Burdened Fighter

Thing's were going from bad to utterly horrible. Constantly running with no time to stop and catch a break. My perusers were hot on my trail. It was as if they were already breathing down my neck - which case they are.

Turning my neck, I looked over my shoulder, my brows creasing at seeing them so close behind.

"Screw off!"

Flipping my head back around I continued to run and run, faster than I've ever had to go before. Agonizing hot pain shooting throughout my body. If I live through this, which I hope I do, my body will be utterly sore and numb. 

I didn't even get the chance to at least get some food in my stomach before this chase even began. Hardly any energy besides from yesterday's meals and whatever counts for sleep. I've had to cut my sleeping hour's down from the normal eight to four, mainly for safety reasons. If I slept for too long, there's a chance I could get snuck up on in my sleep by some sort of foul monster.

I'd preferably not have my throat ripped out in my sleep and drown in my own blood. That's just one thing that could happen to me in my sleep, who knows what other horrible death's I could face from being killed in my sleep.

Shaking my head I continued to run for my life. From time to time checking over my shoulder. Always seeing those abominations right at my heels.

Gritting my teeth I continued to run as hard as possible. Deciding that looking back was not helping, and only making my stressed-out state ten times worse than it already is. There's only so much I can take before I blow my top, and I was most certainly already at my limit. Living in the wild by myself for months on end can do that to one's mentality.

There're just too many things to the list that have already put me close to the edge. From the lack of food to the clear and obvious lack of safety - even the lack of contact with people had been getting to me.

*huff* *huff* "My legs are killing me!"

Growling in anger and irritation, as well as from the serious case of exhaustion, I kept running. It was all I could do - run and run. But things were staring to change in front of me. The trees were becoming less and less, slowly opening up. I had no clue what laid ahead of me - because I've never been this far in the direction I've been running. Scouting was just too risky with how many hostile monster's that were roaming the woods.

At least I now get to finally start doing some exploring, but pretty much without a choice.

Continuing to run I dodged around a tree, a monster slamming into it and barely missing me by a hair. That was how close they are - much to close for comfort. I've gotten lucky by staying alive and not getting caught for this long, but for how much longer?

So, with barely any options, I continued to weave around trees to use them as obstacles to buy me some time. Cutting around the trees at the last second for anything chasing behind me to slam directly into them, the thuds were pleasing to the ear...even though it barely did anything to help my current situation.

Yet every piece of effort I put into it seemed to be futile - all attempts of trying to make some headway failing at every turn. I couldn't put any distance between them, and my adrenaline was already starting to wear off. So, it was a battle of attrition to see who stops first. Either they lose interest - which I doubt would happen - or I somehow pull some miracle out of my ass and make this situation from going horribly wrong to wonderfully right.

So...let's just see who comes out on top!

~~~

Hurried figure's raced across the tops of the walls. Artillery batteries slowly pointing towards the direction of the incoming threat. People of many ages' lining the walls with a variety of weapons. From bows to crossbows to heavy machines guns, the list of weapons was endless.

Oddly enough, some figures were adorned in various types of armor and clothing. Armor that seemed odd and yet dangerous, even the uniforms for most of the wen and woman lining the walls seemed capable of taking quite the beating.

Yet another peculiar sight was that some people are holding melee weapons. From heavy battle axes to broad swords and so much more. Some would question why, but if you looked more closely, you could see that a good amount of the weapon's had particles or effect's dancing off of them.

What they were holding, are called Memories. Weapons of a dangerous caliber that many would dream of having. But Memories can so much more than just act as weapons. They can vary from weapons to tools to even cloths and armor, it was pretty much an endless list of what they can be and can do.

Some of these Memories gave off a dangerous aura, almost as if they were alive. But no, it was the bearers of those Memories that were giving off those suppressing auras. These people are called Awakened - granted with wonderous powers from the Spell. Every man and woman that's an Awakened is a beacon of hope for humanity, for they can do so much more than ordinary and average person can ever hope to do.

From being able to run at speeds that are nigh impossible - to being capable of lifting a tank with just a singular hand as if it were a piece of cake.

Every Awakened is an asset to humanity, for they are few and far between. Sadly, there are no Saint's within the fray of people lining the walls of this great city. However, there are a few Masters within the number of people visible running here and there, much stronger than Awakened.

And one of these Masters is here to help, for they are meant to serve humanity and do their duty to fight for humanities survival.

~~~

Marcus sighed at the sight. Mundane soldier's panicking as their superiors barked out orders. Everything was a mess for all he could see. It was supposed to be a peaceful day - but it's hardly ever peaceful, so what did he ever expect? A nice tea party and having some crumpets with his pals?

