Chapter One
The Journey Begins
They travelled throughout the province of Ordain reaching the outskirts that led to the northern lands filled with ice and snow. The road ahead was a dangerous one. They would have to be ever careful through the lands of the north. Old tales of creatures long forgotten still seemed to rise in the mind of the three warriors. However they walked further to the north.
Four days they travelled towards the north. On the fifth Yanden had an uneasy feeling. He felt he was been watched. The other two seemed not to notice neither his unease nor the feeling of been watched. However Yanden knew there was something out there. Something that was ancient, and very deadly.
As they walked further Yanden stopped and looked to the east. Draxxon noticed him and walked back. "What is it Yanden?"
"Something." he didn't know if he should say anything. He was searching the land. Looking, searching for the thing that watched them. "Something is coming, it is watching."
Draxxon's eyes widened. He feared nothing in Edinia yet there were a few ancient things he had never encountered. And wished he never would. Before he could ask Yanden turned to him.
"Go. Make haste and do your duty. I will do mine this day." Draxxon looked at him confused. He pulled out his sword, but Yanden shoved him towards Shantielmo and shouted. "Go you fools! Go now! Weapons are of no use here now. Do your duty. I will meet you were we agreed. GO!"
Draxxon and Shantielmo fled not knowing what was to become of Yanden. Draxxon seemed to know what was coming but didn't utter the words.
"Soul Taker," muttered Yanden. Soul taker was an ancient creature which dwelled in the north lands and consumed the entire race of the north folk. No one had ever seen what one looked like though it was said that the Soul taker was a demon from the realm of Raian. Though very few new of this. Others believed that an evil unknown made it.
Yanden stood there staring at the distance before him towards the east. He could see little with the snow that fell. He soon however began to see a shadow. It seemed small. Then it began to grow as it came nearer. As it caught Yanden's presence the creature began to advance.
Yanden drew his Shurikan blades and gathered his stance as he waited for the creature to reach the right distance before he struck. As the creature advance Yanden began to chant. He knew his blades were not enough. The ground began to shake as the creature halted for a moment. The snow lifted and began to pummel the creature with large snowballs. As the creature was sidetracked trying to avoid the snowballs Yanden lashed forward and shouted as he began to strike the creature.
"Il en orven anë darxkall. Und en drakkar kïne ane Zattera."
There was a loud shriek. Shantielmo and Draxxon who were so far ahead heard it. It seemed as blades began to come alive in the wind. It seemed all forces of magic including shadow had turned against the creature. Rays of light flashed as the wind blew harder. The creature waved it arms frantically hoping that its claws would reach its opponent. Yet no claw reached and it fell to the ground. Souls began to leave its body, and as they left, they attacked not Yanden, but the creature they were within.
Souls that yearned to rest in peach and be free of this creatures taint. They lifted themselves and struck as Yanden struck with them. They cared not that he was not of the dead. They only cared that he helped them. And that was a lot more then anyone had ever done.
The creature did not seem to die as easily as Yanden had hoped. With all its might it jumped and flung itself at Yanden waving its claws. Yanden moved but was still caught and scared by one of the claws. He clutched to his wound then saw the souls disappear. They were free, and had gone towards the light.
As Yanden knelt on one knee clutching his wound the creature had the time it needed to summon its weapon. A large sword made by the molten hot fires of Raian was forged within its hands. Yanden knew the weapon all too well. He also knew this battle would be more then difficult to win on his own.
Yanden chanted where he knelt and white light surrounded him as the creature struck. The sword at Yanden's side did not come out. He never drew it. It was not the time he thought. The time would come when his sword would be drawn. He seemed to feel queasy and expected that he was poisoned. The sword struck white light but did not reach Yanden. It was as if a shield surrounded him. The creature chanted as Yanden began to stater within his own chants. The poison was getting to him. As he chanted his eyes closed and he fell to the ground. The shield was no longer and the creature was raising its sword for the final blow.
