Authors Notes: Honestly, I don't know about you guys & gals, but I'm not buying into this whole Christmas/X-mas business anymore. Its become a massive commercializing, moneymaking scam to me. In fact, for those that don't know, Jesus wasn't even born on the 25th Dec. In fact, if you want to, go to Youtube, Jesus is saviour. com, Jesus is Lord. com or any other sites you can find. But I recommend the last two sites I just mentioned.
Anyways, been a bit busy(I'm sure you all are during these two months). Been battling with a couple of personal issues, but still eager to get this out as quick as possible. Hopefully, it doesn't exceed the M rating or anything. This chapter's events happens at the same time as Chambers Of The Mythic Beasts I & II. I know its late, but I've decided(and its final) that the Sacred Stones and Path Of Radiance/Radiant Dawn cast will not be put in this story or its prequels. Believe me, its for the best.
Enilas – It may appear that way but believe me, this will be explained as the story unfolds (Which is somewhere down the line.) Don't worry though, it's only Formortiis and the creatures (Mythos and otherwise) that'll actually play a role in this story.
Fire Emblem: Legend Of The Chaos Hero
Book One: In The Grip Of Hatred
By Chaos Hero Mark
Chapter XI-X: Assassins Of The Church
Aboard Fargus's ship, Dart was busy scrubbing the floors. He was angry that Geitz ditched him to save his own hide, forcing the young pirate to clean ship by himself. He stopped for a moment and saw a blonde milkmaid nearby. She was looking for something or someone. He stared at her for a moment and eventually, she came aboard the ship, distressed about something.
"An' wat can I do fer ya, little Missy?"
Hearing Dart's voice, she turned her attention to him. "I'm looking for my Tinkels."
"Tinkels?" He shot her an eyebrow. "Mus' be her baby, but den whos' the dad?"
"Yes. He's my baby and I can't seem to find him anywhere." She stared at him, not realizing that he was shirtless and exposed to his manly six-pack. When she did notice, the milkmaid's cheeks turned a bright shade of pink. Dart was oblivious to what's happening and whistled for her attention.
"Oy, lady. W'ere was he last time?"
"He was somewhere near the docks."
Dart thought to himself for a moment and decided to help her. He found himself more interested in the milkmaid than her Tinkels. That and he hoped a good deed or two would grant him a pardon from Fargus. He got his shirt on, grabbed a Silver Axe, a Swordslayer and went with her. As they were walking, Dart noticed her staring at his weapons.
"Don'' worry lit'le Missy. I ain't gunna hurt ya. Dis just in case we run inta tr'uble."
"Oh, okay."
He shot her a smile and asked "Wat's ya name, Missy? De name's Dart."
"Florence, good sir." She began to return his smile.
"Don'' worry, Florence. We'll find ya lost baby. I'll check da udder ships while ya look ova dere."
An hour later, Dart and Florence met up again. The young pirate was confused as to why Florence was holding a pig in her arms. "Tinkels, say thank you to this gentleman." She smiled at him and had her piglet face him. "My Tinkels wants to say thank you."
Dart didn't even try hiding his dumbstruck and scowled expression. Eventually, Florence became uncomfortable around him and silently went home. Dart sighed heavily and returned to Fargus's ship to continue his slaving duties. "De Hell? Why do I getta meet all de strang' peopl'? Fi'st Cand'l Jack an' now a Milkmaid wit' a pig. Boy will Mark lauf his ass off w'en he hears dis won." From what he also knew, there has been some conflict brewing between him and the Legion. The young Berserker decided to take a break and go see the arena. It was a three minute walk from the docks to the arena. When Dart got closer, he saw what was an all out massacre. The assassins were outnumbering the soldiers two to one. The soldiers were too slow to even escape the assassins as they were being slaughtered indiscriminately; even killing people who had no intention of fighting.
"Shit." He cursed under his breath. Dart knew that fighting them was suicidal. The pirate made sure that he slipped away unseen and went for help.
- I -
"Stop your crying, you little shit!" The first Assassin screamed as he kicked the girl in the chest, causing her to fall over. Her head knocked against the cobble stoned floor, resulting in much harder crying.
"Let's shut this little bitch up!" Another irritated Assassin flashed his two Shamshirs. His partner however, flashed a grin. He had a sick idea in mind.
