Laguna - North-end - Midnight - Proxy

Cade dives right for us, giving me and Wildcard barely any time to move. Shit, another second and he could have sliced and diced me. But not letting on the pressure. He’s coming after my ass. He swings that dagger all over the place, trying to get a clean hit in. I’m starting to get used to his movements, and keeping up with him is easier. I don’t doubt its cause he’s running on fumes, but I still need to be careful. He’s fast enough to get the drop on me if I let him.

“Move it, moron!”

Wildcard knocks me out of the way. Jerk better watch his ass, or this'll turn into a 2v1. He starts twirling that three-section staff around, acting like he’s the shit.

“Come and take a bite.”

The two go at each other’s throats without a moment’s notice. At first, I thought Wildcard was good, annoying as hell, but good. He swats Cade’s dagger, opening him up to a counter. He spins his staff, switching between hands as they pick up speed. He slams the front end of it against Cade’s temple. Clean ass hit if I've ever seen one. It got Cade staggering. Now’s my time to shine!

“Lose it, moron!” I leapfrog over him. “You better grit your teeth, buddy!”

Gotta disarm him, or I’ll just keep dodging his attack. My hands grab ahold of his wrists, squeezing tightly on them. He’s trying to shake me off but he ain’t gonna get rid of me that easily. I slam my elbow into his face. It worked! I’m lucky he isn’t enhancing his face, but I sure as hell hope he can’t do that. The dagger is slipping from his hands, just a little bit more, and I’ll be golden!

A chill races down my spine. Shit, I know this feeling… Turning around, the woman with long black hair jumpscares me. Her teeth are all jagged and her face is like a dried-up beef jerky; the stuff of nightmares. She screams right in my face, giving me no time to prepare myself. My body locks up, I can’t move a damn muscle!

Cade easily breaks out of my grasp. Not good! Wildcard vaults over my back, whacking Cade with his weapon. He goes in with it, bashing every part of his body. But Cade, probably tired of getting hit from every which way, catches the staff.

“Wha–”

Cade smacks the ever-living shit out of Wildcard, skipping him across the plaza and into a random building. If he isn’t dead, that’s gonna hurt like a bitch.

“Damn, had to hit him that hard, huh?” Cade doesn’t bother responding, he just keeps staring me down with a visceral snarl. “Alrighty, since he’s out of the way, why don’t we keep this a 1v1? What, are ya feeling scared?”

He takes a single step forward, flaunting that already intimidating aura. That’s right, let’s do this.

“Wanna fight!? Then…catch me if you can!”

I book it for the nearest house. I shove open the door, kicking it closed behind me. This looks like a kitchen. Cade busts through the wooden door. He flies across the small room with his dagger trained on me. I kick the square wooden dinner table in his way. His blades poke through the table. I swerve around to kick his head into the table. Now that his dagger is stuck, I can finally dish out some damage! I assault him with as many punches and kicks as I can throw out. Just gotta keep hitting him. Don’t give him time to breathe.

“Wanna…listen…to me…now!?”

He roars at me and swings the table at me. It flung me off to the side. A loud ass snapping sound goes off. Calling it a guess, but Cade probably broke the table and now his weapons are free. The dirty dagger is coming my way. I roll away from him at the last second. I dash up a flight of stairs. It's small up here and there aren’t any noticeable objects or other rooms; just a single window… Cade enters the room, cutting me off from the exit.

“Screw it, I’m done running. Knife or not, I’m gonna drop your ass.”

Getting that knife out of his hand is becoming a pain, I’m just gonna hit him with all I got. He lunges for me. I stomp hard on the floor. A floorboard springs out of the ground, smacking Cade right on the chin. Fun fact: getting hit from below the chin is not so good, especially for the little guy upstairs.

I kick his ass near the window, lining him up perfectly. All aboard for the expressway down! With a running start, I drop-kick Cade right out the window. I almost go soaring out too, but I catch hold of the window frame at the last second. Cade hits the ground, hard. He’s lying on his back, not even moving a single inch. That wasn’t too much, right? He’s enhancing his body, so a fall from this height should be nothing… Damnit, don’t tell me I killed him!

I climb down from the frame and drop to the street. Cade slowly gets to his feet, stumbling here and there—blood trickles from his forehead, honing his gaze on me.

“Dude, you’re bleeding.” He doesn’t respond. “Come on, dumbass, would you start listening to me?”

