Death and Howls Part Fifteen: A Darkness Swallows the Land!

Darwin:

“Is Cia okay? Why are we leaving now?” Phantom questioned in frenzy, a chilly breeze blowing up my leather jacket. Covering his mouth with my hand, a quick count of my medical supplies assured me that her birth would go smoothly. Dropping my hand, pure annoyance simmered in his eyes. 

“I sent her with Luna. Calm your fucking shit.” I returned sarcastically, his ears burning a deep scarlet. “As I have stated before, it is safer for her to give birth there. Assassins have descended upon the city to assassinate the both of you. Acer will handle them. Remember that my army is going to be camping in the front of the yard in a few days. Do you remember your end of the deal?” Eyeing him sternly, his worn leather jacket swayed in the breeze. 

“Yeah, yeah. We are going on a spy mission after you help Cia out.” He grumbled while playing with his earring, Felina causing our backs to straighten up. She wasn’t invited for safety reasons, horror rounding my eyes at her tiny form waving in the distance. Leaping onto my back, her matching leather coat and wool pant combination made it hard to remain mad at her. Wagging her tail, the very thought of an angry Luna sent chills up my spine. Part of me wanted to give that hard pass.

“Luna said that I could come as long as I stayed by her side.” She begged with puppy dog eyes, a hot communication ball steaming in her hand. “I want to help Cia feel better. May I?” Drawing a long sigh, three dragons on site would almost guarantee our safety. Whistling sharply, Helios and Dusk bounded up to us. Communicating with our eyes, an excited Spirit had Phantom flipping into the air. Catching him on the base of his neck, a gruff laugh tumbled from his lips. Hopping onto Dusk’s back, Felina squirmed her way in front of me. Holding her by the waist, the flawless takeoff had pride swelling in my heart. Helios took up the rear, his wink settling my fraying nerves. The brisk morning air lashed at my cheeks, the rush of freedom had Felina grinning ear to ear. Doubt lingered in my head, my mind wondering if she had finished talking to Lottie. Happy that Lottie and her were like two peas in a pod, the risk of danger seemed quite high with her influence. Spirit guided Phantom through his mistakes, the two seeming to pick up where they left off. Perhaps, his last rider must have been the wrong guy. Felina tugging at my sleeve snapped me back to reality, her eager grin melting my heart. Focusing on the last of the journey, the moon switched places with the sun. Guiding her through the landing, dirt crunched with every graceful landing. Spirit barely made it to a stop, Phantom sprinting into the mansion. Lowering Felina onto the stump next to us, her hand reached for mine. Pretending to let her think that she yanked me down, a twinkle of a giggle tumbled from her lips. 

“Have I ever told you that you are the greatest gift in my life?” I gushed with my real smile, scarlet flushing her cheeks. Luna burst through the front door, her smile faltering at the sight of Felina. Shrinking behind me, my suspicions had been correct. Clinging to my legs, Luna raised her finger a few times, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“She insisted on helping out Cia.” I explained with a shrug and an apologetic smile. “Someone told me that they talked to you. Shall we let it go this one time?” Shooting out a brisk fine, a scream shut down any chance of an argument. Pounding towards the door, a frenzied Phantom yanked me in. Luna spoke sternly with Felina, her death glare meeting my panicked expression a couple of times. Making my way to a bedroom down the hall, a sweat soaked Cia writhed her way through a contraction. Spinning on my heels, Luna had the necessary supplies resting in her palms. 

“Next time will come with a severe grounding for you both.” She hissed sharply, her friendly smile contrasting her current fowl mood. The harsh tone slipped away, her playful wink threatened to wake something up. Yanking her close to my hips, her fangs brushed against the nape of my neck. Dropping the supplies into my hands, her fingers tickled my skin sensually on her way out. Calling for Felina, the two were set to prepare dinner. Setting the supplies onto the nearby pile in just the right spots, my desire for perfection was going to be the death of me. Approaching Cia with a polite smile, her wet eyes tracked me tossing my jacket onto a nearby leather couch. Rolling up my sleeves, the snap of my gloves had her yelping.

“Pardon me for this.” I uttered regrettably, my hands spreading her legs apart. Examining her, a bit of hair brushed against my fingers. “We have less than an hour. Let me get you comfortable for the final push.” Tossing the gloves into the trash, vials clinked against each other until I found the right potion. Shaking it on the way over to her, a fever woke up a serious concern. Snapping my finger, a silvery liquid floated into my palm.

“These should numb you up and this big boy should get rid of that fever.” I promised her sincerely, the pop of corks softened the blow of my increasing anxiety. Pouring them down her throat, instant relief washed over her. Feeling her forehead once more, my lips pressed into a thin line.  

“What illness raced through your village before it all ended in utter disaster?” I inquired cautiously, the excitement fading from his smile. “This fever isn’t dying down and could kill her. Please explain.” Crossing his hands as he collapsed into the chair next to her, his fingers massaging his forehead. Waiting patiently for the answer, Cia gave him the go ahead. 

