by Leon Logos
Serenity dashed off from the entrance hall, following Sixto. She wasn’t too far behind him. Their footsteps echoed around the walls, as they darted through the spacious, palatial hallways. She knew what he was planning to do. He was attempting to kill the mercenary man that was guarding them, in an effort to liberate the Council. Serenity was unsure whether Sixto would be successful. But she wasn’t only worried about his wellbeing. Dorian and Bastion were among the captured Councilmen. If they somehow were extricated from Viktor’s capture, Bastion for sure would seek revenge on her. He’d kill her without a doubt; not even Sixto could pacify an enraged Bastion, she felt. Sixto was still a subordinate.
Serenity realized she was lost after fifteen minutes. Sixto’s footsteps were now inaudible, nowhere to be detected. She was left to sprint aimlessly around the house, searching the empty, ransacked rooms randomly. There were simply too many to check. But she quickly realized that she could minimize the number of rooms to search through simple hearing; it was predominantly quiet this far out into the house. The muffled clamor of battle could still be heard, but it was very distant. She’d surely hear Sixto and the others if they were nearby. With that reassurance in mind, she chose to just race through the halls rather than waste any time entering rooms.
It seemed the battle was progressing faster than usual. It was logical to assume that Viktor’s side was losing. They were pushed back into the main house. She could hear the grating noises of warfare breaching inside. The halls near the front entrance were probably teeming with soldiers now. The thought of this frightened her, prompting her to speed up.
As she reached the opposite side of the house, near the West Wing, she finally heard something. A gunshot around the corner. Instantly, she hurtled forward in alarm. She rounded the corner and then skidded to a halt. Sixto stood in the hall outside the second room on the left, which was a parlor room. The main house had a dozen parlor rooms, which were areas used to lounge about and converse in a comfortable setting.
“What did you do?” she cried out.
Sixto looked at her, irked by her presence.
“I did it,” he said. “And you should be with Destiny. Where are they?”
“Where you told them to be,” said Serenity, following Sixto inside the room. The Council was in in there, standing over the corpse of their captor.
“Good job, Sixto!” Bastion growled triumphantly, but visibly aggravated. “If we survive this, I’m promoting you.”
“Our reinforcements have arrived,” said Dorian, wiping blood off his pants with a repugnant expression on his face. “I believe we’ll be fine. But what has happened to Alistair, Sixto? Is he well?”
Sixto lowered his gaze dispiritedly. His face said it all. Giving an answer verbally wasn’t necessary. Dorian suspired dismally, shaking his head.
“Rest well, old friend,” Dorian murmured.
“Alistair is dead?” Bastion vociferated. “That can’t be true! Than why is she alive? Was Alistair cheated? What about Destiny?!”
“Only my uncle was killed,” Sixto explained. “Destiny and her sisters went somewhere to hide. The secret bunker.”
“Who killed him?” Bastion demanded. “Who?!”
“I don’t know his name,” Sixto said. “It was the big one. Serenity, what’s his name...? The one who shot my uncle…?”
“Garen,” she replied. “His name’s Garen.”
“I swear, if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll decapitate that fiend,” Bastion said murderously. “Where is he now? In battle?”
“I assume so,” said Sixto. “But you all need to hide. I think the battle moved inside. Our allies have pushed them back!”
“‘Hide’?” Bastion repeated, as if he was ludicrous to suggest it. “Who do you think I am, some coward? I’m joining the fracas. Pass me your pistol.”
“You can grab one off one of the bodies,” Sixto said tentatively. “I’d like to keep mine. You know, just for self-defense.”
Bastion stormed up to Sixto, giving him a death stare. It was evident how fervent and incandescent he was. His eyes were hysterical, going mad for blood. Instead of a virtuous, esteemed military leader, all she saw was a serial killer thirsting for revenge and bloodshed. Sixto took two steps back, keeping the pistol behind him. He was unyielding in refusing to give it up. Serenity realized what he was trying to do. Bastion had been giving her cursory vicious glances since he first noticed her. Serenity’s life was in danger. As Bastion neared Sixto, she also retreated surreptitiously. It was plausible that he blamed Alistair’s death partially on her as well, instead of just Garen.
