Guardians 1: Ashes

Chapter 43: Accidents

Jin's POV

Aphmua asked me to show Shelby, Ross, and Cory the castle while she showed Rex, Uni, and Nick. I felt bad not spending time with her, but doing this work was really important to Adam, and I don't think he will let it go until he works it out.
I wanted to say no, but I didn't and got myself stuck with a mass murderer.

I figured I ask some questions for Adam, but I don't think it will be officiant with Ross tagging along, so I decided I wouldn't ask and keep it low key. As we walked I kept quiet and to my self. Ross was whispering to Shelby, I noticed Cory was wearing a different mask.

"Hey where did you get that from?" I asked pointing to Cory's new mask.

"I didn't steal it, if that is what you are wondering." Cory said trying to hold back a chuckle.

"It's nice." I said and continued to walk in silence.

"You are the worst guide ever! Shouldn't you tell us where we are or point out stuff, or tell facts about things." Ross whined.

"Oh... if you want facts why didn't you say so." I said about to spill some facts about the paintings in the hallways.

"Nevermind." Ross said regretting his decision. I nodded in exception and continued to walk.

"A little enthusiasm won't kill anyone." Cory muttered. I roled my eyes.

"I'm suppose to show you the castle, not tell you what every room is used for." I said almost yelling.

"Where is the armory?" Cory asked in an uneasy tone. Shelby's eyes then darted to Cory worried.

"Why do you want to know?" I said.

"Incase... we get attacked." Cory said cautiously.

"Incase, suppose that is a valid reason." I then turned outside and walked through a couple quart yards, then down to a basement. "Here." I said blandly.

Cory stopped and looked at the door then looked at his surroundings,"okay , I think I got it."

I waited for them to request something else, but no one did. I sighed.
"You guys just want to... I don't know, practice some fighting techniques?"

Cory immediately jumped up in joy and ran into the armory wasting no time. By the time I got Ross' chest piece on, Cory was out of the armory and helping Shelby with her armor. He looked at me, and noticed that I was tieing the pieces differently, "Habit." I said.

Cory nodded and continued his work with Shelby's shin pads. I finished Ross' armor around the same time Cory finished Shelby, but I still had to suit up myself. They picked out weapons while I put my armor on. Cory got a sword and a knife, Shelby got a sword, and Ross got a spear. I knew I wasn't a fighter, I was a strategist, so I decided Cory would be my muscle for this and he would be on my team. He had looked at me awkwardly when I chose him, but be had no choice but to join me. I told him a little plan I wanted to execute, I would be able to cast shield spells to protect us and I was ready to try out a new spell.

Once Shelby and Ross were ready, I nodded off for us to begin. Cory immediately did a spin attack at Shelby, which her shield popped up and dued to the impact Cory's sword was pushed backward almost chopping Ross' head clean off.
Cory then looked at Ross and gave a devilish grin, then shadow jumped in Shelby's shield and kicked her to the ground causing her shield to dissipate. Just as I had expected, once she looses focus, it was gone. Now was my chance to try the new spell. Ross tried to swing at me, but I cast a shield of my own then began to chant. Shelby and Cory were now locked in combat. Once I finished the chantment I felt tingly, then started vibrating uncontrollably until at least 6 other me's were visible and functional. I had successfully casted a cloning spell, and was pretty proud of myself. I went for Ross, and he was easily overpowered seeing the lack of skill, and willingness to fight.

Shelby's shield seem to go up before every strike Cory made. I need to find a way to stop the shields. If being distracted was a way, then so be it. I sent three of my clones to help Cory, leaving 2 for me. Ross was confused by my actions. It worked though, Shelby had to now watch 4 people swinging and attacking rather than one. She thought she could get away with just leaving the shields up, but eventually Cory shadow jumped through them and stomped on Shelby's foot then grabbed her shirt with a wicked grin and brought her face close to his so their noses (or lens) were almost touching.

Shelby had a 'oops' look on her face and was blushing mildly. I thought Cory noticed because he let go of her shirt quickly and asked me to call some guards for him to fight. I agreed with it of course. You could never be to ready for an invasion.

Cory went through the guards swiftly which was amazing seeing Cory didn't have years of training like they did. Though, he did have powers as well, and I was beginning to wonder how he wasn't getting tired at all, then I noticed... he had held one of the guards hand's in place while trying to stop him from swinging at him. When he did that, the guard seemed to grow weaker and the blood drain out of his face almost instantly the moment Cory was in physical contact with them. That had to mean Cory was stealing their energy and using it to fuel himself.

I couldn't see Cory's face, but I could tell he had a blood thirsty look on his face. Shelby seemed to notice it as well because she was barely paying attention to the guards, and was focused more on Cory. Ross however had wondered away not wanting to fight anymore.

The guard Cory was draining seemed to become thinner and almost a white color. His eyes glazed over and his breathing became a wheezing. He tried to beg for mercy, but he choked on the words and it became a cackle. Shelby now looked very concerened and ran to Cory and the guard.

She yanked Cory's arm off the guard's arm and the guard collapsed with a cracking noise. Cory rose his sword and pointed it straight at Shelby. She froze in fear and I stepped in. I held my own sword out akwardly knowing, Cory although not trained was definitely a better swordsman then me. The guard was now unmoving and quiet. I didn't know what came over me, but I stroke out which Cory blocked and stepped in knocking me to the ground with ease. He then grabbed my shoulder and pulled me off the floor. I suddenly felt the life begin to drain out of me. I shut my eyes tightly, and the feeling was gone.

Shelby was clutching  Cory's mask, and Cory had a bloodthirsty expression I expected him to have. But then the expression disappeared off of Cory's face filled with guilt instead. He let go of my shoulder quickly and stared at me in an apologetic look. Then his attention turned to the guard he had drained. He looked at him and his expression turned ghastly.

"I-I-I- I didn't mean to..." He said in a soft voice.

I looked at him with pure hatred and said nothing but glared at him in despise. I then turned to the guard on the floor, he was skinny and pale, but alive. If Shelby hadn't interfered he would have most likely been dead. I could tell from the impact of him hitting the floor broke something, but I was not sure what. Cory had weakened the man's bones while draining him causing him to be very fragile and I was afraid to move him.

Cory bent over and tried to help me by lifting the guard but I quickly smacked his hands and pushed him aside and hissed,"Don't  touch him, you will only make it worse!" Cory stopped and stood up straight.
He looked down at me, his eyes filled with pain. He then mumbled something and snatched his mask from Shelby and shadow jumped.
Shelby was about leave, I assume to look for him, but I stopped her.
" Don't worry about him. I need you right now to use your healing powers and fix any damage in his body."
She nodded slightly and walked over to me and the guard. She gently placed her hands on the guard's chest and her hands began to glow and so were certain areas of the guard. After the healing process was over two other guards and a medic came for the injured guard. Shelby sat their still mopping.
"I should have went after him." She said.

"The guy can't control his powers making him a threat. He almost killed this man and not to mention the hundreds he killed on the battle field." I said sternly.

Shelby looked at me with disbelief then walked away.