The Cursed Swordsman

Chapter 9: To Better Oneself

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"Hnngh...?"

"...e...?!"

A voice could be heard. It sounded distant. But really, the voice was right above.

"...ine...! Tine!" A male voice calls. It was Damien's voice.

"Ugh...? M-Mr. Damien...?" Time's eyes slowly start to open, as she's helped up by Yura. "What...happened? I'm...not dead?" She asked, confused.

"You passed out. Lacie showed up and stopped the attack before it could hit you." Damien explained, and showed what happened on one of his screens.

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Tine's body completely shuts down, as she  closes her eyes and is ready to be killed by Claus's sword. Seconds before the red wave could touch Tine, it is cleaved in two and dissipates from having lost its momentum. Lacie lands in front of Tine, and slams her scythe pole's end on the ground.

"What...?" Claus groans as he readjusts his stance. "The Goddess of War? What are you doing here?" He asked.

"A little birdie told me that you planned to attack our rookie here. You really think I'd be heartless enough to leave her to die? You think we're that disconnected?" She asked back, glaring at him. "Claus. Why are you doing this?"

Claus couldn't move his body. He had used a lot of energy in that one attack, to the point where his muscles felt like bricks. To stall for time, he needed to chat her up and avoid angering her. "I didn't know the Divine were so tightly knit." He says, panting. "At a glance, it seems you each only care about your own agendas, but I suppose I was wrong to assume that." He had chose to avoid answering her last question, trying not to let emotions get in the way of his goal.

Lacie glares harder and grips her scythe. This wasn't a good sign for Claus. "You really know how to piss people off, kid. If Malix saw you now, I'm sure he would be disappointed." She says and launches herself forward, aiming to split his torso from his legs.

But Lacie does not reach Claus. In a similar fashion to how Lacie saved Tine, Malix stops his parent's attack with his scythe. The sudden protection from her own son made the Goddess gasp and back off. "Malix...?!" She asked, her arms shaking.

The young man said nothing, only held his scythe in a defensive posture to protect his friend. "Father..." He mutters, staring Lacie down. He knew she wouldn't try to hurt him, so he stood his ground until Claus could move again.

"Malix, get out of the way!" Lacie demands, her voice shaking now. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her son, her own flesh and blood, protecting her enemy!

"I will not, Father." He reaffirmed his stance, making Lacie falter more.

"Why...? He's the enemy! He tried to kill Tine! He sent people to attack ME!" She shouts at him. "Do you have any idea what he's doing?! I get he's your best friend, but you can't defend him from this!"

"I know what he is doing, Father. Even still, I will not move." Malix continues to protect Claus.

Lacie was clearly angered by this. But at the same time, she was conflicted. Did she really have to fight her own son to kill the man who is killing her friends? "Why are you doing this to me, Malix...?!" She asked.

The young Chimera said nothing. He held his scythe, and takes a step forward. "Because... I am done doing what I am told. I will not be successor. I never wanted to be...! That is why!"

This seemed to be a critical hit to Lacie. Her expression changed from anger, to shock, to despair in a matter of seconds.

"Give the title to Rosie. She's the one who wants to be your successor!" He shouts back at her, making Lacie stumble back.