Descendence
The Catalyst Stories
Edge’s Story
The Unavenged Sheath
‘Day 1’
Through the darkness, his eyes caught a slight sudden flicker of colour. A mixture of three. Yellow, orange, red, in quick succession, very quick. Then, he could feel heat on his skin. Not a burn, but a warm feeling nonetheless. His ears picked up a crackling sound. Like...wood being burned?
Edge slowly opened his eyes. They saw the sight he had seen last, that of the Catalyst Barrier that hung up high above him. He blinked, he wasn’t dead? The last thing Edge remembered was he was on the floor, not hurt, but he had been. A pack of wolves had attacked him and seemingly killed him, yet he felt no pain. The whole experience was a little bit of a blur.
A groan escaped him as he tried to sit up, but the rough ground he was laying on for some reason prevented him.
“You’re finally awake. You’ve been out a little while.”
An unknown voice and all the sounds, all the feelings, Edge took them all in once again. Willing himself, Edge sat up straight. He was no longer in that small clearing in the canyons. Now he was on some form of rocky surface, and upon looking ahead, someone was sitting opposite him.
There was a campfire between them, burning brightly and providing warmth on this cold spring night.
But this man in front of him, Edge had never seen someone like him before. His hair was a jet black streak, but it appeared to be quite greasy. His face was thin, almost as if you can make out the shape of his very skull. He was wearing what looked to be tattered garments, a brown overcoat, and ripped trousers.
“Found you down there, in the canyons, you looked pretty beat up. Weird though.” he glossed over as he propped a large stick into the fire to keep it going.
Edge didn’t think of any kind of thanks or gratitude, instead, he raised his brow.
“Weird how?”
“Well, you look like you’ve almost been mawed to death, but you haven’t got any injuries. I checked.” the stranger replied.
He now leaned across the campfire, extending his hand.
“My name is Karlos.
Edge looked at the hand for a moment, and then extended his own.
“Edge. Edge Marvik.” They shook one another’s hand.
“Come from the city, Edge?” asked Karlos as he leaned back to his sitting position. Edge only nodded, and Karlos sighed as he continued to prod the fire.
“Nasty business going on in there. I’ve been out here for a few days so, as much of a shock that thing up there is, I haven’t got a clue what’s going on. You wouldn’t happen to know, would you?” he asked slowly. He seemed very tired.
Edge looked down as he crossed his legs. Hard to believe there were people out there in the city who probably had no idea at what was going on. That they would-be victim to rumours floating around for weeks maybe.
“It was the Catalysts...” began Edge. He saw Karlos look up in confusion.
“They created that thing. That barrier. They’ve trapped us in here, no one can leave the city, and no one can get in. Honestly, I haven’t got a clue what’s going on either, but that’s the gist of it right now.” he explained.
He saw Karlos take in every word, and with every word, Karlos’ eyes widened until the end.
“You’re kidding...what the hell. They just trapped everyone in the city? Well, someone will answer for it. If we’re trapped, that means they’re trapped too, which means-”
“I don’t know...” said Edge. “The High Lord, Hinoros, he was there, he told everyone, and then he vanished. Who knows if the Catalysts are even still here.”
There was silence, which was broken by Karlos swearing under his breath.
“So you were on your way to the Rich District or something, I assume?” he asked.
Edge hesitated to answer but then nodded. “Yeah. Got family living there. Figured that was the best route to go.”
To his surprise, Karlos gave a wheezy laugh. “And you thought going through the canyons was a good idea? The place is a hotspot for predators, man! You’re lucky, real lucky considering you ain’t injured.”
Edge’s memory was still a little hazy on the details, but he shook it off. “I take it you found me and bought me up here?” he asked.
Karlos nodded. “Yeah. I heard some barks and then this massive roar nearby. When I tracked the source down, I found you lying there. And I’m not usually to social type, but I figured it wouldn’t be right to just leave you there.” he explained.
So this man, Karlos, had saved Edge from potentially being a serving of dinner for another passing predator.
“Well, I guess I owe you then. Thanks, Karlos.” smiled Edge.
Karlos waved his thanks off. “No problem. Feel free to rest here for the night if you wish. I’d say you’ve got a straight safe shot at reaching the District in the morning. Not many monsters out there at that time.” he assured.
