The Chimera (Legends of the Dark Creatures Book 2)

“Richard... Richard... Richard...”

Richard’s eyes flew wide open and his sight was greeted by the beautiful brown-eyed girl he had grown fond of.

“Ashley?” he said, his eyes slowly getting a grasp of his environment.

Both his hands and legs were bound in chains and so were Ashley’s. She was sitting next to him and they were in some kind of underground cavern. The place was indeed large with natural bridges of rocks connecting the tunnels above them.

Ashley’s eyes were glowing blue. She had adjusted her sight, enabling her to see in the dark.

Richard turned to his left and saw Sara and Luke’s father lying unconscious on the ground. How did all this happen? The last thing he remembered was that he trying to find a way to contact Talya when suddenly something attacked him and everything went black.

“It was Vladimir,” Ashley said, tears flowing out of her eyes. “I was completely useless. I couldn’t even protect those cops...”

“It’s not your fault,” Richard said, still making sense of the situation. “Wait... where is Samantha?”

Ashley’s eyes opened wide.

“That’s right... I had fainted earlier so I don’t really know what happened. By the time my eyes opened, Samantha’s car was in the woods and was flipped upside down. No one was in the driver’s seat. Perhaps she managed to escape.”

“I truly hope that’s the case... And you said you fainted?” Richard asked. That’s when it actually hit him.

“Ashley... Why were two policemen and the deputy sheriff with you?” Richard asked.

Ashley remained quiet. Even though she had shielded her aura Richard clearly saw fear in her glowing eyes. She folded her arms around her knees and was about to say something when someone appeared out of the dark.

Arius...

Like before, he was dressed in fine white linen robes lined with golden patterns. He walked towards Richard and Ashley, smiling and waving his hand as if to greet them.

“Good evening,” Arius said. “I am terribly sorry for the ill-treatment but my friend Vlad can be a little unreasoning.”

“You and I may share the same goal but we are far from being friends,” a voice said and Vladimir made his entrance. He was still dressed in the same black suit he wore before when Richard saw him.

Arius frowned and said, “Far from being friends? You’re mean, Vlady.”

Edorina materialized before them, wearing a long black dress. She was carrying a long staff with a small black crystal embedded at the tip. An Ethren Stone, Richard thought. Unlike normal rocks and stones, Ethren Stones were rare and incredibly powerful. They could store magic and the dark magic contained in Edorina’s Ethren Stone was revolting and vile. Richard wondered how Edorina managed to get hold of one.

“Enough you two,” Edorina said. “Don’t forget our objective here.”

“Yes,” Vladimir said. “The Fire-Demon.”

Vladimir walked over to Richard.

“We were rudely interrupted the last time we met,” he said. “Just tell me where the Chimera is and I will grant you a quick death.”

“First... Let everyone else go,” Richard demanded.

“Richard!” Ashley shouted when Vladimir plunged his hand into Richard’s chest.

“Oh my, oh my,” Arius said.

Richard couldn’t breathe, his entire body went numb and his vision became cloudy as he felt Vladimir’s hand gripped his heart.

“You’re in no position to make demands boy,” Vladimir said. “So, I will only ask one more time... “Where is the Chimera?”

“We don’t know okay!”

“A-Ashley... no...” Richard whispered.

Vladimir’s attention turned to Ashley.

“I was wondering why Arius had me go through all the trouble to get you,” he said. Vladimir pulled his hand out of Richard’s chest and Richard began to feel his ribs and flesh regenerating. He wanted to act but he knew he was no match for the Dark Trinity. All he could do was wait for the perfect opportunity to at least save Ashley... yes... Ashley’s safety was all that...

Wait... no... there was something wrong with that thought. He cared for Sara as well and he wouldn’t want to see Luke lose his father. And Ashley would never forgive him if he forsook her friends. What was he thinking?

“You,” Arius said, moving towards Ashley. “You’re shielding your aura now but I can tell there is something peculiar about you. Even the scent of your blood is intoxicating... Incredible...”

“Arius you’re making me jealous,′ Edorina said. She raised her staff and flames appeared on the touches in the cavern. “There,” Edorina said. “I may be thousands of years old but I can’t see in the dark as you guys.”