"Hey, hold on there. Let's not kill her just yet."
"Hey! What the Hell's wrong with you?! We don't have time for this shit!"
"Oh, c'mon. It'll be quick."
The two kept arguing as the girl's crying was lowered to a series of whimpers. She tried to get to her feet and ran, but the sexually, depraved Assassin gave chase, kicked her to the ground and held her down with his foot.
"Don't worry, partner. It'll be over before you know it. Hell, you can even watch me-" He cut himself short as he turned his neck to see his partner inching towards him with an arrow through his jugular. The second that Assassin fell over dead, an arrow hit the other one in the eye. He fell to the floor, writhing and screaming in pain. At that moment, he felt a boot nearly crushing his privates. The Assassin's screams were muffled as a Silver Axe was buried in his skull, killing him instantly. The girl had her ears covered during the commotion, still crying. She opened her eye to see a large, magenta-haired Warrior picking her up.
"Its alright, little girl. You're safe now. Where do you live?"
He patiently waited for her to calm down, which she did after a while. At the same time, he saw an angry Dart running towards him, shouting. "Geitz, ya sonuf a -" Dart stopped himself short as he saw his friend holding a crying little girl and two dead Assassins. "De Hell?"
"We got trouble." Geitz stared at him grimly, changing the subject.
"I 'now. We shou'd drag aur butts back ta de castle." As they sprinted, Dart asked. "Whose da girl?"
"Don't know. Just met her."
Once they made good distance, Geitz put the girl down as the pair caught a breather. Because she couldn't speak, the girl tried to make out her story. It took the two men a while to figure out what happened. They also noticed the cloak she wore and recognized it was Mark's.
"Shit. Mark's in trouble." The Warrior whispered as he turned to Dart. "You got ya weapons?"
Dart spoke, his face was serious as well. "Yeah, but we can't fi'ht all dem guys by aurselv's. We gotta tell Lady Lyn 'bout dis an' quick. She'll 'now w'at ta do."
- II -
Near the Trivalon castle, Lyndis stood in the middle of the outer courtyard, surrounded by the castle, its gates and the somewhat high walls. She was staring at the dark blue sky, painted with the stars and fragments of purple clouds. Her thoughts kept her company as the Caelin knights and the Falcoknight sisters were worried for her. They stood a distance, from her; discussing what their next course should be. When they settled it, they approached her with Florina in the lead.
"Milady Lyndis." Kent began. "We were discussing our next course of action. Perhaps we sho-"
"Don't bother. Mark already knows." Lyn spoke, cutting him off.
"How did he find out?" Sain interjected. "We all gave our word to keep Athos's warning a secret."
"I don't know." The Caelin princess shut her eyes as she whispered. "And we're no closer to knowing his motives."
Florina was the first to notice something troubling her. "Lyn, are you okay? Is something troubling you?" Her silence indicated to what Florina was guessing.
"That Mark is such a black heart. Damn him." The Green Lance spoke this mentally. He didn't wish to offend Lyndis, but it was no secret that him and Mark were on bad terms; though he wasn't the only one.
"I thought approaching him alone would have him...open up to me. I didn't think he'd..."
"Did he hurt you?" Rath asked in concern as he walked up to them. The others turned their attention to them as he came close to Lyn.
"No, not physically." She whispered.
"Did you tell him anything?" Fiora asked suspiciously. She got a glance from everyone.
"No." Lyn countered. "But it was like he knew everything. He didn't wait for me to answer, yet he knows why we're here and when the others are coming."
"Why didn't you lie to him?"
"Fiora." Kent tried to refute her.
"Its against our creed to speak lies. You know this." Rath spoke up. He wasn't much of a talker and he only spoke when necessary.
Fiora's bluntness of Mark only aggravated things further. "My apologies Lady Lyndis, but if he knows now, this could be a huge problem. I don't know of the relationship you two have, but he can't be trusted...not anymore."
"Wait." Kent interrupted. "This might be hearsay, but I've heard that Fargus knows more about him than Dart and Geitz. We should ask him something about Mark's past. It should give us a better indication of his character, or as he calls himself 'Gary Stu'."
"I see why he prefers Mark. Gary Stu has got to be the most god-awful name I've ever heard." Sain thought.
