13. Shadow's Embrace

Fate and Gangplank sat quietly as the carriage moved quickly across the Ionian landscape. It had taken two days and one night to cross the main island at their quick speed. The pair hadn't spoken much but had retired themselves to watching the rice paddies and blossoms fields they passed by. Their trip along the west coast had avoided the mountains in the centre of the island so they had made good time. Fate was continuing to focus his attention on his cards trying to see something in them; but there was only a mess of confusing, disjointed images. He looked out across the fields hoping to catch a sign or an omen that could inspire him but the beautiful scenery bore no secrets for the gypsy.

Gangplank had passed most of the time by enjoying sleep and drinking rum. As he shifted his position the three bottles he had drank clinked against one another. Fate's thoughts were disrupted by the clinking bottles and he looked at Gangplank.

"Tell me Captain how do you spend your free time? I mean other than drinking yourself to death."

"That's the thing Fate, I have yet to find a drink that can kill me."

Fate rolled his eyes and looked away. Gangplank lifted the feather out of his vision and looked at Fate.

"What's got ye so sullen Fate? You've been acting like a wet rag since ye woke up."

Fate kept his lips shut so Gangplank took the hint. The silence carried on for a while till Fate spoke.

"Tell me Captain, have you ever been in love?"

"Aye the first day I laid my eyes on her I knew we would never part."

"What's her name?"

"Dead Pool."

Fate glared at Gangplank who was smirking from within his beard. Fate shook his head as Gangplank continued.

"Why is it ye ask Fate? Evelynn on yer mind?"

"I just don't understand. Why didn't I see it coming?"

"Most people don't."

"But I'm not most people. I can see the future and yet she blindsided me and broke my heart."

"Yer a mystery to me Fate."

"I am?"

"Ye say ye love her but every time the pair of ye are on the rift ye gun straight for one another. The pair of ye have thrown more than one game pursuing each other."

Fate chuckled.

"Love is a fickle mistress Captain."

There was another moment as silence consumed them. Fate looked over the fields and saw a figure running in the distance, and although the figure was a silhouette Fate could discern the long hair and sword worn by the figure. Fate could see behind the figure was a group chasing them. Fate smiled and wished the figure the same swiftness that had blessed Fate all his life. Gangplank's voice broke Fate's thoughts once again.

"She's here."

Fate turned his head and looked at Gangplank.

"Pardon.

"Evelynn, she's here on Ionia."

"What? How do you know?"

"I caught a rumour that she'd be performing at an upcoming festival at The Placidium."

Fate suddenly felt anger boil up inside him.

"And why wouldn't you tell me this before we left?"

"Because I didn't want ye skipping out on me till we had gone through with our mission."

Fate stood and walked to the front of the carriage. He tapped the driver on the shoulder.

"Stop."

The driver pulled the reins back on the oxen that were pulling the cart. Gangplank looked stunned as Fate jumped down from the carriage.

"Fate where in seven leagues do ye yer going?"

"To find Evelynn."

"We made a deal!"

"You made a deal with a gypsy what would you expect?"

Gangplank jumped down from the carriage and walked after Fate.

"Ye've stuck with me since day one when you didn't have to and now yer jumping ship?"

"Seems that way."

Fate had begun to walk back the way they had travelled when he heard the hammer of a pistol click back. He turned and looked at Gangplank who was red with anger.

"Do ye really think I'm going to let ye walk away from this? I'm trying to become king of Bilgewater and yer whining about a wench who broke yer heart."

"Don't you dare insult her Gangplank."

"Stop lying to yerself Fate. Ye hate her as much as any man who is suckered in by her."

"NO! She means something to me!"

"And ye think ye mean something to her?"

Fate drew a card and aimed it at Gangplank.

"Watch what you're saying Gangplank."

Gangplank lifted the pistol and aimed it at Fate.

"What's faster, me bullet or ye cards?"

Fate glared at Gangplank. Fate lowered his card and spoke.

"How far are we from your stupid crystal?"

Gangplank turned and pointed down the coast.

"Do ye see that island in the distance?"

From where he was standing Fate could see a small island off in the distance. There appeared to be a large structure built on it, like a fortress of some kind.

"That our destination?"

"Would ye like to wait till dark to begin yer break in?"

Fate started walking towards the island and spoke.

"We'll walk from here. Draw less attention to ourselves."

Gangplank lowered his gun and walked over to the carriage driver. Gangplank threw the man a small pouch of gold.

"Stay here. We'll be back by sunrise."

