I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 5: Escape

Kai ran down the dark halls of the dungeon. He and Minda were kept on the lowest floor. He moved swift and silent. He knew the area well. As a military man he often visited the dungeon to interrogate prisoners of war with then General.

"Hahaha!"

Kai heard the sound of laughter. He leaned against the wall and peeked around the corner. There were two guards chatting by the staircase. Kai looked down at Minda who was laying in his arms. He was in pain and moving too vigorously would only hurt him more. Even so, the staircase was the only way out of the dungeon.

"Hold on." Kai whispered.

Minda grasped Kai's robe and pressed his body closer. Kai did the same. He tightened his embrace. It was firm yet gentle. Minda closed his eyes knowing he didn't want see what would happen next. Kai took a deep breath before rushing out from behind the wall. Minda could feel his stomach churn from the speed.

Kai Acted without mercy. Before either men could speak he attacked. His foot slammed directly into the first guards face. He then twisted his body and swung around to kick the other one in the gut. The momentum of the blow slammed the man against the wall and knocked him out.

He succeeded in incapacitating both men before they could call out. Even so, he had to move fast. It wouldn't be long before they were discovered. Without stopping he ran up the stairs.

Minda felt nauseous from all the shaking. He pressed his face against Kai's broad chest. The steady heartbeat was a surprise. Minda expected Kai would be exhausted and strained from all the running and intense movement. Kai didn't even seem out of breath. It was a shock and a comfort to Minda.

"He's so strong." Minda thought with admiration. A part of him wishing he could be as strong as Kai. If he was then maybe he wouldn't be a burden to the gentle Kai.

They continued through the dungeon. Kai attacked and dealt with any guard they encountered. Things were going well. They reached the ground floor and the exit was within sight. Unfortunately, so was a group of guards laying in wait.

"There they are!" They shouted. They had noticed the attempt to escape and been preparing to cut them off at the exit. With several guards approaching from behind and in front Kai had only one path to take. He could only move forward.

"Hold tight." Kai whispered to Minda.

He tightened his grip and charged towards the exit. Minda could hear the guards cursing and threatening them as they moved closer. If he was alone he would have burst into tears immediately.

Bam!

"Aah!"

"Get him!"

"Catch him!"

Kai didn't stop he knocked every man out of the way with animalistic fury. Some of the less courageous guards hesitated to move forward.

"You aren't getting out of this place alive!" The head of the dungeon guards shouted.

Minda recognized the man's voice. His body trembled uncontrollably. Kai could feel him shaking in his arms. Furious, he dashed forward and kicked him in the gut. The boss fell back hard. Normally, Kai would have kept moving forward but his anger overwhelmed him. He stopped moving and used his foot to smash the man's face. Satisfied only after the man was a bloody pulp Kai proceeded to leave the dungeon.

...

Minda could feel the sunlight on his skin. He opened his eyes and squinting in pain from the bright light. Minda didn't care. He wanted to enjoy the sunlight after so long. Even if only for a short moment. When his eyes finally adjusted Minda saw the guards approaching on horseback.

"Kai, look out. They have weapons!" Minda exclaimed when he saw the approaching men carrying spears, bows, and swords.

"Close your eyes." Kai responded. He didn't seem frightened or concerned. Minda did what he was told and closed his eyes again.

Kai checked their surroundings. The only available path of escape was through the dense forest. He had to act quick. With the guards on horseback they had the upper hand. Kai changed direction without hesitation.

Swoosh... thunk*

Kai avoided most of the arrows but one managed to graze his cheek. Minda had done his best to keep his eyes closed but when he felt something wet drop onto his face he couldn't help but look up. The man with gentle eyes was glaring at as he glanced around the area. His brow furrowed and eyes pinpoint.

"You're bleeding!"

Minda didn't care that the man looked menacing. He was more worried about the gash dripping blood down his vheek. Kai heard his voice and his face instantly softened.

"Don't worry." He said in a calm voice. Minda wanted to believe him but suddenly from behind he could see a spear flying towards them.

"Watch out!!!!"

Minda exclaimed. He moved his body as best he could and tried to hug Kai snd protect him. His arms were too short to do anything. Kai however dodged the spear and continued moving forward. Just a little more and they would have the protection of the trees.

Rustle*

From the forest a group of large men emerged. They had swords, shields, and spears at the ready and triumphant grins. The guards had predicted where Kai would run and set up an ambush. Unable to move forward or back they were trapped. Kai glanced around hoping to find some kind of escape.

"Drop me and run." Minda muttered. With his eyes open he could see how dire the situation was. There was no escape. The only thing that might help was if Kai let him go and with both arms and legs free fought his way to freedom.

"Never." Kai said. He didn't know why but he couldn't let the young man go. Not even if it meant his death.

"But..."

"No." Kai said again with steady eyes.

Swoosh... Ugh!

A stray arrow hit Kai in the shin. He tried to hide the situation but there was no point. He couldn't escape. All he could do now was protect the strange sheltered man that warmed his heart and calmed his mind. He knelt down on the ground and using his large body he completely covered Minda.

"Kai! What are you doing? You have to run?!" Minda said as he tried to push Kai off him.

"Ugh... I'll protect you." Kai said as several more arrows pierced his back.

"No! You'll die."

"You'll live." Kai said.

Minda struggled to break free but Kai grabbed his arms and legs and held them close. He was determined to shield every last inch of Minda. Either strong determination he managed to stay strong and protect Minda from the barrage of arrows. Like an impenetrable wall he protected the delicate Minda.

After the arrows came the spears. Several pierced his back yet Kai didn't utter a sound. The only sound came from Minda who was a blubbering mess beneath him. The strong heartbeat he heard since they first escaped had begun to weaken. Kai's steady breath became strained and blood began to drip from his lightly parted lips. Minda felt nauseous from stench of blood.

The guards drew closer with their weapons drawn. Kai knew he was running out of time. With his last breath he whispered in Minda's ear.

"Please live."

...