"I should've asked sooner." The plainswoman looked at them. "He never talked about it, but when we first met Fargus, it was Mark who convinced them to give us passage. His connections with the Davros saved us from an unwanted conflict. Perhaps Dart can-"
"No. We shouldn't let Dart in on this." Sain interrupted. "Him or Geitz might have told Mark about our intentions."
Lyndis however disagreed. "I thought the same thing, but neither of them had a chance to even see him. Mark's been avoiding them as well." She then, mentally added. "I wonder who was that man he carried. He went as far as to hide his face from everyone in the hallway. And the girl we saw this afternoon...who is she to Mark? Perhaps I should ask Fargus after all."
Their conversation was interrupted by a middle-aged woman approaching them. "I beg your pardon, but have any among you seen a little, red-haired girl wearing a blue dress? She has a damaged left eye and cannot speak."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we haven't seen her." Kent spoke up. A few feet away, Knarvet saw his wife and headed their way.
"Florine! What are you doing here?"
They all turned their attention to the elite as his wife responded. "Knarvet, have you seen Otranielle? I can't seem to find her."
"No...and you're not suppose to be out here, especially this late."
"I know that!" His wife countered. "But I'm worried for her."
"Lady Lyndis!" Dart shouted from afar as he and Geitz ran towards them, who was holding a girl in his arms. Knarvet saw the girl's tear-stricken face and drew his scepter.
When he got closer, the Warrior placed the girl down so she could run to her adopted mother. Florine embraced the girl, but when she saw her bruised head, she glared daggers into the confused pair. "You brutes! What did you do to her?!"
Knarvet inched a bit closer, also seeking to know what's going. Everyone had their attention on the two, who was trying to clear up a misunderstanding with the older woman. "Hey, take it easy! We did nothing to her!" Geitz reasoned.
"Explain." Knarvet simply muttered in an deadpan tone. His face gave away no emotion at all.
Geitz began explaining. "These two assassins attacked her. I was nearby, when it happened."
"An' I jus' happ'n ta run inta him." Dart added. "Look. D'ere's dese guys attackin' de arena an' killin' all'a dem guards on duty."
"Colors!" The elite barked.
Geitz thought for a moment, then said. "Dark blue robes and clothing."
The girl left her foster mother's side and stood in between Dart, Geitz and Knarvet.
She tried to motioned to them what happened at the arena and showed them the cloak. Upon closer inspection, Knarvet and Lyndis were the first to recognize whose it was. Before the elite interrogated them further, Lyndis ran without another word. "Lady Lyndis, wait!" Kent shouted, but she ignored them. Gripping the hilt of her Mani Katti strapped to her side. Rarely did she remove the sword, because of how valuable it was to her. She couldn't wait for help as Mark was in danger. Remembering their afternoon conversation, the Sacaean felt her heart beating rapidly. Not often had she felt this, but it meant to her that something terrible had happened.
"This is bad." The Lancer cursed mentally, then faced his wife. "Florine, take her and go home. Now." His wife saw the battle-hardened look on his face and silently complied, while the others made their way to the stables to get their weapons and horses. Knarvet took off running without a moment's hesitation or waiting for them. Geitz and Dart took off running after him. Nearing the gates, the pair caught up to him as Geitz addressed Knarvet.
"Where are the soldiers, anyway?"
"No time to get them. Help if you must, but try to keep up." The Lancer's quick and cold response got a "Hmph." from Dart. While they were reaching the gates, leading to the towns, Geitz noticed the Caelin knights, Rath and the Falcoknight sisters needed to catch up. They didn't have time to wait for help anyway as Lyn stubbornly ran ahead.
They ran through the empty road under the evening night. The moonlight and stars were their only source of light. The fine road paved out of cobblestones, spread all the way to the docks. Most of the houses were empty because of the coming festival. It wasn't long before they reached the arena. The trio saw the entrances guarded by the Assassins, who've hid themselves to avoid been seen. Knarvet indicated that they stop, hide and quickly forge a plan. Dart was about to say something, but Geitz silenced him, seeing where Knarvet was going with this. Although they didn't see eye to eye with him, the old elite had many years of combat experience and was feared by many for his fighting prowess. He indicated and pinpointed where some of the Assassins may be hiding, even though it was relatively quiet.
