part0013

My heart pounded in my chest as the three of us looked around. Where had that scream come from? Another scream pierced the air, and Raikidan and I both focused on the direction of the village.

“Something is wrong back in the village,” Raikidan said, more for Shva’sika’s sake than mine.

My blood ran cold. What if… it’s under attack?

I took off into a full sprint. I could reflect on that thought later. The village needed help, and I wasn’t going to run this time. Raikidan followed, but fell behind as my design pushed me faster than he could muster in his form.

My heart raced as the forest blurred past me. Bursting into the clearing, I looked around. This whole scenario was sickly familiar.

I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but when a woman screamed and a sound of a man crying out in pain crossed my ears, my feet moved again. Turning around the corner of a house, I found a grisly sight. Bodies of shamans lay out across the ground. Valene lay on the ground as well, though propped up by her arm, flowers strewn about her, her eyes stricken with fear as she stared at something.

My gaze followed hers, to find an odd creature standing over a man cowering in fear. The creature had long raven hair, fair skin, two sets of horns growing from its head, talon-like hands and feet, and a tail and large wings coming out of her backside. Even with the odd features, the creature was busty and had an alluring female form that wasn’t covered much by clothing. Succubus.

A hand grabbed my pant leg and I almost jumped. I looked down at the Guard grabbing my clothes, to realize it was Ken’ichi. Based on the trail of blood behind him, he’d dragged himself to me while I was taking in the situation. I knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder, keeping my voice down. “Stop moving. You’re going to kill yourself. I’ll take care of the demon, so healers can tend to everyone.”

“T–there’s more than one,” his shaky voice said.

“I can take on a succubus. Their hypnotic gazes don’t affect women.”

Ken’ichi pointed a shaky hand to a female guard lying face down, unmoving. My blood ran cold. “Not a… succubus. I–incubus. He doesn’t… toy with us like she does.”

I patted him on the shoulder and stood up. While it wasn’t Hunters like I’d expected, two demons weren’t good either, especially since I couldn’t see the other one Ken’ichi mentioned. I didn’t have time to think about him. The succubus was going after the frightened man, no longer enjoying her toy. I drew a dagger from my arm and flung it at her.

It whistled through the air, alerting the demon of the oncoming attack, and she jumped out of the way, though she wasn’t fast enough in her reaction and the blade sliced across her cheek, sinking into the building behind her with a thunk . She screeched and looked about wildly.

“Over here, ugly!” I needed to take her attention away from the villagers.

“Bitch, I’ll kill you for saying that!” the succubus screeched. “And I’ll make it twice as painful for damaging my flawless skin!”

She came at me. Drawing the dagger Shva’sika had just returned to me, I charged in. As the distance between the demon and me lessened, I thought of a weapon that was much larger than the dagger. As the thought came to me, the dagger morphed into a claymore.

The succubus’ talons sliced the air. Using my momentum to my advantage, I sliced through her arm and the succubus screeched in pain. Sliding to a halt on the cobblestone, I looked at the sword; black blood dripped off the blade.

Turning, I faced my opponent and was disturbed at what I saw. Her arm was regenerating, and it was by no means a fast process, or pretty for that matter. The tissue fused together in small strands like living thread. The succubus looked at me with malice in her eyes, but her expression changed to a twisted happy smile that sent chills down my spine. “Hold her for me.”

A presence appeared behind me and before I could react, an arm wrapped around my body, binding my arms to my side, and a clawed hand reached up and threatened to pierce my throat. Shit. This had to be the incubus.

“What a beautiful woman,” his unnaturally smooth voice cooed. “Shame we have to kill you, but my darling is the jealous type, and you’ve harmed her. That is unforgivable.”

The succubus took deliberate steps toward us. “I want to hear this pretty little bird sing.”

Shit, what do I do? I should have been more aware while fighting the female demon. I wouldn’t be in this avoidable predicament had I not acted so rashly. So much for being a well-trained assassin deserving the commander rank.

A blurred mass caught my peripheral, and a fist slammed into the succubus’ face. She screeched in pain and fell to the ground. I stared, my eyes wide, at Raikidan, who stood in her place. I can’t believe he hit her.

The incubus snarled and pressed his claws to my neck more. “How dare you! No one touches my darling.”

Raikidan gestured to me. “You’ve touched mine, so it’s only fair.”