Edge seemed curious now. Given Karlos’ garments and his knowledge, he seemed to be in the presence of a traveller. Those types of people had always interested Edge. He enjoyed the stories of adventures who travelled to unknown lands filled with mystery.
“You seem to know your layout of the land.” smirked Edge.
Karlos gave a small chuckle. “You could say that. I’ve been out here a few days. Explains why I haven’t had a clue what’s been going on in society.”
Edge was even more curious now.
“What’s got you out here for so long then? You on a hunting trip?” he asked.
Karlos shook his head, and then seemed to look around him to see if anyone was listening. Edge didn’t know why. There wasn’t anyone else around.
“Not a hunting trip but...I am looking for something. On the verge of finding it too.” he added tapping his noise.
Edge leaned in closer.
“This stays between us...but I’m looking for a lost sword known as the Unavenged Sheath.” beamed Karlos.
* * *
‘Day 2’
Edge had read many stories during his childhood and this was a tale he was very familiar with. In the ancient past, it was said there were weapons passed down from generation to generation. Weapons that stood the test of time and now were lost throughout the world of Aragor.
There were rumours that one day these weapons would be found and used to fight a great war, but they would only reappear to the world when they were needed.
That was if you truly believed such tales, and back then, it had been a simple folklore bedtime lullaby at that.
As the morning sun rose, Edge and Karlos ventured deep into the canyons of Convexity, their common goal to find evidence of one of these swords, The Unavenged Sheath.
A blade so fast it could slice through the air before your opponent could even think of how to block or counter. A blade so light it was almost like you were holding a simple tree stick in your hands. Practically weightless and a sword gifted with the speed of sound. It all sounded too good to be true, and Edge wasn’t sure what had him hooked on finding it, but Karlos had made a convincing case the previous night...
* * *
“I’ve been trying to locate these weapons through recorded history for some time now. Books and scrolls can only tell you so much, but you’d be shocked at how much a rumour can teach you. I heard about how during the Great War, that there was a soldier who led a small band of fighters against the Demon Army’s prized airship fleet. This soldier was said to move so quick, demons were unable to even think before they were slain by his blade. They also say that he lost his blade in that fight, but not his life. Yet no trace of the sword has ever been found. But if we look at history, it tells us the exact flight route this airship fleet took, and it hovered right over this city. You talk to enough blacksmiths and traders, you start to narrow down your search, and right now, mine is taking me to the canyons!”
* * *
It wasn’t as if Karlos could extend his search beyond this place now, they were all trapped. Yet it didn’t seem to phase him too much, after all, he had his focus on his matters before the arrival of the Catalyst Challenge. He would no doubt deal with this new realisation after this adventure. An adventure that Edge was now joining him on.
Edge didn’t know why he was doing this, but the distraction was something he felt he needed. He had no idea what would happen when he arrived at Rich District, if his foster father, Sparda, would even be there at home. If he wasn’t, then Edge practically had no one else he could turn to. Sticking with Karlos seemed like the best idea for now, and after this, they’d both be able to head into Rich District together. If things went to plan anyway...
“How did you plan on taking on predators with that sword of yours anyway?” asked Karlos as he led their way through the tighter forms of canyons.
“It’s not mine. I was picking it up for someone.” replied Edge. He felt Lunar’s training sword shift on his back. Despite the wolves seemingly besting him the night before, Edge had made his mark on them. He remembered a lot more clearly now. He had managed to slay two of the wolves, and injure the other one. For all he knew, that third wolf may have died from its injuries, leaving on one sole survivor. On one hand, Edge even regretted his actions, he has essentially torn apart a family, but the reminder that he had almost been their dinner eased the mindful pain.
“Someone you think survived?” asked Karlos.
“I don’t know. I think they got out before the barrier finished spreading. I hope anyway.” he replied.
Karlos seemed to ponder for a moment. “What if they’re out there waiting for you? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to go and find them?”
Edge wondered that too, but if Lunar was out there, he believed she’d follow his mindset.
“I think she’d follow the same path I’m on. She’d be heading for Rich District.” He was confident in that.
“Hopefully not the same path, right?” Karlos chuckled, and then he shot Edge a snarly grin. “But she, huh? Who is she then, some lover?”
