A/N: Thank you once again to Gashadokuro and dimer2003 for checking out the story! As usual, be sure to let me know what you guys think! Critique me as hard as possible, I love to aspire.
Before I had time to react, I was knocked on my back! My head crashed into the pebble covered ground below, blurring my vision from the impact. I gasped, feeling the hard stone crash against my skull. Loud barking filled my ears, the snarls, the sound of Haru screaming.
I looked up, only to find the salivating teeth of a Dire Wolf inches from my face. Stained and jagged, its rows of daggers dripped with saliva. The wolf growled menacingly, its breath hot with rage. The beast's dark gray coat and white underbelly glowed in the darkness of the rising moon, its eyes a bright yellow.
The wolf snarled, lunging forward! Its teeth clacked, snapping forward as it tried to bite my neck! Grabbing the dog, I wrestled! Tugging at tufts of fur, I thrashed and pulled. The predator gnashed as it reached for me. Its hot breath burning against my face as it stood over me!
I moved my neck back, eyes wide as I struggled against the predator. The wolf was relentless, budging not even an inch as I pushed and shoved! Gripping a handful of fur with my right hand, I punched wildly with my left! The beast yowled. bouncing with every punch as the energy rippled through its body.
My back soaked with the moisture of the Earth as I struggled. The Dire Wolf scraped back, giving my legs room. I curled my leg and kicked it off! It lurched back, its HP damaged slightly from my desperate strikes. Missing my neck, it went for my left arm instead! Growling, the wolf bit down on the meat of my arm.
Feeling the jaw clamp down, I screamed as the dagger-like teeth punched through. My HP meter flashed, bleeding! My left arm burned as the teeth chewed, the sound of squishing tissue awful to behold. The wolf's yellow eyes stared, unblinking in the dark. Its glare fixated on me, hungering for me.
Out of shock, I punched frantically! Flinging my right arm, I reached for its face. Punching its nose and eyes, I flailed against its grip! My HP dipped below 60%, draining as the bleed effect ran its course. My left arm went numb, cold as the teeth dug through.
Injured by the attack, the wolf released its grip! Leaping off, the beast scattered away, regrouping. I groaned, scrambling back to my feet. My back, now cold with the moisture of the river bed, shivered in the cool night air. My sword laid nearby, its steel shining with the rising moon! Hearing the scampering paws of wolves, I reached out!
Before I could take hold, I heard another wolf pounce! Swerving, I found a wolf lunging for Haru. I grabbed my greatsword, lurching as I heaved. Reaffirming my grip, the blade rustled as it's lifted from the wet pebbles. I charged the creature encroaching on her, letting the greatsword fly!
The sword swung, shifting the air aside with its mass! The swing missed the wolf, sending mud and rocks splashing around me. My left arm shook violently, my HP draining below 40%. I screamed at the Dire Wolf, desperate to get its attention away from her!
The beast snapped and barked as it wrestled with Haru. I raised the sword, ready to swing again. The wolf gasped, howling in pain. Rolling off Haru, she used a Sword Skill, jamming the knife through its gut. The creature exploded, lighting the night sky like blue fireflies in its wake!
She rose to her feet, a dagger gripped firmly in her right hand. The sound of snarls alerted me. Looking around us, four wolves surrounded us. Encircling us, their soulless yellow eyes searched for a gap. I can't let them continue, I panicked, raising the greatsword over my shoulder.
The cold night air filled my lungs, my heart raced as I stared back at the primal creatures. The forest, the river, all took a backseat to the gnashing of teeth. Scrambling for a solution, I charged one! I held the sword along its forward grip, thrusting it forward like a spear.
Without the glow of a Sword Skill, the attack was basic. As the sword slammed forward, the wolf leaped, dodging to the side. The greatsword punched through soil, flexing slightly from the force of my stab. Landing a few feet to the side, it howled as before jumping back! Its jaw opened, biting down on the sword, wrestling the weapon in its mouth.