The man nodded and Gangplank joined Fate as they walked. Fate was still stewing but Gangplank had returned to normal, drinking from his bottle and enjoying the sunset. The walk would take a few more hours.

Fate looked at the island across the water. The dim moonlight did little to reveal the structure that was that occupied the island but Fate was still convinced it was a fortress. He turned and looked at Gangplank.

"So what is it?"

"It's the Kinkou temple."

"I'm not familiar with the Kinkou."

"An order dedicated to mastering some art or spirituality or whatever; I don't pay much attention to peaceniks."

"Friendly?"

"They certainly won't take nicely to having someone intrude."

"Can I talk my way in?"

"No I don't think ye will be able to."

"Then this is going to be difficult."

"Aren't ye just going to use yer cards and teleport in?"

"Something is disrupting my card reading so I'm having trouble seeing the future. Teleporting isn't an issue however. I can teleport back here once I'm done but getting in will be the hard part."

"Well the best of luck to ye Fate."

Fate didn't say anything instead he just walked over to a pier nearby and looked for a boat. There was a small rowboat tied up so he unfastened it and began his trip over to the island. Fate rowed slowly through the gentle waters. Soon he was close enough that he could see figures patrolling the piers and banks of the island. Fate put down the paddles and dove into the ocean. The water was cold but Fate knew he would alright. He swam quickly till he was below a pier. He gripped the floorboards from underneath and pulled himself up. He saw a figure walk along the pier towards the end so Fate withdrew a gold card and stuck in between the wooden planks. He then swung himself to the end of the pier so he was directly below the figure. When he heard the figure turn, Fate lifted himself up and onto the pier. The figure was dressed in black and red but was armed with two Wakizashi's. The figure noticed the glowing gold card and bent down to pick it up. The moment their fingers touched it their body froze up and Fate pounced on them. He wrapped his arm around their neck and squeezed. The figure quickly regained control of their body but they panicked and thrashed against Fate. Soon the figure was unconscious and Fate dropped their body to the ground. Fate continued moving along the pier. There was a long stairway that led up to a huge gate. Fate presumed this was the entrance to the temple. As the thought crossed his mind Fate began to wonder why there were so many people guarding a temple; and why were they armed?

Gangplank was pacing nervously back and forth along the wharf. He looked across the water at the temple. The crescent moon was high above but clouds had begun to darken the moon's light. It brought Gangplank a little relief but as he saw a fog rolling across from the north he felt his nerves grow. The fog would either hide Fate from hostile eyes, or he wouldn't be able to see the wharf and would end up swimming through the darkness and would get lost in the fog. As Gangplank paced he heard noises from down the road. He looked to see figures running towards him. Gangplank drew his sword and pistol. He gripped the sword tightly as the figures in the darkness became more defined.

There was a lone figure being chased by a group, the figures long hair was flowing behind them as they ran swiftly. The group of five had their own weapons drawn and were closing the distance between themselves and the lone figure. Gangplank stepped to the side of the road, determined to avoid conflict. However as the lone figure drew closer Gangplank scowled as he recognised the fleeing individual. Gangplank frowned as Yasuo drew closer. The swordsman appeared to be clutching his side and Gangplank could see his shirt and hands were stained with blood.

Gangplank stepped out on the middle of the road with Yasuo and the group only metres away and aimed his pistol down the road. Yasuo suddenly saw Gangplank in the darkness and ducked as Gangplank pulled the trigger. The bullet flew at the first individual of the group but the individual raised their katana to intercept the bullet.

The katana lit up into a bright flash of sparks as the bullet was split in half and brushed off the pursuer harmlessly. The group came to a halt as Gangplank started reloading his pistol. The lead figure stepped forward. They were dressed in similar attire to Yasuo except they wore a rice paddy hat and bamboo mouth masks. They spoke to Gangplank and from the sound of their voice Gangplank guessed a man lay behind the disguise.

"You there! His bounty is ours, just be glad I deflected your bullet when you so clumsily missed."

Gangplank scowled and roared.

"I don't miss!"

He stretched out his arm and aimed the pistol at the leader. Yasuo was beside Gangplank kneeling with a hand on his katana. Yasuo spoke to Gangplank.

"Why would you help me?'

Gangplank replied without looking away from the group.

"Outlaws like us must stick together."

Yasuo spoke as he stood.

"I am no outlaw."

He then grunted and fell back to his knee as he clutched the wound in his side. Gangplank glared at him.

"Maybe not but ye most certainly need help."

