(Xeta POV)
I was in class when I started to hear weird noises, out in the direction of the cafeteria. What on earth, I thought I heard slamming, but like, it was vibrant, almost like an explosion but not. I hadn't realized it but I was standing up out of my seat.
"Xeta Shidel, what seems to have you all riled up?" The teacher questioned.
I didn't, nor could I answer him. But all of the sudden I then started hearing footsteps, and doors to the other rooms getting knocked open.
"NO ONE MOVE," It wasn't just me that heard it that time, my teacher and students started freaking out a bit as well.
"What on earth?! STUDENTS GET UNDER YOUR DESKS NOW!" the teacher shouted and went to turn off the lights and lock the doors, but was not able to due to the door slamming open and him getting knocked to the floor.
"Don't even think about it old man," a man with a semi auto rifle walked into the room, and held the gun up to our teacher, who had frozen in fear.
The students around didn't dare move, and neither did I, something bad was happening, and I wanted to stay quiet to make sure I got the whole picture.
"Now then, no one pull out your phones or I start shooting, if you want to keep the peace, and no one to get hurt, we just need one thing, tell us all you know on where a student by the name of Xeta Shidel might be," the armed man said.
There it was, all I needed to hear. First off, it's obvious their goal is me, whether to capture or kill doesn't matter. Second, he said we, meaning there are multiples. I decided to look around and sense the presence of them. Thankfully this school wasn't that large, but a problem arose when I realized there was an armed guard at every class room. One for each thankfully, it seemed that some were waiting outside the classrooms, seemingly done with their questioning I assumed.
This wasn't good, I didn't have the ability to fight off all of them. And the worst part was when I looked at the cafeteria, it was much worse, 5 guards and…. No… NO!
Out in the cafeteria courtyard was three figures that exerted energy. Damn it, this certainly wasn't good. Three creatures like me, I'd definitely have to be careful with my options here.
I remember that night from when I saved Elizabeth, it was an unconscious act… but, maybe it would be enough to handle 3 of them. But then what about the rest of the guards… They're after me right? If so, then maybe me running straight to the courtyard would lead them there. Wait no, better plan. I take out this guy, and then have someone here get the authorities on the line, I'll make it fast and silent, then while I distract them, the one with the phone will get the police. But then how would I explain that, that would mean giving myself away.
I looked at the class around me, weighing my options, if I just stand around and keep a secret, everyone here is in danger. But, if I use myself as bait, then, that gives everyone a chance to get away, and the police to get everyone to safety, including Elizabeth.
As my mind raced faster than a second, the man finally took notice of me, he looked at me in shock, he probably saw my eyes. I moved faster than he could react, there was no more time to think of a different plan, this was my only shot.
In a matter of a second, I was already on him, snatching the gun from his hands with a single motion. I then swiftly kicked him, a bruise quickly forming on his face from the impact. He was knocked out cold, but in the next second I grabbed him and made sure he didn't make a sound on landing.
The class, understandably, was stunned by the action, the teacher looking right at me from where he sat on the ground.
I then used telepathy to talk with everyone in the classroom, -Everyone, keep quiet, got that, if you don't you will die,- I explained.
It seemed everyone understood the gravity of their situation and stayed quiet. I used my sight to look through the walls, and it seemed I stayed quiet enough from all the other commotion happening around us.
-Ok, no one heard that, good, now listen up, nod if you are listening, and remember, no matter what keep quiet,- I explained.
The class nodded, including the teacher, who was giving me a pretty stern look.
I let me disguise fade, knowing full well that I would need to so that I can act as bait. I saw the class slowly begin to freak out, but it seemed that it wasn't enough to keep them from keeping quiet like I had said.
-They're after me, I'm going to act as bait, while I do, I need one of you to call the police, who here has a working phone?- I asked.
Most of the class was still too freaked out to answer, or even make a move. One student however, a girl, pulled something out of her purse, showing a phone to me while not making a sound.
-Ok, good, now again, as soon as I leave, you start calling, and make sure they know this isn't a joke, and send as many as needed,- I explained.
The girl nodded, but the teacher started whispering.
"What are you?" he said.
-That doesn't matter, right now, you need to get the police here,- I explained.
"I won't let you leave, you monster," He started to whisper but I got in his face.
-Apparently, you don't understand what's happening right now. I'm their target, they are only after me, and if you think keeping me here will help anyone, then you'll probably be the first one they kill once they find out I'm here,- I explained fully.
"What… but you," He was stuttering.
-I'm not your enemy, I'm still Xeta, I'm still conscious, I'm going to act as bait, and you guys get the police so you can be saved, I don't care if they come after me, but I'm not gonna be responsible for this many deaths, got it? Did I stutter?- I asked.
The teacher seemed angry, not being able to understand the situation, "Fine," he whispered.
I got up from him, everyone in the class still looking frightened, disgusted, or scared of me.
-Lock the door when I leave, and don't leave til the police get here, understand?- I asked the class.
Most, including the teacher nodded, and so I left, and slowly pulled the door shut, making sure to keep it silent.
I still had this rifle on me, my broken sword, and the powers I have at my disposal. I looked down the hallway, seeing other armed men at the classrooms. If I wanted this to be a good distraction, I needed to make some noise.
I ran up to the next class room, and grabbed hold of the armed man.
"Woah WHAT-" He had no time to finish, for I had thrown him over my shoulder into the lockers behind me, a residual crash filling the halls with sound, which brought attention from all the other men in the classrooms.
I walked to the center of the hall with all of them looking at me. I picked up the downed man's gun while kicking him.
-Yo!- I yelled in telepathy, -Looking for me?!-
If I was gonna distract them, I need to make a scene, what better way than this. They all pointed and aimed, taking shots at me. I used my speed to avoid their fire, drop kicking one of the armed men, swinging one of the guns and knocking another of them down to the ground. The third guy I fired a shot into his leg, giving me enough time to run up, tackling him into the wall.
