Cursed Blood
44.Splash Zone.44

The leather set fit like a glove, especially with the undershirt and thin shorts the man threw in. I chatted with them pleasantly as I admired myself in the mirror, imagining myself on a mission dressed in my finest leather clothes. This was definitely more my speed than dress fittings, but I knew deep down the dress fitting was more important. I began to hurry up, purchasing the things and also a few other handy tools before waving goodbye to the father and son, a large smile glued onto my face. Outside the shop, I spotted a clock that told me I had enough time for a bit more exploring before I'd have to fly myself back up the mountain. Fixing my hood over my face, I slung the bag of clothes over my back and began strolling down the road, surveying the store names. Different things seemed okay, but nothing interested me. I did pick up a few small things here and there, and some decorations for my room, but otherwise I was rather bored. Counting my coins, I sat back down in my spot on the fountain edge, realizing I hadn't spent nearly that much of what was in the bag. The idea of coming back brought a smile to my face and I tucked the money away, tilting my face up to bask in the warm sunlight.

The peace didn't last long as I heard a woman's scream, my eyes popping open. I made sure my bags would stay out of my way in a fight and drew my dagger, feeling my fingernails shift into claws. People were shouting, gathering around a trio of people in front of a flower shop on the other side of the street. I grimaced, and while no one was looking, did an inhuman leap onto the top of the fountain, water splashing my legs as I perched on the top. It gave me a bird's eye view into the center of the crowd where I could see two men facing off, a woman with a bloody face yelling at them from the side. One man held a wicked looking short sword in his hand, the tip coated in sparkling blood. I growled, watching as the unarmed man lunged for him. It was clear that the fight was unmatched as the swordsman expertly defended himself, a deep gash appearing across his opponent's thigh.

That man is going to be ripped to pieces, I thought, pulling off my bag and placing all my heavier things inside along with my cloak. I fastened it to the top of the fountain where it was safe from being stolen but not getting soaked, and jumped down to the back of the crowd. My dagger felt heavy in my hand as my claws scraped the hilt, nothing else yet changed. I kept an eye on the two men, slowly making my way forward in the crowd. Everyone was too busy cheering on the dangerous man to notice the muscled girl sliding up to the edge of the circle. The woman was now on her side, crying, her shoulder slashed open. The man holding the bloody sword was actually cut as well, the defending man clutching a knife that someone must've given him.

I shook my head as the two blades clashed, one working off of determination as the other used skill. It's hopeless, dude. Just run, I wanted to yell, but instead I watched them with hawk eyes, trying to replace an opening. When the swordsman cut across the other's empty hand, I tensed, and the man beside me grabbed the wrist of my freehand. I tucked the knife behind my back as he pulled me in, spitting in my face as he spoke.

"No interfering girlie! This guy owes some money," he sneered in my face, licking his lips. I felt my fangs poke my lips, jutting out my chin so that they were still covered. "You should just sit back and enjoy."

By now, people were staring. Even the 'boss' was watching us with keen eyes, the man temporarily running to the bleeding woman while his opponent was distracted.

"Hey you," I snapped to the man, "take your lady friend and go. I'll deal with them."

The man holding me laughed, and as he did, I drove my knife into his shoulder. He screamed, and people backed away as I pulled the blade out and spun, my physical abilities shining through with my Darkblood. I smirked, feeling my foot connect with the man's jaw and send him flying. Without wasting time, I spun on my heel to face the boss, lifting my knife in a defensive stance. My fangs popped free as I exhaled through my mouth, holding back the larger parts of my form. I flexed my fingers, feeling the unbloodied ends of my claws.

They wouldn't be spotless for much longer.

The boss stole a glance at the man and woman on the ground. The woman was much more responsive now, whispering to her lover as he tried to pull her away from the fight. My eyes scanned the area -- this would easily become a bath of blood and fountain water, and everyone here could be caught in the splash zone if I wasn't careful. Especially since calling the swordsman boss seemed to indicate some sort of gang. I scowled, clutching the hilt of my knife tighter as the man who I assumed to be a criminal turned his hating stare onto me.

"Who. The. Fuck. Are. You," he spat, swinging his sword in a wide arc. I held back a snicker, stepping aside and beckoning for the man on the ground.

"Get behind me."

He nodded, pulling the woman with him as they made their way into the safety of the crowd who was too afraid of me to double cross me by hurting them. The boss was shaking in anger, the guards nowhere to be seen.

So this is what the baker meant, I realized, my focus like a laser on the furious man. They don't help these people. They won't fight other Lightbloods because they won't risk getting any powerful one killed.

My jaw clenched together and I felt my lips turn up in a snarl.

I have no such worries.

The swordsman, his anger clouding his judgement, smirked.

"I'm gonna kill you slow, girlie," he warned me, taking a step closer. I tensed, watching his every movement. I could even tell the exact rhythm of his breathing.

This is new, I thought as I felt the sheer power of my new detection senses. Pain was radiating from a few places on his body from his last fight, but I could see old reminants of wounds. It became clear that he had many problems with his right wrist, his weapon hand. Probably too many close calls or pressure on the delicate joint.

He won't walk away from this the victor, I vowed, lining up my dagger. I would aim directly for that wrist and stop him from ever wielding a sword again.

At least, that was my plan.