“Give it here,” Bastion said imperiously. “Now.”
Out of the corner of his mouth, Sixto mouthed, “RUN.” She didn’t obey; Bastion noticed it, and quickly seized the pistol from Sixto violently. Immediately, Sixto tried to snatch it back. He was easily shoved to the ground with one arm. The strength disparity between the two was laughable. Bastion cocked the pistol and pointed it at her.
Serenity instinctively put her hands up.
“It wasn’t me,” she said. “I swear, I had nothing to do with it.”
“Your pleas are both groundless and silly,” Bastion responded. “I’ve suspected you of treachery from the start. And I know it was you that stole my key. That’s right; when I was contemplating potential suspects, Destiny mentioned she found you in my chamber without authorization.”
She had no words. She knew Bastion would’ve figured out eventually anyway. Not that it really mattered. She had succeeded in liberating Kyler already. Serenity made no attempt to deny or refute this allegation. She had lied incessantly already. It was time to stop.
“Tell me, why the jailhouse key in particular?” Bastion asked curiously. “You know what? Not an iota of me cares. You’ll die here anyway.”
“Bastion, NO,” Sixto said, rising to his feet. He got in between them, in Bastion’s line of fire. Bastion glowered at Sixto in annoyance, stepping to the side. But Sixto shielded her persistently, getting in front of Bastion whenever he side-stepped.
“You’re willing to die with her?” Bastion asked, flummoxed. “Step aside, Sixto! Or you’ll be convicted of traitorous transgression as well!”
“She’s no traitor, she’s on our side,” Sixto argued. “We caught the enemy by surprise. Serenity could’ve warned them that we had reinforcements coming. But she didn’t. Why? Because she’s one of us!”
Bastion scrutinized her thoroughly, trying to read her thoughts. Serenity kept a poker-faced expression. For now, she’d attest Sixto’s argument.
“He’s right,” she nodded. “And I’m the one that begged Viktor for him to spare Destiny! Lyla, Lily, and Sixto as well.”
Bastion lowered the pistol. She sighed in relief, shutting her eyes. Her heart had been pounding at a thousand miles per hour, accelerating without any intentions of slowing down. Yet another close encounter with death. She knew she wouldn’t get lucky forever.
Bastion pocketed the pistol, walking up to her. He stopped an inch from her. She stood her ground, looking up at him apprehensively. Serenity expected it but wasn’t quick enough for reprisal. He sucker punched her in the stomach. She wheezed, falling onto her knees. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. The punch had absorbed the oxygen from her lungs. She had never gotten the wind knocked out of her so hard before.
She spluttered, waiting for her air to replenish. But Bastion didn’t give her the time. He grabbed her by the hair on the top of her head with his right hand. She yelled shrilly in pain, feeling as if her hair was going to be pulled completely out of their roots. Bastion raised her an inch or two, starting to punch her repeatedly in the face with his free hand.
She desperately reached for the hand immobilizing her, but her strength quickly depleted on the fourth punch. As much as she wanted to resist, her arms did not want to raise. Her consciousness was ebbing. Sixto tried to rush to her aid. Bastion swung a wide backhand strike at him as he approached. Sixto ducked, dodging it, and tackle
d Bastion. Bastion did not fall. But he was pushed back a few steps, fortunately releasing her as she dropped onto the hard marble floor. She heard them scuffle for a bit, Bastion having a surprisingly strenuous time subduing Sixto. But nonetheless, the cessation of the fight arrived quickly. With one strong blow, Sixto was incapacitated. Her vision still blurry. She stared at the floor speechlessly. Her face felt wet drops of blood dripping onto the floor. She resisted the temptation to lose consciousness, catching her breath.
Just as she hoped Bastion would give her mercy, he kicked her in the ribs. She spiraled onto her back, her ribs absorbing the entirety of the impact. Baston kicked her once again in the stomach.
“That’s enough, Bastion,” she heard Dorian.
“I was holding back,” Bastion scoffed. “A bit.”