The leader gripped his katana and spoke.

"If you want a fight then you're going to have to kill us all!"

Gangplank bellowed at the top of his lungs.

"If it's a fight ye want then yer going to need more help!"

Fate slowly walked up a long flight of stairs when he heard a faint popping behind him. He looked around to see where it came from and although he could have sworn it came from the far side of the water, the encroaching fog obscured his view. He guessed the noise might have been Gangplank but he was certain the noise wouldn't arouse any suspicion. He looked back up the stairs that led to the large gate at the front of the temple. He knelt down as he assessed the defences. There were guards posted along the gate and wall patrolling under the guidance of brightly lit torches. Fate bit his lip; he certainly wasn't walking in through the front; or was he?

He looked up the stairs to a pair of patrolling guards outside the wall. Fate stepped off the steps and began making his way through the trees and shrub towards the pair. The pair was side by side as they walked but as they drew closer to Fate he knew there was a clear opening. Fate drew a gold card and before the pair could notice the glowing light the card flew out and stunned the guard on the right. Fate moved quickly and threw his wild cards at the pair. The cards pierced their bodies and caused the free guard to stumble back in pain. Fate quickly descended on him and whipped out his cards at an immense pace. The free guard was dead before the stun had worn off the second guard and Fate quickly eliminated him with a single card across the neck. Fate dived back into the shrub and waited to ensure no other guards had heard the commotion. Once he was certain that he was safe he grabbed the bodies and dragged them into the shrub. He then stripped one of the bodies down and took his armour, clothes and weapon. Fate dressed himself in the man's attire and once disguised Fate stepped out of the shrub. Fate stepped back from the wall and looked at the patrolling guards. He waited till he saw a blind spot in their patrol. Then with a single beat of Fate's heart he teleported and found himself on top of the wall. He walked briskly towards a staircase that led to the courtyard.

Fate continued walking quickly across the courtyard till he was in front of the temple. The main doors towered over Fate but were open for him to walk through. He looked into the temple to see dozens of guards, walking around, sharpening weapons or training. Fate was growing more nervous the further he walked into the belly of the beast but he knew there was no turning back. He walked forward at a brisk pace till he was inside the hall. He continued walking until he saw one of the guards with a clipboard walking around looking at the others. Fate walked over to the guard and spoke.

"Excuse me sir but I haven't been informed about the location of the black crystal."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm on guard duty tonight."

"Don't be a fool the crystal is in the master's room. Who told you, you were guard duty?"

"The patrol outside relieved me from the dock duty to come inside."

The guard glared at Fate but shook his head as he responded.

"Damn Teliza, always undermining my rank. Get back down to the docks and tell him to come up here."

"Of course, right away."

The guard walked past Fate to attend to other duties so Fate quickly slipped away out of the hall. Fate looked around for some indication of this master's room but there certainly weren't any signs. Fate decided to head upwards so he began climbing the stairways. He walked past several floors till he reached the top. On this floor was a long corridor lined with guards. In the centre of the corridor was another flight of stairs that led up. Fate looked around but there were definitely no ways he could slip past the guards. He looked to his right where a window gave him view out over the island and water; or what view he could see. The fog had rolled in over the water and was beginning to drift up the island. He could definitely no longer see where he had come from and that made him nervous. He walked into a room beside him and closed the door. The room was filled with several sleeping guards on bedrolls so Fate silently slipped past them till he was standing in front of the window. The window was a wooden carving that slid silently aside when Fate pushed on it. Fate lifted himself out of the room and into the open air. He gripped the window frame and looked around for a way to climb up. He saw to his right was the corner of the temple roof; the corner was adorned with a black and red carving that hung below the tiled roof. Fate tensed his arms and started to swing his body towards the corner.

Three, two, one. Fate jumped with all his strength towards the carving. Fate flew through the air but he was quickly falling. He stretched out his arms and with a single hand he gripped the edge of the carving. The finely carved wood dug in Fate's hand but he bit down to ignore the pain. Then what he did he regretted instantly; he looked down. Fate saw that there was a seventy metre drop to the ground and it wasn't into water. Fate shook his head and gripped the carving with both hands as he pulled himself up. He pulled himself up the carving and finally onto the roof. Unlike the other floors Fate saw that the top was smaller, probably half the size of the other floors. There were balconies on all four sides of the floor and Fate crouched as he slowly approached the nearest balcony. He vaulted the railing silently and took cover next to the door. He could hear muffled voices and moans behind the door. Fate smiled; he guessed the occupants would be distracted for a little while longer. He quietly slid the door open and stepped inside.

