The Ashes of the Phoenix (Open)

[Ryuzaki]

"There is always a way out."

Looking at the approaching soldiers from behind them, Ryu let the others rush down the stairs first before following, his sword drawn. As they descended, Ryu pulled the stairwell door shut behind them. It was more of a fluff precaution anyway, but even a second could save - or cost them - their lives.

The ragtag group arrived at the bottom of the landing, and the thief sprinted out, looking both ways.

"Follow me. They will be coming up and down from both stairwells any moment."

Moving over to one of the few unbarred windows, Ryuzaki pulled out a rope from within his cloak, unfurling it and grabbing the wicked, hooked head. Locking the grappling hook onto the stone windowsill, he tossed the rope down.

"Let's go. We have no time to waste. I can hold them off if they arrive while you get to the ground. Once you're there, run directly into the woods. There's an abandoned cottage there we can regroup and nurse our wounds in. Now go!"

Pushing the three towards the window, the thief dragged a table, then some chairs, across the room and positioned it to block the closer door. Looking around for anything to bar the far entrance with, he noticed with slight consternation that there were no other objects. The others had to hurry. This was getting nasty... Fast. He didn't want to get a bounty on his head already... He'd only just become an assassin.

Lifting Gemini up, Ryuzaki prepared himself. He would delay them until he could escape, and then he'd be gone like the wind.

[Mila]

Mila saw the woman enter the supply area and grab her things. Vincent did the same a short time afterwards. Not wanting to be left out, she did the same. Except they weren't her things. She shoved into her bag three bags of things. One was a small bag of apples, another was a bag of various healing salves, and another of gold.

She stepped out and felt innocent guy grab her wrist and forced her to run. Apparently now they were following the other guy with the longer hair, the assassin. He knew of a way out. Which was good. In a flash the man had barred them into a room with a window. And arranged for them to grapple down. Cottage in the woods. Got it. Wait won't they be coming after us there? Mila thought then promptly stopped thinking once her hands found the rope. She gripped the rope with everything her hands could muster. The adrenaline was kicking in and it over rode her fear. She was the last one to get on the rope and the last one to touch the ground.

Here hands were raw from the rope. She blew on them to help relieve the pain. The woods were a bit farther then she liked, but it was there only means of escape. She tightened her face scarf, fixed her hood, and started running.

She was pretty quick on her feet. Then again she was used to running. She would foot race against her brother all the time when they were younger. And in the Academy knowing how to run, when magic spells backfire and set the whole room into chaos, meant the difference between life and death. Part of her hoped that the man who stayed behind would be alright. Even though innocent guy said not to trust him.

[Vincent]

Vincent was grateful to see Near was here to help but he felt a deep resentment and reluctance as well. He tried to let Mira go first but she was reluctant to go. Vincent recognized this and decided it was in their interest to just go and not fight for politeness.

Vincent grabbed the rope and looked back at one of his three saviors. "I... thank you Near." he wanted to be angry, to tell him he had heard of his treachery from another, but now was not the time. Even if he did say, what would it do? What could he do? At best he would lose an ally when he needed them most and at worst invoke his anger. In part to the gauntlet's protection and in part to his own weakness Vincent slid down the rope rapidly landing with a hard thud. Had he not landed well he would have had far worse than a jarring shiver in his legs.

He waited for Mila and Amelinde watching a moment more for Near. As Mira joined him he could tell that she did not descend gracefully. "Looks like that hurt. Are you alright?" The look of concern was a fleeting notion but genuine. "Come on, we need to get far from here." He turned to run before looking back. "Oh yeah, I owe you my name at least huh? It's Vincent, Vincent Clark." With that said he turned and began running. He was free but, not in the way he wanted. Had it been a simple escape perhaps he could talk his way back to good standings once the feathers were brought to heel but now, now it was complicated. Men were dead and the prison soon to be ashes. There would be a bounty upon his head for this.