To my surprise, the incubus’ grip loosened, though not enough to escape. I glanced up at him to find him… conflicted? Focus, Eira. Now’s my chance.

With him distracted, I changed my claymore back into its dagger shape and then slammed the weapon into his thigh. He roared in pain and pushed me away from him, his claws scraping against my exposed neck. I managed to roll away from the attack some, stopping him from killing me immediately. I put some distance between myself and the incubus and touched my neck, noting the blood from the wound he’d managed to create. Not deep, I’ll live… for now.

Raikidan rushed the male demon, the incubus swiftly moving away. But Raikidan wasn’t bent on attacking. He stood in front of me, blocking a direct view of the incubus, but I was able to get a quick look at his true demon form. His features were very much like the succubus, except he had light hair, tan skin, only one pair of horns, and he wore a bit more clothing—barely.

Raikidan glanced back at me. “You okay?”

I nodded and pressed my back to his, focusing on the succubus, who was now getting to her feet. “We’re the villagers’ last defense. I’m counting on you to deal with the incubus while I deal with his partner.”

He looked ready to question me, but this wasn’t the time. I focused on the succubus, her wound now completely healed. Not waiting for the succubus to gain any more time, I rushed in. It wasn’t going to be easy to take her down. I didn’t even know how to kill something that could regenerate at will, but I had to try.

My weapon changed back into a claymore and I attacked. The succubus dodged the swing of my sword with ease. I tried again, and missed once more. She’s too quick! I wasn’t going to be able to catch her this way. That’s it!

“Valene!” I shouted, stealing a glance back at her. “Help me.”

“B–but…” Her eyes tightened, her voice quivering. “I–I can’t…”

“Yes, you can. Get on your feet and help protect this village.” I prayed to the gods she’d find her wits and at least give it a shot. I only needed this demonic bitch to be rooted.

Roots erupted from the ground. Unfortunately, they weren’t close enough and receded back into the soil. Well, she tried like I told her to. Valene tried again, but nothing seemed to happen.

“Not me!” Raikidan complained.

He fell to the ground and went back to chasing the incubus, who was just as fast as his counterpart. Damn, are all demons this slippery? I’d been called many things in my life, demon was one, but not even I could ever hope to be this quick.

Raikidan managed to coerce the incubus into hand-to-hand combat when he threw out a few insults, but he wasn’t the only demon engaging. The succubus came at me with a ferocity that matched her counterpart. It didn’t match up with her previous fighting form. It was too… strength based. My brow furrowed, and I pushed her back, the female demon switching to dodging and evading, as did her counterpart. Wait a second… “Raikidan! I think they’re linked somehow.”

He glanced my way. “You sure?”

I nodded. “Trust me on this.”

Raikidan focused on the incubus. “Great. So, what do we do?”

“If we can immobilize one, it should affect the other.”

The succubus screeched and attacked, preventing any further planning. I blocked her talons and swung my leg out, planting my foot into her face.

“Bitch.” I turned to see the incubus on the ground, holding his face. Their connection was stronger than I had thought.

“Valene, I really need your help here,” I called out again.

“I–I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked. “I–I’m not good at this…”

Dammit. I was asking too much of her. I hating doing it, but this kind of situation demanded it. I was just going to have to find another way.

Unfortunately, while I was dealing with Valene, the succubus had taken the liberty of sneaking away and paralyzing Raikidan. Shit! If I didn’t think fast, he’d be demon chow. That’s when I noticed Shva’sika. She stood near Ken’ichi, watching the battle intently. She nodded to me, indicating she could help, but I needed to get Raikidan out of the way.

Sheathing my weapon, I ran to his aid, pushing the succubus back with a swift blow to the head. She staggered back into her counterpart. Grabbing onto Raikidan, I threw him and myself to the ground, using my body as a shield. I felt the static as bolts of lightning shot over us, and I instinctively shielded him more. I knew how painful those bolts could be.

Bone-chilling screams pierced the air, and I knew the lightning had finally hit its mark. Glancing up, I could see the succubus staggering to her feet, her body distorted by the savage attack she was unable to dodge like her counterpart had. Her golden eyes burned with fury as she ran at the two of us. Instinct took over. I swung myself onto my back, and as she came into range, I kicked upward, impacting her in the chest. It left her winded, giving me the chance to wrap both legs around her and propel her forward, toward Shva’sika.

