Battling Bullring (Gar Promotion)

[Gar]

Junzentaru was quivering at the pirate’s hip as he stood at the helm of his vessel. The holy magical axe had never gone through the recruitment process before. How could you possibly trust these people? Gar smiled as he shifted to lean against the guardrail of his ship. Don’t worry. All these guys want money or glory and if they have a problem, well.. lets just say there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll get them to trust us. Gar smiled and stood up straight to address his crew in a nonchalant manner. Nonchalant and informal, the pirate spoke.

“Welcome! Those who have joined this crew have joined a revolution… There is a man on those islands.” Gar pointed to the west to give direction to the matter. “A man who is a slaver, a scumbag, and an ugly f**ker to boot.” Gar held up a drawing of the target.


Bullring: 


Gar spat into the salty sea. He rolled his neck and took a breath before removing his shirt.  On the pirate’s bare hip was a scar, a brand, depicting a bull with a ring in it’s nose. Gar gestured toward the mark. “I was once that man’s slave. So it is personal. Allow me to say, that man’s life ends tonight.” Gar drew Junzentaru and tapped into the weapon’s inspiring power. The veins of every one of Gar’s allies filled with courage from the axe’s magic.

“Set Sail! For victory lies before us.” Cheers and battle cries filled the air as the small fleet departed. Three ships, paid for with hidden treasure and borrowed money, left port on strong winds. If this kept up, the crew would reach Caledonia by nightfall. The scene was set. Gar could see it now, enacting revenge on the warrior. His axe would be glowing in the night, providing a new hope for freed slaves. A beacon of sorts. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was the only surefire way to regain true control of his life.

Gar was so lost in thought that, for a moment, he stood shirtless and motionless. He shook his head and returned to the task at hand. This wasn’t his first time being a captain, he knew how to run a crew. He started his rounds, the pirate wasn’t going to allow any snafus get it the way of his revenge. First he checked the riggers to make sure there were no problems with the sails or knots. He nodded as he determined everything was in working order. He turned to check on the crew below deck, but Junzentaru’s voice intervened.

Relax. You will be ineffective in combat if you tire yourself out with worry. Gar nodded and responded in thought. You’re right. I’ll save my strength. The pirate crossed the deck and retired to his quarters. He left the door open so he could hear any troubles at sea. He took a seat at a desk and furrowed his brow over a map of Caledonia. Strategy wasn’t the pirate’s strong suit but he had some type of working plan of attack. Either way, the moment of truth was drawing near.

[Sergeo]

Out of the corner of Gar's eyes as he was looking over his map, Sergeo swiped the illustration of Bullring that Gar had commissioned for this mission. The casual mage leaned on the door frame of Gar's cabin like he owned the place, mulling over the image. If Sergeo wasn't there to watch the stupid oaf get his head cleaved in thanks to the broad end of an axe, the man in the picture would have had a similar look to the man who had crushed Sergeo's hand on that faithful day. "You know, you could sprung for another one of these posters. It was hard to get a good look at this guys ugly mug from way in that back."

The situation that brought the two souls together was not unordinary, but certainly a lot more exciting than probably the two of them would have wanted. It started cliche enough with the two of them entering the local bar built next to the harbor at separate times. Gar was looking for men for his quest for revenge, while Sergeo had entered looking for rumors and work. But the two didn't know each other until Sergeo started to talk smack to a rowdy sailor who had spilled his liquor on the mage's already worn clothing. Some insults and one ducked punch later, a bar fight erupted with bodies and punches being thrown everywhere. The mage managed to weave his way out through the chaos and out the front door, while Gar managed to throw a few goons out through the front door before he casually exited the bar himself. One conversation starter lead to another and then the two of them got onto the topic of Gar's Personal Quest. The gold promised was about right for the wayward mage and after a demonstration of his talents, a contract was formed.

"So...how long do you think it will be before make it to our destination?" the mage said looking over Gar's shoulder at the map.

