Deals With Shadows (Ryuzaki)

[Vincent]

Thria

It was the dead of night when only the shady and the drunk still roamed the streets, the moon was waxing and the thick overcast blocked the sunlight leaving only the faint glows of torches to illuminate the streets. Several nights ago Vincent had sent a message out for the darkest man he knew, the one that belonged with these late night shadows. The message was a broken skull mask, one that Vincent had crushed under his heel. Carved into the inside of it were two words: Marked One, followed by an address that would lead him to a simple tavern's back room.

Vincent hated to wear the raggedy cloak and skull mask that made up his Mark persona but it was far too dangerous for him to be out in the open, for now. Still, the worst part of it was no longer carrying his signature war gear, instead focusing on a heavy iron blade. He waited in full garb in the tavern's backroom alone with only a few entrances into the room he was curious to see what way Near would take, and whether he would come baring fangs of aggression or a mind of philosophy. The man had a real knack for both after all.

Thinking back to their last encounter the two had a fierce duel that ended in a tie, if the two were to have a go now, Near would likely win, unless Vin could get his usual tools. Perhaps when it was all over they could have another go. But more concerning to him was how he the two did not agree with eachother's methods to change this world of theirs. Regardless, Vincent would be the one to suggest an act of cooperation, as a face and a shadow. But did this make them just as bad as those they sought to remove from power? He dared not dwell too deeply as he doubted he would like the answer.

[Ryuzaki]

The assassin had received the summons.

"Marked One"

It was a title he had bestowed himself. It was a name he had given to a promising young swordsman, who at that time was little more than a whelp with silver hair. But that whelp had fire in his eyes, and a spirit that was radiant. Even the man of inky shadows could see that. When he received the smashed mask, the address written simply and the message clear, Ryuzaki had held it for a while in his hand, smiling ever so slightly. Vincent had called.

He had set out that same evening from Santaruz, equipped with his best gear. He knew not what he had been called for, but he understood that it would likely require his full power, of mind, body, and spirit. He wore his bandoliers with knives, Shinryu on one hip and Gemini on the other, his iron armguard, a thick cloak, and his pouches. Most contained herbs, provisions, and the like, but one held medicine, and the other a powerful explosive, imbued with the might of the wind. A "vortex grenade," it was called. Most useful. Upon his back, over his cloak, he had strapped his sickle - a weapon he had not used in quite a time.

Thus prepared, the assassin had left, and soon he stood before the tavern, examining it in the gloom. The whole area reeked of alcohol, vomit, and the sweat of men. A typical haunt for workingmen, and most unusual for Vincent. Ryuzaki turned and went for the back, staying close to the building as he moved around it. The rear door was locked, but the assassin removed a set of lockpicks from his pouches and quickly popped the door open, swinging it wide and staying pressed to the building. After a few moments, he stepped away, brought the sickle from his back down and held it in front of him, and stepped into the dark doorway, immediately sidling to the side and pressing his back to the interior wall. After his eyes adjusted, he took stock of the situation. He was in a storeroom. Closing the door to the outside world, he crossed the cluttered storage space and came to another door. Light and sound filtered from under it. Most likely a kitchen. There was one other door, from under which light could be seen, but no noise emanated from that door.

Readying himself, the assassin grasped the door handle, opened it firmly, and stepped onto the threshold, immediately looking over the room with sickle still raised. The one figure was facing the other way, but seemed to have a large, weighty blade. Most uncharacteristic for Vincent. The assassin kept his guard, tensed like a coiled spring, and spoke softly.

"I am Death. Death is Near."

[Vincent]

As the door opened there was silence save the subtle change in airflow. It was the sort of detail he had to remain focused upon to notice. "I am Death. Death is Near." The voice spoke up behind him. It seemed more a warning or a challenge than anything else. Vincent had to count his blessings Near did not interpret it as a hit, would have been a rather, unfortunate mixup and one he retrospectively should have considered. Still, seemed things were working out.

Without turning to face the assassin Vincent removed his left gauntlet to reveal the scar marking Near had bestowed those years ago. Turning to face him he raised a clenched fist and sighed softly. "It is good to see you Near." He returned the gauntlet to his arm and rolled his shoulders contemplatively. "I assume you're curious about being called by me?" He found it a tad difficult to get this conversation started.

