One`s Death

John was still emotional but as soon as he calmed down, he started to think on what he should do.

``I have to tell Eric about this. He is the one I could trust with this. But the problem is how? I can't enter the palace since my father kicked me out. So how? Think John think. ``

But while he was thinking, the window shattered in his room and out came 2 people who were dressed in black.

``We finally found you John. Now don't make this difficult and come with us peacefully. ``

John didn't panic by the situation, instead, he was thinking about what the next best was move he could do. He knew they were assassins just by the way they were dressed. They charged at John in an attempt to capture him. But John wasn't a pushover. Despite him having no magic, he knew how to do hand to hand combat. So, when one of them tries to grab him, he dodges and counter. And when it came to the second in an attempt to hit him from behind to knock him out, John dodged and hit his face with everything he had. Both of them backed up.

``We can't capture him at this rate, we have to use force. ``

``I agree, even though he wants us to bring him unharmed, I don't think he wouldn't mind if we cut off one of his hands. ``

They pulled out their daggers and were ready to go at him again. John was at a disadvantage. He didn't have a weapon and was outnumbered. But before they could take action, the door was forced open, and Eric came in and killed the 2 assassins.

``Eric! What are you doing here? What's going on? ``

``I don't have time to explain. Do you have the necklace? ``

``Necklace, what necklace? ``

``The Necklace that was in the present. Where is it? ``

John went to his bag and got the present. He opened it and took out the necklace.

``Good, keep it with you at all times because it's an elven necklace. Now we gotta go before more show up. ``

Before they could leave, John sees Elina and Terisa at the broken-down door.

``What's going on here? `` says Terisa.

``We heard noise and came to see what it was`` Elina said.

Before John could answer, Terisa and Elina both see the dead bodies and start to freak.

``Oh my god, is that a dead person!?`` Terisa said, looking shocked.

``Did you guys' murder someone?!`` Elina said, looking at John and Eric.

``John we don't have time for this, we gotta move. ``

John nodded but before he left, he had something to say to them.

``Terisa, Elina, I'm sorry for you guys to see something like this but i've gotta go. Tell Ela and Brandon that I left for an adventure, so they don't have to worry and make sure they dont see this. See you guys' next time. ``

Before they could say anything, Eric and John ran and left the tavern.

``So what now? ``

``We have to escape the kingdom and once we're out, you just have to follow me. ``

They both ran as fast as they could and Eric notices that there are more assassins following them.

``We have to hurry. They will catch up to us if we don't. ``

They both ran and ran until they were outside of the kingdom. John kept following Eric. They ran through the forest in order to lose the assassins.

``John this way. ``

``Where are we going? ``

``We're meeting up with one of my friends. Don't worry, he is trustworthy. ``

John nodded and continued to follow. Eric notices that the assassins stopped chasing them. He was relieved and continued to run. When they reached their destination, John asked Eric a question.

``Why are we meeting him here near a cliff? ``

``Because we both decided to meet here. I knew that someday this day would come. ``

``Someday? Wait, you're telling me that you knew!?``

``Yes, I knew all along. ``

John didn't know what to say. He was angry at him for not telling him.

``Why!? Why would you keep this from me?!``

``I had no choice. ``

John wanted to say something but didn't. He looked at his brother and he could see that he was upset about it. Knowing him, John knew that he did it for a good reason.

``Before I forget John, here, put this on. ``

Eric took out a ring.

``Why would I need a ring? ``

``It's a space ring. I put some stuff inside just in case you need it. ``

``Isn't better for you to keep it? ``

``That may be so, but I want you to have it, it was from mother after all. ``

John was surprised to hear about his mom. He didn't know anything about her or what she looked like. When he asks Eric about it, he will always dodge the question. So, to see something that was from her, he started to get a bit emotional.

``I'll take it then. Thank you, Eric. ``

``Your welcome. ``

``So this is where you guys ran off too`` A voice could be heard from a distance.

