The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Book I: War
O for that warning voice, which he who saw
Th' Apocalypse, heard cry in heaven aloud,
Then when the Dragon, put to second rout,
Came furious down to be revenged on men,
"Woe to the inhabitants on earth!" that now,
While time was, our first parents had been warned
The coming of their secret foe, and scaped
Haply so scaped his mortal snare…
John Milton: Paradise Lost, Book IV
The night was quiet. The serenity of the northern was soothing. The deadly chill of the wind, with the cold of the evening, nothing seemed more at peace. As the duel moons rose the white surface of the hilled landscape came back to life with a deep blue. She found it suitable for Sincion, a pain for Argon, and to Tanneth it was no different than when he lived near the Equator of the demon world. Temperature never bothered him much or weather. She wondered how the training affected him. Like her's and Sincion's it was suppose to breed loyalty to the Master. Not exactly loyalty, more like fear of him. Never the less when they all resented him even hated him, none but a few; the most excellent among their kind would challenge him. It didn't matter now though. He was dead. That was history now. Old stuff.
Kyra looked to the moon. It was not the same as it always was. Has it been that long? Time seemed endless now, since the Master was gone. The moons once moved in opposite revolution from each other. They crossed each other's path every so often. On rare occasions they would eclipse each other. The closer encompassing the next that was something they marked time by. Kyra wondered how old she was. There wasn't such a thing as a year back then. Night and day, and the seasons those were all. Age seemed more important now, but not to her. Kyra stopped along the trail under the dancing phantasm shadow of a tree. The moons moved perfectly with each other. One always was a little behind the other. Is that what it's like with me and him? The only time she saw an eclipse was with him.
Kyra continued. The thought of Tanneth and Sincion returned. Them, it was hard to believe. The two most responsible for the destruction of the Oppressor, betray one another.
What drives him now? Then again Kyra, what drove before? When she met Tanneth he already had made his faithful choice to be the Traitor of the order. What pushed him there? Maybe it happened again with Sincion. When Kyra first met him she thought of him as a perfectly trained criminal. It was obvious taking stupid risks that went against her's, Sincion's, and Argon's sense. She thought he was afraid. She was right but in the way she thought. The descendant of the Master's most renowned servant, ironic it was. Tanneth himself was praised by Master Warlock and Master Vega. Even the Master's enemies knew of him. What drives him? Only he knew.
Kyra kept walking. She tied to stop thinking about him. The trail grew dark as it shaded by the trees. The moons were almost about to set. She was almost there. She saw the ridged not five miles a head with the Moonscare in the distance. It was a cold meeting place even for a short one. She climbed onto a boulder and looked at the terrain. I wish Tanneth was here. I want to beat him at another race. It was just like what she used to race him at. He almost couldn't take that anyone was faster than him. The problem with his training was he would never admit to anything. It did make him one of the finest though.
Kyra jumped off the boulder and onto the slope of a small hill. Still crouching she looked out onto the landscape. Behind the small hills and cliffs the Moonscare sliver peak showed brightly in the moonlight. She smiled, just like what we used to race on. As a bullet from a gun she jumped forward into a run. She leaped from cliff to cliff and from ledge to ledge, jumping over the crevasses between the hills. The cold air ht her face. Almost like needles of ice it was. She didn't mind. Tanneth wasn't the only one who was conditioned for the elements. Flipping onto the peak of the hill and skiing down on her boots and jumping over the next one. Running gave her a sense of clarity everything seemed to come into place and not seem as much as a burden. Kyra herd wolves howl as she passed. She almost felt as if she was on of them running under the full moons in the night. She jumped onto a snow bank on the side of the trail and looked out. She was almost there. She could se the ledge that Argon specified. It faced east and arched above the rest in view. Save the Moonscare. She jumped u continuing her run. Ice began to form on her lips from her breathing. She wiped it off and licked her lips which did little to help. Kyra could see a man on the ledge. She didn't need to see his mace. She knew it had to be Argon. He wanted to see her of course. The reason was obvious. She wasn't more than a hundred yards away. She leaped onto he ground and sprinted for the bottom of the ledge. Pushing off a boulder Kyra propelled her self up onto the snow and starred Argon in the eye.
Argon was sullen. He stood there in the cold like a mountain, never flinching when a chill of gust hit. "You came."
"What would make you think I wouldn't have?"
Argon merely shrugged and smiled slightly. "It's good to see you even now." For a moment Argon lowered his guard.
Kyra smiled and walked up and warped her arms around him. "It has been to long." For one moment they could enjoy the old memories. "I don't think we have been doing the right thing."
