The Moment I've Been Dreading
Leaving my side, Mimpi shouted a command I didn't understand, and everyone in the school yard lined up some distance behind me, Mimpi the last man back.
Despite obviously being outnumbered, I had to admit that the many rows of side-by-side purple cloaks, was intimidating. Watching the group behind me, I smiled, recognizing Wayan and a few other nameless, familiar faces. They had all chosen to do this, their bravery both reassured and filled me with pride. Standing alone in front of Eudora's army, Laila and Xander joined me, the three of us turning to face the nearing enemies. They each stood by my side, patiently waiting for my signal.
I looked at Xander, bow and quiver strapped to his back, black blade in hand.
"I don't know how this is going to end, but no hard feelings?" I started. "I know we've had our fair share of disagreements, but you've really helped me out. I appreciate the patience and commitment you've shown me... Thank you."
With a closed-mouth smile, Xander nodded, his own gratitude flashing across black eyes. Returning his smile, I turned towards Laila.
"Other thank knowing you're a badass, I don't know much about you, but if we survive this, I'd like to change that... I'm glad to have both of you by my side."
Twirling the daggers in her hands, Laila smirked. Everyone was ready; awaiting my signal. Well... there was no more procrastinating. It was now or never. With a steadying breath, I shot the two a small nod. Reciprocating the action, eyes lingering on one another, Laila and Xander placed their weapons and bodies in the proper fighting stance they had long ago been taught, following my footsteps.
Marching forward at the same pace, I was eerily reminded of the vision of Eudora, Easton, and Mimpi's entrance, during that first fight against Kundanskie. I prayed our battle ended differently. I prayed that two of the three didn't die as they had. I prayed that Laila and Xander had a future. I hoped for one for myself as well, but I would risk my own if it meant only one had to die this time. I would not let history repeat itself.
Every purple cloak behind matching our footsteps, our steps grew louder. I was impressed by the way we portrayed ourselves. That is until I went and ruined it... or rather the Sphere ruined it. The injection hit me in the gut the same moment thunder rumbled, rain starting to pore. Doubling over, I swore repetitively, Laila and Xander sending me crazed looks.
Really? Was this really the best time? I was feeling confident in myself, and my team and the Sphere just threw me off. How was causing me a stomach-ache going to help me in battle? Standing straight, I sighed, suddenly frowning as the pain completely dissipated. I was calmer than I had been in weeks. I could only describe it as the same feeling as the time I received morphine for my broken leg in the sixth grade. I was somewhat loopy as I had been that Halloween night many years ago, but my mind was still intact, and I was very much in control of my body... I was just very relaxed.
"Woah," I said, slowly adjusting to the feeling.
Xander snorted.
"Can we pretend nothing happened?" I asked.
Biting back smirks, Laila and Xander nodded. And just when I thought I had recovered myself, the moment we began to march again, I slid on the newly formed mud. I'd have fallen right on my ass if not for Xander and Laila steadying me on both sides.
"Pretend this didn't happen either?" Xander teased.
Re-correcting my posture, I groaned. I swear I heard Mimpi snicker from afar. I refused to look back. After bearing witness to my extensive level of clumsiness, I was certain the others would be reassured that I was elected to take care of the greatest threat... Stop. I wouldn't let the small trip up destroy the little confidence I had built. Just march on and so will the others. Don't get in your head.
"You order this rain?" Laila asked, watching the clouds with frustration.
The rain was coming down so hard that we were already drenched, visions blurred.
"Yep," I said defeatedly. "Per usual, my wishes come true only to come back to bite me in the ass."
Wiping the rain from my face, I focused on the upcoming black masks. Kundanskie's people had come to a stop, barely a hundred meters away. Frowning, I came to a stop as well. What were they waiting for? Were there rules to this thing? I didn't expect them to play fair or show any signs of sophistication. I felt as though I was waiting for a referee to blow his whistle, announcing the start of the blood bath? This is so not how I had expected the battle to go down.
"How does this work?" I asked.
Xander turned, as though to answer, but in an instance he whirled around. Abruptly he raised his bow and faced Kundanskie's people when a spear landed between my legs. I hadn't heard nor seen it coming, the rain impairing my sight and hearing. Startled, I looked up just in time to witness the opposing team's battle cry. Putting end to their pause, they ran at us with their weapons raised. Xander unleashed arrows faster than I could blink. He jumped right in, no hesitation, whilst I was so confused and frightened by the sudden chaos, that I considered running the other way. The idea of running towards the psychos with various weapons that could skewer me was absurd. Still, it seemed it's what I had to do.
"Kundanskie will be behind them all," Xander shouted over the chaos, him and Laila already leaving my side to approach the enemy. "You need to get past them all. Get to her. She'll play games, might try to hide until the end. Just listen to your gut, you'll know where to find her."
