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Post by Ryuzaki on Aug 18, 2016 13:15:06 GMT -6
Ryuzaki had come to Pherae not exactly of his own will. The search for Mila had continued, without success, and so he had been blown by necessity through the Lycian territories following coin and a rapidly-cooling trail that seemed more and more fruitless by the day. Shinryu was quiet and still on his side. Many hours had been devoted to trying to uncover the secrets of that sword, and the assassin felt about as stymied by it as he did by the disappearance of the mage.
However, his luck seemed to have changed. He had received a contract, delivered by a masked and cloaked messenger. It was an assassination contract…for the Emerald Wraith.
Simply thinking about it excited him. So the fabled ‘untouchable’ assassin had finally slipped, finally let their guard down. Now it was his hour, time for him to swoop in, strike, and rise to the top. He would be paid by his employer, of course, and the coin would go far. But the true prize was the elimination of the other assassin. The Emerald Wraith was a legend, a myth, a supreme specimen of the assassin breed. But now their time in the limelight was over. It was time for Ryuzaki to rise to the top.
He moved nearly noiselessly through the alleys, sticking to the long shadows that sunset cast among the buildings of the city. He had received a description and an approximate location. All that was left now was to find the Emerald Wraith and relieve her of the life she had enjoyed. And her head, perhaps.
Footsteps drove Ryuzaki into a crouch, hidden behind boxes. A man walked by, oblivious to the hidden presence, his arms full of foodstuffs and a bag slung across his back. He disappeared around a corner and the assassin stood up, resuming his prowling. His senses were on high alert, and he was ready to draw his weapon at a moment’s notice. All the Emerald Wraith had to do was show herself, and then all would be over. The strike would be swift and true, and then the merciful embrace of Death would welcome the departed soul. Death was Near.
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Post by Jya on Aug 19, 2016 21:44:24 GMT -6
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Jya asked the trio of adventurers beside her. She had been following a group of caravans as a wandering traveler for awhile now. She was supposedly a simple spears woman, nothing more and nothing less. Of course she kept her 'hunting' bow, making sure to miss as much times as she managed to hit. Her blades were all well hidden, so as to avoid people suspecting anything more. As of now, they had some free time before the caravan moved, so she was invited by some of the guards to have some fun in a tavern.
"Yeah, I've been here many times and just this way is the best beer 'round these parts," laughed the older man, patting her on the back. She avoided flinching or stepping away, only nodding nervously, only to make herself seem shy. There was something suspicious about their actions. She had noticed them glance about, as though searching for something.
"Ah, here's the path, just down this way," said the older man.
"Jake, Sally, you go make sure, and Jaqueline was it? Mind holding my sword for a bit? It's wearing down on my poor muscles," he coughed, rubbing his shoulders. Jya agreed, reluctantly, but she held the iron sword in her hands. As soon as she took the sword though, there was a cry from out in the alleyway.
"Wait here, I'll go check it out. It'll be dangerous for a lone lass like you. Here take my cloak too, it'll help you hide," he said, handing her a green cloak. Before she could respond at all, the man had ran from the alley, a sword in one hand and a cloak in another. She put on the cloak, a bit comforted by the familiar weight. Then there was another shout, with her curiosity peaked, she followed the sound, a sword gripped in one hand. As she did so, the itching suspicion began to grow. It felt like she was being watched by many, like an actor on stage. What kind of roll had she been dragged into?
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Post by Ryuzaki on Aug 20, 2016 23:07:29 GMT -6
Ryuzaki was calm as he snuck through alleys, looking carefully and finding no sign of the Emerald Wraith. It was discouraging, really, doing all this work for a fool's errand. But if he killed her...if he took over her mantle, overthrew her from her throne...the possibilities were truly astounding. It was a whole new world opened up to him, a new stage upon which to act and carry out his ambitions.
A sound drew his attention. A yell.
