Okay guys here is chapter 4. You'll forgive me if there are a few grammatical errors, i'm dead tired. I decided to stay up and finish this chapter instead of turning in early. Hope you like it and enjoy.
P.S. the only reason my character is named Spike is because thats one of the only two names i use for my video game characters (well that and Revan).
Spike walked deeper into the catacombs; his eyes darting all over the place. The fight with the hollow men still freaked him out a little. He had heard stories about how horrible hollow men were but they didn't even come close to actually looking at one.
HE made it to the next room and saw a red flit switch floating in the air. He charged a fireball and shot it at the switch. It exploded like the first one and Spike felt another rumble. A set of stairs rose up in front of him with a glowing blue arrow at the end.
Spike stepped on the arrow and a second platform rose up in front of the arrow. Spike followed the arrows until one rose up under a glowing blue brazier. Six blue balls of light shot out of it and into the ground. Spike felt a chill run up his spine as he saw more hollow men rise up.
The path he was on left little room to maneuver and one wrong step meant falling to his death. Spike charged up his gauntlet and shot a fireball at the hollow men. It exploded and set the corpses ablaze.
The four in front turned to dust instantly and the remaining two were covered in fire. They let out inhuman howls and shuffled toward Spike. He pulled out his pistol and fired it at the hollow men.
One bullet hit the one on the left in the chest and the one on the right got hit in the head. They disintegrated and Spike continued his trek through the room. He had to fight two more groups of hollow men and dispatched them with a fireball and a few well placed bullets.
It seemed that the hollow men had a weakness to fire and Spike fully exploited it. The tomb was in severe disrepair; there were whole sections blocked off do to fallen rubble. The central chamber had huge columns and there were hollow men roaming around.
Spike pulled out his rifle and shot at the hollow men. The first two fell before the others knew what was happening. The rest charged at Spike but he kept them at bay with a mix of fire and gun shots.
One or two hollow men would have reached him if not for Drake pouncing on them. Spike made it through the scores of hollow men and to the heart of the catacombs. The camber was as tall as a tower, with stairs leading to the center.
Spike heard a faint tinkling musical sound as he entered the room. The center of the room had a single pedestal and a single beam of light was hitting it. Spike walked closer to it and the music became louder as he did. He reached the pedestal and looked at it confused.
The pedestal held an old circular music box. The box was the source of the music and the beam of light. Spike was sure he heard his father tell him about a music box a long time ago.
"I can't believe it, could this be my dad's old music box?" He reached out his hand attentively and closed his fingers around the box. The light grew brighter and the let out a large flash.
Spike blinked a few times and saw the same gateway as when he first touched the guild seal.
"You have done well young one. But there is much that I must tell you; step into the gateway and I will reveal it to you." Spike jumped slightly at hearing Theresa's voice as if it was in his own head.
He stepped into the gateway and felt the familiar lurch of teleportation. He blinked and saw that he was transported to 'the Road to Rule' as Theresa called it.
"Congratulations Hero, touching the guild seal shows what you could become. Reaching the music box proves what you already are. Only a hero could have done it, you are also learning how to control the powers you possess.
"You have great potential; but it is only the first step you must take. Albion is crying out for a revolution, and someone to lead it. Gaining support for you rebellion will be hard, but facing your brother Logan with be an even greater challenge.
"However, you must remember that this is not about personal revenge. While your brother sits on the throne, Albion is in great danger. Open the music box and you will see."
Spike looked down at the box; he took the key in his right hand and turned it. The box opened up and let out a blinding white light.
He blinked and found himself in the war room inside the castle. The curtains were all drawn and the room was covered in shadow. The only light came from the map of Albion.
"This is my Albion, its cities will bow to my law or they will burn." Logan walked to the map, slowly looming out of the darkness. There was a hungry look in his eyes as he looked at the map.
"Its mountains will bend to my will or they will fall. This is my Albion and its people will submit to my rule, or they will die. Its future will be as I decree or it will end." He leaned over the map and slowly waved his hand over it.
"I've seen what must be done and nothing will stand in my way. We will be greater, and we will be stronger, no matter what sacrifices we must make. This is my Albion and I will see it destroyed before I surrender it." He slammed his hand down on the map.
Spike blinked and he was back in front of Theresa. He couldn't believe what he saw, what had happened to his brother? What happened to the brother that stood up for the weak?
