Sorry I haven't updated in a while. College + Writer's Block = not good. I spent a long time on this chapter and I hope you Sparks like it. For added effect, try listening to the song: "HetaOni, Break of Dawn and Saying Goodbye," after the main fight. This was the song that I was listening to while writing that part and I think it fits pretty well. I tried posting it on my tumblr, but no matter what I did it wouldn't work, so I guess you'll just have to look it up. : /
Enjoy!
Edit: 8-6-13
Authors notes
Due to my unorganized mind I forgot to mention that I updated the previous chapter and added a few important things that pertain to this one. So if you haven't read the previous chapter after the above date, I highly suggest you do so. Thank you, and sorry for the confusion.
"About time!" Jake complained as Erick came up the stairs. "We were about to start without you."
Erick muttered a quick apology and glanced over at Captain Finn. He put the grenade he was fiddling with, back on his belt and slid off the railing. "Nice to know that you didn't chicken out. I don't suppose you've ever used a mortar before?"
"Uh, no. I haven't," Erick admitted. Was that unusual?
"There's nothing to it. There's always a slight chance of maiming of course, but um. I'm sure you'll pick it up." Captain Finn gave a tight smile and looked at him almost threateningly. It made Erick think that he wouldn't be too heart broken if he did lose a limb. The captain was probably just teasing him, but the thought was unnerving.
"First, I'd like you to meet Private Jammy," Finn continued. "He'll be your loader."
The heavily bandaged soldier snorted as he wiped his broken nose across a tattered sleeve. "Pleasure to meet you!" he said cheerily. "It's true what they say about me ya know; jammiest soldier in all of Albion. Seven-hundred 'n twenty-four wounds and still standing!" he announced proudly.
But if he was so lucky wouldn't he have not gotten hurt? Even now he was covered from head to toe in bloody bandages. Poor fellow was even missing an eye.
Finn laughed at his enthusiasm and turned back to Erick. "Don't worry, you'll get used to him. After a while he's hardly revolting at all. Right Jammy; it's time to show him the ropes."
"Yes sir!" Jammy replied with a casual salute. "Right then. My life's gonna be in your hands, so let's just make sure you know what you're doing, okay?"
"It's a good thing you're lucky then," Erick teased.
Jammy started to give a smile, like he was unsure whether that was a joke or not. "Go on. Grab the mortar, and we'll do some practice shots."
Jake gave him a encouraging thumbs up, but it seemed like he was trying to stifle a laugh.
"Alright, let's see what you've got. See that scarecrow over there?"
Erick quickly scanned the mossy hill and saw the makeshift scarecrow on one of the dirt trails. It was disturbingly quiet. Not even crickets broke the silence. "Yeah, I see it."
"Blow it up. Yeah that's right, let's blow it to buggery. Come on!" Jammy said.
"What did that scarecrow ever do to you?" Jake said sarcastically. Finn and Jammy chuckled, although Jammy sounded more like he was choking on something.
Erick adjusted the mortar by spinning the large crank until it lined up. He took the tinderbox from Jammy and ignited the fuse. A moment later the cannon fired with a loud crack and the scarecrow shattered apart.
"Yes. Yes! Boom! Ya see that? Ya see it? That scarecrow's a goner!" Jammy cheered, practically jumping with excitement. Erick never would have thought that a full grown man would be excited by such a simple thing, but he had to admit; it was pretty cool.
"Beautiful. On to the next one," Captain Finn instructed.
Erick quickly readjusted the mortar and fired off another round, completely destroying the scarecrow.
"Boosh! Ha ha ha! Goodbye mister scarecrow! That was bloody brilliant!" Jammy's bought of laughter ended in an unpleasant splutter.
"Alight Jammy, don't get too excited. You know what happens when you do," Finn told him. "Let's just take care of the last one."
"Just one left." Erick was just about to turn it when Jammy stopped to lean over the railing. "Hang on, I don't remember setting this one up."
"What do you mean?" Erick left the mortar to peer over the edge. It was scrawnier than the others, but somehow more realistic. Only when it started moving did he see the glowing blue eyes. The cross broke and the Hollow Man fell to the ground with a eerie wail. Four others sprouted out of the ground, fully armed. Well, almost. One was missing half an arm. If that counted...
"They're here," Captain Finn breathed. "Start firing!"
Erick scrambled to get back to the mortar, but tripped over the cannon balls, sending them rolling across the battlement. Jammy considerately helped him to his feet before running after the stray balls.
"I got it!" Jake ran forward and loaded the mortar while Jammy and Finn chased after the balls.
