He watched Mark push up from the ground and did a couple of deep knee bends once he stood up.
“Not going to lie, feels good to do that without my knees screaming at me.” Mark grinned.
“One benefit, agreed.” Keith nodded.
Keith watch Mark unlock the blue door. He looked down and saw Skwilly poised to pounce—as much as his porcine shape would allow.
“And here we go!” Mark called out as he swung the door open.
Keith stood at the entrance of a massive lecture hall, a flood of memories washing over him. The sight of the neatly aligned rows of tables, each paired with a line of chairs on one side, transported him back to his college days. It was as if he were staring at an enlarged version of his old classrooms. His eyes drifted to the chalkboard that dominated an entire wall, stretching endlessly, easily measuring over a hundred feet in length, he mused. The faint chalk dust lingering in the air and the echo of past lectures seemed to whisper to him, anchoring him to a bygone era.
“Another, seemingly, empty room—looks like a large version of the classes in the ol’ Derken building.” Mark commented while carefully walking through the doorway.
“I’m next.” Skwilly scrambled across the threshold.
Keith quickened his pace to make sure he got in, his footsteps echoing on the tiled floor. He reached back to keep the door from slamming. His hand passed through the blue door as it swung shut with a reverberating thud that echoed through the room.
“Hey, the tables and chairs just vanished.” Mark stepped to the side, putting his back to the wall.
“Guess that means they know we’re here.” Keith stepped further into the room, his hand in front of him, testing to see if everything had disappeared. He confirmed they were gone.
A relentless monotone droning bounced through the room as three formidable figures emerged from the chalkboard, each brandishing a black shield crafted from the very essence of the blackboard itself.
Clad in drab gray tweed jackets, they brandished gleaming, deadly chalk-white swords that cut through the air with an intensity that promised chaos and destruction.
I know what these are! “Mark, Skwilly, don’t look at the shields. They can cause confusion.”
Mark averted his gaze at the warning. “Wait, are these…um…what did you call them?”
“Labcons, created them as a joke, but made them decent monsters. They can cast confusion with their shields and the swords do extra damage. Can’t remember what they do.”
“Why do they walk so slow?” Skwilly asked.
“They aren’t really undead, but I designed them to be zombie-like. I hated my labor economics class—professor didn’t explain things, or I didn’t understand, and his monotone delivery didn’t help. These things were a spoof. Only played the…” Keith shouted. “Takes twice as much magic to heal than a normal wound. Creating demand for a product—at least I think that was my reasoning.” He watched the feet of the shuffling labcons coming towards them.
A war cry shattered the air. Keith whipped his head around just in time to see Mark launching himself toward the nearest labcon. His hammer arced through the air, aimed at the chalkboard shield. In a startling burst of speed, the labcon sneered defiantly, snapping the shield up just in time to absorb the full, bone-crushing impact. A shiver of icy fear clawed through Keith's spine, leaving him frozen with dread as he recalled another fact.
“Mark, it’s wanting you to hit the sh…”
The head of the hammer struck the blackboard-like surface, and the shield disintegrated into a cloud of chalky-white dust. The labcon stepped to the side, his sword swinging toward a coughing, wheezing Mark.
“Arrrrg…” A cough ended Mike’s war cry.
Keith's heart pounded in his chest as he watched his friend crash down, stumbling before he hit the ground with a splat. In a split second, Mark rolled forward with a desperate somersault, narrowly escaping death. The labcon's sword slashed down with brutal force, cleaving the air where Mark would have been, had he not moved like lightning.
A second labcon turned and closed. Mark looked up, still coughing and wheezing, and focused on the new threat. Suddenly, he cocked his head to the side, his brow furrowed. Keith groaned aloud when he saw this.
“Skwilly do something to help Mark. I think he just got hit with confusion.”
The priggy nodded and scampered toward Mike, shouting. “I’m going to flash. Be ready.”
Pulsing lights made Keith’s fingers get pinker for a few seconds. Then, when the lights stopped, Keith pulled his hand away from his eyes. “Thanks for the warning.”