He held back tears as he looked up at Theresa.
"If any part of you doubted the need of a revolution, you have your answer." Spike shot her an angry glare and rubbed his eyes with his right hand. His left hand tightened over the music box.
"The kingdom will face annihilation under you brother's rule." She gave him a sympathetic look and motioned to the gate behind her.
"Now, do what you must to gain your first ally. For you cannot lead a revolution without followers. Sabine is a good man, and his people are strong." With that she disappeared into thin air.
"Thanks for nothing!" He retorted as he shook his hand in the air. He stepped forward and pushed the gate open. He grabbed the new shock gauntlet and the upgrade for his melee weapons and stepped through the gate.
He teleported back to the library in a flash of light. The librarian let out a shriek of horror and the papers he was holding went flying in the air.
"Blessed index cards, you made it. This is cause for great rejoicing. Albion has a Hero again, if ever I can be of assistance I would be honored to serve you." Spike gave him a nod and walked out of the library.
The sun was starting to set and cast the town in a soft red glow. People were still bustling about trying to get some more work done before they went home for the day. The crickets were all chirping along with the rest of the nightlife animals.
He was still fuming about what he saw; he couldn't believe the vision was true. He walked all the way to the tavern before he even realized where he was. He sat down at the one of the tables and waited for a barmaid.
He set the music box down on the table and stared at it mutinously. As if the box was the cause of all of Albion's problems. It took the barmaid a few minutes but she finally got to him.
"What can I get for you love?" She gave Spike a flirtatious smile but he didn't even look at her.
"I'd like a pint of your strongest drink." She gave him a nod and walked off.
Three hours later Spike was still sitting at the table. He was half way through his sixth pint and he was drunk.
His body felt weightless and it swayed left and right. His vision was blurred and he had trouble focusing. He saw someone pull out the chair next to him and sit down. Spike couldn't make out their face but he recognized the red and blue shirt they wore.
"Go away Walter! I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone!" He downed the last of his beer and slammed down his goblet.
"What's wrong Spike? I've never known you to even taste alcohol, let alone down enough of it to get drunk." Walter put his hand on Spike's shoulder. Spike jerked his shoulder away and put his head on the table.
"Why did this happen? Why did my brother change? What did he see on his journey?" Spike felt tears fall down his face and he put his hands on top of his head. A barmaid came and handed Walter a pint of his own.
"Ah my boy, it's not your fault. I don't know what your brother saw on his journey, but I know it corrupted him. He's not your brother any longer; he is but a shadow of his former self.
"We're not starting this revolution to kill him; we're doing it to help the people. His rule is slowly killing the kingdom. I know that you wish it didn't have to be this way, but you not alone.
"You have me and Jasper to turn to; we'll always have you back, no matter what." He pat Spike on the back and took a swig of his drink. Spike placed his hands on the table and slowly sat up.
"Why Walter? Why do you and Jasper do that? What reason do you two have to follow me so blindly? What could you possibly see in me?" He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling.
"Your special my boy; you have a good heart. You wish for nothing but the best for people. You try your hardest to help anyone you can and you ask for nothing in return. Your father was my best friend; he was a great man.
"You remind me of him so much, you are truly your father's son." Spike felt more tears fall down his face as Walter took another sip of his beer. Spike sat there and cried for a few minutes and Walter just watched him.
Spike finally stopped crying and rubbed his face. He tried to stand up but he fell back down immediately. Walter shot up and caught Spike around his waist before he hit the floor.
"Whoa now son; your not sober enough to go anywhere. Why don't you rest for the night and I'll see if I can find out more about the mercenaries that are troubling the Dwellers." He lifted one of Spike's arms over his shoulder and hefted him to the barkeep.
"Do you have any rooms for rent? My young friend here drank a few too many." Spike gave a grunt of disapproval but Walter just chuckled lightly. The barkeep gave him a smile and motioned one of the barmaids to him.
"Joanna here will show you to one of the spare rooms we have." Joanna had long red hair and a decent sized bust. She was the maid that tried to get Spike's attention three hours ago but failed.
"Oh what happened to him? Do you need any help carrying him?" Walter shook his head no and Spike grunted in protest. Joanna walked Walter to the room and waited by the door. Walter laid Spike on the bed and pulled off his boots.