She backed away from Argon. "Do you agree with Tanneth? Should we just abandon our best chance?"
"You know that is not what Tanneth wants. You know him. You know he hated the Master the most."
"Then why has he stolen it. Our chance to finally reverse what the Master did, not just to us." It can finally be corrected." Argon became angry. Not full of rage but more despair and fear. Kyra almost began to cry. She knew what he spoke of. Every one of them knew.
"I don't know what you'll do but I don't Sincion completely understands it. You have to be careful," said Kyra.
"You doubt Sincion. He discovered the way to kill the Master. To end his twisted reign. He gave Tanneth the way, the means! It's just because of your feelings toward Tanneth…"
"NO! No." Kyra turned her back to Argon. A tear streamed from, her right eye. She did care for both of them. But she never wanted to see that again. Never again! "We can't have it like this. Too many could be hurt if you're reckless."
"Who out would help us. After the Master, we are on our own." Kyra was saddened by it but she had to agree. After that terror who would?
"Doesn't that mean we owe it to them not to overlook any detail?"
Argon stood silent. It was fair statement. "We must convince Tanneth to come back. Then we must reevaluate. Not before." Argon turned to Kyra. "Will help us?"
"No, if Tanneth would betray again it has to be for some reason. Find him yourself. He won't use my feelings as a weapon, as he is using you."
Kyra walked to the ledge. Not looking back at Argon. She knew he was angry. He trusted so much in Tanneth and Sincion. Why was he blind then? "You do fear Sincion now Argon. I don't know why. Has he changed that much."
"He has but in the way you think, Kyra. Be strong. If you do side with Tanneth, talk some sense into him."
That made her angry. Did he really think he knew what she would do?! Kyra jumped off the ledge and disappeared into the night.
It was beautiful t first, but it did not seem that pretty when close to it. The center was a bright orange, around a light red that turned dark a round the edges. Like a hot sun floating there. Hiei had to admit it was impressive. A true masterpiece of elemental powers it was. It flew high at first then plunge straight down at him. Hiei flung to the side. The explosion was like a wind of burning air. Hiei cold feel the pores in his skin fill with melted skin and blood. Where it hit lay a small crater with a pool on molten rock at the center with glass surrounding it. It really was like the sun just from how hot it was. Hiei placed his hands on the ground flipped back onto his feet. He brought up his katana. He couldn't see him. Hiei focused more trying to pick up on Gaol's energy. Gaol knew how to hide well but Hiei was picking up on it. Hiei put his sword over his right shoulder catching the knife. He ducked when a fist came for his face, brought his katana around. He gave six fast swipes. Each was met by Gaol's hand knife. Strike after strike he attacked. The sparks of metal hitting metal almost blinded the Hiei. With a swift hooked Gaol broke Hiei's guard and punched him in the jaw. Hiei took it as an opportunity, spinning around too fast for Gaol and kicking him in the chest throwing off his balance. Hiei didn't waste it. He could see Gaol could not defend an attack, not even if he used that acceleration power. The tip of Hiei's blade came inches from taking Gaol's head, making a small cut bellow his chin. He had done it. He had draw blood from this seemingly almost untouchable fighter. Gaol fell back and flipped over onto his feet. He stood there checking the red blood from his chin. It was almost like this small demon could beat one of his kind. Something that never happened before could be coming true. Hiei was poised to attack again. His sword pointed his opponent. Gaol was impressed. He could have killed Hiei so easily before. He could tell that this demon was using almost all his power against him. He still waited to see one thing.
Gaol smiled and laughed. "Well it seems you have made quit the effort. I haven't seen my one blood since I left Makai. Finally a demon worth killing…"
"You act as if you have never lost control. Well maybe death will bring clarity to you. You should have killed me before," it was a boast of Hiei true, but he could hardly let him talk as if he was going to win. This still was most likely. I've bought this much time. How do I bring him down?
"You still refrain from using the dragon. Why? If you ant to kill me…"
"Shut up."
Hiei launched at Gaol with his katana ready to kill. He brought it down over Gaol's neck. Gaol blocked it easily. He brought the sword across, forcing Gaol to step back. Gaol hit Hiei in the gut sending him across the field into the side of the building. The wall cracked and almost gave way. The blow in the gut was hard. Hiei rolled on the gasping for air. Gaol sigh and stood impatiently for him to stand. "I grow tired of this. It's time I stop prolonging this fight. Let's see if you really can beat me. If you do you make history for sure. Come at me demon."
"Happy to oblige!"
