Rebellion (After the Haunted FF)

Chapter 17

Grayson's point of view-

"Your choice, Grayson."

I stood there in silence, still trying to wrap my head around everything that was going on. I didn't know what to do. My family died because of that dragon egg, and if I lose it, then their deaths will be in vain. On the other hand, my best friends life was on the line, and now resting in my palms. It was like Lalea said, this was just a trap. I know that either way, he won't kill Drake, will he? I honestly can't say for certain.
My hand slowly moved downwards, letting the gun fall back down to my side. I looked at Drake, still trying to hold back tears. I owe him my life... I'm willing to die at this moment as long as I'm aware that he is safe, even if I can't keep my promise. My eyes closed, finally giving into defeat.

"Fine. Take the stupid key." I said, putting my gun away and moving the key to my other hand.

"Drake's more important than a stupid dragon egg."

I tossed it onto the ground, the blue enchanted key landing on the floor between me and the man holding me friend hostage. Either one of us could lash out and grab it, giving the other an advantage. I secretly hoped that he would let go of Drake to get they key, but even I was aware that the emperor wasn't that naive.

"Poor, poor Grayson. Letting your family's deaths be in vain." He taunted me, removing the blade from Drake's neck.

Still holding Drake, he reached out as far as he could and snached the key. My heart sank when he didn't release him. Now what? I growled, my fingers moving back over the handle of my pistol.

"You got what you want. Now give him back!" I demanded.

He chuckled and shrugged. "You're right, I do have what I want, including him." He pulled Drake in closer.

He put the key into his pocket, then grabbed the handle of my old blade and lifted it up. The tip aimed at me, the purple glimmering in the dim light that the shattered windows let in from the cloudy sky. Did he really think he could kill me? I have a gun! But, he has Drake... I didn't know what to do anymore.

"Now all I want, is you dead. Unfortunately, it seems that my men have all perished, so..." The blade found its way back up to Drake's neck; blood from his eyes, nose, and now even his lips, dripping down his face.

"...I won't turn back from my threat just yet."

I could feel my body burning in fury, and an irritating pulse in my head. So Drake really is more than just a prisoner to him, he was still a hostage. A pawn for him to use so he could take me out. Did he know that something like this would happen, or was he just wise about our plans of escape?
My hand began to pull my gun out from my belt slowly. I barely noticed that I was doing so.

"Drop the gun, Grayson. Just give up. Face it, everything you've fought for is finally falling to pieces! I have finally won!"

I heard Drake whimper when the blade pressed deeper into his skin, making even more streaks of red trail down his flesh. Seeing the pain in his expression, even while he was unconscious, was exceedingly alarming. I let my new pistol slip from my fingers, making me flinch as it loudly collided with the floor. I looked at the murderous tyrant as he chuckled, with a wide grin on his face. It made me feel sick to my stomach.

"Now kick it away from yourself. I don't want you playing any tricks." I complied, kicking the gun away from me. I watched it slide on the floor, until he placed his foot upon it to stop its movement.

He started rambling on about something as he slowly got closer, moving the blade to point at me in order to bring me to my end. I didn't hear a word coming out of his mouth. I just looked at Drake, feeling my tears finally beginning to roll down my cheeks. Even if he's still alive, I failed him... He'll be tortured here until Herobrine takes control, and I won't be around to rescue him. I promised him that I'd save him from that demon, but it seems that once again, I can't keep a promise. I chuckled, despite being filled with guilt and regret.
Just as he was about to thrust the blade into my chest, a kunai knife flew through the air, pricing into the emperor's right shoulder. He screamed, letting go of both the sword and Drake. I lunged forward, catching Drake as he fell.
His body was burning, making me sweat even more than I already was. His breathing was unsteady and he was shaking; I knew that his fever had returned once again. I felt his blood from current injuries soaking into my clothes and getting onto my skin. It only made me even more worried.
The emperor took a few steps back, cringing in pain as he put his hand around the kunai in his arm. I held Drake closely, grabbing my sword to protect him in his vulnerable state. I missed the feeling of the handle of my own sword. Somehow it felt more comfortable that the other sword I was using as a temporary replacement. We all began looking around, searching for the source of the attack.