“SHUT…UP! SHUT…UP! SHUT–”

“Quit screwing with me, damnit! I’m trying to help you, so just–”

A booming sound mixed with an overwhelming wave of heat catches my tongue. My sense is blaring off big time. It’s coming from above…! Oh, you have to be shitting me! A big ass tree branch is about to drop on our asses. This is seriously not happening. What the hell!?

“Cade, move!”

“Hu– Pro–”

I grab him and run for it. Just have to get out of the way, but is that even possible? My senses are still going off, telling me that it’s going to crush me to death.

“Come on, move faster!”

Second by second, the branch is getting closer. We’re going to be crushed to death.

A strong draft blows from below my feet. The humongous branch that was seconds away from crushing us, is cut in half by something, but I sure as shit can’t tell by what. Both ends fall away from the other, no longer a threat to us. They break crash through the ground, splitting apart the plaza's ground. We’re falling to the ground! Crap, Cade!

I turn to see him honing in on me. His silver dagger flies across my chest.

…

My body feels like it’s being blanketed in cold water. This cold sensation offsets the sharp, burning feeling in my stomach. It itches. I wanna scratch it until it goes away… What the– What’s going on? Why is my body heavy? Gotta open my eyes.

I force open my eyes. The sky is further away than it normally is. Did I hit my head a bit too hard? Getting up is difficult and it became painfully clear why. There’s a huge slash mark on my chest, so that explains a thing or two.

“Shit…why am…out of…breath?”

I haven’t been fighting for too long and here I am, panting like a dog. This shits embarrassing. Taking a single step is difficult, but I can manage just fine.

“Water?”

Just noticed it when I took my first step. It’s up to my ankles and looks like it's steadily building. It must be from the stream running below the bridge. That other end of the branch must’ve hit around the edge.

Cade is across from me, trying his best to get up.

“Cade…are you?” He still can’t get up, no matter what he does, yelling his heart out just to summon whatever strength he has left… But my legs crap out on me.

“Shit…come on, get up…” No time for breaks, start working, legs!

A purple blur drops into the chasm, splashing the water everywhere. Nunnalé stands in front of me, armed with her sword.

“Nunnalé!?”

“Yes?”

“What are you doing here?”

“I have come to aid you. My master is still getting across the other side of the bridge.”

“But what about Marie?”

“She has recovered.”

“Recovered? You mean she’s back?”

“Affirmative.”

“Sweet… Alright, I can fight without any worries!”

Nunnalé barres me with her sword. “I will fight in your stead. You are injured.”

“So what? I can still move.”

“You will be killed at this rate.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“I still want to fight.”

“Why? I cannot fathom why you would wish to fight in your condition. And our enemy is also weakened. If I fight now, we can claim victory.”

She’s about right. No matter how I think of it, she’s being logical about this. Cade would be beaten if Nunnalé fights him. I know that, at least, the smarter part of my brain knows that. Yet, even if I sound dumb ass hell, I don’t care if it isn’t logical.

“Nunnalé, you’re right, but I don’t care…”

“If you are concerned that I will kill, I will not.”

“That’s not it… I just… I know how it sounds, I know it’s dumb, reckless, stubborn, or any other synonym for ‘stupid’. But, I want to fight, not just to save him, because this is the only real way I can help anyone; fighting is the only way I can help anyone…that’s all I got. So please, let me prove myself to you all, and myself…”

Nunnalé’s stone-cold eyes drill into mine. There’s no anger, disappointment, or even that look Marie would give whenever she thinks I said something dumb. Call me crazy, and at this point, I’d agree. Her gaze is challenging me, daring me to back down. Yeah, right, like I’d ever back down from a challenge. She could be a demon from hell, but I’d still stare back at her without blinking.

“Proxy…you confound me at times, even now. This course of action, for the lack of a better term, is “dumb as hell”, as you would put it. Yet I know if my master were here, he would tell me to allow you to do this.”

She lowers her sword.

“Thanks, Nunnalé.”

“Please…do not get killed. It would be…troubling.”

“Don’t worry. We’re all leaving here alive.”

A tall order, I know, but I ain’t the type not to serve up what he’s got cooking. I’ll roll up my sleeves, and give out the best dish I can.

I walk up to him, extending my hand to him. “...Here.”

He immediately slaps my hand out of the way, staring me down.

“Why…!? Why are you in my way…!? Just shut up and leave me alone! Let me kill them. I want to kill them all!”

As much as I want to tell him off, I can’t do that. It just isn’t right.

“...You’re right, I’m annoying. I keep getting in your way, fighting you at every turn, and I don’t have the first clue what you’re feeling… I’m just some guy you met who became a royal pain in your ass, I know that… But I can’t stop, not until you finally understand me, and until I get you… And the only way I know how to do that is by fighting.”