Reluctantly he thought of his options as he ran. He would not ally with Near more than needed but, perhaps he could learn from him for a while. Think like an assassin to counter an assassin. But what of Amelinde and Mila? One should take her freedom while she can, though he would not say no to her aid but, what of Mila? Who was she? Why did she help him? She was a puzzle with none of the pieces laid out. Not even the precious corners.

The cottage could be seen if you had been looking for it. Otherwise it was rather conspicuous. A perfect temporary hiding place. Or a death trap.

[Mila]

Oh hey there's a cottage.

Mila could finally stop running into the woods blindly. She slowed herself down to a healthy walking pace. She took several deep breaths in order to bring herself back to order. It wasn't that the running itself bothered her, it was more of the running for her life that did. Innocent guy finally told her his name and he had asked her some questions. But she was so focused on escaping that she completely dismissed them until now. She caught up to the young mercenary and started talking.

"Right. Sorry about not answering sooner Innocent Guy. Damn it. I mean Vincent. Brain was kinda in 'get the heck out of here' mode and I completely tuned you out." She still had her face scarf and hood up. She took a look at her hands. They were still pink and bleeding a little from the rope ride down. Curses. I am still awful at rope climbing. Brother would have been laughing his head off at that terrible display.

"My hands will live. It's not the first time they've gotten burned."

She thought for a moment about introducing herself properly. But decided against it. She had no idea who or what could be watching or hearing. And the last thing she needed was to have her name associated with the White or Black feathers. Or getting a bounty put on her head. Bounty might not happen as the two guards who saw my face are dead. And.. everything is on fire. Way to go me. The inner voice of her head spoke in a sarcastic tone. Perhaps I should have just smacked those two with something instead of defaulting to fire.

The cottage, had definitely seen better days. A good chunk of the roof was caved in, there was the musty smell of rotted logs, moss had taken over one side of the cottage completely. She peered inside one of the broken windows. Darkness, dirt, and dust as far as she could see. Any furniture was destroyed and there appeared to be some mushrooms growing inside.

"Well home sweet home for now. At least this place's outside is so bad it blends into the forest."

She casually walked up to the door and pushed it open. Then walked inside.

"Hey! Found part of the roof that fell in."

She kept walking and found the seat part of an old chair. She grabbed dusted it off and placed it on the floor then promptly sat on it. Perfect.

"Alright who needs healing? I managed to swipe some medical salve before the run. It won't do much to mend bones but at the very least it can dull pain and ward off infection."

[Ryuzaki]

There was a cracking noise as the nearby barricaded door was slammed into by many heavy bodies.

"Open up! Open up, or we'll break it down!"

Looking over, Ryu cursed the slowness of the rest of the group, watching as the door wobbled and bulged slightly. The sound of splintering wood cut through the air, and he sprinted to the window as the last one disappeared down the rope.

Finally fleeing, Ryu slid down the rope, feeling the heat of the friction through his tough leather gloves, and then jerked the rope, sending a wave pulsing up and dislodging the hook. Without looking back, he ran to the woods, rolling up the grappling rope as he went. As he entered cover, he relaxed slightly, glancing back and seeing with relief that there was nobody following them.

And then the cabin appeared. Ignoring the door, Ryu jumped and vaulted through the open, dilapidated window, rolling and then getting to his feet inside the shack.

Looking around, he saw that everyone was safe. Nodding, Ryu sheathed Gemini and then swept his silvery hair out of his eyes, slowing his breathing to its normal rate and crouching down, relaxing himself.

"Interesting escape plan, Marked One. Or shall I call you Vincent, as she does?

...Hm. So tell me... What motivated you to kill off a noble? And how on earth did you get your hired mercs to try and bail you out of prison? You must have a loyal following... Or pay a lot."

Laughing softly for a moment, the assassin eyed the young swordsman. He'd grown since the last time they'd met. There was more confidence in his demeanor. What an interesting turn of fate, that they had met again. Perhaps this young man could become one of Ryu's disciples.

"You may all call me Near. I specialize in reallocation of resources, terminal inconveniencing... In other words, stealing and killing."

Standing up and bowing, Ryu smirked at the others and then resumed his crouch.