"I'll give you the short version of things first. I was hired to infiltrate a group of bandits that are too organized and well off for it to be normal. The concern is that they are funded by an unknown noble. My job is to find out just who this benefactor is and gather the incriminating evidence against them, further still, find out just what it is they are after by cooperating with bandits. So long as I am working within the ranks of the criminal element I will have my hands tied. What I need from you is twofold however. I need someone who can investigate the nobility on their level and..." He faltered for a moment. "I need to finish my training in the arts of assassins. I fear I have neglected it for too long and my ability, while never fully realized, has continued to falter."

[Ryuzaki]

The figure turned ever so slightly so that his left arm was visible. A scar, faint, but noticeable, gave the assassin all he needed to know. He allowed the tension to ease, closing the door behind him and quietly unloading his weapons and tools on the floor. His sickle, outer cloak, and Gemini all formed a pile, upon which he layered his bandoliers and his pouches. All he kept was Shinryu, sheathed at his side. Taking a seat in one of the minimalistic chairs, the assassin heaved out a breath, happy to be freed from the weight and drudgery of traveling.

"it is good to see you Near. I assume you're curious about being called by me?"

"Mmm. Well met, Marked One. Curious? No. Interested? Yes. Speak further."

The swordsman Vincent spoke simply and effectively. The situation, to Ryuzaki, was relatively uninteresting. A group of well organized bandits? Not his concern. A noble, funding bandits? Also not his concern. The inequity was the nature of life. This noble was most likely not high enough on the 'food chain' for Ryuzaki to consider eliminating him as a significant step to increasing opportunity and equality. Discovering incriminating evidence? That was the job for a detective or a man of the law, not a dangerous and unstable assassin.

But then the interesting part came.

"I need someone who can investigate the nobility on their level and... I need to finish my training in the arts of assassins. I fear I have neglected it for too long and my ability, while never fully realized, has continued to falter."

Ryuzaki smiled, the expression slowly coming over his face. He lowered his hood and stared pointedly at the other swordsman.

"I understand now. This is a personal quest for you. You are investigating this group, and you seek to destroy them. To accomplish that end, you need someone to gather inside information that you, as a common swordsman - I mean that in no derogatory sense, please understand - are not privy to. You hope that I will infiltrate, conduct espionage, gather data, and relay it to you. You believe in your heart that you will need to eliminate their leader... and so you seek my help to train you to do so, and perhaps to fight alongside you."

The assassin drew Shinryu, laying the sword upon the table. The blade glowed dully with indigo light, and a few dark drops of bloodlike liquid leaked from the edges of the weapon onto the table.

"Remove your mask, Marked One. We shall speak as equals.

I will accept your terms and work with you. You will, in turn, work with me. We will learn from each other when time permits - not only about fighting, which leads to killing, but about thinking. I want to understand your mindset and how you see your bright world. I want to see it laid before me, so that I can process its benefits and costs. I want to understand.

Yes, I will teach you my arts, born of my heart of darkness. You will teach me yours, born of your heart of light. And together we will grow stronger. And if the day comes that you must slay the one who leads this group, then I will stand beside you. After you release me from this contract, this duty, then we will see where we stand as men and as swordsmen.

Do you find this reasonable?"

[Vincent]

Well, Ryuzaki was rather quick on the uptake. He took everything in with stride and rapidly pieced it together in acceptance. Vincent let out a soft sigh as he removed his mask to look Ryu in the eyes personally. Had Vincent been carrying Phoenix Heart with him he would have crossed it against Shinryu, but alas this iron blade was less than subpar, it was unworthy of such a thing. It would be too great an insult to a blade such as Shinryu and so he unsheathed it but placed it beside the table instead.

As Ryuzaki accepted the it was clear it was not out of a desire to take part in the mission, he was here for only Vincent. Perhaps it was only the request to train that swayed him, or his own desires to stay close and observe the Hero, he could not say. Ryuzaki was open with his thoughts and ideas and yet his mind was an abyss of traps and pitfalls into nothingness, and to make sense of it was to invite madness.

If Ryuzaki wanted to know how Vincent viewed the world and to learn more of the blade from him he would be greatly willing to do so with him. The two could work together to refine each others' techniques and dare he say come to an understanding beyond the simple acceptance of their differences.

"I find your terms quite agreeable, Near. We shall exhaust one another over techniques and skills and then speak our minds and philosophies until the sun rises anew. This mission is one of secrecy and immense danger. Your blade will be forced to meet its own matches in the field of battle if it comes to it. There are four 'Barons' of the bandits that wield ones of great power. I've seen an axe that made boiling steam up close... it was terrible." Would he care about any of this? Not likely but the more he knew the better after all.

