The Black Envelope

Chapter 19: Conflict

Chapter 19: Conflict

The Unnoticed’s gun had gotten lost somewhere along the way but its hands were curled into deadly claws at its side. Gage was worried more about them than the missing gun.

“You thought you could outrun me, little human,” The Unnoticed sneered as it stepped closer to them. “But you’re wrong, nothing can outrun me. Especially not a washed-up Messenger like you.”

Gage’s tired body protested as he got to his feet but adrenaline came pumping back into his system, willing him to last just a little longer. Fay followed, one hand on Gage’s arm, eyes locked on the Unnoticed. She didn’t look afraid, which made Gage proud, but stared down the Unnoticed with a defiant look.

“Well there's nowhere to run now, huh? So come on, let’s get this over with." Gage growled.

The Unnoticed smiled, it’s face a ghastly mask of blood. “Gladly.”

It ran at him, sprinting down the alley through puddles and discarded trash. Gage steeled himself and waited until it got to him. Then he pivoted, bringing his elbow into his torso and then throwing himself, shoulder first, at the oncoming beast.

There was a deep boom as they collided. Gage was sent sprawling into the ground as the Unnoticed flew over him, smacking into the wall. It slid down from the brick into a crouch as Gage staggered upwards, eyes spinning from the collision and shoulder rolling in its socket. They came at each other again, Gage using the Unnoticed’s outstretched thigh as a springboard and sailing over it, grabbing his neck as he flew. Gage landed and smashed the Unnoticed’s head into the ground.

It howled and raised its arm, backhanding him into the wall. Gage flew back, smacking into the brick and sliding down to the concrete. He moaned and shook his head.

Fay was standing in the corner, watching all of this. She looked like she wanted to help, but was afraid of getting in the way. As the Unnoticed was still lying dazed on the ground, Gage gestured for her to leave. She shook her head, biting her lip stubbornly. Gage pleaded with his eyes but she didn’t move.

He was about to go over there and make her leave when the Unnoticed sprung off of the ground. It landed next to Gage and kneed him in the chin. Gage’s teeth clicked together hard and he tasted blood. He spit it out onto the ground, proceeding in making the Unnoticed even more crazed.

It growled and kicked him in the side. Gage slid across the ground, struggling to get up. The Unnoticed walked over as Gage stood, teetering slightly. His vision was still swimming from the blow to his jaw, but he tensed and waited for the Unnoticed to approach.

“You dare stand against me? You have no chance, why do you fight?” The Unnoticed inquired, giving Gage a hardened glare.

“I’d rather not die, if that’s what you’re asking.” Gage replied through a thick lip. He could feel the back of his head and his jaw start to swell.

His arm throbbed painfully where he had been nicked by the bullet and it was starting to bleed again. Gage was still pumped with adrenaline, but even through that he could feel the protest of his muscles and knew he had to make a move or he wasn’t going to last much longer.

Gage grinned, his dry lip splitting and adding even more of his blood to the fray. “I still have some energy left. Let’s finish this.”

The Unnoticed howled and kicked out at Gage. He avoided the blow and gave the Unnoticed one of his own. The kick landed smack in the middle of the Unnoticed’s torso, Gage's thick boot making a deep thump as it connected with the Unnoticed's chest. It skidded back on its heels, kicking up water from the dozens of puddles in the ground. Gage followed and proceeded to punch and kick, fist fighting with the monster.