He was in a corridor with a dead end to his right and a paper screen door in front of him. The dead end was filled with an altar which was centred around a book that was consumed by swirling shadows. Fate ignored the book and slowly walked to his left where the corridor rounded a corner and joined to the top of the stairway. Fate silently darted along the hall and past the stairway, the moans of pleasure or possibly pain covering his footsteps. He rounded the next corner and this time he smiled. At the end of the corridor on a mount was a small black crystal that glistened in the dim lamp lights. Fate slowly approached the crystal when he froze. He froze up in fear when he heard a voice.

"Now, now my dear you are being far too cautious."

Fate looked at the screen door to his right, his eyes wide with fear; he knew that voice.

Gangplank roared as he fired a shot into the air. The magic gave his arms invigorating strength that allowed Gangplank to swing his sword with incredible ferocity at the lead swordsman. Gangplank's sword missed the lead swordsman's katana who swiftly stepped to the side and sliced his katana up Gangplank's flank. Gangplank grunted in pain as the katana sliced open a cut in his side. He quickly stepped to the side to give him space from the swordsman. Gangplank shoved a piece of citrus in his mouth and felt the wound begin to close. He finished just in time to avoid the attack of a second swordsman who sliced the katana at Gangplank's neck. Gangplank lifted his pistol and fired it at the swordsman who dodged it and ran at Gangplank. The first swordsman joined his colleague to attack Gangplank. Gangplank lifted his sword and blocked the katana of the second swordsman but the first was about to attack him from the side.

Suddenly there was a blur as a figure appeared between Gangplank and the swordsman. Yasuo had his katana out to his, with blood dripping off the tip.

The first swordsman coughed out words as he collapsed to his knees.

"Cutting down a man when he's turned the other way. Why am I not surprised? Justice will find you soon enough Yasuo."

Yasuo lifted his katana.

"Justice is a funny thing."

With that Yasuo jab the katana through the swordsman's heart, killing him instantly. Gangplank turned and focused on his combatant. With their swords locked in a push the swordsman decided to dart away but the instant he did Gangplank who had his pistol by his hip fired. The swordsman had no time prepare and was killed instantly when the bullet pierced his heart. The three remaining swordsmen lifted their katanas and prepared to engage. Gangplank quickly passed Yasuo a piece of citrus.

"Here, for ye wound."

"Thank you Captain."

"So ye recognise me."

"Your voice and fighting style are very distinct."

"Then how about ye and I send these rats back to their graves."

Yasuo sighed and bowed his head.

"Always by my side."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Gangplank felt a gust of wind blow past him and he watched as Yasuo ran at the trio. The swordsmen charged at Yasuo with their katanas raised. Gangplank lifted his pistol and fired at the middle swordsman. With nowhere to dodge the swordsman raised his katana to deflect the bullet however this gave Yasuo his opening. Yasuo dashed to the swordsman, slicing across his chest and ending his dash behind the trio. Yasuo then gave final jab that killed the swordsman.

The remaining pair turned around to face Yasuo but they hesitated when they saw the wind swirling around Yasuo's body. Their hesitation was their mistake. Yasuo dashed to the one on the right and slashed across his chest. The swordsman cried out in agony as his body twisted away from the sword. The second swordsman sliced his katana at Yasuo but a swirling barrier of wind knocked the sword away. Yasuo then dashed to the swordsman and spun his body round unleashing a torrent of air that sent the three bodies flying into the air.

Yasuo flew up on the wind and came face to face with the two living swordsmen. Gangplank watched as Yasuo's blade was imbued with the wind that carried him. His katana slashed the air three times causing the men to cry out in pain with each slice. The wind suddenly died and Yasuo dropped to the ground with the men. The swordsmen were dead so Yasuo sheathed his blade and walked back over to Gangplank. Gangplank put away his sword and pistol as he spoke.

"Doesn't seem like ye needed me help at all."

"Your presence gave me the distraction and momentum I needed to turn the battle. You have my thanks Gangplank."

"Then can I ask a favour?"

"What is it you require?"

"Keep our meeting secret for the time being, I'm not here with the League's permission."

Yasuo smiled at Gangplank.

"Outlaws stick together."

Yasuo asked no more questions or said nothing more. He simply turned and walked away from Gangplank.

Gangplank let out a sigh and began ambling over towards the wharf. Suddenly the wharf erupted into noise as Fate crashed down onto the wood shouting.