The clouds began to darken and come together in great masses. The creature had rose its blade to striking point and began to lower it. As the blade began to lower a flash of lightning stuck the blade, obliterating it as the creature shrieked. From the thunder a being could be seen. A powerful chant could be heard, as lightning began to strike at the creature as the being lifted its arms and struck the final blow to the creature. A great ball of light shot from the hands of that being and struck the creature in the chest sending it flying through the air. No body hit the earth. It was turned to ash nothing of it remained.
The being saw Yanden lying there with his wound spitting out blood. He picked him up and took him back to his home. As he reached his home, his servants came to greet him. "Welcome home master," said Wynd. "Master who is that you carry?"
"He may be of some use," said the being as he carried Yanden and placed him on the bed. "I have greater issues to attend to. He has been poisoned by a Soul Taker, when he wakes give him as much food as he needs and do not let him leave. For now, make the potion and shove it down his throat if need be."
"But master," said Wynd astonished. "The potion was not made for mortal lips. It would burn right through him."
The being looked back at Yanden and then to Wynd. "He is not a common man Wynd. You know not of him, do as I tell you. And make sure he does not leave."
Wynd bowed to her master as he left speaking only her last words. "As you wish master."
She began to prepare the potion mixing some of the finest herbs found on Edinia. She mixed four leafs of carsel, and old form of flower that had great curing powers. Along with felantil seeds from the plains of Coban, and last of all a spouse of convail acid. When the potion was done she gently walked over to the bed where Yanden was sleeping and poured some of the potion in his mouth. She poured the whole amount slowly making sure it didn't spill. When she was done she tended to his wound and stood by his bed waiting for him to awake.
Hours went by and the time came where Yanden began to twitch. He opened his eyes slowly rubbing them and clutched his aching head. He tried to rise though felt a hand push him back. "Lay back," he heard a voice say. "You have been poisoned and will be very weak for a while. I have cured the poison and my sister is preparing your meal."
Yanden raised his eyes and looked at her. "Who are you?" he asked half- awake. The weariness showed in his voice. But Yanden did not strike. He knew this being had saved him. He could not strike her. Not to mention, he was too weak to even stand on his own.
Yanden sat there on the bed holding his head as she slowly came closer. She gave him a small bowl filled with a liquid. "Drink this. It's more of the potion that cured you. But drink it slow, it was not made for mortal lips such as yours."
Yanden took the wooden bowl from her hands and drank the potion slowly. When he was done she spoke to her. He remembered asking her who she was and that she had not answered. He decided to not pursue the matter further at this time.
Another woman entered the room who was an exact twin to the other. As she approached, she spoke to the other woman and headed off. "Who was that woman?" asked Yanden.
"She is my twin sister," replied the woman. "Your food is ready. Let me help you." She helped Yanden to his feet and held him as they walked towards the dining room. As they walked Yanden turned to her and spoke half in whisper, but she heard every word. "I thank you for your kindness. In such a dark world it is rare to find one as kind as you."
The woman looked more surprised then ever. She only nodded and replied. "If one doesn't help another in days like these, then there will be nothing to help in days to come. For not even we will exist."
Yanden nodded and walked as she held him. He suddenly stumbled and went to fall as she clutched onto him and pulled him up as he pulled her towards him. She was now right in front of him, their bodies nearly touching. They looked each other in the eyes seeming to not breathe. Then Yanden turned and bowed to her. "Forgive me mistress, I had not intended any dishonour. Forgive me."
The woman just eyed him carefully. Startled and confused for the way he reacted to things. She did not expect this being to be so light hearted.
As they reached the dining table she helped him sit upon a chair and bid him to begin eating. Yanden thanked her once more as he took a piece of chicken from the dish before him and placed it in his plate. As he ate he thought of a question to ask her. He swallowed the last piece of meat that was in his mouth and wiped his mouth before he spoke.
"Who are you?" he asked once more.
"They are Wynd and Rayne. My loyal and trustful servants." The voice came from the door as a being stood there."
"It can't be. You saved me?" asked Yanden with eyes wide open in complete shock.
