Death Before Defeat

Chapter 13

Ya know what, it's done and I'm impatient, early update this week.

Buckle up guys, this is gonna be a rollercoaster >:)

TW: Death

<*~*>

About 2 miles after they left the forest, Elias started to feel his concentration slip.

"Guys, I think I'll fall off within the next few minutes, we're far enough now, aren't we?" He gritted his teeth, trying not to fall through Xavier's back.

"Yeah, we're fine." Aza said and patted the horse's shoulder. "Thank you."

Xavier snorted and slowed down. As soon as they came to a halt Elias plummeted to the ground. He groaned and fell backwards onto the grass.

"Are you alright?" Xavier asked, having turnt back into his human form. He looked exhausted.

Elias pushed himself up on his elbows to look at the shapeshifter. "Me? I'm not the one who just had a face off with my old family who betrayed me." He winced. "Sorry, that was a little harsh."

"I'm fine." Xavier said, forcing a smile.

"No, you're not." Elias stated. Xavier pursed his lips, looking away from him. Elias decided not to push it and changed the subject. "How about we call it a day?"

"I second that." Aza cut in.

Xavier's shoulders sagged, relaxing for the first time in hours. He winced and stretched, joints popping. "I agree, I could do with some sleep. Let's hope there's something we can use as shelter nearby."

Elias dragged himself up, complaining loudly, and they started walking again.

Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, each thinking about the day they had and what was still to come. The sun was setting quickly, taking the pleasant warmth with it, judging by how Aza and Xavier crossed their arms and shivered.

The meadows gave way to rock formations, hills and some small lakes, making the landscape more interesting and diverse. A couple of birds flew by, disappearing into a crack of one of the rocks. They almost completely missed the seemingly abandoned farm that stood in the middle of the scene, hidden behind a larger boulder.

"Building!" Elias shouted, perking up. He sprinted towards it, carelessly opening the door. It almost fell off its hinges. Damn, he was fairly sure he was stronger now than he used to be when he was alive. "It's alright, it's empty!"

The others caught up with him, Aza rolling her eyes. "You know this could've been a trap, right?"

"He can't see us, we're cloaked, remember? Also, this is a shitty place to set a trap. I would've done it in the forest." Elias mused, then shrugged. "This is a good place, right?"

The farm had nothing but some hay and straw in it. Even all the furniture was gone. Elias didn't really care, there was a roof over their heads and that was enough.

They all settled on the ground, Aza and Xavier rolling out their sleeping bags. Then they stared at each other awkwardly.

"Do you guys mind staying up a bit to talk?" Elias asked, fumbling with a piece of hay. "I have this weird feeling and I really don't want to close my eyes yet."

Aza's eyes softened. "I don't mind. What do you want to talk about?"

"Oh, just stuff. Tell me a bit about yourself? We haven't had time to really get to know each other yet." Elias proposed. He turned to Xavier, who looked ready to fall over any minute. "It's fine if you don't want to, you look exhausted."