Echoes of the Past

Chapter Twenty - Part One

Chapter Twenty: Aftermath - Part One

A blinding light filled Evan's vision. His skin tingled with an intense heat that washed over him.

As his senses and strength returned, he realised he was being lifted off the ground by the hot light, and rotating to a standing position.

Through the tendrils of light spiralling around him, the gravelly street of Toolin materialised. Audlin and the dark-skinned man were before him. Between them, James Island was swinging his sword. In an instant James blocked Audlin's sword and struck across the dark man's chest, then swung back and knocked Audlin's sword out from his hands.

Seeing the huntsman, a rush of anger rippled through Evan. He had seen enough of the racist hunter who wanted to imprison him. The swirling energy flashed ahead of him, powered by his anger. Beams of light shot out and struck Audlin and the dark-skinned man. They convulsed and cried out as the energy channelled through them, their skin turning a charred black, their clothes burning away. With concussive detonations, the burned remains of the men exploded in a shower of ash and blood. The flaky ashes swirled in the hot air and blew away.

His feet planted on the ground. The white energy ebbed and retreated. Evan blinked away the spots dancing in his vision, re-adjusting to the early morning light.

James's face glistened with sweat as he watched Evan with wide eyes.

Evan turned to the hammer-wielding adlaz standing over Sam. The bulky alien looked over the charred mounds that had been Audlin and the dark-skinned man, then dropped the hammer and raised his arms with hands spread. Across the street, the other reptile man helped his comrade up. They were both injured and bloodied, and could barely walk.

Across the street, Sam stirred and came to. He slowly rose to his feet, wincing and holding his bruised chest.

"You fellas get going," Sam said to the remaining three adlaz, pointing his chin down the road. "Before you go the same way as your boss."

Not needing any further incentive, the reptile men set off. They helped support each other as they hobbled away.

"And choose better employers next time," Sam called out to them, though his voice was weak and gravelly. He retrieved his sword from the ground and approached Evan and James.

James took a step closer to Evan, his voice shaking with fatigue and confusion. "Are... are you okay?"

Evan considered the question and assessed himself. There, somewhere inside, he could feel it. The demon inside him. A smile crept on his face when he felt the wilted, meek presence that had once troubled him so much. Now things would be different. Now that he had fully bound the demon to him and gained control over it.

James's heavy breaths were audible as he waited for a response.

Evan met his gaze. "Yes. Better now."

And he was. Much better. He saw how James had handled himself with two foes. Evan had to admit, James had held himself well. Something told Evan that James had protected his unconscious body. He could feel the care and support emanating from James.

Sam came to them, saying, "Everyone still in one piece?"

"Trouble just keeps finding us, doesn't it? James asked. He held a hand over a dark blood stain on his side, by his ribs.

Sam nodded, frowning as he looked them over.

"That was some hit," James said, gesturing to Sam.

Sam carefully lifted the front of his desert cloak, grimacing as he ran a hand over the purple bruising on his chest. "I may have cracked a rib or two. Or three. It's going to be a while before I can try and heal us. Once I recover myself. How about you, Evan?"