I then noticed my teacher, Ms Leonhart inside her class, looking right at me.
She seemed confused at the situation, but knowing her, I did what I thought would assure her the most.
I softly smiled, -Ms. Leonhart, please keep your doors locked, I'll take everything from here,- I said.
She seemed confused, but then realized the coat I was wearing.
"Xeta?!" She asked.
-Sorry ma'am, i don't have time to explain, lock your doors, and don't worry, the police are on the way,- I said quickly.
She knew my voice, and she seemed shocked from hearing it after so long, so it wasn't that hard for her to listen, she nodded, "Ok, and Xeta, stay safe."
I nodded, and walked to the next hallway. I heard commotion from outside, and next to me in the other hallways, they probably heard the gunfire. Next to me appeared a few armed men and women. They all pointed their guns at me.
One, two, four, seven, nine, twelve, twelve of them. That's a lot. I had to do it now, last time it happened, I was angry, very angry, I have to do it again. Just focus, focus…. I thought of everything up to this point, my anger, my hate, my pain from all of this. I had to put everything on the line this time, even if it costed me my life.
Just then I felt a sharp pain come from my left and my right, I wasn't paying attention and took three bullets thanks to it. I recoiled to the ground in pain, and anger. Jokes on them, they hit my boiling point. The last thing I remembered was Elizabeth in that state after those things attacked her. I remember it way too vividly, and that was it.
I stood back up, and felt my body for the second time physically change. I had not realized how to activate this power before, but, I think I get it. But as soon as it started, I felt it start using more energy than before, this wouldn't be something I could use for all too long. Another thing, I was much calmer this time, but the anger didn't go away, in fact, I think it got worse, it was a quiet, but burning anger.
The armed men and women around me looked in fear at the beast in front of them. My tail physically changed to match the tan fur on me chest and waist. The feelers on the back of my head grew much larger. I was also a bit taller too. I looked at my paws which were now red, the claws also forming to work for a different way of fighting. I noticed the top of my bottom paws also grew claws as well. I had much more use and versatility.
-Now then, assholes, you brought this on yourselves,- I burned the wounds shut, it was painful, but not as much as it was before.
They started to open fire on me again, but this time I was much faster, I started with the group on my right, using the guns I had to fire upon them, two of the guards being taken down. I think I stopped caring at this point about not killing, they obviously wanted me dead, so I didn't bother anymore. I didn't have control over my anger, so it was hard to not give in to it.
I threw the guns at them, being sure to keep dodging the crowd behind me. I then, felt something new, my claws, I think I could use them differently now. I sent energy into them, and sure enough, two blades formed from purple and black aura took shape, leaving trails of something similar to fire behind it. The blades in length were much larger, but it added to weight to my body, I had free control.
I jumped forward and spun, the blades spinning around to cut through the attackers. The last one there who was left I dropped the energy to dissipate the blades, took hold of them, and started using them as a meat shield towards the other crowd.
They didn't care, they were too scared to get massacred and started firing. I then dropped my shield, and in an instant, called out the blades once again, and cut through two of them. The blades were too long for them to avoid, I went through the last few. Some were dead, some were incapacitated, either way, that was these ones.
I didn't know if there were any left, but the police could handle the rest, I made enough of a distraction, I needed to get to the real problems at hand here. I took two of the guns on the ground here and headed to the cafeteria area. I went to the side doors since they weren't blocked by students.
Since there wasn't much time to waste. I opened the door.
Everyone turned to look at me. Blood covered, carrying two guns, and with a cold stare piercing through them all. The students backed up, while the armed guards I could see aimed at me.
-Hold your fire,- I heard a familiar voice in my head.
I finished my walk outside, and stood in front of the crowd of students, looking over at the guards and creatures.
Before me were sights I wasn't prepared for. First, was the most obvious, Bruce. The dragon creature before me had to have been him, it was the spitting image of what I had fought that night. No mistaking it, that's him, and he was alive. Did it have to do with the change? I didn't know, but I didn't have time to think.
My next surprised was this creature in green and white. It looked fairly human, but also alien in nature, the white dress it wore gave it a very deceptive look, for I could tell it was just as dangerous as Bruce just by looking at it.
Then this last one, this one was certainly the one I did not expect to see. A creature in black, with white hair flowing from the top of it's head, one blue eye tracking me. It seemed, almost happy.
-If you fire at me at all, you'll end up like the others I killed, do I make myself clear?- I said sadistically.
"Xeta…" I heard a whisper from behind me, I could tell it was Elizabeth who had said it, but I didn't want to give attention to it.
I heard another voice behind me asking Xeta as well. That was Terry, I again brought no attention to it.
-Already boy's, hold your fire,- I believe that was the black creature that said that. It walked forward from the rest.
-Well Xeta, that's a new look, vicious!- I recognized it now. It was Monty, this sick bastard.
-Shut up,- I said simply.
-Jeez, no fun,- He said.
-So… Monty, I see they also changed you, thought I killed you,- I said.
-Oh you did, but seems whatever these guys use has a pretty innate effect of messing with the dead, funny ain't it?- He said.
You can bring back the dead with this stuff. That explains Bruce then, but why, how powerful is this serum. What did they use. No, I need to focus.
-I'm not laughing, in any case, I should just lay it out, you've got who you were looking for, everyone else here isn't needed, so you can let them all leave, and you have me, also don't think the others will be able to help you either,- I explained.
-Ahhh, so that's what's up with the blood, man, they really did create a killing machine didn't they, what's your body count Xeta?- Monty asked.
-What's yours?- I asked back.
-Touche,- He laughed.
-So, how about, we make a deal,- I said.
-A deal? I'm listening?- He said.
-Everyone here in the school gets to leave, without being attacked or targeted, and you and the others here, get to fight me alone,- I explained.
-Oh? So you're playing bait?- Monty asked.
-Yes, only difference is you actually get your catch,- I explained.