"Though, you may be the greater assassin, I do not think you will be the better swordsman." He smiled at his own goading. It was in good humor but equally intentional. He would not concede as a swordsman to him. He had done too much since last they battled and learned so much more.

[Ryuzaki]

The gesture was not lost on the assassin as Vincent removed his mask and set his sword beside, but not upon, the assassin's. The weapon was crude, but the wielder was a worthy equal. Ryuzaki eagerly awaited the day when they could lay their weapons of magical might and their trusted swords, their partners, side by side, and shake hands with no reservations. A day where they would understand each other fully. Perhaps not agree - but then that was never truly required - but understand.

Vincent spoke in agreement, and Ryuzaki gave a short, sharp nod. As he had expected. Vincent too wanted to learn from him, to take and give wisdom and skill and technique. But what the assassin found most attractive in the way Vincent agreed was the voice with which he spoke. It was a voice without hesitation, without doubt, without fear. It was a voice of a hero. It was inspiring and strong.

The danger did not worry the assassin, but it did give him pause. He would need care, caution, and precision. Mistakes would have dire consequences, and escape would be impossible. He could not let Vincent down. The man was too important to the assassin to cast away.

"Hah. I am clearly the better assassin, since you, by your own admission, are not one. A better swordsman? I have never claimed to be the better swordsman. I know that you possess great power and skill. One day, perhaps we will fight, with our full powers, and then with nothing but blades of cheap iron. We will see who possesses the most ability, resourcefulness, and cunning, and who possesses the most skill.

It is my belief that you are a master of the sword, Vincent. You are a fighter of renown and of unmatched skill, save the recluse warriors like the Crimson Demon. I do not claim to be. I simply use the sword, along with my other weapons and tools, to seize victory through their conglomeration, for the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

The assassin had spoken truly, from his heart. In a battle with full equipment, he believed he would win, for his techniques had been honed and refined to give him explosive power that could match Vincent's strength and adaptability that could leave him at a loss. But with plain swords, man to man, it would likely go the other way. Perhaps that was why their spars were so intense - each tried to exploit the other's weakness and use his own strength. They ended up unable to make much ground, stuck in a war of attrition.

But that was beside the point right now.

"Marked One. You spoke of 'Barons,' of fighters with great skill and weapons of power. Describe to me all you know about these bandits, their weapons, and their organization. Provide me with information on their hierarchy, the layout of their headquarters, and their customs. I must know all I can if I am to be successful."

[Vincent]

Ryuzaki was interested and now it was time to give him every detail that he knew about. "Right then..." Vincent took a breath and thought back to where things would have truly began. "Everything started years ago, before I chanced upon Phoenix Heart even. On that day there was a group of ten rogue knights from Lycia that had taken to raiding on the border of Sacae. They had just robbed from a trader and were transporting his goods as their own, among them were the four pieces of the Phoenix." A fact he was not privy to in those days, if only he knew the four made a greater whole, still, perhaps it was for the best he'd had a hard enough time contending with just one piece.

"Myself and a group of others took on the task of beating those raiders and reclaiming the stolen goods. It worked, half their numbers were slain and the others were scattered. I got the sword and the other pieces were returned with the axe going to the hands of a friend. Those surviving riders are the same four that now lead as the "barons' or 'pillars' of their organization. Judging from the weapons they wield they didn't exactly stop collecting powerful weapons, it is anyone's guess just what else they have gathered." That was about all he had on the pillars overall.

"Fast forward to about a month ago and a lesser noble named Aster hires me to capture a raider that has been causing trade to stall and nearly halt in the town he lives in. During that mission there were only four raiders but they were each one of the pillars. They were a Great Knight, a Mage Knight, a Ranger, and a Paladin. The Great Knight wields the axe of steam and the Mage knight bore chain whips coursing with electricity. He was also skilled in the spell barrier. I never got to see the greater skills of the other two regrettably. I failed to capture any of their rank due to being overwhelmed but I took the paladin's shield." Placing a piece of parchment on the table he drew up the crest it bore. "That is their symbol."

