Chapter 2: A Cruel Existence
No one's P.O.V.
It has been four hours since MG has been captive. Nightfall is steadily approaching. Seven of the wisest people in the village were gathered around a table with only a dim torch to light the room.
"We can't keep him down there forever. Think, everyone!"
"What is there to say? Clearly, any source of action will be meaningless. In fact, he can break out if he wanted to. Why he hasn't done so eludes me."
"I feel there is something missing. Why would he continue to plead human? In fact, looking back to the testimony, isn't the way he fled the scene natural human behavior?"
"Perhaps he tells the truth..."
"No." The Chief bluntly dismissed the very thought of this. "His eyes are an unusual color. He is not one of us. And everyone knows that any mob from the royal bloodline is never cubed."
"You are all imbeciles. Clearly, he is related to those Endermen!" The Chief was taken back by this bold comment.
"Explain your reason for saying so..."
"The Endermen are the only creatures known to have bright, colorful eyes. Not to mention the boy wears black, just like their kind!"
"And how do you explain the fact he is our height?"
"I can answer that as well..." He paces around the room, excitedly waving his finger. "I heard a rumor from a Witch. She says, 'The Endermen have been getting weaker over the years'!"
"How do know this to be true?"
"It has been years since anyone in this village has ever seen an Enderman in the Overworld. Why do you think that is? It's because they all must be coming down with a disease. They can no longer live in this dimension for long periods of time."
"Yet you cannot prove this. Such theories only serve to waste time."
"Perhaps he is a Zombie, or a Skeleton." The Chief was quick to shut this suggestion down as well.
"His flesh is real. And he doesn't carry that same pungent odor as them."
"He even threw up porkchop after smelling that body. Undead don't eat animal flesh..."
"What about the Spiders?" Another suggests.
"His eyes are of a similar color, but I didn't see any fangs on the boy..."
"What if he is one the Neutral Kingdoms, such as the Wolves?"
"Then he would have no reason to say he isn't a mob..."
"The boy said himself he has amnesia. What if he IS?"
"Then I fear we may have created a new enemy for our kind..." They sat there in silence, letting this info sink in. One mistake will cost everyone in this village their lives. One of them spoke up.
"Fools, the whole lot of you. I give you all the truth and yet you still deny? If I were running this place, I would have done something about it by now. That is why I've taken the liberty of sending a ransom note to the End..."
"You WHAT?!" Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Relax... As I have told already you, the Endermen are—" There was a sudden whirring noise, as if someone has just teleported inside the building.
"—Are what?" The double doors were thrown open. A tall slender figure ducked under the doorframe and let himself in. He wore a black unbuttoned jacket, a white undershirt, and black jeans. Around his neck was a purple scarf. His skin was pale, his eyes purple, and his hair long & black. Everyone was horrified.
"I heard from a certain someone they've captured the prince of our kingdom..." He started laughing as he took a seat on the table. His legs were folded as he played with nails. His hands were long and stretched, just like the rest of his body. "So where is this 'prince'? I wish to meet him..." The one who sent the note boldly stepped forward, pointing to him.
"You cannot order us around! I KNOW your kind has become—!" He suddenly vanished, leaving behind purple specs of glitter from where he sat. There was a serpent-shaped dagger to the Villager's throat, blood seeping out from him. The Villager was hushed quiet as the life drained from his eyes.
"Never look me in the eyes, you degenerate piece of flesh...!" The Endermen had a crazed look in his eyes. The Villager's body fell to the floor. There was a drop of this purple substance leaking from his nose. "Ugh." He wiped it off, sniffling the rest back up.
"This is your only warning. I am not in the greatest of moods. Some blabbering idiot had the nerve to enter our castle and tell us, 'The day of reckoning for your kind has come!' And once more, he had the moxy to tell us that his village managed captured our prince. I killed that insufferable fool without hesitation..." The sound of terror flooded the streets. The Chief looked out the window to see his own village in chaos. The walls were being blown up by Creepers. Iron Golems had their hands tied with the Endermen. Villagers were being slaughtered left and right. The town began to burn! He watched in horror when a powerful slap to the back startled him.
"Careful! Wouldn't want to fall, now, would we?" He made his way back to the table. "It was only a matter of time before we found this village. We should really thank you. Your subordinate made things so much easier."
