Chapter 42

Chapter 42

"Calian, are you there? I've heard of these strange devices that allow you to speak long distances. I just never knew their power and capabilities." 

"This is called a cell phone. It's a cellular device that allows you to call people almost anywhere. Your brother seems to be with the rest of our group. He said he would show us where the demon tiger's cave was. In the meantime, I will continue observing the safety of your cousins. As long as they're safe, we should try not to intervene alone."

"I don't know how long the tiger demon will wait to devour the children. Should we not take action now." 

"By ourselves, it will be dangerous and possibly harm your cousins and more. Look there; the tiger seems to be waiting for something. Maybe he's waiting for them to fall asleep, and their guards let down, so it's easier to devour them." 

"You might be right. Wait, what does that smell that is coming from the cave?" 

"Oh no, it's Hydrogen sulfide gas. We only have less than 10 minutes to get them out before they pass out. Because they are lower to the ground, the gas is heavier, so they might not have that much time." 

"Baby, we have no choice. We have to go in. You need to get here as soon as possible. There's a gas leak in the cave. Now we know why the demon keeps taking them: It causes them to pass out so he can devour them." 

"I guess there's no way around it; we're on our way now. Calian says that it will take us almost 40 minutes to get there. Even with the shortcuts, he knows, try to hold off till then." 

"Follow My Lead. I'll distract the tiger demon, and come grab your cousins and get them out to safety immediately." 

"Here, kitty kitty, let's go!" 

It was time for me to take action. The tiger turned and hissed at me, glaring with his sharp teeth and glowing ominous eyes. He looked at me with a snarl that curled into what almost looked like a smile. I jumped, lunging in the air, ready to take him down. 

He pulled his paw back and took a slash at my neck. He missed my neck, but still, I saw the blood dripping down my shoulder. I couldn't overthink or hesitate, or it could be my end. I just had to stay focused and keep my eye on the demon. I had not been in battle before this that I could remember, but the sword precents told me differently. 

He attempted to claw at me once more, but I ducked his attack. He then turned his paw and hit me on my backside, sending me flying against the wall. 

I gripped a hold of my sword with both hands and propelled my body off the wall. I aimed myself in his direction as he jumped above me. I dug my heels into the ground, reversing my step with a twist. Once more to attack him. 

Thinking to myself, I will not let this demon take me down. I'm well aware of his strength, but I don't even know how to use this sword properly. I will find a way to do damage. 

As I twisted, he spun around, leaving an opening to his chest. I sliced and dug my blade deep into a sternum. He screamed, clawing at the air as he flipped over, slamming to the ground, knocking dust into the air. 

I took that chance while he was down and ran back towards the front of the cave, trying not to inhale the gases. Our battle had pushed us farther into the cave, causing me to get dizzy. I was running out of clean oxygen. 

I looked back at him as he acted like the cut in his chest was just a scratch. Blood poured out from him as he stood up and shook off the dust. 

His claws were employed on both paws. Sharp and prepared for an assault, he scowled at me once again. When I leaped for the blow, he sidestepped it with his paw and smashed me to the ground, knocking me down as I fell across the earth. 

Leaping, he pounced on top of me, pinning me to the ground. I fixed my gaze on him, staring him down. I saw that I had lost my weapon when I fell. I raised my arms to try to deflect his blows. He swung his paws back and forth, slashing at me. 

I could feel my hot blood streaming down my right arm. I was so severely injured that I was unable to feel the pain in my arm was numb. All I could see were glimpses of his claws slicing across my arm. 

Then, suddenly, a large stone plunged through the air and struck the demon tiger in the face. Behind that first rock, the girl and the twins were throwing several stones at the monster. 

Their attempts worked long enough to distract them. I was able to roll out from under him and grab my sword, slicing upwards at one of his legs. He turned and took another slash at my face, this time. I swerved, drugging my sword deep into the ground as I sliced upwards, kicking dust into his eyes. 

But it didn't work, as he dodged my attack. We were chained together in a dance to the death. I miscalculated one of his paws, slamming me against the wall again. 

His body was surrounded by a dark aura that made it apparent that he was becoming furious. His initial animal-like appearance appeared to grow, and he became more powerful as he transmogrified. His body changed, and he became a half-human creature.

He must have been one of Evan and Josh's father's other test subjects. Like our guardians, he was somehow able to change from his animal-like body. 

Taking the muscular structure of a human, standing upright on two legs, 9 feet tall, he was a giant. His paws were now fists with long nails, ready for the next attack. He licked his lips across his bare fangs. His eyes were glowing red, and I could sense the bitterness from this hellacious battle, hungry to get even. 

He took another swipe at me. This time, I tried to dodge faster. His blows came quicker now. Cutting the only good arm, I had to fight with. I tried to hold my sword with my non-dominant hand. This battle was coming to an end for me.

I had to think of a way to counter soon. For now, as long as I can focus his attention on keeping him from retaliating towards me, I will be able to protect the others. But I have lost a lot of blood, and I am feeling faint. 

I dodge once more and use the hilt of my sword to slam down on the back of his head, making him eat the dirt. 

I've not been in a serious fight for a long time. Something about the stimulation of this battle reminded me of some of my past. Unlocking memories of when I once saved Beck from the boar. How my sword first manifested. 

They say muscle memory is quite powerful. This must have been how my body used its instincts to fight, the condition of protection and survival. That may have unlocked the power within me. Now, and for years, I have been fighting demonic forces. 

Whether in the physical or spiritual realm, I just knew that I had to help my loved ones and humanity. 

Oh, how the memories fluidly return to me. Plenty of times, I spent fighting battles trying to purify this world of evil demons and restore justice to those who had fallen or had been possessed by a demon. I could feel the goosebumps as a fierce energy surged and enlightened my sensation. 

With all the strength of my heart, mind, and body, I put all my energy into one final attack. I was out of blood, energy, and strength whether I won or slowed the tiger demon down. This was my last possible move!