Spike fell asleep almost immediately after his head hit the pillow. Walter set his weapons and boots next to the bed and walked to the door. He closed the door and locked it behind him.
Joanna's face fell when she saw Walter pocket the key. Walter ignored her and walked back to the barkeep.
"Here's the gold for the room for the night. I'd like it if you and your staff don't disturb him and let him sleep as long as he needs." The barkeep gave him a nod and took the gold Walter gave him.
Walter was gone for an hour and the bar was starting to attract more customers. The barkeep was so busy pouring drinks that he didn't notice one of the barmaids wasn't working the floor.
Joanna was slowly creeping down the hallway; intent on not being seen by anyone. She made her way to Spike's room and looked left and right down the hall.
She put here hands in her pocket and pulled out a ring of keys. She fumbled with the keys for a second before shoving it into the lock. She turned the key slowly and let out a small gasp when it clicked open.
She opened the door and slid inside before she shut it slowly. She stood stock still until her eyes adjusted to the lack of light in the room. She saw Spike's gear resting on the end table next to the single bed.
Spike was sleeping on his back with his left arm covering his eyes.
'He's asleep, perfect.' She felt a smile cross her lips and she pushed the keys back in her pocket. She slowly inched forward taking light steps so as not to make a sound to wake him up.
She was half way across the room when one of the floorboards gave a loud creak. She eyes snapped to Spike as he gave a soft grunt. She froze up and watched Spike for a few minutes.
Spike rolled to his stomach and pushed his arms under his pillow. She watched him for a few more minutes and then finally moved again.
She reached the side of the bed and looked down at the table. Spike's pistol and coin purse were resting on the table with his sword and rifle leaning against the side of it.
She reached over and slowly picked up the coin purse, she opened it up and her face fell. The purse held less than a hundred gold in it. She closed the bag and set it back down on the table.
She turned to leave, felling that there wasn't anything worth stealing in the room. She took one step toward the door when a flash of gold caught her eye.
She looked at Spike and saw a thin golden chain hanging around his neck. She cast a look at the door and then back at Spike.
She slowly bends over Spike's torso and her hands moved toward his neck. She grabbed the chain between her thumbs and index fingers. She slowly lifted it up until it was a few inches away from his neck.
Then she began to slowly pull the chain in one direction until she found the clasp. She unhooked the chain and set one end down next to Spike's head. She began to pull the other end and was slowly freeing the chain from under Spike's neck.
She had freed most of the chains length when it met with resistance. The other end was apparently stuck on something that was under Spike's throat.
She gave the chain a few soft tugs but it didn't budge. Her eyes flicked to Spike face to see if he had woken up. Spike had a soft but hurt look on his face. Spike let out a soft murmur of "Elise" and rubbed his face into his pillow.
She gave the chain one last tug and it gave way. She finally freed the whole chain and saw what it was caught on. There was a small golden emblem caught on the chains hook.
She picked up the chain and held it all in her hand. She turned to leave when she felt a hand suddenly close on her left arm.
She turned and saw Spike's hand around her forearm and he was glaring at her. He slowly sat up and kept his eyes locked on hers. Joanna felt her heart jump into her throat and her breathe became ragged.
"Give it back" he spoke in a soft but firm voice. Joanna tried to back away from him but he pulled her back by her arm.
"Give it back!" He said it louder as he stood from his bed. She jerked her arms a few times but Spike increased his grip on her arm. Joanna was starting to hyperventilate and she felt her legs give out.
Spike bent down and grabbed her other arm. He let go of her left arm and started to pry her hand open. His necklace fell to the floor with a light clink and he snatched it up. He put it in his pocket and pulled her into a standing position.
"If you ever try to steal from me again and I'll break your hands." He pulled her to the door and yanked it open. He flung her out into the hall and slammed the door shut.
Joanna sat there for a few minutes to catch her breath. She leaned on the wall as she slowly stood up. She slowly made her way back to work.
The sun was streaming into the quiet and still room. The sun was hitting Spike in the face and he let out a small groan. He held his hand in front of his face to shield his eyes.
He slowly lifted his head and looked around the room. He sat up and set his feet on the floor.
"That beer kicked my ass" he put his hands to his head and rubbed his temples softly. He stood up and gathered his things; he needed to see if Walter was back yet.
He left the room and walked to the front door. He saw Joanna talking to the bartender and shot her an angry glare. She let out a whimper and Spike walked out of the pub.