- III -
"The doors have been barricaded. Our target won't escape." A subordinate concluded his report to Viper, their leader. The Assassin leader was seated on the throne above the arena as the underling stood behind him. "Boss. Are you sure about this? Our men are trapped in there with the Leos as well."
"Yes, I'm sure about this." The leader shifted his head to the side and glanced at his subordinate. "We need to make sure our target is dead and he needs to prove himself." The underling was unsure about the recent orders but chose to held his tongue. Another Assassin entered the small room. He was a middle aged man, who did his utmost best to hide his fatigue and anxiety.
"Boss, we have a problem."
"What now?" He muttered, giving away a slightly irritable tone.
"We have an uninvited guest. She's outside, killing our men on watch."
Viper turned to the younger subordinate and said. "Badem, gather the men and have two teams kill off our sneaking friend." He shifted his head further back and looked at his older henchman. "You, stay and keep me company."
"Yes, commander." Both responded at the same time as the younger one left. He ran down the hallways running into his peers now and then, relaying Viper's orders. As orders were received, the guild split into five teams. Two would go after Lyn, while another two would block every exit point and the last team would pick off any, attempting to escape or come to their aid.
Thoughts of Mark dying had gripped the plainswoman in fear. She didn't want her harsh words to be the last thing he heard from her. Lyndis made the mistake of running ahead, leaving the others behind. Despite this, fear for Mark's life and anger for his assailants consumed her as she ran in on of the corridors, leading to the beast chambers. A couple of feet away, she was greeted by the leader of ten Assassins and two Snipers. He whistled loudly, calling another ten Assassins and two Swordmaster from the other side. The entrance where she came from would soon be guarded by more assassins, making escape impossible. Some of the assailants smirked as they ogled Lyn, who gripped her sword hilt, while remaining calm.
Badem stepped forward from the group, flickering a dagger, so that Lyn could see each him clearly. "And what's a pretty girl lik' yaself doin' here?!"
"Get out of my way!" The Blade Lord screamed at Badem and his subordinates. The leader ignored her little outburst as he held out his hand, refraining his underlings from attacking her.
"Take a look behind ya. There's no escape, little girl." One Assassin jeered.
"Boss, we should have a little fun with her first." A Sniper chimed in as he licked his lips.
The swordswoman wasn't intimidated by the numbers or their jester talk. The situation left her at a disadvantage as Badem's party inched closer to her and hearing the shouting of the second party, the other was nearby. She stood against a wall and felt her hand against a door handle. The swordswoman was thankful for the door being unlocked. Not knowing what was inside, Lyndis didn't have time to worry what was behind the door she just entered. Gripping the sword hilt, her eyes burned with a murderous intent that was similar to Karel's. She eyed her opponents calmly as Badem inched near her with a devilish grin.
"Now wench, hand over your sword and get undressed. Mah boys an' I wan' ya ta put on a good show for us." Ignoring that remark, she kept Mark's dying image in her mind. She waited patiently as Badem came closer to her, flickering a simple knife. "Did ya hear me, bitch?! Start stripping 'fore we get rough wit' ya!" As over twenty assassins flocked to the entrance where she entered, the Sacaen channeled her anger accordingly. The room she entered was small, empty and enough room to maneuver around. It was now or never as she drew her Mani Katti, let loose a battle cry and began to fight.
The other three reached the arena only to find the entrance gate shut. Knarvet quickly ordered his companions. "You two go left and find another way in, I'll go this way. If you find Mark, stay with him! If not, find a way inside and help her!" Dart and Geitz left without hesitation, brandishing their weapons. Knarvet went the opposite direction, gripping his scepter.
The knights, Kent and Sain, along with the Falcoknights, Rath, Priscilla and Lucius made it to the arena. While the others saw five dead bodies lying in various places near the Colosseum, Kent gave instructions to the sisters to try and locate a way inside. Florina and Fiora flew up ahead, mindful of any archers waiting for them as the others looked for ways to get inside. Dart and Geitz saw the others and approached them.
"Do you two know a way inside?" Kent asked.
"We're still looking." Geitz answered. "How the Hell do they built these things? It's nothing like what I've seen in Badon."