Instantly he was in motion, sprinting as quietly as he could toward the noise, covering ground at a speed no one save mounted warriors could match. The assassin's pace sent him through crossing alleys with barely time to glance, but he saw nothing as he neared where he estimated the noise had come from. And then, as he crossed another, he saw a flash of green cut into another alley. Ryuzaki slammed to a halt and pivoted, swiftly retracing his ground and peering around the corner. He slipped around it, with the coast clear, and approached the next turn, taking a glance and seeing a woman wrapped in green with drawn sword walking away from him. It was as if lightning had struck him, lighting him ablaze. In that instant his blood cooled, his eyes narrowed, and the ice-in-his veins assassin stepped almost silently into the center of the alley.
This was the moment. In front of him was the Emerald Wraith, back turned and sword drawn. The world's most feared assassin had their back to Ryuzaki and was walking away, blissfully unaware of the agent of Death who was about to strike her down. Silently, a smile inched its way across the face of Ryuzaki, a man once called Near, a man who once sought to destroy the rich and equalize the world. This could be his chance to see those goals realized. The prestige, the fame, the honor that would come with killing this assassin... that would be the boost that would give his name the dread it needed. He would force a better world through the fear of his wrath.
Ryuzaki sprinted forwards, his body accelerating into a full-speed dash as he covered the distance between his position and the mark at no snail's pace. A few footsteps would be the only warning he gave as Gemini slid free of its sheath, the one blade glinting in the sun as it shot forward, straight and true, in a stab aimed directly at the heart of the Emerald Wraith. All his might, all his focus, all of his speed was concentrated in this one blow. This was, for him, a moment that might elevate him to new heights. His full convictions were behind his sword, and he did not falter as he attempted to in one stroke end the life of the one who had always overshadowed him.
All seemed to hang still in the air, silent and heavy like a plate in the instant before it hits the ground and shatters.
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Post by Jya on Aug 22, 2016 13:45:04 GMT -6
It was almost funny, if it wasn't so sad. Jya was once again just another actor on a stage, directed, but never in control. She never did seem to have proper control on her life. Thankfully she knew how to react, how to move with the flow and to strike on those aiming for her life. What was a disguise, if it gets you killed? So as she moved, her hands unhooked a throwing knife and her other, tightened its grip on the iron sword.
Her instincts told her danger was ahead, but when was it never? Each step made her more and more uneasy, each moment not fighting for her life was an unknown to her. Thankfully it was brief, she noticed the person approaching, experience striking hard at her senses. It wasn't an animal, it was a person, and it was heading towards her. She didn't speak, nor did she change her own movement, until it was the right time. Striking was a skill, one that required the best timing.
When they were just within the range of both sword and knife, she threw out knife first. Then she did another odd move, chucking the sword at the person as well. None of those attack were aimed to kill, it was more to startle, but even if it did kill, she'll find answers elsewhere. With the free time given to her, she swung her iron lance out and back stepped to make more room.
"Who are all those friends of yours?" she asked, her eyes never leaving the figure. She was aware of movement from her side, the group was steadily moving around them, squeezing her in perhaps, like a snake.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Aug 22, 2016 14:59:41 GMT -6
The few footsteps were enough, and the Wraith turned, regarding the other assassin with an expression that to Ryuzaki bordered upon vague interest and amusement. Almost curious. And then she struck, throwing a knife and sword at him with a speed he found very commendable. His attack was cut short as he shifted his momentum, pushing off of his left leg to dodge the knife and then tracking the sword carefully, watching it as it looped end over end and then smashing it to the side with his own blade, sending it far away, in a statement.
His foe had drawn a lance. Unusual choice of weapons for an assassin. Ryuzaki could understand how the lance would give her an advantage over his blades, but it was cumbersome and slow. How could she stick to the shadows and move fast, strike quietly, and disappear if she was trying to use a soldier’s weapon?
"So we finally meet. Greetings, Emerald Wraith. You may call me Near. I am an assassin of the highest caliber, and I have been singlehandedly responsible for many of the deaths of Lycian nobles you undoubtedly have heard of. Today, my target is my main competitor, the assassin with a name feared all across Elibe. Now is the time for a new master to rise. I will overtake you in power and reputation, for my skills have been refined and focused. I am uniquely disposed to do my job, and I always deliver on expectations. Ready yourself, for I am Death. Death is Near."