“It's not the village. She has always had an issue with getting sick.” He admitted with an apologetic chuckle, his fingers scratching at his cheeks. “No matter what we do, there is no cure.” Grimacing while tapping my chin, a whimper had me shifting my attention. Her contractions grew closer, my mind racing a mile a minute. Tugging on a fresh pair of gloves, her chronic illness would have to take a backseat. A quiet calm washed over me, a head hitting mys palm. Helping her work through the next contraction, a wail pierced the air. Ruby soaked the bed, my hands beginning to shake. That blasted illness was going to make her bleed out, Luna rushing in to clean up their baby boy. Digging through my bag, his left fist met my right cheek. Cursing under my breath, a nasty bruise throbbed to life. Jamming my knee into his stomach, a dull gurgle bubbled in his throat. 

“Don’t you dare hit me!” I barked hotly, a creeping shake taking over my hands. “What aren’t you telling me, damn it! I can’t fix it if I don’t have shit to work with! That bleeding won’t stop!” Shaking his head, a loud fuck exploded from my lips. Crouching down to his levels, his dotted palm gave it away. Apologizing profusely as I plucked vial after vial, time slowing down as I mixed everything like a madman. Dropping the last ingredient in, a long breath drew from my lips. Hitting the muddy liquid with blasts of hot flames, a boil had it bubbling. A green cloud puffed in my face, the floorboards creaking as I rushed to her. Pouring the liquid down her throat, Phantom’s wet eyes met mine. Breathing in a deep breath, his features visibly brightened at the sight of the ruby getting sucked back into her body. Sinking to the floor with a toss of my gloves, every swipe did little to ease my fraying nerves. How the hell did I get that close to losing her to whatever I had fixed for now?

“Sorry for losing it on you.” I apologized numbly, my hollow footfalls echoed out of the room. Gathering my wits, death nearly claimed her. Silent tears stained my cheeks, every breath grew shorter. A hand on my shoulder shut it down, Phantom’s words faded in and out. His baby boy stole his attention, the floor groaning as I rose to my feet. Pity was the last thing I needed, something calling me to the forest.

“I need to take a walk. Bask in the warmth of the moment.” I spoke dejectedly, protests falling on deaf ears as I made it to the stable. Hopping onto a speckled black horse, Helios huffed in annoyance. Riding out, his anger could be felt from a mile away. The spy bubbles jingled in my pocket, my scythe bouncing off of my back. Branches scratched at my cheeks, a new fear rising in me. Don’t be a monster! Don’t be like your father, damn it! Galloping to a rough halt, a slap on the horse’s ass sent him running back home. Hiding behind a thick trunk, jet black creatures with tentacles around their face. The dark scales shimmered in the lights of the bonfires, fresh corpses had silent tears staining my cheeks. Every ounce of color drained from my skin, a family of travelling elves had fallen prey to their monstrosities. Rage mixed with terror, lightning crackling to life around me. Brandishing my scythe, hundreds of those monsters came face to face with me. 

“Waves of death,devour all that is evil.’ I commanded venomously, the lightning building. Raising my scythe over my head, realization dawned in their eyes. Slamming the tip of my scythe into the dirt, golden spikes impaled all but the biggest one. Watching them shrivel up gave me no regrets, a cloud of dirt obscuring my escape. Landing gracefully behind him, a single swing cut through his neck like butter. Shriveling up into a pile of dust, nothing remained of the enemy. Storm clouds rumbled to life, a clap of thunder covering a few of my organs bursting. Curse that damn spell! Painting the mud with my blood, the family lay torn to shreds. No matter my level of rage, nothing would bring them back to life. Approaching the corpses cautiously, muscles weaved back together to form a family of the walking dead. Grimacing bitterly at the new development, a necromancer hid among the shadows. Great, that was all we fucking needed!

“Nice magic. Too bad raising the dead is bloody disgusting.” I teased sadistically, closing my eyes to sense the bastard. A single wave of magic hummed behind me, a spin of heels resulting in a rain of sparks. A ruby curved blade met my scythe, the silver skull hilt glinting in a bolt of lightning. Leaning in real close, chills shot up my spine. A sadistic man my age grinned ear to ear, his left silver eye twitching from the magic use. Familiar magic swirled around his golden eyes, my blood painting his face the moment his knee met my already busted organs. Kicking me into the air, the curve of my scythe helped me land on my feet clumsily. Thank God for Lottie's training.

“So the legends are true then, aye?” The bastard mused playfully, my fingers gripping my scythe tighter. “Give my brother a message for me. You know, your king!” He bellowed in a deranged tone, his shoulder shaking with his laugh. “Father and I are coming to destroy all that you stand for!” Shock softened the blow of the fear, breathing becoming a bit harder. 

