Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Wounds of the Heart ( Chapter 19 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
Alex casts a spell to protect those he care's about, but what are the consequences of cheating death?
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
Alex casts a spell to protect those he care's about, but what are the consequences of cheating death?
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
Holly ran outside before anyone else. Her anger got the better of her as she scanned the grounds for the wraiths. She had seen what had happened to Shadow, and even though the wraiths are the one's that struck the blow she blamed herself for what happened. If I hadn't said what I had he would of never gone outside. He would've never been attacked! Holly cursed beneath her breath as she realized how foolish she was being. I don't need to let my emotions control me. That will only make my fate the same as Shadow's. The other's are taking care of him, he'll be fine. He's a trained warrior, me and him both have been wounded before, nothing has changed.
Even as Holly thought this she could hear the sounds of battle coming from the other side of the castle. In a mere seconds Holly was upon the battle instantly taking in all that was happening. Kiba, who had returned to fight the wraiths after making sure Shadow was going to be okay and alerting everyone else, was fighting five wraiths at once. Kiba launched himself at the wraiths. Spinning his body so that he raked his claws across one of the wraiths face, while backhanding another, and nearly decapitating a third wraith with a powerful kick. He landed in the middle of the five wraiths and without missing a beat dug his claws into the stomach of one of the wraiths and flipped him into the air. Kiba then used his motion to send both his fists colliding into another wraith's chest, causing the wraith to fly backwards. Kiba then tried to twist around and strike at one of the wraiths who had recovered and was upon him, but before he could he was stabbed in the chest by another wraith. Kiba looked down at the hand that was ripped through his chest, even as he coughed up blood he smirked.
"Holly, this one's for you lass!" Kiba called as he reached behind him and dug both hands into the wraith's neck and with a powerful pull, threw the wraith over his head and straight towards Holly. Holly didn't hesitate, she acted on instinct and used the skills and techniques she had acquired fighting side by side Kiba and Shadow for so long. She jumped up into the air, crossed her arms and slashed at the wraith, slicing it into four pieces. She landed with her back to Kiba as she calculated their chances in her head. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the wraith she had just struck already making its way back to them.
"You do realize we don't stand a chance against these monsters right?" Holly asked as she dodged an attack and sliced off a wraith's arm, at the same time kicking it in the chest, grabbing another wraith's arm and nailing it in the chest with her fist. Before either one of the wraith's fell two more were taking their places. One of them grazed Holly's side with it's arm drawing blood. The other cut deep into Holly's right arm.
"That's just a minor technicality lass." Kiba remarked as he decapitated two wraiths with a flick of his hand. He dug his claws deep into another wraith's chest and threw it at the two wraith's he had just decapitated, delaying their return to the fight. Even then he could tell that more wraith's were coming and with each new wraith that came, their death became more assured.
Even despite the hopeless situation Holly couldn't help but laugh a little at Kiba's remark. "God do I love you Kiba."
"You might want to save those words for someone a little younger lass. I know one person who'd especially like to hear them." Kiba replied, his voice becoming more solemn. "You'd better live so that you can tell him yourself."
Holly nodded at Kiba with a determined expression on her face, which was now covered in sweat and blood. "I intend to." It was at this moment that the other wolf demon's entered the fight. Alex's entire army had gathered and was now in the front field of Alex's castle engaging the wraiths. Even though the wraiths were few they were more than a match for Alex's army. One by one demon's began to fall as their blood flooded the ground. The wraith's had the advantage to begin with, but with their ever increasing numbers and the demon's slowly dwindling warriors, the battle was all but decided.
"Dammit, if they were flesh and blood we'd be through by now. I know I should've killed over half of the bastards by now." Holly panted. Her movements, along with everyone else's were becoming slower due to fatigue. A wraith came up behind her along with three other's as Holly struck down the wraith in front of her. Right as the wraiths were about to strike Holly, Kiba called out to her.