"...What do you want from us...?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ray. I am of noble status to the royal family, and have been promised Princess Andr's hand in matrimony when the time comes. My demands are simple..." He stabbed the dagger into the table.
"Bring me the imposter who so boldly claims my beloved to be his own! I wish to be the one who makes him suffer!"
MG's P.O.V.
I could hear all the noise from outside. Innocent people are dying... And for what?! The thought infuriated me. I'm trapped inside here, where I can do nothing. I want to help; I want to fight!
"Dammit! Let me out! LET ME OUT!" I keep smashing my fist against the hard wall. To my surprise, someone came to my aid. A long, slender, black figure. It carried me be the throat and gave a loud screech. In an instant, I was teleported elsewhere with this unusual whir.
*Warp!*
\\\
*Warp!* I was dropped inside a room. The walls were painted red by the blood of Villagers. Standing before me was a man similar build to the Endermen. If I were to measure, I'd say...at least 7'5; and for reference, I'm pretty sure I'm 5'4. His hair was long and black; so were most of his clothes, 'cept for his shirt and muffler [Scarf].
"Ah, so you're the one..." He gritted. He clenches his teeth every time he talks. The mysterious person left the desk and made his way over.
"...Wh-Who are you?" I back away as he strode forward.
"Sorry, I've already given an introduction..." With his long arms, he plucked the dagger from the table. "But you can just call me your executioner!" I quickly fled through the door, only to find him waiting for me on the other side. No...
"Enderm—!" He picked me up by my mouth and stared into my eyes. His were a bright purple. They carried an unusual feel in them. For some reason, he sniffled and wiped his nose off. I was thrown over the table and out the window. The glass shattered and dug into my skin as I hit the hard gravel road. When I tried to get up and run, I heard another whir. I backed into his chest.
"Going somewhere?" I forgot there's nowhere to run! I was backhanded into the wall of a Butcher's house. The lower-half of cobblestone wall broke away.
"I didn't think Endermen were this-TOUGH!" I sat up, quickly throwing a mini cobblestone block at his head. Big mistake. He didn't feel a thing.
"I am considered an elite among my kind! It is only natural that I be so strong!" He warped behind me and kicked me head-first into another building. This particular one was unusually made from stone brick. While I was still out of it, he picked me up by the belt.
"Wake up! You haven't nearly been punished enough!" He flipped me upside down, now holding me by my ankle. "I am going to make you regret ever making such a ridiculous joke and dishonoring Her Highness!"
"I...h..ve no..." I quietly murmur, hoping to get closer.
"What was that?!" He does just that, pulling me closer to his ear. "Speak up!"
"I said—!" I tried to punch him, but he saw it coming. The Endermen dropped me and warped back. The flames of the burning wall grew as he came closer. "—I have no FUCKING IDEA why you're making such a big deal! Who are you?!" Then it dawned on me. His eyes were too mysterious, too abnormal to just ignore. He strode forward in a manner that somehow felt familiar. The very same initials from that letter echoed through my head.
"Are you...HB?" He started chuckling, like I just made some kind of joke.
"No. I am Ray, Princess Andr's personal bodyguard and fiancé. And YOU—!" Just as he warped, I quickly grabbed an iron sword. He never noticed it, but the building I was in is a barracks. I block an attack from his dagger. He was easily forcing me back.
"—YOU are nothing but a joke who has caused so much humiliation to both me and my beloved!" With every strike I tried to deflect, my sword arm was thrown further back. We were fighting inside the barracks now. He's only been swinging with one arm, while I'm having to use everything just to keep up. I continued to back away. When he thought he had me, I roll around the back of him, now assuming the tables were turned. How wrong I was... When I lunged, he teleported, causing me to run into a wall. He scooped me up by the ankle and slammed my head through iron bars and against the stone brick wall. I was thrown out again. He continued to slam me on the road, the walls—everything. He let me drop to my feet when I was too dazed to see straight. I came down with the sword and attacked relentlessly only to miss with every strike. He was even able to hold a conversation as he continued to step aside.
"Now do you see the difference between us? Do you see just how hopeless it is to beat me? Perhaps if you beg now, I might make your death quick and painless!"
"Will you just...SHUT UP?!" I threw my hardest punch, hearing his neck crack. He only cracked it back in place without the help of his hands. That punch was strong enough to kill a man! He crouched down and uppercutted me in the stomach, I fell back down hard, scraping my entire back against the gravel path as I went sliding. My tanktop tore off. I was just a thin piece of fabric; not meant for this kind of abuse. I flip myself upright, still stumbling backwards. I then pick up my sword and attack once more. He warped right beneath me and tossed my legs over like some wrestler. I was on my back again.