[Mila]

Mila looked up from her seat in a bit of a shock, as she heard movements coming from the window. Her hand was already route to her tome when she realized who it was. Oh good he made it out in one piece. He spoke his name and his profession. And he was somewhat acquainted with Vincent, enough to warrant a name of sorts. Marked one? She put her finger to her clothed chin and thought for a moment. Marked as in a brand? Or perhaps as a bounty? I know certain prisons brand their prisoners. But I do not think that is the case here. I sense… something spiritual... maybe? She gently rubbed the back of neck. Her fingers brushing up against her own 'brand' of sorts, a birth mark she shares with her twin. She spoke her words loud enough to be heard clearly through her scarf.

“Well met then Near. And Thank you for your assistance. Truly.” She gave a slight bow. She eased up slowly and began to rummage through her pack. She found some of the vulnary she swiped from before and gently put some over her sore hands. The mage gingerly wrapped it with a small but clean piece of linen.

“Oh I suppose I should correct you on certain points then Near. I am not a professional mercenary by any means. A professional would not have panicked and burnt everything down. She gently placed her hand onto her forehead in a disapproving manner. She then pointed over to Vincent.

“And this one did not kill that potbellied lord. It was the leader of the black feathers who did. Black feathers turned White feathers if memory serves. I don’t know what mix up Vincent has with them but whatever it was it sounded serious. I also don’t know what eyes or ears those assassins have which is why I choose not to reveal my name. But for convince sake, my alias for today will be ‘Clover’.” She sighed softly. Finally revealing a bit of her hand in all of this insanity. She let out a large sigh.

"Clover" explained how he had come to know this information. As she was explaining she started to fix herself up. She explained how shortly before the series of events that led to the noble's death she had seen the lord on an errand. She delivered a letter from head priest of the land had written asking for some patronage. With her job done she asked if she could see the lord's impressive library. The lord had given her permission to do so. The library was in the room nearby his main office of sorts and she stayed there until late. Then the fires started. Followed by the raid and murders. She kept herself hidden in the library tucked away in a gap between the bookcase and the wall. From here she could hear all that was going on in the other room. The conversation with the man from the black feathers and Vincent's pleading. Once things quieted down she escaped. From her bag she pulled out one of the items from the library. A rare book on medicine for the body. The book and her story are the only proof she had of her claims.

"I know stealing was wrong. But eh.. everything was going to get burnt to a crisp. And Lord Wide load wasn't going to take it with him." She put the book away.

"Managed to make it to town with out suspicion only to see them drag Vincent out. Recognized his voice as innocent guy. And well.. you know the rest." She sighed softly and got up.

"Right then. So I've spoken my peace. Vincent I'm sorry I could not get you out of there uh.. cleanly. But hey at least you know there is someone out there who knows you are an innocent man." She approached him and handed him the rest of the vulnary. For the first time since the encounter she was close enough for the mercenary to get a good look at her face. Although still covered by her hood and scarf one could clearly see her eyes. Then walked back to her "chair". She pulled from the bag another bag this time the one that was full of gold. She pulled from it a handful of coins and put them away. She then threw the rest of the bag onto the ground.

"Wouldn't have been fair if I walked off with all of the loot. Use those funds to smuggle yourselves out of here." There was a smile hidden under her mask. She didn't speak much after that. The mage kept to herself in her own little corner until nightfall. She slipped out and away into the wilderness.
--

Exit thread.

[Vincent]

Clover huh? If he was lucky perhaps she could share this experience with more officials. He needed that desperately now. Her part was quite the meeting of fate. To think she knew little of what was really happening and yet she would go so far as to break him free of his imprisonment.

"...Clover, is it? I thank you, truely. Without you I don't think I would have made it out." Vincent exhaled softly. He accepted any and all aid offered and the vulnerary was exceptional. The medicine stung but it was also soothing and cool. Up to this point Vincent had avoided addressing Near as much as possible.

