The Missing Piece

Chapter 2

Lost, hurt and frustration were the only emotions Nick felt in his mind, but his heart told him to continue this quest. Now with a limp, shattered shoulder blade and many burns and scratches, Nick slowly walked through the ruins that soon turned into solid stone. Nick glanced up puzzled, wondering why this sudden change in geography. He was surprised to see how close he was towards this hideout. Taking a deep breath and bracing himself for any trouble nearby, Nick continued to stroll through. Though, with each step onto the stone, there was an echo that filled the air. Without his companion, Nick actually felt more nervous than he should be. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Nick's eyes darted around the cavern, as he still held onto his sword next to him at all times.

But he paused for a moment. Something or someone was watching him. With a slow glance behind him, Nick quickly brought his sword out for protection, clinging to it tightly.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, he could feel the fear crawl through. 'Was this really a good time to feel self-doubt? What if...' Nick's thoughts were cut off by an arrow flying just pass him. Quickly looking towards the direction of the arrow, Nick's rapid heartbeat increased, but he was ready to defend himself.

Then there was silence again, other than the echo pounding of Nick's heart. 'Where are you son of a bitch?' He thought, desperately wanting to face his sneaky opponent.

Finally, after a series of nothingness, a gush of wind came over Nick's sides but as he quickly turned around to see the source, Nick was face to face with another arrow, with its owner, dressed in black metal. This was the first human encounter that Nick has had for awhile, which made his fear rise. Why was he so worried? He should be prepared for this! But as he was confused with his thoughts, his enemy struck again, now with a sword. Nick blocked it just in time, though his stance was weak, making him take a knee, as he blocked the attack. No words were exchanged, just weapons crashing into each other, without an audience.

Nick tried to focus hard on his enemy, trying to figure them out. Time wasted, his weakness grew. With the weapons clashing again, the enemy pushed Nick back, further away to make him lose balance, but his feet stayed intact with the exception of his hand. With a distance, Nick glanced up to look at his enemy better. He was quite tall indeed, fit for a fighter.

Controlling his breathing, Nick took a calm deep breath before running up and striking again. But the knight didn't budge as he blocked the attack. He must've known Nick was weak, and see how stupid he was for wasting his energy. Nick knew as well, but he was determined. What pissed Nick off the most was when his enemy started to talk. Still, at a distance, they both took a breather.

"For someone so quiet, thought you would actually be a good fighter." The knight commented. Nick remained silent, with his brows forward and clenching onto his sword.

A chuckle came out from the enemy as he lifted his helmet off. "Or have I not got to that part yet?" He continued, with a smirk on his face.

Now that Nick could see his enemy's face, fury rose in his body like the lava he encountered earlier.

"Just wait and find out," Nick responded in a low growl and darted forward again, to possibly hit this bastard, but to no avail, since he was blocked by the sword.

That stupid grin was still on the enemy's face. This pissed Nick off, even more, seeing how sly his enemy was and wasting his time. But maybe Nick's arrogance was getting to him, since he was encountered with a kick to the ribs, brushing them even more and pushing himself down, then a strick to the face, bringing his body closer to the ground. Nick's head spun, but as he quickly opened his eyes, his enemy was on top of him, sword touching his neck. They stare glares at each other for a moment.

"Obviously you are no match for this. So why should you bother to continue?" The enemy commented, his grin grew on his face.

But Nick's frown also grew as he huffed in frustration.

"Because they said I couldn't," Nick replied, narrowing his eyes.

The moment he could taste the blood that was on his face was when the furry burned up. He was going to prove everyone wrong that he could do this, that he was the warrior that will never fail. With this new courage, Nick forcefully grabbed the sword from his opponent and regards of the sharp blade that was cutting his palms, he swung them around and with the rest of his strength and pinned him onto the ground, this time Nick being on top of his opponent. Even though he was surprised at first, his enemy couldn't help but laugh, which puzzled Nick indeed.

"How dare you-!" He was about to say but the laughter grew louder.

"My apologies for the sudden pause in the game, but you have mistaken me from before and have indeed proved me wrong." His enemy explained, giving him a sympathetic look.

Nick, still suspicious of his enemy, slowly backed off to let the knight get up but still kept his sword towards him, ready to attack. But what surprised Nick the most was that the knight took a knee to bow. Nick's suspicion suddenly turned into shocked, unsure what to do at this matter.

"Please, there's really no need to do that, I'm not worthy of anything higher," Nick explained, rubbing his neck embarrassingly. He was not used to this new praise.

The new knight glanced up as he slowly got to his feet. "So I can get it that you're not from around here. Where's the hurry to get to?" He asked, making Nick a bit tense, unsure of how to explain his travels.

"I was just passing through but then YOU started to waste my time," Nick answered, crossing his arms as he looked at the new knight displeased.

But his sour mood didn't affect the knight as he chuckled, humored by his new friend.

"But there is no more time in the world, so how is it wasted?" He commented slyly.

Nick sighed deeply, slowly shaking his head.

"Of course you don't understand, no one does anymore." He replied. There was a pause as the knight looked at Nick puzzled.

"And that's one of the reasons why I'm passing through here so quickly." He continued to say in a grumble before turning and walking through the mountain again.

The new knight suddenly jumped as he saw his new friend started to walk away and he quickly followed behind.

"Surely you must need someone to.." the knight started to suggest but Nick took a sharp turn towards him, making the knight jump back slightly.

"Absolutely not!" Nick replied in a serious tone. But as he looked more closely at the knight, thinking of what could be ahead, he knew that there was an obvious choice.

So with a sigh, Nick nodded. "Alright, fine." His answer excited the new knight, who smiled pleasingly.

"That's the spirit!" He cheered.

Nick was not pleased to have a new companion along with him, but he didn't have much of a choice right now.

So with that, the two knights continued the journey in hopes to finally find this lost prince. But without their notice, a witch lurked between the stones, observing and taking everything in from what she just saw.