A Crimson Tale

by K. L. O Johnson

  Teeth bared…curdling scream…lengthy black tongue.

  A demon, sits high above the branches on all four legs, positioned as if it were sitting like a greyhound. It jumps and heads right for me. I quickly jump out of the way as a loud cracking and crashing sound greets my ears. I feel the need to kill the demon but glance back at it after, I spin around in a kneeling position. Dante and Augustine leap towards to the demon, swords drawn and shields extended. They battle the demon, its claws are extended and screeches once more, Dante slices at its ankles while Augustine leaps and severs its shoulder—blood spurs—he tumbles forward and lands on the opposite side of the thick leaves.

  I move to help but Dante’s voice breaks through, “Stay back! You haven’t fully recovered!” he yells and I fight the urge to bite my bottom lip—I was scolded often at a young age for doing that, it was known to be unladylike—though now I feel utterly helpless. I then realize that the others may have had contact with the demons, I pull up my forearm and slide my fingers along the armor’s exterior. A holographic screen is displayed by my new PCP I can’t help but feel slightly sad that I have a new once as I was attached to the one before. “Commander Nindo. Requiring assistance, over.” I speak.

  Silence.

  “This is AX174, Commander Nindo. Requiring immediate assistance over.”

  Silence.

  “Perfect,” I mutter in annoyance.

  I turn my heel and gaze upon the strange layout of the forest. It’s darker than normal and suddenly without warning the heat has perked up and I feel slightly on the verge of hypothermia. There are things in this world I can’t begin to explain and one of them would be right before me, a Vipess, the torso of a woman, the rest of a large snake, her green hair is sleeked back and I can’t help but feel slightly annoyed at the expression on her face—her black lips are pulled into a smile. “Lookie what we have here…” she purrs and I glare. “The Princess. Oh me oh my. What are you doing outside of the palace walls? Aren’t you aware people are going to take advantage of your weakness?”

  “I’d like to see them try.” I remark, her face distorts into annoyance as she glowers down at me.

  “I’ll bring you down from that pedestal of yours Nindo!” Vines are sent my way and I doge the thick weaving trailing plants that are controlled by the force of the Vipess. I leap back as some whip the ground where I once stood. I step to the side and leap back, over and over. There seems to be no opening in her attack and I’m suddenly in pain, my muscles feel restricted and I’m panting. This isn’t good at this rate, I’ll certainly be killed. I think as I drape my hand over my stomach—hoping it would help keep my body upright—taking the job my back muscles were supposed to do. I see her vines slither towards me once more, the stone boulder under my feet only adds an extra vantage to my height.

  As I go to move, I’m stuck in place—more like held in place. I glance down at my arms, legs and torso, to see that the vines have securely fastened around me. I’m lifted from the boulder and continue to fight against the vines which don’t seem to be caring at all that I’m in pain. They tighten around my waist, arms and legs, but around my waist is where more pain radiates around me. The friction against my scales places my body into a tense state where my muscles desperately clench up in order to not allow more pain. Though it doesn’t help. “I told you I would bring you down from that pedestal of yours.” she taunts before me.

  Her tongue, slides out and slithers down to her waist, green like her, she tilts her head back and begins to gag. I regard her questionably and hope she isn’t going to throw up on me that will definitely defeat me. The smell will knock me out cold. Then again I don’t think I would be surprised at all. I attempt to fight the vines while she’s preoccupied. I clench my teeth to stop me from screaming out in pain, blood begins to draw between my broken scales, my skin split open underneath as the vines continue to slide around me.

  My armor seems to only protect me slightly, though but enough to keep me from passing out. The hilt of a weapon is revealed from the Vipess’s mouth and I stare, it’s a human katana, where in the Nexus did she get that? “Kal!” I hear Dante’s voice, I turn to it and see him and Augustine attempting to slice away at the vines. The vines are slashed before they return several times thicker and stronger.

