The Daeva sneered as he reached for my oesophagus, his evil eyes filled with murderous intent. In spite of Blair's desperate cries, I staggered upright as I stared meekly at his approach.
He lifted me by my throat as his eyes gleamed maliciously.
"Oomph!" I gasped as he punched me in the stomach. He really was as fast as a bullet. Crashing into a bunch of trees, several crooked branches were shattered and I landed painfully on the ground.
I puffed furiously, desperate for air. There was a searing pain in my side, and I fearfully stroked my ribcage. My bruised hand shook as blood dripped from my sore fingers.
I'm increasing my salary. I want my money's worth from this fight. Sorry Lucan, but no discount. I panted as the snickering demon slid closer on his fleshy feet. No matter how strong he is, he remains gross.
[What do you think? Still think you can defeat me, ignorant man?] he flashed a cruel grin. I couldn't speak, but I performed a kissing motion, which infuriated him.
[Die then, you fool!] he raved. I watched with dull eyes as blades formed on his arms. It would be cool if I didn't lay here in pain. Well, no wonder that fox got beaten to a pulp. I sighed wearily.
"Can I ask you something before you carve me into pieces?"
Daeva paused, head cocked.
"Is there anything else you can do?"
[What?]
I fluttered my bloodstained hand impatiently. "I mean like powers. Do you have anything else?"
[No. But then I don't need anything else to—]
"Oh good. In that case I can finally get serious."
There was a slight pause before he asked again,
[What?]
He squinted at me in disbelief. Winking, I brushed my sleeves and rose dramatically. "You had your fun. Now that I know you used up all your hidden cards, it's my turn," I boasted.
[You're bluffing. Maybe you're just trying to buy time, but I won't fall for it!] he bitterly accused. Well, whatever.
A look of unease passed across Daeva's eyes, but it didn't last long as my figure painfully transformed into that of a giant fatal feline.
He backed away as my body turned into golden fur and eight feet tall. My tail swished balefully as I licked my fangs in an attempt to scare him. It worked wonderfully.
He gave a squeak as he fell over a fallen branch. I loved this sight of him. I lifted a paw, sharp claws glinting in the light. My revenge will be taken as slowly as possible.
[Wait! Wait! Perhaps we can work something out? I'll free the boy and leave the country, how about it?] he cried in desperation while flailing his hands.
No can do. Besides, I can't answer him anyway. I continued my stalking of him. [What if I gave you my ring? It will grant you the power of invincibility—]
I paused, that sounded interesting.
"Don't listen to him, Nathan. An artifact from a demon will only corrupt you, and you're corrupt enough already."
That gruff voice! Aw man, not now. I twisted around and spotted an orange shape sitting impassively a few feet away, critically observing us.
Darn that Mars, he was watching us the whole time!
My entire body rumbled in displeasure yet Mars only sniffed. "Stop playing Nathan and get rid of it. Your friend is having spasms with distress."
I gave a sigh of disappointment. As usual, he was such a party pooper. My golden gaze turned back to the demon, who shrank back, but then he snarled in fury.
[You think I'm just going to let myself be killed? I won't go down, not without a fight!]
He started swaying. [I'll take you with me!] He lunged at me, slimy fingers extended.
Gross, so gross. I cringed as I shifted to the side. Do not touch me with those grimy hands of yours. I swiped him as he travelled past me, giving him nice deep scratches.
He howled as blood spurted from his ribcage. I gagged as a sulphuric smell filled the air. I hurriedly wiped my cruel claws on the ground, wanting dreadfully to erase the blood. It was so disgusting.
"Pay attention Nathan!" Mars snapped. I glanced up from cleaning, and to my profound dismay Daeva had launched himself into the air, all limbs stretched outwards.
I spread my white wings, aiming to take flight, but unfortunately it was too late as he had instantly seized my gorgeous tail. I screeched as he proceeded to twist it. I swirled around and tried my utmost to maul him to death.
He laughed maniacally. Desperate, I hopped onto my hind legs, planning to ruthlessly crush him using my powerful upper body, but he appeared to sense I was up to something and sprung to safety.
I peered for any sign of him, but there was only silence. I wanted to ask for Mars' help, but currently I was mute.
Despite walking briskly and listening intently, he was nowhere to be seen. I was about to give up, thinking he had run away when I heard a shout.
"Behind you!" It was Blair. After reawakening, he pointed to the dead tree with his finger. I lifted my head, but sadly I wasn't quick enough as the bloody thing landed on my back, grabbing my ears and grinding it.
My world went red with savage fury and fierce pain. Besides winding my ears, he also sliced my mighty wings and body with his blades. I was furious. There were feathers everywhere, and my beautiful golden fur was contaminated with blood.
I heard shouting but it was drowned out by my anger. I flapped my wings, creating a strong gale, but he clung on with surprising strength.
"Calm down Nathan! Listen to me!" Shut up, all of you. Trying to fly, I thrashed my wings, but it was so painful I had to stop. As a last resort, I made a backflip in an attempt to throw him off.
Daeva, realising I fully planned to land on my back, leaped off my spine before I fell.
[You're mad! Completely insane!] he yelled incredulously.
"Oof!" I gasped as the air got knocked out of me. So what if I act crazy? At least I got you off me.
After shaking the dirt off my fur, I scowled at him, which made him apprehensive. "Now, Nathan, while you have the chance! Strike him!" Mars commanded.
My ear twitched irritably. Don't badger me; I know what to do! As I drew a deep breath, I took a stance. Daeva, giving up all hopes of eliminating me, made a run for it.
Nice try, but I won't allow you to get away. Mars hurriedly jogged to the now-bewildered fox Blair, and hauled him away to guaranteed safety. I promptly released my ROAR, my strongest attack.
The surrounding trees were obliterated, the ground and rocks shattered, and the air wavered from the intense heat. The demon screamed as it whacked him from behind.
I keenly watched in profound satisfaction as his entire body melted away, from rotting flesh until only bones were left. I pawed gracefully towards the leftovers. My nose furrowed at the ghastly sight. All that remained was a small pile of stinky black bones.