The Breakdown

“Tails?” Xantheus’s voice echoed down the passageway, “Where are you?!”

Tails’s breathing turned harsh. He stumbled backwards, searching for any route of escape. He grabbed Umbra's arm, nails digging into the flesh. Instinctively, Umbra brought a hand over his shoulder, attempting to calm him.

Xantheus, followed by Adil and Ridhwaan, appeared at the doorway, Xantheus breaking down Tails’s barrier with a swoop of his hand. They flooded into the room, gasping when they laid eyes on Coatl.

Coatl’s eyes narrowed. “It's been a long time, Xantheus,” he whispered, a low hiss distorting his voice.

“You-You criminal!” Xantheus barked, stumbling back. He gazed at Umbra,  sweat clinging to his face, “Mercenary, help me subdue him! The fate of this kingdom is at stake!”

Umbra summoned his war scythe, holding it protectively between Coatl and the council.

Fire seemed to burn in Coatl’s eyes as he took a step forward. “Your rule is over, Xantheus,” he snarled.

Runes burned to life beneath Xantheus, columns of water rising behind him. “You will not leave this tomb, Coatl.”

Tails let out a cautious squeak, skirting away from the tense figures that surrounded him.

Coatl hit his foot to the floor, crackling chains of red energy flying at Xantheus. He deflected them with water, striking out with the columns that he had by his side. Water and energy collided as Xantheus and Coatl broke into vicious combat.

Adil and Ridhwaan went into action, electricity and fire roaring to life between them. Umbra's eye widened when he realized their target: Tails. Umbra flung himself into the brawl, a bloody whirlwind following his blade. He didn't give the two Serpentine time to process what had just hit them. He struck again, a savage swipe to Adil’s stomach sending him crashing to the ground.

“Everyone...can we just…” Tails mumbled, meekly trying to break through the chaos, “Maybe just-”

“You betrayed me!” Coatl snapped, hitting Xantheus to the floor, drowning out Tails’s soft words, “I trusted you with everything!”

“We don't need a god!” Xantheus hissed, “It's better this way!”

“That's because you've already made yourself a god!” Coatl roared, “You don't care about your subjects! All you want is power!”

“Please, everyone-” Tails murmured.

“I imprisoned you for the good of the kingdom!” Xantheus shouted.

“Is that why you lied to everyone as well?” Coatl snarled.

Umbra saw the corners of Tails’s mouth twitch as he was interrupted once again. He shuffled from foot to foot, frustration and distress obvious.

Coatl cut through Xantheus’s wall of water, chains wrapping around his arms. The water reformed behind Coatl, hitting him in the back.

“Can everyone just shut up for a second and let me talk?” Tails finally screeched, throwing up his hands. White magic blazed on his hands, his eyes glowing.

Umbra gasped as Xantheus, Coatl, Adil, and Ridhwaan stiffened as if someone had touched them. Their bodies, beckoned by Tails’s hand,  moved like puppets, awkwardly clambering to the floor and trembling. With a sick feeling in his gut, Umbra realized this was order magic.

Tails’s body spasmed, and he took a painful gasp. Tears filled his eyes. “I-I-I just want you guys to let me talk! I'm sick of everyone just interrupting me and acting like I don't matter!”

Umbra took a step towards Tails, holding out his hands. He had to calm him down.

Tails grit his teeth as magic burned around him. He wrapped his arms around his chest, a rough cough wracking his frame. A thick, glowing fluid dripped out of his mouth.

“Is that...pure magic?” Xantheus cried, squirming weakly under Tails’s spell. A wicked sizzle traveled through the room as the fluid burned through the stone floor. “What's wrong with you?!”

“I-I-” Tails covered his mouth, legs trembling, “I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” Tails shoved past Umbra, nearly falling over. He darted out of the room, leaving a shocked silence in his wake.

Coatl jumped to his feet, “What was that? What happened to him?”

“You didn't know he was a hybrid mage?” Umbra asked, adrenaline pulsing through his veins.

“What?!” Coatl exclaimed, touching his forehead, “He...He never told me that. He was always asking about me, he never said much about himself.”

“Coatl, he is serious danger right now. I need you to stay here and keep those guys subdued while I help him,” Umbra murmured, gesturing at the council members, who were still stunned by Tails’s magic, “I know what to do.”

Coatl snapped his fingers, and red chains ripped from the floor, wrapping around the Serpentine. He turned to Umbra, placing a gentle hand on Umbra's shoulder. “Please take care of him, Umbra.”

Taking a deep breath and adjusting his tie, Umbra set off after Tails.

Author's Note- dont forget to vote and comment!!! :D