Brothers In Blood II

CHAPTER II: BIRDS OF PREY

     Clayton rested his back against a tree, breathing heavily. He tore off his helmet and tossed it to the ground, disappearing into the fog. The forest was playing tricks on him, causing him to see things he knows is fake. But how do you know if anything’s fake in this land? With dragons, Timberwolves, griffins; anything’s possible. He groaned in frustration, looking up into the dark night sky.

     “Big brother?”

     Clayton froze, slowly lowering his gaze from the sky. Everything was silent, only the sounds or crickets completing the eerie atmosphere. He raised his rifle to his hip, scanning the forest for where the eerie voice came from. Slowly, Clayton inched his was to his helmet, not taking his eyes off the forest.

     “You killed us both, Clayton.”

     Clayton spun around, only to freeze at the sight in front of him. Anthony and Benjamin stood in front of him, their armor and clothes tattered. Pieces of armor was broken or not even there, rips and tears in the cloth pants and clothing they wore. Their chest plate still had the hole in it, dried up blood formed around the gaping hole. They ignored the rifle pointed at then, just looked dead into Clayton’s eyes.

     “You made a promise to mom and dad that you’d protect us and you killed us both.” Clayton said nothing, just completely shocked. “Everyone you know is dead. Why don’t you join them?” Looking down at his rifle, it was now his Boltok pistol, the clip fully loaded.

     “Mom and dad really miss you Clayton,” Anthony said, a smile on his young face. “Come join us.” Clayton’s hands shock, his breath becoming shallow. Without warning, Ben and Anthony held his hand, their skin feeling cold. They directed the pistol to his head, the cold metal touching his temple.

     “Everything will be OK now Clayton.” Ben said assuredly. “Just do it, and everything will be over.” Clayton was breathing heavily, tears starting to form in his eyes.

     “Fuck you!” Clayton cried in anger. Before they could react, Clayton kicked Ben right in the chest, causing him to burst into dust. He pointed the gun at Anthony and froze, looking directly into his eyes. He closed his eyes and fired the sound echoing through the forest.

     Clayton fell to his knees and wept, tossing the Boltok away. He reached into his pocket and produced the metal flask, briskly removing the cap and chugging down the poisonous liquid. He coughed as it burned down his throat.

     “I don’t know who the fuck you are,” Clayton got to his feet, yelling into the heavens. “BUT WHEN I FIND YOU, I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!” he paused, his breathing shallow.  He walked over to his helmet and put it back on, looking for his Boltok and holstering it back. Finding his Lancer on the floor, he continued through the Everfree forest.

     The moon was now in the center of the sky, its light glaring down on the forest. Beneath the shrubbery, the forest was dark, the think, ghostly fog still resting on the forest floor. Clayton leaned on a tree and sighed. He’s been walking for who knows how long, sometimes thinking he’s gone in circles. His eyes were starting to get heavy, probably the after effect of the alcohol.

     “I think it came from over here!” Clayton hid behind a tree as three figures emerged from the trees ahead. Three griffins entered the area, two looking familiar.   Ne had all gold armor, its grey fur and feathers breaking it up. The right side of its face was burnt, the skin pink and red. The second one was in all onyx armor. The black feathers that mixed with it made him bled into the forest, almost not being seen if it wasn’t for the blue eyes.

     The third one didn’t look that familiar, her white feathers connecting with the brown lain body she had. Purple dye was on the tips of her feathers, a group of them covering the side of her face. They all started scanning the area, the sound of life masking Clayton’s breathing.

     “You sure it came from here dweeb?” the purple feathered griffin said to the grey one.

     “Can it Gilda, he might hear you.” The black one whispered.

     “How do you know it’s a he?” Gilda groaned. “And what does it matter, we have other things to do then look for a voice in the Everfree Forest.”

     “We know that voice, it’s familiar to us.” The gold one hissed, looking at his reflection on his armor.

     “Then go on your own personal vendetta, I’m doing my job.” And with that, Gilda stormed away, passing by the tree Clayton was hiding behind. The two other griffins snarled in frustration, but went after her, looking around. When they disappeared into the forest, Clayton sighed, looking around the tree to see if they really left.

    “I knew it was you!” a claw punched Clayton right in the face, causing him to fall over. He shook his head to see his attackers, only to grin when the two griffins stood in front of him, having smug grins. “You’re not so tough when you have that purple bitch to hide behind huh?”

     “Hello again, Graves and Razor.” Clayton growled. “Ready for round two?”

     “Let’s go fucker!” Razor roared. With that, Clayton kicked him in the chest, sending him crashing into a tree. Graves went to slash his face only for his claws to be caught in mid-air. Two punches into the face were followed by a knee in the chest, the force causing Graves to gasp for air. Clayton pushed him away, barely ducking Razor’s claw. He rammed him right in the chest, pinning him against a tree.