Both Eric and John looked at the direction of where the voice was coming from and out of the shadows, they both saw their father.

``Eric, how could you, you were my favorite and yet you treat me this way. ``

``How did you find us!?`` Eric said, unsheathing his sword.

``Now now Eric, is that any way to greet your father? ``

``Answer my question! ``

``You are a complete fool, you know that. You can come out now. ``

2 figures walked up, and Eric was stunned to see his friend.

``Hello Eric, it's nice to see you`` he said while smiling.

``You! What's the meaning of this? ``

``What. You thought that I was going to help you? `` he said and started laughing.

``How could you!? I thought we were good friends so why would you betray me and help him?!``

``Come one Eric. I never considered you as a friend. After all those years of kissing your ass, you thought that I was your friend. Don't make me laugh. I was always jealous of your fame and how everyone treated you. You had it easy and yet there I was being treated like nobody. Do you know what that feels like? Do you!?``

``Is that why you betrayed me, just because you were jealous? ``

``That's one of the reasons. Your father called me one day and asked if you told me anything regarding John. At first, I was hesitant, but he made me an offer that I couldn't refuse. If I told him everything that you told me, he would give me your position. ``

Eric was shocked and looked at his father.

``It's true. Everything he said was the truth. ``

``Why Edwin, why would you go to his side`` Eric said while tears started to shed.

``I already told you why. Now, since you know the truth, it's time to end this. ``

Edwin started to unsheathe his sword, but the King stopped him.

``Now hold on just a minute, I think it's better if Eric could bring us John himself. Wouldn't that be more interesting? `` He said, giving Eric and John an evil smile.

``That will never happen! `` screamed Eric.

``I wouldn't be too sure about that. ``

The King snapped his finger and Eric went on his knees and started to scream.

``ARHHHH!!``

``Eric what's wrong?!`` John said worried.

Eric couldn't answer, he was grunting due to the pain he was feeling.

``What did you do to him!?``

The King started to laugh.

``You see John, this is one of my powers that I possess. If I'm able to look at someone in the eyes, they are marked and I'm able to control them however I see fit. ``

John realized and started to look away from him.

``I know what you are thinking and sadly I'm only able to do it to one person. Now enough talk, Eric, bring me John. ``

Eric got up and turned around.

``I'm sorry John, I can't control my body. ``

Eric lunged at John and John was able to dodge out of the way. Eric Lunged again but it was still no use.

``This is going to take forever, I wanted to capture John without harming him, but I guess I have no choice`` the King said to himself.

``Eric, you're allowed to use force. I don't care what you do as long as he is alive. ``

Eric stopped and picked up his sword. He swung at John`s arm but missed. He swung again but this time aiming for his leg and managed to make a deep cut. John started to grunt. He couldn't move around as freely now. John started to back away from his brother while limping due to the injury he received. He backed away so much that he was at the edge of the cliff. John didn't know what to do. If he tries to fight back, he will lose. If he tries to run away, Eric will only catch up to him. No matter how many ideas he came up with, it was all useless. Eric started to approach John. And once he was close enough, he started to raise his sword. John tried to think as fast as he could on what he could do. As soon as he saw Eric swung his sword, he closed his eyes due to the fear he was feeling.

``John, open up your eyes``

John did and he could see Eric in front of him. And not only that, but he could also see the blade that was close to his legs.

``John, you have to kill me. I don't know how much longer I could keep this up. ``

Eric dropped his sword and the King also noticed this.

``What are you doing Eric?!``

``John you have to kill me. Use the sword that I dropped and kill me. ``

``What? `` John was shocked at what his brother said.

``What do you mean kill you, I can't do that?!``

``Yes you can John, if not, I will continue to hurt you. `` Eric started to shed tears.

``I don't want to hurt my little brother who I cared for for so many years. ``

``No! I can't do it. You have to fight it Eric, I know you could do it. ``

``I'm sorry John, I can't. I'm barely able to hold back. ``

``Then I'm sorry Eric, I can't, I'd rather die than to kill you. ``

``I know John, I know you don't want to do this, but you have too. You don't have a choice. ``

John was still hesitant to do it.