Far ahead of me now, he replaced his bow with his black cutlass, taking the first swing. Everything became a blur. Weapons flying everywhere, black masks rushing my way, purple cloaks jumping to my rescue. While the others rushed into battle, I approached slowly, allowing myself space to throw my blade like a boomerang where it was most needed. Using their numbers to their advantage, Kundanskie's people spread out, beginning to circle our much smaller group. They were trapping us in.
Xander not far from right, accompanied by another brunette was battling countless black masks. Protected by Eudora's people, constantly attacking those coming my way, I had a free moment.
"Xander, duck!" I shouted, throwing my blade their way.
Doing as I instructed, Xander threw himself to the ground, pulling his partner down with him. Their attackers' weapons fell out of their hands, removed by my own. Smiling, Xander and his friend stood, taking down the rest of their opponents in seconds. I was happy to notice that Xander only used the fatal slide of his weapon, when necessary, mostly using the move he had taught me. Most of the purple cloaks seemed to be doing the same. Just when I thought my respect for them couldn't grow.
Hilt reconnected with my palm, I braced myself just in time to block an upcoming, burning arrow. Luckily Laila disarmed the woman with the bow for me. The blocked arrow barely had time to meet the ground before a blade was swung at my head. Coming into a crouch, the man swung into empty space. Close to the ground, I took the opportunity to kick his ankle, the muddy ground helping me too easily sweep him off his feet. Falling in front of me, I knocked his blade out of the way, proceeding to connect the hilt of my sword to his large forehead. Standing I braced myself for the next attack, never expecting to be shoved by one of my own. Side stepping, I regained my balance, staring at the young boy, clearly affronted. I met his eyes just as a spear lodged itself into his back, slight protruding out of his chest.
"No!" I yelled, taking a useless step towards him, wanting to but unable to change what had just happened. The boy didn't speak English, but I knew he was telling me to leave. Telling me to let him deal with it and continue my path towards Kundanskie. I didn't listen. I was not ok with them risking their lives for mine.
Using the slippery land to my advantage, I slid between the boy's parted legs, coming out behind him. Instantly, before even standing, I swung my blade, connecting with one that belonged to one of Kundanskie's people. Quickly disarming the man, he crumpled to the ground, while I moved onto the next threat. Slashing my blade, I broke the upcoming spear in half. No one in dangerously close proximity, I launched my blade at the spear thrower.
"Go," I told the boy, summoning the blade as I prepared for the next attack.
Another purple cloak had joined us. Worried look of her face, she stood near the boy. Upon close examination, I realized that the spear had veered to the right, causing no damage to important organs. He could survive the blow, as long as he left in that moment. I waved them towards the school, trying to make them understand. Eventually they grudgingly agreed but were spotted by two black masks. I made move to follow the two teens, but the boy waved me off, shooting me a nasty look. He clearly figured that considering I had forced him to leave the battle, I ought to at least let him do so alone.
Reluctantly I turned away from the two, heading straight for the centre of the battle, where waited dozens of black masks. Past them, far behind, I caught sight of Kundanskie. Heart clenched in my chest; I froze. Black hair slicked into a long ponytail, she wore a swirling golden mask that covered only her forehead and part of her right eye, dressed in a tight golden and black top and short skirt. She wore no swirling jewellery or golden flowers as I did, but rather wore thick gear on her feet up to her knees, and from her wrists to her elbows. Her outfit was much more intimidating than my own, but even from afar I could tell she looked ghastly. She looked exactly how you'd expect one that had risen from the dead would look. She looked like death.
Dark bags under her eyes, her skin was ghostly white, almost translucent. Despite her death-like appearance, nothing about her seemed weak. Pausing her long strides, her gaze fell on mine, a wide smile playing on her cracked lips. My insides churned, both from fear and anger. She made no move to come my way, instead she disappeared behind a cluster of her people, headed towards the school. Damn it. They were continuing to spread out, battlefield steadily growing bigger. They were trying to split us up, make our numbers seem smaller than they were. Leaving the farmland, they headed towards the city. They were aiming for more casualties.
Fuelled with anger, I headed straight for the waiting group of black masks. Soon it would no longer be the way to Kundanskie, but nonetheless, I was already here, and they had to be taken care of. Kundanskie, as Xander had warned, was playing games and I would have no part in it. She clearly wanted me to follow, and I would not fall into her trap. I'd find another way to face her, one that neither made me vulnerable nor gave her the upper hand. Xander was right to assume I'd know where Kundanskie would be, I felt her presence. The heavy, cold energy she oozed, called to me like a lighthouse guiding me in the sea. I'd just have to keep an eye on her until I figured something out.
