Games Reapers Play

Chapter 6

DARKNESS MET HIS vision as he stepped into the cave. Sebastian paused and listened for some sign of another human in his cave. Silence. He made his way toward his bed. Where is she? Why couldn't he at least hear her breathing? He furrowed his brow as he progressed further.

Reaching the bundle of fur, he stretched his hand down and stroked the soft fur. Fear tugged at his heart. No Annalysia. He jerked his head upward and scanned the cave. His eyes, now acclimated to the darkness, noticed a tunnel opened on the west wall. Sebastian took a step forward, then paused. When did the tunnel get here? Sebastian's eyes widened. What if the government had been watching him all this time. Could they have sent her to him to trick her and bring about his demise? What if? No it couldn't be. What if Annalysia was his sister brought back to him? The government had said that if he stepped out of line, they would throw his sister in on trumped up charges. Sebastian shook his head. The last time he saw her she was four years old. There would be no way to know what woman she had become.

Sebastian crept towards the tunnel with his scythe raised. A scream pierced his ears from within. Whoever or whatever was down there had taken her. He raced down the tunnel, his heart thumped hard against his ribs. He had to get back down to her. The government had given her to him and what they gave they found a way to remove as well. Clearly they were trying to trap him. Sebastian chuckled inwards. His powers, or rather his ability to control his powers had grown since the last time.

He approached the tunnel to his right. He wondered what could be happening to Annalysia down below. Was she with a murderer? Did a monster pull her from her bed to make food out of her? Another scream shot up his spine. Without a second thought, he shifted direction and raced down the left tunnel. Sweat beaded his forehead. He entered a small circular room.

Spiderwebs covered the room. He watched as Annalysia laid on the floor, cowering before a giant beast that was reared on its hind legs.

Sebastian looked around. Panic threatened to overpower him. Spiders, why did it always have to be spiders? From the many testings they had done to him to turn him into the persona of death, exposing him to spiders was the worst test of them all. The reaper watched as the spider slammed its front legs into the ground. Annalysia squealed and held her hands above her face, trying to protect herself. The reaper glanced around the room. There had to be a way to stop the spider. His eyes widened as the spider gripped Annalysia.

Any minute now, it would encase her in a cocoon and devour her. He spotted loose rocks on the ceiling. If he could hit those, perhaps he could make it rain down the spider. Sebastian closed his eyes and focused his energy on his blade. Pulling his scythe out, he swung the blade around and raised it over his head. He spun the rod, shooting invisible blades, made of pure energy, towards the cave ceiling.

Annalysia squirmed from under the web. The flooring quaked as small pebbles rained down atop the spider's head. Sebastian rushed forward, wrapped his hands around Annalysia, and pulled out of the way. The spider let out a terrifying screech, followed by the mighty pounding rocks.

Sebastian placed a hand on her back and held her close to his heart. A smile pulled at his lips as he felt the rhythm of her breathing. If anything had harmed her, he could not have forgiven himself. The dust around them grew so thick that he closed his eyes. Annalysia lay still in his arms, not moving a muscle. The pounding continued for what seemed like hours before finally fading into silence.

Several minutes passed before Annalysia stirred in his arms. "Thank you for saving me," she mumbled. Sebastian watched as Annalysia pulled away. He watched as she rose to a sitting position. How long had he been holding her? Their eyes met before he rose and stood on his feet.

"You're welcome," he said as he took in the sight. All that was left of the beast was a leg sticking out from beneath the sediment. Sebastian shook his head.

Annalysia's body trembled. He pulled her to her feet and glanced back at the way he had come. "I'm tired of fighting for my life all the time. I have been in this arena since I was six for theft." He turned and faced her. His emerald eyes traced over her frame. It was time the hunt ended. "I want you to meet someone. Only then will we truly be freed." Annalysia nodded. He turned to leave but felt a small, warm hand placed in his. Without another word, he led her out of the cave.