The sun was still rising in the sky and people were slowly opening their stalls and shops. Spike walked across the street and into the blacksmith shop.
He walked around the shop examining the weapons on display. He stopped to look at one of the swords and read the card. 'The Lover Sword' Spike read the card and shook his head.
"I'd rather not have a weapon made by lusty Larry; guy was more interested in making more kids than making good weapons.' He walked around the store a few more minutes and then made his way back to the pub.
He saw Walter standing at the corner of the pub and walked forward.
"There you are, the owner said you'd left a few minutes ago. How's the head?" Spike shook his head and Walter let out a laugh.
"I have some information on the mercenaries Sabine mentioned. They are lead by a man called Saker. He use to be a soldier but he had more in common with bandits and cutthroats than the military.
He and his men are hold up in a fortress up in the mountains so it won't be easy to get in. But I have a plan." Walter turned and walked up the sidesteps. Spike followed him into a room overlooking the main pub.
There was a half naked man passed out at the table. The man was covered in tattoos and dirt. The smell coming off of him was repugnant; Spike could feel bile rising up in the back of his throat.
"This sod is one of Saker's mercenaries, a cold-blooded killer. His name is Clarence but everyone calls him Jimmy. He was drinking in the pub all day and making live generally unpleasant for everyone else.
"It didn't take much to get him completely pickled. These young-blood mercenaries, bloody lightweights if you ask me." Spike let out a small snort and gave Walter an amused look.
Just put on his clothes and you'll have a free ticket into their camp. Just try not to think about what those stains are." Spike gave Walter a disgusted look and hesitantly took the clothes.
"What will you do with him while I'm gone?" Spike motioned to 'Jimmy' and he continued to snore on the table.
"I think the guards will like to have a word with him, now go get changed." Spike simply set the clothes down and shut the door. He disrobed and set his clothes on the floor. He switched into the mercenaries clothes and picked up his.
"Not bad, but you'll need to put in a pit of extra effort. Even these idiots would notice if you don't have his beard or tattoos, see if you can find them in town. I'll see who we need to talk to about food for the dwellers."
Spike turned to leave but then turned back to Walter. "How do you do it?" It was a simple question but it had Walter surprised none the less.
"How do I do what lad?" Spike looked at the mercenary and back to Walter.
""I'm going to be going after a bunch of mercenaries now, how can I fight them. It will be a fight for survival with Saker at the very least. I've never even fought another person let alone kill them. How do you justify killing someone else?"
Walter gave a sigh and walked over to Spike. He took off Spikes hat and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I fought in a war lad; it's quite different from fighting mercenaries. But I'll tell you a secret lad. There is no justifying the taking of a life. The most you can do is remember why you took a life.
"It may be wrong to kill someone but its worse to let them live, knowing that they would harm more people because you didn't stop them." Spike looked Walter in the eyes and gave him a weak smile.
"So I'm taking life to save more lives?" "Exactly" Walter gave him a pat on the back and handed him the hat. Spike took the hat and walked out into town.
Spike finished getting all he pieces for his disguise and was walking back up the mountain to the mercenary camp. He kept scratching his face because of the false beard he was wearing.
His arm itched because the ink of his fake tattoo was starting to dry as well. He wasn't going to get a real tattoo of something as ridiculous as tally marks on his arm. He made his way through the woods and saw a chunk of the forest cut clear.
There was a wooden wall on the other side of the stream with red banners hanging from the sides. There were men on the top of the wall holding rifles and they were walking along the wall, watching the road for any activity.
'Time to see if this foul smelling disguise is worth wearing.' Spike walked up to the wall and one of the guards noticed him.
"Hey Jimmy! Back from killin some dwellers? Come on in." The gate lifted and Spike's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Not too bright are they?' He gave the man a small wave and walked inside.
The path leads around the outskirts of the forest and had lookout posts every few hundred feet. Drake was keeping close to Spike's leg and he let out a few whimpers. Spike stopped and crouched down to Drake's level.
"It's going to be okay boy; you don't have to go with me if you don't want to." He rubbed Drake's back in comfort and the hound looked at his master. Spike gave him a smile and pant his head.
"Why don't you go back to the creek and wait for me there okay?" Drake wagged his tail and let out a bark. Spike gave him one more pat and stood up. He watched Drake run back down the path and through the gate just before it closed.