I barely recalled the small battle with the twelve that had surrounded me. Reminded of Kundanskie's lack of compassion and the cruelty she showed her sister, on top of the steadily increasing number of bodies wearing purple cloaks, I fought blindly with rage. Slashing my blade left and right, I let instincts take over. In seconds, each black mask fell, and I came out with only a few cuts and bruises. Nothing serious. Kneeling on one knee, breathing heavily, I gazed at my blade in surprise. Wayan having come to my aid, successfully taking down one of the other group's members, stood next to me, watching me warily before offering his hand.
I turned on my feet, searching for the next attacker. None were nearby. They had followed Kundanskie's lead, leaving the field to hide around the now burning school and deeper into the town area. From far I could see many battles, purple against black, spears and arrows continued to fly my way, but I was useless where I stood. The rain blurred my vision in a way that I could be no help to the others. I would have to get closer. I would have to approach Kundanskie. If I expected a trap, I could avoid it or at least prepare myself to fight against it.
Our team wasn't doing well. There was a great deal of purple cloaks sprawled on the muddy ground, and I knew Kundanskie's people did not show mercy as we had. Our people were dead, not unconscious. Kill Kundanskie and most of her people will surrender, Mimpi had said. I wasn't left with much choice. It had only been minutes and it was quickly turning into a massacre. This needed to end.
Soaked from head to toe, white dress turned brow with mud and splatters of red, I left Wayan's side. Looking straight ahead, I focused on the direction I knew I'd find Kundanskie. I walked determinedly, ignoring my thumping heart, dodging upcoming arrows without even intending too. I both watched my steps and avoided looking at the ground. Every brief flash of purple material at my feet, filled me with anguish and rage.
Whenever I could, which wasn't often, I threw my blade, taking out as many odd black masks as I could. Mostly I stuck to my path, taking the long way around the school building to meet Kundanskie. I was hoping to surprise her, if that was even possible. I hoped she couldn't feel my presence like I could feel hers.
Sticking close to the brick wall, I prepared myself to face the many men and women that would most likely be guarding the path to Kundanskie. I was prepared for a surprise attack, not an explosion. My childhood school demolished. Glass shattering, heat spilling from the broken windows, I rolled onto the grass, explosion throwing me off my feet.
Engulfed building illuminating the yard, I was able to see a little clearer through the darkness. Not too far ahead, near the end of the burning edifice, one purple cloak struggled to fend off six black masks. I couldn't see their face, but whoever it was, was holding their own until a large debris fell from the second floor, landing harshly on his leg. Though his fighting was incredible, the injury had weakened him, and it became clear that he would not walk away alive, without help. Once again ignoring Mimpi's advice, I rose from the ground with a grimace, immediately launching my sword my partner's way. The hell with ignoring the smaller threats, one of our own would die if I didn't intervene. Sorry Mimpi.
One man down, I raised my hand, waiting for the blade to return, but my move to help was in vain as I roughly fell over. Thigh warm with blood, I knew the gash was deep. I hadn't seen the blade coming. Kneeled, I swung my blade with a loud groan, turning my body along with it. I faced whoever had approached me from behind, the blade that had cut me landing far out of either of our reaches. I didn't hesitate to hit her between the eyes. Pushing the body out of my way, I turned back towards the others. The man now fought four, two men having fallen. I desperately tried to reach him, but before I could come to a full stand, I was thrown deeper into the ground, spear grazing my shoulder. Pushing the dagger aimed at my heart away from my body, I wrestled with the man's arm, whilst throwing side glances at the struggling purple cloak.
He was going to die. He fought four, whilst I only fought one. It seemed only fair. Giving up my blade, I threw it at another of his opponents, earning a hard blow to my jaw by doing so. Aggressively retaking hold of the man's arms and pushing them away from me, I watched with dread as it seemed the third fallen body made no difference in my teammate's safety.
"No!" I cried, witnessing the sharp bloody blade exit the man's back. Purple cloak turned red; his body met the ground.
Furious, I snapped the wrist between my hand, dagger falling beside me. Growling with pain, the man moved to either hit or strangle me, but I was quick to bring my elbow up onto his head. Throwing the body aside, I stood, fiercely summoning my blade before the gloved hand reaching for it, could clasp. I didn't bother throwing the blade this time. It would have been too easy. They had shown the man at their feet no mercy. So, why should I?
Purposely nicking shoulders and legs during disarmament, I craved to inflict them pain before their unconscious bodies fell. Man and woman at my feet, along with the fellow purple cloak, only one of the six remained; the one with the bloody blade. Though he met my slash, he stumbled backwards, surprised but its ferocity.
Blocking his next attack, I managed a minuscule gash on his hand, just deep enough for his grip to weaken. Disarming him with another hard slash, I kicked him to the ground. Body skidding six feet in the mud, I marched his way, placing my foot on his gut, pushing him back down, tip of my blade placed firmly against his Adam's apple. Chest heaving, I gazed at him with pure hatred. I wanted nothing more than to avenge the lifeless body behind me... But this wasn't me. Shutting my eyes, I cried out in frustration before flipping my sword, so its hilt connected with the man's head.
