As he ran, every step and second ticking by felt like a victory, proof that he had truly escaped the clutches of his tormentors. But then, his feet rooted to the ground. Before him stood the final obstacle.
"Well, Alexander is going to be very cross with you and I." The man stood before Xaidon, his cold expression a stark contrast to his words.
"Sh*t." Xaidon muttered, his eyes fixed on the man. He could sense the man's Qi, and that realization made him anxious.
The man's expression remained calm, his eyes slightly narrowed as he suggested, "How about you put that sword down and I give you a small beating then take you back before Alexander comes back."
Xaidon scoffed, "No thanks, but here's my idea. Why don't you wait for Alexander in hell?" With that, he charged forward, his sword flashing in the moonlight as he swung it down in a powerful arc.
The man's spear met Xaidon's sword with a metallic clang, and a swift counterattack sent Xaidon stumbling back, clutching his stomach in pain as the force of the blow knocked the wind out of him. The Qi user's strength was overwhelming, and Xaidon's weakened state made him no match. Undeterred, Xaidon launched another attack, this time aiming low and hoping to catch the man off guard. The man deflected it once more with a smooth motion, but Xaidon was ready for the counterattack and narrowly dodged the spear's tip by a fraction of an inch. However, a swift kick to the ribs sent him flying again, his body crashing to the ground with a thud, the impact jolting his entire frame.
The man's voice dripped with boredom as he said, "This would end quickly if you let me beat you up a little." Xaidon's eyes flashed with determination as he struggled to his feet, his mind racing back to a distant memory. He saw himself as a young boy, standing before his father, who held a wooden sword. "Always remember, my boy, if the earth doesn't support a warrior, there won't be an attack." his father had said. "Before anyone can perform a strike, they need good footwork."
Tears of frustration and determination welled up in Xaidon's eyes as he charged forward, fueled by his Qi. This time, he focused intently on the man's footwork, using it to anticipate and deflect each attack. The battle intensified, with Xaidon fighting despite his weakness and limited Qi. The man, with his superior health, Qi, and control, toyed with Xaidon, using his spear's range to keep him at bay.
The man's long-range attacks allowed him to stay just out of Xaidon's reach, striking with precision and control. Xaidon stumbled back, his breathing labored, but he refused to give up. He continued to push forward, his determination driving him to find a way to overcome his opponent.
Xaidon's body was battered, cuts covering his skin as he struggled to keep up with the man's superior skill. Every Qi user was a formidable fighter, and this man was no exception. The thought of being thrown back into the cell fueled Xaidon's determination, and he pushed himself to extend his Qi, fighting against exhaustion.
Just as he thought he'd found an opening, the spear's butt struck him with precision, sending him stumbling. The man prepared to deliver the finishing blow, but a dagger flew through the air, slicing into his left hand. The spear fell, and with incredible agility, the man caught it with his foot.
His gaze shifted to the source of the dagger, and he locked eyes with a girl with silver hair and pale skin. She stood poised, another dagger at the ready. "Are you going to continue to stand there or strike?" Her voice was sweet yet icy, and the man's expression darkened as he felt a surge of danger.
He jumped back, but not before Xaidon left a deep gash on his cheek. With burning red eyes, he glared at Xaidon, who now wore a smile. The girl retrieved her dagger and stood beside Xaidon, her presence a sudden shift in the balance of power.
The man's cold gaze seemed to pierce through Xaidon and the girl as he said, "Well, this is interesting. An unknown prince and a lost princess. What a nice combo." He charged towards them, but a dagger flew towards him, which he deflected. However, he soon found himself facing not just Xaidon, but also the girl's swift and deadly movements.
As the battle raged on, Xaidon focused on the man's footwork, searching for an opening to strike. The man's movements were fluid, but Xaidon's determination and the girl's unexpected intervention began to take its toll. A dagger lodged itself in the man's spine, and with a low growl, he swiped his spear, forcing Xaidon and the girl to separate.
The girl launched a kick, but the man waved his spear, sending her flying. Xaidon seized the opportunity, striking the man's left leg. The fight continued, with Xaidon pressing his advantage. Despite his injuries, the man refused to yield, and Xaidon made a crucial mistake, allowing the man to counterattack and stab him in the left shoulder.
Even as pain wracked his body a smile made its way to Xaidon's face.
The man's eyes widened in confusion before everything went black, a dagger lodged in his skull. Xaidon's plan had come to fruition – he had given the girl the dagger during the chaos, and she had delivered the killing blow. The man's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.
Xaidon pulled the spear from his shoulder, wincing in pain, but refusing to fall. He locked eyes with the girl for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Their respite was short-lived, as the sound of rustling leaves signaled the arrival of the brown-haired boy, a bag slung over his back.
The three stood in silence, their chests heaving with exertion. Without a word, they took off, fleeing in a calculated direction. Hours of running stretched their exhausted bodies to the limit, but they pressed on, driven by desperation. Finally, they spotted a cave, its entrance a haven from the unknown dangers behind them.
The cave seemed far enough from their pursuers, and for now, it was safe. Xaidon led the way, the girl close behind, and the boy bringing up the rear. They stumbled into the cave, grateful for the temporary sanctuary it provided.
As Xaidon entered the cave, a sense of warmth and safety enveloped him, but it was short-lived. The adrenaline that had driven him to keep going began to wear off, and the pain from his injuries surged back. He stumbled forward, and then everything went dark as he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.