“Funny thing is that I plan on standing in the way. Your magic comes from the god within me.” I retorted between coughing fits, a couple of cracks joined his neck moving back and forth. “Acer will always be my brother. Our blood may not run quite the same but he showed me the light in the darkness. I am giving you one chance to join us. You have eyes. Look at the damage I fucking caused. What are you going to do now?” Tucking his sword into its case, a flick of his wrist had me stumbling back. The head of Acer’s father rolled to my boots, the color draining from my face a second time. Clammy sweat drenched my skin, a visible tremble coming over me. Who the hell was this guy? Only insane people murdered their parents, the corner of my lip trembling into a frightened smirk.

“Sorry, I forgot I killed him. The poor bastard wouldn’t shut the fuck up! That army that he had, all gone.” He laughed maniacally, his split tongue licking his lips. “King Mortimus is my name and your kingdom will be mine one way or another. You might want to go back home. Something tells me that you are needed.” Disappearing in a puff of silver smoke, a sense of dread washed over me. Sprinting through the woods, a horrific sight greeted me. Walking corpses lurched towards the mansion, a searing pain coursing through me. Fishing around my boot, a single healing potion grazed the tip of my fingers. Popping off the cork, the thick liquid coated my throat the entire way down. Tissues weaved themselves back together, a couple of cracks of my neck brought everything back into its place. Charging into the sea of the walking dead, swing after swing covered me in inky sludge. Cutting down the last one, my fist hovered over the door. Letting the rain wash the mess off me, this war had become a nightmare. Pressing my palm onto the mud, a glow had the others rushing to the door. Mumbling a purifying spell, everything doubled. No cursed blood must taint this land, one final breath whisking me into a rough slumber. 

Groaning awake, a rustic bedroom greeted me. The mattress groaned as I sat up, a freaking magic hangover had me cupping the sides of my head. Creaking stole my attention, Felina smashing into my arms. Snuggling into my chest, Luna made her way in. Noticing my busted smile, her ears pinned back. Cupping Felina’s cheeks, her wet eyes met mine. Time to have a minute with Luna. 

“Do you think you could bring me a cup of tea?” I requested with a bright smile, her head nodding. Bouncing out of the room, Luna collapsed onto the bed. Taking my hand, the action did little to settle my fraying nerves. 

“Acer’s father is dead. Mortimus is up to something. He said something about killing his father’s army. Dead things are harder to kill again.” I informed her with a deep frown, breathing still hurting slightly. “His aura scared me and I don’t scare easily. Those who raise the dead are monsters. Death should be a final gift for a mortal, all that plight going away when they sleep one last time. How do I tell Acer?” The door burst open, Acer marching in with a shrug of his shoulders. How could he be so nonchalant!

“That sucks. Another surprise, another day.” He joked awkwardly, a communication orb rolling over his fingers. “I heard the whole thing. Felina placed a spying orb on you. Please don’t hate me.” Pulling up the closest chair, silent tears stained his cheeks. Part of me wanted to murder him but my compassionate side shut that down. 

“Then I heard that you consider me a brother and you would put down your life for me.” He continued while opening the door, Felina coming in with a tray of tea and treats. “What a sweetheart! Tell me about your day.” Feeling around my body, a small orb met the tip of my fingers. Crushing it, his orb shattered. Sinking into a numb state, things sure got interesting. Settling into the warmth of their chatter, Phantom knocking on the door stole my attention. A snoring bundle lay in the crook of his arm, his gracious smile meeting my strained smirk. 

“Mortimus used to run in the assassination network. Hell, Felina might even know him.” He explained simply, his gaze averting to the floor. “Brute strength isn’t going to win this war. You look like you know that. Knowing him, his attacks will be on a smaller scale. Think Guerilla warfare. Something tells me that you are great at that. We named him Spiritos. Thank you for delivering our child. Get some sleep because you won’t for a while.” Leaving with a bow, Felina quivered in her spot. Opening up my arms, her body smashed into me. Burying her in a hug, her obvious trauma made this personal. Hell was coming his way. Hurting my family stoked a fire underneath my heels, my mind racing a mile a minute. Acer shook my shoulder, his other hand presenting me with a bunch of books on necromancy.  

“I am making it aware that you won’t come back for a while and I unfortunately have to keep my army at the kingdom but I will stop by here when I can. We can’t do much now.” He spoke with a sad smile, his chair groaning as he rose to her feet. “Your twins are resting in the other room. Be safe. I am sorry.” Hurt dimmed my eyes, my temporary exile not making sense. Fighting back tears, the dark elf twins made their way into the room. Betrayal loomed over me, a note catching my eyes. Ripping it out of the top book, a map with x’s taunted me. 

“We are the A-team, boss!” They announced together, my goal was going back home. Mumbling out a broken right, silent tears stained my cheeks. The fire died down, his mission for me was clear. Eliminate the threat before it made it to the capital’s pearly gates. Praying to whoever, all of me wanted this bullshit to end.