Startled by the creature's speed, it yanked the sword from my hands! I dropped the sword, a loud clang rang as it returned to the stone smothered Earth. Putting up my arms, I shook with fear, waiting for the predator to leap! My left arm shook as it burned. The torn meat glistened in the cool night sky, the wound still fresh.
The wolf leaped again, claws and teeth extended! As it closed in, I glared. Balling my left hand to a fist, I rammed it as far back in its mouth as possible! I heard the beast gag, its back teeth digging into my already wounded arm. As the arm shoved further down its throat, I winced as the back teeth chewed, the tongue licking away at my injury.
I cried out as the pain grew, the burn of its lacerating teeth. I moaned, but kept forcing the arm forward. Lodged now firmly in its throat, I pulled the wolf towards me. My HP continued to plummet, reaching below 30%. Raising my right arm, I slammed down, crashing the arm down on its neck!
As the arm slammed down, a loud snap broke out! The skull was severed from the spine, paralyzing the beast. The creature's HP dropped to zero, slumping over as exploded! Blue glass shards flew in the wind, leaving my torn left arm free. Letting my mangled left arm fall, I turned to the others.
The rest of the pack focused on Haru. Surrounding her, they took turns lunging, trying to bite. She waved her dagger as they closed in, warding off whichever one stepped too close. She crouched low, bending her knees as she readied for any of them to pounce.
Seeing her distress, I picked up my sword. Aiming for a flanking wolf, I lunged from the side! Raising my sword over my head, I rushed forward. My boots stomped on the moist soil, propelling me forward as I turned with the swing. Using 'Down Chop', I watched as the yellow glowing blade slammed!
The blade crashed, followed by a loud tearing. The sword dug through the beast's torso, jamming through its back like cardboard! The wolf howled as it toppled over, exploding shortly after. The two remaining wolves turned on me, charging to avenge their comrade!
Both lunged for me at once, barking as they flanked me. One went for my shins, the other for my right arm. Their combined strength threw me to the ground, dragging me with their combined efforts. I landed with a dull thud, my already drenched backside grounded. My HP meter fell below 20%, the meter flashing a bright red.
Laying on my back, the wolves continued to gnaw and tear at my limbs. I yanked my left leg back, prying my boot from one's jaws. Curling the leg back, I swiftly sent the boot forward, kicking it away!
As the ankle biter recoiled, I turned to the second! Grabbing the arm gnawing predator, I yanked my arm back, pulling it in close. Attempting to choke, I threw it on its back, wrapping my bicep around the throat. With my energy depleting, I struggled to keep my grip tight.
Haru yelled, jumping on the wolf I wrestled! Sending her dagger forward, she stabbed its underbelly. The wolf howled as the dagger tore into its soft underside. Within seconds, the beast disintegrated to blue.
With one wolf left, I reached for my sword. I proved too weak, unable to lift the weapon. Haru was quicker, quickly tackling the wolf the minute it snarled.
The creature snapped at her, trying to dig its teeth into her shoulder. Before its teeth struck, Haru jammed the dagger in the beast's ribs. The last wolf gasped, falling limp before vanishing into blue.
With the last wolf dead, I rested on the ground. Letting my sword down, I laid there, catching my breath. With the death of the wolf pack, the sound of the river took over. My racing heart slowed as the tension left. My HP, still below 20%, only filled me with unease.
Haru quickly kneeled next to me, a look of worry on her face. "Garr!" she shouted, "don't worry, I'll heal you!"
Drawing a red bottle from her storage, she popped it open. Tipping the lid into my mouth, she poured the contents. The fluid flowed in, bitter in taste. I drank, eager to be healed. As the last drop of the bottle ran down my throat, I let out a sigh. God, I rambled, my left arm...it stings so bad.
As I waited, she just stared at me. Looking surprised about something, she checked her now empty bottle. She raised an eye brow. "Huh," she noted, "that's...odd."