Hiei kicked up his katana. He brought it back and charged with all his speed at Gaol. The world slowed as he moved. Gaol made no reaction he stood even as he saw Hiei coming. Hiei pointed it straight to stab Gaol. Still he stood. The tip was at his torso when it happened. He did it again. Gaol's body moved almost like it was never there. His image blurred as he passed. It was faster than anyone could think a person could move. Hiei couldn't have seen the fist hit his stomach. It was as if he had impaled Hiei. His stomach and diaphragm were crushed together against his spin. The shock of the hit prevented him from feeling most of the pain. Not that he would have felt it for long. Before he could even wince another blow came across his head and another from the other side. Hiei opened his eyes to see nothing but a reddish blur. It moved trough his head like he was in dream falling through a vortex of pain. Before he could concentrate he was on the ground. His arm, bellow the elbow, almost void of skin. It stun like needles in his head. He coughed blood up as he tried to breath. Each time he tried he gave a rasped gasp of pain and held his stomach. Eventually his senses returned he tried to get up falling back to his knees. He wheezed and tried to find Gaol. He still couldn't see much. He saw the black shape standing there. Gaol starred at Hiei with annoyance. A worthy opponent he almost was. He paced impatiently as Hiei struggled to find his center of balance.
"You know, maybe it's just experience, age. I am by far your senior not that I ever wanted to live this long. There for I have more experienced on what to expect and how to deal with great odds. But maybe, it's just an intelligence factor. You had plenty of opportunities where you could have beaten me. But instead of using your weapon that would kill me you had to buy time. I don't why maybe…."
Hiei tried to punch Gaol. He caught his arms and bent it backwards until he herd the bones crack. Hiei closed his eyes in pain. He spat blood onto the ground. Gaol kicked him and threw him ten feet.
"Or perhaps you hoped to capture me yourself. You are one of those detectives. What are you looking for? If you were trying to capture me maybe you hoped to get information on a being that broke the barrier and escaped Makai. I did that once."
Hiei wheezed and held his broken arm. The shoulder had gone dislocated again.
"I know who seek fire demon. If you can't beat me, you would die in less than seconds against him. He is much more precise and does not waist time. You know I don't care who you work for, whether you're bounty hunter or one of Spirit World's studs. I think I might get you off his back. If you were planning to use that darkness flame to save your life I suggest now would be the appropriate time."
"He won't have to." It came from the street. Not one moment after Gaol turned his head. A giant blue bullet came. The light from it was intense. Gaol had no time to dodge. He put up his arms to shield his face. The blast hit him with full force. It carried him across the ally. Hiei got to his feet and looked at the origin of the blast.
Yusuke stood there with his finger pointed where Gaol was. Kuwabara and Kurama were there too along with Botan floating on her oar behind them. They rushed to Hiei and off course began to worry.
"You all right, Hiei," Yusuke asked?
"Who was that guy? Some sort of demon," said Kuwabara?
"Hm, I'll be fine, I had it under control. You needed not to rush to my rescue."
"From the appearance of things, Hiei, he may be the one we are looking for," Kurama said.
Yusuke laughed and put his hands on the back of his head. "Well, then case closed he isn't moving across the border anymore."
"Yusuke, this isn't the time for jokes we need to find who he is," Botan spoke in her usual worry tone.
"Not, to mention how he came across," Kurama said. The cloud of dust kicked up by the spirit gun began to settle.
"Ok, ok, don't' just gang up on me…"
"You might just to reconsider what you are looking for." Gaol's voice ran clearly through the ally. Kuwabara starred at him confusedly. He seemed something more than he appeared. Almost endless like his soul wasn't normal or something, but he appeared to be human. This guy gave Hiei a hard time? "I assume you are Yusuke Urameshi, the winner of the Dark Tournament. I've heard a lot of rumors about in particular."
"Thanks, but I'm not giving autographs today, maybe tomorrow."
Under her breath Botan muttered, "Gaol."
"I've heard that too. You might need to take up a better attitude with me." Gaol folded his arms across his chest.
"Who do you think you are anyway? Attacking my friends this way isn't the smartest way to stay alive." Yusuke boasted without care to Gaol.
"Gaol, it is him right? He crossed the border." Botan asked."
"What!?" They turned to stare at Botan with perplexed expression.
"I'm glad you remember me. If my memory serves me correctly we only met once. I didn't think I made that much of an impression. Perhaps we both are just old. To answer your question Botan, yes it is. Tanneth came through Cairo slightly over four days ago."
"Where did he go? You must have helped him," Kurama this time.
Gaol merely smiled and spit. "Come on. I can fell it from here. You're a fox. Kurama if I think. I'm in need of a good gardener. Maybe…"
"Shut up and just ell us so we can get out of here, catch …uh….Tanneth and go back to my vacation." Yusuke of course.
