Regicide

A Duel

The wind was blowing softly, whistling it's way through the branches and leaves of the forest. Laun knelt, eyes closed, upon the mossy ground, resting in preparation. It was so peaceful in the woods, birds chirping, squirrels and chipmunks running around the trees and mist. Had he not come here for a reason, he almost would have wanted to simply fall asleep amongst the animals and plants. But that wasn't an option. It never was for Laun.

"I had thought you had given up." A soft voice whispered from above, feminine, and deceptively innocent, with a slight musical lilt. Had he not known it's owner, Laun would have thought the forest itself or a fairy was talking to him.

"I am bound Kri." Laun's voice seemed, harsh, guttural compared to the soft breeze or Kri's fairy-like tones. Even in this forest, away from all, he was an outsider. "Do not draw this out. Please."

"I do not wish to fight you Laun."

"I will pursue you. Let this end already."

As these words echoed through the wood, Laun stood up, his skin rough against the spongy ground. Opening his eyes, he saw clearly through the slight mist, helped by the fading twilight sun. As he stood up, there was a slight sound behind him. Turning around revealed a smaller woman, clad in dark green and brown chest piece, with similarly colored pants. Her feet and hands , pale as ice, were bare. Around her face was a black veil, and her head was covered by a dark hood, revealing only her eyes, clear and bright purple staring directly into his.

"Laun...I am sorry it came to this." Her voice, tinged with sadness, almost seemed sincere, almost as if she was truly sad about what had happened. But Laun knew. The woman he had trusted had struck down those around him as if it was nothing, and left without a word. Regardless of his feelings for them, regardless of how they had treated him, he was sworn to avenge them. Even if it was Kri.

"There is no use in this talk. We know what must be done." Laun rolled back his blackened sleeves, revealing the rough, olive scales below. From his belt he drew a long curved sword, bluish silver in color, sharp and strong enough to cut through flesh, bone, and muscle, wielding it in both hands, the hilt adjusted to their almost claw like shape.

"Very well. I do not do this willingly Laun." Kri raised her hands in a fighting stance, and Laun could see the black metal bracers that covered her forearms, identical to the ones he knew were on her shins. He sprang forwards, sword slicing through the curling mist, cutting at her neck. A metallic clang rang out as Kri raised her arm against it, the sword reflecting off of the curved bracer as he saw her fist lash out at his head. Ducking and stepping back quickly, Laun cut again, lower this time, aiming at her thigh. Kri jumped, kicking one leg out at the blade of the sword, knocking it away, while the other swung towards his chest. Laun, rather than trying to back away, rushed forwards and rolled under Kri, coming up facing Kri again as she landed.

"You are quick Laun." Kri barely got the words out before Laun swung again, the blade shimmering silver as it went for Kri's shoulder. Kri ducked under the swing, hammering a fist into Laun's stomach. Laun grunted, the hit registering but only aching a bit, before launching his knee up at Kri's chest a second after the fist connected. He felt the her armor cave slightly under the blow as she was knocked onto her back, flying a few feet away. Before she had time to recover, Laun pounced, bringing the sword down in a flurry of vicious swings, as Kri brought up her arms, each blow connecting with her bracers, sparks erupting from each hit. Laun didn't stop, bringing down the sword for another strike, when he felt a force connect with his lower legs, sweeping them out from under him. Kri rolled backwards after, springing to her feet. Laun, splayed out on his back, slightly dazed from the fall, took a second before scrambling backwards and picking up his sword.

"Laun...Know that I have nothing against you." Kri quickly launched herself at Laun, swinging her leg at his ribs in a brutal crescent kick. Laun, still slightly slowed by his fall, couldn't move in time and felt a slight crack as her foot connected, smashing into his side. He attempted to swing but, before the sword was even half way, Kri was already closed in, her fists a blur as she launched a rapid series of punches into his torso, each one sapping a bit more strength as he felt his bones ache under the rapid assault. Roaring, he dropped the sword and lurched at Kri, his shoulder connecting with her chest, sending her stumbling back. He swung again, a clawed fist aimed for her stomach, knocking back again as he felt her armor give more, and hearing a loud gasp from Kri. He grabbed her by the throat, lifting her into the air for one final time.

Kri, stunned from the punch and the shoulder, gave little resistance. Laun watched as the brightness in her eyes started to dim slightly, her air cut off. Just as it seemed she was done, a foot connected with Laun's jaw, snapping his head back and causing him to release Kri. He heard a loud ragged gasp, his eyes blurry and starred from the kick, and before he could react another foot crashed into the side of his head, knocking him to his knees, dazed. Another kick, this time at the top of his neck, sending him completely flat to the ground, his vision fading to black as he heard a loud snap. As his world darkened, he saw Kri's bright purple eyes in front of his face, her veil lowered for the first time, revealing an ice pale face with cold, light red lips, obscured slightly by the mist. "Laun...let your spirit rest." The whisper was the last thing he heard as his world went black.