[Gar]

Gar heard words hovering in the air around him, but he was rather focused on his map. If he could come up with a strategy that minimized casualties that would be fantastic. But it didn't look like it was possible. Attacking a fortress had inherent risks and Gar simply had to accept that. I believe one of your cutthroats wants your attention. The pirate turned his head toward the doorway where he saw a young man standing. Ahh, Sergeo, around my age. Trustworthy as far as I can tell, and hopefully worth his payment. Gar spoke to the mage.

"Aye he ain't a pretty sight. I couldn't live with myself if I made another painter look at this face. Harhar." Gar chuckled and made his way to the door. The air was already becoming chilly. The sun was low in the sky, it was afternoon."It won't be long now. If this wind keeps up we should make landfall by early evening." Gar's eyes lit up slightly at the thought. He almost couldn't contain himself. He looked at Sergeo in the eyes.

"From what I've seen, you should be a factor that the enemy won't be expecting. I am counting on your ability. That said, stay near me when the time comes, my axe here..." Gar patted the winged axe on his hip. "...can make you stronger." Gar smirked lightly. "Also I want to see some of these scumbags get burnt to a crisp. Harhar." Gar raised his hand to clasp it with Sergeo's in solidarity.

The ship kept moving. It certainly wouldn't be long now.

[Sergeo]

For a second, the captain seemed to be totally engrossed in his map paying no attention to Sergeo's question until only moments after he had asked it. He did like to space out a lot. Not a quality that you would normally want in leaders. Thankfully Gar's other qualities seem to greatly outweigh this trifling concern as he spoke with a unrivaled confidence

"I appreciate the confidence in my skills Gar...or should I be calling you Captain instead?" Sergeo said with a approving smirk on his face. "Its funny. I'd never have thought that in all my years I would have ever needed a reason to step off of Elibe for any reason. The continent seemed to me like it would always be in enough turmoil that people willing to pay hand over fist for my special brand of talent. He then patted the tomb that was hanging on his waist, suspended in a leather harness especially made for it. "Then again I also never thought I would be the kind of person taking up the fireball over the ax. But don't you worry. Every bandit between me and Bullring will be burnt, frozen, shocked, and sent flying into the sky till you say stop." Without thinking, Sergeo took his bad hand and hardly clasped Gar's open hand to return the sign of respect. The mage's face winched a bit as the nerves lighted up in his hands for a second.

After the sign of respect, looked back down at Gar's map. "You make it sound like these salvers are a very simple bunch if a mage is an unexpected solider to meet in battle. Surely it can't be as simple as me throwing a few fireballs into their camps having them panic." Sergeo spoke with some doubt in his tone. "Or do you expect this Bullring to have something that makes magic users moot in his company?"

[Gar]

Gar smiled and responded to Sergeo’s first question. “Call me whatever you want. I don’t plan on being a captain for much longer.” It was true. After this mission, Gar planned to take some time to reform the area. At the very least, he wanted to make certain another pirate lord did not fill the power vacuum. But it was first thing first for now. Take out bullring.

Gar noticed the wince on Sergeo’s face. The mage’s hand was a pain, a hindrance but the man had been able to adapt. And more importantly he could fight. Gar was happy about this man. But Sergeo didn’t quite see why. “Magic requires a certain brainpower. Pirates on the isles are typically, lacking in this. Many won’t be accustomed to fighting mages. That said, expect them to charge you. Or perhaps do something unexpected, cornered animals and all that.”



The sun had set, fog had rolled in on the sea and the coast. This was good, it disguised their approach. Gar proclaimed an order. “Kill all the lamps that aren’t necessary. And keep your voices low.” It was going to be a sneak attack, a true camisado. The time was coming and like sharks beneath the surface of the water, Gars ships sailed beneath the fog, undetected. They were quiet and oddly disciplined.

Gar hopped off his boat and his boots left imprints in the wet sand. The fog would only cover them so far. Probably to the foot of the first watchtower. Still better than he could have hoped. The spirits may be in my favor today.

A fair assumption. June pulsed lightly. “Begin the climb.” With that order the squad began to ascend through the forest lining the trails. There were multiple squad’s but Gar’s consisted of some of the best help he could find. They were initially tasked with starting the fight and eventually finishing it. They would take out the first watch tower to allow another squad to push toward the second. They would take some time and eventually push the fort itself. By then the fight would be in full effect.