“What will you do with her once the battle is over?” Dorian asked.
“You’ll see,” said Bastion. “I’m joining the battle. What will you do?”
“We could use an escort to the bunker,” Dorian said.
“Fine, I’ll take you there,” said Bastion. “I want to see Destiny anyway. Sixto, get up, you brat. Man up and follow my lead.”
Feet trembling, Sixto got to his feet. He staggered towards her, as everybody filed out of the room behind Bastion. He crouched down beside her, examining the extent of her injuries. The results of Bastion’s beatdown.
“Can you stand?” he asked.
Serenity needed a moment to recover, panting heavily on her hands and knees. She wanted a mirror to see her face. She could feel that her face and body was battered, bruised, and bloodied. Her face felt twice as heavy, swelling up rapidly. But thankfully, she didn’t believe she had sustained any broken bones. Not even a broken nose. It could’ve gone way worse, as she gave it some thought. She spit out blood and a broken tooth. Her mouth was radiating in pain as well. Sixto took a look at her face.
“It’s not—it’s better than I expected,” Sixto stammered.
She looked up at him, surveying his face. There weren’t any visible injuries. Bastion had mostly dealt damage to his torso.
“Come on, we need to get up,” Sixto said urgently, helping her to her feet. “Let’s follow Bastion. They’re going to the bunker.”
“He’s going to kill me!” she rasped, finding it painful to cough.
“No, he won’t,” Sixto affirmed. “I promise. Come on!”
“I can walk!” she said, pushing him off of her.
Reeling from side-to-side, she lurched out of the room. She looked ridiculous now but would gradually recover the strength to walk correctly. Sixto stayed with her pace, walking alongside her. It didn’t take long for them to catch up with Bastion and the Councilmen. They were treading carefully, Bastion leading them as he edged through each and every hallway. Dorian glanced back at them but didn’t address their presence. Gunfire, yells, and screams became more audible as they progressed. The fighting had moved inside.
In no time, they started to witness some action. As they rounded a corner, reaching the middle section of the house, the hallway was occupied by a pair of combatants. One of Viktor’s soldier brawling with another man. She recognized the body armor; these were the men that had attacked them back at Patrick’s house. The underlings of the Venators. They were auxiliary reinforcements.
In a second, Bastion shot Viktor’s soldier.
“Thank you, sir!” the Aurelian combatant whistled, massaging his fists.
“Why aren’t you using your weapons?” Bastion reproached.
“Sometimes we have resort to close-quarter combat,” the man shrugged. “This guy surprised me, taking out his knife.”
“Who are these guys?” she whispered to Sixto.
“I think they’re mercenaries,” Sixto returned. “Just like the Venators, they work for us. We reimburse them for services. With money, of course.”
“I’ve seen them before,” Serenity replied. “They were the ones that took me. They were working with the Venator.”
As they walked onward, more and more new corpses came into view. The fighting wasn’t just audible anymore; they were in prime danger territory now. The corridors were flooded with warfare. They were fortunate that they had arrived. Bastion stood by a giant portrait on the wall, of some man in emerald robes. They were just two corridors from the main entrance. In the past, she had walked by this portrait numerous times, ignoring it every time after her first encounter with it.
Bastion gripped the edges of the frame and pulled. Like a door, the portrait opened horizontally. As it swung open, it revealed a door. Bastion opened it; it was unlocked.
“During an emergency, it would be troublesome for it to be locked,” Sixto shrugged, at the surprised look on her face.
Hastily, the Councilmen shuffled through the door and down the dark staircase. Bastion waited for them all to get through. Sixto went in before her, not looking back. Suddenly, Bastion shut the door. She heard Sixto’s yell cut off completely as it closed. Serenity spun around, looking at Bastion. But it wasn’t because of her that he closed it. It wasn’t that he wanted to deny her access. Someone stood a couple yards from them.
It was Garen, pointing his rifle directly at Bastion. The left side of his head was coated with blood. She couldn’t deduce what had exactly happened
“You think you’re so tough?” Bastion provoked. “With that gun? A real man would use his fists, don’t you think? Bet you can’t best me anyway.”
