The demons scatter in fear. Never before have they seen a human possess the amount of shadow nature David is demonstrating.
David beings to chase them. “N-No... exit...” he mumbles to himself.
“Right,” the demented voice groans as David turns toward the direction of the exit. After what seems like hours to David, he finally reaches a courtyard. At the end of the yard is the exit to the outside world. Just a simple gate, but to David and Nikud, it might as well have been the gate to heaven. Before they can walk toward the exit, however, ten demon stalkers suddenly appear.
“You damn human! You’ve killed our men! We won’t let you escape!” the demon stalkers yell as they charge David.
“S-Stay... c-close,” David mumbles to Nikud.
David intentionally waits for the demon stalkers to charge so that he can stay close to Nikud and Hamon. In doing so he allows the first attacker to get a clean hit on his arm. David instantly grabs the attacker by the head, slamming it onto his knee. The blow kills the demon stalker easily.
“You damn monster!” one of the remaining demon stalkers shouts.
David’s immense shadow nature starts to erupt from his body. “Hahahaha! There it is! We’ve been waiting for that word that so perfectly defines us! It seems we hit the jackpot with this human!” Many distorted versions of David’s voice echo throughout the courtyard.
“Just what did you do to receive this power, David?” Nikud asks herself.
“No way... just how many shadow fiends are giving him power right now?” a demon stalker remarks with a snarl.
“It doesn’t matter how many! The human is our only concern!” The nine demon stalkers surround David and Nikud. Some lunge forward, their sharp fangs targeting David’s limbs. Others swipe at David’s body, intending to weaken the rampaging human. During this sudden barrage of swift and deadly attacks David shields Nikud and Hamon with his body. The immense shadow aura covering David begins to weaken
“The shadow’s surrounding him are hard to penetrate, but this is doable if he’s going to make himself such an easy target!” two demon stalkers yell as they rush to cripple David’s legs with their savage attacks.
“Like we’d just let you go and weaken our host!” the evil voices taunt as David turns to the attackers, crushing them both between his arms.
“This human!” All seven remaining stalkers go for David’s vitals.
“Come...” David murmurs as he begins to savagely kill the remaining attacks one by one. Compared to the demons in the hallway, these demon stalkers are no pushovers. They all used immense shadow nature as they viciously try to kill David. However, David’s current shadow nature is in a league of its own. Though the demons severely wound David, not a scratch is inflicted on Nikud or Hamon. The stalkers however, are all dead. Some crushed, others impaled by their own claws and teeth, and even some with body parts scattered across the now blood-soaked courtyard. David’s elbows and knees are bruised and covered with blood. Steam suddenly comes from David’s body as he walks to the gate. For the moment, his monstrous shadow nature seems to be held back.
“To think our host was this powerful already,” the evil voices chant with laughter.
“Nikud, are you okay?” David asks, his voice suddenly almost normal again. Even still, it’s taking a lot of David’s energy to stay in control.
“What are you talking about? I should be the one asking that question!” Nikud protests.
“Don’t worry about me--let’s just get you out of here,” David groans as he pries the gate open. “You go with Hamon first,” he orders.
Nikud walks through the gate with Hamon still on her back. A suddenly slam echoes throughout the prison. Nikud turns to see that David has bent the bars back, trapping himself inside the prison.
“What are you doing!?” Nikud yells as she runs back to the gate, face to face with David.
“I knew you would react like this,” David responds with a weak smile.
“What do you mean?! Why aren’t you coming!?” Nikud questions with tears.
“I gave up my sanity willingly to the shadows. In exchange they would give me the power to save you. Unfortunately this power came at a price. I can’t leave this place. The shadows won’t let me.” Even as David says this the darkness begins to surround him again. “I would only slow you down if I go anyway--not that I could,” David mumbles, a bruised smile covering his face.
“D-David...” Nikud sobs, tears traveling down her face.
“Look for a man with three scars on his left eye. His name is Ron Amar, my leader,” David instructs.
“Don’t say that! You, yourself, will meet him soon!”
“I don’t think...I’ll see him again,” David groans, tears starting to form on his blood-covered face. “Sorry, Nikud--we’re gonna have to re-plan the hunting trip,” David exclaims with a bloody laugh.
“W-Why, David! Why would you do this?!” Nikud begs.
“Because a man once told me that any sacrifice is worth it as long as you can protect the one you love,” David exclaims with a smile, gazing into Nikud’s eyes.
“But that’s not fair! How could I leave the one I love!?” Nikud remarks. The two warriors suddenly kiss. For just a moment, it seemed as though the shadows were gone. “I swear I’ll come back for you!” Nikud whispers through tears as their lips leave each other.
“There they are!” figures in black armor shout as they come into the courtyard. Their armor is similar to the one known as Hojan.
“You must go. I’ll stall them for as long as I can,” David promises as he turns to fight. Nikud also turns, picking up Hamon before sprinting to freedom. Tears of sadness envelop the two warriors as they turn their backs toward each other, both unsure if they will ever see each other again.