The squad reached the foot of the first tower. Two torches and two guards were positioned in front of a large door. Some windows for archers were currently unmanned, and Gar couldn’t quite make out anything on the roof. No matter. Gar addressed his crew “Ready? Stay close to me, and we will have the strength to win.” Junzentaru glowed with a brightness that pierced the remaining fog.

“What’s that?” The solider closest turned his head. Gar charged the solider who never even got a chance to draw his weapon. Junzentaru cut the guard down with a vertical swing. He turned to see the second guard reaching for a horn. Hopefully, one of his squad could be quick enough to drop the enemy before he could sound the alarm.

[Gar]

An arrow flew fast past the pirate’s shoulder. It was a true shot. It connected with the second guard’s hand, knocking the horn to the ground. Gar took a step closer. The guard opened his mouth to shout but was cut short by an axe to the chest. The only sound that came out of the man was a struggled wheeze. Gar withdrew the weapon from the guard’s chest cavity and signaled for the rest of his squad to move up. Gar patted a specific sniper on the shoulder, showing his gratitude without saying a word. There was a new obstacle however, a locked set of double doors stood between them and the interior of the first tower.

There were many options. Perhaps he could knock the doors down with brute strength. Maybe they could find a back door. What should we do? What would a real captain do? Gar knew exactly what he needed to do. He raised Junzentaru above his head and was prepared to swing forward at the door. A quick knife wielder got in his way, before he could cut. The thief placed a finger against her lips, turned and began to go to work on the locked door.

Gar’s heart was beating quickly. He knew this mission was important. He could barely think straight, he just wanted to get it finished. But it wasn’t going to be quick nor easy. He needed to use his brain on this raid. Junzentaru’s inability to communicate during combat certainly didn’t help. The door’s lock loosened and the thief turned to Gar with a smug grin. Gar nodded in her direction. I owe one sniper and one thief double pay.

One deep breath. Gar backed into the door prying it open with a small noise. No one occupied the first floor. The tower was three stories tall. If he had to wager a guess, Bullring would man the tower with no more than five or six guards. Probably the ones that didn’t get drunk on the job. He would certainly save those for fodder around his fort.

Gar examined the flow while his crew moved in. One spiral staircase was the sole way upward. He picked two other pirates to move upward with him. As they quietly ascended, the trio recognized two archers on the second floor. No close range soldiers to defend them. One pirate ran in and brutally cut down the first archer with a guffaw. Too loud! Gar looked at the staircase leading to the roof, hoping no one heard. The second archer drew his arrow and aimed it at the turquoise pirate with his head turned.

Gar turned his head back to see the bowstring being released. An arrow flying at his chest, too quick to react. Junzentaru took control of his arm, the flat of the axe moved in front of the pirate, deflecting the arrow into the stone floor. Gar’s second pirate companion moved up and slashed the archer across the neck. A gurgling sound came from the soon to be corpse.

Gar silently thanked his weapon and moved, alone, upward to the third floor.

[Gar]

The third floor was… empty? Gar turned both ways checking his shoulders. No one was present on either side. Gar couldn’t believe that Bullring was stupid enough to leave the top of a watchtower entirely unmanned. Hell, maybe he is that dumb. All for the better right? A crewmate ascended the stairs to report something to the pirate. The messenger’s eyes timidly scanned the top floor. When he recognized there were no enemies left he spoke. “The tower is ours.” Gar placed his glowing weapon atop his right shoulder. “No, feels like something is wrong. That was far too simple.”

The messenger runner squinted his eyes inquisitively. “Tossing both of those guys off the roof? Was it really that easy for you?” Gar was confused. Two guys? By the time he reached the third floor no one was present. But apparently two bodies hit the ground outside. Gar moved closer to the edge of the tower. He scanned the landscape. His second squad was already moving toward the second tower. Gar had a thought and communicated it to the messenger. “Let the second squad know each tower will likely have six soldiers, not five.” The messenger unnecessarily bowed his head and took off down the stairs.

