Who Am I? (Book 1)

Chapter 30

The sounds stopped and before I knew it Death was standing in front of me. He looked just as in my dreams, but his aura ... it was terrifying, my dreams couldn't even fathom to catch up on how terrifying it was. "Julie, are you ready to die?" He began to laugh, his voice was hollow and raspy and definitely not human. "My child, I give you one more chance. Join me, rule the world with me. You've grown so much since I saw you ... Don't you like my offer? I can give you whatever you want. Unfortunately, your half-sister refused my offer ... she gave me quite a lasting mark". His hands touched a big scar, it ran from his temple and down to his chest. What disgusted me the most, however, was how he talked. It sounded like I had already accepted his offer. "But enough reminiscing", he smiled, in a very evil way, and held out his hand to me. It seemed to pulse with darkness, his fingers were sickly thin but ended in giant claws. I stepped towards him, pretending to accept but at the last second, I drew my blade and cut off his hand. Death howled in agony and rage. I had used the blade I received from Julia, and it didn't seem like Death was able to heal himself. "I see ... you finally received your sword. How pathetic they are ... sending my own children to end me. But it seems only you showed up". 

Death was unpredictable, he was a very good fighter (and I was not). The only reason I was alive was my sword, he feared it and held back. He knew that one lucky blow could turn the tide, and so he patiently waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. "Hmph ... this isn't even challenging!" He wasn't impressed by my combat knowledge. Suddenly he jabbed at me with the hand he had left, and I responded with my sword. I hoped to cut it off, but he was way too quick and I paid the price for misjudging his speed. In one quick motion, his hand connected with my jaw and made a giant gash down to my back. "Gh ..." I stumbled and held back a scream, blood was coming out of my wound ... a lot of it. I couldn't fight for long anymore ... I would bleed out for sure. Then I felt a warm and tender touch and my wound seemed to close up, leaving a scar in its place. "I'm always with you, don't forget that I have your back". It was as if nature spoke to me, but I recognized the voice and I had to win ... for the sake of the world, but also for my future with Tash.

I pulled back, I couldn't dream to even match his speed even if my wound was healed. We circled each other, waiting for the chance to strike, waiting for someone to make the move ... or a fatal mistake. Without warning, Death thrust his hand towards me and once again I tried to cut it off but this time I was prepared. However, Death was cunning and manipulated a shadow to push me from behind. I stumbled and overstepped, pain flaring up in my ankle but I couldn't let that stop me (or I could, but that would be a free ticket to heaven). Our battle dragged on, no one managed to secure the upper hand. circling each other, parry, offensive and back to defensive, that was the pattern by now.