Florina and Fiora flew back with worried expressions on their face. "We can't find Lady Lyndis anywhere." The older sister stated. "I assume she's inside one of the corridors."
"We have to hurry and get in, now!" Sain Snapped. "Florina! Fiora! See if you can find out how many there are left! The rest of us will try ta find a way inside!"
- IV -
Knarvet managed to find his way into the Colosseum and desperately began to search for Mark. As he ran through the corridors, he heard the feint sounds of battle some distance ahead. When he got closer, he saw dead bodies sprawled everywhere. Some had large neck wounds; others had limbs, heads and various parts of their bodies severed. Parts of the corridor was stained with blood, ranging from ruby red to semi-black. The Lancer came to a door, leading to a small room and saw more dead bodies. Lyndis was missing, but he was less concerned for her assuming she can hold her own. Although she cares for Mark as well, the Tacticians life was Knarvets first priority. He moved on, only to be interrupted by four Assassins, who drew their Shamshirs and dashed in for him.
The Lancer transformed his scepter into a spear, similar to Gathian's. His was green with turquoise markings and the blade was also cut from the same material as Mark's sword. He spinned the spear at rapid speed, keeping his assailants back. When he saw an opening, Knarvet thrust his spear through a man's chest. This left him open, or so they thought. Two Assassins tried to attack him, but he let go of his spear and grabbed the one's arm, breaking it while kicking the other and tossing the one against his partner. The fourth Assassin recognized Knarvet and fled without a second thought. The Lancer pulled his spear out of the dead man's chest and approached the two men who stood to their feet. The one fled, not realizing it was in vain as Knarvet used his ability. The Lancer did a full spin and thrust his spear, aiming it at the man. The extending spear, pierced the fleeing Assassin's neck. Blood gushed from the gaping wound in his neck as his dead body fell over.
Knarvet readied his spear at the other Assassin, who gripped his Shamshir with his working arm. The Assassin tried to attack, but Knarvet ended up disarming him in one attempt. The senior elite pointed the blade of the spear against the man's neck, pressing him to the wall. The tip was pushing tightly against his neck, causing a drop of blood to pour forth.
"Who do you work for?"
Despite his life a stake, the Assassin wasn't intimidated by the elite and spat defiantly, muttering. "I'll never talk. Go ahead and kill me!"
"You sure about that, young man?"
The Assassin remained silent, causing Knarvet to grow impatient and pierced his thigh. The Assassin screamed in pain as the Lancer's tone became cold.
"Last chance, boy!"
The Assassin clutched his bloodied thigh as Knarvet thought about killing the man, but decided to let him live for the moment. He thrust his spear against the other leg, incapacitating the assailant. The youth screamed as Knarvet left to continue his search for Mark.
Lyndis found herself sprinting hard in the empty audience area. She was pursued by a persistent Badem and a Sniper. She was covered with minor cuts and had a knife wound piercing her side. Parts of her smooth, silk skin and her tribal clothing were tattered and stained with the blood of her enemies. Once the sniper missed his shot and broke his string, the green-haired warrior turned around and saw her chance. She was disarmed of her sword during the commotion, forcing her to use her martial arts. She got into her stance, mindful of the awkward floors and benches. Callousness was still in her eyes as she was becoming more desperate to find her friend.
Badem drew his Shamshirs barking. "Yar a quick lit'le bitch, ain'tcha! Ahm gonna rape ya fer every one of me dead friends and w'en ahm done wit'cha, ahm gonna peel off yer pretty skin!"
Lyndis had one chance to disarm him. Badem was more competent than most Assassins. The Sniper drew his dagger, but hesitated in approaching Lyndis after witnessing how she massacred his companions. During the Nergal War, only one other incident caused her to go this insane, scaring even her closest friends. Badem multiplied his image temporarily, then flickered his Shamshirs and disappeared. At that same moment, he was in the air, attempting the Silencer. She dodged his first slash. He disappeared to the other side and did another slash, but Lyndis anticipated him. Before he did his final slash, she blocked his dagger arm, locking it with her legs and breaking it as they fell to the floor. She could hear the bone snap as he yelped in pain, but it didn't end for Badem. He tried to stab her with the other arm, but she blocked him and banged his hand against the bench, causing him to drop the Shamshir.