He noticed the labcons and Mike blinking furiously. Seizing the opportunity, he lunged toward the closest labcon. His sweeping slash connected just above the necktie, and the fabric swiftly transformed from a dull gray to a vibrant crimson, as blood gushed forth. The creature staggered, its knees buckling beneath it as it crumpled to the ground.
Barely sparing a glance at the fallen monstrosity, he turned his focus to the remaining two, who were shaking off the blindness. They abandoned their focus on Mike, who had curled into a fetal position, and instead charged toward him with relentless intent. He saw Skwilly pressing his snout into Mike’s face. Okay, Mike has someone to help him. Now, how am I going…
The labcon to his right closed in first, his shield waving in front of him. Keith struggled with watching the sword and not the shield. The third labcon, a looming specter of imminent danger, would join the fray in moments.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The white sword descended with brutal force, only to be met by the unyielding defense of Keith’s katar. He dropped low, sweeping his leg out in a desperate gambit to unbalance the creature. The unexpected contact startled the labcon, halting its attack and momentarily displacing its shield. Keith seized the fleeting chance to reestablish his footing, grounding himself in a solid defensive stance. How do I know this stuff? Stop thinking. Fight.
He caught a glimpse of a blue-grey blur striking the second labcon directly on its back. The creature let out a gasp as it toppled forward, its sword clattering across the aged floor tiles. Skwilly twisted in the air after the hit and dashed back to Mike the moment his hooves touched the ground.
The unexpected diversion granted Keith a fleeting advantage over his adversary. His katar carved a fierce arc through the air, aiming to cleave flesh. The labcon barely evaded, springing backward just in time. A vivid streak of crimson traced the edges of the slash on its pristine white shirt. The monotonous droning escalated into savage snarls as the beast hurled itself at Keith. He hissed in pain as the creature's blade skimmed his left shoulder, igniting a firestorm of agony.
The cut seared like fire, forcing tears to well up in Keith's eyes. Desperation gripped him as he swung his katar wildly, a frantic attempt to fend off any more assaults. The ominous sound of the other labcon's sword scraping against the floor pierced his ears, a chilling reminder of the looming threat. I can’t risk closing my eyes for another flash. He ducked an off-target swipe and backed away a step, bringing the second labcon back into view. The cut continued throbbing, fighting for attention.
A flurry of thrusts tried to get past Keith’s defenses. He parried each one. The time spent on that allowed the second labcon to join in with a massive stroke that just missed connecting. He sent a mental command to his dagger to shoot ice shards, hoping it would work. A smile crept along his lips when it did. He focused on the labcon he’d been fighting. The shards flew towards the creature’s face—it failed to raise its shield in time. Three drove themselves into the eyes of the creature, bringing it to a sudden stop. Keith switched the aim to the remaining labcon, only two made contact before the spell completed.
Bloodied but relentless, the labcon thrashed with ferocious intensity. Keith, heart pounding, deflected the savage blows and retreated, only to meet the next assault head-on. Each parry sent tremors through his burning arms, a testament to the relentless barrage. A guttural scream tore from his throat when the creature's sword slithered beneath his guard, carving a searing line across his left side. Skwilly lunged from the shadows, striking from behind with all his might, but the creature absorbed the blow without flinching, its monstrous focus unbroken.
Keith’s left arm dangled at his side, the wounds to his ribs and shoulder taking their toll. In desperation, he tried to dodge the next strike, aiming his blow at the monster’s forearm. His strike hit, causing the monster’s sword to swing wide of his right shoulder. Keith followed through, sinking his katar’s blade into the labcon. Freeze—freeze—freeze! A howl of pain exploded from the labcon, dropping its sword. Keith quickly thrust his katar repeatedly into the monster’s midsection. He kept on stabbing after the labcon hit the floor dead.
“You may stop now.” Skwilly nudged Keith gently.
Keith looked up, his katar still buried in the labcon. With a quick gesture, he pulled it out and wiped it on the tweed jacket. The adrenaline subsided and exhaustion and pain took over. Keith allowed himself to crumple to the floor, rolling to his back.