The line rolled off of his tongue easily even after his hiatus, gladdening a part of his mind that had been long starved. He would eliminate the Emerald Wraith and assume her mantle. But then, she spoke, and a quick flicker of the eyes alerted him to the fact that they were, indeed, surrounded. He had been drawn in… But it seemed so had she.
"These are no friends of mine. I assume they are your insurance, meant to make sure you leave this meeting alive? It is a cowardly move, but I applaud your wisdom. You have indeed drawn me into your trap. I have made a mistake."
Was it better to strike her down, and accept the death that would come surely afterward, or try to escape now? The mysterious figures moved in, tightening the ring. What was going on here?
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Post by Jya on Aug 22, 2016 19:22:26 GMT -6
"Ummm, no, I thought they were your friends," Jya said, keeping her eyes at the man and making sure her back was at the wall. If this wasn't her assassin's companions, then who were they? As far as she was concerned, they were all enemies to her. When odds were stacked like this, she preferred to make a run. Sadly she couldn't find the right place to go, especially not knowing what kind of weapons were prepared to deal with them.
"I really think you made a mistake, I'm not the Emerald Wraith," she lied, but doing it with the same ease as though making a statement. She had settled quite comfortably into her new persona. As she was now, she was a simple traveler, a spearwoman and an adventurer, not some assassin.
"My name is Jacqueline, I was just given that sword and this hood, nothing more..." she tried to explain, then she saw it, the old man that had given her the items. He was wielding a new blade, his eyes glinting with murder. She had seen those eyes many times and perhaps she had made the same.
"Sorry Jacqueline, had to use you to lure this rat out. He killed a bit too many and his head got quite the bit of money on him," he laughed, pointing his blade towards the man.
"Of course we can't have to flapping your mouth either, can we? Sorry, there's no room for you here girl," he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"Just know you played your part in all this," he said, waving his arms as more of his men stepped out. An archer was parched above them, a bow aimed at her would be assassin.
"Ummm, Mr. Near with that fancy talk, you uhhh, have any plan in getting out of this? I can help, but...well I need you to trust me, I really don't want to die," she offered to the man.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Aug 22, 2016 20:51:04 GMT -6
What?
Now the assassin saw it clearly. It all slowly condensed, crystal clear in his mind as a picture swam into view, all ripples fading away to leave nothing but the truth, a reflection in a glassy pool. He had been lured in. This was not the Emerald Wraith. But how was she so fast...? Certainly, some details were smudged... But the fact remained. He had been drawn into the trap, and now he was to die at the hands of some bounty hunters... if only he would roll over and die for them. But they certainly were prepared - men emerged from the surroundings, forming a tight circle that moved in, weapons drawn. And an archer was positioned above, ready to strike from the rooftops. Perhaps...
Ryuzaki sheathed his sword, his hand lingering for a second under his cloak before he raised both arms in a gesture of surrender. Stepping forward, he spoke briefly, an unusual cheer in his tone as he addressed the man who appeared to be orchestrating everything.
"Well played... First you offered the job, knowing I would take it. When I appeared, you drew in this woman, created a false Wraith, and then sprung your trap. Now you have me surrounded. I suppose I should congratulate you!"
Slowly he lowered his hands and clapped, the motion exaggerated as it echoed once, twice, thrice.
"You did better than most formal militias ever did at ensnaring me. You have brought me into the open and surrounded me with your men. What coordination, what planning, what skill! I salute you for pulling this difficult endeavor off.
It is truly a shame that your crowning accomplishment shall lead to your demise."
The assassin's hand flashed up, and the dagger he had concealed struck the archer, who had made no attempt at concealing himself. Gurgling, the man fell from the rooftop, his body arcing and landing with a wet, dense smack at Ryuzaki's feet. The assassin laughed briefly, a mirthless, icy sound, and then drew forth the dagger from the archer's neck. In a swift motion he replaced it within his cloak and then spoke to the other woman, not even looking at her as he pulled a sword from its sheath on his hip.