"Yes sir! Let's blow these buggers to smithereens! Come on mate!" Jammy cheered him on.
"Do you know what you're doing?" Erick asked Jake.
"Yeah. Sorta. Just shut up and start firing will you?"
Erick smiled as he ignited the fuse. He was a little off this time, but he got most of the group.
"Isn't that satisfying?" Finn asked, socking him in the shoulder.
"There's more comin from the left!" Jammy yelled. "Catch!" He tossed a ball towards Jake and he shoved it in the end.
Hordes of Hollow Men began climbing out of the ground. Erick struggled to keep up while Jake loaded and Jammy shouted commands.
"Oh that's nice, pure class! Beautifully done my friend," Finn complimented him.
Erick cringed as the Hollow Men began shooting up at them.
"No worries, they never hit any–" Finn broke off as Erick fell to the ground with a sharp cry. Erick struggled to catch his breath as he clutched at the wound in his shoulder. Finn looked down at him in bewilderment. "Wow. I've actually never seen that before."
"Hi I'm Erick: Prince of bad luck."
A tiny smile came to the Captain's face as he helped Erick to his feet.
"Sparky, I need you over here!" Jake shouted.
Erick ripped the bullet out of his shoulder with one hand as he lit the mortar with the other. The cannon fired with another bang, rattling his eardrums. He fired as fast as Jake could load, but the Hollow Men just kept coming.
He lost track of time as he fired cannon balls one after the other. The moon was high in the sky when Captain Finn grabbed his shoulder and turned him away. His mouth was moving, but Erick couldn't hear what he was saying.
"What?"
Finn opened Erick's jaw and clamped his hands over his ears. There was a loud pop, and the ringing stopped.
"Better?" Finn asked.
"Uh, yeah. What's going on?"
"We've got a problem."
"They're at the rear gates!" Major Swift's announced loudly from down below. "Take positions!"
Finn was already running down the stairs, but Erick didn't follow.
"Come on! We don't have all night!" Jake yelled, pulling him away from the mortar.
"But, what about–"
"The point is to keep the Hollow Men out," Jammy said as Jake started down the stairs, "if they are already in, there's no point in killing the ones out there."
"All guns on the gate!" Captain Finn ordered. "We can't let them through."
Jammy followed Jake, but Erick took the faster way. AKA, tripping over a stray cannon ball and falling over the edge.
He landed hard on the ground and looked up to see everyone else facing the gate with guns drawn. The thick logs shook as something rammed up against it. Andy and Ernie ran forward to hold up the crumbling gate.
"Push! Push!"
"I can't hold it they're too strong!"
Andy's foot slipped and he fell to the ground, his side beginning to collapse.
"Get back!" Erick shouted. The words barely escaped his lips as the gate crashed on top of them. Wisps came flying through the opening and instantly submerged in the ground, Hollow Men climbing out moments later.
"Watch that door!" Captain Finn ordered.
Erick was frozen in shock, but the others immediately began beating the skeletons back. No one even batted an eye at seeing Andy and Ernie crushed. He finally came to his senses and joined Walter and Jake, who stood back and shot the intruders from a distance.
"They're coming through the windows!" Finn shouted.
"Divide and conquer!" Gould shouted as they all began to split off to keep back the new comers.
Walter and Jake fired round after round, downing Hollow Men as fast as they came, but Erick had to keep stopping to reload his cumbersome rifle. His uncoordinated fingers just couldn't move fast enough. Then he remembered that he had a pistol too. The one that he found just outside the fort.
A tiny smile formed on his face as he put away his rifle. Now was his chance to prove that he was just as good as them. In one fluid move he grabbed the pistol, ripped it out of its holster and…
What? Where did it go?
Erick looked at his empty hand. The pistol was no where to be seen. Walter and Jake suddenly cringed, and he saw Captain Finn buckled over in pain. It took a moment after he saw his pistol lying in front of Finn did he realize what happened.
Wait, did I just...
"Nice going butter fingers!" Jake sarcastically congratulated him. "You couldn't have hit him in a worse place even if you tried! …You weren't trying right?"
Erick's face burned in embarrassment.
"It's probably best if you stick with your rifle from now on," Walter said gently.
"Yeah, I'm going to go see if I can help out Major Swift."
"Don't try to hard," Walter chuckled.
Erick backed away and went to help Major Swift, but stopped to help another soldier instead. He had to do a double take when he saw the soldier's weapon. Sure enough, he was beating Hollow Men with a eight-course lute.
"I've written some funeral music just for you. Have a listen," the soldier said, beating a Hollow Man with the lute. It made a loud thud, but didn't break. "Who thought Hollow Men would have such great acoustics?"