“How bad is it?” He held his blood covered hands in front of him. “I remember one of the other things about the labcons. If the wound is bad enough, it will not stop bleeding without magic healing.” He shocked himself with how clinical he sounded.
Skwilly snuffled then said, “You need healing soon. The wound on your left side is deep. I can see bones.”
“You can do that? Healing I mean.”
“No, Keith, I cannot.”
“Hmm, guess I bleed out here.” A calm settled over Keith. “How’s Mark doing?”
“I think he’s coming out of it. Hard for me to tell.” Skwilly sat down, his cool snout pushed against Keith’s forehead. “What am I to do?”
“Your company is nice. Stay with me until I die?” Keith stared up at the fluorescent lights. “I suspect I’ll be getting a straight answer about what happens to us if we die here.”
How long will I last? It’s much more peaceful than I thought it’d be. Hope Kara will find out something and not just worry about what happened.
“Just going to lie there?”
Mark’s voice yanked Keith out of his thoughts. In a tortured attempt at humor, he replied weakly, “Well, it’s that or you heal me. Can you heal?”
Keith felt Mark’s hands touching the wound on his side. A warmth took over the hurt, and then spread through his body. The pain receded. His skin itched, which was okay with him.
“Hitting you with a second spell—you were on your last few health points.”
The warmth continued. All the pain disappeared, the itching stopped. Keith sat up, then laid back down with a small groan. “I’m healed, but my body isn’t sure about anything yet. Give me a few.”
He heard Mark shuffling around the room. A few moments later, Mark’s shadow fell over Keith. “Better yet?”
“Much better. Thank you.” Keith took the offered hand and stood up. “Didn’t know if I’d make it out of that.”
“Well, since I got stupid and put you in this place, only fitting I get you out.” Mark grinned, then stopped, a serious expression on his face. “All kidding aside, good to see you alive. Didn’t look so good when I first saw you. Sorry about not being any help.”
“Really? You took on the first room—it was my turn.”
“Yeah, guess it was.” Mark grinned.
“I believe it’s safe to say. This room didn’t have the easy problem.” Keith chuckled. “Not sure either of us would be walking out of here if it wasn’t for Skwilly.”
“A debt of gratitude, my priggy friend.” Mark scratched between Skwilly’s ears.
The priggy seemed to grow a little taller, its bushy tail wagged vigorously. “I am glad I could help you.”
“Better get out of the room before that door disappears again.” Mark pointed at the blue door.
“Agree.” Keith led the way out of the room. “You think they’d reset the room?”
“Honestly, I think it’s a foregone conclusion,” Mark said with a weary sigh, tossing his gear onto the dusty floor as they stepped out of the room. “I’m curious if they’ll allow us to set up camp here for a bit before we take on what I assume is the boss room.”
“Only one way to find out.” Keith stretched out on the floor of the lobby.
Mark shrugged and did the same. Skwilly curled up next to Keith.
The priggy let out a blood-curdling squeal when Keith bolted upright, shouting. “The key! We didn’t get the key.”
“Did to. It was in the coat pocket of the last labcon you killed. I searched while you were recovering.”
“Phew! I thought we’d be going back in there. Thanks for grabbing that. You still get to take first watch shift.” Keith looked over at Mark.
“Not fair, okay, maybe it is—but I’m still grumbling.” Mark got up and moved to the wall, where he sat back down. “I’ll grumble enough you won’t get any sleep.”
“We’ll see about that.” Keith rolled over, his fake snore echoed off the walls.
###
Mark cast a wary glance at Keith, ensuring he was truly asleep before delving into his own thoughts. Despite his outward bravado, the recent brush with mortality weighed heavily on his mind. Character sheet.
<
And your cold, clinical explanation and analysis are appreciated, Sandy. Mark let out a long sigh, the sound echoing softly in the quiet room after Sandy fell silent. He leaned back against the rough, cool wall, feeling the texture against his shoulders as he braced himself to continue his watch. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on the tiled floor grew louder, announcing Skwilly's approach. The priggy, with its warm body and soft fur, nestled comfortably against Mark's leg, providing a small measure of comfort.