"We will cut down all who approach. That is the plan. You had pretty good aim with that knife you had... Hopefully you're decent with that lance too. Be careful. Don't accept injury, even in exchange for a killing blow. Be fast and stay by me. I will get you through this... If only because I cannot escape immediately. Witness the power of the assassin Near."
Ryuzaki's blade seemed to shine with a dark indigo glow, a fiendish, malevolent light. The dark metal was coated with a blackish liquid that seemed dark crimson, like blood, and as it dripped off of the point of the sword it indeed fell upon the cobblestones in red drops. Shinryu thirsted for the blood of these would-be bounty hunters... And he would feed his blade well with the life-blood of his enemies!
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Post by Jya on Sept 3, 2016 18:14:39 GMT -6
Jya thought the assassin had an odd demeanor about him, but she kept quiet. She wasn't the type to aggravate a situation with mere words. Instead she watched the situation and opened her senses to take careful count of the amount of people coming. Like it or not, she was stuck with her so called assassin. It wouldn't be the first time she had to work with a complete stranger to save her own skin.
As soon as Mr.Near struck out with his throwing knife, Jya reacted as well, bringing her weapon to the ready. The fact that the man hadn't abandoned her was a good sign in her book. Perhaps he was taking partial responsibility for his actions or it could have been pity. Regardless, people with such values are better than those without. If he doesn't die first, then his word should be good to go.
"Get them," shouted the leader, pointing at the two of them. She did as instructed, making sure to be close to the man, no matter how uneasy she felt. He did almost try to kill her after all. As soon as someone was within range of her iron lance, she thrust out into the unfortunate foe, catching him in the throat. This gave her flash of uneasiness, not from remorse, but from her reprimanding her habit. As an assassin, of course you'll aim for a quick kill or the weakest parts of a foe. However she was quick to hide her face again, focusing more on the matter at hand.
Unfortunately these were professionals, an axe wielder stepped up, using the heft and shape of his axe to his advantage. At her attempt to stab, she was repelled to the side. It made her cringe to see her weapon wear down. If this goes on, she'll have to make use of her specialized arsenal...
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Post by Ryuzaki on Sept 12, 2016 22:15:00 GMT -6
Amazing. The woman had taken down a foe with one swift killing stroke. Perhaps she was one of those who called themselves the Lancers, who specialized in the way of the lance and spear and foreswore other weapons to hone their abilities. Much like a Swordmaster, he supposed, or one of the Berserkers of the Isles. Actually, that was a fair assessment, considering that she had hurled her sword at him to try and attack.
Ryuzaki analyzed the situation. Men were coming in, a swordsman twirling his weapon as he sauntered towards the assassin. Cocky, brash, and overly showy... he fit the description of most mercenaries Ryuzaki had seen end up in an early grave. He could take this fool down in a matter of seconds. But what about the innocent woman? She was faring poorly against an axeman, and so the assassin did what any gentleman would do. He waited until she was deflected to the side and then slipped in, raising his sword in order to catch the axe, clashing with the man and forcing a brief stalemate. In the lull, he spoke curtly to the woman, all business and no regard for niceties at the moment. That could come once they weren't trying to be beheaded.
"Swordsman to the left. He's overconfident! You can take him down."
The strong man shoved Gemini aside and tried to stab Ryuzaki with a sharp point on the end of his axe. The assassin moved to the side, deflecting the strike and trying to fit in a quick stab of his own, but was foiled by a quick movement on the adversary's part that left them both with raised weapons and strong guarding stances. It was not simply the case that an axeman was fated to lose to a swordsman; skill had a great deal to do with one's success in combat, and this axe user was definitely skilled in his craft.
Ryuzaki struck once more, bringing his weapon in a tight slash, trying to create an opening. The axe wielder simply sidestepped, maintaining his guard and trying to gain distance to swing his weapon without fear of retribution. The assassin kept with him, circling close and watching his foe with the utmost concentration.
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