Lost Horizon (Sample)

Chapter 24 - The View from Above

Why are you so weak?

Those harsh words stung even now. He tried forgetting yet the criticism wouldn't fade. He desperately longed to prove him wrong. To prove he was, in fact, strong. He'd be the strongest. So strong everyone would respect his impressive capabilities. The powerful, however, didn't lose. Neither could he.

Caiden gritted his teeth in frustration as his opponent soared above his head. Rex had taken the lead, a seeker plummeting towards the finish line with nothing or no-one to stop him. If Caiden didn't intervene he'd indeed lose. He couldn't allow himself to be made a fool of. 

Grunting, Caiden increased his speed. Fracturing the ground, he dashed through the stalagmite forest with little regard for himself. His leg scraped against one of the obstacles as the right side of his waist skidded across another of the spires. Regardless, he didn't feel a fraction of pain. His body was completely numb. If the pulsating veins and bared fangs weren't telling enough, Caiden had indeed transcended his rage.

"I WON'T LET YOU BEAT ME, BASTARD! THIS ISN'T OVER YET!!"

Rex probably would've heard his enraged roars had he not been so high up. He barely could hear himself think due to the powerful winds ravaging his eardrums. Tears flew out his eyes while his hair felt as if it'd rip off his scalp. 

But none of these problems compared to the terrifying fact that Rex hadn't an idea of how to land. True, Chase taught him how to make full use of the suit's air propulsion system. Sadly, he never got around to asking him now to properly recover from a fall. So enamored with victory, Rex dismissed the notion entirely. 

Despite his failings, he'd need to formulate a plan quickly, the ground practically calling his name. Hunting for ideas, Rex settled on using the air to propel himself to safety. Theoretically, if he released another blast of wind he'd be able to nullify the impact of the fall.

Of course, this was all purely hypothetical. As the floor got closer he crossed his fingers in hopes he'd survive. A quivering Chase watched as more wind bursts released out the soles of Rex's boots. As soon as he saw him take to the skies he couldn't contain his anxiety. 

Luckily, it looked like Rex was using his brain for once. A rare instance to be sure, but an appreciated one nonetheless. The pressurized air did wonders at keeping Rex from being reduced to a human pancake. He gracefully floated down before his feet hit the ground, a sharp bolt of pain shooting up his legs. 

Electricity assaulted his bones. I guess I should've started my controlled descent earlier. Dammit, this stings!! Caiden's advances broke Rex's concentration, the bully blitzing in his direction. It all came back at once, Rex remembering he'd yet to claim his victory. His engines' flames erupted, Rex blasting to the starting line in a burst of speed. 

He'd lost all his momentum from the fall, however, Caiden wasn't any better. The sand explosion from earlier must've really taken its toll on him. He hadn't even escaped the stalagmite forest yet. Although, the boisterous declaration displayed his undying resolve. His perpetual yearning to overcome.

"I REFUSE!!" Caiden bellowed. 

Instead of dodging, he sent an overpowering punch at a stalagmite blocking his path. Due to the exos suit's artificial strength-enhancing quality along with his accelerated speed, Caiden utterly decimated the stalagmite. 

It shattered into thousands of sharp slivers. Rex witnessed the exhibition of pure and undaunted might from the corner of his eye. His bully charged at him, his arms flailing to his sides and shoulder engines expelling the azure infernos. In an instant, he'd managed to close the distance between himself and his foe.