I knew the purple cloak was dead. There was no way he could have survived such an injury, but I couldn't get myself to simply leave him there. It felt wrong. Taking a deep breath, I turned around. Dreading seeing the body, I focused on the black masks first, carefully throwing them far from the purple cloak. Bodies out of the way, I approached the prone positioned man, heart dropping as I nearly tripped on an abandoned bow. Looking at the familiar weapon, I shook my head. Tears burned my vision, as I took notice of the black cutlass inches from the man's limp hand.
"No," I said again, voice breaking as I kneeled next to the body. Softly turning him onto his back, I took one look at his face and broke, burying my face in my hands. I was beyond enraged and devastated by his death, but the distant cries of pain and clinging of weapons reminded me of the ongoing battle. There was no time to mourn. I refused to let him die in vain.
Gently shutting Xander's eyes, I stood, staring fixedly at the hill in front of the school, where I knew Kundanskie awaited. I briefly saw the top of her head before she disappeared in the shadows. Coward.
Coming around the wall, I made it to the front of the burning building. As I expected, many black masks were present, blocking my way to their leader. There were more than I could count, but luckily, I wasn't alone. Two purple cloaks were still far away but on their way, and Laila had just come around the opposite corner. Blood dripping from her left arm, her jaw clenched tightly upon seeing me stand alone. She was expecting him, and my face revealed all. Battle cry escaping her lips, she slashed angrily at the nearest black suited man, dagger digging into his shoulder. Like a chain of dominos, everyone followed suite, jumping into action.
The whistling of arrows filling the air, instinctively my blade deflected them all. Slashing and crouching in defence, handfuls of black suits fell around me, but Kundanskie's people continued to come, steadily growing more numerous. Repetitively scratched, hit, and cut, I felt nothing; adrenaline numbing the not yet serious injuries. Fending off three black suits at once, I backed away, giving myself the time and space to develop some sort of strategy. Enemies at arm's length away, my back met another's. Blade prepared to swing backwards, I turned my head slightly, cautious of the three black masks before me. My eyes met familiar green ones. Mixture of surprise and anger on my face, his smile showed signs of guilt. Standing against me, despite my anger, he pointed his stolen blade at a black mask coming his way. Damn it, Andrews. I should have known better.
Cursing under my breath, I groaned with effort, putting all my strength into the slash aimed at their three weapon holding pair of hands. Weapons falling, I pushed them all away, purposely throwing myself to the ground, sliding in the mud, to trip the three. Each of them falling, I kicked the first one far away from myself, where Laila happened to take care of her in seconds, while I rapidly brought my sword down onto the other two. Jumping to my feet, I shoved Andrews out of the way, taking over the attack he had planned to handle. Disarming the woman in one quick motion, white hilt met her forehead and she collapsed. Furiously I turned on Andrews.
"What were—" I started, abruptly stopping to tackle him to the grass, three burning arrows narrowly missed our heads. Remaining on top of him, protectively covering his body, I launched my blade at the mask with the bow.
"Clara!" Andrews urged, squirming as though to put himself in front of me.
Standing above us was one of Kundanskie's followers, sword threatening to come down, skewering the both of us. I summoned my blade, but I knew it wouldn't return in time. Panicking, I unsuccessfully attempted to roll us both out of the way. Following a loud thump, the man's eyes rolled back into his head, collapsing on top of us. Fallen blade only grazing the side of my leg, we remained untouched. Stood where the man had been seconds ago, wild-eyed and holding onto a kitchen pan, was my mother.
Looking between the two, I groaned with exasperation. Not the both of them. This couldn't possibly end well.
"I'm sorry," she spoke immediately, offering Andrews and I a hand.
"You two can't be here," I said as soon as I was on my feet, ignoring her apology. "You need to leave, now!"
"You can't—" Andrews started, words drawing out as chaos broke out behind us.
Loud shouting and creaking of metal caught my attention. Laila accompanied by five black suits could visibly be seen inside the school, wall torn down, floor above them threatening to collapse. Making sure no black suits were behind me, I told my mother and Andrews to stay put, whilst I rushed towards the burning building.
"Get out of there!" I shouted at Laila.
She shook her head, making no move to follow through with my request. Never stopping her slashing and jabbing, she led them deeper into the building, clearly planning to trap them all. She was sacrificing herself. Scene seeming to slow, I watched with horror as the floor began to fall. No time to think, acting out of fear, Mimpi would not have been proud. I jumped beneath the crumbling building. Arms above my head, ungracefully I caught the falling piece of lumber. Five pair of eyes grew wide, perplexed when they hadn't been crushed. Only the tallest had fallen, blow to the head, leaving him unconscious.