Spike smiled lightly and turned to continue his trek into Saker's camp.
He was half way down the path when he heard someone shout "Hey Jimmy! Over Here!"
Two bandits were standing next to a cannon and one was waving to him. 'Guess I have no choice.' He walked up to the bandits and let out a gruff "hello."
"Hey Jimmy show him the thing you do, you know the 'thing'." Spike gave him a look of confusion and felt his heart start to hammer faster.
'What the hell is this guy talking about? What thing? Shit! This isn't good, I have to think of something quick or they'll realize I'm not Jimmy. But what!?' The bandits were waiting with expectant looks on their faces as they watched Spike.
Spike gave a look of sudden realization and walked closer to the second bandit. He grabbed the man's head pulled it down to his ass and let out a loud fart. The man let out noises of disgust and the other one began to laugh hysterically.
Spike smiled at the second bandit as he waved his hand in front of his face and gagging loudly.
"Oh I never get tired of that! Thanks Jimmy!" The first bandit kept laughing and Spike walked away from them. 'I don't know what's worse, the fact that I did something as revolting as that. Or that it was what Jimmy normally does to people.'
Spike let out a small shudder and kept walking down the path. He made it to the second gate and waved at the guard.
The man said some drivel about drinking alone and let Spike through the second gate. Spike had now made it to the camps entrance and looked around. The camp was in a cleared out circular area. The path twisted its way up the hill to the top and had a high wooden wall.
There was a third gate that blocked off the heart of the camp from the open clearing. Spike walked up to the only house in the clearing which was sitting next to the third gate. There were two men standing next to the gate, chatting about nothing unparticular.
He waved and one of the guards looked up at him.
"Jimmy? Is that really you? You look different somehow, were your eyes always that color?" The man leaned closer to Spike and looked him in the eyes.
"Nah! Jimmy's got periwinkle eyes, like a beautiful summer morning. This man ain't him!" Spike looked at the man incredulously. 'What the fuck is that?! How the hell do they know each others eye colors?! And why the fu... SHIT!'
Spike ducked as the man swung his sword at Spike's neck. Spike heard alarms sounding all over the camp and saw more men rushing at him. He pulled out his sword and blocked the second man's swing.
He kicked the first man who smashed into the houses railing and fell to the floor. The second man swung again but Spike spun to the left, dodging the man's vertical swing. Spike thrust his blade at the man and stabbed him in the shoulder.
The man grabbed his arm and Spike swung his left leg up, kicking the man in the head. The man dropped to the floor but at the same time, first one got up again. By this time, the other three men had run up to them and surrounded Spike.
Spike held his sword in front of him but kept darting his eyes at the four bandits. His legs kept twitching, trying to make him move in any direction. His heart was thudding a mile a minute and his hands were starting to sweat.
He charged up his gauntlet and held his right fist closed. The four men charged at the same time and Spike dropped down. He slammed his hand on the ground and a ring of fire burst out of the ground.
The fire threw the four attackers back and Spike pulled out his pistol and shot one of them in both his legs. Before anyone could blink, Spike slashed the second one across the tops of his thighs as he spun to face the last two men.
The last two men were still getting up from the sudden explosion. Spike jumped up and came down hard on the third bandits gut. The bandit let out a loud heaving noise and passed out from the sudden blow.
The last man got up and was running at the gate. Spike took a few quick breaths; the cold air helped him keep his blood lust in check. He turned to see the fourth bandit slamming his fist against the gate.
"Help! We need more men out here! This guy's insane!" The gate opened slowly and Spike ran at the man. The gate fully opened to reveal two bandits with muskets in hand.
Spike didn't wait for them to take aim; he just shot another fireball at them. The fireball hit the men and exploded, throwing the three men to the ground. Spike ran through the gate, his eyes darting left and right.
He ran past the bleeding men and followed the path. He heard a gunshot and felt something nick his left cheek. He saw two bandits hunched by a cannon, one of them reloading his rifle.
The second one stood up and brought his rifle up aiming at Spike. Spike didn't even fell his hand move as he unleashed a fireball at the powder keg next to the cannon. The barrel exploded in a sudden flash of fire.
The two bandits were thrown away from the cannon by the force of the explosion. They hit the dirt hard, their blood flowing out of the multiple punctures and cuts from the shrapnel.