David turns to the new foes. Now that Nikud is gone, he allows the shadows take full control and charges the figures with all his might. But now, a blow even more powerful than the ones he had used to crush demon’s heads is easily blocked by these figures.
“What did we expect? Even we are fearful of Hojan’s Cornax. Our host is still young, let’s bide our time,” the voices state. All the immense shadow nature surrounding David suddenly disappears. David, now back to a state that appears normal, collapses to the blood covered ground.
“Warden, we were most fortunate in the fact that Hojan agreed to leave some Cornax with us. According to the ones that defeated the human known as David, two prisoners managed to escape. The human, however, has been successfully contained. We have locked him in our most secure cell. Shall we send guards out to capture the two that escaped?” the doctor asks.
“Do not bother with those two. We have what we need,” the Warden remarks with that demented look in his eye.
Chapter Twenty
Journey to the Blood Forest
“Tink, did you feel that, too?” I ask Tink.
“Yes, something grave has happened,” Tink replies, looking serious for once.
“Is something wrong, Ron?” Joshua asks.
“Oh, I don’t know--I just felt something strange,” I reply. “Anyway... Rose, do you know anything about these people we are planning to ally with?” I ask.
“I have never actually seen one in person, but I’ve heard their war cries. I’ve also heard from others that their fighting style is that of savages,” Rose answers.
Tink jokes, “Mmm, they seem like nice people.”
“One thing’s for certain--they would be powerful allies,” I point out.
“I agree,” Joshua adds.
According to Rose, these people live in the deepest parts of the forest, a few days’ trip.
Throughout the days that follow, I continue to train with shadow nature. Now that Tink is with us I’ve discovered that there’s a lot more to shadow nature than just forming it around my fist.
Afte
r traveling for a few days, we eventually enter the Forest of Blood. Once night falls, we set up camp. Joshua easily kindles a fire with a quick breath. Rose gathers some fruits to eat from the surrounding trees and brush, using her vines for extra reach. Tink and I scout around the camp side, though Tink does most of the work due to his insane speed.
“He’s pretty fast with that Shadow Step of his,” Anumbrius remarks.
“Shadow Step?” I ask.
“Yup, it’s a technique that allows you to teleport anywhere with shadows that you can see. You can also place a mark on a single area. You can travel to this spot no matter where you are, but you have to wait a while before using it again. On top of that, the strain of the technique weighs heavily on you the farther you travel,” Anumbrius explains.
“That would explain how he suddenly disappeared from the cave. How do you know so much about shadow nature?” I want to know.
“Ron, I’ve been in countless battles over many eras. How could I not know about any nature, for that matter?” Anumbrius teases.
“Man, and I thought I was old,” I tease back.
“Hey, there are other swords that are way older than me!” Anumbrius counters.
“So, there are more annoying swords like yourself?” I remark with a laugh.
“Looks like the surrounding landscape is devoid of any demons. Well, except Joshua,” Tink jokes with a smile as he suddenly appears besides me.
“I think we’re fine then,” I remark.
“Hey, Ron, what’s that?” Tink exclaims, pointing to a small packet on the ground.
“Oh, I can’t believe I dropped that,” I mutter.
“No way! Ron, why didn’t you tell me that you smoked!?” Tink asks in excitement as he opens the packet to reveal a couple of cigarettes.
“Well, I don’t,” I bluntly reply.
“What? Why do you have these then?”
“I-I’d rather not say,” I state, my voice cracking up a little.
“Well, ok then, but if you aren’t going to use any can I have one? I’ve even got a lighter already!” Tink begs as he reaches into his pocket, revealing an old but working lighter.
“Well...sure then,” I reluctantly agree as I hand Tink one of the cigarettes.
“Maaaan! Haven’t had one of these bad boys in a while now,” Tink exclaims as he brings the lighter up to the cigarette. He suddenly stops himself. “Well, since I only have one, I guess I’ll save it for something special,” Tink tells himself as he puts the lighter and cigarette in his pockets.
“Do whatever you want then,” I state.
“Well I’m off to the campsite then. Meet you there, Ron,” Tink waves as he disappears from view.
“Man, can’t help but feel bad for him,” Anumbrius mumbles.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Well, the few people I’ve ever seen with Shadow Step had to go through unimaginable pain to get it, and I don’t think he’s any different,” Anumbrius explains.
“Damn,” I mumble to myself as I walk toward our camp. After our meal, we lie down to sleep. Joshua immediately falls asleep as usual.
“The bigger they are, the harder they snore,” Tink is joking again.
“Ron, you sure you don’t need to sleep yet?” Rose asks with a look of concern.
“Yeah, it’s fine! Tink and I can take care of watch,” I assure her.
“Well, if you say so,” Rose replies as her vines begin to move from her back, forming a hammock. Soon only Tink and I are awake.
“Tink, go ahead and sleep first,” I offer.
“Gladly,” Tink replies as he teleports into a tree.
“How is he already snoring?” I question with a smile as I walk a little ways around the camp.
“So, Ron, you ever carry a sword like me before?” Anumbrius suddenly asks.
“Well... no,” I admit.
“Well, you’re lucky then. I can teach you,” Anumbruis offers.