“You think so?” Garen jeered. “Drop the pistol, then.”
“You first,” said Bastion, whose pistol wasn’t even raised.
“I’m the one that’s a millisecond from killing you,” Garen threatened.
Bastion laughed, dropping his pistol. He then kicked it away. The pistol skidded across the hall, hitting the other side of the wall.
Garen removed the magazine of his rifle, discarding it to the floor as well. The entire hallway was empty except for the three of them, for now. Any second now, the hall could flood with gunfire and enemies. This fight had to be settled quick. Garen glanced at Serenity, narrowing his eyes.
“Who did that to you?” Garen asked.
“I did. Does it upset you?” Bastion smiled.
“Not really,” Garen said, raising his fists.
“Garen, don’t fight him!” Serenity implored. “Just finish him!”
“‘Garen’?” Bastion repeated with a scoff. “This is the one that shot Alistair? How convenient! I won’t rest until you drop dead!”
“Then what’re you waiting for?” Garen challenged.
Without further delay, the two of them charged each other. Instantly, Serenity dashed for the pistol Bastion had discarded. She snatched it and then raised it, aiming for Bastion. It was difficult, as Bastion and Garen exchanged blows, shifting their feet like boxers and moved around.
Someone snuck up behind her and snatched the gun. Her survival instincts kicked in, as she elbowed who was behind her in the jaw. He grunted, immediately attempting to backhand her in retaliation. Out of reflex, she managed to evade it.
“What’re you doing?” Cackle snapped.
“What’re you doing?” she upbraided, not at all surprised by his random appearance. At this point, surprises were common.
“This is Garen’s fight! Don’t interfere!” he said. “And besides, knowing how terrible your aim is, you’ll miss and kill him instead!”
“Then you do it!” she said.
“Come on!” Cackle scowled, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the portrait.
She planted her feet, in an attempt to resist to the best of her ability. She even tried sweeping his legs and punching his jaw. Frustrated with her resistance, he grabbed her and launched her forward with ridiculous strength. She slammed into the portrait shoulder-first. In a second, Cackle was already on her. He wrenched open the portrait door, then the actual door, pushing her inside. She nearly fell down the stairs, holding onto the railing on the side for support. Cackle shut the door, submerg
ing them in semi-darkness. There was light downstairs, in the bunker.
“Why are you locking me in here?” she said, in a frenzy, persistently trying to get past him.
He kept pushing her back, finally raising the gun to control her. Serenity halted but wasn’t intimidated.
“It’s a warzone out there,” he said. “You trying to get killed?”
“Why do you care?” she said.
“I’m just following orders!” Cackle said irritably. “We have to hide!”
“Hide from WHO?!”
“Those creepy assassin guys!”
“The Venators?”
“Yeah, whatever,” Cackle said. “Start walking down.”
“You saw one? They’re actually here?!”
“Only briefly, but yeah. I’m not interested in duking it out with them again. Hell no. Now, start walking!”
“If Garen dies because of you—”
“Why do you care?” he fired back at her.
She glared, but acquiesced. There weren’t many stairs to descend. Within fifteen seconds, they had reached the basement. The bunker was a sizable square room with metal walls, lit up with electrical lighting. There wasn’t any furniture at all. Or even supplies. The Councilmen were huddled in the center of the room, conversing quietly. Lily, Lyla, and Destiny were missing. But Sixto was present; he was the first to notice her. He sprang up to his feet, dashing up to her.
“Serenity! What happened?!”
“Nothing,” she replied. “Where are Lily, Lyla, and Dest—”
“Oh look, it’s the traitor,” Wilkens sighed derisively.
“Why did Bastion close the door on you? Wait, is that him coming down right now?” Sixto asked, hearing the approaching footsteps.
Sixto almost recoiled in alarm as Cackle showed himself. The Councilmen terminated their conversation, eyeing Cackle warily. Sixto appeared ready to charge Cackle, but he stopped himself when Cackle brandished his pistol. The gun Sixto had picked up the in the first place.