I put my hand out, giving him a second chance to stand up. One final bout, the last go-around, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Let’s finish this fight, for good!”

I have no clue what’s going through his head, and guessing at this point is pointless. All I need to know is if he’s willing to fight or not.

Cade, fighting to pick himself up, stands on his own two feet.

I take a few steps back, “So…we doing this or what? Cause I don't know about you, but I'm just dying to run these hands.”

He saunters my way without his prized dagger. That doesn’t stop him from going into a stance. I reciprocate, dropping into what feels natural. Hand to hand with Cade, huh… He’s in my element, I know that, but I’m just dying to see what he can do. The anticipation is killing me…!

The back of our hands touch the other second, five seconds, fifteen seconds, thirty-two seconds, forty-four seconds, fifty-nine seconds…a minute. I strike.

The sound of flesh impacting the other echoes inside the chasm, and our knuckles come into contact. Damn, he must’ve made his move when I did! Nothing to worry about, just go!

We go for it, belting out strikes however fast we can. Cade’s reactions are sharper than before. He’s actually blocking my attacks and countering the second after. My hands are on fire, going in for blow after blow. Most of my strikes aren’t connecting, but I can feel the pressure I’m putting on Cade, and I have to keep it that way.

Clashing fists again, our bodies recoil after impact. Cade’s going for something in his pocket. Another knife!? Shit, like this, I can’t dodge! Even if it hurts, I’ll have to guard! Right as I put up my guard, Cade dives right at me. He hits me in my stomach, then kneeing me in the face. I go rolling across the ankle-deep water. The cheeky bastard got me with a faint. Well, two play that game, buddy.

I scoop up some water and chuck it at him. It’s not all that great of a tactic, but whatever. I use the water to create small blind spots for me to use against him. He’s stronger than me, I know that, so I have to take advantage of the environment if I want to win. Pure strength isn’t my strong point, it’s my skill!

Diverting his fist created an opening. Now! I slam my fist against his ribs, striking with all my power… Huh? This impact, it’s not right… Don’t tell me, he’s still got more of Source or whatever!?

Two separate impacts at my stomach and torso send me flying. It hurts like shit, not just cause he knocked the wind out of me, but it also disturbed my wound. There’s gonna be trouble if I keep letting hit my wound; feeling pretty damn weak as it is, getting this thing worked up isn’t going to be doing me any favors. Even so, I’ll keep going the way I have now. Being put on the back foot is something I don’t want. Winning is the only thing that matters.

Cade and I clash once more. The flesh of our arms and legs echoes inside the chasm, sharpening my senses with each vibration and impact made. His movements are reverting to how they used to be, precise, decisive, and deadly. Even if I weren’t injured, this would be a difficult fight; Cade’s dangerous even without a weapon. He could get the better of me any moment and kill me with his bare hands. He could summon those monsters and kill me, or even find that dagger and slice my throat open… None of that scares me. I’m having fun. I sure as hell know this makes me sound bat shit insane, but I don’t care. Fighting, giving it my all against someone who can really push me to do better, and without anyone else to worry about, I can finally have fun doing what I’ve always been best at.

I’ve been tripping over myself, overthinking things, and I nearly lost sight of myself. But it’s clear to me now: I just need to keep doing what I’m good at. And not just that, I have to get better, no matter who I’m up against. Not just for everyone else, but so I can stand proud as the strongest punk in NewPort– No, as a member of the Anti-bandit army!

My vision narrows on a spot on Cade’s chest. Every inch of my body tells me that it’s where I need to hit. There it is again, lightning racing through my arm. I weave under Cade’s arms, keeping my eyes set on that sweet spot, and as his next attack comes, I go for it. My mind is clearer than a sky without clouds, or pure, smooth, white snow. A sense of deja vu washes over me.

Fast as lightning, my fist shoots for the spot. A thunderous clap resounds throughout the chasm. My fist burrows deep into his chest. The water below us crashes back and forth against the walls, gushing upward after a strong ripple. Droplets slowly fall in front of me… Everything moves in slow motion, but my heart is racing faster than ever. This sensation is beyond anything I have ever felt, and from just a simple punch… This is awesome.

The droplets drop at a normal speed. Everything feels normal again. My heart is still racing, but not as fast as a second ago. Cade is laid out on the ground, clenching at his chest, fighting off whatever bloodcurdling scream. Just like with that chainsaw-wielding douchebag, it was a critical strike.

