Chapter 43

Skylar wiped another bead of sweat with the back of her palm and let out an exasperated sigh. The sun was scorching hard, coupled with the unquenchable thirst she was feeling.
I guess this is while it is called the wasteland. You just waste away. She thought in her mind. They started the journey yesterday and carried only a few supplies.They were both weak and exhausted.

Walking beside her was Sebastian.It was like he had been walking for eternity. It took him a great effort not to collapse and they can't afford to rest.
Why? because there's no resting place in the desert. It's full of dangerous creatures and robbers. Using their power isn't an option because it will make them die quickly. They can't afford to use their powers recklessly.
Their breathing was heavy while their bodies were covered with the dust of the wasteland.

They had been marching since yesterday, yet they were still marching without taking a rest.

So, marching is the only hope they have, and they pray that it shouldn't be long before they reach Appolyon.

It was like the world was about to end with each step they took. If they knew it would take a long time to cross the desert, they would have brought a lot of provisions with them.

Did they even have enough time to gather enough provisions? No! It was so fast and urgent. It's something that needs immediate attention.

Skylar raised her gaze hoping to find Appolyon ahead. She was welcomed with nothing but the howling sound of the desert and the whirlwind that was blowing behind them.

Skylar shakes her head in disappointment. She was getting weaker at each passing moment. She was sure that she would collapse any time soon.

Eventually, she halted. She could no longer take a step. She could no longer find her strength. “Skylar!!!” She heard Sebastian mumbling her name.

However, she couldn't move her tongue to mumble a reply. It was stuck to her mouth and she had no power to lift it. The only thing she needs now is water. It's been a long day and night.

“Skylar, ” He called again. “Are you alright?” He asked with concern.

The only thing she could do was shake her head. She was not okay and she was sure that Sebastian could see it.
Sebastian put down his backpack and he brought out a bottle of water. He knelt down beside her and and he raised her head up before feeding her the water.
As Skylar felt the water rush down her throat,her lost energy came back and she pulled the bottle to her mouth and drank more. When she felt rejuvenated,she released the bottle from her lips and she stood up.
Sebastian drank the remaining water and he said to Skylar “Let's keep going”.
“Wait a minute. Did you hear that?”, Skylar asked him.
“What?”,he asked. He listened carefully and his ear caught a sound. It was the chatting and laughter of humans. Sebastian looked up to confirm his theory, and it was right.

Coming from afar are half a dozen groups of bandits. They were riding across the desert, discussing and laughing at their words. He was sure that they were coming from a deadly operation.

Finally, a thought crept into his head. He yelled “Hey!”.

His voice attracted the attention of the six bandits, and they started riding in his direction.

Seeing that they were getting closer, He said, “Give us your supplies”,he demanded. It was useless. He knew they wouldn't give him.

The bandits looked at each other as if considering his words. However, they erupted into a deep laugh.
“You want it. Come get it”,One of the bandits sneered at him.

Sebastian looked at them and he could see how they were looking at Skylar. He could see the lust that was written on their faces and the way they were smacking their lips. He felt angry and like a wide bull,he attacked them.
The bandits were surprised. They didn't expect him to attack them.

In a flash, he raised one of his feet, dashed at the first bandit, and snapped his neck. His eyes flashed goldenly, and his power lashed out involuntarily, killing three bandits.

He grabbed the remaining two in the throat and squeezed them tightly, making sure that he crushed their esophagus.

As soon as he murdered all the six bandits,He checked their carriage and found lots of supplies,water, food,candies,and water. Lots of them. He packed them all inside his backpack. He took their horse and he removed the carriage from it. He sat down on one and Skylar also sat down on the other horse.
As they were about to move,the desert sand rumbled and Sebastian stopped.
Crawling out of the sand are skinwalkers.

Half of their bodies were covered with animal skin, making them half-naked. Their faces look more like human skin than normal human faces.

They were about ten in number, and each had a spear in their hand. “Blood!!!” They said altogether.
Except for the four fangs, which they used for sucking blood, they had no teeth. They snarled again, exposing the fangs in their mouths, which were now growing longer with each passing moment.

Slowly, they started inching toward Sebastian and
Skylar. Their spear was sweeping the earth, leaving a speck of great dust behind in the process.
Sebastian climbed down from the horse and the horse ran away. Same with Skylar.
As they stood a few meters away from Sebastian, they parted ways, and a tall man came forward. He's the leader of the Skinwalkers.

He raised his spear high, and the rest screeched in delight. It was like they had never eaten for many years. They look thin, weary, and unkempt. They had a big eyeball which was bulging out of its socket.

The hair on their heads had nearly fallen. Only a few of them remain, making them look like someone with leukemia cancer.

“Blood!!!” The leader hollered once again, and the rest creaked in reply. The leader stretches his spear forward as if ordering her team.

The remaining nine Skinwalkers grasped her command and darted at Sebastian and Skylar. A great battle cry was escaping their lips as they marched forward.

“Attack them,” Sebastian cried out.

Sebastian brought out his blade and twirled. He channels all the fury inside him onto the blade, making it turn red as if he's in a rage. Before the rest could move, he dashed at the Skinwalker.

Skylar muttered some words and her claws elongated.
Sebastian parried a thrust from the skinwalker and wheeled behind his opponent. In the same motion, he brought out a dagger and sliced the throat of the skinwalker.

He ducked aside on instinct, and a spear whistled past his face. He spun back to face his opponent, but he was welcomed with a slash on his face.

He took two steps backwards, retraced his steps, and thrust his blade at his opponent. The latter moved to the left to avoid the blade, and he stabbed her in the chest with his dagger.

Within a few seconds, all the sand walkers except for their leader are dead. He looked around, his gaze examining a safe route to escape from
Sebastian and Skylar, but he found none.
Before Sebastian could react,the leader disappeared into the desert sand.
“What about the horses?Skylar asked.
“You mean these horses”, Sebastian replied as he pointed to the two horses galloping their way. When the horses reached where they were,they sat down and they continued their journey.