Monarchy

Chapter 22: Storming the Castle Part 1: Nathan Vs Zander

They entered the castle and their first major foe: Zander the Elemental Horseman. Everyone looked at him, a mix of fear and recognition in their eyes. Zander smirked, pointing his sword at his former comrades.

"Ahhhh, Drake, Grim, Zero, and Mars. It's a pleasure to see you again."

His gaze landed on Nathan, and the smirk widened.

"I see you are still alive."

Nathan stepped forward, his heart pounding. "You guys go ahead. I'll take him."

As the others retreated, the air grew heavy with anticipation, leaving Nathan and Zander alone to face each other.

"You know this is going to be to the death, right?" Zander said, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"And you will be the one dying," Nathan shot back, steeling himself.

Nathan POV:

Zander was charging towards me. I side stepped him. I pulled out my sword and charged at Zander. He was too fast; I was barley keeping up with him. My eyes looking all around the room. Zander was charging at me again. I blocked his attack.

"You will die here today!" He yelled in my face.

I didn't respond, I jumped back to think of a plan. I saw a chandelier, I used all my might to rip it out the ceiling and threw it at Zander. Zander was hit by it but recovered instantly and laugh.

"You are a clever little bug."

Suddenly, electricity crackled around his fingers, snaking toward his sword. My stomach dropped as I watched the energy coalesce, illuminating the room with an eerie glow.

Thinking quickly, I scanned the room for anything I could use. I grabbed some rubble, feeling the weight of it in my hands. I focused, channeling my energy into the fragments, and wrapped them around my sword, feeling a surge of power.

We stared at each other; the tension thick enough to cut. I could see the madness in Zander's eyes, a predator ready to pounce.

"Let's see what you've got," he taunted, launching himself at me with a crackling thrust.

I barely had time to react. I raised my sword just in time to deflect his attack, sparks flying as our blades clashed. The shock reverberated through me, and I stumbled back, my heart racing.

Using the momentum, I pivoted and swung low, aiming for his legs. He jumped, but I was ready. I followed through, swinging upward.

Zander barely managed to block my strike, but I felt my energy waning. I couldn't let him gain the upper hand.

In a desperate bid, I feigned left, then lunged right, aiming for his unguarded side. The tip of my sword grazed his armor, and Zander hissed, a flash of surprise crossing his face.

"Not bad," he growled, eyes narrowing. "But it won't be enough."

With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of electricity, sending a wave of energy crashing toward me. I raised my sword, bracing for impact as the power surged through me, threatening to knock me off my feet.

I gritted my teeth, channeling every ounce of strength I had left. If this was going to end, it would be on my terms. I raised my sword and Zander did the same. We both looked at each other. We both have the tent to end this fight in our eyes. We charged at each other; the clash of steel echoed through the room.

I heard blood gushing and a faint groan. My body felt numb. I dropped to my knees.

"Y-you got me." I heard Zander say weakly.

I couldn't speak. My eyes slowly pear to my body. I didn't see a wound.

"It's not going to end like this!" Zander weakly screamed.

The ground started to shake. The light began to flicker. I slowly turned my body, to see what was happening. Zander was transforming. I couldn't move, I was too weak to move. His body was engulfed in electricity. His sword was fused to his hand.

"I will end you!" He yelled at me.

My heart stopped and my eyes closed. I saw Valaine. She was walking towards me.

"Wake up and strike now!"

My eyes burst open, and I grabbed my sword. I lunged at Zander. My body was getting struck by electricity as I through his chest, piercing his heart. My energy left my body from my final attack. My body crashed on the floor. I slowly turned my head and saw Zander turned to normal, but he was lifeless.