"Let go," Laila ordered, still fending off the four, who were determinedly trying to come my way.
"No!" I grunted, arms shaking. Height already shrinking, my knees began to give out as the extreme weight pushed me down.
Grunting herself, out of frustration, Laila slashed one last time but not towards any of the black masks, instead slicing her dagger through the ash covered floor, white cloud of smoke and ash forming before her. Successfully distracting the others, she made a dash for the increasingly narrow exit I held open. Simultaneously rolling to the ground, I released the heavy weight, both safely under the cloudy sky when the building fully crumbled. Loud bang followed by a large cloud of ash, I coughed violently, speedily standing and already placing myself in a fighting stance. Too often had they caught me unguarded.
"You need to protect yourself, not others!" Laila chided, having determined that no threats were near.
"You would have died!"
"I would have done so whilst getting rid of five that could have taken your life."
"You did that and survived!" I argued breathlessly.
Shaking her head, breathing heavily, her face crumbled and composed itself cyclically, fighting to control her emotions as she again searched our surroundings. She seemed to want to find another black mask, to be able to inflict pain on someone; anyone. The ache and rage on her face, uncannily resembled Eudora's expression after Easton's death. I couldn't begin to understand what she had already lost in this battle. Huffing defeatedly, she headed towards my mother who was helping a wounded purple cloak stand. None of Kundanskie's people remained in front of the school yard. Battles still taking place deeper into the city and corn field, none stood in my way. All her fighter's preoccupied, my path to Kundanskie was clear. Coming to the same realization, she was now visible on top of the hill across the street. Slowly, as though to taunt me, she came my way.
Building behind me in shambles and Easton Andrews standing to my left, my heart threatened to burst in my chest. Instinctively I stood in front of Andrews, expecting a dagger to be thrown at his throat. This was too similar to Mimpi's memories. I would not allow ourselves to have the same faith.
"Leave," I pleaded. "You need to get out of here. Now!"
"No," he replied, softly. "I'm sorry, but—"
"Please." I interrupted, this time addressing Laila who had turned her attention my way upon hearing my panicked tone. "Take them to the others. Just get them far away from here."
She crinkled her nose, side glancing at Kundanskie in the distance, clearly displeased with the idea of stepping away from the fight.
"He won't leave unless he's forced to," I told her. She was my only hope of getting them both out of the way. "I can't protect myself if they're here."
Blank look on her face, she considered my words, finally sighing as she put away her daggers. Taking hold of an abandoned sword, she came closer. I stepped out of her way. Andrews watched us both with wide eyes, raising his own stolen blade. He watched me intently, as though he expected me to intervene, to stop her. I didn't. In a single blow, Andrews' weapon flew out of his grip, Laila's blade now pointed at his throat.
He laughed nervously. "We're on the same team. You won't hurt me."
"I won't kill you," she agreed. "But whether you follow willingly, or I carry your unconscious body, you're leaving with me."
"Clara?" Andrews protested.
"Make your choice, now," I said, keeping an eye on Kundanskie who was steadily growing closer. "Leave with pride or unsuccessfully try fight for your right to stay."
He narrowed his eyes, pain apparent in his eyes, stupidly considering fighting Laila.
"I'll make this easy for you," Laila cut in, growing impatient. "If your unconscious you have no way of coming back here, follow me willingly and you may miraculously find a way to escape my grip."
There was no way Andrews would escape Laila, but Andrews seemed to see potential behind her idea and decided to take it. Huffing with anger, he headed towards my mother.
"I can't believe—" he started, shooting me a look of disappointment.
"Please don't," I pleaded, shooting him a look that clearly read is this really what you want our last words to be?
Swallowing hard, his stern expression softened.
"Just be careful," he finally croaked, taking the injured woman's weight off my mother, Laila's blade still pointed his way. Though I noticed her internal struggle, my mother didn't put up a fight, sending me one last broken smile, before following the three.
The four far from Kundanskie, I sighed with relief.
Kundanskie was close enough for me to notice small details, like the blackness of her eyes, irises so dark that they were undistinguishable from her pupils. A large scar travelled down her throat. Arrow lodged in her shoulder, droplets of blood falling on her attire, she tauntingly dragged her blood drenched blade. Her eyes bore menacingly into mine, until she cocked her head to the side with amusement. Far to the side, hidden in the shadows stood Mimpi. Kundanskie laughed, pausing her confident steps.
"Guanli, my old friend," she instigated with fake enthusiasm. I was startled by her English, having expected her to speak in her native tongue. Of course, she'd learn English. She would certainly want to taunt me before murdering me.
"You were very naughty last time we saw each other... Quite the betrayal," she continued with amusement. "It's been centuries, and somehow I still hold a grudge."
