![]() Chapter 30A Chapter by DreamerChapter
30 Tag with a monster. The portal dropped another Beast
onto the pavement adding to the five Beasts standing in bewilderment under it. Kailah
glanced over her shoulder as one of the Beasts turned in their direction and
roared. She screamed for Viska to move, shoving the young girl to the right as it
shot tentacles from its back latching onto some of the people around Kailah and
Viska. Roaring it drug its haul back as it
jumped through the portal. The men and women it had grabbed screamed in fear as
they were drug across the ground and then through the portal, their screams cut
off. Kailah pulled Viska back behind her, letting loose a fireball at the Beast
bearing down on them. It took the attack full in the snout, crying out in pain
and shaking its head like it was trying to dislodge a sneeze. “Come on!” Kailah ordered running
down a side alley. The way they had come was cut off
by the portal of death dropping more Beasts onto the road by the minute. Kailah
clenched her teeth against the screams of the dying as she ran with all her
might dragging Viska behind her. She cursed the fact she was in sandals as she
slipped and skidded on loose rocks. “Where are we going?” Viska asked. Kailah had to give the girl credit
for keeping her wits, “To Cameron.” “Aren’t we going the wrong way
then?” Viska asked. Kailah caught her be the neck of
her shirt and jerked her back into the alley as a Beast ran past on the main
street chasing a flock of chickens. Kailah glanced out cautiously then headed
up the street. “No, we’re going the safe way,”
Kailah replied tertly, “unless you’d rather wade through the entrance to hell
back there?” Viska replied cowed, “Point taken.” “We’ll get through this, Viska,”
Kailah replied with a soft smile, “trust me.” Viska ran the back of her hand over
her eyes and set her jaw, “I do.” Beast howls echoed around them
accompanied by screams, screams of rage, pain, despair, and death. Viska stayed
behind Kailah as a Beast rounded a bend in the road catching sight of them.
Kailah sneered, her eyes turning to flames as it bore down on them. “Come taste hell, monster.” Cameron hacked off the tentacle
that had Don by the throat. Don collapsed to his hands and knees coughing as
Cameron sliced at another tentacle the Beast shot at them. “Get up, Don!” Cameron shouted over
his shoulder. Philian and Kanton came to help
them as Don got to his feet. Between the four of them they managed to kill the
Beast. They were all breathing hard and covered in sticky black blood. As Cameron wiped the Beast’s blood
off of his sword he surveyed the damage one Beast had caused. After Maltoris
had left them with vague instructions of ‘train well’ Cameron had done as
ordered and begun training with the squad. It had been fairly easy going when
the screaming started. Before anyone could comprehend the meaning of the
screams a portal had opened up in the middle of the stadium grounds and
deposited the Beast before it closed again. “What’s going on, Cam?” Don asked
clearing his throat. The sandy haird lieutenant Philian
glanced from Cameron to Don, “Your orders, sir?” They heard more screams off in the
distance, “Don’t tell me there’s more,” Don groaned. Cameron said nothing as he set off
for the stadium entrance. Kanton and Philian watched him in confusion. “Hey! Stay with the captain,” Don
orderd the two squad membes then called after Cameron as he set off after him,
“Where are you going?” “To find Kai,” Cameron replied over
his shoulder, “We’re going to need every Pair we’ve got.” “We handled that one just fine,”
Don huffed as he caught up to him, “It just surprised us is all.” “Oh, yeah?” Cameron paused at the
entrance drawing some power from Kailah, “Take a look back at it.” “What the hell!?” Don cried as he
saw the Beast pull its severed parts back together. The soldiers that were near
it jumped back in alarm. “Yeah,” Cameron sighed readying a
fireball, “that’s what makes Beast attacks so bad, they don’t die unless you
kill them with magic.” He hurled the fireball hitting the
Beast square in the back of its regenerating head. It swiveled its head around,
one eye dangling from the socket, and roared in pure rage. “What the-“ Don’s eyes grew wide as
the Beast scrambled to all fours and started toward them fast, “It’s coming
this way!” Cameron was a step ahead of him,
tearing through the entrance, “Figured it would.” The two of them ran with all their
might, hurtling overturned carts and stalls sometimes dead people and animals.