The swordswoman got up in time as the Sniper came at her. His dagger managed to leave a scar across her left cheek as she inched a few steps back. He came at her again, only to have his dagger arm intercepted as she spinned him to the floor. The plainswoman twisted his arm and kicked his neck, causing it to snap. Lyndis barely recovered when Badem ran in for her, only to disappear and reappeared to her left and tackled her off the audience area; into the center pit. Despite the hard landing, the Sacaen warrior used her foot and threw him off her. He rolled himself to his feet as Lyndis rose from the ground, clutching her aching side. Despite Badem's offense, she countered carefully, by throwing alternating punches to the Assassin's face and chest.
- V -
The young sword dancer stood victorious over her foe as he lied face down, in a deceased state. His face battered and bloodied from her fists. She was taking short, quick breaths as Lyn clutched her wounded side. The entrance gates were locked as she stood in the center of the arena, where the Deathmatch takes place. Unbeknownst to her, Viper was watching high above the throne room. The Assassin jumped and descended all the way to the same pit, some distance away from Lyndis. The second he drew his dust red Shamshirs, the swordswoman turned and saw her opponent. Unlike the others, she could tell that he was very skilled. Without her Mani Katti, Lyn couldn't do much against him as he slowly walked in her direction.
"I'm impressed. Rarely is there a woman who could give me a challenging fight. You would make a worthy opponent, indeed."
She saw herself trapped as her side wound also began to take its toll. Lyndis assumed her fighting stance, out of a final attempt even though her hands were slightly numb from killing Badem, bare-handed. Knarvet made his way into the crowd area and saw Lyn about to engage in a fight. What worried him was that the Assassin she was up against could be their leader, judging by the clothing he wore. Before the Assassin dashed at her, Knarvet had used the Extender ability and aimed at Viper's path. The Assassin stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the mark made in the ground. They both turned and saw the Lancer joining them.
"Go and find him. I'll handle this knave." The elite addressed Lyn while keeping his eyes on the Assassin leader.
Lyndis took Knarvet's offer and left as the Lancer got into his fighting stance, similar to Gathian's. The guild leader did his stance and eventually recognized who he was up against.
"That mongrel Jazmal never warned me about this man. Could he be?"
Before Viper spoke, Knarvet began to attack him. As they were fighting, Lyn was at the sealed entrance as only the inner gate was lifted. Running through the corridor, she expected trouble, but found herself relieved to see it was her allies. Kent, Sain and Rath rode up to her. Their clothing and armor stained with blood as Dart and Geitz joined them.
Rath handed over her Mani Katti and told Lyn. "Next time, don't run off without us."
Kent noticed her wounds and motioned for Sain to get Priscilla. "Milady, stay close to us!"
"There's no time! Mark's in danger!" She shouted.
As Priscilla used her Mend Staff to heal Lyn's wounds, Rath spoke with finality in his tone. "Lyn, you're in no state to fight! More Assassins are coming this way!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't let him die!" She shouted, sheathing her sword. "I've an ill feeling this guild was hired to kill him!"
Kent looked at her with concern. "She's acting rather violently...can't be."
The plainswoman ran down the corridor to search for Mark. "Lyn wait!" Rath shouted after her in vain. He cursed under his breath and turned to his companions as they gave chase. "After her! We can't let any harm come to her!"
As they rode off, Dart was nearby with Geitz and Lucius in tow. The Legion had to be on guard at all times as pandemonium ensued in the Colosseum. Knarvet and Viper were holding nothing back during their duel. Viper tried to get close, but the Lancer's spear kept him at bay. Knarvet attempted to strike Viper, but disappeared causing the blow to hit the vacant spot, like a whiplash. The Devil Serpent kept running around the Lancer, who was waiting for him to strike. Viper disappeared from his naked eye, which forced Knarvet to rely on his ears. Viper reappeared, having his dust red Shamshirs drawn. He aimed for Knarvet's neck, but in that same moment, the elite jumped back, dodging his fatal move. He thrust his spear in mid-air, piercing his shoulder all the way to the bone. Viper screamed in agony as the Lancer ripped the spear out of the Assassin's shoulder. Viper backdashed and clutched his bleeding shoulder, staring at Knarvet. The Lancer used his Extender ability, aiming to kill Viper. The Assassin dodged each and every blow as he makes his retreat. The elite chased after him, but the Viper's agility was far greater than his and even ended up high-jumping out of the pit and into the audience area.