"You don't have another weapon? Something less instrument like?" Erick asked.
"Nah, it's about time bloody zombies learned to appreciate music."
"Uh, what ever you say. I'll stick with a sword."
"I call this 'Bash Your Brains' in D minor."
Erick listened the loud twang as he smashed the body of the lute into a Hollow's skull. At least it wasn't the same two cords over and over.
"Ever heard the ballad of Smashed Undead Skulls?"
"Do I want to?" Erick answered softly. A Hollow Man clambered out of the ground, separating him from the lute player. He leaped back as it grabbed for his feet, and ran into someone.
He spun around to see Grove aiming a gun towards him. Grove pushed his head out of the way and shot the Hollow Man between the eyes.
"How are you enjoying your first fight in Mourningwood?" Grove asked as he turned back around.
"I don't think enjoying is the word I'd use," Erick said honestly as he tried to stay out of reach of another skeleton.
"I remember the first time I saw a Hollow Man," Tick reminisced. "I thought that it was just my uncle Benny. He always liked to pull pranks like that. Hmm. Come to think of it, it might have actually been my uncle Benny. Hmm."
"That's nice Tick, but can we talk later?" Erick asked.
"There may not be a later. Might as well talk now," he replied cheerfully.
"Talk less now and you might live to speak later," Grove said.
"I wouldn't count on it."
Erick watched out of the corner of his eye as Grove broke a Hollow Man's ribcage with the butt of his rifle. An instant later, another rose out of the earth and smashed him against the wall, splattering it with blood.
"Grove!" Erick moved to help him, but Tick held him back.
"They don't bother with the wounded." The look on Tick's face showed that he knew Grove wasn't just wounded. Yet he turned away and continued fighting without another word.
Erick lost sight of Tick in the skeletal crowd. He kept hacking his way through the chaos until he ended up by the rear gate with Captain Finn and a few other soldiers.
"You seem to be handling yourself pretty well," Finn complimented him.
"I–I just… Grove… He…" Erick started sputtering, but Finn cut him off.
"Just stick with me alright?"
Erick was too frazzled to answer, so he just nodded. He helped the Captain fight back against the horde, but the Hollows just kept coming. They wouldn't be satisfied until every living soul was extinguished.
Erick spaced out as he fell into rhythm. He had his back turned, so he couldn't see any of the others. He knew that Jammy was beside him, but couldn't always keep him in sight. The monotonous groans of the Hollow Men was all he could hear. He forced himself to focus on Finn's voice as he encouraged the soldiers.
Please, don't stop talking. I need to know that you're still there.
"Do you know how many graves I've had to dig because of you?" Erick began searching for the source of the voice. Digger was just a short ways off, fighting by himself.
Digger was beating a Hollow with his shovel, and didn't notice the one coming from behind. Erick called out to him, but Digger couldn't hear him. Erick knocked back the Hollow Man in front of him with his rifle, and aimed towards Digger through the mob. He let out a steady breath and fired, but just a moment too late.
The Hollow Man ran a sword through Digger's chest an instant before the bullet hit. The skeleton shattered, but its sword remained as Digger fell to the ground.
"Jammy!" Finn suddenly screamed. Erick whipped around just in time to see Jammy collapsing beside him.
"No!"
He dropped to his knees and rolled Jammy onto his side but he was already dead. There was an unearthly wail and a clatter of bones behind him. He twisted around to see a Hollow Man looming over him with a sickle poised to strike.
Erick didn't even have time to grab his sword before it shattered apart. Finn stood beside the pile of bones. He lowered his sword and offered a hand towards him.
"Mourn later friend."
Erick hesitated before accepting his hand and Finn helped him to his feet.
"It's almost morning. So let's take care of the rest of these buggers shall we?"
Erick nodded and followed Finn as they battled their way to Major Swift. Off in the far corner he saw Tick fighting all alone, surrounded by Hollow Men.
Erick instantly ran towards Tick, ignoring Finn's protests.
I'm not letting anyone else die tonight.
As soon as Tick saw him he scowled. "Beat it prince charming! I've got it handled!"
Not exactly the welcome I was expecting.
Erick stopped just out of reach of the Hollow Men. "You're outnumbered, I just want to help."
"I don't need you!" Tick shouted, still somehow managing to hold back the Hollow Men.
Erick stood there in confusion. Should he help him anyway? It was obvious that he needed it, but he didn't want to go against his wishes. After a few moments he realized what a dolt he was being and began shooting the Hollows, but Tick looked even more furious.