The Beast just plowed through whatever came up in front of it. It roared in
fury as it chased them. “What do we do Cameron?!” Don asked
his legs pumping as fast as they could, “Please, tell me you have a plan.” “Split!” Cameron cried as he shoved
Don to the side. Two tentacles shot in between them. Cameron and Don came back
together as the Beast roared in frustration, focusing on catching up than
snatching them. “Duck!” A voice called out to them
and both of them dove for the ground rolling as a gust of wind shot over their
heads.
The wind wall hit the Beast and stopped it. Cameron covered his head as
his hair stood on end and his body tingled. A bolt of lightning fell from the
sky and blasted the Beast. It howled in pain then fell over a crispy chunk of
dead. “What the hell was that?” Don asked
slowly getting to his feet. Cameron laughed when he caught
sight of Don’s appearance. His hair was standing on end and sizzling slightly.
Cameron was sure he didn’t look any better. “Here-ouch!” Cameron cried pulling
his hand back from being shocked by Don’s static build up. “Are the two of you alright?” The
voice from earlier asked them. Turning around Cameron and Don saw
a man walking towards them. He was six foot two with a slim build. He wore a
traveler’s cloak and was flanked by another man in the same garb. “Thanks for the assist, um,”
Cameron held out his hand to the man, “can’t say I recognize you. The man smirked taking Cameron’s
offered hand, “I’d imagine not, we’re Karpel based, just arrived for a contract.
My name is Merol and this is my Sword Fanten.” His voice was soft, but deep. The
dark haired man by his side nodded in greeting. The Beast slowly disintegrated
and the wind blew the dust away. “Do you have any idea what’s going
on?” Cameron asked them, “By the wreckage here and the distant screaming, I’m
guessing there’s more.” Merol nodded sadly, “You’d guess
correctly, my Sword and I were heading to the Compound to offer our assistance
to Councilman Maltoris. You two are welcome to join.” Don looked to Cameron who shook his
head, “That’s alright; we’re in search of my Caster. Once I find her we will
regroup at the Compound. Tell Maltoris, Gantervez and Malavader will be there
shortly.” Merol nodded, “Will do, come on
Fanten.” Cameron watched them until they
disappeared around a bend in the road then tapped Don on the arm as he headed
off to the east again. “So, how do you know where Kailah
is?” Don asked as they jogged, “She could be anywhere in the city, her and
Viska.” “Pairs get this sixth sense when
they join,” Cameron explained as they dodged around rubble, “we know where each
other are at all times, couldn’t point it out on a map but I know which
direction and if I’m close or not.” “That’s,” Don narrowed his eyes
impressed, “kinda cool.” “Yeah,” Cameron agreed stopping at
another crossroad. Don snapped his fingers, “That’s
why you knew at the dinner party in Central that it wasn’t Kailah.” “Exactly,” Cameron mused glancing
up and down the streets. Don waited for Cameron to start
moving again and followed along behind him. The further into the city they went
people passed them fleeing for their lives in the direction they hoped would be
safe. “She’s clos-oof” Cameron was
interrupted when someone barreled out of a side alley flat into him. Cameron
fell over and the person landed on top of him. He caught the scent of flowers
and spice as the person pushed off of him and flipped long black hair from her
face. “Cameron!” Kailah cried when she
recognized him. “Not to be rude,” Cameron wheezed,
“but I can’t breathe.” “Oh! Sorry,” Kailah apologized as
she got off him and helped him up. “Where’s Viska?” Don asked concern
filling his voice. He glanced down the alley and
didn’t see anyone there. He did a full three-sixty turn looking. “Kailah, where’s Viska?” Don
demanded when he couldn’t find her, “Where is she?” “We got separated when we went
through a crowd a few streets over,” Kailah shook her head breathing hard. Cameron noticed she was holding her
side which was bleeding, “You’re hurt.” “I’m fine,” Kailah slapped his hand
away, “We have to find Viska.” Don’s voice took on an edge of
urgency, “Which street was it?” “Veshpan,” Kailah replied swaying. Cameron caught her when her legs
caved and he eased her down to the ground. “Go,” Cameron said motioning with
his head to Don. Don nodded and took off down the alley to find Viska. “We have to help-ow,” Kailah said