“So, you say you don’t know where the Chimera is,” Vladimir said, standing in front of Ashley.

“What she says is true,” said Richard, gritting his teeth. “Ethan is in this town but we have no idea of where he stays.”

“Arius?” Vladimir called.

“Well then it can’t be helped,” Arius said. “But perhaps our friends might prove to be useful... one way or the other.”

“Oh yes,” Edorina added. “I need some genuine pigs for my experiments and also... the blood of these humans here might be enough to do my special ritual.”

“What ritual?” Ashley asked.

“You see, for me to remain as young and beautiful as I am, I absorb the life force of living beings and make it my own... but not just any living creatures... Humans... It’s how I have lived for over fifty thousand years. But life is found in their blood... That is why I need to draw all of it out first.”

Angry lines appeared across Ashley’s face.

“Oh don’t be angry,” Edorina said. “The lives I take are put to good use and...”

Edorina didn’t see it coming. Ashley had pressed her back against the wall behind her and propelled herself at Edorina. She managed to land a shocking head-butt on the witch’s face.

Ashley fell to the ground and Edorina staggered backward. Blood was flowing out of the side of Edorina’s face.

“I hope that shuts you up!” Ashley said in a furious voice.

“How dare you...”

“That’s enough Edorina,” Vladimir ordered.

“You will pay dearly for that,” Edorina said through her teeth. “I know...”

She pointed her stuff and Ashley rose and began floating in the air.

“Ashley”

This time it was another voice that spoke. It was Mr. Anderson. Both he and Sara seemed to have regained consciousness. Mr. Anderson’s eyes had widened with bewilderment.

“Ashley is your name is it not?” Edorina said. “After I am done with you I will make sure this entire town follows you to your death.”

“That was the plan after all,” Vladimir pointed out. “Defeating the Chimera is one thing and we announce our power by destroying this wretched town...”

“It’s a shame... Such a beautiful and quaint little city,” Arius said. “Huh? What was that?”

Richard had sensed it too. Someone was hiding in the shadows cast by the lit torches. A figure in black launched himself into the air. At amazing speed, the figure dashed at Vladimir, unsheathed, and slashed his sword at the vampire. Richard was shocked when he saw Vladimir’s eyes widen.

Vladimir dodged the attack and punched the blunt end of the sword; flanging it out of the vampire’s hands. Vladimir looked like someone that had just escaped death. The figure turned out to be a handsome young man with short black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing hunters’ gear but his aura wasn’t that of a human.

“Blast,” the man said. “Looks like I missed my chance.”

Whoever this was Sara knew him. Her large beautiful brown eyes had become red with tears and her hand was cupped over her mouth.

“Hi there, little one,” the man said, looking at Sara. “Trust me... This isn’t how I wanted to announce my return to you.”

The man walked over to Richard.

“Well, I can tell you were waiting for the right time to strike,” he said. “Now might be the best time Fire-Demon.”

Hot flames appeared around Richard’s body and the chains that bound him melted.

“Is that Devil’s Venom laced to your sword?” Richard asked. There was a thick black liquid smeared on the blade.

“Now isn’t the time for questions, my friend,” the man said. “The name’s Spencer. So, do you have a plan to get us out of here?”

“I thought now wasn’t the time for questions,” Richard said. He leaped into the air, turned off the flames around his body, and grabbed Ashley.

“You alright?” he asked when they landed.

Vladimir, Arius, and Edorina stood together.

“Oh my,” Arius said with a smile. “Devil’s Venom... Now, this isn’t good. Devil’s Venom can kill any creature can’t it, Vlady?”

Vladimir’s eyes were fixed on Spencer.

“You,” he said. “You are one of my children... Why do you seek to destroy your master?”

Spencer picked up his sword, held its hilt, and dropped into an attacking stance.

“Someone made me realize that the reason I had before was just an excuse... So how’s this? You are my Jarand Hanat... Is that reason enough?”

Spencer had the advantage of surprise before but now he had almost no chance of landing a blow on Vladimir. Richard held Ashley’s hand.

“Ashley,” Richard said. “Wait here.”

Ashley may have been strong enough to fight a hundred-year-old vampire but battling the Dark Trinity was another matter altogether. Ashley understood this, which is why she nodded and said, “Be careful.”

