A Zusi's Path

Chapter 24: End of the Road

.

Outside of the house E4r1c was standing next to D6a50, his father. "I can't believe that mongrel has gone to this low." A growl formed in the light blue Zusi's throat as he looked up to his father's matching green gaze. "He chose his own path. I just wish I wasn't as blind to seeing what he would become before it was too late." It was clear D6a50 blamed himself for the events that have now happened. E4r1c looked at his father and put his paw on his shoulder for support, "You were busy making sure we had warmth, food, water, and a place to sleep. You cannot blame yourself Dad. You did everything right for us. I promise you did" The light blue Zusi had his eyes full of admiration of his father. D6a50 looked at his son, his light blue fur was almost a perfect match to his mother's.

"You have your mother's heart. It took you some time to grow up, but she would be really happy to see how far you have come. Ar01L, would be proud of you, and more importantly horrified as to what her youngest has become." D6a50 lowered his head and looked at his paws, him lost in thought.

A dark grey Peacekeeper with amber eyes came up to D6a50 and E4r1c, "There has been reported movement inside of the Den. You must come quick," he said before leading a few Zusi the direction he came from. The father and son looked at each other and then followed after the dark grey Zusi.

Another peacekeeper shouted out, "look! The roof!" he exclaimed. The attention of almost everyone turned to the top of the Den. E4r1c saw a horrible scene, he felt his heart sink. Re3x0 was holding the limp body of Rw63y in one arm, his yellow eyes narrowed with hatred, with a mix of satisfaction. "Here. Fetch." Where his only words as he tossed her body like a piece of rubbish off of the roof and quickly fled without a moment's hesitation.

E4r1c let out scream as he ran towards the falling Rw63y, he was too far away to even come close to catching her. A flash of light shown next to him, and suddenly his father was in the perfect position to catch the falling female. E4r1c ran over to his and her side, panic filled his eyes as the other Peacekeepers surrounded them. "Is she alive?" He begged to know, his green gaze not taken off of her. D6a50 let out a nod. "She is alive, just unconscious." His words brought over a flood of relief for E4r1c.

D6a50 looked over at two other Peacekeepers, "Go make sure she is safe in her bed. E4r1c and I will go and put a stop to Re3x0." He instructed, looking over at his older son, who gave a determined nod. "He has crossed the line." E4r1c said, "I will make sure he is stopped." He stated, with a stern look to his gaze.

After regaining their composure, the father and son duo were off. Together they were going after Re3x0, following the direction we was heading towards. It was pretty easy to follow his tracks as in the snow, his bloody tracks gave away his direction fairly easy. D6a50 led the way, his older son following right behind him. "I can't believe he has done something like this! I will make sure he won't get away with this if it is the last thing I do!" E4r1c snarled, his green eyes narrowed and full of irritation. "Relax son, you must not let your anger get the better of you. You will act rashfully and do things you will regret." D6a50 spoke words of wisdom to his eldest son, "We are all angry about Re3x0's actions. But we must capture him first."

E4r1c nodded and continued along quietly, suddenly the two noticed the tracks had stopped. "Where did you go now?" he heard D6a50 ask under his breath. Looking around on the ground hoping to see the tracks reappear. Suddenly a drop of magenta liquid dropped down from above and hit the snow, the drop freezing almost on impact and soaked into the snow. Deciding to look up, E4r1c saw Re3x0 had climbed a tree and was sitting on a branch, and for a moment he could see what looked like another Zusi sitting in front of him. They were silver and white, except their fur was very bright and shiny.

The moment the stranger Zusi looked at E4r1c it seemed to vanish. D6a50 looked up to hearing Re3x0 talking to nothing as he looked around for the silver Zusi. "Val! Val wait I wasn't done talking to you!" Re3x0 seemed desperate, and as he looked around he looked down and noticed his father and brother looking up at him. Hostility flared in his eyes, "Just leave me alone!" He growled. "Just come down, we won't hurt you." D6a50 said out loud, so his youngest son could hear him. "Come make me!" Re3x0 challenged, his dark blue fur bristling with rage. D6a50 was about to open his mouth and say something else when E4r1c raced up the trunk of the tree.

Re3x0 tried to use is back legs to kick E4r1c off of the tree, but his actions backfired. E4r1c grabbed a hold of the younger Zusi's foot, and with a fierce grip he pulled him straight out of the tree. Re3x0 refused to let go so easily, and dug his claws into the branch he was sitting on. "Dad! Get over here and help me!" E4r1c said, and he glanced over his shoulder to see his father just standing there. His eyes full of sorrow, clearly upset that this is how the story ends. D6a50 took a moment to snap out of his daze, and he paced over closer to the tree, and was below the branch now. He jumped up and grabbed a hold of Re3x0's other leg, pulling his down completely.

With a thud Re3x0 crashed to the ground and landed on his side, all the breath knocked out of his and he spat on the ground and struggled for breath. Now D6a50 and E4r1c were standing over the downed Zusi. "Get up!" The older brother hissed, his green gaze full of hatred for the downed Zusi. Suddenly D6a50 put his paw on his eldest son's shoulder. "Please, let me handle this situation." The dark blue Zusi looked down at his youngest with disappointment. Kneeling down next to him, "Why did you do all of this? Killing two lives, starting the fire that destroyed the armory, and the flames even spread to a part of the capital. You have left our home vulnerable to any sorts of attacks.. You were supposed to become a Healer and save lives. Not take it.." D6a50 said, and with a raging gasp Re3x0 took a breath.

"I didn't start the fire!" Were the only words he spoke as he had to stop to take another breath. Catching his breath as best as he could. "Don't lie, you were the only one who was there. The fire claimed many more lives than just the two you took." D6a50 continued. "Come along now my son- No. come along now Re3x0, you are under arrest."

Re3x0 had no energy to fight back as he lay helplessly on the ground, his thought still pleading. Val! Please I need you help! He soon drifted back into unconsciousness.