"CAPTAIN! RUN!"

Fate was frozen and his mind was racing; what the hell was he going to do?

Zed spoke again from behind the screen.

"Come on Syndra my dear let's have a bit more fire."

Fate's heartbeat began pounding in his ears as panic clouded his thoughts. He looked at the crystal, maybe he could run, grab it, and teleport fast enough. Maybe.

No they didn't know he was here, he could still pull this off. Fate slowly crept over to the crystal, blocking out all sounds of Zed and Syndra. He found himself crouched in front of the crystal and reached a hand up to grab it when he suddenly felt a burning sensation coming from his other hand. He looked down and saw his fingers were dipped in a pile of green goo. The goo burned his flesh and he flinched.

"Ah."

It was a natural reaction but Fate instantly froze.

"Did you hear that?"

Syndra's voice came from the room and silence fell.

There was a moment of pause until Zed replied.

"Are you certain you heard something?"

"Maybe not, now where were we?"

Fate looked back at the crystal, reached up to it and took it off the mount. He slowly slipped it inside his coat underneath the disguise. He then turned from the mount and slid his foot along the wood. The floorboard creaked underfoot and Fate froze.

"I knew it!"

Suddenly the wooden wall next to Fate exploded into splinters as dark orbs smashed through them. Fate ran towards the nearest balcony door as dark orbs sailed around him obliterating the wooden walls, showering him with splinters. He was almost at the door when a shadowy figure appeared in front of him. Before Fate could react the shadowy figure took form and Fate found himself face to face with Zed.

Zed was wearing only his pants and mask but Fate still felt sheer terror standing in front of him. Zed looked at Fate and spoke.

"What do we have here? A snake in the grass."

Fate felt claws dig into his shoulder and he looked behind to see Syndra holding a black orb in one of her hands.

"Darling it seems your crystal is gone. Please let me ask this intruder where it is."

Syndra held the orb near Fate's face and he could feel the dark magic start to burn his skin. Zed held up his hand.

"There's no need for that my dear."

Zed walked over to Fate, gripped his chin and stared into his eyes.

"I will make an example of him… Wait, who are you?"

Fate gulped and closed his eyes for a moment. He searched his soul for the reserves of magic he had within his body. He needed a few moments; but it would take only one moment for Zed to kill him.

"I'm a new recruit."

"No you are not."

Zed quickly shifted his hand from Fate's chin to his neck. Zed easily lifted Fate off his feet and held him in the air. Fate struggled against Zed's grip and thrashed in the air. Zed spoke as calmly as before.

"Now tell who are you and why are you here?"

"I'm a loyal follower…"

Zed spun his body and threw Fate at the damaged wall. Fate felt his ribs crack as he smashed through the wall onto the roof outside. He stood up ready to run when suddenly a dark orb landed behind him. He looked back towards the room to see Syndra charging at him. She unleashed a wave of darkness that sent Fate flying backwards through the orb. His body spun and crashed through the tiles as he came to a halt near the edge of the roof. When he tried to stand he found his body was locked up and he was unable to move. He willed his body to move but there was nothing he could do.

He looked up to see Zed standing over him this time he was armed with his gauntlets.

"Now stranger I will have the truth from you."

Fate looked up Zed.

"Not today Zed, maybe some other time."

Before Zed could get a hold of Fate, the gypsy summoned his magic and with a blink of his eyes he was gone.

Fate crashed down onto the wharf, glad to have guessed the distance correctly. But instead of relief there was only panic.

"CAPTAIN! RUN!"

Gangplank was standing at the end of the wharf with a look of confusion on his face.

"CAPTAIN! WE ARE RUNNING RIGHT NOW!"

Gangplank sauntered over to Fate who ran down the wharf at full pace.

"Did ye get the crystal Fate?"

"We need to run now!"

"Did ye get it?"

Fate tore off the disguise, reached inside his coat and retrieved the crystal. He gave it to Gangplank as he spoke.

"Yes I did, now for Void's sake RUN!"

"Why did ye get seen?"

"Yes and you should have done your research better!"

Gangplank replied as he inspected the crystal.

"My, my Fate have a couple of peaceniks got ye quivering in ye boots."

"No, because those aren't peaceniks. That is the Order of the Shadow."

"What?"

"You had me steal that crystal from Zed!"

There was a moment of silence as Gangplank took in Fate's news.

"So we run then?"

"Yes captain, we run."

With that the pair turned and ran for their lives away from the Kinkou Temple.