Chapter 13 - Mother (1/2)

Rushing out of the manor Lydis's mother was carrying Lydis. Followed by the young doctor. They were swiftly making their way to the transport cars when suddenly a group of people dressed as maids blocked the path.

”Move it.” Marie gritted her teeth and spat out the words.

”You won't leave here with your life.” The raspy voice of the maids echoed in the empty garden.

”This is my last warning, move it.” The maids didn't respond. Instead they all rushed in, wielding blades and spears. Marie tightened her grip on Lydis slightly and began to fend off her attackers.

The first two blades that came were aimed at her legs. Jumping up Marie flipped in the air and brought both feet back down on the maid's heads, crushing them. The sharp crack of their skulls caused the others to change formation. Now positioned in a spiral around Marie and the young doctor.

”M-miss…” The young doctor was frightened, his knees almost buckling. The only thing keeping him standing was the thought of being left behind by the miss and left to die. He was content on following the miss out of there. The spiral was tightening. All at once they attacked in a synchronized move. Spears jabbed at Marie's leg while others thrust upwards, anticipating Marie's jump. What they didn't expect was that instead of jumping Marie just stood there, using kicks to break the blades and spears. She raised her leg and kicked upwards. A gust of wind followed her kick and the spiral was broken. The enemies scattered but reformed further away.

”B-boss, we didn't hear about her still being this strong.” A grunt whispered to his superior.

”Yeah, didn't she get injured a year ago?” Another grunt pitched in.

”For all we know she could still be as strong as she was during her prime…” The nervous agreements of other members chimed in as well.

”Quiet!” Their leader's pressure weighed down on them heavily. Some had to step back a couple of feet while clenching their chest. ”She could just be faking her strength. For now let's follow her and wear her down first.”

”Yes sir!” The other members saluted and dispersed, going after Marie once again.

While the enemy had been talking Marie slipped away from them. The young doctor tried to follow Marie but since he didn't have her kind of constitution and stamina he fell behind by a couple meters. Though he was breathing hard he was determined to not be left behind. His willpower had stopped him from collapsing long ago. Marie continued without waiting at all. The only thing on Marie's mind was to get Lydis somewhere safe and then to go back to help her husband. They continued their sprint through the manor's dense forest. Soon they heard the enemies following them again. Blades and darts were thrown at Marie. Using one arm she swatted the weapons out of the air and continued to run, undisturbed. The enemies kept their distance but still attacked Marie. Some who had managed to circle around them set up traps, bombs, and poisons to stop and weaken Marie. Though she managed to avoid them she still wasted more effort than she originally planned to. The young doctor behind her had been lucky was well. Following her movements and going along with her decisions though, it wasn't like he had a better chance of living if he didn't.

The attacks didn't stop and the toll was becoming evident on Marie's face. Her brows were furrowed and sweat was trailing off her cheeks. The young doctor was barely managing to stick with Marie. His condition was worse as he was breathing heavily and reeked of sweat. His steps were becoming unsteady and sloppy but, he wouldn't let himself fall. In Marie's arms Lydis was becoming colder and colder. The mini cryostasis was taking effect at the worst possible time. Marie's arms were getting numb from holding Lydis.

The chase continued. Watching out for attacks from behind them and traps below them Marie and the young doctor continued to push on. The enemies like wolves, keeping pace and attacking wherever there was even a slight opening. Their attacks never letting up. Soon they reached the river which acted as a boundary between the Archduke's manor and the wilderness. The young doctor's pace slowed and the distance between him and Maire increased even more. Eventually Marie reached a cliff. Due to its natural defense with a steep cliff and raging rivers below not many would try to swim or climb it. Much less bring an army through it. Huffing the young doctor stopped next to Marie, fear invading his eyes. Marie stopped before the cliff looking at the raging waters and thinking of any kind of plan. Sighing Marie set Lydis down gently, caressing her cheek one last time before turning to face the invaders. The young doctor had already given up and slumped onto the ground, defeated and in despair.

”You're already surrounded.” From the tree's shadows the enemy captain walked slowly towards Marie. His voice distorted by his black helmet. Marie glared at him, readying her fists to attack at any moment. ”It's futile to resist. Come with us quietly and we might be able to let you live a little longer.” The man struck out his hand and offered it to Marie. Seeing this Marie spat at him.

”Scum like you have no right to order me around.” Marie raised her hands above her head and stood ready.