"Watch out lass!" Kiba yelled as he tried to break free from the wraiths he was fighting to go help her. He knew there was no way he could get to her in time, and no way that Holly would be able to dodge all their attacks in her current position. He watched in horror as the wraiths hand came within inches of Holly's neck. Before it could finish its strike Rylus, along with Shadow jumped into the fight. Rylus took out the two wraiths, while Shadow landed a powerful kick on the wraith that was about to strike Holly. Even as Shadow landed his blood splattered the ground. His wounds hadn't even began to heal yet, and his blood was soaking through his bandages.
"Holly, watch your back." Shadow warned in a weak voice. Still he smiled faintly as he tried to fight off the wraiths around him. Rylus came to his aid and helped him out as Holly tried to make her way to them.
"Shadow what the hell are you doing? Get back inside! Your in no damn condition to be fighting!" Holly yelled. Her voice full of anger and worry. Despite all her efforts to keep from dredging her emotions up during battle, at the sight of Shadow she couldn't contain them anymore.
"Listen, I'm going to die anyway if they get inside the castle. I might as well die fighting beside my friends." Shadow replied in a serious tone. Kiba now joined them as the four of them fought back to back. Finally Shadow said what was on his mind even as he fought. "I know this is one hell of a place to bring it up, but why in the world would you care what happens to me?"
"Because you idiot I'm your friend!" Holly snapped. She was then cut by another wraith, which was then sent flying by a swift kick to the head.
"Lass, now is not the time to be keeping damn secrets. We're about to die, we all know it. For God's sake be honest with the lad for once today." Kiba said without bothering to look at either one of them. "Life and time are both precious. Don't waste them alone if you can be with the one you love." Both Holly and Shadow stammered at Kiba's words. After many moments of silence allowing nothing but the sounds of fighting and the screams of friends falling to hit their ears Holly spoke.
"Shadow...Kiba's right. If I die, I want you to know that...." Holly started.
"That you do love me. I know, I'm not ignorant Holly, I knew. I was just waiting for you to realize it." Shadow said with a loving smile. "I just wish you could've told me under better circumstances. Seeing as how we're about to die and all." Before Holly could reply Rylus broke in.
"Wait...the Lord, he's coming out!" Rylus yelled. Just as everyone turned to look Alex could be seen descending the stairs to the front field. His face was full of determination and anger as he hurried towards him. Alex sidestepped a decapitated head that flew past him, causing blood to spatter on him. It was obvious to everyone how pale Alex was and that he really should not have any part in this battle. He was their Lord, they were to protect him. He could've used this time to escape, instead he chose to fight. Still, they could tell by the expression on his face that he had something planned. Alex scanned the field looking for Kiba. When finally their eyes met Alex nodded and clasped his hands together as if he was going to cast another spell. Kiba understood what Alex wanted and quickly shouted out orders to his demons.
"Listen everyone, make sure none of these damn wraiths get to the Lord. If you want to live, protect the Lord, he's got a plan." Kiba shouted. Even through the chaos of the battle it was obvious that his order was being carried out as any wraith that tried to make a break towards Alex was instantly sent flying back towards the frenzy by one of the wolf demons. Alex stood in the middle of the field as he began his spell.
"Kages umareru kara kurayami yoru, rakka mae ni tengok's hikari." Alex chanted. Even as he said these words the winds seemed to swirl around him. He then threw his arms to his sides as his hands began to glow brightly. The wraiths were now frantically trying to get at Alex trying to stop his spell. A few managed to break through the ranks and shot towards Alex. Before the wraiths could attack Alex, Rylus jumped in front of him and knocked the lead one back with a swift kick to the jaw.
"Stay the hell away from our Lord. We don't need him dying until he miss Brittany gets to see him again." Rylus yelled as he clothes lined another wraith. Kiba, Shadow, and Holly broke free of the wraiths and helped surround their Lord.
"Not to hurry you or anything my Lord, but anytime now would be good." Kiba said in gasps as the wraiths started closing in. Just as Kiba said this Alex looked up with a smirk.
"Get the hell out of my land." Alex said as his eyes lit up. Suddenly Alex's entire body began to glow as it emitted a powerful flash of light. The light temporarily blinded everyone, but when they could see again all the wraiths were gone. Everyone cheered loudly as they all turned to look at Alex with praise. Alex stood motionless, standing with his arms raised at his sides with his eyes closed.
