back, and with reinforcements. Though she knew she could easily take on all the opponents they threw at her, her main objective was to get the civilian out of harms way.
"We have to get out of here quickly, are you alright enough to walk?" But again, he didn't answer her. The fact that his features betrayed naught a single emotion alerted Caspia that this was no ordinary citizen. She knew already he was not of wolfen descent, that much was obvious; but then who was he? And why did he have these . . . beasts. . after him?
Something didn't seem right, but she found her instincts compelling her to protect him. Something inside her told her he was a familiar, someone she knew. . . And by the way his gaze never left her own, she knew he did too.
He shifted his gaze away from the woman's and towards the adversary. His eyes scanned their movements but his mind was elsewhere, fixated on the fierce eyes of his comrade that he had gazed upon moments before. The ambitious blue of her eyes reminded him of the waters that washed upon the shores of his home over a thousand years ago... no, in fact, in addition to this, those eyes were much more familiar on a deeper level than any corporeal experience on this planet... How and why Fade felt this way about the woman he could not determine and decided it best to ponder over it further after the immediate threat was taken care of.
ReplyDeletePushing the echoes of pain into the back of his mind, Fade rushed forward; the chimera to his left pounced for the kill as he approached. Fade swung the full length of the blade, keeping the other from striking, and knocked his assailant away. His blade held perfectly horizontal, Fade felt a sudden push on top of the sword as the valkyrie used his weapon to launch herself into the air towards the chimera he'd kept at bay. She flipped over the creature, her weapon slicing into the chimera as she came back around to land and Fade watched as it split into two perfect halves. He turned in time to see the last chimera begin to flee; the valkyrie hurled her weapon as she caught the creature at the tail, pinning it to the ground. Fade leapt and drove the sword with both hands straight into the back of the chimera's head. He removed his bloodstained sword from the carcass, reached down for the valkyrie's weapon, and tossed it back to her which she caught with ease.
"Thank you," she said, watching Fade intently. He merely nodded in return and made to leave.
"Why were these chimeras after you?" she bellowed after him.
Fade glanced behind him, avoiding the valkyrie's gaze. "I trespassed their territory."
"We'd have been fighting an entire horde if that were the case. They've been hunting you for a while now, haven't they?"
He remained silent, slightly astonished she'd been able to ascertain his situation so quickly... as well as slightly impressed. If the circumstances were different, he was sure she'd make a great comrade... but he couldn't afford to drag anyone else into his dilemma. He'd be damned before more people died because of him.
"Thanks for your help," was his reply as he tossed his weapon which instantly morphed back into his motorcycle, ready and waiting to take off any moment. He mounted the bike and revved the engine, barely able to make out the valkyrie's words that would make him freeze altogether.
"Have we met before?"
It was that one haunting question that had him finally lock eyes with the blue haired woman. That feeling of familiarity had been mutual, apparently, as it now hung like an annoying cloth over the both of them. Able to see one another but the clarity was impaired and hung heavy upon them both as though their instincts screamed the answer to deaf ears. His intrigue in this woman could not be helped; truly, he wanted to answer that he had met her once before, when in fact Fade knew he never had in living memory. So what was this haunting affinity, this somewhat yearning, associated with the valkyrie?
Fade must have gazed upon the woman for eons before he recalled the emergence of his goal to reach the city. It was a slow pull, as though it had to force Fade to part ways with her, and its painful call compelled him to look away.
"No," Fade answered, gradually releasing his hold on the clutch. It was all he could say and, whether it was the truth or otherwise, he nonetheless had to press forward alone.
"Wait." The roar of the engine pounded into her ears. Or was that the sound of the blood rushing to her ears?
ReplyDelete"I have no time for games Valkyrie." Neither did she, but this wasn't a game, was it? Somehow this stranger was. . . more. They had to have met somewhere, even if just for a short time. There was no way she could have conjured these "feelings" out of her own imagination.
But she knew she wasn't going to get anything out of him, not right now anyways. So, she turned her curiosity to another subject, in hopes of keeping him close even for a little while longer.
"What business do you have in that city?"
A deep part of her wished he would turn his gaze to hers, just to see those striking eyes bear into her like before. But the only thing she could sense was the growing agitation she was causing him.
He took a frustrating breath before he answered her. '"That is none of your concern." He made a move to drive off but Caspia wasn't having any of it. She stood firmly in front of his bike, her hands steady and firm against the glass frame.
"It is when you are in these lands." Well, in truth, it wasn't. She had no true right to keep him detained here. . . and she knew it, then why was she?
Enough Caspia, she thought to herself. You mustn't let emotions get the better of you.
"Move out of my way. I do not wish to harm you." That voice, the deep rasp of it could chill her to her bones.
Everything he did screamed at her to see something she couldn't. It was the first time she didn't feel in control, and she didn't like it.
With all the internal strength she possessed, Caspia moved out of the way without another word.