"Back off! This is my fight!"
"What do you mean it's your fight? We're all in this together!" Erick paused as he glanced around the fort. The crowd was beginning to thin out and Erick could see motionless bodies scattered across the ground. There was hardly anyone left standing.
"Wait, where's Gould?"
"They're gone. They're both gone," Tick said quietly. Don't try to stop me." He closed his eyes, and let his sword fall to the ground. It cut a deep gash in his palm, but he didn't seem to even notice.
Erick raised his gauntlet high into the air and slammed it to the ground. Arcs of lightning shot out of the ground and latched onto the Hollow Men's legs like living tentacles. He ripped his hand upwards and the skeletons shattered apart.
"You didn't have to do that!" Tick snapped, turning on Erick. "Why couldn't you just walk away?"
"You think I care wether you live or not?" Erick retorted, his anger fueled by exhaustion. He walked forward and stopped only inches from Tick's face. "You can blow your own brains out for all I care! But you don't have that choice! Why? Because they still need you! These men are dying and they are trusting you to watch their backs! I don't care what you have to do. You can smile, beat your self up, or just break down. What ever it is you forget the pain and push through another day. I know how it feels when everything you cared about in life is gone and you just want to end it all. But you can't! Do you hear me? You can't! Because there are still people who depend on you. Who need you! You think you can take the easy way and just check out? Just leave the rest of us here to fight on alone? Your life isn't yours to take. Now suck it up!"
Tick looked at him, shock and fear shining through his blue eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but dropped his gaze as Major Swift's voice echoed through the fort.
"Victory! All hail the prince!"
Erick slowly turned to see that all the Hollow's were gone, the ground covered in blood and bones.
"Erick," Tick said softly, grabbing his shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't think about it that way. You won't tell the others will you?
"I won't. As long as it doesn't happen again."
"I promise."
Erick grabbed Tick's wounded hand and lifted it, pressing a thumb into the wound. Tick cringed, but said nothing. "Let this be a reminder of what happened here. Whenever you feel this pain, remember that you are in my debt. Got it?"
Tick nodded, and Erick released his hand.
"Good. Now let's regroup with the others."
They met Major Swift and the others near the north wall. Erick was relieved to see that Walter and Jake were among them, but that was about it. Only a small handful of soldiers were left and all of them were in bad shape.
"Erick!" Jake called with a broad smile. "I thought you were a goner. Ben said that you just ran off all the sudden."
"Sorry Captain Finn, I had to take care of something," Erick replied.
"I'm just glad to know you're alright," Walter said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"We couldn't have done it without you mate," Finn said with a smile.
"But I didn't do anything. I couldn't stop it. Not any of it."
"Pah! Didn't do anything?" Swift repeated, pipe smoke swirling around his curled mustache. "We would have been slaughtered without you here. I've never seen a man fight with such vigor. Now, who's for a pint?"
Erick's hair fluttered as a tiny blue light skimmed past him. He turned and watched in horror as it sunk into Lieutenant Simmons' grave. Moments later, the ground began to churn and heave and a Hollow began crawling out.
"Lieutenant Simmons! I specifically instructed you to remain buried!" Major Swift said, walking closer and raising a gun to the monster's head.
"Doesn't anyone follow orders anymore?" Finn spat in frustration.
Erick watched as Simmons pulled himself out of the grave, a thick sword in each hand. He towered above the other soldiers and had a huge hole through chest as if he got hit by a cannon ball. A foul green light shone through where his ribcage used to be, matching his sunken eyes. It was a fresh corpse, so he was more of a zombie than a Hollow Man.
Finn and Walter charged. Simmons threw up his arms with a mighty roar, emitting a shockwave that knocked them all off their feet. Erick cupped his bleeding ear as he struggled to stand, head spinning and legs shaking.
Walter and Finn were unconscious on the ground, but Major Swift managed to get to his feet and fired at Simmons' head, which only made the creature more furious. Swift tried to back away, but Simmons threw him against the wall. The lute player charged from behind and hit the back of his knees. Simmons stumbled only for a moment before twisting around and slamming the hilt of his sword on the back of the soldier's neck, killing him instantly.
Erick started to back away in terror. Simmons' jawless face slowly lifted, and swung around until he saw Erick. Erick spun around and ran. He ran, and didn't look back. Maybe he could lead it away from the others. Hopefully they were still alive. He could hear the crushing footsteps behind him and soon felt cold steel dig into his side. The force of the blow sent him flying into the sandbags, where he sat frozen in shock.