"Indeed it was I Yanden. I Raiden, God of Thunder and lightning saved you from the Soul Taker."
Yanden dropped the piece of chicken he held. He was shocked that the thunder god had saved him. He did not expect the thunderer to save a servant of the shadow.
As he thought it Raiden smiled and spoke. "All life is precious Yanden. Many who live deserve death, and many that are dead deserve life. Are we the ones who decide who lives and who dies? No we are not. We can prevent death, for a while, not forever."
"What do you want from me?" asked Yanden.
Raiden sat on the other side of the table as Wynd set a cup of wine in front of him. "The mystic blade has been stolen. I believe you know who has it. You will do well to tell me Yanden."
Yanden stared at Raiden for a while before he spoke. He knew the thunderer could defeat him at his weakened state. However he didn't want to give in to the thunder god. He was loyal to his master and would never betray him. "I do know who has it Raiden. However I will not tell you. You may find out when the time comes."
Raiden looked puzzled as Yanden finished speaking. "When the time comes?" he asked. "The time for what?"
Yanden stood from the table, as did Raiden once he saw him stand. "I will be taking my leave thunderer. I have my own things to attend to. You want answers? Search for them yourself."
"Do you really believe I will let you leave here on your own free will?"
Yanden pulled out his daggers and pointed one to Raiden. He was not afraid to take on the thunderer or his servants. "You have no choice Raiden. You will let me leave. Or you will fell the wrath I have to offer. You know me not Raiden. Be wary of your tongue."
Raiden struck the table with his fist as he raised his voice. "I do not understand you! I merely wish to keep a balance between good and evil. If you are doing what I believe you are doing, then you are making a large mistake Yanden. Draxxon is an evil being. You know him not as well as I. Ages he has spent planing for this. And now if he succeeds it will be because of you."
Yanden dismissed Raiden's words as rambling. "Draxxon will bring order to Edinia. He will let the light shine and aid us to overthrow the creatures of Raian. He is not as you say."
Raiden could not stand to hear the words. Too long he had lived with the knowledge of Draxxon's true desire to let another stand there and teach him about one he already knew. "Draxxon will only bring death and decay Yanden. Nothing less, but a whole lot more. Edinia will not have any soul alive after he takes over. Why does he need an army when there is no King? When all provinces have only mayor's to govern them?"
Yanden thought a moment as he took in Raiden's last words. Some part of him said Raiden could be right, but it was quickly overpowered by the darkness within. "Farewell Raiden. Next time we meet, it seems at this stage one of us will cease to exist."
Yanden made way for the exit as Raiden began his attack. "I will not let you leave here Yanden. I will hinder your process."
Yanden countered Raiden's punches as they displayed magnificent rays of martial arts. Yanden matching every move Raiden made. At one stage Raiden seemed to move back and with a quick jolt released a shot of lightning towards Yanden.
As it hit, Yanden was sent flying through the room hitting the wall on the far side. Rising from the ground, Yanden saw Raiden pick up his large double handed hammer. Yanden stood and spoke before he flung himself towards Raiden. "You have made an unwise decision this day thunderer." Raiden's eye's widened as a bright light shone from an unknown weapon Yanden produced. With one swing he hit the thunderer's weapon as Raiden blocked his strike sending him flying through the room. Yanden didn't stop. He began running till he reached the exit then like shadow he vanished.
Wynd and Rayne came to their master's aid and helped him up. He rushed to the exit but saw nothing ahead. Yanden had managed to escape. But that was the least of his worries. He remembered that weapon. Something about it that brought back an old memory lost in shadow and mist. The memory was scarcely vivid to him and he could not make it out. However he knew that now he was to prepare for war. Draxxon would no doubt lay a siege on Edinia.
* * *
Draxxon and Shantielmo had made their way back to the province of Ordain. They would now head towards Riel were Draxxon's army would no doubt be waiting his return.
"I wonder if Yanden is well." Said Draxxon. Shantielmo knew Yanden was well, he knew Yanden. There was nothing to deter him, nothing that would stop him. He had a will stronger then any being alive. He was something different, something strange. "He is well lord Draxxon."