Clicking his tongue he looked to the side, taking a drag out of his cigarette as he narrowed his eyes at the forest. He could sense it, feeling the rumbling of movement through his shoes. Having been a Master for so many years has honed his senses greatly - which makes him quite proud of how far he's come.

But now? Being a Master is just a tedious chore. Constantly moving from place to place, immobilizing to fight all sorts of Nightmare Creatures. Alway's hard at work, fighting and fighting just to gain some ground - only to lose most of it in the end.

Looking to the side he gazed at his friend, Carter.

"So, what do you think's coming? Fallen, Cursed, Corrupted?"

The question hung in the air as he asked aloud, continuing to gaze at his longtime pal.

His friend, which was a bit taller than him, turned his head to him. No trace of fear or worry on his handsome face.

"To be honest? I don't care what I see coming my way. An enemy is an enemy, so I want to kill at least something."

Marcus just stayed silent for a moment, but nodded in end, turning away as he flicked the cigarette away, no longer needing it.

"I suppose you've got a point. Not like it's really going to matter in the end. Because a monster's a monster, and that's all there is to it."

Carter nodded along, pleased to see he was understood.

"But it doesn't mean I won't change my mind."

Chuckled Carter, running a hand along the blade of his trusty Memory. A mean looking broad sword that seemed to almost absorb any light near it. The blade appearing as if it's seen better days - yet still as deadly as the day it was first used.

Marcus looked to him again, chuckling as well. Amused at how his friend was so eager to kill something. He could feel the bloodlust just oozing off of him, made him feel excited, just eager to fight alongside him. Just like always, friend and friend fighting side by side.

He too, wouldn't mind a challenge that's worth his time. But he also has to consider the safety of everyone's well-being. Joking around is nice and all, but not when you see people getting torn limb from limb - that's when the joke's stop being funny. He's seen to many good people lose their lives'.

His smile faded at the thought, frowning as he looked back to the forest. A burning hatred burning within his steely eyes. Nothing would be spared; his blade would reap the souls of these damnable beasts.

Marcus then appeared confused, his look of displeasure morphing into one of utter confusion. He turned his head to Carter, patting his shoulder to get his attention.

"Carter, do you see that in the distance?"

The attempt worked at getting his bud's attention, which he turned to him. Curious as to what he means.

"See what? All I see is tree's, trees and more trees."

Such an answer wasn't what he was hoping for, so the shorter man grabbed his friend a bit more firmly and turned him around with a bit of force. Pointing a finger to the distance, a less dense part of the forest.

"Over there! I think-I think I see someone running!"

No more words needed to be said because that got Carter's attention, snapping his head to the direction and focusing in on where his friend is pointing.

Narrowing his eye's, he leaned forward, putting a hand above his brows to block out the sunlight. He could definitely see something, and it was a distinctive shape, one he was all too familiar with.

Immediately he stood up, gripping the hilt of his sword firmly.

"We don't have any patrols or expedition parties returning, right?"

Asked Carter, turning back to his friend, his question hurried.

Marcus shook his head, confirming Carter's worries to be confirmed.

Looking back at the forest the grizzled veteran just sighed, walking forward to the edge of the wall. Hopping onto the edge as the wind ruffled his hair. Turning his head around he gazed at his friend, his expression serious.

"I'll be back soon, so don't worry about having all the fun without me, go crazy."

Only a nod was his confirmation, his friend visibly tense. If someone was outside the boundaries of the wall's safety, then Marcus was very much so eager to help that person. But alas Carter already beat him to it, having been the one to take the first step forward.

With no time to waste the older man jumped off the wall, disappearing from Marcus's view.

Sighing, Marcus stepped to the edge of the wall. Peering down as he watched his longtime friend blitz towards the unknown person. It could be a Nightmare Creature, but his gut told him it wasn't. That's why he didn't tell his friend to be careful - but it's not like friend needed to be all that careful, because he is a Master after all.

A skilled person that far surpasses an Awakened, close to being a Saint. Someone that's bound to have a lot of experience in fighting. And he knew for a fact that his friend is no slouch, so why even worry?

Carter couldn't help but still worry, regardless of whether his friend could handle himself or not. The man's like a brother to him, losing such an important figure in his life would greatly hurt him, more than he's willing to admit.

Sighing he watched is friend's figure slowly disappear into the distance. Watching his retreating figure, almost disappointed for not going with him. Alas, he could only crack a smile at his friend's eagerness to help someone in need.

"Go kick some ass old man..."