Gar was left to piece the mystery together on his own. Perhaps the two guards got in a fight? All he could see from his current vantage point was his crew dragging two bodies into the fort. That much was good. Make sure patrols aren’t able to report any dead bodies. Gar turned to descend the stairs. He saw a particular sniper climbing the stairs to the top floor. Gar raised his fist. The sniper complied by knocking his fist against the pirate’s on their way past each other.

By the time Gar reached the second floor the word had spread. “That’s our captain!” “Took ‘em both out!” Gar continued his descent to the first floor. Something had happened. Something that Gar couldn’t account for. But it was being attributed to him either way. Gar placed Junzentaru into the sash on his hip. He raised a fist to silence the commotion around the floor. He spoke with a newfound authority.

“The first tower is ours!” The squad responded with enthusiasm. “YARR!” This response was fantastic, soon they would move onward.

“Catch your breath here, because our next move is on the stronghold itself. You’ve done well! Keep it up!” Gar left the squad, confident as he walked outside. The air was cold, cold enough for Gar to see his own breath as the glow from his weapon died down.

Intimidation. A facet of combat that should not be overlooked. Gar understood immediately. Junzentaru was the ‘Holy Axe of Intimidation and Inspiration’. The two troops on the top of the tower felt that very intimidation. They wished to flee, But they had nowhere to go aside from over the edge, to their doom. Gar took another breath that turned to white air on the exhale. They chose to jump instead of… The cause those beings chose to support is unjust. Don’t spend all night trying to rationalize their actions.

[Gar]

They should’ve faced me. Like men who stood a chance. I understand your feelings, however you must view this as the advantage that it is. This has conserved energy for both of us. We will need it in the near future. Gar was upset with their decision but it helped him approach his current goal. Maybe it was for the greater good.

Gar shook it off, he needed hits wits about him. He was on the warpath after all. Soon he would be approaching the fortress where his enemy sat in wait. Gar turned his head toward the fort on the mountainside. The warrior still may be unaware of the assault. Bullring. I wonder how you’re going to act when you see your doom. Gar was curious, but he knew it didn’t matter what the slaver did. One of them were going to die tonight. He was not going to be deterred.

Gar had grown chilly, outside in the night air. It forced his skin to grow goosebumps. Perhaps those were a function of his nerves. June wasn’t providing courage at the current moment and Gar could feel the difference. That said, he wasn’t going to hesitate. When the time came to march, after the second tower had been taken, he would move decisively. Gar moved back inside the fort. His squad was relaxing, banter and braggadocio filled the air. This was fine. Gar knew pirates, they lived off stories and insults.

They were motivated by the thought of how much treasure Bullring had stocked up. Perhaps some of them were even fighting the good fight with Gar, trying to end the horrible slave trade that was happening in this part of the world. As long as he could trust them in the upcoming battle he was content.

Gar moved to the top floor and locked his eyes on the second tower. From the looks of shadows, fleeting in the windows, the melee had already begun. He hadn’t heard any signal horns yet. The second squad must have been able to take out the guards silently. Gar watched the tower for an indeterminate amount of time. It could’ve been ten seconds it could’ve been two hours. Two torches were placed in the window on the second floor. A breath of relief came from the pirate’s lungs.

That was the sign. The crew was able to successfully take the second tower. The first squad was to move forward and join the second squad to begin the assault on the fortress. Gar rallied his troops and moved forward into the night. The final battle was about to begin. It was going to be bloody, challenging work.

Junzentaru pulsed softly, helping to light Gar’s way to his destination. This is something that must be done. I’m certain you agree. This combat is what will determine the future of countless lives. You simply must emerge victorious.

“Commander Gar! We did it we captured the second tower.” An excitable young mercenary, likely still in his teens, approached the pirate. “Are we going to attack the fort now?”


“Aye.”

[Gar]

The crew had rejoined and stared their approach on the fortress. The whole thing felt surreal. Gar was actually leading an attack force against a monster. He could disrupt and destroy the slave trade. News of this could rock the entire world. He could become a hero. No, that wasn’t the point. Gar had many reasons for why he was leading this mission. He had tried to convey this to Junzentaru while the crew was marching.