Draxxon looked at Shantielmo and spoke. "How do you know?"
Shantielmo stopped and turned to face him. "I just know. Yanden does not give up; he does not yield to anyone. No matter how difficult the task is, he'll manage to complete it. You know my lord.three thousand years upon this realm and believe it or not, there are still things that pop up and surprise me. Yanden is one of those things. You think you know all there is to him, and as you think it, he does something which makes you see that you know nothing of him."
Draxxon barked a loud laugh. "Yes he does do that doesn't he." He laughed as he spoke nearly stumbling over himself. "I remember long ago when I met him. He was a wee lad training with Shadowstalker. I remember how his father left him to Shadowstalker because he didn't want him. His mother and sister never saw him again as much as they tried. I would have told him how to go back home. But Shadowstalker's code is not easily broken."
Shantielmo walked alongside him once more. "I am pleased you remember that. Lest be the case that you betray us. We may be small in numbers Draxxon. But if deceived, then we are a deadly force to be reckoned with. And we may have little allies, but those allies we have are loyal."
Draxxon stared in front of him before he replied. He was in thought for some time. "I know the ways of Shadowstalker Shantielmo. I have no intention to deceive him."
As they reached Riel, Caan came to greet them. An army stood in line facing them as they greeted each other. "Welcome back my lord, your army is ready to lay siege upon Edinia. Where is Yanden?"
Draxxon looked at the army before he spoke. "This army must be over five thousand for sure. You have done well my friend. As for Yanden.I was hoping he'd be here. Maybe he is indeed injured."
Shantielmo looked worried now, he too expected to see Yanden here. Could he have died? But how, and by what?
The time for the assault was near. The time for taking over Edinia was near and Draxxon wished to prepare. He addressed his army before he walked back to Caan and Shantielmo.
"Yanden has not arrived so we will go without him. I am sorry to say Shantielmo that I believe he is dead. I cannot wait too long. There is no telling who can come and see us preparing for our attack. I hope you can understand this."
Shantielmo nodded. He didn't want to believe it and half didn't. However the battle had to go on as planned. Hopefully Yanden would join them before battles end.
* * *
In the subterranean province of Edinia known as Kuatan, a being walked through the deadly swamps of Sürel. A phantom like figure that seemed to be hunting. Hunting for its prey. This being was known to an old code however long forgotten and destroyed. The one he was hunting considered himself the hunter. When in fact he was the prey.
Many stories of old were told of this elusive warrior and the Red Dragon wanted him dead. Their assassin thought he was close as he made his way through the swamps. But before he could get any view, he was reaching for his blade.
Steel clashed with steel sending chimes of combat through the soundless swampland. Two warriors of opposite beings duelled with one another. One for order, the other for honour. They knew only one of them would emerge victorious this day. Such was the life of.Phantom Nindz.
One battle after another he endured, one after another as the old code was laid he would kill his opponent. Never had he been defeated. Never had he been harmed. He was also named Windwaker throughout the lands, but none lived that knew why he was named that.
Steel clashed as they displayed various arts of combat each matching the others strike and countering with effective swings. Swords moved like the wind when it blew through the leaves of the trees whistling as it flowed through them. Strikes and kicks were used to display luscious acrobatic form of movements, which shone their unique styles. Spinning of bodies and swinging of swords, it seemed sad that the only ones there to see it were the birds and trees.
As strikes were made and received it seemed that Phantom Nindz was getting the upper hand in the battle. He pushed his opponent further back striking him with more force. And as he got ready, Phantom Nindz made his last move. Beheading of locrain the move was called. With a low sweep, turning into a high swing of the sword, Phantom Nindz decapitated his opponent.
The head rolled on the ground into a swamp bog, as the body stood for a few moments then leaned to the side and fell to the ground lifeless.
Phantom Nindz had emerged victorious once again. Another battle ended as another battle shall come. Battles and life without end. That was his life. The life he had chosen to live. For now.