“A sword teaching it’s wielder how to use said sword. Never thought I’d even be in a situation like this,” I joke.
We start to go over the basics. Much to Anumbrius’ surprise, I’m already fairly adept at using him.
“Wow, Ron, you’re really good at swordplay for a beginner,” Anumbrius compliments.
“Well... thanks,” I mutter.
“You sure you’ve never used a sword before?”
“Well, never in a battle,” I clarify. “I wasn’t what people consider dirt poor as a kid, but I wasn’t far from it. We had to hunt to get our food, and since it was just Scarlet and me, I helped a lot,” I explain.
“Scarlet?”
“Oh, my mom. Anyways I had to learn how to properly gut animals. So, you could say that I gained experience with blades.”
“Oh yeah? That still doesn’t really explain how you seem to be a natural at swinging a sword,” Anumbrius points out.
“Well, to tell you the truth, back in Amaria there was this crazy dude that-”
“Wow, Ron! I didn’t know you were good at swordplay!” Tink says as he appears from the shadows of the night, cutting my sentence off.
“Oh, hey, Tink!” I call out.
“I’m assuming you can’t sleep at night now either.”
“H-How did you know?”
“I think it’s because we were forced to receive a nature. It’s like we can’t sleep in the dark, lest the shadows consume us,” Tink mutters.
“Wow, that’s exactly how I feel ever since I got this power,” I realize.
“Then I guess I’m not as crazy as I thought,” he jokes.
“Nah, you’re still crazy, Tink,” I tease with a chuckle.
“Right?” Tink says as he also falls into laughter. “Speaking of shadow nature, you can use the shadow manipulation technique I taught you on your sword,” Tink points out.
“Oh really? I got to try that out,” I remark as I continue to practice. Any normal human would become sluggish from the amount of sleepless nights I’ve experienced by now, but for some reason, I feel more energized the less I sleep as of late.
After a few more days of traveling we seem to be nearing the Blood Moon area. Tink has been a great help. His speed using shadows has helped him scout the areas around us easily, though we never came across any threats. Besides swordplay, Anumbrius has also taught me how to use shadow nature with him, making my swings more powerful.
Tink is watching me. “Now that I think about it, Ron, you had a question for me a while back, what was it?”
“Oh, well, I was just wondering, since this world has a lot of things that are strange to me in it. Do things like, oh, I don’t know--talking swords, for example--exist in this world?”
Tink turns to me, a strangely serious look on his face.
“Haha, I think he’s on to you, Ron,” Anumbrius jokes.
“Shut up,” I think to Anumbrius.
“Ron, that’s the funniest thing I ever heard, and I thought I was the crazy one!” Tink exclaims before bursting into laughter. I let out a sigh.
“What did I even expect?” I think to myself.
“Yeah, what did you expect?” Anumbrius adds.
“It’s ok, Ron. You’re trying to learn about this world. It’s a legitimate question. Though I do admit that asking if talking swords exist is an interesting question,” Rose teases with a smile.
“W-Well, thank you, Rose, though now that I think about it that question does sound kinda dumb,” I add. Both Rose and I exchange a few more chuckles as we continue on our journey.
“So... what’s the story with the treant?” Anumbrius asks.
“N-Nothing! She’s just a good friend, yeah,” I think to Anumbrius.
“You know I can read your emotions Ron,” Anumbrius points out laughing.
“What?!”
“Well, I am infused with your nature. Doesn’t that seem obvious?” Anumbrius asks.
“Well, this is gonna get annoying,” I think to myself.
“You know I can hear you, right?” Anumbrius remarks.
“Oh, of course you can.”
As night falls upon us we set up camp. We are closing in on the area King Terashi told us about. We don’t rest long, however. We all suddenly hear a howl coming from the direction of the Blood Moon area.
“Let’s investigate,” I call out. Tink nods, fading into shadows to scout ahead. We follow Tink’s direction, weapons drawn. As we travel the smell of blood becomes stronger and stronger. War cries become louder and louder.
“Who are they fighting?” Joshua yells aloud.
“Something we may not want to,” I mutter.
“I sense two figures up ahead,” Rose exclaims, her eyes glowing brightly.
“Ok, Tink, we’ll investigate. Scout a different direction,” I call to Tink.
“Gotcha,” Tink responds, before fading into shadow.
We enter a clearing to see two figures locked in a brutal fight. Before we can say anything, one of the figures gains the upper hand, pinning the other to a tree. Before the figure can deal the finishing blow I charge the figure, blocking his blow with Anumbrius.
“You damn hyena! You got lucky this time,” the figure snaps before retreating into the darkness.
“Are you all right?” I ask as Rose and Joshua come to my side. Before the figure can say anything, a chill goes down my spine. The three of us are surrounded by multiple figures, spears held to our throats. “Woah, take it easy. We just helped your friend here,” I calmly say.
“I didn’t want help,” the figure argues.
“Well, sorry. ‘Cause it looked as though you really needed it,” I reply.
“Who is this outsider to think he has the right to disturb our sacred battle?” a figure suddenly questions, coming into view.
“Who are you people?” Joshua asks.
A New Fate Page 11