Once again flames burst out of Richard’s body. These foes weren’t to be taken lightly so Richard had no choice but to use his abilities to the fullest extent.

He closed his eyes and interlocked his fingers together. Richard then took in a deep breath and felt a rush of power surge through his body. The flames around took form and his body was covered in an armor of flames. A sword of fire formed in his hands and wings of fire spread out of his back. In this form, Richard’s strength, reflexes, and abilities were ten times better than they normally were.

“Oh, it’s the Kadan!” Arius exclaimed. “The Flame Warrior... Isn’t he beautiful?”

“Shut up!” Richard shouted.

In an instant, he was close to Arius. Richard swung his sword but missed when Arius dodged. The ground shook and rocks splattered out when Richard’s sword plunged through it. Richard moved to his left when a black ball of energy came at him. The dark energy crashed into the rocky wall behind him and force from the blast left a large hole in the wall.

“You’re fast,” Edorina said, pointing her staff at Richard. “But how about this?”

Multiple balls of dark magic shot out of the crystal on Edorina’s stuff. They flew in different directions, aiming not only at Richard but his friends as well. Richard flapped his wings and took off into the air, avoiding being hit. He smiled when he saw Ashley grab Sara and the deputy sheriff. Spencer also appeared to be able to take care of himself.

“I will protect them,” Ashley shouted.

Richard landed and nodded at Ashley. Arius and Vladimir stood aside like spectators. Richard’s Kadan form could only last for about five minutes. He had to make sure he at least defeated both Vladimir and Arius within that limit.

He launched himself at Edorina and fired a large blast of fire from his hands. A black shield formed around Edorina but she was sent flying in the air and she crashed into the rocks above.

Arius intervened. Sharp blades of air came charging at Richard. Richard dodged most of them but one sliced through his flame armor and left a large wound on his thigh. He knelt a bit but gathered enough strength to dash at Arius. Richard was so close to Arius that he was sure his sword would connect but just before it could touch Arius’ neck, the air element master disappeared and reappeared behind Richard. No... he didn’t disappear, Richard quickly thought. Arius had just moved so fast that Richard’s eyes couldn’t follow the path of his motion.

“Amazing, amazing,” Arius blurted out. “To think creatures of your caliber still exist...”

Richard could feel his power depleting. He had to end this fight soon.

“Oh... what’s this?” Arius said, raising an eyebrow.

Richard’s right arm was pointed at Arius. He spread out his fingers and he felt his palm becoming hot as he concentrated his power on it. The ground, together with the rocks, surrounding Richard was burning and his hand slowly became heavy to hold up.

Richard roared and fired a dark red blast of fire shot out of his palm. The flames lit the entire cavern and were so hot that the ground below them burnt as they moved. They also had enough force to push Richard backward.

The flames hit Arius and continued emanating from Richard’s palm like fire being shot out of a flame thrower.

After about a minute, Richard lowered his hand and folded his fist. Thick black smoke was rising from where Arius stood and every place the fires had hit. Richard turned and stared at Vladimir. The vampire in black had his arms crossed and was staring at Richard analytically as if he didn’t care that one of his comrades had just fallen.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my!”

Richard’s body almost froze when he heard Arius’ voice. At first, it was only a silhouette walking in the smoke but eventually, a man in white robes emerged. There wasn’t even a scratch on Arius’ body or his clothes. Richard looked to his left at Ashley who was standing with Sara, Spencer, and Luke’s father. He could see it in their eyes; fear.

“I am rather disappointed, Fire-Demon,” Arius said, brushing dust off his sleeves. “Isn’t really all your Flame Warrior form can offer?”

A flame sword appeared in Richard’s hand but before he could even move Arius was already standing in front of him. With just a touch, Arius sent Richard flying and he crashed into the ground. Richard had hardly got up when he felt Arius’ hands on his shoulder. The dark creature’s claws had dug through Richard’s armor of flames and into his flesh. Arius threw Richard in the air as if he weighed nothing and suddenly a stream of air blew from above him and sent him right back into the ground.

“Richard... No...”

Richard could hear Ashley’s weeping whispers as he lay on the ground. His flame armor and sword vanished; leaving most of his clothes burned away.. His throat was not only dry but Richard found that he could hardly draw any breaths. Both his hands and legs had gone numb and his entire body trembled in pain.

