Dark World Genesis

by A. R. Kingston

  Paws pounding on the dirt, Alex was closing in on the tavern. She could see its lights flickering in the distance. Picking up the pace, she covered the last bit of track in a few seconds, but what she saw in the window of The Black Paw made her heart drop. There was Dalton, standing over what Alex could only assume was Jay. His hand was raised above his head, with a great sword glimmering a pale blue in a tight fist, getting ready to come down onto his victim.

  Without thinking, Alexandra jumped over the fence and ran straight for the window. Pushing herself off the ground, she launched herself through the windowpane, sending jagged shards of glass flying in all directions. Soaring towards Dalton, Alex opened her jaw. Clamping her fangs tight around Dalton’s sword hand, she dragged him to the ground as she landed on all four paws.

  A metallic taste filled Alex's mouth the deeper her fangs sunk in Dalton's flesh. Blood spilled from her jaw, dripping to the floor from her jowls. Howling in pain, Dalton thrashed about madly, kicking and punching at the wolf that had a hold of him. Shaking her head violently, Alex tossed Dalton about before releasing her jaw to send him tumbling away from her.

  Placing herself between Dalton and Jay, the white wolf let out a low, deep growl, baring its teeth to show it meant business. Stealing a look at Jay, Alex could see him laying against the wall with blood trickling down the side of his head, matting his blond hair. Barely opening one of his eyes, Jay reached out his hand towards her, but it collapsed on the ground as he lost consciousness. Across from her, Dalton pulled himself up. Clutching his bloodied arm, he scowled at the wolf before him.

  “Who are you?” Dalton demanded angrily “I know you are no real wolf. Wolves don't exist here anymore. Which means you are the fabled bogyman the Master had warned us about. The one who has come to undo everything we worked hard to build.”

  Spreading her paws wider, Alex growled at Dalton again. Her fur stood up on her back, and her tail swished from side to side.

  “Show your face, coward. There is no need to hide behind your mask. One of us isn't going to make it out of here alive.”

  Dalton was right, and Alex changed back without hesitation. Standing fully erect she faced her opponent without fear. As a human, he would have an advantage over her, but now the playing field was more level. With Dalton injured, Alex was confident she could defeat him, or at the very least, hold him off long enough for Henry to arrive.

  “You're right about one thing Dalton. I am the one your so-called Master warned you about.”

  “Well poppet, what do we have here? I would not believe it if I did not see it with my own eyes. It appears Quinton was grossly mistaken about you.” Dalton's voice was cold and patronizing. “You are far from the floozy he claims you to be.”

  Gladios!

  Summoning her blade, Alex put it in front of herself defensively. Glaring daggers across the room from one another, Alexandra and Dalton were at an impasse. One of them would have to die tonight, and the princess knew full well it could not be her. If she were to die, that would mean the end of Jay and Andy as well, something she would never allow.

  “You have no business being here Dalton.”

  “Neither do you, birdie. And yet, here we are.” Dalton took a few steps closer to Alex “Now, why don't you step away from the barkeep, like a good little girl. I'll finish what I started, and no one has to know anything about you being here.”

  “Never! The only way you will ever get to him is over my dead body.”

  “Don't do this totty. The barkeep murdered one of my men. By law, I must kill him. Step aside love, let me deal with him, and you can serve by my side as my queen when I’m done. Just think of everything we can accomplish with our powers combined.”

  “First of, I would never stand by your side. The mere sight of you sickens me. Second, this man here did not kill Mathis, I did. So, you see Dalton, your fight is with me, not him.”

  “Oh, my. Now, this is an unfortunate turn of events, isn't it? I would really hate to fight you, birdie. Are you willing to die for a man of his status? Don't you know how dispensable these peasants are? As I said, no one has to know a thing about you. This can all be our secret.”

  “You have no idea how far I am willing to go for him. I doubt a man as narrow-minded as you could ever understand what he means to me. Now, if it's a fight you seek, it's a fight you are going to get.”

  Gladios!

  Shaking his head, Dalton clenched his great-sword in his injured hand. The blood from his wound slowly dripped down the blade and onto the floor, forming a small puddle by his feet.