"What's wrong?" I asked weakly, "am I missing something?" I groaned, looking down at my left arm, still mutilated from the fight. Squeezing my left hand, I winced as the bite mark reddened.
"I..." she stuttered, "I just gave you a potion designed to heal players." She inspected the bottle again, "It's supposed to heal by at least 40%, but it's not working at all."
I stared at her, utterly confused. She shook her head, reaching over to help me back up on my feet. "Come on," she cautioned, "we have to leave now while we still can."
I nodded, letting her help me. As I'm brought back to my feet, the smooth, wet pebbles below us rustled. "I've got a teleport crystal," she stated, "but only one. There's no way I'm just going to leave you out here, so we'll have to walk back to town."
Her statement was cut short by a sharp noise. A sword was unsheathed, ringing as it left its leather scabbard.
"Step aside," a voice croaked in the shadows, "I'm here to save you." My eyes widened at the sound. Turning to face the stranger, I saw a thin faced blonde. His light blue eyes were fixated on me, his longsword pointed directly at me.
Haru, turned around, looking at him with disbelief. "From wolves?" she asked,"sorry, bro. We've got it covered." she looked back to me, insuring I was on my feet as she whispered, "I've got the berries we need. Let's head back."
"No," he growled, "from the thief beside you!" He stepped closer, readying his sword.
I stumbled back, staying away from him. Thief? I pondered, the hell's he talking about? Picking up my greatsword, I kept my eyes on him. "What?" I asked, "I don't understand."
"Don't play innocent with me," the blonde snarled, "that sword in your hands? Did you forget the fact you stole that? Certain someone's put a little bounty for me."
I stared at him incredulously. "That can't be right," I assured, "this weapon was a gift. For helping a merchant out. "
"Hang on," Haru said, stopping to glance between us. "What're you talking about?" He turned his focus to her.
"You mean you haven't heard?" he asked, keeping his weapon aimed at me. "This man robbed an innocent merchant!" He drew his cold gaze on me, "that greatsword he's carrying belongs to someone. Now the guy's entrusted me to have that sword returned."
"Garr?" Haru questioned, turning to me. "Is there something you aren't telling me?" Her voice was filled with concern, her eyes on me. My feet felt glued to the river bank pebbles,
"No," I replied sternly, "I've got nothing to hide. I got this sword as a gift from Yuri." Directing my gaze back to the bounty hunter, "I don't know where you got the idea, but it can't be true."
"Lie all you want," the law bringer scolded, "but I'm giving you one warning. Give up that sword, or I shall take it by force."
I kept my sword back. I don't want to appear aggressive, I thought, I have to defuse this. "I'm not lying to you!" I pleaded, "I genuinely believe you're mistaken. This is a big misunderstanding."
"The warning still stands," he dismissed, "if you expect me to just walk away and let you go unpunished, you're the one who's mistaken. Give me the sword, or I shall take it."
Haru stepped back, unsure how to take the situation. She glanced back at me, looking just as confused as I am. If I give him my weapon, I considered, there's nothing to stop him from just cutting me down. I can't go along with this.
The man smiled, "my name's Rus...and I will not stand by and let a criminal like you escape." He drew closer, readying his sword. As he stepped out from the shadows, the moonlight revealed a man of pale complexion, his light, soft blonde hair draping over all sides.
I stepped back, shouldering my weapon. "I don't want trouble," I pleaded, "but I am no thief, I will not let you disarm me...there'd be no way to defend myself if you decide to finish me off."
"Sucks to be you then," Rus snarled. Without another word, he drew his sword back. The sword glowed a blue light, a charging sound emitting from him. In the space of mere seconds, he dashed forward! I stepped aside, watching as the sword's edge glided mere inches past my face!
Feeling the wind blow as he passed sent a chill. I jumped back, readying my sword. As the vigilante turned, his icon turned a bright orange. The slick river bed swished under my boots, my hands shaking as my heart raced. Is this a fight to the death?! I panicked, I've never fought before!