(What if he's right...?) I narrowly avoided a stomp to the face. When I got up there was no time to grab the sword. I rush with a flurry of fists. He continues to deflect each punch without fail. I was then lifted up by my wrist and kneed in the gut.
(Am I really this powerless...?) Again, thrown into another house. I had no weapon to defend myself. He teleported in front of me, sending his heel crashing into the wooden floor. I just barely avoid it. He swung his dagger and cut along my entire forearm. I backed into a door. Another mere miss, thanks to opening it. I bailed, holding on to my leaking arm.
(If I'm not strong enough, then that means... I'm just prey...?) He warped in front and swung horizontally. I rolled around and tackle him to the gravel. Even though this is my chance to escape, my body refuses to.
(I won't die a weakling! I refuse!) He pinned me to the wall by my neck. His dagger was stabbed just below my ribcage. It went all the way through to the wall. He left me to hang there. I started to whimper, trying to pull the dagger out. But it was too painful, too deep to pull out. Every long curve in that blade made it excruciating. He was smiling in satisfaction as he watched me struggle. I was in tears. My strength was leaving me... My eyelids grew heavy. I eventually went limp. He walked away with his back to me, straightening his muffler.
"You never stood a chance against me, let alone HB..." The moment he said that he struck a nerve. I watched Ray grow further and further away.
(Don't you dare walk away from me like this...!) I blinked, my body still struggling to move.
(I'm still here! Come back and face me!) My opponent is right there and I can't do anything to get his attention. The very shame infuriates me!
(IF ONLY I HAD POWER!) This time, my arms jerked a little, as if to reach for something.
(POWER...! GIVE ME POWER!) My eyes open once more...
Ray's P.O.V.
I offer one last glance to the human. The roof of the house he's pinned to is starting to cave in. The fire would soon burn the body. Princess Andr will be most disappointed. I was ordered to bring him to her alive. But I couldn't just let that filthy flesh of his taint her pure, innocent hands—not after what he did! As I was lost in thought, one of my henchmen teleported to me. The fellow Enderman took a knee and lowered his head at my presence.
"Send word to His Majesty. Tell him the target was killed in the confusion." He did as instructed and teleported away. I heard the sound of a weak growl.
"Hhhrrr..." At first, I thought it was just a Zombie. But then it grew louder, raspier. I lower my head and shrug.
"Still alive, are we? Very well, I shall put—" As soon as I turn around, I was shocked at what I saw. I don't believe this! This was not the look of someone clinging to life, this is the look of someone who is enraged... He pulled the dagger out from himself, falling to his hands and knees. He kept his eyes on the floor, obviously still exhausted.
"What's the matter, tired?" I casually made my way over to him. "You should've played dead while you still had the chance! Now you're too late..." I stopped when I was a few yards away from him.
"Well, human, I'll humor you for a little longer. On your feet!" He slowly stood up, hunching over. His wobbly knees bent inward, and his wounded arm still hung low. ...What is this feeling?
"Ghh-hrrrrr...!" His breath was raspy and heavy, screaming. His fingers were stretched out and his arms quivering with rage. Both forearms were covered in this black, shadowy substance. A single tail sprouted out from behind. I could feel this presence growing stronger, coming from him!
"You've been holding back? This whole time?!" I demanded an answer. The only thing he did was give me a look at those eyes of his. His irises were originally red; but now, the white of his eyes have completely turned black. The irises were glowing.
"Raaaaaaagh...!" My hands were now fists. How dare he hold back, and how dare he still look me in the eyes!
"I'LL KILL YOUUUU!" As I teleported right in front of him, he caught my fist, catching me by surprise. He swung me against the wall of another house. He let me go long enough to recover. What happened just now was a fluke, I'm sure of it! I picked up the dagger. When I tried to cut his throat, he delivered a punch to my stomach, causing the air to escape my lungs. He leapt back, waiting for me to make my move.
"I don't believe this! You're showing ME mercy...?! I—!" I warped behind him, cutting the back of his shoulder. He jumped away.