Edge immediately shot him down. “No, no, no, she’s my sister. My younger sister. We lived together back in Northern District. But if there’s one thing I suspect about situations like this, it’s those kinds of places with fewer security measures that fall to riots first.” he explained.
Karlos nodded. “I agree. You gotta think about the other Districts too. Can you imagine the state that the Poor District must be in? I mean, things are rough there as it is at the moment, but now? With this stuff going on? A madhouse...” he sighed.
Edge tilted his head. “You seem familiar with it. I’ve never been close to the place.”
Karlos seemed a little nervous as he chuckled lightly. “I er, well, the Poor District is kinda my home. The outfit didn’t give it away?” he laughed as he turned.
Now that he mentioned it, Karlos didn’t exactly look big and strong, or healthy for that matter. The greasy hair, the thin face, the clothing, Edge may have never met someone from Poor District before, but Karlos didn’t seem too bad.
“You look alright for someone from that side of the city.” he replied.
Karlos smiled back and nodded. “Thanks for the compliment. You know, I’m glad I found you, Edge Marvik. You’ve warmed up a lot better than those in other places did.” he sighed.
“What did people in other places think of you?” Edge asked curiously.
Karlos stopped in the small canyon clearing, and as he tried to figure out their next path, he responded.
“Oh, you know, a guy from the Poor District, must be a beggar. A guy from the Poor District must be crazy. Must be taking this or that, drunk, lazy, homeless. People don’t warm to you, and it’s usually because they’ve judged you before you’ve even talked to you properly.” Karlos seemed slightly frustrated when he finished talking, but then he turned back with a smile.
“But hey, be grateful you’re not like that, huh Edge?”
Edge nodded in response.
“Okay, I think we need to go this way.” Karlos was back on track, and Edge was glad to be some form of help one way or another, even if it was just through talking.
* * *
Edge and Karlos entered into what at first glance seemed to be a larger clearing within the canyons. Upon observing their surroundings however, Edge noticed the odd scattering of large rocks, some spread out in formations.
“Must have been a rock-slide or something?” Edge suggested. Karlos, on the other hand, wasn’t as easily convinced. He took a long moment to stare quietly at the patterns his eyes saw.
“No one ever comes out here. On top of these canyons is just smooth uneven rock. The only people who come out here are miners, and we’re a ways away from any mining sites.” Karlos made his way over to one of the larger rocks, which was slanted against one of the walls of the canyon. He placed his hand, tracing it along the rough face.
“These don’t look like stone you’d find in these parts.” he muttered.
Edge didn’t know why Karlos seemed so infatuated with this area, but he took the time to now look around himself. The rocks posed no interest to him, so he tried to find some other sign, whatever that might be.
The ground gave him no clues that they were closer to what they were searching for. It was quite bright out now, and looking up, Edge caught sight of the barrier again.
He’d been so distracted recently, he’d forgotten already what their situation was now. He wondered what the state of the other Districts was, on whether things had calmed down, or if the panic was still loud and clear. Out here though, it was as peaceful as it had been in the times before this Challenge when you weren’t being attacked by rabid predators of course.
Edge caught sight of the sun, and for a moment shielded his eyes. Even with the barrier blocking the view, it still clearly wasn’t safe to look into the sunlight. He tried to avert his gaze, and it was then his eyes caught something interesting.
Throughout the canyon, Edge had noticed that the height of these walls was very similar. At most, they would be a couple of inches off, but what was in his sight now, was not normal for where they were.
It was as if large chunks of stone had been carved out of the canyon wall’s topmost reach. It wasn’t just where Edge was looking too. As he looked around now, he noticed multiple chunks missing from what could have once been the tops of these canyon walls.
When Edge finally put two and two together, he gasped out to Karlos, who turned in confusion.
“Look at the top of the canyons! Don’t they look a little strange to you?”
Karlos’ walked over to Edge and looking in the same direction. His eyes widened when he picked up on Edge’s words. His eyes darted from the rocks on the ground to the chunks missing above. What followed was a burst of gleeful laugher as Karlos now bounced around the clearing, extending his arms.
“The perfect cover-up! Now that is one hell of a smart move!” he cheered. He rushed over to Edge and explained his hypothesis
“Rocks scattered on the ground, against the walls, and chunks missing above! It is the perfect cover-up, Edge! Whoever owned the sword, maybe they hid it here, and in some form of security, broke the walls apart to cover up their mightiest treasure! It all makes sense!” Karlos beamed.