The male inclined his head subtly before kicking off the brakes and gunning it down the path towards the city. She should have let him go, just like that. She should have walked away and returned to patrolling the boundaries of her families land ,but for some godsforsaken reason, Caspia found her self following the stranger.
The lines on the road swayed from side to side in almost a metronome manner and more than once Fade considered pulling over or turning around. This longing, this pain of something suddenly missing from his life was beyond unbearable for he had never experienced such strong responses before. The pounding of his heart was so powerful it was near suffocating and his limbs were beginning to go slack underneath the pressure of it all. No matter how hard he set his sights on his current destination, the waves of deep ocean blue eyes and equally cyan, flowing hair consumed Fade's thoughts. Why was this happening? Who is that woman?
ReplyDeleteThe motorbike accelerated; the valkyrie was a serious distraction and the more distance he put between the two of them, the better. The harsh winds filled Fade's ears, its volume powerful enough to ignore the inexplicable and infernal instincts to return to the girl. The mountainous buildings grew larger the faster he approached, dwarfing the hills and suburban areas surrounding the city. The first of many small business buildings bordered the road until Fade finally reached the heart of the industrial empire, indicated as such with a monument of a fountain that served as a roundabout.
Fade dismounted his vehicle as he reached the center, sheathing the device once regaining it's blade semblance. Onlookers ducked their heads as he passed and some envious eyes bore into Fade's back but otherwise he continued his trek without conflict. Although his ears rung from the wind and the roar of the engine, that sinking pit of loss was already attempting to steal Fade's attention and thus he willed himself to focus on the signs as his pace increased marginally.
He traversed down the long avenue for so long that the thought of having bypassed it elicited a pang of annoyance. Fade reached the last intersection, his patience warring on it's last thread, when it came into view. The archaic neon sign bearing the name of a jeweler's store flickered brightly, even in the middle of the afternoon. The display windows were dark, some of which were devoid of any jewelry, but there was no mistaking it.
Fade grasped the handle of the rotted wood door when something caught his eye in the reflection of the door's scratched, browning window. He glanced over his shoulder, staring for several seconds at the approximate spot he saw the movement. His heart hammered maniacally and Fade turned back his sights toward the door with a sneer. Now was the worst time to start having hallucinations, especially of images of graceful blue...
The door squealed open, illuminating the musty front room of empty display cases and creaky floorboards. The faded and dirty glass most harshly reflected the light and it was only by the sound of shifting floorboards that alerted Fade he was not alone.
ReplyDelete"I take it you're not here to buy jewelry?" came a smooth, groveling voice from behind the counter of display cases. Blinded by the reflected light, Fade could not discern the man's appearance. It wasn't until the door whined shut did he also realize the ringing in his ears was still very much prevalent and thus couldn't hear that the man had moved to close it.
"If you know why I'm here then we can skip the pleasantries," Fade replied, blinking to help adjust to the lack of light. He turned towards the man, now standing against the door, as he noted the uncanny color the "jeweler's" hair was to that of the bleak and dusty room. It was almost impossible to tell them apart.
"Oh, I know more than just why you're here... Atlantian." The accompanying sneer was all too visible even with the bright spots in Fade's vision.
Fade narrowed his eyes, his stance cool yet defensive in respect to the other man. "You're not the only knowledgeable one, Samael Evensin."
The man called Samael barked in laughter and somehow, even if for a fraction of a second, the room became a whole shade darker than before. "Indeed. Let's conduct our business then, shall we?"
Caspia turned the corner cautiously, her eyes searched for any signs of the blonde male before approaching the shop he had gone into.He'd almost seen her. . . something that wasn't common to the young Valkyrie. In a way, it only proved to lure Caspia further into the mystery that was behind those clear blue eyes.
ReplyDeleteShe made her way towards the window of the shop just in time to see her mysterious male disappear behind a curtain at the back of the shop. All rationale told her to turn back and leave him alone to his business. It was none of her concern what happened to him or what he did, and despite all reasoning, Cas found herself going around back and climbing up onto the roof. Her eyes focused on a ventilation chute. As she closed in, she began to hear their voices coming through. Perfect. . .
"Now, Fade, tell me. . . How's your. . . condition been lately?" The unknown males voice echoed with sarcasm. Condition? What condition?
"I'm not here for small talk, Evensin. Can you help or not."
There was a pause, a faint sound of glass rubbing together before an "Ah ha" sounded from the other male.
"Sure thing, I've got just the stuff you need." Well. . . that did not sound good at all. And as if to prove her point, a loud sound of something breaking followed by a crashing thud and the sound of a struggle.
It spurred her into action. Whatever feeling just bloomed in the pit of her stomach had Caspia drawing her weapon ready to dash inside only it wasn't necessary. Behind her, the sound of a crashing door and screams brought her full attention. For whatever reason she couldn't think of, Caspia ran to the source and spotted her target. Her eyes flickered only briefly to the ,now disoriented, male she'd been trailing before she was in front of the adversary, deflecting his attack. His eyes showed only momentary surprise before he quickly regained his composure to strike again. Caspia parried his attacks, duly focused on the enemy's movements, that she didnt sense her male behind her. Before she knew it, she was pulled back, the male blocking another attack before adressing her.