"—I am an elite guard of the royal family! And it is I—" This time I warped above him. He never saw it coming. "—WHO WILL DESTROY YOU!" With my hardest punch, I sent him into a small crater. I generated enough force to make the gravel road collapse in. My moment was short-lived as I coughed up some of my own blood. This is bad. My body has taken a toll from all the teleporting.
He laid on his back, but soon got up like it were nothing. The darkness grew, hugging tightly around his neck. His entire upper body—except for his head—had that same shadowy substance. His hair was also black. He appeared to have gained some muscle mass. A new tail emerged from behind him.
"HaaaaaAAAH!" It looked like he was trying to show self-restraint. He lunges. I had just enough time to react, teleporting beside just as he tried to swipe his claws. ...Wait, claws?! He kept making the insufferable growling as he kept swinging. Here he is, rushing me. If I had just a little more time between attacks, I could teleport behind him. But I don't! He just kept swinging to and fro', pushing me closer into a corner. I was lucky enough to catch his arm and toss him into the roof of another building. I love doing that...
"There's more of this power, isn't there?!" I could feel his power still rising! If this battle drags on for too long, no... I refuse to let that happen! "You need to quit screwing around and show me the real deal!"
"RRAAAAAAAAAHH!" Right on cue, he darted at me, claws ready. I use my dagger to defend myself. His own fingers were now like razor blades. From his hanging mouth, I can clearly see his sharp fangs. I threw a punch only for it to be quickly blocked. He leapt away. He wasn't expecting me to teleport in back of him, throwing the dagger at his back. It stuck to him. He winced in pain before turning around to claw me. I was already behind, wrapping my arm around his neck and driving the dagger further in until I see the blade protrude from the other side. He cried out as he struggled to break free. When I watched his will to fight leave and his head finally drop, I thought that would be it. Unfortunately, I can still sense that power of his growing. I continue to twist the knife around to get some sort of reaction from him.
"You're not even human! If this is all you have to give then I am more than disappointed..." I continue to provoke the creature; it was the only way to make him expend more energy. He quickly came back to life, looking into my eyes again. His tails stabbed into both my calves. I shoved him away.
"Aghh! You little...!" A new tail sprouted. His legs were now all black and boots tore. He had three sharp toes, similar to that of a beast's. Nearly his entire body was consumed in darkness, save for his neck and head. He pounced once more, now even faster than before. I was having trouble dodging his attacks. The wounds in my legs hurt far too much. He attacked with both claws and all three tails in ferocious rush. I was up against a wall. He punched through cobblestone, missing me. I already teleported behind him. I threw a punch, only for him to disappear as well, a swift breeze left behind. Words could not express my surprise. I didn't even see him move!
"Where are you?!" I scanned the area left to right for him. There was nothing.
"Grrrrr..." My question was answered with a tired growl from behind. Before I could turn around, he punched me into a blacksmith building with his tail, my head now hovering over lava. I could feel the heat coming from it. The shadows spread to his neck, consuming his head. His red eyes became narrow slits. One more tail grew. Four... Four tails in all... My eyes were wet, but not from tears. Blood was trickling down my cheeks.
"This is humiliating... To think I would be pushed into corner like this...!" I noticed a pair of purple eyes staring at me from atop the head building. She was watching me this entire time... I suddenly felt my strength return. I teleported right in front of him with the dagger. He blocked with his elbow. Even his bones were like metal now! When I tried to punch him in the face, he was right behind me. I answered in kind. We kept doing this for a while, desperate to get behind the other. It was my teleportation versus his speed. This whole time I was counting on him to tire out before me. He soon did. I saw my chance and took it! I teleported right beside him and threw a hard punch. Before he could fly off, I caught him by his leg, spun around, and threw him with all my force at the oak fence wall. After a long moment, he came back on fours more pissed than ever! He dashes back, zigzagging closer. He then leapt forward and tried to roundhouse kick me. When that was blocked, he jumped off my hand and gave himself some room. He winced a little on the landing, probably still hurting from his wounds.
"Running out of steam, are we? That's too bad..." My left hand was clenched tight. When I opened it, a purple orb of energy formed. "I still have more power to use!" I threw it. The blast traveled faster than I could teleport. Just as it looked like it were going to hit him, he vanishes.
"What?!" The blast vaporized the fence wall. I was dropkicked in the head. A gust of wind followed behind. As he flipped upright, his four tails came straight down, slamming me to the floor. He lunged again, ready to cut me open. I teleport behind, catching him by the throat. His tails dissolved out of surprise, but his form never dissipated. I held him tightly, squeezing as hard as I could on his windpipe. His claws dug into my hands, but I never let go.