He stayed silent for a moment, seemingly in thought. The talking behind me grew louder, I could tell none of the students really understood what was happening. Though in the distance I heard sirens going off, it seems the call came through.
I heard Monty give a laugh, -Alright, I think I can agree, but I have my own terms,- he said.
-What's that?- Before I knew it he disappeared. I looked back and forth, and decided to try and sense him.
"ARGHHHHHH!" I heard a scream from behind me.
I turned around to see Elizabeth was held by her neck in the claws of Monty.
"YOU SON OF A B*TCH!" Terry screamed and tried to punch him. Brave but stupid, he got backhanded to the ground, reeling in pain.
I then screamed and ran towards him, and he disappeared once more. I looked around for him once again in a panic.
-Settle down there fido!- I heard his voice.
I looked up at the roof and saw Monty staring down, Elizabeth kicking and squirming in his claws.
I was about to jump but he put his other claws near her neck.
-Up bup bup, relax there doggo, I'm not gonna hurt her, this is just a part of my terms,- He explained.
I calmed down for a moment, and decided to listen, I was in a position where I had no choice.
-Now then, you seem pretty close with this girl, so, if I'm gonna follow your terms, you'll follow mine,- he explained.
"SIR WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" One of his armed men screamed.
-Shut up, or I'll tear you to ribbons,- he stopped smiling and looked at the man, the man realizing the danger he was in backed off.
-Now where was I, oh yes, this girl, you seem to know her, and she seems to know you, so, let's make a deal, I let everyone here go, and you fight the other two there, once you beat them, you get to fight me, but if you try to fight me before you beat these two, then she dies, think of it as a game, you like games right?- He explained.
-So… you wont hurt her? If I follow your rules you won't hurt her?!- I screamed in telepathy.
-Precisely, oh should also mention, the cops headed this way can help fight them too, I don't mind, as long as you don't fight me first,- He explained.
"Xeta don't listen to this bastard don't give him-ARHACK!" He started tightening the grip on her.
-Did I say you could speak?- He asked.
-OK OK! You got it, you have your wish,- I agreed.
-Good choice, and as promised, I wont hurt her, ok everyone! You're now allowed to leave, we've got what we want, so go live your little lives, and have some fun ok!?- He smiled and called to everyone here. The students left in droves once they realized they weren't gonna be followed, seems the cops had also showed up for this.
Once I felt as if the coast was clear of students I looked at the four in front of me. Was I really ready for this? I looked up at Monty who had then thrown Elizabeth behind him. I would have to fight now.
I gave myself a moment to scout out these two. First red flag I noticed was the collars on them. I didn't know what exactly what those were for, but I had a bad feeling in any case. I knew Bruce well enough to know what I was dealing with, but this other one, and by that extent Monty, would be trouble. Worse yet these two would wear me down before I even get to Monty, I'd have to finish it quick, my best bet is to try and lead them to the police and get help from them.
I pointed my guns at them. That's the plan, I have to see it through.
(Elizabeth POV)
I was thrown to the concrete of the roof, and started coughing from not being able to breathe.
-Ah, what fun! Man I haven't had this much fun in a long time,- I heard the creature say.
"You…" I said.
-Hm? Yes?- He asked.
"You're the one, who killed Xeta's family, aren't you?" I looked at him fiercely, with tears in my eyes.
-Why yes, I am!- He said with a smile.
"Why…?" I asked.
-Why what?- he asked.
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO THEM!? YOU SACK OF FILTH! WHAT FORCE ON THIS PLANET MADE YOU PUT OUR LIVES THROUGH HELL AND BACK!?" I screamed at this creature.
He laughed at me.
-I was hired to do it, what more do you want?- He asked.
"You were hired, but you didn't just kill them, you decided to torture them, even Xeta, you made sure to torment him before changing him, WHAT WAS THE POINT OF IT!?" I asked.
He looked at me, his smile growing wider and wider.
-It was fun!- he said simply.
My eyes widened at him. Not fully grasping what I just heard.
"W...what?" I asked in confusion. My body turned cold, every fiber of my being went from giving this creature pure hatred, to wanting to run from it, no, wanting to not even exist at this given point in time, I wanted to disappear.
-I learned throughout life, to do what makes you happy, to have fun, and to not let anyone stop you from having it. I have fun doing what I do, it's no different from having a hobby, no different whatsoever, if I'm having fun, then I'll do it,- He said.
"You.. you sick… you're sick in the head, you kill people, you torment people, you think fun is to have it at the expense of others!?" I yelled.
He smiled wider, -It's the most fun, when it's at the expense of others. Being able to see a person run through all those options in their head, trying to find a solution to a problem or game I create for them, and seeing them lose all hope as I win the game, there's no greater feeling. Just look at your friend, he's playing by my rules, not his, he's in the palm of my hand, and I get to have as much fun as I like…. That and, well, you can probably guess being killed is going to leave someone pretty pissed off, ain't that right? It's basically simple math that I'd want to get revenge after being killed, what do you think?- He asked me.
"I think…. Xeta should have burned you as well," I said to him.
-Spoken like someone who's taken control of their life… that or gone crazy?- He said.
"If I am, I'm not as far gone as you!" I was becoming angry, this guy, no wonder Xeta did what he did. Xeta… you hurry up, even though I can't fight him alone, I'll play along, and wait for you.
He walked away and looked over the ledge, watching the fight unfold.
(Xeta POV)
Both of the armed guards were down. That left Bruce, and the other creature. The one in white pointed her hand at me, a bolt of pink energy shot out, nearly landing a hit. Bruce followed up the attack by trying to ram into me. Thankfully however my new strength was able to hold him back, and slip past him.
I then proceeded to try and lead them over to the police. They followed like mosquitoes to a light. I noticed the police lined up outside, an officer slowly looking in the direction of the building I just came from the side of.
-LISTEN IF YOU GUYS WANT TO LIVE WORRY ABOUT THE ONE'S BEHIND ME,- I screamed into the heads of the officers nearby. Who brought their focus to the monsters behind me.
