by H. D. Gordon
But, I would be lying to say that I didn't get caught up in the moment. Blood spilled with every swing of my blade, and the anticipation of the wonderful feeling that was beginning to seep into me was as glorious as ever. I loved the strength and precision of my movements, the way my body danced out of the way of the attackers at the last minute, and still managed to protect Akira. The translucent rain droplets that flicked and flew from my sword merged with the black blood of the Lamias in an almost choreographic manner. They split and fell before the silver in my hand. It passed unhindered through muscle and ligament and bone. I was aware of sustaining some injuries myself; a deep laceration on my left thigh, a more than likely bruised rib, deep bites on my arms and shoulder. But, these things made no matter. If what I was feeling in that moment had anything to do with pain, I had no mind for it. I thrived and lived in the battle on that night.
And, when I swung around and decapitated the Lamia whose hand I had removed, pure and sweet bloodlust possessed me. That powerful surge of energy swept through me, and left me starving for more. In less than a minute, two more Lamia lay dead at my feet.
After my third kill, I turned to take out a forth, but Kayden beat me to the punch. His blade delivered the last necessary blow to destroy the Lamia before mine could. The howl that tore its way up my throat was more the sound of an angry lioness that had just been robbed of a choice kill than that of anything on two legs. My monster didn't want to share these kills. And, it returned the hard look from Kayden with a warning growl that made my vocal cords vibrate.
Kayden had already taken down four of them while I had destroyed three. That left one Lamia still alive. And she was mine.
I pushed Akira into Kayden's arms and spun on my heel. I spotted her instantly. The bitch was going to run. I couldn't let her get away again. This shit would end tonight; in her death or in mine. It didn't matter. My monster couldn't agree more.
I was on her before she'd gone ten feet in the opposite direction. I know that she didn't see it coming at all, because I'm pretty sure that she'd never encountered anyone who could move faster than a Lamia. I came from behind; silent, swift and intent. My Gladius swept low, cutting deep into the backs of her ankles, causing her to topple forward on hands and knees. Her high-pitched screech ripped through the air. Rather than making me want to cover my ears, it held a somehow musical quality to it, and I drank it in. My monster found the sound quite lovely as well.
I reached down and flipped the Lamia over onto her back. The back of her skull hit the ground hard, and bounced back up to settle her gaze on me. I stood over her, my blade against her throat, and my monster's crooked smile made its way across my lips.
It disappointed me more than I care to admit that there was no fear on her face. I lingered there, over her, dripping with rain and covered with mud and blood, waiting for the fear that should have been there. The sky pounded out loud cracks of thunder, and lightening lit up the dark night. Her mouth was stretched back in a grimace and her deadly jaws opened and snapped shut with audible clicks. Her soulless black eyes flicked from the blade at her throat to my face. I knew exactly what she saw there.
A gurgled hiss escaped her throat. You're no better than ussss, Warrior, she told me.
In my head, I cringed at the insult. Later, I would obsess over those words. I would look back and hate the fact that I agreed with her; that she was right. Later, I would curse myself and blame the dark part of me for a very long time. Right then, I sat back and let my monster do what it did best. I let it have what I denied it most of the time. One last beautiful kill would be made on this night.
Apparently, my monster had another opinion to voice, and the words that came from my mouth, in that deep, raspy voice that would never truly be mine, surprised me as much as if they had been spoken by a complete stranger. You're right, Lamia. I'm no better than you &. but Alexa is.
The hand that held the Gladius swung up in an arch, came crashing down, and at the last moment, something totally unexpected happened; my monster gave me back control.
I was suddenly in the forefront once more. My body was under my command; and so it was under my command that my blade forced its way through her throat, and relieved the Lamia of her existence. But I didn't stop there.