  “You do realize that pure-blood duels are to the death, right poppet?” Spinning the sword effortlessly around, Dalton put it up in the ready position. “Let’s face it, birdie, you have got no chance at defeating me. Just look at how small your sword is compared to mine. Your powers, no matter how good, are no match. Just surrender now love, and we can forget any of this ever happened.”

  “Aww, Dalton... didn't anyone ever tell you, it's not the size, but how you use it that counts?” Alex smirked at Dalton, showing no signs of backing down.

  “So be it poppet, but remember, you brought this upon yourself.”

  Lunging forward with a cold stare in his eyes, Dalton bore his sword down upon Alexandra. Even in his injured state, he was far stronger than her, and Alex could barely block and deflect the blade away from her. Steadying herself, Alexandra swung her sword at Dalton, but he blocked if effortlessly, sending her sliding back from the impact. Rolling across a table, Alex was barely able to avoid the next blow from the great sword as it split the table apart. Fortunately, her opponent’s sword got stuck in the floor long enough for her to reposition herself away from him.

  Engaged in a fierce battle, the two mages made several unsuccessful attempts at landing a killing blow on the other. With their skills evenly matched all they managed to do was destroy half the tavern as they continued to swing at one another. Alex continued to parry and dodge the swings from Dalton’s great sword while hoping she could take him down before she became exhausted.

  At long last, an opportunity showed up, Dalton left his right side completely exposed. Seizing this incredible stroke of luck, Alex swung her sword upward towards his face. Dalton attempted to duck, but he was not fast enough. The tip of Alexandra’s blade grazed across his cheek, leaving behind a red streak. Clicking his tongue, Dalton pressed the tips of his fingers to the fresh cut. Looking at his hand, he rubbed the blood around his fingers, scowling.

  “Well done totty. You actually manage to land a blow on me. But, believe me when I say...” Dalton snarled in his calm, harsh tone “... that it will be the only one you ever get.”

  Grimacing, Dalton swung his sword down with intense hatred towards Alex, splitting a chair in two as she sidestepped away from him. Attempting to end the battle quickly, Alexandra moved her sword as hard as she could only for Dalton to block with a strike. The force sent her toppling to the ground, and Dalton's sword headed swiftly for her head. Rolling away in the nick of time, Alex got back up on her feet. Panting, she was exhausted and barely able to keep her sword up to block. The next strike from Dalton not only sent her sliding back, but his blade nicked her left shoulder as she fell.

  Crouching on the floor by the bar trying to catch her breath, Alex felt a searing hot pain spread across her upper arm. Releasing her grip, her sword disappeared while she clung to her injured shoulder. The warm blood seeped past her fingers as the wound continued to throb. A few meters away, Dalton was gleaming with pride, and a glint of malice flickered in his eyes.

  “Pathetic. Is this your first time getting cut birdie?” He spun his sword around chuckling. “Don't worry, I'll make the next one quick. I promise you won't feel a thing.”

  Putting his sword behind his head, Dalton approached casually, hoping to frighten the girl into submission. Glaring at him getting closer, Alex was delighted by Dalton letting his guard down. The pain in her shoulder was nothing compar
ed to the pain she felt years ago at the hands of Quinton as he branded her flesh. If she kept up the appearance of being helpless, it would help her gain a much-needed advantage. Too careless to realize he was being played, Dalton stood over Alex and raised his sword above his head, bringing it down on the girl with all his might.

  Gladiums

  Crossing two daggers over her head, Alexandra strained to block the force of Dalton's sword bearing down on her head. Using all the strength she had left, Alex pushed up Dalton's blade, and with the left dagger, she made a quick swipe across his midsection. Groaning, Dalton stumbled backward, staring at the scarlet steak spreading over his white coat. Grasping his abdomen with his free arm, he continued to stagger back.

  Not wasting any time, Alex moved forward swinging her daggers at Dalton as quickly as she could manage. He blocked her advances with his sword as he understood how bad he had underestimated the princess. Thinking Dalton was worn out enough, Alex pressed her foot to his abdomen, kicking him over a table.