He squeezed his eyes shut as Simmons brought his swords high for the final blow, those glowing eyes etched into his memory. There was the loud clang of colliding metal, and Erick looked up to see Jake standing protectively in front of him, somehow holding back the dual swords.
"Move you idiot!" Jake demanded.
"What are you doing?"
"Saving your life! Now move!"
Erick pried himself away from the sandbags and Jake knocked Simmons back before taking off in the other direction. Erick hardly got ten feet when he crumpled to the ground. Blood was pouring out of the gash in his side which went halfway through his abdomen. He struggled to stay conscious as the wound started to heal, sending waves of burning pain.
Jake leapt over the sandbags, narrowly dodging Simmons' attack.
"Hey! Over here you bloated corpse!" Erick taunted, forced his aching limbs to lift him off the ground. Simmons turned to face him, but stayed put.
"Erick run! You can't kill it!"
"I don't have to. I just have to keep it back until sunrise." Erick held his sword out, then dropped it. He provokingly held his hands out wide. Simmons let out a ear splitting roar and barreled towards Erick. He charged his gauntlet, and held his ground.
"I'm the one you want."
Jake vaulted over the sandbags and ran behind Simmons. He leapt up and used the hole in his back as a footstool, chopping off his head. Erick stepped back as Simmons fell to the ground, Jake standing on his back.
"Wow. I'm impressed," Erick said with a smile.
"You reckless fool! I told you to run!" Jake spat in fury, stepping off the corpse. "You could have been killed!"
"So could you," Erick said flatly, a little disgruntled.
"I had it handled."
"Sure didn't look like it from where I was standing."
"I didn't ask you to help me!" Jake jabbed a finger at his face, lips drawn back in anger.
"I don't need an invitation. Why are you so mad? I was only trying to help."
"Because you're a bloody idiot! Do you get some sort of high from getting ripped to shreds? Just because you heal doesn't mean you can't die!"
"I can't lose anyone else!" Erick snapped. Jake paused for a moment, his eyebrows still lowered in anger.
"Oh yeah? Well me neither!"
They stood there for a few moments, each glaring at the other. Then Jake lowered his head with a sigh.
"Sorry, that was uncalled for."
"It's fine," Erick said softly. "I'm sorry I got in your way."
"You don't need to apologize, I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. You just look a lot like my little brother. I don't know what I'd do if I lost him."
Erick chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Let's just go check on the others, alright?" Jake was looking at him in shock, his eyes wide and mouth agape. "Jake? What's wrong?"
Jake suddenly slammed into him, knocking him to the ground.
"What are you–" Erick broke off as he saw Jake launched backwards out of the corner of his eye.
Erick's breath caught in his throat as he saw Simmons looming over him, his head slowly connecting back onto his body.
"That's impossible…"
Erick barely had time to scramble away as Simmons hacked down with both blades.
He leapt to his feet and sliced at Simmons while his guard was down. He didn't even falter and instantly attacked, the tip of his sword raking down Erick's shoulder. Erick did his best to ignore the pain as he backed away.
"Jake! A little help? Jake?"
He quickly scanned the area for Jake, and saw him lying by the statue at the center of the fort. Unmoving. He had to tear his gaze away as Simmons bolted towards him. He dived out of the way and Simmons ran headlong into the wall.
Erick tried to sever a limb while his back was turned. His blade stuck in the rotting flesh. He twisted and pulled, but Simmons whipped around and gouged a trench in his back. Erick scrambled back without his sword. He reached for his rifle, but it wasn't there.
The gun was discarded on the ground behind Simmons. It would be suicide to try for it. But then again, what did he have to lose? In a panic, he searched for a weapon. He grabbed the first thing he saw; The pistol he accidentally hit Finn with.
Well, at least I can't hurt anyone else.
Simmons threw back his head and roared in fury as Erick got to his feet.
"Come and get it freak!"
The ground shook as Simmons bolted towards him. Erick kicked off the ground and ran straight for the monster, the gun firing as fast as he could pull the trigger.
At the last moment he dropped to the ground and skidded between his legs, getting off one last shot at his head through the hole in his back. He rolled onto his knees and just when he was about to grab his rifle a sword dug into his side and sent him tumbling across the ground.
Erick slammed into the wall, now completely unarmed.
Wait, not completely.
The gauntlet.
He was already so exhausted and light headed, what would happen if he used it? Well it was a risk that he would have to take. Right now it was do or die.
Erick clenched his fist, lighting arcing around his entire arm. The effect was immediate. His whole right side went numb and his vision started fading to black. Some part of him was screaming for him to stop, but he didn't listen. This was his last resort.