Before I could question more, I watched as Rus charged me! The confusion inside me was gone, replaced with fear. Rus dashed towards me, throwing the longsword's tip forward. The blade whirred past me, each strike missing me by mere inches. Closing in, the swordsman unleashed a flurry of swipes!
Seeing the wave of attacks, I threw myself back, hoping to avoid his onslaught! With my HP below 20%, I had little room for error. I whipped my sword feebly at his, desperately trying to defend myself. Sparks scattered as steel collided, his sword shrieking as it slid by.
Rus continued forcing me back, swinging the blade for my legs, my face, and my arms. "Aw," he sighed, "such cowardice." He speared the sword up, the edge barely missing my cheek! I jumped away, startled by the close attack. My boots squeaked, the fog filling the air waved with his attacks!
My heart continued to race, sweat beading down my face. The vigilante kept up the pressure, swinging the sword in my face constantly, smirking as I stumbled back. I fell back further, unsure of myself as he swung closer and closer. I'm suddenly stopped by something behind me.
Backed against a tree, I lifted my sword to block him! Rus slammed the sword on my cross guard, grinning as he angled his blade towards my chest. Seeing this, I shoved my sword to the side, throwing him off balance! He stumbled, the tip of his sword scraping on the moist pebbles below.
A new anger flowed through me, a last ditch effort. Throwing my sword over my shoulder, I lunged with a «Down Chop»! Rus leaped back, retreating as I lashed out. A loud clang rang out, pebbles and mud scattering as the sword's edge struck Earth! My swings were wild, uncoordinated, easy for him to avoid. As he backed up further, I charged him again, throwing all my weight behind the next strike!
Rus jumped to the side, letting the greatsword sail by. The blade scored a glancing blow, scraping his left arm. He gasped, curling back his wounded limb in reaction. Excited by the strike, I pursued further, swinging wide! The fog grew thicker as the night cooled, further obscuring the land before us.
Seeing the incoming strike, Rus rolled away. As the sword flew, it crashed into a nearby tree! As the steel dug through wood, chunks of bark flew in all directions! The tree cracked like thunder as it absorbed the impact of the swing! My body shook from the energy, my heart pounding with the stress.
Dodging my latest strike, he lunged forward. Closing in, he drove his sword forward with a Sword Skill of his own! I yelled, feeling cold steel dig into my shoulder. As I felt the blade tear into the meat of my arm, I gritted my teeth. Jumping back in pain, I released the weapon from my hand! The sword wobbled, bobbing as it nestled firmly in the tree.
With me disarmed, Rus smiled, closing the distance like a hungry wolf. Panicked I stepped further back, trying to go around him. He swiped as I turned right, forcing me back. I felt the cold of the river water rush up my boots as I stepped back.
I made a left, only to veer from his punishing blade. The foot deep water splashed as I dashed around, numbing my feet as I dodged his swings. Swiping wherever I turned, he kept me pinned where he wanted me. I jumped again for the right, anxious to return to my sword!
Jumping through the air I winced, his blade scored another hit across my back. I groaned as the burning sensation spread across the midst of my back. My HP dipped below 10%, flashing a bright red warning.
Falling to my hands and knees, I crawled forward! As I reached the tree, I jumped up to my feet, racing over to retrieve my sword. This proved difficult, the fibers of the tree firmly gripped the blade like a vice. Gripping the handle, I pushed and pulled, trying for my dear life!
I failed to notice Rus, who took the time to ready a lunging stab! As I pried with my body weight, I heard the air blow past my ear! Glancing over, I watched as the tip of his sword missed my eye. Startled by the strike I grabbed the wrist holding the blade! As my left hand clamped down on his right arm, I balled a fist with my right. Raising my fist like a hammer, I sent it down on the captured wrist!
