A to Z Challenge - K is for Knees

This is part of a story continuing through the whole Challenge.

If you're just joining me, please start with A is for Abby.

K IS FOR KNEES

"Get out of there now!" Demetrius bellowed, trying to grab Abby from the window. His broad shoulders prevented him from slipping through.

Abby ignored him. She stood with knees bent, ready to spring into action. She nearly gagged with the fermented musky scent of the things as it threatened to stick to her throat.

A swarm. Best strategy is to keep moving and use broad, sweeping strikes. Tawa instructed. And don't give them a chance to jump on you all at once.

"Really? I thought that would be the best plan, considering how fuzzy and cute they look." Abby swiped at the first brave beast that pounced at her. She sliced it in half and it fell like mush to the floor.

"Dammit, Abby! Get out!" Demetrius snarled, pounding at the sides of the window. He then let out a roar of frustration and disappeared from sight.

With a squealing cry, the monsters attacked. Abby spun fast, low to the ground. Her glowing blades made it look like the circle was unbroken. Many of the creatures met the same fate as the first beast, but two of them landed on their target.

Abby screamed as their long teeth bit into her. One of them managed to scrape against bone. She skewered the monsters and three more launched themselves at her.

Abby! Tawa cried. Retreat to higher ground. Go for the stairs!

A violet monster attached itself to Abby's ankle as she dove over the horde and landed in a somersault. She didn't land on both feet, but stretched the leg out that the critter clung to and smacked it on the cement floor. It squeaked, but didn't let go. It gave two others the opportunity to jump on Abby's back.

The basement door burst open and Demetrius flew down the stairs. With his first strike, he squashed the one latched on to Abby's ankle and then yanked the others off her back. As if with the same motion, Abby turned and slammed her swords through the pair of beasts. Black blood formed shiny puddles.

Demetrius leapt over her and to one side to crush a turquoise one. Abby pushed herself forward on her knees to skid across the now slick floor. She swept her blades out to the sides and killed most of the remaining monsters. Demetrius smashed the last two with a victorious grunt.

They searched the basement in silence for any beasts that might have been hiding. Not finding any more, Abby limped to the center of the room to face Demetrius. She felt as though she might topple over from blood loss at any moment, but sheer will kept her standing. He was still breathing heavily as he eyed her wounds.

"I told you I could take care of it," Abby said as her swords disappeared.

"And I told you not to go in without me." His reply was low with his displeasure.

Neither of them moved.

So now that you saved Abby's life, your blood debt has been paid.You can go home now. Tawa's voice was crisp and business-like.

Abby's stomach flipped. She bit the side of her tongue to keep herself from begging him to stay.

Demetrius stared at her for another few seconds and then shook his head. "Abby would have killed them all eventually. Her life wasn't in any danger. My blood debt still stands."

Abby wanted to grin and throw her arms around him. Her mouth twitched and her body relaxed. No matter how good she thought she was at hiding her emotions, she spied his little smirk as he offered his arm to help her up the stairs.