Using this upward momentum, I flipped over Raikidan and landed on my feet in a crouched position. In the process, I had used my free hand to draw my unique dagger again. Using both hands, I split the metal material and each piece formed into two long reverse daggers. The strong smell of blood teased my senses.

The succubus hissed and slashed with fury. Claws met metal as I parried her away. My blades slashed and she dodged. Bitch, just stay still!

The sound of quick feet approaching hit my ears, but they weren’t from an ally. Turning, I narrowly dodged the incubus’ claws. He focused his intense gaze on me, and I averted mine. The hell? Where is Raikidan? Parrying the succubus, I looked to where I last knew Raikidan to be, and found him still on the ground, watching. Seriously?

Pushing both demons back as best I could, I shouted to him, “Raikidan, get off your ass and help!”

Pushing the incubus back again, I spun around and landed a swift kick to the succubus’s abdomen, winding her. I need more help. As strong as I was, not even I could effectively deal with two demons alone. With Raikidan not helping, my only hope to get one of these off me was Valene.

I glanced over to her to find her standing rigid, her eyes glazed over. Perfect. Why must the spirits have such shitty timing?

“We’re helping, I promise,” whispered a familiar ethereal voice.

I gasped quietly. “Xye?”

“Eira, look out!” Raikidan’s voice rang through my ears.

The succubus came back for another attack, taking advantage of my brief distracted state. I had just enough time to manage a dodge and block. Regaining my composure, I pushed her back and punched her with the hilt of the dagger.

She moaned in pain and staggered backward, holding her face. I needed to concentrate. Refocusing, I evaded the demon’s attacks, looking for an opening. It didn’t come.

The incubus came at me, trying to catch me off-guard. Where’s a gun when you need one?

The two drew up next to each other, malicious grins on their lips. This forced me to avert my gaze from them both, putting me at a nasty disadvantage. They attacked with a fury I struggled to keep up with. Slashes on my arms, a kick to the stomach, a punch to the face—they were a few of the blows I couldn’t deflect or roll away from.

The two constantly glanced at each other, reveling in the thrill of fighting together. I used to know what it was like to have that kind of comradery. But no one had had my back like that in a very long time. I learned to rely on myself. I could only trust myself because rarely could I ever fail myself. These two relied on each other, and in that laid their weakness.

A large thorned vine erupted from the ground and grabbed the startled succubus by the leg, giving a moment of reprieve. It whipped her around and then slammed her on the ground. The incubus hissed and assaulted the vine, successfully freeing his partner. I stole a glance at Valene to find her back with us, eyes focused and determined and an arm outstretched. The spirits gave her the courage she needed.

“Told you so,” Xye’s ethereal voice whispered in my ear.

I knew better than to question them. But even I wasn’t above rash decisions and thought.

Then, a new sound slipped into my ears. The sound of ripping clothes, and I knew they weren’t coming from the demons. A loud roar pierced the sky.

I threw my head back. “Oh, for the love of—”

All that time I had spent trying to hide his secret—coming up with excuses for those we struggled to fool or who had found out a part of the truth—and Raikidan decided now would be the best time to shift into his dragon form.

Raikidan swiped at the demons, the pair running in two directions. But the succubus found herself too slow, still disoriented from Valene’s attack, so when Raikidan made a backhanded swing, he landed a successful hit and sent her flying into the forest. She cried out in pain when she hit something hard. Her partner hissed in anger and attacked Raikidan, but his scales proved difficult to get past.

I focused on trying to maneuver around Raikidan’s large form to assist him, but struggled. He continuously moved, nearly toppling a few buildings with his tail.

“Fat-ass, watch where you swing that!” I shouted. “We’re supposed to help everyone, not make it worse!”

A deep rumble came from his throat, and I swear he was backtalking me. He’d better not be.

While the two of us still struggled to deal with the elusive incubus, I looked to Shva’sika for help. She looked poised for another attack, having built up another electric charge. Unlike most lightning elementalists, Shva’sika couldn’t produce her own lightning at will. It had to build, storing in her body as it did, so she had to be careful with her aim.

She nodded to me and I angled myself so I wouldn’t be in the way of her attack, keeping an eye out for the missing succubus. I knew she wouldn’t run off without her partner. Shva’sika found her chance and sent sparks of energy flying toward her mark, but it failed to make contact. The incubus used Raikidan’s attacks to his advantage and dodged both. Shva’sika swore in her native tongue and then pulled back to recharge in a safe place.