While the theory had some weight to it, Edge honestly thought straws were being reached for.
“What makes you think whoever did this, if it was indeed someone, hid the sword here of all things?” he asked curiously.
Karlos froze for a moment, and a blank stare emerged between the two. There was a brief time Edge thought Karlos was suddenly angry, but then he scoffed.
“I mean, yeah, you have a point. But it works with all my former notes and knowledge. I think the sword is here, and this is the cover-up.” sneered Karlos.
While Karlos now returned to messing around with rocks, Edge leaned against the canyon wall. There was nothing he could think to do that would help.
When Karlos had finally finished his analysis of the area, he snapped his fingers. “Right, I think I’ve pinpointed it!”
Edge pushed himself off of the wall and moved to rejoin him. “Pin-pointed what exactly?” he asked.
Karlos tapped his nose while pointing forward towards the large mass of rocks that sat ahead of them.
“What tools and weapons hid, shall magic reveal.” he said calmly.
Edge looked ahead, wondering why Karlos was sounding so cryptic. But now, Karlos’ pointing gesture, turned into an open palm, that aimed right ahead still.
The fallen rock nearby, perching perfectly against the wall of the canyon, echoed a large cracking sound. Then, gaps began to form within the stone, and as Karlos concentrated his entire focus onto the rock, slowly, but surely, piece by piece, it began to fall apart.
Edge felt his jaw drop. Karlos was using magic!
Magic was an art that was once regarded as the very foundation of the world everyone lived in. But as time went on, as new and exciting ways of travel, weaponry, technology were developed, the magic began to die from the world. Though it still lingered in the air and lived through every human, its knowledge had been cast off into the unknown. There were still those of course that practised and studied the ancient ways of sixth sense energy, which was the basis of all magic in all beings, but alas, the numbers were nowhere near as high as they used to be.
As the rock broke into many pieces, through the dust, Edge could see darkness. An entrance had been revealed, covered by the chunks that had been cut from the walls of these canyons in what could be the distant past. Karlos celebrated as the cloud settled, fully revealing a cave.
“I found it, I’ve only gone and bloody found it!” he cheered out in glee, pumping his fist out in the air.
Edge tapped his shoulder as he passed him to investigate the cave. “Sure did. Well done.”
Karlos watched Edge move past, and he stopped him. “Hey, don’t count yourself out. If you hadn’t spotted those missing chunks, I may never have made the connection.” he replied.
Edge shrugged, shaking his head. “I think you would have figured it out eventually anyway. Maybe in an hour or two.” he joked. As Edge turned to move into the cave, Karlos’ look had changed. It had gone from a grateful grin to a stone-cold stare...
* * *
Karlos led the way in. His research into magic meant he knew some very basic level, and some slightly more advanced level elements. From his right hand, he now held a bright orange flame, which hovered lightly from the palm. He held it upright as he and Edge continued deeper into the cave system.
It seemed to be a one-way path, at first a steady decline, before an evening out into a straight path.
“Do you think they might have left any other surprises down here?” asked Edge as he followed the flame. Karlos grunted in response. “Doubt it. Magic is a dying art after all, and the only other people who could have found this place would have to be a body-builder or something.” he replied. The air grew colder the further they ventured inside, the outline of the bumped stone and uneven footing, it was a miracle Karlos knew basic fire magic.
“Where did you learn magic anyway?” asked Edge. Karlos’ reply was instant.
“Look, I appreciate the interest, but, you think we could just keep focused on seeing if the sword is down here?” It was blunt, and Edge was beginning to think he was becoming a burden to the job, but he decided to keep quiet.
The tunnel corridor began to open up, and now Edge and Karlos found themselves in a wider space. The flame did not light the whole way through, but Edge could now hear the faint trickling sound of water. As they stepped forward, both of them noticed a wet feeling engulf their boots. Fire now shone down on water slowly streaming by.
“I think we’re close.” Karlos said, an excited tone now in his voice.
“You sure?” Edge replied.
“Very sure.” The slow reply as Karlos now started to speed up his walk, following the water. Edge followed Karlos and the fire, as they now felt a short incline until they once again entered a small tunnel corridor again. Like the incline, the corridor was short, and now Edge & Karlos emerged in a strange room.
