The Human - Soothsayer *ON HOLD*

CHAPTER 9

He had been lung-shot.

The last thing he saw was the steel tip arrow protruding from beneath his ribcage; the downward trajectory of the arrow had taken it straight through his back and into his stomach like a hot knife stabbing through butter.

But before he could even feel the pain, or taste the metallic tang of copper on his lips, time rewound.

His senses resurfaced forcefully, and Ty was thrown back to the moment right before Brutus attacked. Except this time his mind was sharper, his attention less riveted on the demon. The lack of stagger fortified his focus, and the shot had roused him from his previously panic-ridden state. Now he was seeing the scene clearer than before.

'Brutus, shield!'

Ty'd only caught sight of Grimshaw glaring at something behind him when Brutus reared its head back growling. As if sensing his attention on it, the demon – for a moment – paused its gaze on him before it pawed the ground and charged.

He didn't think; didn't plan. He just threw himself against Tobias with everything he had. And it was lucky that he did because as they fell Ty felt the unmistakable hum of an arrow whizzing past his ear.

The world spun, but Ty launched his arms forward with all the strength he could muster and swiftly pushed back onto all fours. His eyes snapped to the balcony platform where the attack had come from, just in time to catch a glimpse of the figure that was their assailant, clad in dark red and silver. A sharp contrast to the shabby gear the summoners donned.

The assassin rose, another arrow already notched on their bow. Ty searched for cover, but it was for naught when the assassin shifted at the last second, sending the arrow in the redhead's direction instead. Unfortunately, Brutus had made it to its master's side with plenty of time to spare, catching the arrow mid-air with its teeth. It crunched down as if it was only a twig, then snarled at the assassin with a new level of hostility neither Ty nor Tobias had yet to witness.

The redhead summoner, throughout it all, remained unstirred by the commotion. His attention was zeroed in on Ty, who had unknowingly met his telling eyes and predatory grin with an equally anxious gaze.

Ty felt the colour leave his face; knowing his powers — his eyes — had actuated. Grimshaw knows.

Another arrow whipped by, nicking him by the cheek in its parody of flight. It was a wake-up call, and Ty took the moment to make a run for it, with Tobias quick to follow suit. Stay where they were and they were as good as dead.

He only managed a glance over his shoulder, but he didn't miss the summoner's fading grin; replaced with something akin to shellshock and realisation. Their retreating figures had meant one thing, and the fury that surfaced was quick to form a rictus on the boy's face. He shouted at the demon once more to stop their escape, but somehow by the grace of God, Brutus' attention was on the enemy up on the balcony. However, the assailant was neither a friend of Grimshaw's nor theirs.

Another arrow skittered by, so low along the ground it had caught Ty by the corner of his boot, almost tripping him as they dashed between stalls. 

'We need to get to cover!' Tobias shouted, ducking behind a cart as another zipped past.

'Because I was just lounging around with a target on my back!' Ty yelled back sarcastically. Luckily, they made it far enough down the road for the assailant to ceasefire in their direction, instead focusing on the demon and its summoner shouting below them. The distraction was short-lived but worthwhile as they fled.

Ty's calves burned, his breaths forming clouds in the morning air. He ignored the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, like something dreadful was soon to come, and focused on the pounding of his soles against the earth.