Chapter Seven
Once a Thief, Always a Thief
Many Months Ago…
Rex was underwater. The ship floated under the long piers of the city Stiix. Ronin piloted the ship until he found the hanger that usually held the ship from under the water. Ronin had just returned from a mission to steal the Sea gem of Atlantis. And he did. He was Ronin. When he walked into his home, the place was dusty. His home was filled with trophies and treasures from his adventures. "Ah. It's nice to be back." Ronin said to himself. The mercenary knew Stiix was home. He took a look around. Something didn't feel right. "Hello Ronin. It is nice to finally meet you after such a long time." Someone said. Ronin turned around, gun pulled out of its holder and in the man's face. "Who the heck are you supposed to be?" Ronin asked, angry and confused. "My Name is Hex. I have just returned from my exploration of The Dark Island. There are some treasures there that hunters like you couldn't dream of." Hex said. "Wait. Just a minute. But did you just say an expedition to The Dark Island. Across the Endless Sea. That Dark Island?" The mercenary asked. "Oh yes. And I am planning a second one. With you along on the journey." Hex said, which made Ronin stutter. "Why in the high hills would you need me to help you on an expedition to a place only known through myths." Ronin asked. "You are a trained warrior and, well, we all know that you love treasure and money. And hoo-boy…(Chuckle) We all know you would want the gem of shadows for your own personal collection. Or of course, you could sell it, for a hot 75 million dollars." Hex explained to Ronin, but Ronin wasn't fazed. "Eh. 75 mills is chicken scratch." He said.
"Ah. But that is the cheapest it can go for. The highest would be, say, 75 billion dollars." Hex said. "Now that… I can work with." Ronin said, and the two struck a deal.
The waves were choppy that day. The boat bumped up and down across the water. Hex was fine about it, but Ronin, oh no. He was swaying across the side of the boat. "COULDN'T WE HAVE TAKEN REX!" Ronin yelled over the loud cracks of thunder. "Ah, but Rex would have merley slowed us down! We get to the island faster by boat!" Hex said. "WELL WE BETTER GET THERE FA-" Ronin began to say, but then was flung forward. "WHAT THE HELL!" Ronin yelled. "We're here. The Endless sea isn't so endless after all, Ronin." Hex said, and hopped off the boat and onto land. "Let us journey and find a treasure worth 75 billion dollars!" Hex said, and the crew began to trek through the jungle in front of them.
3 hours later…
"Holy Shitaki Mushrooms. That is one sweet looking temple." Ronin said. After 3 hours, they had finally arrived at the temple of shadows. "Doesn't look like there are many shadows around here." He said, and walked up the many steps to the main door. Ronin didn't hear any steps behind him. Ronin turned around and there was nothing but a wall. Then he was dragged into the temple. "AHHHHHH! LET GO OF ME!" Ronin yelled, and was thrown in front of a throne. "AN INTRUDER THINKS THAT THEY CAN STEAL MY POWERFUL GEM OF SHADOWS. OH NO. THE REST OF YOUR CREW IS ALREADY DEAD, SO YOU SHOULDN'T BOTHER TRYING TO FIND THEM. BUT YOU ARE UNLIKE THEM. YOU ARE WORTH KEEPING. YOU ARE A TRUE WARRIOR." The king said. "And what is that supposed to mean." Ronin asked.