Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words I'm typing...
Pins and Needles
The sound of agitated paws on hard packed snow and menacing snarls filled the air.
"Be careful," warned Fayt as they were surrounded by six enemies. He shifted nervously as he drew his sword. He glanced around his small group uneasily.
'Oh! why didn't I ask Cliff and the rest of the group to come!!' he berated himself. But he knew it would have been silly to do that. Already thier group seemed too large for so simple a task as delivering a letter for the king. He had even wanted to come alone, but Roger was too hyper to have stayed in one place and of course Albel had absolutely refused to stay with the rest of the group.
"Maggots not worth my time!" was what Fayt seemed to remember him saying. He glanced back at his afore mentioned companions. Albel had already slipped into his feline crouch and Roger was visibly pumped up for the imminent battle.
"Don't worry," Roger grinned, flicking his tail reassuringly, "this will be a piece of cake!" Fayt looked at him nervously but turned upon hearing a snort from Albel. The Dark Warrior rolled his eyes and muttered quietly, "Just don't get knocked out. We're running low on fresh sage and analeptics."
No one said anything to this and the three ran at the enemies.
Things immediately went awry as they fought. Albel and Fayt had already developed a joint technique during battle. The Wicked One's quick and vicious movements coupled with Fayt's cautious agility made for a formidable offense. Most of the others in the group admitted that they felt like the odd man out fighting by their side.
They fell into this same style now, however this left Roger at a bad disadvantage. With no one there to constantly watch his back, Roger's sketchy ax attacks made him an easy target.
Both Albel and Fayt turned as they heard a desperate cry erupt from the other side of the field. They were just in time to see the young Mendonix fall to the ground and remain still.
"He really doesn't listen to anything we say does he?" snarled Albel as he took a slice at another enemy. "In one ear and out the other...," Fayt managed to mutter back as he dodged a series of projectiles.
'And we were almost to Ariglyph too,' thought Fayt bitterly, 'I never should have agreed to deliver that letter from the king!'
"Let him deliver his own damn letters and lets hurry up and capture Crosell!" Albel had growled angrily. 'But no, you had to be a softie, as usual,' a voice in Fayt's head scolded.
However, before Fayt could mentally kick himself again he heard a grunt and a thud behind him. Eyes widening, 'No, it can't be!,' he whirled around quickly only to see Albel lying on the ground.
Shaking his head, he rushed over to his companion and knelt beside him. Out-cold. He looked up to see the enemy that had done it. It was the only one left.
Its Eyes glowed red against its brown fur and it's claws glinted in the light. Adrenaline and fury surged through him as he rushed at the creature. It was taken by surprise at the sudden burst of speed and Fayt took full advantage. Flipping it over, he opened up its soft belly with one swipe of his sword. It let out one last piercing scream as its blood and entrails fell out onto the snow.
Breathing heavily Fayt walked over to Albel and removed an analeptic and some blueberries from his satchel, the last of their supplies.. He knelt and administered them, waiting patiently as the man recovered his consciousness. Crimson eyes opened and blinked a few times before a soft scowl crossed their owners face.
"You should have used the blueberries yourself, Worm, you look terrible."
Fayt rolled his eyes and got up, "Thanks ever so much Albel... Just for that, you can carry Roger." Fayt turned away, smirking as he heard Albel grumble.
The battle now over, Fayt surveyed the bloody battleground. He shook his head an muttered, "Damn porcupines..."