The Pact

Chapter 25: Attack on The Mind

Equus POV:

I twirled around the straw and cloth dummy, slashing at its upper right shoulder before changing course and cutting down its right hip. Straw showered down as I hacked through its seams, humming an upbeat tune. Then I kicked the dummy in its stomach and, while imagining a disorientated foe, slashed at its head. Its head fell from its straw body, bouncing and spraying straw as it landed on the arena floor. I sighed, unsatisfied with the immobile opponent. I wanted some kind of blood, something to fuel the bloodlust or get my blood pumping. All this did was vent any energy I had; the straw sprays weren't very satisfying.

I groaned as I had to stop my routine of slashes to set up a new dummy. After picking up and placing the dummy where I could hack it, I got in my defense stance. Going from zero to a hundred, I sprang forward and worked on slashing at the dummy but pulling away at the last second, not harming it at all.

I whipped my sword around in a tornado of slashes, making sure none of them hit the dummy. I felt my arms scream with the exertion of doing an action just to pull away. But I knew, if I wasn't going to get any real practice, I might as well work my muscles out, though the injuries littering them weren't too keen on this workout. I ignored the screams and jolts of pain coming from my forearms as I continued my onslaught of blows.

I heard a shout from the camp and stopped my sword, letting it rest at my side as I closed my eyes. My senses worked in overdrive as I listened for what was happening. I heard many, no, all the campers' footsteps run towards the sound. I focused and tried to remember what was in that direction. Then I got it; they were going to the Big House.

I huffed, wanting to go to see what was the problem. But knowing I couldn't leave the arena, not in Winter state. I didn't want to lose control or have an episode, and if I did in the arena, then all they had to do was leave me alone as I killed all the dummies and destroyed the place. I knew that whatever it was, the campers could deal with it. I didn't need to go. Besides, who would keep these guys company if I left? Yea, I should probably stay here. I urged my mind to focus on the training I set up for myself and readied my sword, preparing to continue.

But then I heard shrieks and clanging of weapons, and my heart rate increased at the idea of a real battle. My blood pumped faster, and my mind got a giddy sense to it as a psychotic smile spread across my face. My bloodlust and curiosity got the better of me as I lowered my sword from the dummy, turning away. Maybe the campers needed my help, yea, I'll just check in on them, make sure they don't need any help, and then I'll head back here.

I grinned as I placed my sword in its sheath. Then, I hummed to myself as I skipped towards the Big House. I walked by the strawberry fields and the cabins, smiling as I saw campers running towards the issue. Everyone was so excited. I couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness swim through me at the idea of a fight. I looked ahead, where the Big House was, and scowled, no longer enjoying this idea.

The campers formed a circle, quite a big one; they were pressed into a large mob; there were too many of them. Too many people. If their numbers just dwindled a bit, I would feel more at ease. I sighed; I would have to get to the center of the circle to see the fight and maybe join in. I licked my lips at the thought of a real battle, the blood and pain, but then scolded myself. No, no, no, no, no killing, no killing the campers, only the intruder, if there even was one.

I breathed in deeply, and my usual psychotic smile reappeared. Once campers noticed me, they moved away; I could only guess it was from my crazy expression. I didn't mind; I mean, it was the most straightforward way to get to the intruder. I finally made it through the mob of campers, inwardly growling and hoping for their blood, and saw the battle taking place. My heart whooped in joy at the idea of real weapons, with real stakes, and a real enemy. Today is going to be great.