Chapter 41 - The Haunted Past (1/2)

Xavier

When I finally regain consciousness, I was leaning against a tree at the edge of the bloody clearing. Epoch stood over me, concern in his eyes.

”What happened?” My throat was extremely dry. It hurt to talk, a metallic taste was overpowering in my mouth.

”Just remain calm.” Epoch said as he lifted me to my feet.

”Why?” I bȧrėly croaked out the word. It was now I realized what was wrong. I had two arms, one draped across Epoch's shoulders and one holding my side. I looked down, horror filling every atom of my body. A black, leathery arm was there. The pointed tips were digging into my flesh, bits of black blood rolling down.

In shock, I push away, stumbling to the floor. My other arm was black. I stared into Epoch's bright gray eyes, looking at the reflection of a black thing. Yellow dots were centered in the shape. ”What am I? What happened?”

Epoch never answered. Someone else did. ”You are now… Kalakrath.” It was inside. Inside my head.

”Get out! Get out of my mind! I am Xavier Nightrider. Xavier Nightrider.” I screeched at the top of my lungs. Clutching the sides my head, stumbled away. Into the forest.

The voice protested. ”Go back. Kill him. He did this to us.” On and on and on and on, the voice droned on. I wanted to die, to stop the voice. I brought my sword into my ċhėst, only to have the blade shatter against my ċhėst. ”No, no, no, no, no.” I could only wallow in despair, heading deeper and deeper into the woods.

From behind, Epoch watched in hopelessness.

Solskin

I listened to Epoch with almost contempt. In my mind, Epoch was just a cohort of a vile monster. These demons had caused so much suffering. Xavier is one of them. He didn't deserve my trust or my sympathy. He deserved to die.

With this mindset, I practically ignored the entire story, storming out the room as soon as it ended. It only made me angrier. The monster that killed Erik was by my side. I looked up to It. Blood boiling, I walked outside into the cool night air. I am going to find him and make him pay. I will kill with my own blade. For Erik, my true hero.

”Now, where is that bastard!”