The torches that burned in the halls guttered with the opening of the dungeon door, many of them going out. The stale smell of the air filled the nearby halls mixed with the smell of ash and played against the noses of the guards that stood in the vicinity. Their numbers equaled 12. They were returning from the commotion that had occurred upstairs and were tasked with checking on the prisoner by Mira. A large shadow overtook a small section of the hall which led from the stairway to the dungeon. Silence fell among their ranks, the only noise filling the uncomfortable silence is the sounds of their swords being drawn from their scabbards.
With the break in tension, several descended the stairs. They were ready to apprehend and kill if need be. However, the first two down the stairs would have their vocal cords carved from their throats with a silent precision. The sound of their metal armor clashing against the stone floor and the scent of iron threw the other 4 off their guard, almost overloading their senses as they felt an overwhelming fear creeping upon them as golden eyes stared back at them beyond the darkness like dying embers. The fear wrapped itself around them as they watched their death begin to unfold.
The air split from the sound of steel ripping through wet flesh along with desperate pleas for mercy, ligaments and vital points were kissed by the blade of Sion's arming sword. Blood flying about as Sion used his skills at his disposal. Though his own body screamed for respite, he pushed forward. He needed to see his family. His mother. He slayed with reckless abandon. Not a single care about if his body would hold, though he healed quickly, his wounds were not fully closed.
The stairwell had turned into a graveyard as Sion stood in the midst of it. His chest heaving to catch his breath. He lifted a trembling hand and could feel the warm and real carmine fluid that stained it. Slowly, his long tongue slipped from his plush lips and took some of it along his tastebuds. It tasted immeasurably good.
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A soft and almost sultry hum left his throat as the blood lust threatened to take over. His breath shot from his mouth in short bursts of steam as he felt his body getting hotter. He danced along the line of chaos and control. He needed to gain his composure before more guards could descend upon them. Fear swam around in Sion's stomach as this feeling was the same as when he last fought in the pits, but the lust was much stronger.
Nasir couldn't help but rush past him, he witnessed Sion on the edge of bloodlust which fed his own, pushing him to a breaking point. He could hear the footfalls of the rest coming closer in response to the cries of mercy. As the first of the six guards made his way onto the stairs, he would go flying with his head being forced into the stone wall. Holding his head in place, Nasir stood almost shadowing the rest of them with his height. His presence demanded respect, exuding power as his crimson orbs flickered with malice. His lips curled into a calm smile.
His voice was deep and commanded respect as he spoke, violence imminent. "Good." His voice was but a moment of calm, his hand releasing the guard and becoming outstretched as if basking in the rays of the sun as his head lifted. "More people to witness me." His pride shined through the sickened feeling that crept through the guards that now cornered him.
"You're a fucking monster." One of the guards stated, fear laced in the quivering voice.
The moment the one to the right of him twitched, his left hand came up to greet the man's chin with a brutal force with a sudden twist of his body like the seasoned fighter he is. He held back not a drop of power, forcing the man's head to snap and neck to break from the force.
Without a breath missed, Nasir's sword found itself burrowed into the next guard's chest using his right as his left hand came down. There was a lapse in decision making from the others from the fear that clung to them. Nasir knew this and abused it with brutal efficiency. Not a scream echoed through the halls, only the sound of metal falling mixed with the sound of debilitating impacts. One by one, they all fell to the hands of a storm of violence that was barely contained.
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"They died…too fast…" Sion whispered to himself as his body began to drown in the intoxicating feeling of this lust for the iron scented liquid that still danced along his tastebuds. "Too fast…" His voice seeped past his lips uncontrollably as a void was open in his mind, ready to consume further. To dismember anything in front of him. This hunger was eating him alive. The sounds of violence that echoed down the stairwell fueling it like wood to a flame. He could feel his teeth beginning to throb, wanting to feel flesh torn beneath the weight of his jaws. But, the sound of laughter ringing in his mind hit him like the sun casting away the shadows of night.
The laughter was Aoki's. He could even hear Myo's. Slowly in the dark his mind created images of their faces, then their bodies. They were standing in front of a woman whose face eluded his mind. He could feel his senses returning and his mind snapping back into place like a freshly made lock. He gazed around a moment to gain his bearings. Spotting Nasir standing among fallen men.
"Look at this fucking mess." Sion spat out.
In the shadows, Sion watched as a stream of blood pooled and flowed down through the cracks in the stone flooring. His eyes slowly trailing up as he made his way to the ground level, his steps soft but audible thanks to the river of crimson fluid. His gaze happened upon Nasir's hulking form dressed in blood-stained armor. It was a sight to behold, Nasir was far from ugly, rather handsome most would say.
"You're one to talk asshole." Nasir shot back. "Are you jealous? Did I ruin your moment?" Nasir's voice condescended.
"As if." Sion responded as he tilted his nose upward away from Nasir and arms crossed beneath his chest.
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"Are you not worried about being found out so soon?" Sion's voice softened and now danced a hair above a whisper, holding onto worry. His hand slowly reached out and touched Nasir's arm.
Nasir laughed softly. His voice became a bit more gentle but held its power. "Who lives to tell? All of the guards on this side of the castle are dead now." He said confidently. Something stirred beneath him however, he was not fully certain of his words but he did not show it.
Sion shook his head and sighed. "Your stealth method was to kill all witnesses?" Sion questioned, his voice held the undertone of annoyance. He punched Nasir's arm lightly. "You've the grace of a brick… What made you come for me anyways?"
Nasir's head turned to look down at Sion. "I wasn't going to let someone I can call an equal die in a place like this. Besides, everyone is asking where you went. For a while, I had no idea." Nasir spoke as he began to walk, Sion followed. His emotions began to show behind the pride he carried. "We lost hope after searching. But a few days ago, I received a letter. The courier also gave me a satchel of coins. The letter told me where you were. I'm not sure who else wanted you free, but it gave me an idea on how to get you out."
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Nasir's words confused Sion. Who could possibly want him free? Who had that much information? "Did it give you any clues on who it might be?" Sion asked hurriedly. His words almost stumble on one another. But another question came to mind. "Do they work for the King?"
Nasir lifted a hand as they came near another section of the hall which led two separate ways. He peeked around the corner to the left and the right. "I have no idea. What's important now is that we get the fuck out of here. Agreed?" Nasir spoke quietly as guards could be seen walking the opposite way away from them.
"Agreed…" Sion whispered.