He could barely see Simmons' hulking form approaching. He raised his arm, pain flaring through his joints and down his spine. He released the energy from his palm hitting Simmons with a white bolt of lightning. The electricity ran through his bones, then right back out, causing no damage whatsoever.
Curses. Fire. He had to use fire against Hollow Men. His other gauntlet was back in the sanctuary. His hand instinctively dropped to the Guild Seal on his belt, but he retracted just before touching it. If he left now, Simmons might go after the others while he was gone. He had to believe that they were still alive.
Erick looked to the horizon. The sky lightened every so slightly behind the looming clouds, casting sullen rays over the top of the shattered fort.
Just live until morning. You can survive that long. Give the others a chance.
Erick got to his knees just as Simmons was beginning to move again. He vaulted over the sandbags and headed for the stairs. His knees shook with exertion as he crawled up the steps with his remaining strength. He looked down to see that Simmons wasn't following. The Hollow Man stood at the base of the stairs and watched him.
That wasn't exactly what Erick was hoping for. He wanted to get Simmons up into the muted sunlight, but he wasn't taking the bait. At least it would give him a chance to heal.
If only Erick was that lucky.
Simmons crashed into the side of the staircase, making the whole thing crumble. Erick ran for the top, but one final shove and the whole thing came crashing down. Erick grasped for a hold on the edge, but fell short and plummeted to the ground among the rough stone.
Erick cried out in pain as the wall collapsed on top of legs. He could hear a pulsating groan, almost like a laugh. Simmons slowly approached, swords glinting in the firelight.
Wait. Firelight?
Erick spun to see a brazier still lit only feet away. He twisted and began clawing at the ground, slowly prying his legs from the rubble. He got free just as Simmons charged, and dived behind the brazier.
Simmons sliced down at him, blades cutting through the iron brazier like it was made of butter. The curved end of the swords caught in one of the rings. The brazier held fast in the ground as Simmons tried to free his swords. He threw his arms up in fury, tearing the whole thing out of the ground. The hot coals cascaded down on him, igniting his exposed bones and rotten flesh.
But he kept coming.
The flaming creature howled in rage as he bore down on Erick. Erick scrambled back, but there was no place to hide. No where to run. Through the raging fire Erick could see just a glint of sunlight shine over the battered walls.
Erick leapt up and grabbed onto the edge of the alcove just as Simmons came within arms reach. He propelled himself forward and let go, using the momentum to smash into Simmons and send the creature flying backwards.
The clouds parted and the bright morning sun brushed its fingertips over the broken walls. Simmons let out a final roar as the sun caressed his sunken skin.
Erick watched in satisfaction as the creature shattered apart in a brilliant green flash. He would have leapt for joy if not for the searing pain throughout his entire body. Instead, he dropped to the ground in despair. The sunlight felt cold on his skin.
He used his remaining strength to crawl forward and hack off Simmons' charred head, chucking it over the wall. After a few moments, he looked up across the fort where Jake still lay. He pushed the unwanted thoughts to the back of his mind as he got to his feet. He walked to him with scuffling steps.
Jake's skin was pale. His eyes closed.
"Jake?" Erick dropped to his knees, and grasped his cold hand.
Jake's eyelids fluttered and his soft brown eyes rested on Erick.
"It's okay. You're going to be okay."
Jake slowly shook his head. Erick bit his lip, his vision blurred by the beginning of tears. Jake's hand trembled as he raised his hand. He clasped Erick's hand in both of his and whispered, "take care of her, Sparky." A gentle smile came to his face, but quickly melted away.
When Jake's hands slipped away, there was a tiny gold ring nestled in Erick's palm.
"No. Please don't leave. Jake. Don't go."
He was gone. Erick watched the light fade from his vacant eyes. He slowly reached forward, and closed his eyelids. He picked up Jake's pistol from the dusty ground. It would be a shame to leave such a beautiful weapon to waste away in such a godforsaken place. Jake shouldn't have died there.
The only words going through Erick's head were;
My fault.
Erick searched for anyone still mobile. His heart sank when no one moved.
Please don't be dead. Someone. Anyone. I don't want to be alone. This can't be happening! It just can't!
Erick ground his fists against his face as his shoulders shook with sobs. They were all gone. Not a soul left. Surrounded by corpses. All was still. Not even the wind breathed.
There was a gentle weight on his shoulder and Erick glanced behind him.
"Captain Finn?"
"Please, call me Ben," the young man smiled. "We're all brothers in arms here."