Spike didn't have time to let the fact sink in that he just killed two men. Six more bandits had just reached him with their swords drawn. Spike pulled out his pistol and shot one in the shoulder.
The bandit yelled in pain as he hunched over. The other five let out roars of rage as they advanced on Spike. One of them jumped at Spike swinging his sword in a downward slash.
Spike sidestepped to the left and stabbed the man in his gut. Spike pulled out his blade and brought his sword up just in time to stop another bandits attack to his face. The first bandit fell to the ground, groaning in pain as he bled out.
A third bandit yelled as he swung his sword down at Spike. Spike kicked the second bandit away from him, and felt the rush of air as the blade just missed his face. Spike let out a yell as he swung his sword at the second bandit, while he brought up his right elbow at the thirds face.
The second bandit blocked Spike's blade but Spike's elbow smashed into the thirds face. Spike could feel the bandit's nose break as his strike connected with the man's face. The man fell to the ground in silence as he passed out.
His blade fell to the ground at Spike's feet, the bandit laying still, his blood flowing down his face. Spike brought his right knee up into the bandit's gut and his right fist into the bandit's face.
The last three bandits watched the fight in shock. In only twenty seconds the intruder not only fought off three men, he didn't even get a scratch doing it.
Spike turned and looked at the three bandits; he had a look of rage on his face. The three bandits advanced on Spike but they left five feet of distance between them and him.
Spike took a step forward and the bandits took a step back. Spike took a step to the left and the bandits stepped left so he couldn't advance.
'At least their learning, they know I can beat them in a close combat fight. Their staying just out of my reach. But close enough that I wouldn't have time to hit them with any magic.
I can't stay here wasting time on them; right now their boss could be fortifying his position. I've got to think of something fast.' Spike kept his eyes on the three bandits but he kept glancing around every few seconds.
He saw another barrel of gun powder next to the hut to his right. He looked back at the bandits and took a few steps right. The bandits stepped right to block him, Spike took a few steps back and the bandits advanced on him.
Spike steeled up his nerves and took a deep breath. He faked a lunge at the bandits at the same time as he shot a fireball at the barrel.
The bandits jumped back, falling for Spike's feint. Time seemed to slow as the bandits watched the fireball travel toward the gunpowder. They opened their mouths about to scream when the barrel exploded.
The three men were thrown down the path in a shower of wood and fire. Spike watched them fall and then looked back up the path. There were two more bandits loading their rifles, crouched behind a wall of sandbags.
Spike dashed to the outcrop of rocks to his left and ducked behind them. He just got behind cover when the heard a shot bounce off the rocks right in front of him. He tried to look out past the rocks when a second shot bounced off the rocks in front of his face.
'Suppressing fire, Saker is teaching his men some military tactics. I got to keep pressing them or they'll get the upper hand.' Spike looked around but didn't see anything useful near him.
He hit his head against the rock in frustration. His eyes shot open and he looked up at the bandana still on his head. He ripped it off his head and put it on his swords point.
He pulled out his pistol and slowly moved his sword point to the left side of the rocks. He jerked the sword to the left and the bandana went flying left. The bandits both shot the bandana as it flew out from behind the rocks.
They both watched the red bandana hit the floor and turned in time to hear a gunshot. The bandit on the left let fell backwards as blood spilled from his throat. He let out wet sputters and gurgles as he held his bleeding throat.
Spike ran at the second bandit and jumped over the sandbags. The bandit had enough time to see a knee rocketing toward his face before everything went black. Spike landed on his knees and the bandit hit the ground hard.
Spike took a few deep breathes to calm himself down. He brain was running a mile a minute and he had spots popping in his vision.
Spike slowed his breathing as his brain slowed down. He used his sword the push himself up into a standing position and he ran his right hand through his hair.
"Shit! These guys aren't half bad, fighting wise." He took a few more breathes and pulled out a health potion. He pulled the cork off with his teeth and downed the whole bottle.
Almost immediately he felt a rush of energy and warmth shoot through his aching body. He shoved the empty bottle into a pocket and ran along the path. He ran passed another hut and a few cannons.
The path went up as Spike went forwards and he made it to the top of the hill looking around. The path went right and stopped at a large wooden gate. The path cut right and up another hill.
Spike ran to the hill and heard loud snarling. Three wolves jumped down the hill at him, their fangs exposed. Spike brought up his sword and blocked one of the wolves. The other two landed next to him.
