The Evil Within-The Final Showdown

Duel

"Please, do not let me interrupt the sweet reunion," Ruvik took slow, menacing steps toward us, the ghost of a smile lingering on his face.

I was still cradled in Joseph's arms, the healing solution he had administered to me gradually renewing my strength and soothing the burning pain that assaulted the scars the barbed wire had wreaked. Joseph's dark eyes flitted upwards to the unwelcome visitor, fear crossing his features. With a barely audible gasp, he pulled me to my feet gently but quickly, defensively pushing me behind him.

"Good evening, Ruvik," Joseph attempted to adopt a brave demeanour but I noticed his hand shaking slightly. "I was wondering when I would be seeing you."

"Likewise," Ruvik returned the feigned pleasantries. "Why, it was only a matter of time before you would make a gallant rescue for my helpless victim. Unfortunately, I will have to cut short this endearing moment. Sebastian has not yet finished his torture session."

"You will not lay a hand on him," Joseph spoke firmly, his arm keeping me behind him. Glaring at Ruvik, he drew his handgun and pointed it at the malicious villain. "One more step, Rueben and I will be compelled to end your life."

I felt admiration at Joseph's courage in the face of such danger and uncertainty. With my wounds still ebbing weakly with pain and my strength still returning, I was grateful for Joseph's heroics and defence of me. I had always risked my life to keep Joseph safe from harm but never did I imagine would I have to be under his care and defence. Ruvik only smirked and cackled at Joseph's threat, however, shaking his head.

"Poor little Joseph," he crooned, his voice dripping with feigned sympathy. "You regard me as nothing more than naïve and simple. But I am well aware that there are no more bullets in that gun."

Joseph's strong demeanour crumbled a little as his hand shook more violently. Biting his lip, he came clean and lowered the gun. I looked at him in question but he only shook his head. How he lost those bullets would remain a mystery for now.

"Now, if you don't mind," Ruvik continued, "step aside, Joseph. As I have explained, I am not done with Sebastian."

"Please.........don't hurt him," Joseph took shuddering breaths and stepped forward. "Spare him. Take me instead."

"Joseph! No!" I cried out, grabbing Joseph's shoulder and trying to pull him back.

But my strength was still returning and I barely moved him a millimetre back. He shook his head once more and continued to stare down Ruvik. The disgraceful villain did not remove his demeaning smirk and laughed to himself softly.

"Joseph, please," he waved away his offer. "You are not one for heroics. Your last visit to my domain proved your feeble nature and cowardly antics. Always running for the safety of Seb. It is because of him, you are still alive and living out the rest of your pathetic and useless existence."

"Watch your tongue, Ruvik," Joseph hissed at him. "I have proposed an offer and you will take it. Claim me instead and set Sebastian free. He has endured enough."

"Joseph! Please!" I begged as my partner started walking toward Ruvik. "Don't do this!"

"I'm sorry, Sebastian," Joseph was barely audible. "I have to do this. It is for your own safety. Return to Myra. She is alive and well and I think she would like to see her husband alive again."

A flicker of happiness radiated through me at the news of Myra still being alive. How I ached to be in her arms again, safe from the harms of the world and at peace. Was she waiting outside of STEM now? Watching anxiously for me to resurface from this hell? The temptation of finding my way back to the woman I loved was pulling me back. But I could not give in. No matter what my wishes were, I could not allow Joseph to offer himself as a sacrifice to such a monster. It was my duty to end Ruvik once and for all. It was my fault poor Leslie had fallen victim to his evil and Ruvik had set foot into the real world. I had seen further bloodshed and pain as he claimed more victims, his bloodlust only increasing with each death. He had taken Lily away from me and I had to avenge her.  I was the one to restore justice.