After tending to his hurts he turned back to look at Near now. "So... I don't know whether to thank you for aid or curse your name for your actions. You got me out alive but my head WILL be on the chopping block from here on out." He crossed his arms and shook his head. "But... I need all the help I can get. ...I can overlook it this time."

He knew he was talking big. Bigger than he could afford if he should anger Near but he needed to stress the dire circumstances of his situation. He dropped his arms to his side letting them hang freely. "I would ask to rest for the night. I can hardly wield my knife, a blade, well, impossible. The bl- er white feathers are still a mystery to me but I know I can find their leader." He held up the back of his hand to reveal the sigil. There was a faint pulsating blue glow. "The blade marks the wielders. As such the two of us are connected."

[Ryuzaki]

"Your head won't be on any chopping block."

The assassin smiled gently, fingering the clasp of his cloak.

"You see, I would be shocked if anyone claimed you had the guts and the strength to fight your way out alone. In fact, I'd attribute it more to the mage that just left and her fireballs.

But the real culprit?

Me.

You see, dear Vincent... I am an assassin. I am not a nice assassin. Nor am I friendly. I'm not cute. I kill things. Often violently and brutally. And the guardsmen most likely know me. They saw me. So it will be attributed to Near. The bad news for you? You might be associated with a nasty assassin... Which, if things stay hot, may make traveling a bit more of a hassle. The good news for you? You can bask in the glory of fame."

Ryuzaki smiled, his eyes twinkling with icy mirth.

"You might want to consider a change of allegiance. I know not what white feathers you speak of, but they matter not to me. You would do well to learn, Vincent. You are young, and I am wise. And I do believe my blade is sharper than yours... Care to spar?"

The assassin unsheathed Gemini, glared down its length, and then slammed it back in its scabbard before turning to the young silverhair and speaking in a frank and emotionless tone.

"Join me. Learn from me. You will understand... I will help you in your quest, and you in mine. You have much to learn, and I much to teach."

[Vincent]

"Hah! Align with the White Feathers? No, I hunt them!" The vile taste of their name as he spoke startled even himself. Had Near's mere aura brought out his darker instincts? "I am a self taught fighter and have never learned from a master. I feel you may not be the one I should stay with or imitate but... you are an assassin yourself. Perhaps there is a great deal of wisdom I could glean from you whether I wish it or not."

Vincent looked down at his sword. As of now unnamed but of good quality. It was intended to be a defensive weapon though. Phoenix Heart his eventual offensive sword. "I can make no claims to your allegiance until I know what it is you seek of me. I will also need a secondary sword to make full use of my style." He spoke with false confidence. He knew Kyle's tale and to say he was not intimidated was a complete lie.

"As to my goals, I wish to strike down the White Feathers. Their leader in particular took something of great importance and power. If left unchecked he will bring ruin to far too many lords and lands. He claims to be an assassin but he is his own master." He felt like he was hiring a man to kill the swordsman for him, but he wanted that privilege for himself. "I would also like to ask a personal question. Why would you pick me out of all the people out there? I was just a terrified weakling back then."

[Ryuzaki]

"Hunting a clan of mercenaries... Without any support of your own. Foolish. You remind me of myself."

Ryuzaki shook his head, looking at the swordsman in front of him.

"You are not as fast as a thief. You are not as strong as a warrior. You are not as versatile as a mage. But you have the determination of a general."

The assassin removed his cloak, baring his fearsome X-bandolier with its many knives before removing that as well.

"See... I saw great potential in you. You sought to do what you believed was right... A compulsion I too feel. But I am willing to sacrifice to achieve my ends... Are you?"

I am clearly not who you would expect to mentor you. I am not a caring, warm person. But I will protect you and guard you, and impart all I can... If you join me.

All else will come in time. You will find a sword, you will find your true self. Right now you are but a germinating plant, with want for sun and rain. I am the moon, Vincent. I am the light that neither warms nor nurtures. I will not coddle you. I will force you to grow into a vicious fighter. What you do within does not matter. You are far too compassionate for me to eradicate your sense of virtue. So instead I will focus on allowing you to pursue what your virtue dictates. I will show you how to get what you need with a word or a slash.