Just then, the succubus reappeared and focused on me as her target. She attacked with a fury of swipes, pushing me back.

“Valene, give me a hand!” When I received no response, I looked back to find her staring up at Raikidan, her eyes wide. “Valene, focus!”

She shook herself. “Right, right.”

Roots burst out of the ground near the female demon, but missed. They lashed out again and the succubus evaded, her eyes trained on the plant matter. She wasn’t going to be taken by surprise again.

My nerves kicked into gear when Valene missed again, and the succubus decided to set her sights on the young woman. With incredible speed, the demon rushed Valene, but before it could reach her, Raikidan’s tail came slamming down on the ground between the two. He swung his tail at the succubus, landing a hit on the startled demon, and I had little time to duck through the narrow space between his appendage and the ground.

The succubus slammed and bounced on the ground.

She nodded and took a deep breath before a thorned root erupted out of the ground and wrapped around the demon. The creature cried out in frustration and struggled, but Valene used her skills to squeeze her prey. I could tell she lacked the conviction to kill the monster, but I wouldn’t force that on her.

I went to rush the female demon, to finish her off, but clawed hands grabbed me from behind, grappling me. I stilled when claws pressed up against my throat. Really, this again?

“Let my beloved go,” the incubus hissed. “Or she dies. Painfully.”

Valene stared at me with fear-stricken eyes.

Poor thing. She wasn’t cut out for these choices. But I was. “Don’t listen to him. Whatever you do, don’t let him”—the demon pressed his talons harder against my throat—“don’t let him control your actions.”

The succubus screamed in pain, pulling my attention. Raikidan pressed his claws down on her, crushing her slowly into the ground. The incubus cringed in pain, gritting his teeth, making me aware of just how tightly the two were connected.

He pressed his claws into my throat more, drawing a bit of blood. “I mean it.”

I stared at Raikidan, my resolve strong. “Do what needs to be done.”

Raikidan watched us for a few moments, and then did what I never thought he would, he lifted his claws off the female demon. What is he doing?

The incubus chuckled. “You mortals are so predictable. Threaten what’s precious to you, and eventually you’ll crack under pressure.”

Raikidan’s muscles flexed and his weight shifted, his eyes fixed on the demon holding me captive. Oh, that’s what he’s doing.

“You’re wrong.”

The demon pressed his claws into my throat, not liking my words.

“We’re more likely to make reckless decisions to destroy those who threaten what we hold dear.”

Just then, Raikidan swung his tail and I braced for the inevitable impact. When it came, nothing could have prepared me for the pain. My body bounced and rolled on the ground until it came to a stop. Stunned, I struggled to breathe. I’d been hit by Brute soldiers, and even hit by a car driven by a deranged civilian. All of that pain felt like a kitten’s tickle compared to this. He definitely broke something.

“Laz!” Valene shrieked.

Pain seared my brain and I tried to shake my state. The battle hadn’t finished.

“You…” I looked at the incubus, seeing him struggle to get up. “You bitch!”

I chuckled, pain hammering all over. “I told you… we do stupid shit.”

Raikidan advanced and snapped his teeth at the male demon. He missed when the creature managed to roll out of the way, but he kept the demon’s attention focused, allowing me to work on getting back up.

It wasn’t easy, breathing remained hard, and at one point I coughed up blood, but I wasn’t dead yet, so I could get up.

Staggering on weak legs, I took slow steps toward the captured succubus. The flames in my chest stoked with each heavy breath. I could end this if I could get to her. I didn’t have the strength to launch any flames at her, so an in-your-face and personal death would have to do.

Valene, seeing my intended target, strengthened her grip around the female demon. The succubus screamed in pain, as did the incubus. He had fallen to his knees and held his body as if he, too, were being attacked by the plant. Raikidan swiped his large claws at the incubus, but the demon managed to clumsily dodge the attack and head my way.

I discreetly spat an ember into my hand and lit a flame, holding my hand up threateningly as I advanced.

“No!” the incubus cried out.

The demon’s speed suddenly tripled, and I was forced to ignore the succubus and clumsily dodge him once he was close enough to swipe at me.

“I will not allow you to kill my Rosa!”

Rosa? The succubus’ name is Rosa?

The incubus lunged at me with outstretched claws. “She is mine. You cannot take her from me!”

“No, Zaedrix,” Rosa whispered.

Zaedrix? These demons were using their names so freely. It was as if they forgot they could be used against them.

