Karta Stryker

Chapter 21: Malik

I charged towards Malik with Stryker aimed out in front of me. Malik knocked the blade out of the way with his finger tips. As my body was swung out of balance, I was kicked to the side as Malik spun around. As I recovered, Malik paced slowly towards me. Two purple blades made from a magical, glass-like texture.

"Really thought you'd be a bit tougher than that." Malik sighed.

He thrust the blades downward in an attempt to pierce my stomach, barely missing as I rolled out of the way. Still on the ground, Malik kicked me in the face, my nose instantly spitting out blood.

"Come on, Karta! You fought like an animal when you were younger! Where is that conviction now?" Malik smiled.

"Shut up!" I shouted.

I hunched myself up from the ground, smearing my outer arm with the blood weeping from my nose. I readied Stryker in a samurai's stance, ready to defend myself. Malik dispersed one of his blades, leaving only one sword to duel against me.

"A duel it is then." Malik smiled.

Our blades met in X-formation, traditional in swordsmanship. Malik moved in such an uncouth way, slithering in between my strikes like a snake. His eyes locked onto mine, the deep purple glaring sinisterly. I kicked Malik's leg out from underneath him, earning a cackle as he fell. His body hit the ground hard, exerting a grunt from his mouth.

"That's more like it!" Malik smiled.

He jolted up, ramming his shoulder into my chest, sending me flying twice a fathom backwards. I slammed into the gates at which Marcus, Arcadia and Jade were waiting at the other side. Malik began to applaud as he laughed in a more deranged way.

"Worry not, activities for the audience are plentiful!" Malik shouted.

Arcadia's eyes widened, and instantly snapped around to see three Reptiliala, slowly gurgling as they marched towards her and Marcus.

"What the hell are these things?!" Marcus snarled.

Arcadia flipped her blades into reverse grip, ready to attack. Her irises looked as if they shrunk into her fear, knowing full well she can't handle them on her own.

I turned back towards Malik, an orange glare filling my iris.

"That's right! Use your blood!" Malik smiled.

My wings fluttered out, an aggressive presence flooding my thoughts. Stryker felt lighter, the hilt dancing at my fingertips. My flurry of slashes were fast, but not too much so for Malik. He wanted me to unleash my power, but I have the sneaking suspicion he wants me to make him regret it.

I continually ramped up my strength and speed, and Malik began to sweat. He punched me in the chest, slightly knocking me back. It wasn't enough to stop me, so I swung my left fist back towards him. Malik swerved under and kicked Stryker out of my hands.

"Care to dance?" Malik bowed.

I began my next move. Our punches thrust past each others heads, ducks and weaves making short work of any attempt of attack. I landed one on Malik's chest, instantly pulling my fist back. Malik was only knocked back so far, warranting only a light chuckle. Malik teleported behind me, putting me in a chokehold. I began to lose my breath, the orange in my eyes flickering. Arcadia and Marcus were also being strangled by the Reptiliala, as they were overwhelmed.

"Come on, break free... your friends are struggling." Malik whispered.

My vision was fading, the courtyard coming in and out of focus. The lights present in the sky were now flaring, blinding my sight. I could faintly see Stryker at the other side of the courtyard, the winged man we encountered before standing beside it. I don't think he was actually present, but generated an apparition in his place. I could hear him taunt me.