     Razor dodged Clayton’s fist, taking advantage of Clayton’s pain by kneeing him in the chest. Graves wrapped his arms around Clayton’s neck, trying to choke him. With a grunt, Clayton kicked Razor back into the tree, the force shaking sticks and branches off the tree. Graves began pecking Clayton in the shoulder, eventually spewing blood.  Before Graves could peck into the new wound, Clayton elbowed him right in the ribs, causing him to let go.

     Having the advantage, Clayton repeatedly punched Graves in the face, the sound of cracking just amplifying the power. He froze when the sound of the Lancer’s chainsaw started to rev. he rolled out of the way as the blade was swung at him, Razor having eyes filled with hate. Clayton quickly upholstered his Boltok and shot a bullet into Razor’s wrist, severing his hand from his arm.  He roared in pain, dropping the rifle on the ground as he clutched his wrist, blood gushing like a volcano.

     Before Clayton could fire another shot, Gilda kicked him right in the back of his leg, causing him to fall to his knees. Gilda flew around and kicked him right in the face, causing him to become dazed. She looked at the smoking pistol, to the unconscious Graves, and to the bleeding griffin. She grinned slightly, looking back at Clayton.

     “This is the ‘thing’ that you kept talking about?” Gilda retorted, chuckling slightly. “He’s not so tough.”

     “Well I’m full of surprises.” Clayton kicked Gilda off of him, getting back to his feet. They both stood across from each other, their eyes locked. Clayton held his fists in front of his face as they circled each other.

     “What are you supposed to be? Gilda sneered. “A shaved minotaur?”

     “I’m not from this planet dumb ass.” Clayton shot back.

     “An alien?” Gilda paused, then smiled. “So you’re the alien that ‘killed’ Discord and defeated Chrysalis. They said you left, what’s a freak like you doing back here?”

     “Still trying to figure that out myself…”

    “Well you hurt my friends, so I’m gonna have to hurt you.” Gilda extended her claws, her wings flared so she looks menacing. “You picked the wrong girl to mess with dweeb.” They both stood in silence, the sound of their breathing piercing the tension.

     The tension got split when Gilda rushed at Clayton, revenge in her eyes. Clayton sidestepped her claws, blocking a few. Her claws slashed his helmet, leaving small grooves in the metal and creating sparks. Clayton shoulder charged her in the gut, pinning her against a tree. Gilda quickly responded by elbowing him in the back, eventually kicking him away. She flew up and curved around, using her speed for momentum. They both crashed into each other, the momentum causing Clayton to get pinned against a tree. Gilda took advantage by clawing at his head. Clayton grabbed both of her arms, staring directly at her.

     “We don’t have to fight; I have no hate with you!”

     “Yes we do! We’ll fight again eventually so just.” Gilda began to stutter. “Forget it, just get lost dweeb.” Gilda flew off of him, helping up Graves and Razor and fleeing back into the forest. Clayton stood there, confused. He removed his helmet to look at the damages. With a sigh, he picked up his Lancer, turning off the chainsaw, and continued on.

     “Girls… No matter what planet you’re on; their all the same.”

     “Razor quit your winning and help me with your brother.”

     “He shot my hand off for Celestia’s sake, cut me some slack Gilda.” Gilda rolled her eyes as she trudged on, Grave’s paws dragging on the forest floor. That alien really gave them a new one, especially since he’s been gone for 5 years. With a sigh, Gilda leaned on a tree, catching her breath.

     “That was a good show, good show i say!” she gasped as she recognized the voice. Looking next to her, a tall figure in a dark trench coat stood next to her, the fedora hiding its face. “But your performance wasn’t up to par.”

     “You again, you sent us to slow him down and we did!” Gilda snarled, glaring at the figures one eye. “Now get out of my sight you freak.”

     “I told you to kill him, and you didn’t.” the figure mocked. “I thought you’d do better than that.”

     “Fuck you asshole!” Gilda spat.

     “ah ah ahhh, don’t be talking back to me lady. Unless you don’t want to see your sister again.” He held his eagle hand out in front of her. A blue flame lit up in its palm. In the center was another griffin, this one looking younger. Her eyes were red as tears fell down her cheeks. She gasped when she saw Gilda, crying in happiness.

     “Sister!” Gilda gasped.

     “Gilda please, help me!” before Gilda could reach out, the claw closed, distinguishing the flame. She looked up at the figure, hate and sadness filled in her eyes. “Please don’t hurt her! I’ll do anything!”

     “Good.” The man chuckled. “Follow the alien, don’t make him see you. Keep a close eye on him. If you can do this,” the blue flame appeared in his hand. “I’ll let you see her.” Gilda nodded swiftly, flying off after the alien.

     “As for you two, you both failed me.” The man chuckled, his claws glistening in the moonlight. “But don’t worry, I’m a certified doctor.”