Arius walked up to Richard and looked at him.

He sighed and said, “I didn’t even get to use any of my strength and you’re already down. Wait... what’s this?”

Arius squatted and studied the red blood flowing out of Richard’s shoulder, forehead, thighs, and chest. Richard could feel his wounds healing but they were taking longer than usual. Arius took some blood from Richard’s shoulder using his finger and placed the finger in his mouth.

With a face flooding with excitement, Arius said, “Hey... When was the last time you tasted real human blood? And I don’t mean from those blood bags. That’s why you’re so weak...”

Arius then faced where Ashley was.

“I know,” he said. “Why don’t I offer you a snack?”

Spencer went and stood in front of Ashley and Sara and said, “Unless you want to lose your head I suggest...”

Spencer couldn’t have seen it coming. Arius had already dashed behind him and snapped his neck.

“That will shut him up for a while,” Arius said. He grabbed Ashley and Sara by their hands and said, “So which one will it be... The first human you drink from after such a long time. You don’t have to kill them. Just drink enough so that you can at least challenge me and then we can finally experience the pleasure of a”

Richard felt Sara’s aura change. Sara’s aura was usually calm and tranquil but this one was sinister; filled with rage and blood lust. Was she trying to activate her Blood Seeker?

“Take me,” Ashley demanded and Sara’s aura reverted back to normal. She probably understood that even in her blood seeker form, Sara was not much for these but that look in Ashley’s eyes... No... It wasn’t just Sara she was protecting. Ashley was a half-breed. Her blood was special and Richard knew it. Fortunately, the Dark Trinity wasn’t aware of this fact. He had never told her this but even he was drawn to it and many were the times when he had to resist the urge.

“A volunteer... yippee!” Arius exclaimed.

He dragged Ashley next to Richard.

“Stop it you bastard,” Richard gritted.

“But this will make you strong,” Arius said.

He made Ashley kneel in front of Richard and held her head above his mouth. Arius tilted Ashley’s head so that her neck touched Richard’s lips. Richard could hear the blood being pumped through Ashley’s body and felt it flowing against his lips.

Eventually, his fangs extended.

This was Ashley’s plan but what if Richard couldn’t stop drinking once he started? It wasn’t just the blood that dark creatures craved... it was the lives they took as they drank it. The feeling of sucking away one’s life... Richard just couldn’t bring himself to do that anymore...

Richard wanted to resist but he heard Ashley say, “It’s alright, Richard.”

He couldn’t see her face but he felt her tears against his cheek. Ashley trusted him and it was time he began to at least trust himself.

Richard slowly opened his mouth and gently pressed his fangs against Ashley’s neck. When he sunk his teeth, Richard felt something that he had never experienced before. Ashley’s blood had an indescribable taste. It was neither human nor merfolk’s and the rush of power that came with it was electrifying.

“Yes, yes... drink Richard, drink. Drink to your fill and fight me with your greatest power!” Arius shouted.

Every drop of blood Richard took was euphoric but he stopped when he saw Ashley almost lose consciousness. Arius let her go and she lay beside him.

“Richard,” Ashley said in a whisper.

“Rest now, Ashley,” Richard said, rising to his feet. “I’ll be sure to end this quickly.”

Arius looked at Richard. Richard was sure Arius felt it too.

“Hey,” Arius said, his voice sounding more serious than usual. “The girl... Just what is she? This power I sense from you...”

“This girl...” Richard interrupted. “...Is my friend.”

Richard dashed at Arius and landed one incredibly powerful punch on his cheek, sending Arius some meters away. Arius fell to the ground. Richard ran at him, grabbed him by his neck, and sent him flying in the air when he pounded his knee in Arius’ abdomen.

Once again Arius was on the ground. He rose to his feet and spat out some blood.

“Now it’s been quite some time since I saw that,” Arius said.

Flames blasted out of Richard’s body. The flames took shape and Richard found himself wearing a thin coat, boots, and trousers all made of fire. It fitted him perfectly, he thought. Unlike with the Kadan form, the ground around Richard wasn’t burning. This was the Hadan; the Flame King and the second most powerful form Fire-Demons had, the Kadan being the third.