  “Well aren’t they cute,” she teases. I feel the cold steel against my throat as her eyes glare down at me. “I wonder if it’s true, a Nephalem will only die if you take of their head. Let’s test that shall we…”

  I snap my eyes close, praying for it to be quick.

  When I feel nothing, I pull my eyes open. A chain is wrapped around the katana, it shakes against the shackle—against the strain of counteracting forces—I glance along the silver sterling chain to see that it ends in the thicket of the canopy. “What the –” begins the Vipess. I regard her expression to see it is both in a mixture of distress and anger.

  “Hasn’t anyone told you…it’s not a fair fight to restrain a person.” came the familiar voice. I search around the thick branches, trunks and large leaves to find nothing, instead his voice resonates all around me I can’t pin point exactly where he is but I know who it is. Ryu.

  “Show yourself!” growls the Vipess. I hear grunting coming from below me. “That or I’ll shed them to pieces!” she threatens, I notice than that Augustine and Dante are restrained like me with the vines. I scowl. The vines wrap more tightly around their torsos, blood begins to pull out and I attempt to fight the restraints. The more I fight, the more pain is inflicted upon me, but I can’t give in, I can’t give up otherwise, I have no right to call myself a Knight.

  Knives fly through the air and slice her in several areas, still Ryu doesn’t show himself. I smile, the vines begin to loosen. I force out my forearm blade and sever the bonds on my wrists, they loosen and I begin to fall to the ground, I twist around and slice the restraints at my ankles and place my hand firmly on a stone and immediately back hand spring away from the vines. More knives are released towards the woman and I race towards Augustine and Dante, slicing at same vines, they fall to the ground, twisting and turning to successfully free themselves from their shackles.

  I smile at them, once they were on their feet.

  The Vipess moves her thick tail and slams it into the trunk of the tree where the same black skinned demon, climbs quickly up the trunk of the tree—its claws extended and tongue dances—it hisses and it disappears. I hear nothing. Within the canopy there is quick movement, the clashing of steel and the sound of the demon hissing. The Vipess moves towards it and Dante plants both of his feet to her face sending her across the clearing. “That was for touching our Princess.” I glance at him and Augustine picks up his blade that he lost his grip on when taken by the vines.

  “You filthy Nephalem!” she hisses and several knives embed themselves into her limbs, deep green blood oozes out upon her scaly skin and chains branch off in all directions. The Vipess regards Dante with a dark scowl. The strong rustling of the leaves overhead causes my gaze to snap to the canopy. Within a blink of an eye Ryu is protectively before me, sharp daggers in both of his hands. His black scales are like mine with a silver cloak, his silver hair is long and cascades down his back in silky tresses.

  His fists are firmly wrapped around the hilt of his daggers which glisten just barely. I feel as though I’m forgetting something, it’s at the tip of my mind but I can’t reach it. A deathly blood curdling scream rips through my thoughts. The demon clenches its hands around the back of my throat. I’m stunned. Its claws dig into my throat inches away from my carotid artery and my glazvic artery (the one transporting our energy), if they are both severed…than I will die.

  It’s strange and bizarre how slow things start and how quickly it ends. Though, I’m not surprised instead I find it strange—odd even and absolutely thrilling. It’s in these times when you truly begin to see the world in a different perspective. To see a world in much more detail than you have never expected. Dante’s face scrunches
up in annoyance and Augustine scowls. They all tense including Ryu—his body may show his fear—but his face like mine as always impassive.

  I refuse to allow these demons to flood fear through me.

  “So what will it be the Princess’s life or yours?” the demon voices—the disgusting gurgling sound erupts around us and I can’t help but want to strike it now. I know I can I just have to be given the correct timing before I can make any moves otherwise, I’ll be sorely wounded or dead even. Yet this feeling of my life on the line, this threat, gives me a sense of pride a sense of security. Shouldn’t a person find it odd that they enjoy such thrill that they enjoy such an adrenaline rush? My blood quickens throughout my system.