Gaol laughed. Botan seemed to get more worried as he did. She had met Gaol before and she knew of what he and Tanneth could do. "You think you can take Tanneth. I doubt you can beat me even. Tanneth is way out your league, Urameshi."
"Why don't I wipe that grin of your face?"
A blue aura surrounded Yusuke as he powered up. It was nearly as bright as the blast was. Gaol was surprised. He had expected a showing more that what Hiei showed, but hat much more? He rose and eyebrow. Gaol maybe his powerful enough. This will be fun. The aura evaporated and Yusuke charged at Gaol. Gaol stood still and caught Yusuke's fist as he came. He flipped him over and tossed him into a wall. Yusuke fell from the wall and landed on his head. He got up holding like he had migraine. Gaol laughed.
"With all that power, you blindly attack me?" He continued to laugh.
"Just shut up! I was off balance."
"I should thank you for that, Urameshi. Very amusing, but Tanneth would have killed there."
Yusuke came again landing a blow to Gaol's head. Gaol fell onto his hand and kicked him. He then came up and thrashed a fist at Yusuke. Surprisingly Yusuke caught it and leaped up, landing a forceful hit in the head. Gaol came back around throwing Yusuke landed a few feet away with a grin on his face.
"You are good. Better than most I have ever faced."
Gaol studied him carefully. Unlike Hiei he was not what he expected. Fights clumsily but smartly and with good amounts of power. Gaol jumped in the air coming down like a hawk. Yusuke jumped in the air too. He gathered his energy into his hand and attacked. Gaol had wanted this though. It was the opening he needed. Yusuke felt his fist sink into his chest, then his elbow in the back of his head. He hit the ground much the same as Hiei. He struggled up top his feet and wiped a bloody nose. He powered up his fist again and charged. Gaol came to block, Yusuke let him and kicked him in the gut. The burns on his stomach stun and Gaol winced. Yusuke saw the opportunity he struck in the head. Gaol backed a few steps away. Yusuke and Hiei were a nice changed from what he usually dealt with. Maybe I should give him more credit. He focused his energy once again. Yusuke was already in a charge. Before he could blink he was hit in the head and then hit in the gut and thrown away. Hiei watched it carefully while the others stood in awe.
"What was…?" Yusuke was still in a little shock.
"It's way of moving fast almost to the point where you can't see. It's hard to stay long going that fast."
"Well I'll to slow you down then."
Yusuke charge again and waited for Gaol to do it again. He saw it then. It was so fast that he could only make out a blur. He thought of what he could do but then he felt the force hit his head. Three times it happened. Then Gaol came out and breathed a few times. Yusuke saw the stress on his body. If he could stop him while he was accelerating he would be helpless. Gaol accelerated again this time coming from above Yusuke. Let's see what he can figure out. He dropped down. Yusuke stopped and didn't try to avoid it like Hiei. Maybe… Gaol was upon him by then. With a load cry a wave of energy came in all directions. Gaol's hand was there about to crush Yusuke's neck. The wave picked his enhanced energy like a sail pushing him back into the air. He was helpless.
"Gotcha…"
Yusuke shot his sprit gun into Gaol's chest. Gaol smiled as he sailed. Tanneth was the only one whoever through like that. Not even others in his team. He was the best. He hit the ground on his back. He was dizzy from the ride. He lost his balance when he stood.
He laughed again and wiped blood from his mouth. "I guess you are worthy of your reputation. Not that your better than me but…hah….you gave me a nice chance to stretch my muscles."
"How did….how do move that fast."
Gaol said nothing.
Botan called out, "Please Gaol where did Tanneth go?"
"Why should I give him up to you? You can't help Botan let him handle it. Not that he would accept it either."
"Gaol, something is wrong. We need to find out what. Tanneth knows why."
Gaol paused. She was right of course. It had to be bad if Tanneth wouldn't let him help. "You can't catch him alone and I won't help."
"We don't need your help. Just tell us where he is and we'll leave you alone."
"As I said Urameshi, he will kill you. Well I guess if you are so eager. He went east. He said he would go to Singapore. I don't know if he made it. Look in the major cites for leads." Gaol turned his back and walked down the ally.
Author's Note (IMPORTANT) Tell me want you think. Anyway, I need a lot more characters. Keep sending. I have a lot of spots left. Suggestions welcome as well as some criticism. Just speak your mind.
I am going to stop quoting from Paradise Lost eventually, unless there is strong opposition to it.
Review please. Thanks for reading.