He was elated that Ben was alright, but he couldn't bring himself to smile. "The others…"
"They're alright. They should be waking up any minute now. Come on, let's go wake up those old geezers." Ben offered him a hand and started helping him to his feet, but Erick's knees buckled and he fell back to the ground.
Ben bent down and draped Erick's arm over his shoulder, practically carrying him. Erick's heart leapt with joy as he saw Walter begin to stir.
Erick separated from Ben and threw his arms around Walter.
"You're alive. Thank goodness you're alive."
"Of course I'm alive," Walter chuckled. "You didn't think that a bunch of corpses could bring me down did you?"
"No. Of course not." He should have known that he'd be okay. Nothing could hurt Walter. He'd never doubt again. He still didn't let go.
"I can't do this," Erick breathed.
"Yes you can."
"No Walter, I can't! I just can't!"
Erick clenched his eyes shut, but he could still see all the lifeless forms. When he saw all the dead bodies on the ground, it felt like part of his heart went with them.
"You have to. You can stop this. Look at all the people that are still here because of you."
Walter got to his feet and turned him around. He saw Ben rousing Major Swift, and Tick helping Trevor out of the rubble. A handful of other soldiers were getting to their feet, marveling at the glorious sunrise.
"You saved me and Swift, and even Ben. We are alive because of you."
"But Jammy. Jake. The others."
Walter looked over at Jake for a moment, then dropped his head. "I know. Every victory comes at a price."
"I'm scared Walter," Erick admitted softly. "What happens if I lose you?"
"That won't happen. I will always be here for you. You don't have to worry about me."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Erick let his fears fade away as he embraced him again. Walter held him close and breathed deeply. It was warm. A kind of warmth that not even the noonday sun could provide. It burned inside his chest and flittered through his entire body.
Is this what it feels like to have a father?
"We're alive! Would you look at that!" Major Swift said in amazement as he stood. "I thought we were goners for sure!" He retrieved his pipe from the ground and looked around at the remaining soldiers. "Who killed Simmons?" he asked Ben.
"Prince Erick. He beat the bugger single handedly!"
"Really? Astounding courage young man!" Swift congratulated him.
"That was pretty darn impressive," Ben added. "So, your father wasn't the last hero of Albion after all."
"We did it! No really, we did!" Major Swift cheered.
"Let the poets tell our heroic tale!" Ben said with a sweep of his arm. "The Swift Brigade fought against impossible odds! They won. The end."
Erick glanced at him, but said nothing.
"Well, Sir Walter; you didn't do too bad. For an old man," Ben teased.
"Neither did you. For a bafoon." The both of them laughed lightheartedly, even Swift let out a chuckle. Erick stayed silent, his brow knitting together.
"Why do you laugh?"
"What?" They all turned to look at Erick.
"How can you be so happy? How can you smile and joke around like nothing happened? They're all dead," Erick muttered softly.
The three fell silent. Major swift chewed on his pipe with an pitiful expression. Walter glanced away, sorrow clearly shinning in his eyes. Ben was the first to speak.
"I'm sorry. It wasn't meant in disrespect. It's just how we cope. We laugh and try to forget that all of our friends lie six feet under. When we were first stationed here we promised that we wouldn't cry. Wouldn't break. No matter what happens, we smile and forget. That's all you can do; forget."
"How can that be better? I don't understand."
"I hope that you never have to." Ben looked him right in the eye, but Erick dropped his gaze.
"Ah, that was just like old times Walter. Just like old times," Swift reminisced as they began walking for the gate.
"So, what do you say? Will you join us?" Walter asked. "With your help we can put a stop to Logan's madness. Bring back the real Albion army."
"I swore to serve my king to the death! We all did!"
Was he really going to refuse just like that? After all they went through. Erick's body relaxed as Swift continued.
"But the isn't the way it was meant to be! The old guard has been shoved aside and these new soldiers Logan's been gathering, they don't care about this land or its people."
"Yeah, and I bet they get paid more," Ben stated grudgingly.
"Major Swift, if I may interject," Erick said.
Swift nodded as he took another whiff from his pipe.
"It was my fault that the Hollows got in in the first place. If I wasn't here then none of this would have happened." Erick's voice was even and void of all emotion.
"That's not true. Why would you think that?" Walter asked in bewilderment.
"If I had done a better job up at the mortar, I could have stopped all of this. But I screwed up. I'm sorry Major, it's my fault your men are dead. You don't want me leading this revolution. I'll just go back where I came from and you can stop Logan. I promise not to get in your way."