They were about to open fire, but to give them some confidence to my loyalty, I turned around, and shot energy from my paw into the direction of Bruce and the other creature, causing an explosion of dust to shoot at them. I then jumped back onto the top of a police car and did not move.
Of course the officers gave me the same spill I'd been hearing today, I already gave up my secret, there was nothing of value that could be lost at this point.
"Who are you, no what are you!?" A woman officer asked, pointing a gun at me.
-That doesn't matter right now, look, all you need to know is I'm on your side, we have bigger problems right now, those two over there,- I explained.
The officer looked at the other two.
-So, how about this, I help you take them out, and then I answer all your questions?- I asked.
She looked back at me, then back at the other two.
"I'll take you up on that, since it seems you can speak, officer, get the swat team out here," she said.
"Got it Officer Veil," the officer runs off to get the swat teams.
-Ok, look, I'm going to handle the smaller one for now, can you all hold off the larger one til I do?- I asked.
"It's a dinosaur," She said sarcastically.
-I won't take long,- I said.
"Better now, EVERYONE FIRE AT THE LARGER ONE!" They start firing getting Bruce's attention and I go after the other creatures.
I jumped at the other one, and slammed her to the ground. She retaliated by swinging her arm sending a wave of energy at me. This made me realize she uses energy over physical strength. I made the swords once again, and as I tried to hit her a force field appeared and stopped me. She sent a wave of energy at me I had to block.
As I was pushed back, I noticed the creature start to become dazed, taking hold of her head. Then next thing I know it starts getting shocked. I took a closer look and realized it was the collar it was wearing.
After the shock it became angrier and started to attack me once more. I decided to remove my focus on attacking, her, and to try and reason with her.
"Wait stop! What are you doing, why are you fighting!?" I asked.
She seemed to respond to it, "W-why?"
"Yeah, we don't have to fight, I don't want to hurt you!" I said once more.
"We don't… have to fi-" Before I knew it she wasn't being shocked again, then her eyes grew angrier and attacked me again.
So she's been conditioned to fight due to the shock? I was only guessing at this point, I had to act fast here. She shot another wave that I ducked under, then slammed the ground with her hand that cause a full shockwave around her.
"I'm… are you hu-AHHH!?" She started getting shocked again, now was my chance, I made one of the staffs I had, appeared right behind her, then aimed and slammed the collar, it knocked her down, but the collar didn't break yet.
She tried to pull at the collar which administered another shock to her. Seems if she tried to take it off or even try and do something to do it she would get hurt from it. If she wasn't a threat without the collar on, she's definitely the least threatening one here.
I kept the staff out over the blades, I would break their hold over her.
She shoots a few more shots at me, which I dodge, but was hit by one. I throw the staff at her which she has to block. She knocks it into the air, which I jump up and grab. Falling down I prepare to hit the collar again. She tries to dodge, but thankfully, she only dodged far enough to where I didn't hit her, and all force was given to the collar.
That his actually shattered it. It must have been made to fight back more against the one it's on rather than outside interference was my guess. The collar fell to the ground which she just stared at. She started rubbing her neck not really understanding what was happening to her.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"What did you do? Why doesn't it hurt anymore?" She asked.
"The collar was what was hurting you, it's not on you, so it can't hurt you anymore," I said.
"It can't… who are you?" She asked.
"I'm Xeta, who are you?" I asked.
That seemed to be the wrong question the ask, cause she started to freak out.
"Who am I…? Who, who am, who who am I? Who am I? Ah, who am, ah, ah ha, AH, ARGH! AHHHH" She started screaming.
I couldn't deal with this right now, I simply walked behind her, and elbowed the back of her neck, she fell over, out cold. I gently set her down.
"Sorry about that… I'll figure out what happened to you, and now then," I looked over at Bruce who was proceeding to flip over a police car as he was getting shots fired at him.
I quickly ran over as Bruce had already done some damage to a few of the officers. As he nearly got his jaws on one of them I quickly jumped in front of him, and kicked him as hard as I possibly could.
"TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!" The female officer I talked to before yelled.
-Yeah no sh*t! Shut up and keep firing!- I ran up and started using my blades on Bruce. It seemed like I was cutting through his armor a bit. He spun around and slammed his tail into me. The officers started firing at him with shotguns, which distracted him long enough.
Officer Veil ran over to me.
"So can you give me an idea of what the hell we're dealing with? You can speak so do it!" She said.
-Yeah yeah, look, best thing I can say is, insane armor, I've fought him before, so we've got to find a weak point, or hit him hard enough to knock him out,- I said.
The officer looked around her.
"Would a car work?" She asked.
I looked at one of the swat vans she motioned towards.
-Yeah, and you know what, here's an idea, ram him, then jump out,- I explained.
"What? Then what?" She asked.
-Leave it to me,- she listened and went over to the truck. I sent a message through to all the other officers to clear out of the way.
They did so, and I slashed Bruce across the back with the new blades, flames being left behind in the wounds. He turned around, and with a single swing of his arm he sent a tornado right at me. I got down and tried to hold myself in place. I then was met with another slash from him. I caught myself as best I could and continued to dodge the oncoming pursuit from him. Being I was in a much more open area, it wasn't as hard to keep away from him.
But I wasn't prepared for his next move, he jumped forward, fast. With no time to react he was able to get his jaws on me. He shook me a bit, and the pain was burning, but I focused best I could to send more energy from my paw to fire at Bruce. Thankfully the force was enough for him to let me go, but the chase was still on.
He did something I had never seen him do before. He jumped forward, and started spinning like a drill. He surrounded himself in this purple and orange aura. To fight back I made a staff to hold back this attack. I started getting pushed back due to the force of the attack once more. I was getting overpowered by the strength of this dragon.
I heard a noise behind me, and knew what I had to do. I built up energy in my paw once again, and then released it to push back his attack, alongside destroying my staff. It knocked him back just enough, he was still coming, but I knew what was coming. I jumped back into air and under me was a swat van going full speed.