"My Lord you did it!" Rylus exclaimed happily.
"Way go lad." Kiba added. Even Shadow and Holly were smiling happily as they leaned on each other for support. It was then that Alex opened up his eyes.
"I found her." Alex whispered. It was then that he coughed up blood as his whole body began to spurt blood. His entire body was covered in cuts and nearly torn to shreds as he collapsed to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
"Holy shit!" Holly exclaimed. She ran to his side as she called several demons who were not seriously hurt to come take him to his room. "Everyone else who can move and is not seriously hurt help the wounded inside. Those that are seriously injured will be attended to after the Lord." Even though Holly's voice was firm Kiba and Shadow could tell she was shaken by all that had happened. Nearly everyone was wounded, not badly, but enough to make things go slower than normal. Shadow's wounds hadn't begun to heal due to all the fighting, in fact, he was wounded a few more times during the battle. Holly was also hurt, as was Kiba, but neither one of them was seriously hurt. Rylus had a few cuts but nothing serious so he was one of the demons that helped carry Alex to his room. Holly looked at Kiba with worry and wonder about what had just happened.
"I'm not sure lass. Wether it was a miracle or a curse, we're soon to find out." Kiba said as he along with Shadow and Holly followed everyone else towards the castle. It was Shadow who first brought up Alex's words.
"Before he fell, the Lord said that he found her. Could he have possibly found Brittany?" Shadow asked. Everyone shook their head with wonder as they thought about Shadow's suggestion. Holly broke the silence as she grabbed an armful of bandages and herbs.
"If he did find her then we'd better hurry and get him better. Knowing him, he'll head out to find her just as soon as he can walk. Regardless of wether or not his wounds have healed." Holly said dryly. Kiba and Shadow chuckled softly at this, even though for both of them it hurt to laugh.
"Regardless, that boy just saved our lives. I have a feeling it was that spell that did this to him. Even though its just a hunch mind you." Kiba mused as they entered the Lord's bedroom. Rylus and the other demon had already left by the time the trio had arrived. Alex was laying on his bed, which was now covered in his blood, unconscious. His entire body looked as if he had been slashed to ribbons from the inside out. Holly and Shadow went to work getting off Alex's bloody clothes and trying to stop his bleeding. All the while Kiba paced back and forth nervously as they attended to him. Finally Kiba couldn't take it any longer and excused himself to go check on everyone else. What seemed like hours later as darkness began to fall upon the land Holly and Shadow finally finished bandaging Alex's wounds as they sat down exhausted from their work. Both were tired and sore, but this was the first time they were able to be alone and neither one was going to lose this chance.
"Shadow...I...earlier I mean." Holly stammered as she tried to find the right words to say. Before she could say anymore Shadow smiled at her.
"Holly don't." Shadow said softly. "You told me once. That's all I wanted to hear." Shadow then leaned towards her and kissed her passionately. Holly willingly let him as she closed her eyes, knowing that he was placing his mark upon her. As soon as Holly opened her eyes however she noticed Shadow wince in pain. It was then that the realization hit her.
"Shadow your wounds! We never checked them. Why didn't you say something?" Holly asked as she quickly got up and grabbed some bandages and walked back towards him.
"It's no big deal. They're fine. I'm fine." Shadow insisted, even though both of them knew he was lying through his teeth.
"You can say that after I bandage them." Holly replied as she took of Shadow's shirt and began to wrap his wounds. Kiba came in at this time and wearily sat down across from them. He looked at Alex and back at them, his eyes full of questions that he was afraid to ask.
"He's fine, or at least he will be. His body's been through the grinder and back though. I've been doing some thinking and I was wondering why you thought him casting that spell is what did this?" Shadow asked. Holly's ears perked up as she heard this as a thought came to her mind.
"Well just things that seem to add up. I didn't quite notice it until now, but every time the Lord casts a spell he usually coughs up blood. I didn't notice it before because he's usually covered in blood our wounded before hand so it might not be from the spells at all. Still, its just weird, but it makes sense." Kiba said shaking his head. He then looked up at Holly and his eyes lit up with joy. "Well now, at least one good thing has happened today. It does my old heart good to see you youngsters together."