Knarvet knew he couldn't give chase as he didn't have the reflex to scale the walls. He retreated, still concerned about Mark. The guild leader ran through the corridors, wondering where his subordinates went. It didn't take him long to figure out that they had withdrawn. He came to a door of a vacant office and picked it, using a Lockpick. Compared to most assassins, rogues, whispers and thieves; his hands were quick in opening the door. It was another empty room with a single window. He looked out the window and found himself high up from the ground. Viper did a daring jump from a three story window; making sure his landing was subtle and silent. Once he touched ground, Viper sprinted further from the arena, Shamshir drawn. His shoulder wound took its toll as the pain got to him. He looked at his Elixir tied to his waist and saw a shredded piece of pouch from where the Elixir once was.
"Damn him! During our fight, he must've..."
Viper looked at his surroundings and saw the entrance gate was lifted. He cursed under his breath, knowing that the enemy took over the Colosseum and reactivated the switch. He hid himself, some distance away as he waited to see who else was involved. A lone man came out of the arena and to his surprise, it was his target. The Assassin readied his red Shamshir as Mark ran unsuspectingly towards him. Once he was closer, Viper blitzed towards him and plunged the poison-coated Shamshir into his stomach. He leaned forward into Mark's ear and whispered.
"The fang of the Pale Horse eats of what little time you've left. Your last hours will be a painful experience."
The Assassin pulled the hooked knife out of his stomach, causing a gush of blood to flow from the wound. The Tactician fell over as Viper saw a dead underling near the entrance. He took Mark's scimitar and began to make his escape. Fleeing from danger, Viper was left to his thoughts.
"That bastard owes me an explanation. But first..."
- VI -
"Kent! The enemy's retreating!" Fiora shouted as she landed near the audience seats. Priscilla and Lucius came up to them with Dart and Geitz in tow. The Warrior was covered with blood and minor cuts, while Dart's chest was bleeding, though the wound was minor.
"Hey, what's wrong with Lady Lyndis?" Geitz asked with concern. "She's scaring the Hell outta me."
"There nothing wrong with her." Kent attempted to reason. "She's just...acting irrational."
"Irrati'nal?" Dart spoke sarcastically. "Tell dat ta de de'd guys we jus' ran inta earlier."
"Are you saying Lyndis did all that?" Fiora interjected.
"Forget that." Geitz interrupted. "Hasn't anyone found Mark yet, cos' we're suppose ta save his ass!"
Fiora and Kent remained silent as Sain walked up to them with a worried look on his face. "There's one door we can't get open." Everyone turned to him as he continued. "There seems to be sounds of roaring beasts coming from that room. Similar ta what Karel faced earlier."
Their conversation was interrupted when Lucius shouted near the entrance. "Guys! We found him!"
They made their way to the outside entrance, which was opened by a switch Knarvet found in his vain pursuit of Viper. They saw Lyndis outside, cradling Mark's body as Priscilla came back with a Restore Staff in hand. She had already healed his wound, but something else was wrong. The Valkyrie began to use the staff, while chanting the necessary words. Knarvet and Rath eventually joined up with them as Priscilla finished. Lyn's face began to show fear at the worst as she shouted at Priscilla.
"What's wrong with him?! Why isn't he waking up?!"
Knarvet stepped a bit closer and inspected Mark. What he saw was not to his liking.
"Everyone, get back!" He shouted sternly as everyone took a few steps back.
"Why?!" Lucius asked as they slowly back away from Mark and Lyn.
"You risk infection if his blood touches you!"
At that moment, Mark grabbed her shoulder by its clothing, burying his face in her chest and erupted a violent cough. The Blade Lord was caught by surprise, but did nothing as the others backed away at instinct, following Knarvets instructions. She took his face off her blood-covered chest and saw blood mixed with greenish toxic flowing from his nose, mouth and ears. His eyes had rolled back into his head; his grip on life had frayed to a mere thread.
Authors Note: I normally don't ask, but I'd like to hear from you guys on this so far. As long as you don't flame, you opinions, reviews, constructive criticism and praise is welcomed.