Chapter 42: Escape

Kingdom of Zuland, The South Border, Present day.

The dark halls started to resemble one another; the smell of wet stone, corner ways that were filled with cobwebs, and a floor so fragile that it crunched into gravel under his weight.

Finally. Xeto reached a large circular stairwell that seemed to be that of a watchtower. After listening for the echo of someone else's presence he quickly dashed up the tower. The sound of water splatting grew louder with every step. As he was face to face with his exit a cold wind licked his nape. The heavy rain had caused a thick mist to engulf the night. He shivered lightly before making his way across a stone bridge that connected his would-be prison to the center of the keep. The only thing keeping him from blindly walking off the edge was a torch that was set on the opposite end of him. Cold water leaked into the crevices of his armor, soaking his undergarments.

"Are you mad?" echoed a voice from further down hall.

"No, but I don't think we…"

Xeto pushed up against a nearby wall as he slowly made his way closer to the source of the voices. He arrived at the top floor balcony of a well-lit foyer adorned with rusted chandeliers and elegant tables. He peered across the gap to assure that he was alone. Clear.

"So, what exactly is that thing that Giase pulled out of the Undergrove?" said one of the men below.

Xeto inched closer to the edge with a keen ear.

"Gwendal told me that it was a demon."

"Bosh. He was probably drunk."

"Have you even seen it?"

"It? Slow your horse. He was just some royal guard in fancy armor." He scoffed. "Wish they gave us shined cobalt armor like that."

Cobalt? Xeto's breath was caught in his throat. The men must have been referring to the demon that attacked Hansel.

"No. No. I'm telling you, that was no man. It had a large gaping wound dead-center of its chest. Red as wine…yet not a single drop of blood. You know any man that can prance freely with a cave in his chest?"

"Well, suppose what you're saying is true. Does the general expect us to start fighting alongside monsters? I aren't comfortable with that. Come now, the Zuland emblem should be worn by proud men, not some maggot nest. The thought alone makes me want to hurl."

"No argument from me, what's to stop it from attacking us, right? Oh— but just remember, you didn't hear it from me."

"Yes, yes, I'm aware. So…where's the maggot nest now?"

"I saw Giase escort it to the study. Demanded that everyone stay away from there. Don't have to tell me twice, I don't want anything to do with that thing."

Xeto smiled. Favor was on his side tonight. First the storm and now the whereabouts of the demon. His heart beat with a flutter of excitement as he looked for what could be a way to the study. He had killed hundreds of demons before; this one would be no different. True, he was unable to best it even with the help of Kyone. But now that thing was injured, its head on the executioner's block. By now Rebecca would have reached Taloz with the information and Zuland would have to answer for their atrocious acts.

~0~

The elven goddess of good fortune continued to smile on him as he quickly found a corridor filled with countless shelves. Many had dust-covered books and scrolls alongside other signs of neglect. Managing through the crowded passage was made easier as there was no sign of any guards. He entered a high ceiling room with shelves fourfold his height which reached the upper floor. Unlike the others, it seemed that any available space here was occupied by pristine books and bundles of parchment.

The doors behind him slammed shut.

What in the…

"Well, look at that." The familiar voice came from the upper floor.

Xeto's heart froze.

Giase walked out from the shadows, he stood on the center stairs that led up to the second floor.

Xeto reached for his blade.

"I wouldn't," retorted Giase.

"Why's that?" said Xeto, as he tightened his grip. "Let's see how brave you are when your opponent isn't tied down."

"I see you still have that anger in your eyes— like that of a starved dog. Feel free to draw your sword, though it may not be wise if you don't wish to see these two hurt."

What? He let out a small gasp as the ground quivered.

Thunderous footsteps came from behind the stairs as the Lionslayer appeared with Roy and Anaria in his grasp.

"A-Anaria?"

"I'm sorry, Xeto." Her voice was low and fragile.

Guards wielding crossbows came from both sides of the room.

Xeto's nostrils flared. "You damn coward! Hiding behind hostages now?

Giase now wore a slight smirk. "I could care less for your insults, Loridian Dog."

Roy kept his eyes low to the ground. "Sorry, lad. But we couldn't let you do this on your own." He was depleted of his usual vigor and sprite of optimism.

Xeto slowly reached for the magicarm strapped to his back, making sure not to make his plan apparent. "They're only civilians, leave them out of this."

"I would love to but it seems you're the one that brought this on," countered Giase.

"Why are you doing this? Why is Zuland weaponizing demons? You're the ones responsible for the dead returning to life, aren't you?" He needed to buy time.

"Well, is it not visible? Loradel is like a sick animal, needing to be put out from its misery. A failing country that breeds nothing but useless ingrates. Such small-minded people that can't see what the future demands. It demands more power, and Zuland alone will be the one to wield that power." Giase put up his arms in a grandiose fashion.

"The Forbidden Auras?"

"Precisely." He pointed his skinny finger at him. "Necromancy and Biotic aura, and soon the others will fall into our hands. But alas, you could only dream of wielding the power of a Forbidden Aura."

"You're a monster. Playing god, what right do you have to choose who lives and dies."