Shadow and Holly both blushed at the compliment, but the effect didn't last long as Holly said what was on her mind. "I'm not sure exactly, but I think you might be right Kiba. Except, I think it might be getting worse. If I'm right in guessing, I think using spells is slowly killing the Lord."
Even as Holly thought this she could hear the sounds of battle coming from the other side of the castle. In a mere seconds Holly was upon the battle instantly taking in all that was happening. Kiba, who had returned to fight the wraiths after making sure Shadow was going to be okay and alerting everyone else, was fighting five wraiths at once. Kiba launched himself at the wraiths. Spinning his body so that he raked his claws across one of the wraiths face, while backhanding another, and nearly decapitating a third wraith with a powerful kick. He landed in the middle of the five wraiths and without missing a beat dug his claws into the stomach of one of the wraiths and flipped him into the air. Kiba then used his motion to send both his fists colliding into another wraith's chest, causing the wraith to fly backwards. Kiba then tried to twist around and strike at one of the wraiths who had recovered and was upon him, but before he could he was stabbed in the chest by another wraith. Kiba looked down at the hand that was ripped through his chest, even as he coughed up blood he smirked.
"Holly, this one's for you lass!" Kiba called as he reached behind him and dug both hands into the wraith's neck and with a powerful pull, threw the wraith over his head and straight towards Holly. Holly didn't hesitate, she acted on instinct and used the skills and techniques she had acquired fighting side by side Kiba and Shadow for so long. She jumped up into the air, crossed her arms and slashed at the wraith, slicing it into four pieces. She landed with her back to Kiba as she calculated their chances in her head. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the wraith she had just struck already making its way back to them.
"You do realize we don't stand a chance against these monsters right?" Holly asked as she dodged an attack and sliced off a wraith's arm, at the same time kicking it in the chest, grabbing another wraith's arm and nailing it in the chest with her fist. Before either one of the wraith's fell two more were taking their places. One of them grazed Holly's side with it's arm drawing blood. The other cut deep into Holly's right arm.
"That's just a minor technicality lass." Kiba remarked as he decapitated two wraiths with a flick of his hand. He dug his claws deep into another wraith's chest and threw it at the two wraith's he had just decapitated, delaying their return to the fight. Even then he could tell that more wraith's were coming and with each new wraith that came, their death became more assured.
Even despite the hopeless situation Holly couldn't help but laugh a little at Kiba's remark. "God do I love you Kiba."
"You might want to save those words for someone a little younger lass. I know one person who'd especially like to hear them." Kiba replied, his voice becoming more solemn. "You'd better live so that you can tell him yourself."
Holly nodded at Kiba with a determined expression on her face, which was now covered in sweat and blood. "I intend to." It was at this moment that the other wolf demon's entered the fight. Alex's entire army had gathered and was now in the front field of Alex's castle engaging the wraiths. Even though the wraiths were few they were more than a match for Alex's army. One by one demon's began to fall as their blood flooded the ground. The wraith's had the advantage to begin with, but with their ever increasing numbers and the demon's slowly dwindling warriors, the battle was all but decided.
"Dammit, if they were flesh and blood we'd be through by now. I know I should've killed over half of the bastards by now." Holly panted. Her movements, along with everyone else's were becoming slower due to fatigue. A wraith came up behind her along with three other's as Holly struck down the wraith in front of her. Right as the wraiths were about to strike Holly, Kiba called out to her.
"Watch out lass!" Kiba yelled as he tried to break free from the wraiths he was fighting to go help her. He knew there was no way he could get to her in time, and no way that Holly would be able to dodge all their attacks in her current position. He watched in horror as the wraiths hand came within inches of Holly's neck. Before it could finish its strike Rylus, along with Shadow jumped into the fight. Rylus took out the two wraiths, while Shadow landed a powerful kick on the wraith that was about to strike Holly. Even as Shadow landed his blood splattered the ground. His wounds hadn't even began to heal yet, and his blood was soaking through his bandages.