Explain your motives. Gar took a breath while he hiked. He thought about how he should respond to the great axe. He knew how he felt but he had difficulties wording it. Well there is the whole saving slaves and what not. But maybe this is more personal. I was his slave. I’ve had dozens of captains by now but no one person can truly control me. I want to make him pay for even trying. What about you June?

Do you even possess the capacity to imagine centuries? Being alone for centuries? It is my responsibility to ensure that no spirits get locked away in the same fashion I did. Gar understood. It was a man similar to Bullring who locked the magical axe away in the first place. June wanted some type of retribution. Gar planned on granting that desire. June! We will make things right! The group had come up on the fortress.

Five guards were stationed out front. They were remarkably relaxed. The portcullis was down. Apparently Bullring’s troops still hadn’t figured out that they were under assault. I guess our plan worked out. Gar turned to his troops. He roared. “Engage!” Battlecries came from Gar’s crew. They moved forward to overwhelm the guards in front of the fort. It was far too fast for the enemies to respond. They were cut down quickly and the troops were inside before Gar even joined the fray. June pulsed at his hip.

Perhaps they are as trustworthy as you claimed. Gar was happy that June finally agreed with his choice of crew.I told ya. I know pirates and mercs. “Hahar.” Gar moved into the fortress. They were almost unopposed. Gar looked around. All he could see was a hall, but he could hear the clashing sounds of combat farther down. June glowed even. It was time for Gar to join the fight.

The pirate drew the glowing axe. He walked slowly but deliberately toward the front line. He knocked a couple grunts aside as he approached. The pirate raise the holy axe above his head and spoke once again. “There is no person who can stand up to our might. We will prove this fact. For the betterment of mankind!”

This was it. The moment Gar had been thinking about since the day his hands were bound. 90 days in a cell, working as a slave. Countless sleepless nights recalling the smell of his own burning flesh. Every time he saw the reflection of his bull branded abdomen. Tonight it all would end.

[Gar]

Junzentaru fell silent and pulsed it's magical light. The weapon’s pulsating sent a dose of adrenaline through Gar’s veins. Gar felt it all over his body. His legs felt lighter, his core was stable, his arms were stronger, his eyes zeroed in on his goal. A stair case on the opposite side of the main hall. Between his crew and that destination stood a number of guards in mismatched uniforms. Gar always liked to be able to discern who was friend or foe just based on their outfits, but that wouldn’t be the case here. Hopefully June would have an easier time figuring out who to inspire and who to intimidate.

Gar charged forward to meet the enemy. His first swing was met with an iron axe. The wings of the magical weapon left a large divot in the underpowered weapon of his opponent. Gar retracted the weapon and swung again in an upward arc. This attack connected with the opponent’s grip, slicing off a few fingers and effectively disarming the foe. Gar’s troops fell into place. He was flanked on both sides by the broader, more study crewmates. Behind him were those with range, archers and the occasional mage. Behind them was where the healers would be. He knew he didn’t have many of those, you couldn’t pay a priest or a cleric enough gold to get them to take a trip to the isles. It was just as Gar was delivering the final blow to this first opponent that a thought crossed his mind. Maybe I should’ve tried to recruit that purple haired healer. Ichabod.

It was clearly a little too late to contract the man who had taught Gar a little about first aid. His next opponent was charging at him wildly. He carried a curved sword and was waving it over his head like a mad man. Gar knew the guy was trying a little too hard to be threatening. Must be June’s magic getting to him. The man swiped downward. Gar sidestepped the attack and moved around the enemy so they were back to back. Before the man could turn around he was already being filled with arrows. The pirate heard the enemy’s weapon hit the floor moments before his body did.

It was going to take a more calculated attack than that to stop the assault. The squad pushed forward to the stairs. His cutthroats were doing just that, the crew was emboldened with their rate of success. Things were going swimmingly. They began to ascend the stairs. Gar was in the second group in the ascension. There were approximately three mates in front of him. They reached the final step to be greeted with five spearmen. Gar should’ve known. He always loved defending chokepoints list this very one. He couldn’t believe he had been so foolish in his assault. Two spears for each of the men on the sides, one drove into the middle mate’s leg. The two on the sides were dead on the spot, closing the choke even further. The one in the middle brought his axe down to sever the steel tipped spear in his leg. Gar’s mate fell back into Gar’s arms. His troops were behind him, still trying to climb the steps, unaware of the situation.