I brought the sword up and down, up and down, again and again. Black blood splattered my face, my arms, my legs. The potent feeling of Taking Life engulfed me. The vocal cords of my throat vibrated once more, emitting growls and grunts with every thrust. Ripping and tearing and gurgling sounds engulfed me, and I leached the Lamia of every bit of energy her black soul had to offer. Finally, when the body beneath me was mutilated beyond recognition, and the fury left leaving exhaustion in its place, the silver slipped out of my hand, and fell to the ground with a thud. I knew Kayden and Akira were waiting for me; watching me. And I was too much of a coward to turn around and face them.
I expected that it would be Kayden who'd come to me, but when I turned around, looking very much like Stephen King's Carrie after the bloodbath at prom, it was Akira that came running into my arms. Her small t-shirt was torn and splattered with gore. Tears fell down her cheeks fast enough to make the clouds jealous. Her eyes were bright and still so full of terror. And she jumped right into my arms.
I wrapped them around her automatically, reminding myself not to squeeze her too hard. Her body was warm and wet and trembling slightly. I wondered briefly if any of her fear was of me, but the thought was shoved away when, in a voice full of hiccups and quivers, she whispered, Thank you, Alexa.
My chest began to ache, and I made my hands into fists to keep them from shaking. The injuries I'd acquired in battle were starting to heat up and throb. A shiver ran through me. Akira pulled back and placed a tiny hand against my cheek. And thank you too, Warrior, she added.
A crooked smile touched my lips.
Alexa
The walk back to Olivia's house was long and quiet. My rib began to bother me. The deep laceration on my thigh hurt more and more with every step I took that put weight on it. My hands stung all over, nicks and cuts and small chunks of skin were missing in various places on the tops of them, but the holes in my palms had begun to throb and burn. I could smell the bitter irony stench of blood soaked into my hair. My head hurt. I hadn't noticed how far I'd gone when I was chasing the Lamia, but it had to be at least three miles with all sorts of obstacles in the course. We tried to stay as invisible as possible. It seemed to me like it would be an eternity before we made it back to Olivia's house. At least the rain had slowed down.
I'd taken off my jacket and given it to Akira when I noticed that she was shivering. Since I only had on a black t-shirt underneath, my arms were pretty exposed. I knew that more lilies had appeared on my silver tattoo, and if the tingling sensation was any indication, I thought that the silver vine from which the lilies sprouted had extended up over my shoulder and down to the top of my shoulder blade. I didn't care enough to push my sleeve up and check.
I carried Akira half of the way, because even though I was exhausted, there was no way I was going to make her walk back. Kayden carried her for the rest. She told us that she was fine to walk but didn't offer any protest when I scooped her up into my arms. Her head stayed up and her eyes stayed wide open and alert while I carried her, but when I passed her over to Kayden, she eventually rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. I envied her.
By the time we finally made it back to Olivia's house most of the blood had been washed from our skin and faces by the slowing rainfall, but our clothing was pretty much done for. Olivia was waiting on the porch with a walking cane in one hand and a carving knife in the other. It was a good thing that it was nighttime, because anyone driving by might find the old woman with a knife in her hand alarming.
When we walked up to the door Olivia dropped the knife and placed a hand over her heart. Oh, thank God, was all she said.
When Akira heard her grandmother's voice her head popped up and her eyes opened. Ka
yden set her down on her feet, and she ran over to Olivia and threw her arms around the old woman. Olivia's free arm wrapped around the child. Are you alright? she asked.
Akira nodded.
I was afraid to meet Olivia's eyes. If I hadn't come here this never would have happened. I'd been so stupid, when I knew that I had Lamias hunting me, I'd led them straight to her doorstep, and almost gotten her granddaughter killed. I wanted very much to disappear into thin air at the moment.
Kayden broke the silence. Do you have someplace else you could stay tonight? he asked Olivia.
Yes, she said, I have a nephew who lives in the next town over. She paused, and her sharp eyes fell on me. Did you & take care of it? she asked.
I cleared my throat. Yes. You guys should be fine. It was me that they wanted.
Olivia gave a small nod and turned to Kayden. I packed a bag for Akira and me and called my nephew while you all were gone. He should be here very soon to pick us up. Would you mind escorting Akira to her room so that she can change out of her wet clothes? she asked him.