Her smile disappeared on the last part of her statement, replaced with frightening rage. She took a step in Mimpi's direction.
"Don't touch her" I warned, launching my blade.
As I expected she dodged it easily. The blade merely grazed her side, but it successfully returned her attention back my way. Touching the new droplet of blood from the graze on her hip, she laughed. I ignored Mimpi's supplicatory eyes, silently trying to send me a message. If it came to it, she wanted me to let her die, to let Kundanskie kill her. I could never.
"When my sister told me of her plans to find herself a substitute, I expected someone much more threatening."
Jaw clenched; I didn't say a word. Tight hold of my blade, I watched her every move in hopes to uncover some sort of weakness. I wouldn't participate in her games.
"No witty comment?" she mused. "You remain silent to hide your vulnerabilities, but you forget that I've been in your head. You're appalled with myself and my actions. You don't understand how one could be so cruel, especially towards her own sister...You couldn't fathom ever doing such a thing to Bella."
My breath hitched at the sound of her name, rage steadily growing. Kundanskie continued to stalk my way. I stood still, frozen.
"Ah!" she cried in delight. "I've struck a nerve. You're right to foresee your death, young one. Eudora couldn't fight me alone, what makes anyone think you stand a chance? You are much weaker than my dear sister was. You love much deeper than she did. You deem your friends, family and even strangers' lives worthier than your own. You know it's your greatest weakness, but you can't bring yourself to do anything about it... It's a shame the boy left; we could have had some fun."
Again, she paused her long strides, staring off into the direction the four had exited. I took a step forward, angling my body towards the path, silent warning that going that way would be a mistake.
She laughed, recommencing her slow strides my way. She was only a few feet away, now.
"You're too easy. You know this is hopeless—"
"Is your plan to talk me to death, or are you actually going to fight me?" I bit.
Eyebrows shooting into her hairline, shocked by the interruption, she recovered quickly, once again bursting into laughter. Too busy mocking me, her weapon hung loosely in her hand. Kundanskie's eyes shut in strained laughter, I lunged forward, successfully slicing her abdomen. She backed away; weapon raised as her laughter came to an abrupt halt. I had wiped any hint of amusement from her pale face.
"I was going to show you mercy, but it seems you want to play dirty," she sneered, weapon aimed my way.
"You don't know the definition of mercy." I swung my blade.
She met my initial blow, continuing the offence. Though I made no impact offensively, I defended myself quite easily. Deflecting each of her blows, I could tell she was growing frustrated.
"You're a little rusty," I taunted, hoping to agitate her, blade blocking a blow aimed at my throat.
Snarling, she swung with rage, eagerly placing too much strength into it. Crouching to dodge it, the short time it took her to regain her balance was enough for me to cut a deep gash above her knee, just below her short skirt. Staggering back, she was quick to aim her blade downwards. I rolled out of the way and threw my blade upwards, once again finding myself on my back. Swords clinking together, our blades remained pushed tightly together, resting just above my chest. Kundanskie fiercely pushing down, the swords came dangerously close to my body.
"You almost fooled me into thinking you were somewhat of a decent warrior," she mocked, pushing harder.
Determined to wipe the confident smirk off her face, I growled and with great effort pushed both blades off my chest. Surprised, her grip visibly weakened, completely losing grasp of her weapon when I kicked her hand. Coming to a stand, I kicked her blade into the burning building, whilst she retrieved two daggers from her back pocket. No sooner did I stand did I fall back on my knees, dagger lodged deep into my left thigh. Flesh ripping, I cried out.
"They trained you well, but it won't be enough," she continued. Pulling out another dagger, she stepped my way.
Removing the knife from my thigh, I threw it at her head. She dodged it effortlessly, but the small distraction allowed me to stand. Intense pain shot through my leg, blood trickled down my exposed skin but still I stood my ground, weapon raised.
"I am the descendant of generations of the best warriors our people have known. I was born into battle," she commenced, slashing vigorously in my direction. Though I had the longer blade, I knew not how to defend myself. She was too close, too fast. Her approach only allowed to make small cuts, but on top of the limp in my leg, I was growing tired whilst she only grew stronger.
"I've known nothing but the life of a warrior. People tremble before me; most won't meet my eyes... And you think you can fight me?" she spat, continuing her attack. Gashes and blows on my body grew numerous. "I am the daughter of Akinari and Alkyone Samurai. Daughter of royalty. My name is known by many. My name is spoken with fear. I will forever be known as the greatest warrior to roam this realm. Eudora was a worthy opponent. But you?" She fought effortlessly while I struggled to catch my breath. She was moving too quickly. Dizzy and exhausted from her endless slashing and spinning. Despite telling myself I wouldn't, her words we're getting to me, and I lost focus. She caught the upper hand, and a deep gash was cut into my right wrist. The blade fell out of my grip. I moved to both retake possession of my sword and block her next blow, but I was too slow. "You are nothing. You never stood a chance!"