The truck rams right into Bruce. I land and see that he's able to hold back the truck.
"COME ON BUDGE A$$HOLE!" I hear the officer scream from inside the car and Bruce is holding it back. I then started charging up more energy into my paw.
-JUMP OUT NOW!- I screamed to her.
Thankfully she listened, and jumped right out. I did the next attack. I ran straight forward and flung myself forward, kicking the car, causing Bruce to get flung into the air, including the car. Then in the last second, I used the built up energy in my paw, to launch the truck right at Bruce, him and the truck slamming into the road. Bruce rolled and slid back as the car rolled over a few times.
Thankfully since all the officers got out of the way, no one except Bruce was hit.
The officer was getting up from her landing.
"Did… did we do it?" She asked.
Just then Bruce started to get up again. I got myself ready and so did she. Then… he fell back down, and his movement ceased. I walked up to check on him. He was still breathing, but he was definitely out cold.
-Yeah… yeah I think we did,- I said, -Now then, I think we need to restrain him,- I said.
"Let my men get on that, and what about her?" She asked.
-She, doesn't seem like a threat, she didn't even want to fight, I can ask her questions later, for now though just don't treat her too bad and she shouldn't give you a hard time, also she can't speak to you, keep that in mind,- I said.
"Ok, wait you can understand her?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Alright, now then, time to ask you some questions," She started.
-Sorry, but there's one more thing,- I pointed up on the roof of the building.
"What the hell is that?" She asked.
-He's the last one who showed up, question you've evacuated the students right?- I asked.
"My men are on that, why?" She asked.
-That one up there has a last hostage, and he's already made a deal with me,- I said.
"What deal?" She asked.
-He wont kill her as long as he gets to fight me alone,- I explained.
"No, too risky, I won't let you," she started.
-Ma'am as much as I know how important it is that you don't lose me, I doubt he'll just sit up there and wait to be attacked, if you thought the dragon was bad, that one has full control like me, and I don't know what he can do yet,- I explained.
"Wait, the dragon we fought didn't have control?" She asked.
-We basically fought a wild animal,- I explained.
Her eyes widened at the context of that.
-Look, you let me do this, I'll come with you, and I'll answer all your questions, no matter what, ok? Please… I can't let her die,- I explained.
She looked up at the creature. Then back to me.
"Give him hell, and don't kill him if you can help it," she explained.
-No promises,- I said.
She let me go and headed over to help the injured. I then made my way over to the roof of the cafeteria. I jumped up where I say Monty and Elizabeth.
"Yo Xeta! I'm quite impressed, not only getting the color off of one of my partners, but the thing with the truck was crafty, didn't expect that."
I didn't answer him, I silently sent messages to Elizabeth.
-Are you ok, nod if you are,- I said.
She nodded, she then gave a sinister look to Monty.
"Are you just gonna ignore me? Come on this is a reunion we should be happy to see each other!" Monty said.
"Why would I, ever be happy to see you?" I asked.
"Because, I gave you your new powers, look at all the crazy stuff you can do now!" He said.
"You, took everyone, everyone I knew, why, what did it matter? And… how, necessary was it to kill him, my little brother?! Tell me, he was so young, he probably wouldn't have even understood what happened, why!? Why a kid?!" I asked.
He just shook his head, "Can we stop acting like I actually care what you have to say, as I said to the girl there, what I do, I do because I enjoy it, I don't care who's lives I take."
"Cause you… enjoy it?" I asked.
"Come on kid, don't act like you didn't enjoy killing me, you know you loved it, and I'm gonna love killing you back," He said.
I gave a breath, "Sure, ok… Now I get it, you don't have a care in the world for lives, or who matters, every person I killed, I didn't enjoy, but I did enjoy killing you, and you know what, I won't give you the satisfaction of me enjoying your death for the second time. I'm gonna make you disappear, and no one will remember you, that, is truly a fate, worse than hell."
"So then, you finally ready to finish our game, you kill me, you win, and you both get to live, I kill you, I kill as many as I want to, your choice," He said.
He snapped his fingers, and we were surrounded in shadow. The entire roof was turned into like a cage, darkness filling every direction. Elizabeth was also in the shadow prison.
Both me and monty both held out our hands, a blade forming from my claw ready to cut his neck, and a shadow blade put at mine.
"One more dance for the road," He said.
I knocked his blade away with mine, and then I pulled out my old broken sword.
"Hehehe, oh that brings back memories, weren't we both wounded by that? I'm surprised you kept the blade I stabbed you with," He said.
"Old habits don't usually die," I said.
I looked at Elizabeth who seemed to be reaching for her pocket, she must have had the pocket knife on her, I guess she wanted to fight, but we needed to wait.
-Hold off,- I told her.
She seemed to hear me and stopped herself.
-Girl know your place, this doesn't concern you, you get involved you're free game to me,- Monty said.
She seemed concerned but stayed down, knowing full well that this part wasn't when she could get involved.
I then tried something, using my sword as a conductor, I sent energy through the blade, forming the rest of the blade back with it. Then with my other claw I formed the other blade.
So I charged at him. Swinging the sword at him trying to cut him down. He was, in retaliation, forming his own swords made of black energy to try and land a hit. I then tried to swing at him, but it just phased through him, and his body shot at me, exploding into energy.
I caught myself. And tried to recollect what just happened. Seems like he was similar to the other creature, another energy based creature. For some reason however the attack didn't feel as strong. I didn't necessarily know why though.
"Let's have some fun!" He started forming these cubes of energy, and started firing them at me.
I dodged, and jumped to avoid the attacks. But to counteract my strategy he flew forward cover himself with insane looking energy, he flew forward and launched into me. I flew back and caught myself on one of the black walls.
So, another ability, he could fly, and completely engulf himself with him energy. Make clones, and what else.
"RARBG HH," I turn around to see Bruce again, how did he?!