It was unlike the cave, no rough rocky interior of cold air. Instead, there was now in what seemed to be a well kept square stone room. At the very end, there were steps, leading up to the wall that held writings upon it.
“Well this is more civilised.” muttered Edge as Karlos stepped up the stairs. The room was dimly lit by an unknown source, so Karlos had no banished his flame. He read along the wall, repeating its words.
“Reveal the weapon you wish to discover, in order to claim with that you seek...”
“One hell of a riddle.” called Edge from the other side. Karlos looked back at him, nodding, and then looking around. He then called out into the room itself.
“I seek the blade known as the Unavenged Sheath!”
...Silence...
Edge pondered on what the riddle meant. How did you reveal what you wanted to discover?
“There’s gotta be an answer. This is surely some sort of riddle.” growled Karlos. He paced back and forth, racking his brain for an answer.
Edge took the opportunity to look around the room, seeing if there were any clues as to what might hint at them getting the sword. It was clear that this room did house the weapon too, for there was a riddle practically begging to reveal it.
He looked along the walls, which offered no such help to their dilemma. Then he looked along the floor. There were strange markings scattered across. Shapes, words, pictures, all of them leading to the centre of the room, where Edge found a gap. A perfect carved slit, that seemed to require something to be placed inside. It was a thin slightly diamond-shaped hole.
“Hey, Karlos, do you think this could mean anything?” called Edge.
Karlos rushed to his side, and when he saw the gap, he shot Edge a look.
“Pass me your sword.”
Edge was taken aback for a moment and thought to argue, but he saw a glare in Karlos’ eye he hadn’t seen before. He thought they were that close. Edge didn’t want to deny him, so he unstrapped Lunar’s training sword from his back, and handed it to Karlos.
Karlos swung it over his back but revealed the sword beforehand. “Might want to stand back, we don’t know what could happen.” The excited tone took over his voice again, as he raised it high above the slit in the ground.
Edge retreated, over to the stairs, and watched eagerly as Karlos slowly lowered the sword.
They watched as the sword filled the slit, and began to plunge deeper into whatever was down below. Halfway through, Karlos stopped, the blade would not pass through anymore. He went to speak, but a large gear like sound filled the room, all over. Multiple gears turning, manipulating something suddenly.
Edge turned around, to face the wall that had held the markings. It was rising.
His eyes widened in shock as the wall ascended into the room itself, and now revealing the true secret behind its contents.
An object, a weapon, being held behind its vault, hovering lightly off of the stone.
This was it, this was the Unavenged Sheath.
Edge didn’t waste any time rushing up the steps towards the sword as the contraption to reveal it ceased. Without thinking, he grabbed the hilt with his hand and instantly felt it light out of its place. It had barely required an inch of strength from Edge’s own body. It was so light, almost like holding a feather. It was some type of steel, but perhaps it held some sort of enchantment.
The hilt’s top and bottom were a bright shining gold, with a small protective hand-guard that wasn’t too close, yet nor too far. The handle itself that Edge gripped, was covered by a comfortable purple material, it was just as soft as it was light. The blade itself, bright silver steel, that stretched out to its peak, slightly curved at the very tip.
“I can’t believe it. It was here! Karlos, the stories were true!” Edge gasped as he turned. But what he expected to see, what he thought would be Karlos sharing his smile...was a completely different sight.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing...holding my sword?”
Karlos was aiming Lunar’s training sword right towards him. His face seemed thinner, but now there was a menacing expression on his face. A look of pure and utter hatred and disgust.
“Whoa, okay. Sorry that I rushed up and-”
“How dare you put your filthy hands on such an artefact!” Karlos’ pitch hit a high note as he began to yell at Edge, who now lowered the Unavenged Sheath while raising his other hand in an act of peace.
“Calm down, I’m not taking the sword from you. Seriously I just-”
“You’re...you’re just like the rest of them aren’t you...”
Karlos began to walk forward, the blade still poised at Edge’s body.
“Karlos...” Edge stuttered as he took a step back. What was going on here? Why the sudden change of emotion from Karlos?
“You were just using me, was that your game? I let you in on my big secret and you try and come in and walk all over it!” Karlos growled.
Edge’s smile had vanished now, a look of complete disbelief replacing it.