The Journey Begins
They travelled throughout the province of Ordain reaching the outskirts that led to the northern lands filled with ice and snow. The road ahead was a dangerous one. They would have to be ever careful through the lands of the north. Old tales of creatures long forgotten still seemed to rise in the mind of the three warriors. However they walked further to the north.
Four days they travelled towards the north. On the fifth Yanden had an uneasy feeling. He felt he was been watched. The other two seemed not to notice neither his unease nor the feeling of been watched. However Yanden knew there was something out there. Something that was ancient, and very deadly.
As they walked further Yanden stopped and looked to the east. Draxxon noticed him and walked back. "What is it Yanden?"
"Something." he didn't know if he should say anything. He was searching the land. Looking, searching for the thing that watched them. "Something is coming, it is watching."
Draxxon's eyes widened. He feared nothing in Edinia yet there were a few ancient things he had never encountered. And wished he never would. Before he could ask Yanden turned to him.
"Go. Make haste and do your duty. I will do mine this day." Draxxon looked at him confused. He pulled out his sword, but Yanden shoved him towards Shantielmo and shouted. "Go you fools! Go now! Weapons are of no use here now. Do your duty. I will meet you were we agreed. GO!"
Draxxon and Shantielmo fled not knowing what was to become of Yanden. Draxxon seemed to know what was coming but didn't utter the words.
"Soul Taker," muttered Yanden. Soul taker was an ancient creature which dwelled in the north lands and consumed the entire race of the north folk. No one had ever seen what one looked like though it was said that the Soul taker was a demon from the realm of Raian. Though very few new of this. Others believed that an evil unknown made it.
Yanden stood there staring at the distance before him towards the east. He could see little with the snow that fell. He soon however began to see a shadow. It seemed small. Then it began to grow as it came nearer. As it caught Yanden's presence the creature began to advance.
Yanden drew his Shurikan blades and gathered his stance as he waited for the creature to reach the right distance before he struck. As the creature advance Yanden began to chant. He knew his blades were not enough. The ground began to shake as the creature halted for a moment. The snow lifted and began to pummel the creature with large snowballs. As the creature was sidetracked trying to avoid the snowballs Yanden lashed forward and shouted as he began to strike the creature.
"Il en orven anë darxkall. Und en drakkar kïne ane Zattera."
There was a loud shriek. Shantielmo and Draxxon who were so far ahead heard it. It seemed as blades began to come alive in the wind. It seemed all forces of magic including shadow had turned against the creature. Rays of light flashed as the wind blew harder. The creature waved it arms frantically hoping that its claws would reach its opponent. Yet no claw reached and it fell to the ground. Souls began to leave its body, and as they left, they attacked not Yanden, but the creature they were within.
Souls that yearned to rest in peach and be free of this creatures taint. They lifted themselves and struck as Yanden struck with them. They cared not that he was not of the dead. They only cared that he helped them. And that was a lot more then anyone had ever done.
The creature did not seem to die as easily as Yanden had hoped. With all its might it jumped and flung itself at Yanden waving its claws. Yanden moved but was still caught and scared by one of the claws. He clutched to his wound then saw the souls disappear. They were free, and had gone towards the light.
As Yanden knelt on one knee clutching his wound the creature had the time it needed to summon its weapon. A large sword made by the molten hot fires of Raian was forged within its hands. Yanden knew the weapon all too well. He also knew this battle would be more then difficult to win on his own.
Yanden chanted where he knelt and white light surrounded him as the creature struck. The sword at Yanden's side did not come out. He never drew it. It was not the time he thought. The time would come when his sword would be drawn. He seemed to feel queasy and expected that he was poisoned. The sword struck white light but did not reach Yanden. It was as if a shield surrounded him. The creature chanted as Yanden began to stater within his own chants. The poison was getting to him. As he chanted his eyes closed and he fell to the ground. The shield was no longer and the creature was raising its sword for the final blow.