"XETA WATCH OUT!" Elizabeth screamed at me. I was focused on the dragon but before I knew it, I had my muzzle in the grasp of Monty, shooting energy at me and then through Bruce, who just fell into black liquid.
I landed hard, a residual crash resounding through the cage. I spat out blood, the side of my muzzle fur was singed. Just what was that. I saw Bruce, and then he wasn't really there. Was I seeing things, or was he making me see them?
"Come on friend, you want to attack me don't you?" No, he's baiting me. Instead of that.
I closed my eyes, and used my vision to look for him, he was actually behind the image in front of me. So I ran up, acted like I was gonna hit the image. He was about to retaliate, but I spun around it, and slashed him with both blades, leaving cuts in his arms.
The image he had made disappeared and he reappeared in front of me.
"Well… that's not fair at all," He said.
Without giving him to think I ran behind him, sent energy to the claws on my feet, and started kicking. One, two, then third going straight to his chin as I flew back, the trails of burning dark energy resided from where I kicked.
I then used my speed to get behind him, and started spinning the staff around me for multiple hits, the following up with charged energy to send him upward.
He seemed now to try and hold himself in the air. But he wasn't prepared for me to jump straight up, doing a backflip kick once more to spin him around. Then with another charged blast I sent him flying back down towards the ground.
"ARHG!" He hit the ground with a resounding thud. Elizabeth noticed what I was doing next and started to move away from us.
With my sword and claw blades I started forming one massive sword made of energy, ready to use most of the energy from this form to take him out. I started falling, using the momentum to prepare for the swing. I saw him from below preparing energy as well.
"HAHA, THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO SEE!" He screamed up, laughing as he began his swing as well.
Our blades clashed, the force I felt beginning to push me back, as if a tornado was trying to pull me in. Through it I gave one more push, then in that moment, the energy we both formed exploding.
Monty flew straight back, hitting the ground a few time as he finally collided with the wall in the far back of the cage.
I on the other hand was sent straight up, colliding with the roof of the cage. As I colidded I felt the air forcibly leave my lungs, like my body had forcibly closed the windpipes to where I could no longer breathe. I started falling, my second form giving way, since I used up its power. My body wouldn't listen to me, the impact had caused all my focus to try and regain my breathing.
Thankfully however, I had been tackled in mid air, Elizabeth had charged into a full sprint in order to catch me. We both rolled across the floor.
She got up first as I started coughing, trying to regain composure.
"You ok?" She asked.
-Yeah, I think,- I said back.
I reached back for my broken sword. And picked it up.
-What about him?- I looked over to see him getting up off the wall.
"Seems he's still up and running," She said, "Xeta, we need to take this guy out, let me help."
-I understand that, but he's not weak enough, I need to knock him down just a little more, we're trapped in here, the only way out is,- I was gonna continue, but she finished the sentence.
"Is to beat him," She said.
-You still have that knife?- I asked.
She nodded.
-Good, get ready to use it, not yet though, wait for your chance, and don't miss it,- I said.
"Xeta, we'll get out of this," She said.
I nodded, and prepared to fight.
"SEEMS THAT FORMS OUT HUH!? Well just so you know I've got plenty MORE!" He started getting more energy ready, and I decided I would spend all of my energy into speed.
I could tell though, the last attacked caught him off guard, he's hurt, but not enough.
-I trust you to choose when to attack ok?- I said to her alone.
She nodded once again, seeming to understand the situation.
I ran forward, Monty shooting some more energy blasts in my direction. Using my speed I zoomed past each one and landed a clean blow. He returned fire by spinning another blade around himself. He started forming clones again, I didn't have time to read since they all charged at me.
One phased through, then another. I tried to attack the third, but I made a mistake, he landed another shot of energy at me. Then turned and aimed at Elizabeth.
"I SAW YOU HELP HIM, HERE'S ONE HIT FOR YA!" He fired a shot in her direction, I was about to head in her direction, but she was able to dodge the blast in time. So I turned my direction back to Monty, whose focus was still on Elizabeth.
I landed a solid punch right to the face, following up with a knee to push him back. Then he did something I didn't expect, he punched me back.
"GO TO HELL!" He punched me again.
"F*CK YOU!" I punched him back again.
He then tackled me, "THIS TIME YOU'll DIE!"
I rolled back and flipped him over me, sending him into the wall, running over to punch him as he was against it, "YOU'LL ANSWER FOR EVERYONE YOU KILLED!" I tried to stab him with my broken sword, but he avoided it.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR KILLING ME!" He said after throwing me to the side. He tackled me and tried to claw my eyes, but I stabbed the sword into his hand before he could. I kicked him off, he pulled the blade out and started attacking me again.
I dodged a slash, punched him while he was stuck, then got slashed again, being thrown to the ground. He then did something I wasn't prepared for, he started firing bolt after bolt, and I tried to avoid them, but there were so many that I eventually got caught in it.
I tried to get up from where I was at, but then felt a kick to the gut as I tried.
"This seems familiar, you at my feet like the dog you are," I tried to jump up, but was met with him grabbing my fist, then punching me to the ground again.
"Ah yes, that's it, cower in fear, shriek in pain!" He then grabbed me and threw me on the ground again.
I felt as if my body was trying to shut down on itself, as if I was trying to drift off into a deep sleep. I couldn't let myself though, I started forcing every fiber of my being to get up off the ground, with all the energy spent and fights I had been in were finally taking their toll.
As I looked up I saw Monty's claws raised.
"Good night dog! REST IN HELL!" He started to swing down his claws.
Before the claws landed their mark, a resounding slicing sound rang through the air, blood shot forward and landed in drops on my face. I looked up and saw Monty looking down, to see a broken blade stabbed through his body. He turned his head around, and I looked behind him to see Elizabeth, who had picked up my sword and stabbed him.
"You…" Monty started.
"Yeah me!" ELizabeth pulled out her knife and then stabbed him in the neck before he could react.