“What are you talking about? I’m not trying to take the sword! You can have the damn sword, Karlos!” Edge argued back.
“Don’t try to fool me! You’re just like the others!” Karlos spat. He lowered the sword and began to pace by the stairs, gripping a thread of his hair tightly.
“Everyone I tell, everyone I tell wants a piece of it once I convince them. None of you understand why I need to do this. None of you understand why I need that sword!” Edge wasn’t even sure if Karlos was talking to him anymore.
Silence entered the room, which was followed by a crackling laugh from Karlos.
“Are you familiar with the name, Vincent Macaroy?” he asked.
Edge knew the name. Vincent Macaroy was one of the leading crime bosses in Convexity. A long term gangster turned cutthroat businessman. But what did he have to do with this?
“Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Why?”
“See, I told you, I live in the Poor District. Mr. Macaroy, if you...if you piss him off...he can do things. He can do things to you. And I sure as...I sure peeved him off. But if you can make amends, and trust me, you’ll want to make amends, you’ll do whatever it takes.”
Karlos took a step, up the stairs towards Edge, who backed away again.
“I told him I’d make amends. I told him I knew I could get him something he would gladly accept as an apology for my blunder. I told him I’d get him the greatest weapon he’s ever seen!” Karlos hissed. His eyes had watered, they were practically popping out of his head.
“And if you think I’m going to fail now, after all the hard work I’ve put in. If you think I’m going to lose that sword to do dirty low-life nobody...”
There was a pause, and Edge felt his breath rise.
“THEN YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!” Karlos’ scream echoed through the chamber and the cave as Lunar’s training sword came crashing down towards Edge.
In a state of instinct, and at a quick speed, Edge flung the Unavenged Sheath to cover him, and Lunar’s new sword collided with the legendary blade. Karlos growled as he witnessed the weapon he wanted so bad block his attack.
“You dare use the blade against me!” he roared, as he pushed down on his weapon to Edge.
The sheath began to push back towards its wielder. Edge was no warrior, he didn’t know advanced sword combat. How had he suddenly been forced right back down into the ditch of the world?
“Karlos! Stop it! Please!” he begged. But now Karlos was merely laughing as his strength overpowered Edge.
“You pathetic child! It’s a shame after everything you said had happened in the city, you won’t live to see how the world changes because of it! But I will! I’ll take your life, and then I’ll head back to the Poor District, and hand over the sword to Macaroy, and be forgiven! I’ll be free!” he cheered with glee.
The blade drew close to Edge’s neck, Lunar’s drawing closer to his skull.
“It looks like you’ve already failed this Challenge, Edge!”
A sudden spark of determination flew through Edge’s body.
“No...I’m not dying here...not now...” Edge growled as his eyes met Karlos’ own. Edge began to push back, but he knew his strength wasn’t enough. He had to think quickly. Their blades were locked together, but that didn’t mean Karlos wasn’t open in some way.
Realising neither were using the bottom half of their bodies, Edge risked an act. With his leg, he threw it forward, in an attempt to kick Karlos.
Luckily for Edge, he connected with the spot that was a commonly shared weak spot between many people.
Karlos yelped and buckled down to the ground as Edge’s boot connected with his groin. Edge wasted no time, he darted past Karlos, eager to escape the cave. The sudden realisation that the cave was cloaked in darkness, and he had no way of seeing where he would be going threw him off guard. He turned back just in time to see Karlos raise his arm.
“No! You can’t leave!” He tightened his fist, and Edge realised Karlos wasn’t aiming his hand at him, but above at the ceiling of the room. Once again, like the rocks outside, Edge saw the ceiling crack, and begin to crumble. He swore as he looked back at Karlos.
“What the hell are you doing!?” he cried.
Karlos, however, could only laugh as he stood up.
“There’s no future for me if I don’t get that sword, and if I can’t have it, you’ll die here with me!” he spat. Karlos’ open-palmed gripped into a tight fist, and the noises of damage grew louder. Small pieces of rubble began to fall all around them. Karlos was bringing the entire cave system down.
Edge looked up, it didn’t matter about his lack of magical knowledge now, he had to escape.