Akira's brow creased and her cheeks flushed an adorable pink. Her grandmother patted her shoulder. He'll wait outside of the room for you. That way, if anything should happen you just yell and he will come rushing to your rescue. Olivia's gaze snapped back to Kayden. Isn't that right, Mr. Wallace? she asked.
Kayden bowed his head a little and winked at Akira. Of course, he said.
Olivia hugged her granddaughter once more then released her. Go now, sweetheart. Try to be quick.
Akira reached out and took Kayden's large hand into her small one. They disappeared into the house. That left me alone with Olivia. I swallowed hard and stared down at my ruined tennis shoes, getting ready to apologize, but Olivia spoke first. Are you okay? she asked.
My head pulled up and my eyes settled on her face. I hadn't expected her to ask that. Actually, I'd expected her to scream at me for endangering her granddaughter, to tell me I was a stupid girl, maybe even slap me. That's the mildest of what I would have done if I were in her position. I didn't expect for her to be concerned about my well-being. I guess sometimes people can be kinder than I give them credit for.
Normally, I would have just said that I was fine, and hidden any sign that I wasn't okay . But, there was no point in lying to a Searcher like Olivia, and I kind of felt like she deserved the truth from me anyway. After all, I'd almost gotten her granddaughter killed.
I don't know, I said.
Olivia studied my face for a long time, and her expression softened a little, but she didn't speak again. I took that as my cue to apologize. I'm really sorry, I began, I should have known better. I never would've come here if I'd known that this would happen.
Olivia surprised me yet again by placing her wrinkled hand on my shoulder. I'm just as much to blame as you are, Alexa, she said. I'm the one who sent you to Two Rivers without really telling you what you were walking into. I knew you would be back here with more questions for me, and I knew that when you did return you would more than likely be neck deep in trouble. Perhaps it is I that should be apologizing to you. Thanks to you and Mr. Wallace, I've lost nothing tonight that can't be fixed or replaced. You on the other hand are a different story.
I'm not too great at conversation as it is. I tend to laugh when I get nervous, or just say something really stupid when I am forced to talk. So, why did this woman always have to say shit that made me feel like I should respond, but left me with no clue as how to do it? She seemed to always know exactly what was going on with me at my core. Skeletons in closets and bodies under the floorboards are never things that people want to speak about. Right now, I sure as hell didn t. But, she was right too. I had lost something today. Except I'm pretty sure I'd lost it this morning; in the parking lot of a small diner.
I'll be fine, was all I said.
Olivia grabbed my chin so fast that I flinched, and had to stop myself from knocking her hand away and more than likely fracturing her wrist. I wouldn't have meant to do it, but I'm not someone who is ideal to touch without warning or invitation. I relaxed my body, but the old woman held my face in a way that made it impossible for me not to look in her eyes.
You are not a monster, Alexa, she said. Her grip tightened on my chin when I tried to look away. You are a Sun Warrior, and you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. But, you are strong, and built for such labor. You think you're evil and tainted, but what you don't understand is that good needs its warriors too. That is what you need to remember. Or else you will forever be divided into two warring sides that will destroy you in their battles.
In true stupid-response-from-Alexa fashion, I replied, Okay.
Olivia laughed out loud at my response, released my chin and patted my cheek twice. I rubbed my jawline and smirked a little at her laughter. Leave it to me to muck up a good pep-talk. At least she found me as funny as I found myself. She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to me. I wrote down the address of the man who may be able to help you on your quest, she said, I'll warn you that he isn't the kindest fellow I've met, but I'm sure you'll be able to get him to cooperate. She winked as she said that last part.
This time I laughed out loud, but I sobered up when a thought came to mind. I voiced it as usual. You know why I need to go to Dangeon, right? I asked.
Like always, Olivia studied me before answering. Then she just nodded.
I wasn't sure why her opinion on my next question mattered to me so much. You think my Mother could still be alive? I whispered.