The clouds began to darken and come together in great masses. The creature had rose its blade to striking point and began to lower it. As the blade began to lower a flash of lightning stuck the blade, obliterating it as the creature shrieked. From the thunder a being could be seen. A powerful chant could be heard, as lightning began to strike at the creature as the being lifted its arms and struck the final blow to the creature. A great ball of light shot from the hands of that being and struck the creature in the chest sending it flying through the air. No body hit the earth. It was turned to ash nothing of it remained.
The being saw Yanden lying there with his wound spitting out blood. He picked him up and took him back to his home. As he reached his home, his servants came to greet him. "Welcome home master," said Wynd. "Master who is that you carry?"
"He may be of some use," said the being as he carried Yanden and placed him on the bed. "I have greater issues to attend to. He has been poisoned by a Soul Taker, when he wakes give him as much food as he needs and do not let him leave. For now, make the potion and shove it down his throat if need be."
"But master," said Wynd astonished. "The potion was not made for mortal lips. It would burn right through him."
The being looked back at Yanden and then to Wynd. "He is not a common man Wynd. You know not of him, do as I tell you. And make sure he does not leave."
Wynd bowed to her master as he left speaking only her last words. "As you wish master."
She began to prepare the potion mixing some of the finest herbs found on Edinia. She mixed four leafs of carsel, and old form of flower that had great curing powers. Along with felantil seeds from the plains of Coban, and last of all a spouse of convail acid. When the potion was done she gently walked over to the bed where Yanden was sleeping and poured some of the potion in his mouth. She poured the whole amount slowly making sure it didn't spill. When she was done she tended to his wound and stood by his bed waiting for him to awake.
Hours went by and the time came where Yanden began to twitch. He opened his eyes slowly rubbing them and clutched his aching head. He tried to rise though felt a hand push him back. "Lay back," he heard a voice say. "You have been poisoned and will be very weak for a while. I have cured the poison and my sister is preparing your meal."
Yanden raised his eyes and looked at her. "Who are you?" he asked half- awake. The weariness showed in his voice. But Yanden did not strike. He knew this being had saved him. He could not strike her. Not to mention, he was too weak to even stand on his own.
Yanden sat there on the bed holding his head as she slowly came closer. She gave him a small bowl filled with a liquid. "Drink this. It's more of the potion that cured you. But drink it slow, it was not made for mortal lips such as yours."
Yanden took the wooden bowl from her hands and drank the potion slowly. When he was done she spoke to her. He remembered asking her who she was and that she had not answered. He decided to not pursue the matter further at this time.
Another woman entered the room who was an exact twin to the other. As she approached, she spoke to the other woman and headed off. "Who was that woman?" asked Yanden.
"She is my twin sister," replied the woman. "Your food is ready. Let me help you." She helped Yanden to his feet and held him as they walked towards the dining room. As they walked Yanden turned to her and spoke half in whisper, but she heard every word. "I thank you for your kindness. In such a dark world it is rare to find one as kind as you."
The woman looked more surprised then ever. She only nodded and replied. "If one doesn't help another in days like these, then there will be nothing to help in days to come. For not even we will exist."
Yanden nodded and walked as she held him. He suddenly stumbled and went to fall as she clutched onto him and pulled him up as he pulled her towards him. She was now right in front of him, their bodies nearly touching. They looked each other in the eyes seeming to not breathe. Then Yanden turned and bowed to her. "Forgive me mistress, I had not intended any dishonour. Forgive me."
The woman just eyed him carefully. Startled and confused for the way he reacted to things. She did not expect this being to be so light hearted.
As they reached the dining table she helped him sit upon a chair and bid him to begin eating. Yanden thanked her once more as he took a piece of chicken from the dish before him and placed it in his plate. As he ate he thought of a question to ask her. He swallowed the last piece of meat that was in his mouth and wiped his mouth before he spoke.
"Who are you?" he asked once more.
"They are Wynd and Rayne. My loyal and trustful servants." The voice came from the door as a being stood there."
"It can't be. You saved me?" asked Yanden with eyes wide open in complete shock.