Darting into the darkness, Edge heard Karlos scream again. Through the rumbling crashes of rock that were starting to fall, Edge tried to pay close attention to the sound of water. If he could follow the stream back, he could find the way out. He could feel the water on his boots again, their cold sweep entering through his socks, drenching his feet. Edge trudged through the stream, and around him, he could hear stone collapsing and falling. How much damage had Karlos done to this place?
He gripped the Unavenged Sheath in his hand tightly as he made his escape, he had already lost one weapon today, and he wasn’t losing this now, especially to Karlos after this betrayal.
Edge felt himself bump into the rocky wall, and he had followed the water all the way, he now had to find the tunnel that led out. Desperately Edge patted down the cave walls until he felt himself fall forward into the dark. He could only hope this was the way out.
He clambered, crawled, did everything he could to get away. He could feel an incline now, a steady one at that. This was the way out, but the entire cave was collapsing. Edge could pray he would get out in time-
He gasped as he fell forward, something had latched onto his leg. Had a piece of the cave fallen or was it...
Edge could see the light of the outside shining down on him now, and as he turned to see what had disrupted his escape, fear entered his eyes.
“You’re not leaving!” roared Karlos. Edge could make out his face occasionally as they both struggled. Karlos had a firm grip on Edge’s foot as if trying to drag him back into the depths of death. But that thin face had a large trickle of blood flowing down the centre. He must have been injured in his own attempted escape.
“Let me go!” Edge yelled back, trying to pry Karlos’ hands off of him.
“No! You made me do this!” Karlos cackled as he now began to pull himself up, using Edge as leverage. Slowly, Karlos began to rise up through the cave, trying to climb over Edge to escape.
Edge didn’t have the strength to pry Karlos off either, and he had no idea how much time they had left to escape.
There was a sudden bolt of noise, and Edge saw above, the cave system collapse almost fully. There was then another large noise, a bellow from Karlos. Through the gaps of light through his struggling, Edge could see the cave had collapsed on Karlos’ legs.
This was his opportunity, and he had to be fast. Edge pried himself loose of Karlos’ grip, and with a final move to escape, Edge pushed his foot into Karlos’ face, kicking him hard. A high pitched yelp allowed Edge to make his getaway. He got to his feet, a piece of rock falling beside him as he did, and he ran towards the entrance. He stacked, he tripped, but he wasn’t dying here today.
“Wait! Edge! Please!”
He turned back, and all he could see now was Karlos, outstretching his arm, offering it to Edge.
“Don’t leave me here, please! I’m sorry! I swear!” He was begging to be saved.
It was as if time slowed down. Rocks falling near Karlos, the cave collapsing, and a choice to be made.
Karlos had helped Edge in his time of need, and he had also accepted his hand in helping him today. But he had also betrayed and tried to kill him.
One of those outweighed the other.
Karlos had tears in his eyes as he reached out as much as he could. His eyes met Edge, and the choice was made.
“I’m sorry too.”
Edge looked down and moved out of the cave.
* * *
As he left that canyon clearing with the Unavenged Sheath in hand, Edge heard an ear-piercing scream and heard the cave collapse behind him. He didn’t dare look back, he couldn’t, not after what he had just done.
It was as if he was trying to push the thought of the last day out of his mind. Everything had gone so wrong so quickly when it hadn’t needed to.
Edge kept walking until he felt he couldn’t anymore. He ended up slumped against one of the canyon walls, his breathing quickening, his mind a blur.
He had just left a human to die.
He was no better than those people back in Catalyst District who had just mowed down countless civilians trying to escape.
Was this what the Challenge did to humans now? Did it show their true intentions? Was this life now?
Try as he might, Edge couldn’t banish the thoughts.
But he had had no choice, right?
Karlos had tried to kill him, had betrayed him. If Edge had saved him, Karlos may have just tried to kill him again.
Had Edge tried to save him too, both of them might have been lying there dead right now under the mass of rubble.
Although it didn’t feel like the right choice, Edge felt given everything that had happened, he had chosen his survival.
Looking up at the barrier, Edge gripped the Unavenged Sheath tightly.
This was life now, this was what the Catalyst Challenge was all about. It was about survival, and Edge knew now this wouldn’t be the last tough choice he’d have to make.
But now, Edge returned to his prior objective. He needed to get to Rich District, and hope that his foster father, Sparda, awaited him there.
Next Time
Edge’s Story
A Rich Welcome
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