Richard felt a change in Arius’ aura. The wind began to gather around the Air Merman and it was so fast and vicious that it completely tore his robes. A compact glowing white armor of air formed around Arius’ body. Arius’ hair became as white as snow and had become long enough to reach his waist. A white light filled his eyes and his teeth had lengthened.

“The Hadan, huh?” Arius said in a resonating voice. “Well let’s see how well the Flame King fares against the Rodakan; the Wind God.”

Arius made his first move. He vanished, appeared in front of Richard. Richard barely dodged Arius’ punch but the wind around his opponent was so powerful that Richard was propelled away from Arius. Arius charged at him again. Richard blocked Arius’ kick and tried throwing a punch. The punch connected but it looked as if Arius didn’t feel a thing. Richard fired thin projectiles of fire from his fingers and Arius was pushed back, crashing into a wall.

Richard closed the distance between him and Arius. He threw a powerful kick at his opponent but Arius blocked and countered with a blast of wind that shot Richard into a wall. Arius flew to Richard and launched a series of punches and kicks which Richard blocked.

Both of them made animalistic growls as they fought. Richard wrapped his hands around Arius’ waist and leaped into the air. He twisted his body and threw Arius back on the ground. Two swords of fire formed in both his hands and threw them where Arius had landed. The blast was so loud and powerful that the air vibrated and the ground split open.

Everything became quiet and Richard landed.

“Arius”

Vladimir was the one who spoke. He was standing with his arms crossed and his back resting against a wall.

“Arius, I am sure you’ve had your fun with the Fire Demon. So why don’t you stop this madness and finish it right now.”

Arius walked out of the burning flames. His armor of air was still intact.

“Well now,” Arius said. “Sorry, Richard but it appears my fun is over. It’s a shame though... you really do have potential.”

What was this? Richard thought. Arius was standing behind him and he had pierced his hand through Richard’s back. Richard could see Arius’ glowing hand which had shot out of his chest. He had purposely missed Richard’s heart and he pulled out his hand from Richard’s body. Richard fell to his knees. He saw sharp spears of wind coming his way but had no strength left to dodge.

“Richard!” Ashley shouted when the spears pierced his legs and arms. The wound on her neck had completely healed but she was still lying on the ground.

The flames around his body disappeared and the pain coursing through him was so excruciating that he couldn’t even scream. He just knelt there, staring at the ground.

“Your Hadan form is most impressive,” Arius said. “However, it is still no match for Ro; for a god.”

Arius was still in his Rodakan form. He raised his sharp claws of made of air and was about to slash at Richard when Vladimir spoke.

“Wait, Arius,” he said. “I would like to ask the Fire Demon something.”

Vladimir walked to Richard and said, “What is your connection to the Chimera?”

Richard’s wound on his chest was still healing but he managed to say, “We have no connection... But I... I seek to destroy him.”

“Then we share the same goal,” Vladimir said. “You are right Arius; this boy does have potential. So why don’t we let him join us?”

Richard was breathing slowly and it appeared that his body was still calm even after hearing those words.

“You want him to join the Dark Trinity?!” Arius exclaimed. “You know it took me a while to come up with that name right? The Dark Trinity... If Richard joins us then we will definitely have to change that name. But I still feel four will be a crowd.”

“And who says there will be the four of us,” Vladimir said with a smirk.

“W-What are you saying, Vlad?”

Richard heard Edorina’s voice behind him. She came limping with her staff in front of him and walked to Vladimir. Red blood was flowing from her face and parts of her dress were burnt.

“Edorina,” Vladimir sighed. “Your sorcery is impressive and I do admire your lust for bloodshed. But despite it all, you’re no dark creature. You have no idea of what true power is and your short battle with Richard here proved it.”

“Damn you, Vladimir!”

Edorina raised her staff and an eerie black symbol appeared in the air. A portal of black fire spiraled in the air and out of the portal a large shadowy creature with two horns, six large tentacles, and glowing red eyes stepped out.

“Kill them! Kill everyone!” Edorina ordered hysterically.

The creature walked to Vladimir and raised one of its tentacles.

“Annoying,” Vladimir casually said.

Richard was sure Vladimir didn’t move so why was there a hole in the creature’s head and why were all of its tentacles severed from its body?

