Chereads / Silver Claws / Chapter 2 - The Citadel

Chapter 2 - The Citadel

The Nemeks quickly approached The Town.  "Get the civilians out of here Krabat, all the rest, I want them ready for battle!"  Ignis exclaimed.  Argentum took command of the troops.  "Shields" Argent said as the Nemek got off their ships and pulled out their muskets and swords.  Plasma shots flew across the battlefield.  As the Shots bounced back off the anti-tank shields, the Nemek bayonets slashed through some Theresa gunners.  '' Break formation, everyone charging! '' Argentum unsheathed the pistols and began shooting at all Nemek he could see. At this point in the battle, the Nemek attack seemed like a pattern, it consisted of attacking, blocking, dodging and repeating over and over again. Argent followed this code non-stop, marveling at Izel's Double Boost Guns, with each shot you could take down an armored Nemek. In less than expected Argentum cartridges were gone.  At that he felt a punch in The stomach on the floor saw Nemek almost two meters high. "My name is Arik, and I will be the last thing you will see cat." Said the mastodon "Some help with this one Nim" Argent said  in an altered tone. When suddenly a knife pierced Arik's helmet. "Get up, you have a lot to do." Nim said. With this Argent jumped up, and with a smile. He saw the terror of the Nemek in front of him when he unsheathed his  sword.

A battle ax got in the way of his sword, with force Argent pushed the ax of his opponent, to later make a cut in the Nemek front.  The sound of clashing swords enveloped the arid desert.  Gun, sniper, and musket fire sounded like a symphony.  Argentum opposed to his rival brandished his weapon gracefully, turning on his axis and dealing a blow with his fists.  It was not long until Argentum managed to plunge his sword into the belly of the Nemek with whom he was fighting, he saw how his seawater colored skin began to pale, the amber eyes so characteristic of his race to darken and his gigantic hands to twist.

At that time, Argentum saw something he had not seen in many years.  A motorcycle-like light ship was approaching toward the battlefield.  A nemek in red and purple armor get off the ship.  That showed he had leadership of the operation, but there was something different about him.  His face, torn with claws and a blind eye.  Argentum was enraged, and the Nemek's anger also increased upon seeing Theersa.  Both charged into battle.  The thunder of their swords was frightening.  "Look how much you have grown, apparently we have not presented ourselves" said the captain with an aggressive tone.  "My name is Argentum, it is not a pleasure".  "My name is Simar" said the Nemek as his sword collided with Argent's.  The cat jumped nimbly, dodging Simar's cut, thus managing to cut the Nemek's arm.  Simar managed to knock him to the ground with a cut to the chest and a kick.  What Argentum saw after the coup filled him with terror.  More Nemek ships were arriving, all packed with soldiers.  Seeing Nim cornered, he jumped to her feet, ran to his friend, ending the life of her captors.  "Get everyone out of here, they come for me, an old enemy is with them, I want you to run with everyone."  Argentum said very agitated.  Nim's eyes filled with tears "I'm going with you, they will kill you if you go alone" she said hugging him while the village burned.  "Sorry, but one life is not worth the life of the entire village and all of our soldiers, I trust you."  As Argentum ran towards the ships Nim yelled for him to stop in vain.  Upon reaching Simar's ship he began to accelerate.  When the captain saw this he ordered his soldiers to "go get him, I want him alive."  "But sir, we need to finish them all" a soldier shouted "Go get him!"  Simar exclaimed with unmatched anger.  The combat ships were filled with musketeers firing at Argent's motorcycle. "No costó todo great" Argentum said to himself as he drove.  Soon all ships were upon him.  As Argentum dodged with difficulty between the shots he saw his people escaping through the desert.  This put a smile on his face.  He accelerated a little more, but once again luck did not smile on him, a shot managed to hit his motorcycle.  The explosion left Argentum badly wounded and unconscious.