"Indeed it was I Yanden. I Raiden, God of Thunder and lightning saved you from the Soul Taker."
Yanden dropped the piece of chicken he held. He was shocked that the thunder god had saved him. He did not expect the thunderer to save a servant of the shadow.
As he thought it Raiden smiled and spoke. "All life is precious Yanden. Many who live deserve death, and many that are dead deserve life. Are we the ones who decide who lives and who dies? No we are not. We can prevent death, for a while, not forever."
"What do you want from me?" asked Yanden.
Raiden sat on the other side of the table as Wynd set a cup of wine in front of him. "The mystic blade has been stolen. I believe you know who has it. You will do well to tell me Yanden."
Yanden stared at Raiden for a while before he spoke. He knew the thunderer could defeat him at his weakened state. However he didn't want to give in to the thunder god. He was loyal to his master and would never betray him. "I do know who has it Raiden. However I will not tell you. You may find out when the time comes."
Raiden looked puzzled as Yanden finished speaking. "When the time comes?" he asked. "The time for what?"
Yanden stood from the table, as did Raiden once he saw him stand. "I will be taking my leave thunderer. I have my own things to attend to. You want answers? Search for them yourself."
"Do you really believe I will let you leave here on your own free will?"
Yanden pulled out his daggers and pointed one to Raiden. He was not afraid to take on the thunderer or his servants. "You have no choice Raiden. You will let me leave. Or you will fell the wrath I have to offer. You know me not Raiden. Be wary of your tongue."
Raiden struck the table with his fist as he raised his voice. "I do not understand you! I merely wish to keep a balance between good and evil. If you are doing what I believe you are doing, then you are making a large mistake Yanden. Draxxon is an evil being. You know him not as well as I. Ages he has spent planing for this. And now if he succeeds it will be because of you."
Yanden dismissed Raiden's words as rambling. "Draxxon will bring order to Edinia. He will let the light shine and aid us to overthrow the creatures of Raian. He is not as you say."
Raiden could not stand to hear the words. Too long he had lived with the knowledge of Draxxon's true desire to let another stand there and teach him about one he already knew. "Draxxon will only bring death and decay Yanden. Nothing less, but a whole lot more. Edinia will not have any soul alive after he takes over. Why does he need an army when there is no King? When all provinces have only mayor's to govern them?"
Yanden thought a moment as he took in Raiden's last words. Some part of him said Raiden could be right, but it was quickly overpowered by the darkness within. "Farewell Raiden. Next time we meet, it seems at this stage one of us will cease to exist."
Yanden made way for the exit as Raiden began his attack. "I will not let you leave here Yanden. I will hinder your process."
Yanden countered Raiden's punches as they displayed magnificent rays of martial arts. Yanden matching every move Raiden made. At one stage Raiden seemed to move back and with a quick jolt released a shot of lightning towards Yanden.
As it hit, Yanden was sent flying through the room hitting the wall on the far side. Rising from the ground, Yanden saw Raiden pick up his large double handed hammer. Yanden stood and spoke before he flung himself towards Raiden. "You have made an unwise decision this day thunderer." Raiden's eye's widened as a bright light shone from an unknown weapon Yanden produced. With one swing he hit the thunderer's weapon as Raiden blocked his strike sending him flying through the room. Yanden didn't stop. He began running till he reached the exit then like shadow he vanished.
Wynd and Rayne came to their master's aid and helped him up. He rushed to the exit but saw nothing ahead. Yanden had managed to escape. But that was the least of his worries. He remembered that weapon. Something about it that brought back an old memory lost in shadow and mist. The memory was scarcely vivid to him and he could not make it out. However he knew that now he was to prepare for war. Draxxon would no doubt lay a siege on Edinia.
* * *
Draxxon and Shantielmo had made their way back to the province of Ordain. They would now head towards Riel were Draxxon's army would no doubt be waiting his return.
"I wonder if Yanden is well." Said Draxxon. Shantielmo knew Yanden was well, he knew Yanden. There was nothing to deter him, nothing that would stop him. He had a will stronger then any being alive. He was something different, something strange. "He is well lord Draxxon."
