Geist Warriors: Chapter 12

With a savage punch Samantha flew backwards, bouncing off the ground and into the wall. Letting out a shout she rolled to her side slightly as the wraiths’ fiery form seemed to suck all the color from the warehouse. She could just barely see the open docks from the hole that she had created.

She grunted and scrambled to her feet darting through the warehouse. It was full of crates and machinery with a large boat in the center. She couldn’t tell if the sun was still setting or if it had finally set entirely behind the clouds outside.

“Either you are very brave, or very foolish,” the wraith said with something along the lines of a chuckle. “Either way, I respect the attempt.”

The wraith dashed through the crates blowing a few away with its fire and swung its hand sending fire across the entire far wall. Samantha had just barely gotten out of the way as the heat seared the air behind her. Scowling slightly, she iced the ground and slid forward quickly to make some distance between herself and it.

She jerked to a stop as it appeared in front of her grabbing her by the throat. Her geist moved quickly, the armor extending from the mask to encompass her neck as she was lifted off the ground. Kicking at the wraith she gasped as it squeezed.

She stared at the head of the wraith and grunted.  “This seems oddly familiar doesn’t it?” the wraith asked slowly as it came closer to her. She could feel the fires eat at the corner of her vision, taking her away from the warehouse and deep into her own memory.

Biting her lip hard she felt the pain and shouted, “No!”

Kicking the Wraith in the chest a block of ice exploded from her toe. It shoved her backwards forcing her out of the Wraiths grasp. Flying backwards she crashed into the ground bouncing once and then lying still. Coughing, her mask slid down and she spit blood and saliva onto the ground.

“Clever. Unfortunately, you came alone,” The wraith said as it came forward kicking aside the debris. “And that may make you more foolish than brave.” It thrust its arm forward a blast of flame spiraled straight toward her. Scowling she got to her feet and wiped her mouth clean.

The flames split around her, diverted on either side of the cloak. Lily looked at Samantha with a short nod and then stared at the wraith. “What’s foolish, is to underestimate a geist warrior,” Samantha said. “Especially believing that that I came alone.”

She dug both hands into the ground and the ice raced across the ground. It encased the wraiths feet and began to snake up its legs. The wraith stared at the ice and kicked one foot free. It moved to get the other when the chains fell from the sky.

They flew at the wraith and wrapped around its arms, tying then to its chest. It let out a sound that no human could make as the chains tightened around it and Dick descended from the ceiling both his wrist aglow.

He dragged his arms to the ground and the wraith turned its gaze onto him immediately. “So, you brought a friend,” it said and paused as it stared. “Very talented. But not quite the most capable.”

The wraith took a slow turn stomping against the ground as it faced Dick. It flexed at the shoulders and the young warrior was dragged forward slightly but kept his ground. He gripped the chains tightly and glared. “Nice try, but you’re not going to get loose from me.”

Its faceless fiery eye narrowed, focused on him and then sped forward. Suddenly it was in front of Dick and kneed him in the stomach sending him flying backwards. The chains slackened around the wraith and Dick’s momentum sent him circling into one of the machines. Letting out a garbled shout he sank to the ground. The chains fell entirely and the Wraith stepped out of them.

“Was that your secret weapon?” it asked tilting its head. Whipping its arm forward the flames surged toward Samantha. She narrowed her eyes and crouched raising her arm. Lily’s cloak fell around her, covering her in its strong embrace. The flames split around it and she nodded, shaking a little.

Brushing back the cloak she ran at the wraith flashing both her gauntlets. She punched the ground and created a few pillars of ice. Darting forward she stepped off them, dragging her hand across the other. A blade of ice formed on her fist and she lunged at the wraith.

It raised a hand to block the blow, the blade going through its hand. The wraith yanked its arm back, the shard of ice snapping off in its palm. It grabbed her by the face, despite the cloak doing its best to protect her. “Another ally and yet still so futile in your attempts.”

Lily came from her hiding place, running forward. Both claws hovered behind her and she pointed at the wraith’s arm. Both struck and sliced it off, Samantha dropping to the ground. She rolled backwards and Lily stopped at her side the arms flowing back to attention.

“You keep trying the same tactic. Do you truly expect a different outcome?”

“Actually, I tried something a little different this time,” she said staring at its arm and tapped her finger to her palm. The shard exploded and the ice coated the things arm and it stumbled forward the arm getting dragged to the ground while its other began to regenerate. When its arm touched the ground, the ice expanded on the ground locking it there.

Lily helped her to stand as the cloak jumped back around her shoulders and glanced at Samantha who stood up. She clapped her hands together and brought them apart creating a spear and gripped it with both hands narrowing her eyes.

The Wraith looked at them and with its arm blasted the ice away and glared at the pair of them. It created a ball of flames but instead of pointing it at them it turned and sent the blast straight at Dick who was still down.

“No!” both girls shouted reaching toward him.

Dick’s chains moved on their own darting forward and wrapping around him in their own sphere. The flames parted around them but the force picked him off the ground and sent him flying into the machinery again. He let out a muffled scream as he sank to the ground and tried to get to his feet.