Swift was quiet for a moment, taking a huff from his pipe. "Walter has absolute faith in you. And after seeing you in action, so do I. I would be proud to call you my king. All I ask is that you make a soldier's oath. Let your armies protect the people instead of oppressing them. Bring honor back to this uniform."
"Yeah, and don't forget the pay raise." Ben chimed in.
"Shut up Ben," Walter hissed between his teeth.
"Are you sure you want me?" Erick asked. "There are others that would make a better king than I would."
A smile peeked underneath Swift's mustache. "I've never been more sure of anything."
Erick stepped forward, and shook his hand. "I promise."
"Then it's settled," Walter announced. "We're heading back to Bowerstone now. There are some people there that I'm hoping will join us. We'll send for you when we're ready."
"Then I shall bid you good luck and farewell and all that." Swift put his hands in his pockets and looked towards the open gate.
"And just try not to get the rest of these lads killed will you? We're going to need you all."
"You always know what to say to keep morale up Wally," Ben said sarcastically. "Now get out of here."
"Farewell my friends!" Walter waved to all the soldiers as he and Erick started heading through the gate.
Erick paused for a moment, stopping next to Ben. "Can you make sure that…" he looked over to where Jake lay.
"Don't worry. We'll take care of him."
"Thank you. See ya Ben."
"Farewell my prince."
"Farewell."
"Come on," Walter gestured. "You did good today, but we're just getting warmed up."
Erick followed him out the door, rubbing the gold ring between his fingers.
"No matter what you may think, this wasn't your fault," Walter said when they got further away. "You did all you could to stop it, no one could ask for any more."
"I will be stronger next time Walter. I'll make sure that no one else has to die."
Walter nodded and breathed deeply before speaking again. "You know, sometimes you have to accept that you can't save everyone."
"I can't accept that. There has to be something I can do."
Walter smiled. "If there is, then you're the person to do it."
Erick found himself glancing further into the swamp. It was actually quite a beautiful place when it wasn't swarming with corpses.
"If you feel like exploring, go ahead. I'll meet you at the sewers to Bowerstone."
"Thanks Walter. I won't be long."
"Take all the time you need."
Erick followed a trail to the right while Walter headed through the graveyard. He just went around the corner when he saw a portal shimmering on the side of a crypt. He mechanically went towards it and ran his fingers through the foam-like surface. There was a tug in his gut like the jerk from a rope and an instant later he was standing on the Road to Rule.
Theresa stood at her normal place in front of the gate. Erick fixed her with a stern gaze.
"This has been a momentous day," the seeress said, her mystic voice filtering through the fog.
"Really? Has it really? 'A momentous day'? Are you serious?" Erick blurted in anger. "I stood helpless as everyone around me was slaughtered. I watched as Jake; the closest thing I've ever had to a friend, died in my arms and you're telling me that it's been a momentous day?"
"Yes, I am. With the support of major Swift and his soldiers, the revolution grows in strength and you move one step closer to being the leader that this kingdom needs."
"Is the revolution the only thing that you care about?"
"If you do not defeat Logan, many more will die. Think about that the next time to try to back out of your destiny." Theresa vanished into the mist, leaving Erick even more furious than before.
Erick smashed his fist against the iron gate, splattering the bars with flecks of blood. What was the point of becoming king if he couldn't save those closest to him?
First of all, Turbo61: I'm sorry. Please don't hate me. :'(
Okay now down to bis.
Hey Sparks! I know, long chapter but I'm not going to apologize for it. I feel like everything in there in necessary, and I wouldn't want to cut any of it out. Did anyone listen to the music while reading it? Seriously, let me know.
So how did you guys feel about this chapter? Feely or cheesy? I've been taking a few tips from S. Morgenstern. Heh heh. Yeah… So, my writing has been a little different. Hopefully better, but I'm not entirely sure.
This chapter had quite a lot of editing done for a few different reasons. The first draft was pretty, disturbing. I've been having a bought of horrid nightmares recently and they have leaked into my writing. Originally, Jammy was beheaded, the lute player got torn in half, and Erick had to rip out his own intestines to escape Simmons. All of which had very graphic descriptions. So to avoid anyone losing their dinner, I graciously omitted those parts. You're welcome ^~^
I've been having a little trouble with my writing lately, so I'd like to take this time to ask for maybe a little bit of constructive criticism. Just anything you noticed that made the chapter seem rough or choppy. Also, please let me know if any part was confusing or didn't quite make sense so I can fix it in the final edit. Thanks!
Be sure to check out my DA page for a funny little comic to go with this chapter. (There's also a depressing little sketch if you feel like looking at it. :P)
Oh, a little off topic, did anyone get my Imagine Dragons reference? XP