Her dagger lodged itself into my gut. Sharp intake of breath, all thoughts of retrieving my blade vanished, eyes falling on the bloody blade in my flesh. Eyes blurring and head spinning with pain, I staggered back, once again too slow to protect myself. As though to prolong my death, to prolong my suffering, rather than end it all with another dagger blow, her foot met my hip. Blow lifting me off the ground, I crashed into part of the burning building, body colliding harshly with the hot cement block. Through a haze I thought I heard Mimpi's and Kundanskie's voices, but I was far too out of it to make sense of it all. Ears ringing deafeningly loud, heart pounding so hard that I felt it across my entire body, I gasped for breath, taste of blood filling my mouth. I had to get up. I had to get away from the burning school and prepare myself for the next attack. As much as I tried, I couldn't get myself to move. My leg was bent awfully. Even after the Sphere's attempt to numb the excruciating pain, I was rendered useless, shocked, and weak.
Kundanskie still some distance away, slowly came my way, verbal mockeries never stopping. You're nothing her voice replayed in my head. Weakly summoning my blade, I tried to compose myself. Keeping an eye on Kundanskie from the corner of my eye, my gaze fell on a small object, fallen from my pocket and into the debris of the old school. Fire light reflecting on the small green rock, the image of Tyson and Tyler crying before they left flooded my mind. Tyson and Tyler who were always excited to show me their newest idea, who would be devastated if they could see me now. As I lay here feeling hopeless, they were far away, along with Bella, Isaiah, my mother, and Andrews. All waiting for news. I could picture Mimpi telling them what happened, watching my six favourite people break. The thought made my heart ache, but also filled it with warmth. I wasn't alone. I wasn't nothing. I knew how it felt to love and be loved: more than a daughter to my mother, she relied on me. Bella looked up to me, every ounce of trust she held given to me. Isaiah, shy and quiet with almost everyone but me, me being the only one who truly understood and related to his insecurities. A special bond with the twins for seeing them as much more than just trouble making. Andrews sticking by my side through everything, no matter how I treated him. Mimpi, Eudora and all their people believing in me. Xander smiling at the progress I've made. Brewer seeing so much potential in myself that he pestered me most above all his students. The Andrews' taking me in, treating me as though I was part of the family. Jim always amused by my ways. Anna loving me as her own. Andrews choosing my life over his own...
"I am not nothing," I barked, inhaling sharply before launching my blade at her hand. One dagger knocked down, she threw her other, but the blade returned to my hand, it was deflected.
Finally, out of daggers, Kundanskie reached for a nearby sword, no longer amused. Slowly rising, placing my weight on my blade, I limped towards her, and decided that it was my time to speak.
"I may not be as skilled as you, but I have much that you could never understand. I am not the descendant of royalty. I am Clara Molino. Daughter of Laine Binsfield; single, Christian mother. A stubborn alcoholic, but a loving woman who tries her best. I am also the daughter of Michael Molino, a selfish coward. I do not share the blood line of well-known warriors... I don't even like to fight. I didn't even want to do this!" I snarled, my turn to slowly approach her paused and wary figure, tightly putting pressure to the gash on my stomach. "I didn't believe I could do this. I didn't believe I could beat you. I thought you were a perfect warrior, but you are as flawed as I am. I have known pain and for it have many insecurities. I cannot begin to count my own flaws, but still, it is your single weakness that will make the biggest difference tonight. Your lack of insecurities and overwhelming sense of superiority will be the cause of your destruction. Love saved me and it will end you. It is love; it is having something to fight for that will give me the strength to do what I came here to accomplish. No matter if it's the last thing I do."
One arm holding my wound, I swung with the other. It didn't take me long to realize that Kundanskie relied heavily on her offensive skills. So sure in her own abilities, she paid little attention to her defence, doubting my own offensive abilities. Letting her meet my first attack, I let her take the lead, defending myself until she used a move that she didn't realize she used too often. Swinging her blade to the left, waiting for me to deflect it, she would swing her blade into an arc, landing on my right. It always succeeded in confusing and contorting my body, but for the briefest moment it left her abdomen and lower body exposed. I was usually preoccupied with defending myself, but if I could anticipate her actions, I could use it to my advantage. I might have to sacrifice defending myself, but if it made her vulnerable it was worth it. What was one more fatal wound?