  Gladius

  Arm out, sword raised, Alex stood looking over in his direction. Breathing from the exhaustion of battle, she saw no movement coming from the floor. Inching closer to where Dalton lay, Alexandra’s heart pounded, and the cut on her arm throbbed with every pulse. Shifting on the floor, Dalton stuck the blade of his sword into the ground and raised himself up by its hilt. Out of breath, and gravely injured he propped himself up with a wince, gritting his teeth to look up at Alex.

  “I seem to have underestimated you, totty. You are a far better opponent than one would expect. But I wonder... why is it you fight so hard? What’s in it for you?” Shifting his gaze, Dalton focused his icy glare on Jay, who was stirring in the corner of the room. “Unless of course...” his eyes darted between Jay and Alex and the corner of his lip curled into a horrid grin, “... that's it, isn't it? You're in love with him.”

  “Doesn’t matter Dalton. You won’t live long enough to tell anyone about it.”

  “Won’t I?” Dalton smirked. “Isn’t life strange? Who could have guessed Lady Alexandra, the jewel of Manevia, could fall in love with a lowly pleb?” A wicked grin spread over his face as he focused all his attention on Jay. Dropping his sword, Dalton put up his hand instead, pointing it straight at the barkeep. “In that case, maybe I should just end it here with him. And I could still have my way with you after.”

  “No!” Alexandra's body moved on its own to position herself in front of Jay while swinging her sword down towards Dalton's head.

  Unflinching, Dalton grabbed Alex's arm in midair and lifted her up off the ground. Bringing them face to face, Dalton continued to grin as his grip on Alexandra tightened.

  “Stupid girl.” Dalton's spit landed on Alex's face as he hissed at her. “Didn’t they tell you love makes you weak? Just look at you... making such a careless mistake, and all because you let your emotions get the better of you.” Pressing his palm on Alexandra's abdomen, Dalton glared at her with intense hatred at not being able to have her. “But don't worry birdie, I'll make sure to kill him quick. That is, of course, after I kill you.”

  Spiritus Icatus

  A bolt of pure energy left Dalton's hand, ripping clean through Alexandra’s body. The blast sent her flying across the room. Slammed against the tavern door, her body crumbled to the floor like a broken marionette. A sharp pain spread from her abdomen over her entire body, and Alex felt as if she was on fire. Grasping her side, Alexandra cringed as she propped herself up to see a deep crimson pool forming beneath her.

  Axium

  Dragging a massive, two-headed ax on the wood floor, Dalton strolled towards her, barring his teeth. Petrified, Alex tried to move out of the way, but she could no longer feel her legs. Collapsing in pain, she looked up to see the glowing, blue blade of the ax positioned over her neck. Standing over her with a smug look, Dalton spit on the floor next to her as he raised his weapon closer to his chest.

  “I still can't believe Philip's precious bride is such a harlot. Who could have imagined the sweet, pure, Alexandra Hamilton to have such a naughty streak? The money I would pay to see Philip's face when he finds out what a whore you really are. But, no matter, I'll end you right here and spare him the heartache of learning his fiancé is a gray loving tramp.” Dalton raised his ax above his head. “Now die!”

  Unwilling to watch her own demise, Alex shut her eyes tight and waited for the coup de grâce which never came. Instead, Dalton's pained shriek rang through the empty tavern and Alexandra opened her eyes to see what happened. Before her, Dalton clutched a bloody stub where his hand used to be. His severed limb lay on the floor between them, and Jay stood behind him, gripping his sword which dripped fresh blood. Bringing Dalton down with a swift kick to the back of the knee, Jay walked forward to face him.

  “You know, it's one thing to insult me. I'm used to it.” Jay's voice was icy with anger as he raised his blade up under Dalton's chin. “But to imply my princess is anything less than pure? Now that is just unforgivable.”

  Raising his sword to his shoulders, Jay swung it with deadly precision, and Dalton's lifeless body dropped to the floor at his feet. The detached head rolled over close to Alex, and its dead eyes peered at her from their sockets. Letting out a weak scream, she tried to move away from it, but once again her legs did not move. Kneeling beside her, Jay scooped Alex up in his arms and brushed her hair out of her face.

  “Oh sweetheart, look at you.”