"The masks themselves are a sign of status or role I believe. Most of the grunts have these skull masks, but those that guard their hideouts wear ones like demons and the pillars had animalistic masks. I have yet to see their leader in person though, so I do not know what he wears." Vincent shook his head solemnly. "And... they have been looking foe their king, whoever or whatever that is. I don't know the detail but you should have hear the fervent shouting and screaming of pure bliss. It was horrifying. I know there is some greater force at play here but I don't know what it is yet."

[Ryuzaki]

The tale was a long one, told rigidly from start to finish. Vincent did not try to interpret or to assume, he simply stated the facts concisely and left Ryuzaki with them, free to form his own judgements and opinions. From what he had learned, the assassin concluded that this was a most heinous organization indeed. Had he heard of them a while ago... perhaps he would be one of the 'barons' of the group. But now he would destroy them, along with Vincent. He would claim their power for his own, and use them as an example. He would hone his blade and skills upon them, and let their blood nourish the insatiable thirst of Shinryu!

"The Great Knight. A broad description for those who fight with axe and lance upon horseback. Generally heavily armored. Resistant to most physical attacks, and usually less adept at fighting without a mount. An axe with the power to expel steam, or superheated water... Likely involves fire magic, to heat surrounding air. My guess is that whoever this axe user is, he or she has become more dependent on its power. Perhaps they have grown sloppy in their technique. Regardless, the thought of facing an opponent such as that is not pleasant. I will need to think through a strategy carefully if I ever must battle this foe.

The Mage Knight. A term used for those who call forth the magic of nature, or Anima, I believe it is called, also while mounted. I am beginning to see a theme. This mounted mage keeps distance with the chains, which are powered by the magic of electricity, Thoron, probably drawn from the Mage Knight. A possible strategy is to bide time, waiting to exhaust the magical reserves of the rider, and then close in to strike. If, however, the chains are imbued with Thoron, then this opponent becomes even more dangerous. Not a foe to be taken lightly.

The Ranger. A mounted warrior, unsurprisingly, who utilizes the bow and sword. Without more information, it will be hard to see strengths and weaknesses, but I have seen enough of the raiders of Sacae to know that a mounted bowman is ample threat, without adding in any more power.

And finally the Paladin. Not as heavily armored as the Great Knight, but generally more mobile. Another issue. The mounted advantage, plus the range of lances, also puts me at a disadvantage."

Ryuzaki fell silent for a few moments, and then spoke slowly.

"This is, quite frankly, suicidal. I see no clear way to defeat one of these foes alone in open combat. Only with aid of darkness, surprise, or other assassin skills would I be able to level the playing field. So that's the deal, is it? We are opposed by at least four warriors of unparalleled danger. We will not be able to fight together, most likely. So I am alone."

Ryuzaki shook his head. This was a challenge he relished, but he was loath to simply cast his life aside.

"We're going to need assistance if we are to battle any one of these foes. To infiltrate and conduct reconnaissance is one thing, but if you seek to destroy this organization we will need not only to eliminate the leaders but also these four, his cornerstones, his supports. Do you know anyone that we can bring into our camp? Without help, preferably in the form of magical support and healing, it will be difficult to maintain an offensive that puts pressure upon them."

Ryuzaki withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket and drew upon it with a lump of charcoal, scrawling out some initially illegible characters that soon turned into names.

Near
Marked One
Clover?
Far?
Young Pink?

"You and I are here. Perhaps our friend, the mage, with the cute face and the penchant for research, might aid us? The other two are associates of mine. A man I knew long ago, a thief without parallel and a successful con, and a young swordfighter I was training. Perhaps they too can be of assistance.

I don't know, Marked One. This is not looking good."

[Vincent]

"The night is always darkest before the dawn, as they say. It is the exact reason this mission is held in secrecy, and besides, with the unstable nature of Thria right now if we can prove a noble is a traitor and maybe something more then there will be plenty that would leap at an opportunity to take them down, maybe gain lands in the process... not ideal motives but the ends will justify it." Vincent perused the names on the paper, he knew not Far nor Young Pink, but Clover was a certainly familiar name. Any opportunity to work alongside her was one he would usually take but... this mission struck him as far too dangerous.