"You gave me so much trouble...!" I gritted. "...But in the end, you were still no match for me! Do you have any last words? Before I crush what little life you have left...?!" He gave what sounded like a combination of wheezing and laughter.
"Kehehehe...!"
"WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!" I shook him in anger.
"THIS!" He stuck his hand through the hole I left in him...and stabs me... I mean he just impaled his hand through himself just to get me! Fingers rip through flesh, and he pulls out the very thing that I need to survive. A blue-green jewel, surrounded by the glittery essence of the End. My pearl... He stole my pearl...! It continued to flash white in rhythmic harmony to that of an actual heartbeat. I dropped him and fell on my knees. It all happened so quick. My strength is already leaving as I speak.
The darkness left his body. I could see the real damage done to him now. There was the hole in his ribs, my dagger sticking out from his stomach, still dripping with fresh blood, the several bruises on his face, and the roadburn from both parts of his chest and his back; it was from being dragged against the hard gravel. How he's still alive is nothing short of a miracle. The boy simply kneeled, his legs didn't want to support him right now.
"You...to have actually defeated me..." I fell over to the cold, rough gravel, coughing up some more of my blood. "A name...! Give me your name...!" The boy finally stood up. He gave a most sincere answer.
"...I don't know. I forgot..." I started to laugh.
"Fuhahahaha...! ...Now that's hilarious!" I watched him drop the pearl and limp away. Big mistake! As soon as he turned the corner, I used what was left of my strength to crawl closer to my pearl. I can teleport right behind him and—!
*Warp!* Standing on my pearl was a familiar black boot. I examined her figure from bottom to top. Her boots were slim, and meant for combat. There were long black socks fitting to her long, slender, perfect legs. She had a skirt just lengthy enough to keep me from seeing up. Adoring her body was a black zip-up jacket. The collar covered her mouth. Long red hair, beautiful purple eyes, and an Endercap.
"Ray Ray Ray... Did you really think I wouldn't find out that you went against my orders?"
"But, Andr...my sweet!"
"Once again, you have overstepped your boundaries, Ray... That I can't forgive..." I pleaded for my life.
"No, please...! I'll do anything...!"
"Anything...?" She stared at the pearl beneath her feet. I could feel my pulse growing closer to a halt. "Then die! Die and never come back! I don't love you, and I never will!" She shattered my pearl. There was a hole in my chest, but not from losing my pearl... I felt...cold... I spoke my final words to her.
"Your...wish...is..." I never finished that sentence. My voice left, and my body grew heavy. I fell into a quiet, peaceful slumber...
Andr's P.O.V.
"I actually did it..." You might not notice it because of the jacket, but I'm actually smiling. "Ray is finally dead... I don't have to get married!"
"Andr!" An energetic voice came from behind. I was suddenly hugged by a girl with orange color hair and eyes of the same color. She wore a bright green Creeper hoodie, long socks of the same color, but never any shoes. This is Cupa—princess of the Creepers, and one of my closest friends... "Did you go through with it? Is he dead?"
"Ray won't be able to respawn without his ender pearl. He's gone for good!"
"But, how are you going to explain this to your father?" She had a point there. Even if I'm a princess, killing a royal bodyguard is still considered treason to the kingdom.
"Maybe we can pin it on that boy; he IS the one who struck him down, after all. If we drag him to Father, no one will suspect a thing." We took a stroll through the village, following the trail of blood he left behind. The place was left in ruins from our invasion. The houses were uninhabitable. The corpses of Villagers littered the streets. All this senseless destruction...and for what? Because our fathers wanted to make some stupid example?! Cupa and I weren't your average mobs. We were never hostile towards Cubehumans, nor did we acquire the taste of flesh like most mobs do. We may consume it, but we take no pleasure in doing so...
"Andr..."
"I know, Cupa... This is all Ray's fault! Had he not volunteered for this, my father would have let me handle things." I really hate Ray! The truth is he never was a real Enderman; he was a genetically altered Wither Skeleton my father resurrected using some of his magic. Father made it so he would do anything for me. This whole time, Ray was nothing more than a stupid pet project! But he became obsessed with me... He wanted to be my guard, my caretaker, and then my lover! After serving the family for so long, my father arranged a marriage between us without any disregard for my feelings! That is why I will always hate Ray...!