It didn't take many deflected blows for her feet to shift discretely. Body and blade inclined towards the left; I knew this was the moment. Meeting her left blow, I inched backwards, otherwise making no move to get out of the blade's way. She frowned, but mid through bringing her blade towards my right side, she was too slow in changing her course of action. Her blade briefly connecting with my shoulder, my weapon met her stomach, passing through her armour and into her flesh. Pulling back the blade, blood splashed onto my feet as a startled, choking sound escaped Kundanskie's chapped lips. Before she could further cause me damage, I side kicked the silver blade out of her hand, wound to my stomach stretching as I did so. She fell to her knees, both out of shock and to reach for a replacement weapon. Grunting, I forced my body to turn, completing a full circle before once again facing Kundanskie. Momentum gained from spinning, I brought the blade downwards, forming an arc similar to the one Mimpi executed during Kundanskie's last battle. The cold metal sliced through her neck, just below her scar, lifeless body falling to the ground.
Releasing a choked breath, I collapsed not far beside her. Gasping for air, I tried not to hurl as I took notice of the mess I made. I forced myself to look away, placing my head against the mud, unsuccessfully trying to slow my breathing.
Soon, without having heard her approach, Mimpi's hands forced themselves under my arms, pulling me into a sitting position. With a small grunt, she leaned my body on an oak tree. Eyes shut tightly, as if it would lessen the pain, I felt Mimpi push my hands against my deepest wound.
"Keep pressure on it," she ordered softly. "Her people will feel her death. They'll surrender and our people will send help. Help is on the way."
She sounded as breathless as I, and finally I forced my eyes to open, worried that she was injured. Why wasn't she getting help or putting pressure to my wound? Had someone snuck up on her, while I was busy with Kundanskie?
Seeing my eyes open, she tried to hide it, but too slow, I saw her wince. Opening my eyes wider, I tiredly searched her entire body for a wound. I found none. She wasn't physically hurt. I shot her a questioning look.
"I've lived many years beyond what I should have." She smiled sadly. "My life was extended so I could walk you through defeating Kundanskie."
My frown deepened. Blood trickled down my lips, constricting my airways, but still I focused on her words.
"Clara, you killed Kundanskie," she simplified. "My job done. I no purpose here, anymore."
"No," I whispered, tears already slipping from my eyes as I weakly shook my head. We were just starting to get along. She completed Eudora's desire and now whatever supernatural forces had extended her life, decided that she was no longer of use, and their brilliant solution was her death? It wasn't fair.
"Don't cry," she requested. Holding my face between her small hands, she forced me to meet her black eyes. "I can't live forever, nor would I ever wish to. I knew this was coming. I die at peace like Eudora did. You make me very proud."
She spoke enthusiastically, smiling with pride, but I couldn't get myself to look past her feeble stance. Slowly, involuntarily, she began backing away, she too becoming too weak to support her own weight.
"Thank you for staying with me," I said, voice raspy with blood. "I may have been a pain... but I really do appreciate everything you've done for me... You've given me a purpose. I guess I too will die in peace."
"You're not going to die," she responded, stubbornly as she fumbled with something in her pocket. "I need you to give this to Laila. I'd have given it to her myself, but it only now be made clear that she chosen to replace me."
She handed me the small coin Eudora had handed her centuries ago. I frowned again, chest beginning to ache from the restrained breathing. Replace her?
"Kundanskie will rise again," she said. My face must have dropped for she immediately made move to reassure me. "Not in your lifetime. She won't rise until you die."
She spoke as though I'd live a long life, as if she couldn't see the large bleeding hole in my abdomen. Even if help came soon as Mimpi had said, I had already lost so much blood that I doubted the damage could be reversed. I feared I was too far gone. It sounded to me as though Kundanskie wouldn't have to wait very long, until she could once again rise. Mimpi wasn't usually an optimistic person, I reckoned she was attempting to install false hope, hoping to prevent myself a sad death.
"You won't live if you don't believe you can," she chided. I almost smiled at the familiarity of irritation in her tone. "Prove Kundanskie wrong. Live. You deserve long life, don't let her take that away from you... I need you to live. And when you do, you mend your broken relationships and broken heart. I want you to let yourself fully feel. Put down your barricades. And stop wasting your time with that boy. You know what you want... Your family and friends need you. Fight it. If not for yourself, for them. Fight it, Clara."
Her voice progressively grew quieter, her last words spoken in a whisper. Speaking having become a great strain on her body. Her last sentence followed by a sharp intake of breath; I knew I had just heard her last breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed her still body, and averted my eyes. Tears once again falling on my already wet cheeks, I impossibly leaned deeper into the tree, shaking uncontrollably. The lump in my throat did nothing to improve my gasps for breath.
Eyes shut, I tried to remain conscious; tried to wait for the aid Mimpi had promised. I wanted to fight it, wanted to make Mimpi proud one last time, but choking on my own blood, breathing becoming almost impossible, my survival seemed unlikely. As hard as I fought, as much as I thought of my family and Andrews waiting for me, eventually staying awake became too much. I became too weak. I couldn't help but drift off, eyes flicking shut with a ragged breath...
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