Spike pulled out his pistol and shot the one on his right. The lead wolf growled as it held onto his blade.
"Let go!" Spike kicked it in the head and shot a fireball to his left to fend off the second wolf. Spike swung his sword at the second wolf and sliced through the back of its neck. He shot a fireball at the lead and it hit it in the side.
Spike went up the hill to see two bandits standing next to a few empty cages. They looked at Spike in shock, how was he still alive? Spike ran at them and kicked the first one into a cage. The second one went for his sword but found Spike's pistol in his face.
"Don't even think about it." The bandit put up his hands in defeat and Spike motioned his gun to the right. The bandit went to the right and Spike backed him up to a cage.
"Get in" The bandit nodded his head and hunched down and crawled into the cage. Spike pulled the bandits sword away from him and slammed the cage closed. He rand down the path and made it to a final clearing with a gate to the left.
He reached the gate but it was locked closed. Spike shot a fireball at it, he rammed his shoulder into it, and he even kicked it. All the kicking accomplished was cause him pain in his foot.
He growled in frustration and looked around, he saw the gunpowder and it gave him an idea.
The bandits crowded around the gate and looked at one another. The intruder was on the other side of the gate but it went quiet a few minutes ago. Could he have left already? Was he looking for another entrance?
They suddenly heard a loud scraping sound as something was being dragged across the ground, and it was on the other side of the gate. The scrapping stopped and all was quiet again.
They looked at one another in confusion and back at the gate.
Suddenly the gate exploded in a splintering of wood as a cannon ball came rocketing through the gate. The bandits were blown in every direction from the force of the explosion.
The smoke cleared and they saw the intruder with a torch in one hand and his foot on the cannons wheel.
Spike walked through the gate and looked around. It looked like he walked into a wooden rundown arena. He looked around and saw bandits along the top of the walls.
'This is not good." He looked at all the jeering bandits, some were yelling profanities, some were shaking their swords, and some were just sitting there drinking.
"Leave him!" Spike looked up to see a man on the tallest wall. The man was almost bald with a single black Mohawk on the top of his head. He was wearing a black military jacket and boots.
The jacked had seen better days. Its sleeves were missing; it had tears, stains, and wear marks all over it. The man easily stood at eight feet tall and looked like a wall of muscle. His arms were solid muscle with a few scars on them.
The man had a round head and a scar going across his left eye. The eye was a milky white and obviously nonfunctioning. He also had a single cigar in his mouth, which he puffed every few seconds.
"You're the one they call Saker right? The leader of this rabble?" Saker gave a booming laugh as he looked down on the prince.
"The one and only! And who might you be, you little runt? You don't look like a military man to me, too soft. You're not a peasant either, or you wouldn't have made it past the first gate. You don't look like a mercenary either, too clean."
Spike pulled off the fake facial hair and rubbed off the fake tattoo. He smiled up at Saker and crossed his arms.
"Not bad Saker. Your right I'm not military, civilian, or a sell sword. I'm actually the prince in Albion." The bandits all around laughed at that, Saker included.
"Nice try boy, but the prince is dead. We all heard about it already. The prince gave his life to save a few worthless peasants. His brother shot him in the chest and everything!" Spike chuckled lightly and opened the jacket.
"Yeah, and it hurt like hell! But a bullet won't kill you if it hits a metal pendant first!" Spike pointed to his chest, indicating the black and blue bruise he still had. Saker leaned forward slightly and focused his good eye on Spike's chest.
"Well I guess that makes you one lucky sod, that or just a ghost. Either way I get to kill you myself, seeing as you killed some of my men." Saker jumped down and landed a few feet away from Spike.
He put up his hands and advanced on Spike. Spike pulled out his sword and dashed at Saker. Saker threw a punch at spike's head but he ducked and swung at Saker's face.
Saker caught Spike's word with his left hand laughed. "You got ta do better then that boy. I'm no lowly bandit!" He backhanded Spike with his right hand and sent Spike to the ground.
Spike rolled over and saw Saker's foot flying at his head. He rolled away just in time as Saker's foot hit dirt. Spike pushed himself up and held his hands up in front of him. Saker gave another laugh and moved his cigar to the other side of his mouth.
"You don't have the strength to fight me hand to hand boy!" He slouched down and charged at Spike. Spike rolled to the side to avoid Saker's charge. Saker stopped a few feet away and turned to face Spike.