The creature fell and vanished.

Turning his head towards Edorina, Richard’s eyes widened. All he saw was a headless body falling to the ground. He then looked at Vladimir who smiled at him, flashing his sharp white fangs.

“Oh, I kind of liked her,” Arius said with a frown. “Vlad... Now, who’s going to provide me with magical solutions when I have magical problems.”

“You see, Richard,” Vladimir said, ignoring Arius. “Power is everything to me. I have honed mine to perfection. I am the oldest... An absolute being... And my power is absolute. Destroying the Chimera will not only announce this fact to the world but to the rest of the realms. Not that I need help but I do need servants. Powerful ones; like Arius...”

“Hey... Who are you calling a servant?” Arius frowned.

“And with you by our side, the Dark Trinity will indeed be complete. It’s only natural... You, Arius, and I are the most powerful beings alive and the Book of Condemned Souls can attest to that. Join us Fire-Demon and together we can... What did you just say?”

“I-I would... I would rather die than join you,” Richard said. The spears of air vanished and Richard fell to the ground. He had no power left to even move his fingers. Away from him was Ashley. She was smiling at him as tears flowed out of her eyes.

“Hmm,” Vladimir murmured. “Perhaps I should show you what happens to those who defy me.”

Richard caught sight of a dark misty shadow emanating from Vladimir. It was heading towards Ashley. This was probably what killed the creature Edorina summoned and Edorina herself. The mist must have been moving so fast back then but now it was slow enough for Richard to see. Vladimir wanted him to see it. He wanted him to watch as he took Ashley’s life.

No matter how much he tried, Richard couldn’t move a muscle. Ashley kept on smiling and Richard’s heart ached. Spencer was still on the ground and Arius had gone and subdued Sara and Mr. Anderson.

“Please,” Richard said. “Please stop... I will... I will join...”

“Am afraid that offer is off the table. And once we are done with you; the whole town will be next.”

The mist gathered above Ashley and warped into the shape of a scythe. Vladimir raised his hands and the shadow scythe followed his movements.

Ashley was whispering something but Richard could only see her lips moving. His vision was blurring and his breathing slowed down.

“P-Please don’t,” Richard said.

Vladimir dropped his hands and the scythe above Ashley slashed at her, aiming for her neck.

Suddenly, Ashley vanished right before the scythe hit her.

“Um... What just happened?” Arius asked, holding Sara and Mr. Anderson down by their necks.

Spencer finally woke up and said, “Geez... took you long enough to get here.”

That was when he stepped out of the shadows. A long dark red knee-length leather jacket, dark red leather jeans and boots, and long dark hair. He was carrying Ashley in both his arms. Ashley was shaking with her eyes closed and her arms wrapped around his neck. Shock filled her eyes when she opened them and saw who her rescuer was.

“Ethan?” she whispered.

“It’s been a while, little brother,” Ethan said, facing Richard.

“Ethan... My ears deceive me don’t they?” Vladimir said. “Surely you can’t be the Chimera.”

Ethan didn’t reply to that remark. Instead, he just stared at Vladimir. Those narrow sharp eyes... that icy smirk... both holding no emotion. Richard recognized the look on Ethan’s face. It was the same look Ethan had before killing him. Those eyes were the same eyes Ethan had when he killed Richard’s father and mother.

The gaze of a killer; of a true monster... Why he had saved Ashley, Richard had no idea but one thing was certain...

Maybe it was going to be someone amongst Richard’s friends. Maybe it would be one or all that Richard currently considered foes. Or perhaps it would happen on both sides, either way, Ethan’s presence and that look in his eyes always ensured that one thing...

Someone was about to die.

...

Watch out for the next Chapter!!!

Don’t forget to heart and comment.

And for those interested...

While ancient Rathzorian is a dead language in the Legends of the Dark Creatures universe, most words still live and there are some who can fluently speak the language. For example, Dan is the Rathzorian word for Flame and Ha means King. Hence, Hadan means Flame King and Kadan Flame Warrior. Dakan stands for Wind and Ro means god... Rodakan, the wind god, is the only ultimate form Air Element Masters have.

I will be giving away info bits like the above in the next chapters, hope you’re enjoying the story.

Happy Reading!!!