Chapter 30: Beasts in the Sanctuary

It’s the ninth night when we finally see Borikan in the distance. My party and I are all out on the deck under the clear starry sky. A full moon shines brightly overhead, illuminating the heavily forested mountains ahead. The island looks like a lost garden plucked from some other land and dropped among the waves. It’s hard to believe such a tranquil place is being occupied by such a despicable evil. We all pile aboard our smaller rowboat for a stealthy approach to the shore, Lord Guille included. Camilla and I take over rowing as he guides us to the southwest edge of the island. He tells us there is a safe haven there, a place for the islanders to evacuate to in case of an emergency. Read’s head is on a swivel, on the lookout for any signs of demon activity along the shoreline.

“I don’t like this. It’s too bright out here. We’ll be easy to spot.” He whispers.

“Conversely, so will our foes. They’re unlikely to get the drop on us.” Rina replies.

We move quickly, reaching the coast in a matter of minutes. As we get closer, Guille points out an almost invisible cove. We would’ve passed by it unknowingly if he hadn’t shown us. We pull into the shadows and continue on, the cave going much deeper. After a while rowing in the darkness, a tiny pin pricklight appears ahead. We continue toward it until we reach a landing dock with a single small torch lit at the end of it. We disembark silently, led by Guille up a footpath deeper into the cave. He touches the rough stone wall with his hand, feeling for something. There’s a sudden click.

“It’s here.” He whispers as he presses open a hidden door in the wall. We file into the passage which opens up into a very large cavern. In it, huddled together, staring up at us scared, but very much alive, are roughly a couple hundred citizens of Borikan. They’re grouped in clusters, some lay on cots while others have blankets spread out on the floor. They all look fatigued, malnourished. Supplies must be running low.

Guille rushes down to them. Seeing a woman he recognizes, he scoops her up into a big hug. There’s tears, kisses, as they hold each other tight. We all join them in the cavern.

“I feared the worst.” Guille says, staring into his partner’s eyes. She’s radiant. A full face, light brown eyes, long curly black hair and a rich terra-cotta complexion.

“You were afraid? I thought those Dusud bastards had locked you up in jail or something!” She exclaims.

Read coughs lightly at the insinuation. “ I promise your partner has been in good hands with us.”

“Ah, where are my manners? Mi Amor, these are my companions. They’re here to help us. Everyone, this is my wife, Cecilia.”

We all introduce ourselves to Guille’s wife and she greets us warmly.

“Thank you so much for returning my husband to me. He has notoriously bad luck and it’s easy for him to get into trouble.”

This makes me chuckle a bit as I remember how we first met the man but a sharp look from him lets me know we won’t be sharing that detail with the missus. Several men in silver filigree armor approach us and salute. They’re all very haggard with dark circles under their eyes.

One of them, a towering man with a halberd, steps forward and bows. “Lord Guille! I’m Captain Oso. Leader of the remaining members of the royal guard. I’d like to update you on the situation here and what occurred.”

Guille nods for him to continue.

“ After the demons appeared, we fought as best we could but there were too many of them. We were forced to retreat and led the survivors from the city to this cave. We’ve been sheltering here for two weeks now. I’m ashamed to report that the council have all been slain. Even the prince…”

Guille salutes back. “Dont worry, I saw the prince. He is alive and recovering while on his way to Dusud.” A wave of murmurs ripples through the cave. I see some of the citizens smile excitedly at the news.

“Tell me how this invasion began. How were we infiltrated?”

The guards’ faces all drop. It’s clear to see they still hold on to the horrors they witnessed.

The head guard explains the events to us. “It was a cult. Followers of the destroyer, my lord. They posed as members of the church of Thonil and opened some sort of portal at the temple so the demons could pour directly into the city. We were completely overrun before we knew what had happened. In the past week, we’ve sent scouts. According to their report, there are no more living humans in the city of Utua. Lesser demons prowl the streets and are beginning to pour into the countryside. It’s only a matter of time before-”

Before the guard can finish, our attention collectively snaps to the hidden doorway as a low growl echoes through it. Everyone tenses. Kizzik and Read draw their blades while Rina summons a mote of flame, aiming at the door. I summon my armor and prepare for battle.

The people behind us shriek in fear as a massive menacing black wolf, twice the size of any normal wolf, stalks through the passage we entered from. Its eyes are glowing red orbs, its maw dripping with saliva as it bares its fangs at us. The creature’s inky fur swallows the light in an unnatural way.

“They must’ve tracked our scent here. Demon wolves!” Guille spits.

three more of the giant monsters slowly enter the room, followed by what could only be described as a werewolf. Its somewhat humanoid form stands at least three and half meters tall covered in grey and white fur, thick arms, vicious looking claws, wild yellow eyes and an elongated snout. It lets out a low menacing growl that shakes the walls of the cavern. He must be the leader of the pack because the other wolves bow their heads when he enters.

The party, the royal guards, and I put ourselves in front of the helpless citizens, ready for a fight. The werewolf howls deeply, commanding the demon wolves to attack. They all lunge forward at us in unison, jaws snapping, claws outstretched to rip us to pieces. I think this is a good opportunity to put my new moves to the test!

I dash forward in a blur before anyone else does. My speed is boosted by extra jet thrusters, courtesy of fabricate!

I front flip into a ruinous axe kick, crushing the first wolf’s head with my jet powered blow.

LIGHTNING STRIKE!

The next demon leaps at me but I’m already gone, slamming into his buddy like a freight train. The creature is sent flying backward so hard, its body cracks the stone wall as it impacts.

The remaining two black wolves swipe at my head and legs at the same time with their huge paws. I spin horizontally between the razor sharp claws, dodging both before delivering a split kick to their skulls.

My party looks astonished as I destroy the wolves in a matter of seconds. The time I spent training was all about increasing speed and damage output. By using fabricate, I was able to place more thrusters in certain locations on the armor. My elbows, the back of my legs, my shoulders. With these, I use a bit more of my reserve power but the results more than make up for it. Ive developed a whole new fighting style that makes full use of the suit’s capabilities.

I call it Jet Fu.

The werewolf, who was hanging back, waves his hand and a crescent shaped axe appears in it. He snarls at me, flashing bloody fangs. He takes one step toward me only to be shocked as I vanish from his view. I reappear directly in front of him.

“Grrrr?!” He exclaims.

I place my gauntleted fist right in front of his stomach at point blank range.

With a powerful burst of energy, I slam my fist into his midsection, sending a shockwave out that blasts through the cavern.

JET INCH PUNCH

The werewolf’s body convulses as he coughs up thick blood. He stands frozen there for a moment before falling backward with a loud thud. Dead.

I turn back to the party, wiping the dust from my hands.

“Dont worry, I got ‘em!” I say with a smirk.