Zaedrix put me on a defensive that I struggled to keep up with. Every movement flooded me with pain. Raikidan came to my aid, landing a strong swipe to the male demon. He landed at the feet of his counterpart, winded and bleeding.

Zaedrix staggered to his feet and stared at me with malice. “Let her go.”

I struggled to hold myself up. “Why would we, demon? You attacked us without reason, beyond you indulging in the thrill of death.”

“We will leave and not come back,” he promised. “We’ll do whatever you say.”

Why would he bargain with me? Why was her life so important to him? I held his gaze as I thought this over. As I did, something within me stirred—a kind of familiarity emanating from these two. Why?

“I will not lose her after everything we’ve been through,” Zaedrix said.

“You will cease killing innocent people,” I bargained. “If you don’t, I will hunt you down and slowly kill her while you watch helplessly, unable to save her.”

He nodded, his eyes pleading with me. “Deal. Just don’t kill her. Please.”

Could I trust him to keep his word and stay away? Demons didn’t have to keep any verbal “promise” unless a blood pact was involved. Then I realized he wasn’t trying to hypnotize me. As I held eye contact, he chose not to control me.

I lowered my guard. Could he possibly — “Valene, let her go.”

“Laz, what are you thinking?” Shva’sika shouted from where she hid. “You can’t trust demons.”

“I said let her go,” I repeated.

Valene hesitated, but obeyed my order and released the succubus. The incubus held my gaze for a moment longer, then scooped up his counterpart and took off into the woods.

Shva’sika came out from her position and sighed. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

I went to reply, but my body gave out and I collapsed onto the ground.

“Laz!” Valene shrieked. “Alena. Alena, come quick!”

“No…” I managed. “Save the others first.”

Shva’sika rushed over to me. “We were doing that while you and Raikidan distracted those creatures. We need to tend to you now.”

I nodded through labored breaths. At least those attacked and still alive were safe. It pained me to know others had died. I knew I should have made those demons pay for what they did. But something kept me from going through with it.

Alena rushed over to me with Valene and began assessing the damage. “You have so many broken bones…”

She looked up at Raikidan, who I noticed took a step back. She smiled, and then focused on me again. “At least he’s remorseful.”

She got all that from one look? I couldn’t see how, especially since he was in his natural dragon form.

Alena’s hands hovered over me and a white light enveloped her hands and then my body. A soothing sensation washed through me, the pain disappearing, and I sighed with relief.

The glow faded when she finished. “There. Give yourself a few moments before trying to—or not.” She sighed as I pushed myself up into a partial sitting position. “I wish you’d listen for once.”

I twisted my finger in my ear. “What?”

She chuckled and patted me on the head before standing up. “I’m going to go check on the others. Don’t get into any more fights.”

I grinned, noting her motherly tone. “No promises.”

She shook her head. “Kids.”

As Alena left, she looked up to Raikidan, and he shook his head to the unspoken question. At least he was fine. Or, fine enough not to be a focus for healing at the moment.

Raikidan approached, the ground shaking with each step, and then shifted.

“Raikidan, have some decency!” I shielded my eyes from his… “glory.”

Shva’sika laughed, as did some others in the village watching us. Valene shielded her eyes but was obviously contemplating snagging a peek.

“Get him some clothes, please, Shva’sika,” I begged.

“Sure thing.” She continued to laugh as she walked off.

I pulled Valene close to me, and positioned her so she couldn’t see. She didn’t fight me, but the temptation to look remained.

I turned her head back to face away from him. “Don’t you dare.”

“Why not?” she said. “I’m an adult. I can look at what I want.”

“Because it’s not becoming of a young lady to ogle at a young man who is being indecent.”

She giggled. “Well, he’s not exactly a man, now, is he?”

I laughed. “No, you’re right, he’s not, but he could at least put in some effort to adhere to our customs.”

“You know, I’m right here.”

“Then maybe you should take the hint.”

He knelt down behind me. “I’d rather be sure you’re okay. I’m sorry for hitting you so hard. It wasn’t my intention.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. You took the necessary measures I wanted.”

“That doesn’t excuse my actions. It won’t happen again.”

I held my dagger up to him, the blade pointed at his neck. “You also won’t ever call me your “darling” again. Got it?”

He held up his hands. “No need to get offended. That incubus called the succubus his ‘darling’ enough times for me to realize it’d have an effect if I called you mine.”