Coming up was the town plaza. We found the boy lying face down in a fountain. The dumbass fainted with his head in the water! Cupa frowned at this. I decided to ask what was up.
"What's wrong, Cupa?"
"Should we really do this, Andr? I mean, he doesn't remember a thing..." At first, I thought it was her kindness to humans that got in the way.
"He isn't human, Cupa. You saw the thrashing he gave Ray, didn't you?"
"Yeah, well..." Her faced turned red. She was fidgeting with her fingers. "...What if he's a really nice?" I start to laugh, understanding what was going on.
"Hahaha, I don't believe this! YOU have a crush on HIM?!"
"No I don't! Shut up!" She was completely flustered. I just kept laughing and laughing.
"Ahahahaha! Hahaha! Haha! ...Oh-ho-ho, my side...!"
"It's not funny!" She slugged me hard in the shoulder to prove she wasn't playing around. I stopped picking on her.
"Alright, fine... We'll say he fled the village AFTER defeating Ray. He goes free, and I don't raise any suspicion. Sound fair?" I was hugged even tighter than before.
"Mmhm!" When she finally let go, I noticed dawn would be upon us soon. The sun never hurt me, but I didn't like the heat all that much.
"We should probably go soon. ...Cupa?" I turn to see Cupa carrying his unconscious ass over her shoulder. His messy brown hair was soaked in water. "What are you doing?!"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm helping him get somewhere safe." I started stuttering like crazy.
"Why would—?! *Gibberish* You don't just—! *More Gibberish* Grrrr, fine!" We went to the nearest building and let ourselves in. I had to crouch under the doorway. The door was 2 blocks tall, or 6'5. I was 7'3. The boy was tossed on a bed. The roof was tall enough for me to stand. Bookshelves hung from them as well. This must be a library. While Cupa does whatever, I decided to indulge myself in a little reading.
(~This is crazy!~) The back of my head was telling me. I know I said we never hated humans, but Cupa can be too careless sometimes. What if he suddenly wakes up and tries to attack her? At least I was cautious. I tried to keep my mind off the thought using the many books that were stored here. I threw down whichever ones I felt sucked—"The Mob Kingdoms," "The History of Minecraftia," "Royal Lineage," "Earth Philosophy"—these are all boring things I already know. Cupa came back inside. I never even noticed she left.
"Let's see, I think this is all his stuff." She had a bag in one hand, a sword in the other, and an iron helmet on her head. I kept looking for a good book, then I finally found one. It was a book on water dungeons. I always was curious about what could be down there, but I'm too afraid to check one out. If it's full of water, I could actually die! Water burns our skin.
"Now...hold still, please." I'm guessing she's pulling the dagger out.
"Agh! Ha-a-ah...!" Yup. Pulling it out. I was so distracted by the book, Cupa surprised me with a scream.
"Ahh!" I immediately dropped the book.
"Cupa, what's wrong?!"
"L-Look!" She was pointing to the spot just beneath the boy's ribs; where Ray first stabbed him... The wound was...closing itself up? The repaired tissue left behind an ugly scar in its place. I guess Cupa never seen this before. I sighed at this.
"Relax..." I gently guided her hand to his stomach, where the second stab wound was. I wanted her to feel for herself. "See? He's only regenerating. It's similar to using a Potion of Healing, but a lot slower and leaves you with these nasty scars..." I saw a tear drip down the boy's face; Cupa never noticed it, though. He must be used to this kind of abuse...
"If he's not human, then what is he? Where did he come from?" It was like teaching a child something you don't understand yourself.
"Not even I know. There have been stories of Non-Cubehumans coming to this world, but never one that has powers like his." Cupa was still staring at the other wound. Slow but surely, the open hole became a scar as well. She wasn't paying attention to a word I said! Cupa was more worried with the scars left behind on his body. I sighed in defeat and unzip my jacket a little, pulling out a Potion of Healing. I pulled out a paper and quill as well. I started repeating what I wrote.
Dear stranger,
Drink this when you wake up. It will give you superpowers!
Signed, —
"Hey, wait. We're not gonna put our names, are we?"
"Nah. I was thinking to leave it as is. Don't want this guy asking around for me and you..." My reasoning sounded fair. I just hope he trusts us enough to drink the potion.