trying to get back up. “You need to let me look and treat
that before you pass out from blood loss,” Cameron retorted firmly. Kailah grimaced in aggravation as
Cameron moved her arm out of the way, “It’s just a scratch.” “Uh-huh, sure,” Cameron replied
sarcastically as he surveyed the cut, “Forgive me.” He slit the bottom of her dress and
pulled off about two feet of it. He then split those into strips and tied them
around her middle putting pressure on the wound. “Tsk,” Kailah sighed, “I just got
this dress too.” Cameron chuckled, “I’ll buy you a
new one. Here.” Cameron helped her to her feet and
Kailah tried to pull the remaining dress down further but it only went to
mid-thigh. Kailah blushed in embarrassment. “I want my boots,” Kialah sighed
looking at the tattered remains of her sandals. The two of them headed off in the
direction Don had gone. Cameron led with Kailah right behind him. They passed
squads of soldiers heading off in search of citizens in need of rescue as they
made their way to Veshpan Street. The warning bells had sounded shortly after
the attack had begun signaling everyone who was able to head to the Compound
for safety. Specific squads were designated to
protect the route to the Compound while others were sent out as search and
rescue teams. Pairs were sent out as well to fight the Beasts. Cameron heard an
explosion off to the right followed by the screams of a dying Beast. Looking back toward the direction
of the Compound Cameron saw the protective barrier was in place. He heard more
explosions and turned his attention back to the path ahead. The going was slow due to Kailah’s
wound and Cameron’s cautiousness. He didn’t want to come across a Beast and
have to fight with Kailah in her present condition. Glancing back at her he saw
the makeshift bandage was already soaked through with blood. They needed a
Healing Caster and fast. They made it to Veshpan Street
without encountering any Beast and for that Cameron was grateful. The street
itself was abandoned save for the dead. Cameron felt the bile rise in his gut
as he surveyed the carnage. Swallowing hard he stepped out into the street and
slid on blood. Catching his balance he forced himself to look around at the
bodies to see if any of them were familiar. “I don’t see her,” Kailah said
softly, “She may have tried to head for the Compound.” Cameron heard a scream of rage,
“That was Don.” He headed off toward where it had
come from and Kailah followed along behind. They ducked through some more
alleys and headed for the sound of a battle. They rounded a corner and saw a
squad of soldiers plus Don fighting a monstrous sized Beast. Taking a deep breath Cameron drew
his blade and headed in. Kailah leaned against the wall trying not to lose
consciousness. Cameron dove at the Beast with a battle cry of fury plunging his
blade into the Beast’s back right leg causing it to howl in pain. Snarling it
turned toward this new threat. Cameron ducked a tentacle as he pulled out his
blade. “Move!” Cameron heard Kailah order
as the ground beneath the Beast bucked. Cameron and the rest jumped back
just in time as the ground under the Beast opened like a giant mouth swallowing
the Beast. The Beast’s scream of rage was cut off as the ground slammed back
shut. Glancing back he saw Kailah collapse on the ground and ran over to her. A soldier approached them
caustiosly, “How is she?” “I’m not sure,” Cameron replied her
breathing was shallow and he could feel the fever she had, “Do you know where
any Healing Casters are?” “Yes, there’s one on Telpa Street,”
The soldier replied pointing in the direction, “There’s a clinic there, that’s
where we’ve been sending the injured that can’t make it as far as the Compound.” “Let’s go,” Don said as he walked
up with an unconscious Viska on his back. She had a nasty gash on her head
plus other scrapes, but the one on her temple worried him slightly. Cameron scooped
Kailah into his arms and the two of them set off with their unconscious cargo
toward the healer. “We’ll escort you,” The soldier
offered. “No,” Cameron rejected, “you have
other duties, we’ll be fine. Come on, Don.” The soldier saluted their backs as the
two of them continued on to Telpa Street. Walking down abandoned streets Don
and Cameron were quick but still cautious. A number of times they had to duck
into an alley or behind a wall to hide from a wandering Beast. They finally
made it to Telpa Street and the clinic the young soldier had told them of.