"You can't avoid me forever boy!" Spike ran at Saker and ducked under one of Saker's punches. Spike Punched Saker in the chest and felt pain shoot up his arm. He rolled away as Saker tried to grab Spike in a bear hug.
"Nice try sonny Jim, but my bodies nothing but muscle. You'd have better luck punching through a wall." Spike held his left hand in his right and glared at Saker.
"Then I'll just have to find a vulnerable point somewhere else." Saker just laughed again gave his cigar a puff.
"Gotta admire your spirit laddie, but your outclassed." Spike looked past Saker and saw his sword lying on the ground. He rushed at Saker again and Saker planted his feet into the ground.
Spike jumped up and kicked at Saker's head. Saker grabbed him leg and swung Spike around like a rag doll. He threw Spike across the arena and Spike could here Saker's men laugh.
Saker turned slowly on the spot and held up his hands laughing. The men cheered at him and a few shouted insults at Spike. Spike put his hand on the ground and pushed himself up. He looked down and saw his sword at his feet.
"The fights not over yet Saker! You've just given me back my sword!" Saker whirled around and saw Spike standing there with his sword in hand. He looked at the ground were Spike landed and back up at him.
"Very clever boy, you wanted me to throw you there. It was all to get you sword back, not a bad move." He laughed and charged at Spike again. Spike sidestepped and slashed his sword down at Saker.
His sword sliced down Saker's left arm and he let out a roar of pain. Saker slid to a halt a few feet from Spike and held his left arm with his right. Spike smirked at Saker and held his sword at the ready.
Saker gave a bellow of rage and charged at Spike again. He held his arms out to catch Spike if he sidestepped again. But Spike hopped to the left and dropped down narrowly missing Saker's arm.
He slashed Saker's right leg and rolled away. Saker roared when he got slashed and swung both his fists down to slam the ground. Spike spun around and saw Saker huffing loudly.
"The tables have turned Saker; you can't beat me when I have my sword." Saker glared at him and let out a laugh.
"I'm not beat yet boy." He pulled something from behind his back and brought it to his face. There was a sudden hissing sound and Saker stretched his arm back about to throw what was in his hand.
Spike realized it was a bomb just as Saker threw it at Spike. Spike thrust his right hand forward and a fireball shot out at the bomb. It met the bomb halfway and both exploded loudly.
Saker looked stunned, and his men all went quiet. Spike stood there with his sword in his left hand and his right still outstretched. Saker knelt down slowly and let his arms go slack.
"You could have used that on me at any time. Enough! I know when I'm beaten. I give up, kill me or don't. Just … just let my men go free." Spike looked down at Saker and Saker's men were all whispering to each other.
"My men will abide by your decision, whatever it may be. We won't bother the dwellers anymore, we swear it. We may be bandits but we have a sense of code, like all soldiers do."
They had never seen Saker loose a fight, let alone plead for mercy. Spike looked down at him for a few minutes before he walked up to him. Saker looked up at Spike just in time to get punched in the face.
His cigar went flying and Saker looked back up at him.
"You are an arrogant, loud mouthed, ugly, moron! You ask for mercy when you offer none to your enemies!" Spike yelled at Saker, but Saker just looked at him helplessly.
"You terrorize innocent people when you should be helping them! I can understand needing food, but you don't have to steal it from others! They would have gladly shared it with you for a few odd jobs!" Saker finally looked him in the eyes and spoke in a low angry voice.
"It doesn't matter now; my men are finished because of you. Your brother made us all outlaws because we refused to fight his pointless wars. We were hunted like animals and slaughtered like dogs." He glared up at Spike as if daring him to deny it.
"Then it's your lucky day. I'm starting a revolution against my brother. He has become corrupted by power and is slowly destroying Albion. If your men swear to help me stop my brother and they help the people instead of attacking them, then I'll let them go free."
Saker sneered up at Spike. "And why should we believe you?" Spike held out his hand for Saker to grab.
"Because I give you my word as a Prince." Saker looked at Spike and then at his outstretched hand. He sat there for a second and finally took Spike's hand. Spike pulled him up and helped Saker stand.
"I swear my loyalty and that of my men to you, as long as you make it so we can have normal lives." Spike smiled and helped Saker to the nearest hut for medical attention.