A splash of water woke Argentum who was in a dirty old cellar.  He tried to get out but realized he was chained to the ceiling.  A terrible burn took him by surprise, the pain was in his left leg which was bleeding at a frightening rate.  The fatigue of the battle left him asleep, when he regained consciousness he ran into a gigantic Nemek taller than usual, even for his race.  His fiery eyes met his.  Fear invaded his body quickly, finding himself defenseless against a colossal enemy.  "Get out," said a Nemek in a deep voice.  "But sir, they left me on guard duty" said the soldier who ironically had a very high pitched voice.  "Out!" said Officer.  As he entered the room he approached where the cat was.  He looked at the prisoner and laughed out loud, then unsheathed a knife and held it up to Argent's chin.  "Apparently Captain Simar managed to hunt down the rebel, it cannot be that an empire fears such a small and young creature" said the officer looking at him with pride, then added "I am going to make you a proposal, the Theersa represent a threat to the  Nemek empire, You can tell me where the camp is and go freely from my citadel, or you can refuse and ... well, you know the consequences. "  Argentum laughed, and with a smile replied "My life is only a reflection of who your race tried to destroy, nobody cares if I die or not."  Argentum fell silent when he saw the officer leaving the room and secretly ordering the guards.  They were immediately disturbed.  One of them was smiling sadistically while the other looked scared.  The Theersa with great effort managed to put his left paw on one of the chains that held him captive and whispered as the Nemek approached him "Let's see if Izel's such claws work."  He decisively threw a scratch at the chain, managed to break it, leaving a blue trail marking the blow.  The Nemeks backed off when they saw the fear in Argent becoming bravery.  The first approached with a steel truncheon.  The heavy weapon rumbled against the floor as the Nemek failed to deliver the blow.  Argentum moved with difficulty while limping until he managed to finish off his enemy with his claws.  The other nemek lunged at the cat using the blade of a musket to pierce the cat's skin, but the cat managed to grab the barrel of the gun avoiding the blow, and with a final blow of its claws left it lifeless on the ground.

He quickly managed to get to the armory, where he found bandages, perfect to prevent bleeding from his leg.  Looking deeper, he found his sword and pistols, one of them burned.  He kept looking until he found his robe, it was completely destroyed, torn and burned.  "Damn" Argent said when he saw his old garment.  "I need an armor" Argent said and in that he laid his eyes on an old light armor, made of black steel and with some blue unions.  It was an original Theersa armor.  He took it, marveled at the preservation of the bib and shoulder pads, even though one of these was broken.  Realizing the armor lacked leg protection.  But he settled for what he had, removing the armor from the shelf, she found a blue silk scarf.  Somewhat burned at the edges, but still beautiful.  He couldn't help but feel that the scarf was familiar to him, but now was not the time to remember.  He put on his bib and the shoulder pad that had not received damage to finally limping out of that prison that contained him.

Few minutes passed until he ran into guards guarding the exits, he took a deep breath and through the shadows, before they detected him he thought.  The Nemek are tall and strong, with great physical ability due to their physiology.  But they are so heavy that it would be difficult for them to reach me if I moved quickly.  Argentum thought.  The Nemek empire is extensive, I must be careful with any type of mercenaries of other races that can give competition.  With this in mind argentum emerged from the darkness and managed to sneak up on a guard from behind.  He silently avoided detection by the guards.  Unfortunately he forgot one factor: his leg.  Trying to run, he gave a little grunt.  But it was enough to alert the guards.  The wound took part of his strength little by little as he fled from the guards.  "Well my last resort" in the blink of an eye he went out a window to go out onto the roof.

He adjusted his scarf and with all his might began to run across the rooftops.  At that he noticed a mysterious shadow between the cold ceramic tiles.  Throughout the night he couldn't help but feel threatened.  His feline instinct warned him of danger, so he had to resort to his night vision and smell.  Before he could react a greenish brownish creature rushed at Argent, it had a reptilian aspect, with strong extremities, a grotesque slimy face with bulging yellow eyes, long and sharp teeth that came from a filthy mouth lengthened by them.  A stinking black forked tongue that seemed to have a life of its own judging by its erratic movement.  "So this is the dangeroussss prissioner they talk about so much, a scared kitty."  the lizard said with a laugh.  Argent unsheathed his gleaming black sword that shone to the sound of the moonlight.  The reptile pulled out a curved knife.  The blades immediately collided.  Argentum was swaying from the pain in his leg where the bandage was starting to fail.  He was lost, he had Ignis's combat style, extremely defensive, and he had no chance against the lizard's unpredictable attacks.  The latter managed to put his tongue around the cat's neck, and the air began to become scarce.  Burning anger took possession of Argent who managed to deliver a blow with his claws, leaving a terrible cut on the chest of his opponent, who began to bleed.  The lizard moved quickly to cut Argentum's throat but could do nothing against the feline's lunge that pierced his belly and left him motionless on the floor.