“Get to Dick,” Samantha said. “I’ll cover you.”

She glanced at her but Lily didn’t question so she nodded quickly and stepped back running toward him. The wraith watched her and moved in that same blur of speed as it had. This time Samantha was ready and appeared between it and them her spear slashing across its chest.

Ice flew where the blade touched and the wraith stopped short hissing at her in frustration. She grit, her teeth and glanced over her shoulder. Lily was helping Dick to his feet but he was so out of it that he didn’t seem like he was going to be helpful anytime soon.

She focused on the wraith and gasped, stumbling back slightly she felt it. Its gaze burned into her eyes and attacked her mind like a swarm of hornets. The fires stole away her vision. She felt her fingers get weak as she dropped the spear to the ground and sank to her knees.

She stared at the wraith, an arm hanging from its mouth. It threw its head back and swallowed it before stomping forward and growling at her. It lunged suddenly, teeth glistening in the flames. She raised her hands to protect herself and the wraith reeled back as claw scratches appeared across its face.

Samantha was dragged backwards by a strong hand and deposited in front of Lily by the other claw. Lily crouched in front of her and slapped her cheeks lightly. Samantha blinked rapidly and looked at her with shaky eyes but then glared at the creature. “I’m tired of that thing getting into my head.” She said standing and coughing again.

“Well our first plan failed and it’s aware of what Dick can do. Plus, he’s not doing too hot.”

“Oye, I can hear you,” he said grunting lightly as he stood on his own. “But we can’t keep this up. We need to do something soon or we’re going to get turned into food.”

Samantha glared as the wraith turned to face them and cracked its head slowly with narrowed eyes. She knew this thing didn’t take them seriously but she also knew that there had to be a way to stop it. She just had to figure it out. Narrowing her eyes, she closed both her hands into fist.

“I think I have an idea,” she said softly. “Lily give me your cloak.”

Lily nodded floating the cloak onto her shoulders. The mask of the cloak and her own mask seemed to lock into place comfortably. She opened both hands and created a pair of daggers in her palms. “On my signal Dick use your chains.

“What’s the signal?”

Smiled grimly. “Trust me, you’ll know it. Until then cover me.”

“Esta bien,”

She started toward the wraith and sprinted. The ground froze under her feet as she slid toward the wraith. A pillar raised under her foot and she launched herself at the wraith. Its hand shot out at her but the cloak whipped around to swat away the attack. She spun around and slashed with both daggers at its chest.

She dug the blades deep within it and left them there as she caught herself on the ice and passed by it. It turned to grab for her but one of the claws grabbed its arm and dragged it away, knocking it off balance. Circling around it she created another pair of daggers and stabbed them this time aimed at the wraith’s legs.

It kicked its leg at her but one of Dick’s chains flew out, wrapping around it and yanked it away almost sending it toppling over as she slid past. The wraiths frustration was becoming palpable as it drew itself to its full height. It dragged its leg back and Dick skidded forward slightly as it stomped on the ground.

The chain slackened as it leaned forward and snarled as flames exploded around it, blowing Samantha backwards. She rolled, struggling to keep her footing but it leaped at her. On reaction she brought out another knife of ice and threw it into its forehead. It didn’t seem to do much as the wraith loomed above her. The cloak reacted first and protected her from the attack but the sheer force bruised her arm.

It hit her again harder and the cloak kept protecting her but it wasn’t going to hold up under the assault. Another blow and this time flame exploded from it. The cloak moved to protect her entire body warding off the brunt but she knew she’d be cooked under the cloak at this rate.

She glanced down and held out her palm. Each of her fingers glowed slightly and she closed her fist, touching her palm and whipped the cloak back. The flames subsided as she heard the wraith screech. She watched the ice daggers she’d stuck into the wraith explode one after another. Its legs were frozen to the ground but its arm was stuck to its chest while the other was stuck against the ground.

It glared at her its body starting to glow brightly when Dick’s chains wrapped around it tightly. It cracked some of the ice but wrapped tight around the wraith. It hissed at them wanting to turn but the ice wouldn’t budge and even continued to spread across its body until it was a statue. Breathing hard Samantha walked toward it and glared.

“We got you,” she said and glared.

Its mouth snapped at her, as if it were trying to glow with power but Dick kept his chains clutched tightly and they weren’t allowing the wraith to make her barbeque “Finish this” he said meeting her eyes. She took a step back and clasped her hands together, drawing them back and making another spear of ice. Taking a slow breath, she shoved it straight through its head.

The spear warmed under her touch and the ice melted but the wraith shuddered against the chains. She winced as it began to glow and steam. Dick kept his grip on the wraith despite the vibrations in his chains. The cloak flapped around Samantha before wrapping around her tightly and she crouched punching the ground erecting a dome of ice around Dick and Lily as the wraith exploded.