[Gar]

The pirate called over his shoulder. “Sh*t, stop the advance.” He didn’t want to get pushed up the stairs into the spearmen. The spearmen stepped forward, four of them did anyway. The one with a broken spear moved backward, likely to replace his weapon. Gar didn’t have time to think. He did the first thing that came to mind. He grasped the spearhead that was buried in his mate’s leg and yanked it out. The mate cursed at him, but Gar ignored it. He placed his hand over the wound and poured some of his energy into it. [Gar used Sacrifice.]

Gar’s hand slid off the mate’s wound and braced his body on the ground. Gar shook his head and gritted his teeth. I’ll never get used to that. The duo struggled to rise to their feet. Gar had gone from great condition to suffering from a wound he never had. It was up to them and the two other mates in their wave to do battle with the four spearmen who were approaching. The enemy had a higher position, but it’s not like they were archers or mages, they still had to come close.

Gar gripped Junzentaru and swung it in an arc over his head. He was aiming for a spearman’s legs. He hopped over the weapon and prepared for a thrust. What happened next was a remarkable bit of serendipity, perhaps it was June taking over, forcing things to turn for the positive. The momentum of the axe kept moving and Gar’s current weakened state couldn’t fully brace it. The axe carried him to the side, out of the way of the spears thrust. The wing of the holy axe sliced clean through the next spearman’s ankle. The man collapsed infront of the mate Gar had just sacrificed for. The mate cut him down in an instant.

Just like that, the chokepoint had shifted. What was once five on three became three on four. Due to Gar’s sacrifice and June’s power, the battle had shifted again into their favor. Gar regained his balance and stood taller than he had before. The other three mates were practically salivating to get a piece of these spearmen. Junzentaru released a focused pulse of magic. It was specifically designed to target seven individuals. Gar, his three mates and their three opposing spearmen. The opponents shook, one’s knees buckled in front of one of the mates. He was cut down with vigor. The remaining two were sweating bullets in their light armor. They backed up a few more steps as Gar and company advanced.

“Resume the advance!” The three mates pounced upon the two remaining spearmen, like sharks in a sea of bloodied fish. Gar stood, partially to regain some stamina after that sacrifice and partially to survey the new field. An arrow hit the man with a broken spear in the back of the neck, he wouldn’t be returning. There were still more troops on this floor than the previous but they were clearly not expecting the assault squad to break the chokepoint so quickly. Perhaps they were fearful, June’s magic at work.

[Gar]

Still no Bullring in sight. Gar sucked his teeth while his mates poured onto the second floor. He reached a hand forward to grab the mate he had recently sacrificed for. “Stay here, fall back for healing after our crew finishes moving up.” The mate gave an annoyed look at Gar. “Captain’s orders.” It was the first time Gar had said the phrase from this side of the conversation, but he now truly understood why they existed.

The salty mate turned and walked away. Gar took a deep breath. He needed to regain some strength. Sacrifice has a tendency to take it out of a person. That was foolish. Asinine even. Gar didn’t want to hear it. He would rather be in combat so he didn’t have to respond to the holy weapon. Your strength is more important than any cutthroats of yours. Gar shook his head he needed to gather his own thoughts.

You’re wrong. Gar knew that the weapon was lacking a certain quality of humanity that he couldn’t currently put his finger on. He couldn’t keep his thoughts straight after using his skill. June’s added annoyance certainly wasn’t helping.

Another breath. What was he doing? Why was he here? What exactly was your rationale? A third deep breath. Your actions don’t make any coherent sen- Focus! Gar swung the axe at a nearby stone wall. He drew from the weapon’s power simply to shut it up. No more controlling my mind for now. June pulsed in his grip as Gar’s crewmates gave him a curious eye.

Gar pulled a flask from the sash on his hip. He held it to his lips and drank deeply. It was a certain concoction of rum and some healing potion. The rum made the potion fell less ‘weak’ in a sense. Gar shook his head, allowing the refreshment to kick in.