But the moment was not over yet a slim figure in crimson armor launched a powerful sniper shot at Argent.  But he managed to dodge the shot.  Argent sheathed his sword and brought out his claws that glowed ghostly blue.  The chase across the rooftops began, the red figure pulled out a dagger and they began to fight among the slippery tiles.  The loud metallic sound of battle was deafening.  With each cut the assassin issued was blocked by a powerful scratch from Argentum.  The battle led them to a ledge where they both fell.  When Argent got up he took out his pistol and pointed it at the head of the assassin who had a knife to his throat.  The fall had revealed his face, at that moment he heard a slight voice saying "Argent".  The assassin removed the hood, dropping the knife.  At that moment Argent felt more joy than he had ever felt.  Seeing those beautiful ruby ​​eyes that smiled at him.  But because of his wound, blood began to be needed, and with that he fell to the ground.

He woke up lying on a straw bed, slowly looked down to find his wound bandaged and almost healed.  When he got up he realized he was in some kind of warehouse.  Boxes full of fruits, vegetables, and grains.  His robe was ripped but still looked decent.  As he passed through a door he saw the beautiful desert landscape.  The citadel was much more beautiful than he thought.  But it is somewhat difficult to see it inside a torture chamber.  Leaning against a wall, she saw those beautiful diamond red eyes.  "Nim!"  Argent approached her, but in response Nim unsheathed a knife and sent it to Argent's throat.  "Never scare me like that again, you idiot."  With that said she hugged him with happiness.

Argent told him the story of his escape.  After this Nim began to tell what happened to the survivors.  "Well it all started when you left, most thought you were a coward. They thought you ran away. Ignis convinced them otherwise. Likewise we headed east near Humjari lands. We got a treaty, the Nemek empire has caused devastation in  the Humjari kingdom. They want allies to prevent the fall of Zakin just as Ungula fell. A day passed, there were several problems with Nemek, we were easily taken prisioner. I ran before they caught me, I came to rescue you. I lost my sword but I was able to recover my sniper  and knives. Upon arriving in the city I was able to hide in the warehouse, I had several problems with the general, who is hiding in the fortress, finally I was able to convince him to hire me as a mercenary, he said that if he saw another Theersa peeking on the roofs I should kill him. You know the rest of the story "

Argentum looked at her in wonder and concern at the same time.  They talked for a while as they walked through the labyrinthine streets of the citadel.  Merchants of all races gathered there to sell their products from far away.  The blazing sun shone against Argent's silver fur.  The sand was scattered among the stone bricks that made up the streets.  It was chaos, disorganized, noisy and somewhat dirty.  But among all that, the chaotic atmosphere gave a beautiful and unique touch to the city.  They went up to the upper neighborhoods, closer to the palace, where all kinds of birds could be seen.  Green plants were seen in all windows and gardens, and gave a beautiful emerald color in the sun.  "Is the whole city like this?" Argent said with a smile.  Nim's smile disappeared immediately and he said "No, follow me" They entered a dark area, the smell of fish and alcohol was terrible.  Disfigured and sick people filled the narrow and shadowy alleys.  There was a tension in the air.  Argent realized that they all looked the same as the lizard-shaped mercenary, they were of the same race.  "They are skalengek, of the same race as the mercenary last night, the general enslaved them, they live in seclusion so that the Nemek aristocracy can reside in the houses of the upper quarter, they are originally from here and now exiled ... like us" He said  Nim "It's terrible, just like Ungula" replied Argentum "That's why we are going to help them, I know them well enough to want to do something," Nim said decisively.  A smile broke out on Argent's face "Where and when" Argent said with emotion, Nim smiled at him "The warehouse, tonight" As they returned to the shelter the Theersa began the attack plan.

"We start here in the warehouse, we have to get to the green alley, the Skalengek neighborhood fast, we have some reinforcements," said Nim.  "Some skalengek are fed up with living on the worst side of town, we are not alone."  Nim continued.  Argent listened attentively while explaining the easiest way to enter the palace.  "There are guards at all the windows or doors on the first floor, but security is weak as you go upstairs."  Having made the plan, they prepared for the attack.