As my arm slammed against his, I heard him cry out. His grip weakening from the first strike, I kept the pressure. I slammed his arm over and over, letting my strength pulverize his grip! His hand finally yielded, releasing the longsword. The sword made a loud clang as it landed on wet rock bed. At that moment, I let go of his arm and kicked him back, thrusting my leg straight into his back!
The force of my kick knocked him to the ground. A loud splash was heard, Rus crashing into the river! Resilient, he quickly got on one knee, then back on his feet, he passed me as I continued to free my sword. I yanked and pulled as quickly as I could, desperate to get my sword back. I suddenly felt a hard tug. The tree groaned, fibers loosening as I freed my sword. With the sword back in my hands, I wheeled back to face my assailant.
As I turned, I was met with the tip of a sword. Before I could even think, I felt the sword drive through my cheek! The blade didn't stop, punching through one side and out the other! Firmly lodged in my jaw, my mouth burned anew. Nestled in my mouth, I cried loudly and hoarsely. The edge of the sword held me hostage, the blade rubbing against my flesh.
I dropped my sword, gripping my mouth. Overwhelmed with pain, I moaned in agony. Yuri pulled me closer to him, rubbing the sharp edge against the freshly punctured skin. "So tell me punk," he cooed, "I never thought I'd ask, but do you ever get mistaken for a man?" He snickered, "I mean...I wasn't expecting much from a thief like you." He laughed, cutting the flesh of my cheeks more and more.
Tears flooded out, blurring my vision. The pain of feeling the fibers of my cheeks torn into sent me spiraling in anguish. As my mouth overflowed with pain, a flame of rage burned inside me. I reached out to him, grabbing him by the throat! Attempting to choke him, it proved ineffective. He responded by cutting out more and more of my mouth, nearing now the corners of my lips.
Desperate and out of ideas, hot flashes wracked my body went into overdrive. Finding myself near death, I made one final decision. I gripped the sword's edge with both hands, feeling the palms tear as its edge dug. Instead of fighting against his cuts, I slammed my head back! As I shoved the blade forward, it tore through the corners of my mouth, sending waves of unspeakable senses. My mind blacked out as the senses overwhelmed me.
Forcing the blade out, I hit to the ground screaming. Gripping my torn mouth, I hollered so loud I heard nothing else. The cold soil further heightened my sense of grief as I fell. Like an animal, I scrambled for my sword, leaping to my feet as I took hold. Turning back to Rus, I threw the sword back, readying to slam him! My whole face burned, the night air cool against my open wounds.
The vigilante stared at me, his blue eyes wide with disbelief. As the greatsword swung down, he raised his sword to block the impact. As our swords clashed, sparks flew in all directions! Shrieks were heard as steel grinded against steel! A sickening crack filled the air.
My sword did not pierce his, but his wrist snapped from the energy! He yelled, his arm now limp at his side. Hanging at an unnatural angle, his sword now rested on the floor. He fell to his knees, looking up to me with pleading blue eyes.
I roared at him, the pain still present from what remained of my mouth. I raised my sword, throwing the blade back. Hearing the «Down Chop» skill readying, I threw it down! The blade crashed, tearing into his torso like tissue. I felt a sudden rush, a sudden relief from pain. I struck him over and over, the pain going away as I slashed.
Before I could ready a fifth swing, Rus exploded. I stopped, lowering my sword slowly. All around me, a shower of blue particles fell, parting with the wind like leaves. Vanishing into the night sky, all I could do was stand there. The fog had scattered a few feet, tossed aside by the flurry of attacks.
Standing just outside the river, I gritted my teeth. My arms shook, my mind exploding from the sensations. As his remaining fragments scattered, I dropped my sword. I swayed, my vision blurring. I crashed to the ground, the soil greeting me with a cold, wet embrace.
Feeling chewed up? Take a trip to the dentist! Once again guys, thanks for reading this hopefully well-done chapter. Reviews, follows, favorites, criticisms, and teeth gnashing are all acceptable forms of support, but no biting.