Something Immortal

29: The House of Rosenkrantz Part Four

[TW: This part contains content that some might find disturbing; reader's discretion is advised]

Som always thought that Friday the 13th was the most terrifying horror movie he had ever seen. He hated the antagonist of the film and had nightmares about him. There was a scene where Jason Voorhees broke through the doors, windows, and even walls as if they were papers, and he had some of the most brutal and disturbing kills. He knew that at some point in the story (BL or not), he would have to face the monsters of this world and those creatures that don't think nor communicate humanely, such as the group in front of them.

Their scaly and bumpy skin allowed them to roam the arctic tundra with ease, and as they emerged one by one from the waters, Som had a feeling that this was going to be an unexpected bout. But it was also clear that someone must've sent these creatures to ambush Som and the Dragon Prince. For there was no way these elusive cryptids could've shown up randomly at a sea that was calm a few hours ago.

Som turned nervously to the Dragon Prince standing beside him but was left astonished when Kali waved his hand and long, thin sword as black as night with an extremely thin sharp blade, straight and narrow pointed, only that the hilt was adorned by a pair of dragon wings with bones extending outward. Som had seen this once but was not able to look at it for long. Now that he was seeing it up close, he still couldn't believe that he was staring at the legendary rapier known only by its name—Nightfall.

Oh yes, Som thought. This was the same sword that would start the campaign of war and, based on the "straight" version, was the title of the chapter where the original Som would push the Dragon Prince Kali on the Serpent's Peak. The original Som also stole this sword from the protagonist and kept it hidden until the return of Kali, finally, as the God Naga.

The sword was emitting purplish and bluish smoke, shimmering against the darkness, but Som knew that it was more than that. Because the sword itself absorbed the soul of its victims, confining them within its blade.

"Can I count on you to create a shield?" Kali suddenly said, but he wasn't looking at Som, rather than the smiling creatures in front of them.

Som blinked. "Of course..."

"Do you know what they are?"

"A qalupalik?"

Surprised, Kali turned briefly before returning the gaze to the enemies now hissing, communicating with one another. "I didn't think a druid would know about these creatures."

This made Som scowl, and he quickly stood beside him to do a basic hand seal that released his rune magic. Rings of gold appeared on both of his wrists, and he felt an impulse of spiritual aura bursting from his head to his toe.

Kali smirked. "Don't we look good together?"

"Shut up."

"Just saying..."

They heard the creature howl, and Kali flexed his hand as though he was playing with his sword. More of them appeared out of the dim light—six...maybe, eight. Suddenly, the howling stops, and the sea goes deathly still. Both men watched through the dense fog, gray shapes gathering, moving within the fog, closing in, surrounding them.

Then, the one in front. The first one to appear in front of them came forward, even closer—her thin smile spread over her lips, then she snarled aloud—

THE REST OF THEM CHARGED!

✧༺♥༻∞

Bristling, monstrous shapes came hurtling out of the fog. Kali brought his sword up in a low whistling arc, striking the first one in mid-leap, cleaving it in half. Som pushed the other, summoning an invisible force that threw them out of balance and back to where they came from.