Shifters

Intertwined Paths

Vibrations tremored through the castle as incredibly large balls of energy battered their defenses. Holding the post it was tasked with guarding, a petite skeleton with violet fires burning brilliantly in its eyes, stared emotionlessly from a damaged parapet at the carnage below. It was only after several more of those horrendous attacks did their leader order its brethren to make a stand at the forefront of the fortress. Watching carefully as its fellow comrades quickly defeated their foes with simple yet effective strikes, the skeleton's inward celebration abruptly ceased as a flicker of movement caught its eye. 

'Had one of it's companions mistakenly wandered into the forbidden area?' it wondered momentarily before dismissing the thought, 'No, every soldier, no matter their rank, knew not to step foot on the forbidden grounds.' 

Unsheathing two wickedly sharp-looking knives, the skeleton crouched low as it carefully secluded itself behind a shattered pillar. Eyes darting to and fro as it tried to lock onto the presence it was certain had invaded the sanctuary, the skeleton, suddenly crouched even lower, narrowly dodging as a spinning blade aimed for its neck. 

"Oh?" came Samuel's voice, "You avoided that?"

Glaring as the intruder stepped into the open, the violet-eyed skeleton repositioned its blades, eyeing the sword strapped to Samuel's back as it planned its attack. 

"Well are we going to-" Samuel faltered as the strange skeleton vanished into thin air. 

Disappearing into the shadows, the violet-eyed skeleton, traversed the area noiselessly, blades out as it closed in for the kill. Catching a glimpse of his enemy just as they popped into view beside him, Samuel hurriedly swiped his knife at his target, just missing the agile skeleton by mere inches. Unfortunately for it however, although the skeleton's blade struck true, its midair dodge had resulted in a drastic loss of power in its preliminary strike. Clutching his chest as a thin slice penetrated his armour, Samuel, who, momentarily stood in shock, quickly removed the heavy sword strapped to his back as he snapped out of his stupor. Freed from the added weight, the man grasped his remaining knife defensively as the skeleton once again vanished from sight. 

"Come on," he muttered, "Where are you?" 

Senses working on overdrive, Samuel pulled out a hidden, smaller knife from his waist, somewhat catching his opponent by surprise as he managed to nick the edge its skeletal face with his weapon. Pressing his minimal advantage, Samuel swung his blade viciously at the skeleton, who in turn, adroitly dodged his attacks. Realizing the difference in mobility, Samuel decided to switch strategies as he focused his attention on the true mission at hand. Forcing the skeleton to dodge once more as he threw his smaller knife at it, the man broke into a run, heading towards a strange talisman prostrated upon an ancient pedestal. Noticing his intent far too late, the violet-eyed skeleton dashed crazily after the man in an attempt to stop him. Unable to make it in time, a feeling of despair overcame the skeleton as the realization of its failure struck. Seemingly assured of his victory, Samuel's expression contorted into one filled with glee, stretching out his hands as he neared the talisman. Just as he was about to reach his destination however, a cold chill spread over his body as a thick chain wrapped tightly around his chest. 

"Wh-what is this?" Samuel asked whirling around as he searched for it's source. 

Quickly spotting a new skeleton, this one larger than any he'd seen in his time in the castle, Samuel looked on in defeat as the giant skeleton firmly held the chain in his hand. Struggling to break free, beads of perspiration formed on his forehead as his efforts proved to be fruitless. 

"Sorry guys," Samuel muttered, now unable to move an inch as his binds tightened, "looks like this is as far as I can go."

"If he's here," a voice began, startling Samuel as the silence was suddenly shattered, "Then there may be more with the prisoner."