  I feel myself heat up with a burning desire to dig my fangs and claws into these demons. I don’t know why I feel like this…I’ve never in my life felt such desire to kill, never in my life have I felt such desire to destroy, never in my life have I found such desire to take a life.

  Even if it be a demon’s.

  I can hear Dante’s voice in the background, him yelling at me to keep my distance, I can’t help it though, my blood surges through me quickly, with a pace so great, so overwhelming it’s hard to ignore. Without thinking, I leap and flip, the full force of my impact can be measured by the cracks and the tremor of the earth, my feet—my heels dig into the skull of the demon where it ceases to move, it’s blood pools out in an alluring crimson color. I should feel scared right now, I should feel concerned but right now I’m completely lost.

  More screeches occur and the presence of more demons flood around us—their bodies initially were transparent before becoming solid forms with distorted limbs—the cracking and popping sound of their extremities slithers through my ears in a comforting and delectable sound. All I know is I want to hear more. To feel more.

  I sprint towards them, my mind blank and distant as I take down the demons one by one, their torso and abdomen sever by my claws, my white fleecy gown and scales are now streaked in blood and splattered upon me like a canvas from impact. I’m allured and for once—I’m in control. At this point in time, I’ve never felt such power surging through my veins, not once. The demons fall and pile all around the forest floor under thick leaves, over moss covered stones and tree roots. The thickness in the air subsides and I feel uneasy.

  I turn to see Dante, Augustine and Ryu stare at me in shock—is it shocking for men to see a woman kill? I turn my back on them. “Hunt down the rest.” I order. I stride through the forest, my vision takes in the outline of the smallest but to the largest roots, the scene of life travels under the earth and I fight the will to tear it apart. My claws feel moist. I stop and I pull my hands before me—palm up. Blood covers my hands, there are four equal indentations on the back of my palm blood seeps from them and I only than realize I’ve done it to myself.

  I know I’m not suicidal but the sight of it is, almost, scary.

  I was and still am disgusted with myself, the need to kill, I’m fighting on a subconscious level to keep myself from more mindless killings. That’s what it was mindless and unforgivable killing. I think with a frown and continue on my journey. I don’t know how deep I’ve travelled into the forest but it’s far enough to know that this is one of the most dangerous places someone like me can be and I’m just pleased I have some control over myself. There’s no need to kill. I try to tell myself, there’s no need to kill more!

  “That was interesting…” comes a voice. I glance up to see a man in a white robe. His silver hair cascades over his back giving his appearance several shades that complement his youthful tanned features. I know he’s not young, I can feel the energy radiating off of him in waves, he’s far too old, and he may be older than my grandma. But who is he? Before I can question he beats me to it. “It doesn’t matter who I am, all that matters is you. Child.”

  “I’m not a child!” I spit.

  “In comparison to me, you are. You need to learn restraint. You need to learn control. As such you fight like a child, all out with nothing held back. That will be your downfall.” his voice is fluid and calm.

  I growl low, “I am in control!” I yell in a voice I don’t recognize and his eyes narrow down upon me like a disobedient student. I feel rather rebellious right now and enjoy it—he approaches but keeps a firm gaze on me.

  “You say that but really…you aren’t and you know it.” He eyes my bloody hands before his appearance returns back to my features, “and you’ve split.” I stare at him confused.

  “What?”

  “You’ve split. Your powers, your energy, your forms are split though they have merged as one. Strange…you’ve over exhausted yourself and as a result your body is fighting to heal itself and you’re being too stubborn, as always, refuse to allow it to do as such.”

  “Don’t speak as though you know me!” I growl.

  He’s quiet and turns from me. “Your grandmother hasn’t told you…has she?” I’m lost now—more confused than I was prior this whole ordeal when my answer doesn’t come he decides to continue. “No she hasn’t…you being as thick headed as your father only just goes to show her fear of your censure.” I glare.