"If she were to accept the call to arms against them I am certain she would be a great asset... but I know not what role she would fill..." He was loath to throw her into this kind of turmoil as well. Regardless of her skills she was one of his closest friends... not a good enough reason he chided. "I do know of several others that could be worth calling on. If it is magic you desire there is a strong Druid woman by the name of Althea." He wrote the name on the paper, compared to the code names it did not match quite right but beneath that he continued, "Another man I know has been involved at least once already. His name is Duma, one of the best damned swordsman I know. I still have a rematch to settle with him." a match he would not mention as his loss. "Another is Eris. She was my original companion in this mission, we... I have not seen her for a bit so I fear the depths of this mission may have stayed her hand... or that she was taken out by the enemy unaware. I pray for her safety." He wrote the two names before writing and additional Sigma. "He is more your your speed. Calls himself an investigator and I have seen him take quite a kick myself."

He looked at the page for a moment more then nodded. "All this said, if you want a fighter on our side for not but power I will say Mizuyuki. He is a swordsman of a darkblade much like your own. I faced him in Bern's arena, one hell of a blade on him."

He crossed his arms and took a moment just to breath. "I fear that if we call Clover we will not be able to recruit Duma, and vice versa. Not without deceptions..." He smiled, "While I am glad you are cautious enough to feel outmatched and take things slow I do want you to remember we are not out to engage them at all yet. Say an external opportunity comes along... well... why not right?"

[Ryuzaki]

"I know little about the nature of Lycia's political drama. I care not, as long as they fight with each other and not another nation. By eliminating each other they make my job simpler in the end. If you wish to use the opportunistic nature of those greedy swine, then so be it. I will not oppose that plan of action."

Vincent seemed reluctant to involve Mila. It was understandable, he acknowledged, but Mila was one of the most skilled users of magic he knew. She would definitely be an asset. This "Althea" was also an interesting proposition, but Ryu did not know anything about her. He did know that the Elder Arts were focused on debilitation and power, so her might would be appreciated if they decided to invite her. The next was a name he knew.

"Ah, yes. Duma. I too have fought with him, and I too wish to spar again. He is a skilled swordsman, but I feel your statement is false. I find you a better swordsman than he.

You say you do not feel we can use both Clover and Duma. But why not? Are they not siblings? I'm sure a family get together would be absolutely lovely.

But before we bog down on details, please do write down what the specialties of the men and women you have suggested are. Their choice of weapons and the like. We should have a strong and versatile team should something happen."

It was true; Ryuzaki was familiar mainly with swordsmen and swordswomen. He needed allies who used other weapons, or magic, and preferably someone who could heal. That was key, in case of conflict. A healer. He had medicines, of course, but a healer could turn the tide of balance and shift the balance of power decisively to either side.

"I understand. I do not wish to engage them yet. Without proper investigation and preparation I feel such a battle would be a noble suicide at best and a butchery at worst."

The assassin thought a bit more, mulling over the options of additional personnel. He would need to think about it and broach the issue again with Vincent later. Analysis was necessary before they rushed off and dragged people into the danger.

"Where will I be operating? Any details you can provide about their establishment and guard force would be helpful, as well as what you wish me to look into."

[Vincent]

"If you were more familiar with the affairs of the monsters you would be less inclined to wish them to destroy themselves. Right now, more than anything they need to stand united and strong. But, that is another matter irrelevant to our mission now." He admitted.

Vincent thought the praise given to him over Duma was not but bluster and hot air. Vincent counted Duma the better swordsman than he, though it certainly was true that he had grown much since last they fought. "To expound on the matter of Duma and Mila... since you are aware of their blood ties there is no need for me to dance around that fact... Duma still believes Mila is dead. Mila made me swear never to reveal she lived to him. She wishes to announce herself to him in her time. That said I feel sending letter to the two of them is wise. Just... need to offer Mila forewarning."

"Each of them specialize in the blade. Swordsmen all I fear. Mila, you know well, Althea is a Druid. Strong at that." He paused, "Their other specialties for those you do not know, Sigma is an investigator. He lives to locate things lost or hidden, but he will also stick out a fight all the same. Eris uses a lance but as I said, I do not know if she is available..."

“I know both Althea and Mila know at least rudimentary healing but unless you can get ahold of Elias the Red one of these days they’re the best I know.” He shrugged. Since the City of Heroes it seemed as though the mage went entirely off the grid. He tapped his foot in thought before relaxing and addressing some of Ryu’s other questions.

“I will need you as a man on the outside of the operation, someone not even my employer is aware of. As far as anyone is concerned, for now, we never spoke. For now what I need from you is to investigate the nobility and their activities, trade, armed forces, etcetera. Most importantly, find this crest. If we know who bears it we should lock down just who the one in charge is.”