``What's going on, why isn't Eric moving? `` Edwin said

``I don't know? I'm sure that I gave him the command`` The king said confuse about the situation.

``Sir, If I may`` the person said, looking at the King.

``Go ahead Sebastian. ``

``I think you should put more power in controlling him. ``

The King nodded and started to do just that.

Eric could feel himself starting to lose control.

``John, I can't keep this up, he's pouring more power into controlling me. You have to do it. You have to do it now! ``

John looked at his brother and noticed him shaking a bit.

``I know you noticed it too. If you don't do it, I will lose control. Pick up the sword now John. Do it now! `` Eric said, screaming at him.

John picked up the sword.

``Good, now you have to stab me in the heart, it's a way for sure that I won't survive. `

John put the blade where his heart was and started to shake.

``I don't think I could do this Eric. I don't think I can! `` John said.

``Yes you can, please don't make me hurt you, John. I don't want to be his puppet. If you let me live and he manages to capture you, not only will he kill you, but he will also use me to do other horrific things. ``

John didn't want to admit it, but he knew deep down that Eric was right. He was hoping for him to break out of the control but as he said, he's barely able to hold back. John was getting ready.

``Hurry John, he`s pouring more power now, it's now or never, DO IT! ``

John closed his eyes and pushed the sword as hard as he could. Eric coughs up some blood and while he is dying, he uses his remaining time to tell John something.

``John, John looks at me``

John opened up his eyes and saw his brother giving him a smile.

``John, don't be sad about this. You did what you had too so it's not your fault. I just wished that things could've gone better. My only regret is not spending enough time with you. ``

Eric got the handle of the sword and pulled out the sword and coughed up more blood. He then walked up to John and hugged him.

``I love you. Don't forget that. ``

``I love you too`` John said while tearing up.

Eric smiled and closed his eyes.

John, still hugging Eric, let out a loud scream.

``AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!``

The King saw John screaming but that wasn't all he saw. He saw John's magical energy coming out. He started to smile.

``Yes John! Let it all go. This is what I've been waiting for. Release it all. Don't hold back. Once I get my hands on you, I will be able to power up my own magic. The more magic you have, the greater the effect is. ``

At the same time, the woman was panicking and thinking about what she should do.

``This is not good, John`s magic is leaking out of control. At this rate, her chains will break. ``

She sees the door shaking more violently. She tries to use her own magic to create more chains to hold the door, but it was no use. The chains will break immediately.

``Dammit, I don't know how long her chains will last. ``

John's magical energy began to increase more and more. John`s scream was filled with sadness and anger, and he continued to scream until he couldn't anymore. John could feel the magic overflowing within him.

The King began to walk up to John.

``Now that's something. I didn't expect you to kill your brother. I thought you will let him capture you but guess I was wrong. Anyways, are you done screaming now. Is that all the magical energy you have? 18 years and this is it?

John ignored him and was talking to himself.

``I don't care anymore. ``

One chain broke.

The King stopped where he could see him more closely.

``If that`s all you have then so be it. Now John, come to me. You know you have nowhere to go. ``

``I don't care If I die``

Another chain broke.

``God dammit. John, can you hear me? You have to stop this now! You have to stop before it's too late! ``

``So what is it going to be John? Are you coming peacefully, or do you want to do it the hard way? ``

``I'll use it all. ``

Another chain broke.

``I`ll kill you. ``

Another chain broke.

``Dammit John, there's only one left, if you don't stop now, you're going to die! ``

The King noticed John mumbling something.

``Did you say something? Say it louder so I could hear or-``

Before he could finish, John looked at him and screamed,

``I'LL KILL YOU! ``

The last chain broke. All of John`s magic came out the door.

The King was pushed back by the amount of magical energy he was releasing. Sebastian and Edwin ran up to him to check if he was okay.