"How is that anything different from you, Loridian? You seem keen on keeping your sword wet. You and I are the same. Killers."

"I'm nothing like you!" yelled Xeto as his insides churned.

"Say what you will. It won't hide the truth of what you really are. Admit it, you want to see me dead."

"Are you going to run your mouth all night?" yelled Roy as he squirmed within the Lionslayer's grasp.

Giase nodded. "Hmmm. Maybe I should show you why you Loridians should be snuffed out." He waved at the large knight. "Let that one go."

Roy pulled free and glared at the general.

"Now, boy. Kill me. You have your bow— it would be rather simple."

Roy hesitantly pulled his bow from his back before slowly knocking an arrow.

"Good, now go ahead. Let it loose." Giase's grin widened.

Roy had the bow trained right at the man's chest. But the anger in his eyes was now replaced by dread.

"Kill him, Roy!" yelled Xeto.

"I…" stammered Roy.

"Listen to him, boy. Do it," urged Giase as he widened his arms.

Xeto's eyes jumped from Giase to Roy. "What are you waiting for?"

"I…can't," he muttered.

"Maybe this will convince you." Giase pulled Anaria from the Lionslayer and unsheathed his sword.

Roy lowered his bow. "What are you—"

Giase pressed his shined blade up against Anaria's throat. "What will you do now, boy?"

Tears rolled down her cheeks as her lip quivered.

"Please don't hurt her!" said Roy.

"If you didn't want me to hurt her, you should have killed me. See, it's as I said, you Loridians are weak and pathetic. I'm going to kill this girl and after that I'll lock you in cell for the rest of your days. You'll sleep in your own filth as the guilt of your cowardice gnaws at you until you die."

"You'll never see daylight again," said Xeto through clenched teeth.

Roy put out his hand to Xeto. "Please don't—" He slowly putting his bow on the ground. "Please don't…I'll do anything, just don't hurt my sister.

Giase burst out laughing. "Hahahaha! I knew you were nothing but a coward. But no, I meant what I said." Giase turned to Xeto. "Though I might add that I am slightly surprised. I kept this girl alive only to use her to have you surrender. But it seems you have no regard for their lives. You only care for bloodshed. You'll…you'll…" His eyes were groggy, as if he was falling to sleep.

Wait. Xeto smiled inwardly. Good job, Anaria. He looked down at her hand which she had rested on the Giase's leg. She must have used her aura to relax him, enough to almost put him to sleep.

Giase shook his head as if trying to wake from a dream. "What is…going on."

"Sir?" asked a guard.

Anaria shook slightly out of the general's grasp.

This is it. Xeto drew the magicarm from his back and quickly fired a shot.

Anaria yelped aloud as the bullet landed clean into Giase's shoulder, sending him toppling back.

Xeto quickly targeted the bowmen. Two well placed shots killed them instantly as they tumbled to the ground.

The Lionslayer turned the floorboards to splinters as it rushed towards Xeto. In seconds, its blades had deployed from its armor and extended to full length.

Xeto fired two more shots.

The Lionslayer blocked them with ease before going for a heavy horizontal swing.

Xeto ducked under its arm and threw a nearby chair at the brute.

An upward strike from the Lionslayer quickly split the chair in two.

Good. Xeto aimed for the opening in between his armor. The armpit. He fired, focusing a bit more power behind his final bullet. If his last encounter with this thing taught him anything, it was that this demon was built like any man. Cutting muscle or shattering bones would still prove to be effective, regardless of all the armor. He'd have to thank Rebecca later for that insight.

The Lionslayer's arm went limp, proving Xeto's theory. It quickly retaliated with an attack from its other arm.

Xeto quickly backstepped and continued to dodge the monster's attacks. "Roy! Take Anaria and get out of here!"

Roy took hold of Anaria and pulled towards an exit on the opposite end of the library.

Xeto slid underneath a table, avoiding yet another one of the knight's attacks. He ran through the cramped aisle of books with renewed vigor. As he reached the end of the room he leapt and kicked off the wall, slamming his back against the large shelve. Gravity took the reigns as the shelve tumbled over, both trapping the pursuing Lionslayer under the heavy wood and causing the remaining shelves to fall over in a chain reaction.

Xeto ran up the angled bookcase, using the impromptu bridge of fallen bookshelves to regroup with Roy. Together they crashed into the door and bolted through the upcoming corridors until they reached what looked like a courtyard.

Xeto stopped and eyed their surroundings. They had made some distance but it wouldn't be long until the Lionslayer caught up to them. "You try and find an exit at the back end of the castle. I still have to kill that monster."

Anaria winced as she clutched at her shoulder. Blood seeped through her fingers.

Xeto huffed aloud as he neared her. "What happened?"

"You happened!" yelled Roy as he stood in between them. "You shot her when you so desperately tried killing that general. What is wrong with you, mate?" His friend's eyes were now filled with contempt.

"I—"

"Please don't fight," said Anaria with a labored breath. "I'm ok."

Xeto swallowed hard as an anvil of guilt tore at his thoughts. "Just take her and leave."