"Holly, watch your back." Shadow warned in a weak voice. Still he smiled faintly as he tried to fight off the wraiths around him. Rylus came to his aid and helped him out as Holly tried to make her way to them.
"Shadow what the hell are you doing? Get back inside! Your in no damn condition to be fighting!" Holly yelled. Her voice full of anger and worry. Despite all her efforts to keep from dredging her emotions up during battle, at the sight of Shadow she couldn't contain them anymore.
"Listen, I'm going to die anyway if they get inside the castle. I might as well die fighting beside my friends." Shadow replied in a serious tone. Kiba now joined them as the four of them fought back to back. Finally Shadow said what was on his mind even as he fought. "I know this is one hell of a place to bring it up, but why in the world would you care what happens to me?"
"Because you idiot I'm your friend!" Holly snapped. She was then cut by another wraith, which was then sent flying by a swift kick to the head.
"Lass, now is not the time to be keeping damn secrets. We're about to die, we all know it. For God's sake be honest with the lad for once today." Kiba said without bothering to look at either one of them. "Life and time are both precious. Don't waste them alone if you can be with the one you love." Both Holly and Shadow stammered at Kiba's words. After many moments of silence allowing nothing but the sounds of fighting and the screams of friends falling to hit their ears Holly spoke.
"Shadow...Kiba's right. If I die, I want you to know that...." Holly started.
"That you do love me. I know, I'm not ignorant Holly, I knew. I was just waiting for you to realize it." Shadow said with a loving smile. "I just wish you could've told me under better circumstances. Seeing as how we're about to die and all." Before Holly could reply Rylus broke in.
"Wait...the Lord, he's coming out!" Rylus yelled. Just as everyone turned to look Alex could be seen descending the stairs to the front field. His face was full of determination and anger as he hurried towards him. Alex sidestepped a decapitated head that flew past him, causing blood to spatter on him. It was obvious to everyone how pale Alex was and that he really should not have any part in this battle. He was their Lord, they were to protect him. He could've used this time to escape, instead he chose to fight. Still, they could tell by the expression on his face that he had something planned. Alex scanned the field looking for Kiba. When finally their eyes met Alex nodded and clasped his hands together as if he was going to cast another spell. Kiba understood what Alex wanted and quickly shouted out orders to his demons.
"Listen everyone, make sure none of these damn wraiths get to the Lord. If you want to live, protect the Lord, he's got a plan." Kiba shouted. Even through the chaos of the battle it was obvious that his order was being carried out as any wraith that tried to make a break towards Alex was instantly sent flying back towards the frenzy by one of the wolf demons. Alex stood in the middle of the field as he began his spell.
"Kages umareru kara kurayami yoru, rakka mae ni tengok's hikari." Alex chanted. Even as he said these words the winds seemed to swirl around him. He then threw his arms to his sides as his hands began to glow brightly. The wraiths were now frantically trying to get at Alex trying to stop his spell. A few managed to break through the ranks and shot towards Alex. Before the wraiths could attack Alex, Rylus jumped in front of him and knocked the lead one back with a swift kick to the jaw.
"Stay the hell away from our Lord. We don't need him dying until he miss Brittany gets to see him again." Rylus yelled as he clothes lined another wraith. Kiba, Shadow, and Holly broke free of the wraiths and helped surround their Lord.
"Not to hurry you or anything my Lord, but anytime now would be good." Kiba said in gasps as the wraiths started closing in. Just as Kiba said this Alex looked up with a smirk.
"Get the hell out of my land." Alex said as his eyes lit up. Suddenly Alex's entire body began to glow as it emitted a powerful flash of light. The light temporarily blinded everyone, but when they could see again all the wraiths were gone. Everyone cheered loudly as they all turned to look at Alex with praise. Alex stood motionless, standing with his arms raised at his sides with his eyes closed.
"My Lord you did it!" Rylus exclaimed happily.
"Way go lad." Kiba added. Even Shadow and Holly were smiling happily as they leaned on each other for support. It was then that Alex opened up his eyes.