“Looks like I’m coming out on top this time,” I said with a grin. “And no rematch! I’m leaking badly here.” Whatever bravado I have isn’t enough to make me pretend that this wound isn’t hurting like a bitch, and that my blood is seeping out. “So, you got anything to say?”

“Why…why am I…so weak? My family, my friends, I keep losing things…over and over… I hate it!”

I put a hand on his shoulder. “You ain’t weak, far from it.”

“I am! I am! I am! I–”

“SHUT UP!” I yell, right in the ear to get my message across. “...Sorry, but, listen, man. I don’t get all the details, and I don’t get how it feels to lose someone, okay? It has to hurt so damn much, so much I can’t even imagine, but you didn’t lose everyone. Wedge, Puck, and the rest of your friends.”

“What?”

“I told you already, but you were getting all angry and you wouldn’t listen! They’re okay. Me and my friends saved them from that shithead, Jed.”

“Jed? But he–”

“He’s a bad guy and an asshole. He was using you, trying to spur you on.”

“I was… I… Oh no…” After all this pain, battling, and stress, Cade finally breaks down into tears, trying to cover it but it doesn’t take a keen eye to see the tears rolling down his face. “...I…just thought I lost everything, again. I couldn’t…I… I can’t face them like this!”

“Sure you can. We can go see them together. And no matter what happens, I got your back.” Hurts like shit, but I get up from the wet ground and put my hand out. “So what do you say? You finally want to bury the hatchet and go see them?”

His hand shakily reaches for mine. He hesitates momentarily, drawing it back, but he nuts up and takes my hand. I pull up from the ground.

“Proxy, you’re just…something else.”

Although hoarse, his inflection is lighter than before. At least he doesn’t sound all raspy and edgy anymore.

“Don’t have to tell me, I’m just that great.”

“But, how do we get out of this place?”

“Can’t you just summon that monster pal of yours?”

“No…I’m exhausted, and I don’t get how I did all that stuff.”

“Well, guess we’re gonna have to hitch a ride. Nunnalé, you there…?”

She shows herself at the edge of the chasm. “Yes?”

“Can you help us out of here? My feet are getting wet.”

“Is he still hostile?”

“Nah, we’re good. Just hurry up, my feet are getting cold!”

She jumps down without thinking about it, landing like she didn’t just jump down a chasm. Her sword isn’t out, so I’m gonna go on a hunch and say she trusts me on this. But I bet she’s still wary of him, waiting for him to make any suspicious moves.

“Let’s–”

A hard thumb throbs where my wound is. It’s a hot needle stabbing me around my chest, just going to town on me. Any energy I have left is sapped away instantly from the pain. My face is about to kiss the cold water, but Cade catches me.

“Are you…okay?” he asks, still reeling from the final blow. “...Proxy…!”

His voice is getting farther away, echoing through my brain. It looks like losing blood and fighting with this wound is finally catching up with me. Strangely, the pain isn’t that bad, so I got that going for me. Things should be good for now, and to be honest, I’m dead tired at this point. I’ll just cave in and take a well-deserved nap…

…

The cool air briskly rolls through the night, a pleasant feeling for those who enjoy the night and the sky before dawn. A small figure watches Proxy, Cade, and Nunnalé. Behind the girl is a suit of armor, watching her without an expression.

“Answer me, witch, why did you save them?” She does not answer, not because she is unable, simply because he is unwilling to display manners. “Their battle is not of any consequence, neither is their lives. Yet you save them.”

It is a cruel statement, however, she cannot argue against it. The battle with the bandits is something she sees as inconsequential to herself, and if Cade and Proxy were to die, the world would not change for it. However…

“He baked me an excellent cake.”

“Excuse me?”

“A shortcake, as crass as he may seem, he made a wonderfully delectable cake. I dare say, it was the best I have eaten in many years.”

“That is why?”

“One of them, yes.”

“What of the other?”

Selena doesn’t answer him, keeping her eyes on the three on the street. Weighing life based on value is subjective to Selena. She could come up with multiple reasons to let them die, leave them to their devices, and never think about any of this… All of it would be hypocritical. From the moment she saved Richard’s life, she could no longer excuse their deaths if she could help it. But, at the very least, she will help from a distance and stay out of their way. The witch understands the value of their fight, so her involvement will devalue that.

“...Hmph, it matters not in the end. This battle has ended. Let us be off to our main goal.”

“As impatient as ever. Very well, let us find that swordsman.”

Selena turns her back to the scene below, wearing a subtle yet meaningful smile.

“Looks as if you have gotten stronger after all.”