Gar scanned the room. His crew was engaged with a good number of Bullring’s. It seemed like an even fight. Now was a good time to test something. Gar took a knee holding the base of Junzentaru against the ground. He didn’t need a lot of power, just a little to tip the scales in his favor. Gar closed his eyes and drew the power out of the weapon. He channeled it through his body, into the floor. And the power spread. His troops had a bit more speed, a hair more quickness and an intangible amount of luck. The enemy simultaneously lost those similar qualities. The fight began to favor Gar’s assault more and more.

By the time Gar rose from his kneeling position he was gassed all over again. He was spending too much energy to ensure he would reach his target. Gar took another panting breath and another swig of the concoction. He was sure that once he saw Bullring, he would have enough adrenaline to finish the job. It wouldn’t matter anyway if he couldn’t make it to the man. So this how he had to play this. Whatever it takes.

[Gar]

Gar walked forward noting the surrounding engagements. His mates were fairing quite well in their ordeals. This was good. Obviously it was better than the alternative. That said, Gar couldn’t be happy, not yet. He needed to find Bullring. The man had to be somewhere. This was his fort after all, this place was where he was king and he wasn’t the type to flee. So where was he?

Gar knew he was close. Almost as if he could sense the man’s corruption. Was that part of June’s power or was he just getting antsy? Gar shook his head again. He hadn’t realized how much having another voice in his head clouded his thoughts until he was the leader of an assault. He hadn’t had to think this critically in a long while. In combat he was fine, he barely thought when he fought anyway. It was almost second nature at this point. Swing the axe, dodge theirs. Simple.

Now wasn’t the time to cut June off though, Gar needed the weapon’s power. He kept moving through the floor of combatants. None of the enemies engaged him. They simply let him move through the chaos, it was surreal. Were they that afraid of Gar and June’s magic or was something else at play? Did the soldiers have orders to leave him alone? How could Bullring have known?

Who cares? I have one thing to do. In time, Gar came to a set of double doors. A breath and a deep pull from June’s power. Gar’s muscles twitched with anticipation. He rose a leg and kicked the door open. Gar’s eyes fell upon his target.

Sitting atop a throne adorned with gold and gemstones, was a man. An ugly mug with a nose piercing. “Bullring.” Gar spoke the name without really realizing it. He had to die. Right now. Gar ran into the throne room with the holy axe in hand. Before he even made it halfway to his destination, his opponent reached behind his throne and produced a bow. The man notched an arrow and loosed. Gar dove to the side, allowing the arrow to fly by harmlessly. He rolled upon his shoulder and returned to his feet. He continued the charge.

Another arrow, notched and loosed. Gar stepped to the side, but not quickly enough. The arrow cut the cloth of his pant leg. He wouldn’t be able to blindly charge without paying the price. Gar turned and moved behind a nearby pillar to catch his breath and take cover from the arrow fire. He had to think of something. Warriors like Bullring were skilled with both bows and axes. But if he got close enough, half of the threat would be gone. Gar poked his head out from behind the pillar to take a look at the target before he was forced to retract it back into cover. An arrow nearly missed his face.

“Aye, Dat’s right slave. Ya never shoulda come back ‘ere." Gar clearly wasn’t thinking. The battle had barely begun and he was already pinned down.

[Gar]

Another arrow flew and lodged itself in the pillar. Gar couldn’t stay here forever. The battle continued outside the throne room and he couldn’t be certain that his crew was winning without June’s inspiration. He had to make a move. Gar lifted the head of his axe off to the side of the pillar. Sure enough, an arrow flew and pinged off of June’s wings, falling to the floor. At the very moment that Gar heard the noise of arrow hitting axe, he took off in the opposite direction. The distraction didn’t buy him much time, only a few milliseconds passed before Bullring began to fire at him once again. The man fired arrows near Gar’s legs forcing him to run in an awkward pattern. Gar dove behind cover once again. This time he was seated against the back of a large trunk.