"I found her." Alex whispered. It was then that he coughed up blood as his whole body began to spurt blood. His entire body was covered in cuts and nearly torn to shreds as he collapsed to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
"Holy shit!" Holly exclaimed. She ran to his side as she called several demons who were not seriously hurt to come take him to his room. "Everyone else who can move and is not seriously hurt help the wounded inside. Those that are seriously injured will be attended to after the Lord." Even though Holly's voice was firm Kiba and Shadow could tell she was shaken by all that had happened. Nearly everyone was wounded, not badly, but enough to make things go slower than normal. Shadow's wounds hadn't begun to heal due to all the fighting, in fact, he was wounded a few more times during the battle. Holly was also hurt, as was Kiba, but neither one of them was seriously hurt. Rylus had a few cuts but nothing serious so he was one of the demons that helped carry Alex to his room. Holly looked at Kiba with worry and wonder about what had just happened.
"I'm not sure lass. Wether it was a miracle or a curse, we're soon to find out." Kiba said as he along with Shadow and Holly followed everyone else towards the castle. It was Shadow who first brought up Alex's words.
"Before he fell, the Lord said that he found her. Could he have possibly found Brittany?" Shadow asked. Everyone shook their head with wonder as they thought about Shadow's suggestion. Holly broke the silence as she grabbed an armful of bandages and herbs.
"If he did find her then we'd better hurry and get him better. Knowing him, he'll head out to find her just as soon as he can walk. Regardless of wether or not his wounds have healed." Holly said dryly. Kiba and Shadow chuckled softly at this, even though for both of them it hurt to laugh.
"Regardless, that boy just saved our lives. I have a feeling it was that spell that did this to him. Even though its just a hunch mind you." Kiba mused as they entered the Lord's bedroom. Rylus and the other demon had already left by the time the trio had arrived. Alex was laying on his bed, which was now covered in his blood, unconscious. His entire body looked as if he had been slashed to ribbons from the inside out. Holly and Shadow went to work getting off Alex's bloody clothes and trying to stop his bleeding. All the while Kiba paced back and forth nervously as they attended to him. Finally Kiba couldn't take it any longer and excused himself to go check on everyone else. What seemed like hours later as darkness began to fall upon the land Holly and Shadow finally finished bandaging Alex's wounds as they sat down exhausted from their work. Both were tired and sore, but this was the first time they were able to be alone and neither one was going to lose this chance.
"Shadow...I...earlier I mean." Holly stammered as she tried to find the right words to say. Before she could say anymore Shadow smiled at her.
"Holly don't." Shadow said softly. "You told me once. That's all I wanted to hear." Shadow then leaned towards her and kissed her passionately. Holly willingly let him as she closed her eyes, knowing that he was placing his mark upon her. As soon as Holly opened her eyes however she noticed Shadow wince in pain. It was then that the realization hit her.
"Shadow your wounds! We never checked them. Why didn't you say something?" Holly asked as she quickly got up and grabbed some bandages and walked back towards him.
"It's no big deal. They're fine. I'm fine." Shadow insisted, even though both of them knew he was lying through his teeth.
"You can say that after I bandage them." Holly replied as she took of Shadow's shirt and began to wrap his wounds. Kiba came in at this time and wearily sat down across from them. He looked at Alex and back at them, his eyes full of questions that he was afraid to ask.
"He's fine, or at least he will be. His body's been through the grinder and back though. I've been doing some thinking and I was wondering why you thought him casting that spell is what did this?" Shadow asked. Holly's ears perked up as she heard this as a thought came to her mind.
"Well just things that seem to add up. I didn't quite notice it until now, but every time the Lord casts a spell he usually coughs up blood. I didn't notice it before because he's usually covered in blood our wounded before hand so it might not be from the spells at all. Still, its just weird, but it makes sense." Kiba said shaking his head. He then looked up at Holly and his eyes lit up with joy. "Well now, at least one good thing has happened today. It does my old heart good to see you youngsters together."
Shadow and Holly both blushed at the compliment, but the effect didn't last long as Holly said what was on her mind. "I'm not sure exactly, but I think you might be right Kiba. Except, I think it might be getting worse. If I'm right in guessing, I think using spells is slowly killing the Lord."