Draxxon looked at Shantielmo and spoke. "How do you know?"
Shantielmo stopped and turned to face him. "I just know. Yanden does not give up; he does not yield to anyone. No matter how difficult the task is, he'll manage to complete it. You know my lord.three thousand years upon this realm and believe it or not, there are still things that pop up and surprise me. Yanden is one of those things. You think you know all there is to him, and as you think it, he does something which makes you see that you know nothing of him."
Draxxon barked a loud laugh. "Yes he does do that doesn't he." He laughed as he spoke nearly stumbling over himself. "I remember long ago when I met him. He was a wee lad training with Shadowstalker. I remember how his father left him to Shadowstalker because he didn't want him. His mother and sister never saw him again as much as they tried. I would have told him how to go back home. But Shadowstalker's code is not easily broken."
Shantielmo walked alongside him once more. "I am pleased you remember that. Lest be the case that you betray us. We may be small in numbers Draxxon. But if deceived, then we are a deadly force to be reckoned with. And we may have little allies, but those allies we have are loyal."
Draxxon stared in front of him before he replied. He was in thought for some time. "I know the ways of Shadowstalker Shantielmo. I have no intention to deceive him."
As they reached Riel, Caan came to greet them. An army stood in line facing them as they greeted each other. "Welcome back my lord, your army is ready to lay siege upon Edinia. Where is Yanden?"
Draxxon looked at the army before he spoke. "This army must be over five thousand for sure. You have done well my friend. As for Yanden.I was hoping he'd be here. Maybe he is indeed injured."
Shantielmo looked worried now, he too expected to see Yanden here. Could he have died? But how, and by what?
The time for the assault was near. The time for taking over Edinia was near and Draxxon wished to prepare. He addressed his army before he walked back to Caan and Shantielmo.
"Yanden has not arrived so we will go without him. I am sorry to say Shantielmo that I believe he is dead. I cannot wait too long. There is no telling who can come and see us preparing for our attack. I hope you can understand this."
Shantielmo nodded. He didn't want to believe it and half didn't. However the battle had to go on as planned. Hopefully Yanden would join them before battles end.
* * *
In the subterranean province of Edinia known as Kuatan, a being walked through the deadly swamps of Sürel. A phantom like figure that seemed to be hunting. Hunting for its prey. This being was known to an old code however long forgotten and destroyed. The one he was hunting considered himself the hunter. When in fact he was the prey.
Many stories of old were told of this elusive warrior and the Red Dragon wanted him dead. Their assassin thought he was close as he made his way through the swamps. But before he could get any view, he was reaching for his blade.
Steel clashed with steel sending chimes of combat through the soundless swampland. Two warriors of opposite beings duelled with one another. One for order, the other for honour. They knew only one of them would emerge victorious this day. Such was the life of.Phantom Nindz.
One battle after another he endured, one after another as the old code was laid he would kill his opponent. Never had he been defeated. Never had he been harmed. He was also named Windwaker throughout the lands, but none lived that knew why he was named that.
Steel clashed as they displayed various arts of combat each matching the others strike and countering with effective swings. Swords moved like the wind when it blew through the leaves of the trees whistling as it flowed through them. Strikes and kicks were used to display luscious acrobatic form of movements, which shone their unique styles. Spinning of bodies and swinging of swords, it seemed sad that the only ones there to see it were the birds and trees.
As strikes were made and received it seemed that Phantom Nindz was getting the upper hand in the battle. He pushed his opponent further back striking him with more force. And as he got ready, Phantom Nindz made his last move. Beheading of locrain the move was called. With a low sweep, turning into a high swing of the sword, Phantom Nindz decapitated his opponent.
The head rolled on the ground into a swamp bog, as the body stood for a few moments then leaned to the side and fell to the ground lifeless.
Phantom Nindz had emerged victorious once again. Another battle ended as another battle shall come. Battles and life without end. That was his life. The life he had chosen to live. For now.