  “I'm all right.” Alex croaked through the pain.

  “No, you’re not. Stop acting so tough in front of me.” Jay pressed his forehead to Alex’s as he held her tight. “Just let me take care of you once in a while, okay?”

  “All right.”

  Trying not to worry Jay, Alexandra let out a weak smile as she clung to the sleeve of his shirt. A feeling of nausea started to come over her in waves. The room spun, and she could feel herself losing consciousness. Aware Alex did not have long left to live, Jay lifted her off the ground, hustling for the cottage door.

  “Just hang in a bit longer sweetheart.”

  “Where... where are we going?”

  “Upstairs to my room. I need to lay you down, so I can heal you.”

  With pressing urgency, Jay carried Alex upstairs to his chamber. Gingerly laying her down on his worn out, old mattress, he sat down beside her. Stroking Alexandra’s hair, Jay moved the hand which was clutching her stomach aside. Wincing in pain, Alex pushed back the bile trying to make its way up. Looking down, she could see the wound gushing blood like some tiny red fountain in her flesh.

  “I'm afraid I will have to ruin that lovely dress of yours baby.” Jay knelt by the bed and gave her a cheerful smile.

  “I think it's sufficiently ruined already,” Alex let out a weak laugh.

  Placing two of his fingers in the fabric's hole, Jay pulled the dress apart with a loud tear. Cold air graced Alexandra’s bare skin, and the nausea dissipated as the burning sensation cooled down. Immediately, Alex realized Jay could see her unmentionables, and feeling extremely self-conscious she tried to shift away from him. However, having no strength left she surrendered under the circumstances, and reckoned he would see them soon enough anyhow. Glancing over at Jay, Alex could see he was turning red while glancing over her body, and she felt surprisingly better.

  Jay placed his big, warm hands on Alexandra's bare skin making her flinch. She now understood why he recoiled the time she healed him. His touch was arousing, and Alex bit down on her lip, turning her head away in embarrassment from the thoughts filling her head. Clutching the quilt in her hands, Alexandra tried hard to slow down her breathing so Jay wouldn’t notice how turned on she got.

  A new fire raged in Alex's body as Jay finished healing her flesh. Pulling his hands away from her, Jay left Alexandra aching for his touch. Leaning over, Jay reached up to treat the cut on her arm. Gazing into his eyes, Alex reached up to close the injury on his head which still oozed a steady flow of red. Stroki
ng his hair, Alexandra attempted to calm herself down to no avail. Kissing her forehead, Jay pulled away from her, not wishing to surrender to his own urges, no matter how bad he wanted her.

  Leaving Alex on the bed, Jay walked out of the room without saying a word only to return a few minutes later with a wet towel in his hands. Getting down to her side, he wiped the blood away from her skin. By accident his hand brushed up against the torn dress, flipping it over to expose Alexandra's half-naked body. Awkwardly turning away from her, Jay pulled the fabric back to cover her up. Redirecting his gaze, he walked over to his drawer. Pulling out one of his shirts, he tossed in Alex's general direction.

  “Here,” Jay put his hands in his pockets and stared up at the ceiling, “put that on.”

  Feeling rejected, Alex got up and removed what remained of her dress. Draping his large shirt over her small frame, she started to button up. Stealing a glance at Jay, who still had his back turned to her, Alex wondered why he did not wish to look at her.

  Was she so immature that Jay didn't even want to steal a glance? Maybe Andy’s mother was much better looking than her, and all Jay wanted was someone who would take care of his boy for him. How else could Alex explain the reason he slept with that woman upon meeting her, but he still barely touched her after all this time. She suddenly found herself getting jealous of a dead woman Jay claimed to not even love. But jealousy quickly gave way to fear as Alex wondered if she could ever please Jay, or if he would always see her as some child.

  “What's the matter, Jay? Don't you want to have a look?” Alex said with a slight quiver in her voice as she continued to button her shirt.

  “Oh, I want to look,” Jay said peering over his shoulder to steal a glance. “I just don't trust myself to stop at the looking.”

  Walking over to Jay, Alex turned him around. Taking his face in her hands, she peered into his deep blue eyes.