Several long moments went by before she answered, and I had just decided that she wasn't even going to respond when she spoke. I found none of the comfort I was seeking in her words. I don't know, she said, But, if she is, and you find her, tell her that I'm sorry, but it had to be done.
A black SUV pulled into the driveway and illuminated the house with its headlights. Olivia and I shielded our eyes with our hands, and she told me immediately that it was her nephew. Probably so that I wouldn't do something crazy, like throwing the newcomer face-first to the ground as soon as he stepped out of the vehicle. But my mind was preoccupied. What had she meant by what she just said?
I didn't get a chance to ask, because the front door of the house opened and Kayden and Akira joined us on the porch. Olivia's night bag was clutched in Kayden's hand. Akira had changed into a pair of gray sweatpants and a gray pullover sweatshirt. I smiled down at her. I'd thought that all the clothes made for little girls her age were either pink or purple, but this was the third outfit I'd seen her in and it didn't have a lick of color. Even her little tennis shoes were black with white trim. It was one of the small things that made me adore her so fiercely. As soon as I'd set eyes on her dark wavy hair, serious expression, and careless fashion choices, she'd reminded me of a little me. And, I was glad to see her in clothes that weren't splattered with blood.
The engine stayed running, but the headlights on the car shut off and left bright spots stuck behind my eyes. The driver's door opened, and Olivia's nephew hopped out. I surveyed him in the same way I do every new person I meet. He wasn't built as large as Kayden, or even Jackson or Tommy, but he wasn't really a small guy either. He looked probably a couple years older than me; twenty or so. His hair was the same dark brown as Akira's and wavy like hers as well. He wore thick, black-rimmed glasses, and had a face that was decidedly interesting. He wasn't ugly, not handsome either, but somehow strangely appealing. He had one of those faces that just doesn't make sense, and yet somehow does. He wore a blood red dress shirt with both sleeves rolled up a quarter of the way, a loosened black tie, and black suit pants with shiny black shoes.
He held a black umbrella over his head and briskly made his way to over to us on the crowded porch. Akira ran up and gave him a hug. He asked her if she was okay, and she nodded. Olivia gave him a hug as well and assured him that she was fine too. With those concerns appeased, he stepped back and gave Kayden a once over. An unintentionally obvious disinterested look passed
over his face. His eyes fell on me next, and stayed put.
I guess it is just in my nature that I become mildly aggravated when strangers stare at me. I suppose I see it as some sort of silent challenge, and whoever averts their eyes first, loses. Most people have trouble holding my gaze, and look away quickly, as if they are afraid of what lies behind them. Olivia's nephew had no such issues. He didn't look at me like another predator would, though. He stared into my eyes as if examining a coded work of art. It was a shameless examination, and I instantly labeled him in my head as strange .
He reinforced this with his odd greeting. Hi, he said in a soft monotone.
I know that my thoughts were written on my face. I'm pretty good at concealing my feelings most of the time, in fact, people have told me that I always look pissed off or mean , and I never even realize it. It's just the way I look. But, when it comes to my thoughts about people, it's always obvious what is going on in my head. So, when Olivia's nephew skipped over Kayden's presence and then offered just Hi to me, instead of a handshake or an introduction, my eyebrows drew together and lifted slightly. Uh, hi, I returned, and I didn't mean to sound snotty. He was just strange. And that's saying something from a girl who is the only one of her kind.
Sun Warrior, he said quietly, as if confirming this to himself.
I raised an eyebrow and replied, Searcher.
He raised one dark brow above the thick rim of his glasses in return. An almost smile touched his lips, and he gave a nearly imperceptible nod. Eighteen? he asked.
I shifted my stance, and behind me, I heard Kayden chuckle quietly. This guy wasn't just strange, he was weird. Who asked that sort of thing, and did he always speak in one word sentences when he met someone new? But, he had a way about him that made you sort of adapt to his manner, and my returned answer, which I normally wouldn't have even bothered with, followed his lead. Almost, I replied.