"Then let me write something..." I handed her the quill. She scribbled something down. "...Aaand done!" Suddenly, there was more light coming into the room. I didn't notice the hole in the ceiling. Sunlight was coming in. The boy suddenly stirred awake.
"Ngh, everything hurts...! Why does it all hurrrt...?!"
"Nope!" *Warp!* I teleported out of there. Sorry to leave, Cupa, but good luck!
MG's P.O.V.
"What...?!" That black figure suddenly vanished. I heard the sound of glass smashing. Next to the window was my gear. Staring at me from outside was a Creeper. It started running. I picked up my sword and went after it. If the creature tells anyone where I am, I'll be in trouble!
"Get back here!" I kept chasing it through the town, but it was faster. Like waaay faster! My body was too sore for this. I suddenly had an idea. I use my hand to help support me, now running on threes.
"Transformtransformtransformtransform!" I grew a tail just like I did before. I was catching up to it on threes. It turned the corner, now trapped in an alley.
"Yes!" I pointed the sword. "I got...you?" It wasn't a Creeper. Just a girl... No, wait.
"Sssssss...!" Her body was flashing white. She IS a Creeper! ...So why does she look so afraid?
"No, wait! I'm putting it down..." Something came over me. I did as I said I would, gently setting the sword behind my feet. "...See?" I was making my way closer.
"Now, why don't you tell me—?" She backed into a wall.
"SssssssSSSSS!"
"No, don't!" Too late. I was blasted away by the explosion. It wasn't a powerful one, but still enough to give me a concussion...and blow a hole through the wall... I got up. Tears fell from my face.
"Agh, stupid, stupid, STUPID! What were you thinking?!" I was kicking the gravel streets, even pulling some of my own hair. "The one person that didn't try to kill you, and you MAKE HER EXPLODE?! I could've had some goddamn answers! What is this place?! Why am I here?! WHAT AM I?!" I was thrashing all over the place in a fit of sorrow and rage. I had more questions than before and not a single answer for one of them. I punched the cobblestone wall to a house. It broke without the need for a pickaxe... That was when I realized my arms were black. And my hands...they look like little claws right now...
"...I'm not even human, am I?! I-I'm just some kinda fre—!" My eyes grew wide. This overwhelming surge of knowledge coursed through my brain in a single instant.
\Flashback: Age 12...\
I remember this place...a warehouse, hidden in back of a middle school. The school day had ended a long while back. Outside, the autumn sky rained, grating the cold metal roof. I was locked inside covered in multiple stab wounds and several bloody cuts. My hands and feet were shackled to a chair, so I couldn't get out. There was a girl in there with me, but I couldn't remember who she is. Her entire figure was just a silhouette. Her identity wasn't important. Everyone wanted me dead, anyway. She just happened to be one of the few who went through with it... My painful screams for help were drowned by the sound of rainfall. My head soon lowered, and I stopped breathing. For a brief moment, I was actually dead. That girl left the room, slamming the thick metal door behind her. It was locked. I remember my exact thoughts in that moment, word from word...
(They will all pay...) The entire room became a deep red. That was all I could see.
(They all think I'm a freak! Like I'm some sorta monster who belongs in a cage!) My arms were trembling, the metal buckles to my restraints rattling against the chair.
(If they want a monster...then they'll get one!) My eyes darted open. I broke the armchairs, freeing myself. It all happened so fast. I busted down down the metal door! People were shooting at me. I killed...consumed the flesh of man... I fought not for my life, but to destroy. And then...a group of four managed to stop me. They, too, were all silhouettes, wearing hoods over their heads...
\Current Time...\
"No..." I finally came into realization. This whole time—the reason why I'm so used to combat, the reason my instincts guide my every move—I'm not a freak, I'm...
"...A monster." The tears stopped flowing. My mouth moved with a will of its own. "The Great Demon _..." The rest of it was forgotten. I only recovered a title without a name. But what I DO know is it once belonged to me... I went back to where I woke up. My gear was still there. I looked at the sun, never before feeling so enlightened...
Hey guys! You got an awesome fight, a cool little backstory, and more characters! This story is coming together nicely for a chapter with a such big time skip forward. Don't forget to leave a review and tell me your thoughts. It can be positive or bad, as long as it lets me know people are interested in this. You can also follow me on Twitter, where I might occasionally post an image or two of this world, to give some people a chance to view my perspective. My name is Shadow, and I'll see ya guys later!