But I need you. I need an ally, someone with whom I can launch my great enterprise. I'm not much of a vocal leader... And so I need someone who can reach out to the masses. A men's man. One who knows the people and can bring them to heel. I must gain them so that their avenues are opened to me... Then the doors to the marks I seek shall be opened, their bars thrown far away. I will be able to equalize our world, Vincent. But I cannot do it alone. I will help you. You will help me. And who knows... Perhaps you'll turn out to be more than I'd anticipated. We shall see."

Ryuzaki extended his hand. It was now or never. He had to sway the young silverhair to his side. Vincent was essential to gaining access to the nobles. Only with his help could he cut them down.

"I offer you a sign of peace and trust. My name is Ryuzaki."

[Vincent]

"Ryuzaki?" he said the name low beneath his breath. He wanted him to act as the gatekeeper to hell. He had the demeanor of a general? Hah, but he was good with flattery. Vincent reached for the hand before retracting just short of his. "Just know this. I am not one for senseless killing. I believe in right and wrong, as well as forgiveness and redemption. In that way you are right about me. I seek justice not needless murder. I will help you, but if I do not deem your target worthy of death I will not aid you."

It was a flawed sense of justice but for all he tried to hide it and act like a righteous hero Vincent was himself still a highly flawed and inexperienced man full of suppressed rage. So long as his 'terms' were made clear he shook hands with the devil. "I do not expect to be coddled, I expect only to find mutual benefits from this agreement." If he was to be a wanted man, he had ought to at least make the most of it and learn how to live like one, and what better way to catch an assassin than to be an assassin?

Vincent then shrugged and grabbed his gear. The night of rest was over and the new day had come. He still had some recovering to do but he could at least wield a sword again. Step too far into Hell and the demons will latch their claws into you and drag you down. He told himself this as he moved forward into a dangerous game. "So, how about that spar?"

[Ryuzaki]

"Hohoho. I don't kill senselessly... I love every slice, every time my blade feels the firm embrace of flesh... I love the feeling of a clean cut."

The assassin turned around, shaking his head slowly.

"I understand your conditions. I will not expect anything undue out of you... And you shall not receive anything undue from me."

As Vincent mentioned the spar, the assassin's face broke into a wide smile, although still hidden from the mercenary. One hand reached down, taking up the bandoliers and reequipping. The other fastened the flowing outer cloak. With preparations complete, Ryuzaki reached down and drew Gemini, turning and extending the blade in his left hand. The line of his arm, from shoulder to sword-point, was unbroken, and his stance did not waver as he focused on the mercenary. He had never fought him before...

"Come forth. Bring everything you have. Bring forth your full might against the illusion! Strike true, Vincent, or you'll never touch me. Begin!"

Ryuzaki extended his blade in a position so that the mercenary could touch points. Then he waited. He would let him make the first move... And he would react. It would be interesting to see how this young man fought. It would be quite the experience.

His thumb idly rubbed the groove in the hilt of Gemini, and without moving his eyes from Vincent's figure, the assassin could picture the jagged 'crack' that formed the centerpiece of Gemini's artwork. Ah... To test the power of Gemini on this mercenary... Was he worthy?

[Vincent]

Vincent drew his lance-reaver into his right hand, a first for him, and his dagger into his left. He breathed deeply as he let his blade cross with Near's. "Hold nothing but the killing blow back." Vincent said, an homage to his fallen friend. He looked at Near's blade, Gemini, it was clearly of masterful craftsmanship and as sharp, if not sharper than any Wo Dao. The serrated edges will make for quite the wounds as well.

"You have a beautiful blade. Its edge would be enough to make lesser men fear it. Let alone the visage of its wielder." There was an odd respect for Near in Vincent. He may be a detestable man by nature but as a fighter and swordsman there was an undeniable respect. The blades touched points and Vincent quickly leaped back to open a gap. With only one blade his normal assault style was not an option but dagger play would be all the more vital.