Monty let out a resounding scream, spun himself around, swinging his arm and hitting Elizabeth back. She landed with a thud, and Monty started to move forward. Before he could act I jumped forward and started stabbing the blade further into his back.
"ARGGGG YOU STUPID F*CKING," I then pulled the knife out his neck and threw it to Elizabeth, I then held onto him to make sure he couldn't move.
-ELIZABETH DO IT NOW!- I made sure to do my best to restrain him.
She grabbed her knife, ran up screaming, and started stabbing him. Once in the chest, once in the neck, then one right in his eye. He screamed and squiremed, he was able to get himself out of my grasp, and started choking Elizabeth.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU B*TCH!" I got flung back, but got myself back up fast, then jumped forward, kicking the handle of the blade, not only knocking him down but shooting the sword through him.
He fell forward with a thud, started to try and get up, but I quickly ran up, bit into his neck, and jabbed both of my claws on my wrists into his back. Elizabeth then ran up with my sword once more, jumping up, then stabbing the blade into his chest.
"Ah.. argh… so that's… the option you… chose…. What fun…. BUT I WON'T GO ALONE!"
Just then his claws grew brighter and brighter above his head, energy forming above his head. He then shot it below our feet. Just then the cage shattered, then the energy exploded, the roof giving out from the power, screaming from Monty, Elizabeth, and I ringing out. Then everything went black.
I woke up, probably not long after, since the roof was still crumbling a bit.
I pulled myself up, rubble falling off me, and I looked around. Rubble was everywhere in the cafeteria, the door to the outside being blocked, but another exit was around.
I felt a stabbing pain in my leg, looking down was a piece of rebar jutting out from both sides of my leg, perfectly impaled into it. Knowing I couldn't walk with that in there, I firmly grasped the piece of screwed metal, and will all of my might, and a scream, was able to rip it out. Using some energy I burned the small wounds shut, and got myself up.
-Elizabeth! ELIZABETH!?- I called out through telepathy.
She wasn't responding, so I decided to use my aura vision to look around. I noticed two aura's in the room with me, one closer than the other. I went to the first one and saw a grueling site. There was Monty, this skilled creature brought back from the dead, covered in rubble, a blade stick in his eye and chest, blood leaking from the rubble he fell on and from his opened mouth.
He was dead, it seemed the impact either killed him, or he succumbed to his wounds. Either way this man was dead, no, this monster was dead, for the second time…
Good riddance… Asshole.
"Xeta…?" I heard a quiet a voice from the other aura I sensed.
-Elizabeth!?- I answered back.
I ran over and saw her, she had the wounds she had from the fight, and was covered with a few pieces of rubble, some cuts and scrapes on her arm and face, but it didn't crush her, and nothing I saw was fatal. Her glasses had also broken in the crash.
"Hey… are you ok?" she asked.
-I'm fine! ARE YOU!?- I asked.
"Yeah… maybe? I can't feel my legs, but… otherwise I think I'm ok… I might need new glasses though, could you, just help get this stuff off me?" She asked in a weak voice. This was the second time she's been put into a situation like this, she must have been in pain, but she was taking it better than last time.
-Ok ok, just stay still and I'll move it off you ok?- I said.
She nodded and held her breath.
I then carefully moved the rubble, starting from her legs. It seemed one of them was broken, but the other seemed useable.
-Your leg seems broken…- I said sadly.
"That's… ok, just promise you'll… come visit in the hospital ok?" She smiled, trying to laugh even though she was in pain.
I smiled reassuringly, -Yeah, sure no problem…- I was lying, I promised the police they'd get their answers, but she didn't need to know that right now.
-Ok, now for the waist,- I started moving the pieces bit by bit.
Slowly but surely started to uncover her. And then continued to move the pieces of concrete off of her, it seems I would need to carry her out of here. I slowly but surely made sure to move the concrete off her, making sure that it didn't crush her as I did.
-Alright, last piece,- I slowly started moving the biggest piece off of her. I pulled with all of my strength, lifted it up, and threw it over my shoulder to the side, a loud crash residing from it.
I looked back over to help her up… and froze.
She looked up at me in confusion, "Xeta…? Xeta what is it?"
I started visibly shaking at what I was seeing here. My body convulsing in disgust, reeling at the reality that it was having to face and fathom.
"Xeta..?" she looked down at herself and realized what I was looking at.
The scene before me was sickening, jutting out from her chest, and near her side, were two pieces of rebar that had stabbed through her. The pieces I could see were stained blood red. The clothing she wore absorbed the liquid into the fabric. A puddle of crimson forming under her.
"X...Xeta?" She looked up at me.
-No, no no… ah, ah OK, ok Elizabeth, uh,- I started freaking out.
"Xeta… we need, to get me off, the bleeding isn't stopping," she said.
-Yeah… yeah ok!- I said.
I took a look, they were bent a bit, I would have to move them to pull her off of them.
-Ok, ok, we need to get you off the rebar ok? I'm going to move them so that it will be a straight shot to get you off, then I'll burn your wounds shut ok?- I explained.
"O-oh ok," she said breathing a bit heavier now.
I then reached my paw onto the first piece of rebar. Slowly but surely pulling it and straightening the end of it out. I then straightened out the next one.
-Listen, Elizabeth, no matter what, you can't pass out, understand, no matter how much you have to scream, do it, you need to stay awake, I won't sugarcoat this, it's gonna hurt,- I explained.
"Shut up, and get it over with already," she said preparing herself.
She put one hand under herself, and took the other one in my paws. Then as a ravenous scream resounded from her, we started lifting her up, slowly but surely, and the screaming didn't stop. And then with an unforgettable sound, she was ripped from the rebar, and I caught her. She screamed and cried out from the pain of it, the blood pouring more profusely now.
I then quickly use my energy to burn the hole shut, her screaming and crying by each one I had to close.
She took some deep breaths, the crying not stopping.
"Ah.. ha, hic, arghha!" She screamed and whimpered in pain.