Heat washed over them but she remained planted in the ground. She took a slow breath as the wind and fire finally subsided. She lowered the cloak and the spot where the wraith had once been was just a black spot on the ground. She looked at the domes of ice that she created and it was still standing thankfully. She collapsed them and smiled to see the two of her friends crouched together. Dick waved at her weakly and called out, “Is it over?”

Looking at the spot on the ground again she nodded slowly. “I think so.”

Dick nodded and sank to the ground, leaning back on his hands. “Bueno.”

They stayed around the docks late into the night to make sure that things were safe, that there were no more wraiths around that they would have to deal with. Satisfied that things were okay they went back to Samantha’s motel room and ordered Chinese food to celebrate things.

“So, are you going to say it?” Dick asked pointing his fork at Samantha.

She arched an eyebrow at him. “Say what?”

Lily looked at him as well and he took a big piece of orange chicken and laughed. “You couldn’t have done this without me.”

She sighed and rolled her eyes hard and turned to look away from him. “And you willingly chose to be best friends with him?”

Lily smiled and nodded. “He’s tolerable most of the time.”

“Oye. I was marvilloso!” he shouted and Samantha reached over patting him on the head.

“You sure were Dick. So proud of you,” she smiled and Lily giggled.

He swatted her hand away and pouted going back to eating and ignoring the pair of them. Lily stared at her food for a moment and then looked at Samantha.

“So, this is what you’ve been doing for your entire life?” Lily asked and Samantha gave a short nod digging through her vegetable carton. “I’m not sure if I should be impressed you’re still alive. You know what you’re doing but the wraiths. That’s such a frightening thing.”

Samantha sighted gently, “It’s not easy. But I’ve survived and grown. I’ve gotten stronger each time. And I’ll keep going.”

“Is there no end in sight?” she asked and Samantha shrugged her shoulders.

“As long as there are wraiths then there will be geist warriors.”

Dick set his carton of orange chicken on the floor between his feet and looked at her. “So, what about us? Are we geist warriors now?”

Samantha shook her head. “No. You’re civilians who gained powers and managed to help me out. And I appreciate that but I’ll be leaving soon and you guys are going to stay here and live your lives. But knowing you, you wouldn’t stop even if I told you.”

“Nope. If I hear a wraith out there I’m going to take it down.” Dick said hitting his fist into his palm.

Lily sighed softly and nodded. “And I guess I’ll look after you so you don’t die.”

“Oh please. I can handle the regular wraiths we’d run into.”

She smiled watching them banter back and forth but she frowned slowly. She realized that she would probably never see any of them again. It had only been a month of time but it was a good month for her. Dick looked toward her and frowned. “It would be weird doing this without you thought. Wish you could stay with us longer. At least just to hang out or something.”

She felt her face warm slightly, “That would have been nice.” Before she could try and make some kind of small excuse her phone went off. She glanced at the caller ID before putting the food away and standing, going toward the door as she answered.

“Captain,” she said keeping her voice down.

“Oh good, you’re alive.” Samantha caught the relief in her voice despite the joking nature. “I was starting to worry about you three. I take it you were successful.”

Samantha gave a short nod. “Yes. The wraith has been dispatched. For the time being things are safe.”

“That’s good news. How did the other two preform in the field? I assume you brought them along to help.”

“Well neither would let me fight without their help. And I honestly couldn’t have done it without them.”  She looked at the two of them who had broken off into their own conversation and she smiled a little.

“I guess you could call them a lucky find.”

“Yes. I’ll be making my preparations to depart tomorrow.”

“Hm. So soon?” Betty asked. “Don’t want to stay a little longer?”

“The next mission will be soon,” she hesitated for a second then said “I shouldn’t delay that.”

“You don’t sound so sure Sam.”

“I know my duty.”

Betty sighed, sounding exasperated. “I know how you are Sam. Which is why I’ve talked to the commander on your behalf.”

She gasped at the phone, raising an eyebrow “The commander? On my behalf? For what?”

“An experiment. A way to be proactive with the wraiths. Rather than traveling to clean up the mess that they make, we can have warriors stationed across the country and be able to act on the spot. We know wraiths tend to like big cities, so how would you like to be stationed there and protect it. And we now have the numbers to support this. If new geist warriors appear then guide and teach them though I don’t recommend having them join us immediately. Use your judgement. I’ll be taking care of a wider region but I’ll be checking in often just in case. That is if this is something you’d want.”

She had never thought about the idea of being able to stay put. To even remotely live a regular life, no matter how small. Keep the friends she’d made, no matter how few. She stared at Lily and then at Dick and the fact that she didn’t have to leave made her breathe a bit easier.

“You still there Sam?”

“Y-yeah,” she said taking a quick breath and sighed. “And yes. I want that. I want to be able to do that. And I know they do as well.”

“That’s what I thought. Go. Tell them. We can work out the details over the next few weeks.”

She rubbed her eyes quickly and then gave another quick nod even though Betty couldn’t see that. “I will. Thank you, captain.” She closed her phone and walked back to Lily and Dick and sniffled quickly and smiled. “So, change of plans. What are we doing this weekend?”