``Are you okay sir? `` Sebastion asked.

``Yea, I'm fine` `he said, getting back up.

``So what do we do? `` Edwin said to the King.

``Is that some kind of joke? I`m still going to get John and power up my power. ``

``Are you crazy!?`` Sebastian said, ``Do you know how powerful he is now. He's at the 3rd stage of his magic. You are only in the second stage, and you still want to get John? ``

``We can do it if we work together. No matter how powerful he is, he still can't grasp his power. If we attack him now, we will be able to defeat him. ``

Before they could get ready, something was approaching the King at high speed. Sebastian noticed and reacted by moving the King out of the way.

``Thank you Sebastian. ``

Sebastian took a look at what it was.

``It's a sword of light`` he said to himself; ``Everyone, make sure you dodge them. If you get hit by them, you're a goner. ``

Everyone nodded and got ready to attack John. Before they could, John sent more and all of them dodge it except for Edwin who got a cut on his left arm. They charged at him, dodging everything that was thrown at them and were getting closer to John. John stopped his attack and cast another spell. He shot multiple fireballs and they moved out of the way but when they moved, the fireballs followed. They couldn't dodge it in time and all three of them got hit. But the King didn't back down just yet, he took the hit and got close to John. He was close enough that he swung his sword aiming for his arms. John saw and created a sword made of light and blocked his attack. The King was surprised, and John created another sword in his other hand and swung it towards the King's head. The King managed to dodge it and backed away from John, giving some distance between them.

``Dammit, what are we going to do, he is too strong? `` yelled Edwin.

``We can't even come close to him. What do you plan to do sir? `` Sebastian said.

The King was thinking. He didn't know what to do. John had the advantage between close combat and mid to long range attacks. John sent another swarm of fire balls at them, but The King had something to block them. He took out a magical shield out of his space ring.

``Everyone get behind me! ``

They went behind him and the King blocked all of them. John kept sending more and more until eventually he stopped.

The King was relieved because the shield was about to break. Even though he blocked it, his arm was hurting due to the impact.

``What do we do? At this rate, we will all be killed by him`` Edwin said yelling.

``Sir, we can't get John. If we try, we will be at a stalemate or end up dead`` Sebastion said.

The King was frustrated but he knew he was right. He didn't want to kill John, but he has to in order to survive.

``Edwin, do you know any support magic? ``

``I do but I only know the speed spell. ``

``That's perfect. ``

The King explained his plan.

``Are you sure this will work? `` ask Edwin.

``It will work as long as you guys stick to the plan. Are you guys ready? ``

They both nodded and started to get ready. Sebastian charged at John first and John sent his sword of light towards him. But as soon as he did, Edwin cast his magic on Sebastion which made him faster. He dodged and ran at John at full speed. John was surprised and casted his fireballs at Sebastian, as soon as he did, The King who was running at John, threw his shield at Sebastian and blocked it. The shield was able to block all of the attacks before it broke. As soon as they both got close enough, they swung their sword aiming for his head on each side. John created 2 swords for each hand and blocked both of them.

The King smiled and said to John,

``Are you forgetting someone. ``

John knew what he meant and saw Edwin running at him. Before he knew it, Edwin came close and pierced John`s heart. John was so distracted that he didn't notice Edwin.

All three of them backed off and John fell to his knees coughing up blood.

``I'm sorry John, I wanted to use you, but you left me no choice but to kill you. If only you came with me things could`ve been different`` The King said.

John didn't say anything. John could feel himself getting tired and weaker.

The King approach him and picked up John by the neck

``Such a shame. I guess you're no longer useful. ``

He walked up at the edge of the cliff.

``Before I let you go, I just wanted to tell you something that I thought you should know. ``

He whispered in John`s ear,

``You're the reason your mother died. ``

John heard what he said. And before he knew it, the King let John go. John fell into the river, his body taken away by the stream. The King looked down and walked away.