Shifting his stance he let the dagger fly for Near's leg. All but a killing blow. That meant this was a battle to incapacitate but not decapitate. Rushing forth Vincent closed the gap between the two and struck with an overhand strike.He planned for a counter attack. His plated gauntlets should be capable of repelling a return blow to which he could offer some close combat. A risky bet but at the same time, the safest he could think of. His single bladed style was reminiscent of a myrmidon more than the typical mercenary, but he certainly made the strikes much, much harder.

[Ryuzaki]

Ryuzaki smiled as the two blades clicked together. Hold nothing but the killing blow back indeed. He would try not to hurt this man too badly... Perhaps he would wear him out first.

Then the dagger came flying at him. The assassin barely had enough time to twist his stance back into an L, and chastised himself for not watching and anticipating more closely as the dagger buried itself in his leading thigh. Good. He was not incapacitated. As the mercenary swung down upon him, Ryu leaped backwards so that the strike missed and then shook his head, wincing at the slight pain and in disappointment at the novice move.

"Vincent... Do not throw your weapon away... Unless you have more where they came from!"

Ryu then moved his wrist, sliding his cloak slightly aside and flicking his wrist, sending a throwing knife of his own at Vincent's sword arm. Easy for him to dodge one... But... Changing his aim, the assassin launched a second, then a third, then a fourth, all a few seconds apart, as he moved backwards to the far corner of the cottage's wide room.

"Now then."

He doubted that more than one had connected, but now was not the time to wait. Now he would begin to strike!

"Vincent... I call my blade Gemini. It is a twin, exquisitely balanced. But it is cracked... Why is it cracked, Vincent? Can you think of why such a beautiful blade would be so marred?"

Gemini rose as Ryuzaki raised it in both arms. Then he wrenched his wrists, twisting, and with a cold click, the blade shattered into two in an instant. The sword, which originally had two smooth edges on one blade, now was two thinner blades, each with a smooth and a serrated edge. They glinted wickedly in the dull light of afternoon, and Ryuzaki narrowed his eyes.

"Assassins always carry tricks, Vincent. This is but one of mine... But can you dance with me?"

Lunging forward, Ryu feinted with both blades, carving an X in the air as he approached.

"Let the test begin... You drew my blood first. I salute your speed and your intelligence. To disable me would have been to win the first battle. But now you must face me... I can still move, Vincent. And I'm fast. How would you overcome an opponent with two weapons, who can outspeed you and is set on disabling, disarming, or defeating you? You must outthink me, Vincent. That is your challenge."

[Vincent]

The dagger met its mark, good, it never seemed to let him down. But when he swung his blade the man managed to leap back clearing the range of his blade. That must have taken some fortitude but blast! Vincent left himself open to a counter like this. Rather than the swing of a blade a dagger flew at him this time.

Vincent had not been prepared at such close proximity and the first struck the metal of his gauntlets. His arm was spared but the impact knocked his sword from his hand causing it to hit the ground with a clatter. "Blast!" he cursed just before a series of more came for him. "Ah!" The second hit him in the upper portion of his left arm and the third grazed it before he cleared the fourth.

"AHHHH!!!" It hurt and nearly made his arm useless in this fight. After pulling the dagger out and quickly flexing his hand he confirmed he was perfectly fine to keep going. Either he got lucky or Near's aim and knowledge of vitals was far more terrifying than he had initially thought.

Near was confident that this fight was his and justifiably so. But Near made an error in his judgement, by throwing daggers out around the room, Vincent had ammo to grab in a moment's notice. He clutched the now bloodied dagger back handed as Near revealed a magnificent trick to his blade. "No way." He was also a dual wielder. This revelation made him far more deadly and equally predictable.

"Outsmart you? We'll see about that." Vincent waited for a moment to retrieve his blade but now was not it. He avoided Near and got himself to a spot with which he could grab a second dagger. "NOW!" he pretended as though he was going to throw a dagger before rushing out of the building's door. On the outside he quickly spun right to be on the opposite side of the door. If Near pursued he would slam the door on him and begin a counter offensive.