  “Who are you?” I demand, fiercely.

  “I’m Lord Edgar of the Cardin Province, sixteenth district and I’m here to show you control.”

  “What makes you think you can show me control?” I question with sarcasm but deep down, I know he can or has the power to but I’m too stubborn to believe it. I know I would rather die than allow any stranger to have any power over me, there are few who do and I prefer to keep it like that.

  After the demons were eliminated I returned back to the palace—though it feels like my world is now different. Straight away I had to undergo physical examinations, more tests and more therapy especially physiotherapy oddly it was longer than expected and the doctors all appeared to have a grim look on their faces, I noticed as well there were more guards surrounding and escorting me while my personal maid became slightly more nervous around me. I can see her fear run off in waves, I can smell the alluring scent of her rushing blood.

  To cause her less unease, I decided to give her the night off, she attempted to debate but I told her it was final. “Thank you mi lady,” she said before she darted off and out of my room. At this time I’m currently cursing my grandma for not telling me but at the same time I’m mad at myself for being so like my father.

  If he were here he would have the answer. I think sadly.

  At that moment a thought occurred to me, I glance at the silver doors, I know there are guards standing outside of it, I know they insist on keeping me here. I know they won’t accept what is running through my mind at the moment. I glance down at my large bed, silver and blue sheets are draped across it with golden embroidery. I move to my wardrobe at the far end of my large spacious room, the marble tiles are cold under my feet.

  It’s comforting, the cold floor under my toes keep my mind from thinking about the consequences of my actions. I slide open my door and my wardrobe appears empty, it’s a walk it and bit by bit the room begins to light up in silver fluorescent lights. I walk along the stone corridor and come to the end of my wardrobe, a large black box stands before me, before it is my father’s blade and his cloak, given to me after he died as I was the eldest.

  I run my fingers along the cool steel, the indentations give me a sense of satisfaction as I know that this sword has been in our family for generations, it was grandma’s a one point and then my father’s and now mine. I glance back at the container before me and place my palms flat against it. The box slowly pulls itself apart, block by block until what I seek is revealed.

  24:Duty and Desire

  © 2014—All rights reserved by author

  With my cloak draped around me, my father’s sword upon my back and my armor covering my scales, I glance at the piece of armor covered from the breast down to the shin, designed in similar designs, it was my grandmother’s armor, she said to only use it for emerge
ncies—in a way, I guess forming a new allegiance with the Zylarians is an emergency—of sorts. There is a blue lining through it present between the silver swirls and ancient characters. I glance at the full moon outside my large floor-to-ceiling window. I can’t help it. I’m afraid but I’m sure that this is the right decision to do. People believe I’m losing control, people believe I’m unfit to return to Zylaria, to Varden. I’ve never resented someone so much other than Altair.

  I knew I couldn’t bring him. I think, knowing I’m out of range for the others to hear. I slip the cloak around me, instead of having one layer of silver flourezents, there’s two, so unlike mine this is a thousand-times more durable and stronger, if required this suit will wrap around my body and become a suit of armor protecting its host from the most dangerous confrontations. The sword attaches itself to my back through my energy bond, I push open the glass window and pull myself upon the sill. The rushing of water far below crashes soothingly against the black stone cliff and I allow the wind to brush around my features, I stand—it’s welcoming and I fall.

  The ocean slowly moves to greet me and quickly, I couldn’t fly before but I’m praying at this moment that I’ve at least gained that part of my powers. I close my eyes and search deep within me, feeling something solid, something warm. My limbs begin to tingle not in a painful or uncomfortable sense but as if a spray of warm water drizzles over my body. I snap my eyes open—the power is released and I glide along the water’s edge, the waves a meter below me, the breakers dance quietly as the surface shifts away from the energy serving through my body. I shift higher and like that I soar through the sky towards the Celestial Pass. I can’t breathe in space and I most definitely can’t fly all the way to Zylaria.