Failed Duties [[Closed]]

[Eidolon]

There was a moment in the grapple where Eido thought about letting go. It solved every problem apart from the one of how much she wanted to live, and the shame of that truth was crushing. She met the creature’s eyes, fingers slipping. They stared back strangely human, but its lips curled up over sharp teeth. Maybe the ignominy of a death at a monster’s hands was fitting. Yet all she could think about was Kōta. How his sacrifice would burn because she was careless.

Then the creature’s head lurched forward with an impact from behind, and it whirled. A woman’s voice taunted.

When the pressure eased Eido fell into a crouch. Her ribs burned. She tested her wrist, found it tender, but her grip held around the kaiken’s hilt. The creature was something Vampiric, but Moscow teemed with non-native monsters – as if everything found itself lured to the vortex epicentre of the Ascendancy’s power. In the heat of the moment Eido was unsure what it was beyond that. When it stumbled back from the kick she slashed low against the back of its thighs. The blade peeled flesh like butter. Blood sprayed.

By now the woman was armed. Saviour and executioner both, she fought with the strength and power of a dervish. But as she caught her balance Eido’s gaze fell on something slipping into the shadows behind.

“Vetala,” she warned in sudden realisation, understanding it would out her own identity for certain, but concerned 'behind you' would be met with no trust from a stranger.