Roy shook his head. "Fine, mate, we won't be coming to your rescue for a second time." He took Anaria's arm and continued across the courtyard.

"I can do this without you," said Xeto.

"Wait, we can't leave Xeto," argued Anaria.

The sound of thunderous footsteps echoed from the corridor. The Lionslayer was not far behind them.

Xeto turned and met with Anaria's lament-filled eyes. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. He loaded the handgun as he stepped into the rain. He slowed his breathing as the cold water helped him focus. "I'm ready for you."

Seconds later the Lionslayer appeared in the archway, exiting the corridor. One arm at the ready as the other still hung uselessly. It slowly stomped towards him.

Xeto unsheathed his sword as he felt his aura returning to him. "I'll kill you and then put a stop to Zuland. That's a promise. I'll get justice for him."

The Lionslayer burst towards him and continued its flurry of one-armed attacks.

Their clash of swords was muffled by the booming thunder. Xeto paced himself accordingly. The Lionslayer may have been reduced to one arm but his attacks still carried the weight of an axe. He would have to focus on evading the attacks rather than trying to challenge its strength. First, he would have to disable its other arm then he'd have to resort to his only option, decapitation. Though he would have to lace his sword with aura to do that, he would need time to recover just a bit more.

The Lionslayer swung ferociously, leaving no opening for counterattacks.

Is it learning? Impossible. A demon can't learn, its mindless. Xeto's heart raced as he was backed up into a wall. He ducked under a thrust and fired a underneath the arm but missed. He dashed away, looking for yet another opening. His eyes landed on a cannon that was hoisted above them. If he could bait the Lionslayer under it, he may be able to pin him with it. "C'mon!" He readied his sword as the knight closed the gap. Now! He fired a shot at the old pully, causing the cannon to come crashing down.

There was a loud thud as the cannon slammed into the knight.

And as Xeto had planned, the Lionslayer appeared helpless and vulnerable to attack. "It's over!" Fueled by rage, he readied his sword. Suddenly he froze in place, as if something else took hold of him. "What?"

The blue glow from before began to leak from the knight's visor, slowly until its entire body was shielded in what looked like blue flames. Using its one arm it pushed itself up, causing the cannon to roll off its back.

No! What is this?

"Hahahahaha!" cackled a familiar voice.

Xeto strained just to see Giase at the edge of eye.

"That there is Biotic Aura. Another marvel of power that you would so easily dismiss. The power force your will on others whilst being able to absorb their aura for yourself."

The Lionslayer now stood over him, its blue gaze staring right into his eyes. It raised its injured arm followed by the uneasy sound of crunching bones. A second later it moved its arm freely, as if it had instantaneously healed.

A thin outline of blue energy outlined Xeto's body, forcing him to his knees. "No…I…" This new sensation felt similar to a wave of sudden fatigue, his breathing slowed as he slowly hunched over.

"What's the matter, Loridian? No more insults to spout?" teased Giase, as he took his place beside the knight. He covered the still bleeding wound with a shaky hand. "It was a good shot, boy—even injured your friend in the process." His chest heaved heavily. "But you proved to be too dangerous to be left alive. I'll give your head to Princess Sara myself as a gift. Now Lionslayer, kill him."

The Lionslayer obliged as it brought up his blade.

Xeto's heard his own heartbeat in his ears. All the anger he had just seconds ago seemed to have been ripped away alongside his strength by this mysterious power; Biotic Aura. His eyelids felt heavy. Please…no…

Giase smiled. "After you're dead, I'll destroy everything you love." His voice seemed distant, almost muffled.

Xeto suddenly felt a surge of strength return as the pressure around his body dissipated. The blue energy that had diminished.

"Love…" said a deep voice.

Xeto slowly arched his head up.

The Lionslayer stared at his hands curiously. "Love…" he said again.

Giase's face was now red with anger. "What are you doing? Kill him!" His words fell on deaf ears as the Lionslayer continued to eye his hands.

"Kill Loradel Commanders…Love…" It clutched his helmet as if it was in pain. "Ahhhhhhh!" Its deep harrowing voice overruled the storm as it banged on its own helmet. "Elimi—eliminate Loradel Commanders!"

Giase reached out for the knight but was quickly stopped by a blue outline around his body. "W-what are you…"

The Lionslayer swung his arms, emitting a large blue blast of energy.

Both Xeto and Giase were suspended into the air before landing with a hard splash into the mud.

Xeto took hold of his sword that was mere inches away and jumped to his feet. His hands quivered uncontrollably as he lifted his sword.

"Look there!" yelled a voice as a group of guards emerged from the inner walls of the castle.

"Quickly, stop him!" said another.

Xeto's eyes darted from Giase, whom was on the floor either dead or unconscious, then to the guards that were armed with spears, finally to the Lionslayer that was still banging and scratching at its helmet. There's too many of them now—gods damn you! He burst for the far end of the courtyard, as he escaped the walls of the castle all that he could hear was the clanking of that monster's helmet and the yelling of the guards. It felt as if someone still had hold of his throat as he struggled to breath. He ran faster into the darkness of the surrounding trees until the sounds were nothing but a muffled echo.