“Bwahahar Come on now. Ive had maidens run faster den ya.” Gar had to keep his head low for if he sat upright, the warrior would surely place an arrow in the back of his skull. “Stop hiding wouldja? A slave could at least try to fight like a man.” Gar huffed hot air out of his nostrils, he certainly knew better than to let an opponent get under his skin, but this one was the very scum of Elibe. And he had the audacity to talk down to Gar? It didn’t feel right.

Gar rolled from his newfound cover and quickly scrambled to his feet. One big push was all he needed. Gar drew strength from the weapon. I’m counting on you June! Gar moved with a new speed, faster than he had before. Even so, Bullring loosed another arrow at Gar’s center of mass. Unable to dodge, Gar simply held the flat of his axe up, as if it were a shield. A pinging sound rang through the room. The arrow fell and slid across the floor.

Bullring almost notched another arrow but realized he wouldn’t have time for that. He turned and reached for his close range weapon. He wouldn’t have time for that either. Gar was a step away from the man. He rose his holy weapon and swung midstride.This is it!

Bullring rose his bow, meeting Gar’s axe and deflecting it aside. The bow had snapped in the process so there was no need to worry about any arrow fire. Gar was about to accept this small victory and bring the axe back for another cut when a balled fist knocked him in the wind box, forcing the air from his lungs. The next hit was a straight kick to his chest sending the pirate backwards. Gar was stood still, panting to recover his lost breath.

Bullring cast the broken bow aside and gripped his axe. As he approached, Gar got a good look at the weapon. It was big, entirely intimidating. A red gemstone sat at its center. The rest of the weapon was an imposing pitch black. Gar took a step back, still trying to recover from the previous hit.

[Gar]

Gar straightened himself out to face Bullring. He had just caught his breath before his enemy took two bounding steps in his direction. Bullring launched a swing aimed for Gar’s midsection. Gar raised his axe in defense. He knew full well that the axe was not a defensive weapon, but it was all he could do at the moment. The black axe clashed with Junzentaru before Bullring brought his weapon around to Gar’s opposite side. Gar hopped backward, allowing the axe to pass in front of him.

Gar took this opening to move in and make a diagonal cut. Bullring sidestepped the cut and retaliated with a backward elbow shot directly to Gar’s jaw. The blow connected hard, harder than the pirate would’ve expected. Gar stumbled a few steps before turning around to face the bull. The two combatants exchanged more powerful swipes that were in turn dodged or blocked.

The two had similar fighting styles. Gar was a little quicker on his feet, but Bullring was certainly more experienced in two handed weapons. To be fair, Gar had only started using two handed axes since he found Junzentaru. Prior to that he preferred to use one or two smaller axes.

Bullring came with a vertical cut, as if Gar was nothing more than a hunk of fire wood that needed chopping. Gar shifted his positioning to allow the weapon to hit the floor. Gar launched his attack in response. Bullring couldn’t fully dodge this time. June’s wing cut through the bull’s flank, drawing blood. Got him! Gar expected this hit to knock the man off balance, so he prepared another blow, to end this.

Bullring brought his knee into Gar’s groin and as Gar bent over, he followed it up with a downward punch to the jaw. Gar collapsed to the floor. He cursed as he scrambled away from the warrior. “F**king scumbag.” Bullring closed the small amount of distance between the two before swinging his axe downward. Gar raised Junzentaru again, in defense. The strength of the blow knocked the holy weapon from Gar’s grip and suddenly, Gar lost his courage. His eyes grew wide. What had he been thinking? This man was a true warrior. There was no possible way that Gar could’ve taken him down.

Bullring kicked Gar in the gut. “Bwahahar. It’s time I taught ye a lesson.” Bullring dropped his axe to the floor and cracked his knuckles. Another kick to Gar’s midsection. The enemy knelt and punched Bar in the nose. Then again with his opposite fist. Gar was trying to defend himself from the blows with his arms, but he was already too dazed to do much. Bruises cuts and swelling began to emerge on the pirate’s face and body.

Bullring took a break from the beating to catch his breath. “Betcha wish ya joined my crew now dontcha?” Gar spat blood out of his mouth. The thought was as repulsive as ever. Gar responded the same way as he had during their last encounter. “I would rather die a slave than live in service to a scumbag like you.”

"I can make dat happen."