There were barricades up both ends of the street with soldiers directing
civilians either to the clinic or on to the Compound. One of the soldiers saw Cameron and
Don approaching with their injured cargo and motioned them through the small
gap in the barricade. Cameron nodded in thanks at the guy and walked straight
to the entrance. It took a second for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer lighting;
a nurse saw them come in and directed them to two empty beds. He led the way
and put Kailah on one while Don put Viska on the other. The nurse had followed
them and did a cursory examination of their patients then went and called for a
Healer. The Healer arrived and looked
Kailah over and then Viska, “I’ll heal this one first, she’s in more critical
condition than the other,” indicating towards Kailah. Cameron nodded as the Healer undid
the makeshift bandage. Holding his hands over the wound he closed his eyes.
Green light emanated from his palms and blinded Cameron’s view of the wound. Don paced back and forth chewing on
a thumbnail as he waited for the Healer to finish with Kailah so he could help
Viska. A few minutes later the Healer stopped. Putting a hand to his temple he
swayed slightly but was steadied by the nurse. “She’ll be fine,” The Healer
assured Cameron, “She just needs rest. Now for the other pretty lady.” “Hmm,” The Healer examined Viska’s
head injury carefully, “I do believe she’ll be just fine, I’m going to treat
the head wound, the other injuries will be taken care of by the nurse.” Don nodded as the Healer went to
work on Viska’s head. They watched as it stitched itself closed. After a few
minutes the Healer stopped and Viska opened her eyes. “Hey, kiddo,” Don said softly
kneeling down to her eye level, “How are you feeling?” Viska put her hand to her temple,
“Like someone hit me in the head with a hammer.” “Viska?” Don’s smile faded when she
fell back into unconsiousnes, “Hey, Viska!” “Calm down,” The nurse placed a
soothing hand on his shoulder, “She needs rest.” Don breathed out a sigh of relief
and ran a nervous hand through his singed hair. The nurse went to work on
cleaning the rest of Viska’s wounds. Don turned around when the nurse started
undoing Viska’s shirt. Cameron gently tapped Don on the arm as he headed toward
the entrance. Don followed him with a quick glance back at the girls. Once outside, it started to rain
lightly, Don blushed, “Have they never heard of decency?” Cameron chuckled, “She’s a golem.” “What?” Don asked shocked, “Really?
But she looked so real?” “Testament of the Healing Caster’s
level,” Cameron replied shrugging as he started walking toward what smelled
like food. Golems were artificial beings that
are created by certain Healers; instead of attaching to Swords the Healer
Casters sometimes create a golem. The golems make amazing assistants and
nurses. The downside is they had to stay in the region they were created in so
Healing Casters that went that route didn’t travel. Chelry and Esma were in the
category of Field Healers. Cameron and Don got a couple of
rations from a soldier who was handing them out to whoever was hungry enough to
take one. Finding an unoccupied spot out of the way he and Don ate their meager
meal in silence. “Sword,” Cameron turned around to see the
golem nurse heading towards them, “You’re Caster is awake.” Swallowing the last of the rations,
he and Don followed the nurse back to the tent. Cameron walked in to see Kailah
sitting up in the cot. “Hey, sleepy head,” Cameron spoke
softly as he walked over to her side. “I had told you I did not need to
see a Healer,” Kailah’s tone was flat as she looked at him without expression. Cameron groaned as he rolled his
eyes, “Good morning to you too, Agate.” Don glanced from Cameron to Kailah
confused, “What’s going on?” “Oh,” Cameron sat in the chair
beside Kailah’s cot, “this is Agate. Kailah’s Earth personality, you two met
briefly in the ‘tower of doom’ back in Central.” “Ah, right,” Don nodded then went
to Viska’s side. Cameron smiled turning back to
Kailah, her expression wiped the smile from his face, “Do not patronize me,
Cameron Gantervez, you have a lot of explaining to do.”
© 2015 Dreamer |
Stats
142 Views
Added on April 28, 2015 Last Updated on May 3, 2015 Author |