Argentum left the warehouse to meet Nim on the roofs, without saying a word they went down to the streets, which led to the green neighborhood.  Unfortunately for them the streets were more vigilant than usual, Nemek soldiers were easy to find, but not to kill.  Bypassing the obstacles and some Nemek blood, they were able to reach their destination.  "All ready?"  Nim asked a black-skinned Skalngek, "Just as you asked," he replied, dropping a bag full of knives, pistol shells, and sniper bullets.  "We are ready."  With this they left for the palace.  The city changed completely in the nuances of the night, from being the beautiful bright city with a slight chaotic charm, to being a silent and dangerous citadel.  The tremendous heat turned into a glacier wind that moved the sand.  In the moonlight the dark figures of the Theersa and their allies could be seen through the night.  the roofs of the houses were slippery and cold, but nothing that the agility of a cat could not remedy.  When they reached the north of the city they found an imposing castle waiting for them.

With his sharp claws Argent climbed up to the second floor of the palace followed by his comrades.  They entered through a window neutralizing one of the guards who was preventing them from continuing.  They moved in the shadows quickly.  Avoiding any kind of distraction.  In the cold of the night leaving a blue trail, Argent made his way through him a thousand guards waiting for him.  But when he and his friend reached the main room, they faced a worse challenge.  Dark figures without armor came down from between the roofs.  "Kill her, we want the fugitive alive." Quickly Argent unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the three who stood up to him.  Nim pulled out her knives ready to attack.

The combat broke out on the third floor, in the main hall the noise of the clashing swords was frightening.  Argent brandished his sword against an enemy as fast and agile as him.  His sword collided with a gleaming silver saber.  The grace of his attacks avoided any type of impact to the presenter.  Argentum swung his sword quickly, dodging attacks or blocking them.  But there was a single  hooded that stood out, clearly the leader, wore a belt with the nemek symbol.  He lunged at the cat's back with a war hammer, the heavy attacks difficult to block while fighting another enemy at the same time.  He quickly unsheathed his pistol and fired a powerful shot into the murderer's chest with the saber, he managed to dodge it but leaving a terrible wound on the side of the hooded.  This gave Argent time to focus on his primary goal.  The enemy  wore a black helmet under the hood, with a scar in the crevice of his eyes.  Beneath his cape shone multiple blades, such as knives and daggers.  It had a size and strength proportional to that of Argent, which allowed him to brandish his weapon without problems.  argent kept the pistol and took out his claws, sending them in a powerful scratch, with izel's impulse they managed to cut the metal and wood that made up the hammer's hilt.  The weapon rotates, the assassin drew a short sword and responded to Argentum's attacks.  The latter had to fall back, falling into the garden.  Where the stone bricks hit his back.  Brandishing his sword, the dark figure launched himself from the top floor, falling to his feet, then removed his helmet.  Revealing black fur, and yellow eyes: He was a Theersa, he pulled out his claws throwing scratches, leaving Argent perplexed and terrified. "Surprised?"  said the darle swordsman.  He walked over to the silver cat, ready to deliver the final thrust.

Suddenly the slim crimson figure appeared behind the black cat.  Aiming a black pistol at the killer's head.  He threw a silver disc to the ground.  When it fell, a cloud of smoke emerged from the darkness, quickly disappearing, and with it, the assassins.  Argent still did not leave his shock, a Theresa, being an assassin of the Nemek.  Thinking about it was almost impossible, but he had to put the thought aside.  He must approach the general's office.  Upon arrival, dark arches were visible on the walls, dimly illuminated by the moonlight, highlighted the general who looked at his city for the last time.  On your balcony.  "Apparently they gave my Uragiri a good fight, you Theersa are stronger than we thought."  He continued "I am not going to put up resistance, if you want to spit on all my work do it, I just ask to see my city once more."  Nim's eyes burned with anger.  but she did not take a single step.  Suddenly, dark figures fell to the balcony brandishing knives, the scalengek came at the end of the job.  "Go ahead" Nim finally said.  The lizards began the blood show on the balcony.  They kicked the Nemek to his knees.  The cats stared coldly at the terrifying scene.  "Long live the Emperor" the general said. And with this a black-skinned Scalengek pierced the general's throat.

Among the stars the sun finally rose between the buildings and the fields of sand.  A warm breeze blew across Argent's whiskers.  Palm trees and birds took over the view.  The news of the general's death spread through the citadel like fire, as the Nemek vehicles left the desert without any destination.