The Cindered (Anti)Hero || Book 1

Chapter 3 - Immune? What Does This Mean Now?

Cinder thought for a moment. Immune? Me? Why? How?  She had many more questions, but she knew it would be best to save them for a better time.

"Immune? Hmm." She looked at Ronin, noticing the sliver of hope in his bright blue eyes. "Why are you lookin' at me like that?"

Ronin looked away, ducking his head awkwardly. "Sorry."

Cinder sighed. "Listen, Ronin, was it?"

"Mhm."

"Ronin, listen carefully to m'a words. I will help you, not because of my kind heart or soul or whatever, but because that infected counterpart'a yer's could cause mass destruction. Like, worse than what I did."

"What did you do?" Ronin seemed curious.

"Questions later."

"Sorry."

"As I was sayin', I'm all fer' havin' corrupt kingdoms destroyed, but not like that. I would never create an army'a mindless zombie dragons just to take over a continent."

"Wait, how did you know he wanted to take over Pyrhhia?"

Cinder shrugged. "Lucky guess. What else are infected's gonna do?"

"Fair. Continue."

"Ah, yes. So, because even I, a terrible dragon, believe that is far too inhumane, I will help you to my full extent. On one condition."

Ronin's eyes filled with hope. "Say it! I'll do anything!"

"You must-"

Suddenly, Ronin snarled, pressing his head against the floor. Cinder tilted her head, confused. "Whatever could be happenin' now?" she growled.

Ronin jerked his head up, his eyes now a bright red. He smiled. "Huh. An immune. I must say, how lucky someone must be to be immune. Unfortunately, whatever plan you have won't work."

Cinder yawned. "And why's that?"

"Because of one thing, Cinder: cures don't work. Never have, never will. So I wouldn't waste your time trying to save my pathetic vessel with your immune blood. And one day, I will find your weakness, I will use it against you, and then nothing, and i mean NOTHING, will stand in my way!"

Ronin cackled, to which Cinder slapped him with her paw. "Shut yer' snout, before I do it for ya'."

Ronin growled, still keeping a grin. "One day, Cinder. One day." He closed his eyes, and when reopened, were back to his soft blue eyes. "Ow, my snout, what the heck?"

Cinder tilted her head. "You felt that?"

"Yeah. Ouch, you're strong!"

She smiled, flexing her arm. "I would say i'm naturally athletic."

Ronin rolled his eyes. "Whatever. So, you'll help me?"

Cinder nodded. "I need an excuse to get away from these lunatics." She motioned to the refugees. Ronin smiled. "Glad I could help. You mind... untying me?"

Cinder sighed. "Yes, yes, but if you even DARE attack-"

"I'll try to keep him under control. Promise."

"Alright." She untied Ronin from the constraints. I hope I ain't makin' a wrong choice, she thought. Eh, if he betrays me, he'll end up like that SeaWin'.

Ronin, as soon as he was free, hugged Cinder. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Cinder pushed him off. "Whatevah. Let's go before they say somethin'."

And so Cinder and Ronin took off into the sky, the sun just setting to their right, making the shores ahead glow. Cinder turned towards the beach, looking for a hideout. Even through her tough demeanor, Cinder prayed that she could actually have a trusted ally. She wasn't afraid, just found that having an ally would be useful. Nonetheless, deep down her cold heart, she hoped that maybe-just maybe-she could have a new friend.