Whumptober+ Short Stories - Volume 2

Prompt 13 - Adrenaline

It was over in an instant, that first kill. He watched the man fall to ground at his feet, now nothing more than a lifeless, bloody corpse in the snow. Beyond that, the rest of the enemy continued to advance, moving quickly across the frozen ground. He could hear their footsteps. Heck, he could feel them; the ground was shaking beneath him as they drew closer.

But that was all he could feel.

Why did this have to happen?

Altering his stance slightly in preparation, Arcadio yanked his sword free of the body and gripped the hilt in both hands.

Why did you come here?

Green eyes, tinged now with the crimson of rage, watched the oncoming foe as they drew near. Behind him, all that he had ever known and loved burned with an intensity that only rivaled the hatred he now felt.

They had killed his family.

So he would destroy them all.

~

" 'Cade?" Came his little sister's voice from beside him.

"Yes?"

"How strong are you?"

Arcadio shrugged. "Pretty strong for my age, I guess. Why?" Osprey raised her eyebrows. "Well, you carry your big sword everywhere. Doesn't it get heavy?"

"No, actually." Was the reply. "And, even if it was, I'd still carry it. Safety first, you know."

~

Safety. The word appeared in his mind and was immediately rejected.

It's too late for that now.

As the enemy drew close, Arcadio tightened his grip on his sword. Took a step forward. Then he started to run. A second later his blade was met with another's, steel clashing on steel as the foremost of the soldiers moved to attack. It was six against one, with the enemy having the greater numbers, but he was too far gone to realize this. Anger and adrenaline, mixed with the vengeful spirit of a broken warrior, fueled his every move as he lashed out at his foes with savage energy and a two-edged sword.

I will still protect you.

One by one, the enemy soldiers fell. Though their weapons wrought damage, Arcadio felt nothing.

He didn't care if they hurt him, or tried to kill him.

Deep inside, he didn't want to kill them.

He just wanted...

~

"Arcadio?"

~

I won't ever quit.

~

"Yeah, Mom?"

~

I'll always defend you...

~

"I just wanted to remind you..."

~

No matter what.

~

"...that I will always love you."

~

He just wanted his family back.