-It's ok, it's ok, we'll leave now ok, I'll carry you,- I tried to pick her up, but even bending her back made her scream out, I wouldn't be able to hold her this way, she could pass out from the shock.
"STOP STOP I CAN'T!" she screamed.
-Dammit, then, we need to get you to them then, or I could bring them here,- I explained.
"It's ok, I can wait he-" I was listening to her, but a deafening cough, and the sound of liquid hitting the floor brought my attention back to her. She had just coughed up blood, a lot of it.
-WHAT NO NO NO…. Wait, where did that rebar..- I looked at the wounds placement, right side, close to the chest… NO NO F*CK, DID IT HIT THE LUNG!?
-NO NO F*CK, NO NO,- God dammit NO, I couldn't move her, and that much blood loss wouldn't get enough time to get her to the hospital, GOD DAMMIT WHAT DO I DO!?
I felt her tug my arm as she laid there. I looked back to see tears in her eyes.
"I… changed my mind, don't leave," she said.
-If I don't get you help you're going to die!- I screamed through telepathy.
"I… don't want to be alone…" Her words hit me like a truck.
I didn't know why. But those words hit home with me more than anything. I complied with what I was told, almost subconsciously, I took off my coat and laid it under her head, so she wasn't laying on concrete.
As I did she moved her hand up to my muzzle.
"So… warm," I saw her smile weakly, "I'm sorry, for getting caught like that… It seems like I just caused you trouble…"
-You… didn't do anything like that...- I said softly, I felt myself shaking again.
She reached up and grabbed my ears, "Haha… that's funny, never really… got to mess with these… they're so cute."
I felt myself losing control, -Please… stop... -
She then placed her hands on my face, "Heh, kinda funny, never got to mess, with you like this, wonder if you would get like winter coat, kinda like a snow dog-"
-Please stop!- I yelled out.
I lost control, I started crying. Everything that was happening had finally hit me, she was dying… She was dying fast… What, was I supposed to do? What option did I have…?
She, gave a very sad laugh, "Sorry… I just, wanted to… cheer you up…"
She coughed again. I stayed silent, my brain dashing at a mad pace, doing whatever it could to find a solution to the problem at hand. It ran through every option, every outcome, and it just kept racing.
My train of thought was lost, as I felt her hand wrap around my neck, and brought me down close, into a warm hug.
"Please, just please… stay like this…. Please…." she asked softly.
I didn't dare move, every word from her was not a request in my mind, it was something I had to do, no matter what.
"I just… want to stay like this… I just want to stay…" and that was it. I then start to hear quiet sobbing from her. Wet tears hitting the side of my face as I heard her cry.
"I… don't want… I don't want, to die… I want to stay here… I wanna stay, I don't wanna go…"
Every word hurt, every word from her, hurt worse than any punch, any stab, or any bullet.
"Xeta…" She said choking on sobs.
I lifted my head up to look at her.
"I don't… want to leave you," she had tears in her eyes.
That was it, this was the second time this had happened, but my body felt it had gone into auto pilot again. Something took control of me. It was either instinct, or something else, I don't know entirely what.
I was able to speak, -I wont… lose you…-
I got up from the hug, she kept her palm on my face. With no control of what was happening, my body moved my paws onto her chest.
"What are you…" She tried to speak, my body didn't respond.
Energy started forming from my paws. It was something different however, it was almost like a bright white, with the same black and purple particles of my own energy appearing from it. The energy, started to envelope her body, in my mind, I was being filled with joy. Whatever I was doing had to be helping her, it had to have been. Her hand was still laying on my face, she was still conscious.
Then the energy shot a very weak shockwave around us. The energy, over her body, then seemed to be absorbed into her.
I was then given control back, and looked down at her. I was starting to smile, thinking I had just saved her.
Then her hand fell. I looked down at it, reaching for it. I tried picking it up, but it was limp. I looked over at her. Face stained with blood, eyes closed.
I put my ear to her chest… Her heart stopped…
"No… no.. No. NO! NO!" I was screaming.
I tried shaking her, "HEY, HEY WAKE UP, WAKE UP!"
I was panicking.
"SOMEONE! ANYONE PLEASE, HELP SHE NEEDS HELP!"
"No god please no, for the love of god no."
I tried to pray, to whoever would even listen.
"God PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T DO THIS DON'T TAKE HER PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU!"
But, I received no answer, no hospital could get to her in time.
Then I tried begging.
I took her body in my arms, so scared, so hurt, so angry, every emotion played out in my mind like an orchestra. The last remaining energy in my body just fired off around me, out of control, no care in the world.
"PLEASE SOMEONE HELP HER, ANYONE GOD DAMNIT ANYONE HELP HER PLEASE… I BEG… YOU PLEASE! HELP! SOMEONE…. ANYONE… GOD…. Anyone… anyone… ple..ase… pl..ea..se…."
There were no more words to be said. My body, my mind, and my soul were tired. Tears continued streaming down my face. Consciousness was slowly beginning to leave my body. I felt myself fall over, the body of the last person I had in my life still wrapped in my arms. The last thing I saw, was Elizabeth's face… She looked, so peaceful, as if nothing had even happened… My eyes closed…
(Officer Veil, present)
I looked at this blue dog, who could throw cars, end lives, run at speeds I couldn't even imagine, and was stronger than most if not all humans…. Crying…
This creature, who I had seen fight, who was stronger than anything I had ever seen, was now… Just, broken. A former shell of what it used to be.
He just sat there. He didn't speak, he didn't move. I just heard the sobbing, the sad sound of sobbing. It sounded almost like a dog whimpering. I looked down, not even wanting to speak anymore. I didn't have the audacity, to ask the creature another question in this moment, and I doubt from his reaction, any of what he had told me was a lie.
I got up… and walked out of the room, without a word.
His story haunted me, for more than one reason…. I needed to do one thing though, I would give him time to himself, but, when he's done. I have to confirm something.
"Just wait Xeta… I'll make sure, that you didn't lose everything," I started walking, knowing exactly where I would go.