"Leave now. I do not need your assistance."
Cas blinked up at him and frowned, "I dont beleive I need your permission to protect innocent civilians. The moment this fight became public was the moment I became involved." She stared defiantly at him. Yes...it was a lie... But it was better than telling him she had, for some insane reason, decided to follow him like a lost pup. Damn it, Cas. . . What are you doing?
He shoved her aside as Samael advanced with a fiery fist, blocking its path with his large sword seamlessly. The slight protests of the valkyrie could be heard for only a moment before she fell silent and leapt back into the fray. Fade was halfway somewhere between sneering and grinning.
ReplyDelete"Eyes focused, Atlantian!"
Fade shifted his gaze back to Evensin in time to see another whirling elemental attack coming his way. He ducked, feeling the embers graze his face and sear the ends of his hair, and he reeled from the force of it in such a closed distance. Out of sight, Fade could hear the jeering proclamations of success from the foolhardy merchant. The Atlantian gripped the hilt of his sword; if he was quick enough, Fade could have that son of a bitch's head flying several yards off into the bustling streets below...
He had to blink when the sound of a body collapsing met his ears. Fade turned his sights back to his adversary, having been knocked unconscious and lying lamely on the rooftop. The valkyrie huffed.
"It seems you are never without a moment where a fight occurs, isn't it?" she jibed, switching her gaze back to Fade with almost an amused grin lining her lips. After several seconds, her tone became more somber as she asked, "Are you alright?"
Fade did not acknowledge her question, did not even meet her gaze for his was solely preoccupied with the unconscious, pathetic merchant. He couldn't deny that what he'd thought earlier about how to settle the duel perturbed him. It seemed pain was starting to become less of a prerequisite to his condition and that was admittedly more frightening than anything.
Fade's eyes immediately locked onto the valkyrie's when she dared a step closer to him. "Why are you following me?"
She blinked, aghast. "I'm not-"
"I'm not interested in excuses, valkyrie," he snapped, finally feeling that slight twinge of pain in his eye. No... they were started to become more frequent...
The valkyrie held her head up high, suddenly indignant. "You refuse to give me straight answers and yet you expect such from me?"
"This isn't a game; I don't want you involved."
"I'm afraid it's far too late for that, Atlantian," she sniped. Her face softened, slightly. "... You truly are one... aren't you?"
Fade could've cursed the gods and all of humanity then, and he would've, because this was the farthest thing in the entire universe that he wanted to have happen. Instead, he took a deep breath before replying, "Yes."
The look on the valkyrie's face turned incredulous, no doubt at having at last received an honest answer from him. She was at a loss for words, allowing Fade enough time to assess the situation. He found, however, that his eyes perused the valkyrie almost dream-like, taking in every beautiful feature and flaw that jumped out at him. He had to turn his head when he realized he was especially fixated on the young woman's lips.
She seemed to have noticed, perhaps. Almost timidly, she asked, "... What's your name?"
Fade's eyebrows drew together; of all the things she could've asked and she chose his name. He was certain that her presence here could only mean that she had been eavesdropping on his conversation with Samael. She could've heard a multitude of different things, far more pertinent and vital than her inquiry... Fade searched between each of her bright, ocean blue eyes for... something. He wasn't quite sure what. What trick could she possibly pull by knowing his name?
Although somewhat disgruntled, he nevertheless decided there was no malicious intentions behind her request. "Fade. My name is Fade."
ReplyDelete"Fade..." she repeated, her gaze severing from his. After a contemplative moment, the valkyrie returned her sights to Fade as she said, "I'm sorry, it's just... you are certain we've never met before?"
Fade said nothing. Every molecule in his being wanted to say yes, but he knew, in every moment and aspect of his life, that Fade should not and did not know this woman. She took his silence to mean something else.
"Oh yes, how rude, forgive me. I'm Caspia Akuma. I had assisted you with the chimeras because you had entered into my family's land."
Caspia... The Atlantian had to shrug off an ethereal wave of familiarity that washed over him at the sound of her name. It was becoming more annoying than anything. "Does your territory extend all the way to heart of city as well?"
"I admit I was out of line following you here-"
"Then I don't see why this conversation need continue."
"- But I do not believe it was altogether the wrong thing to do," Caspia finished as though he had not spoken. "Whether you meant it or not, I am involved now and I don't intend for you to cast me aside when I can see you feel the same as I. For some reason... I feel like I know you. And anything you say can't convince me otherwise."
Fade turned his gaze away from Caspia, finding himself fighting off a grin as it threatened to show. She was perceptive and stubborn and this... feeling shared between them only seemed to pull them together stronger. It was becoming clearer and clearer to the Atlantian that this was no simple act of fate.