"I've told you, no. Now, day is breaking, you should be on your way."

The party was disheartened by this news. They gathered up their belongings and went on their way. Nobody could really blame him. Nobody wants to get caught up in something like this, but a few of the party members were still bitter. Amarth watched them walk away with a slight twinge of regret in his heart. He did not like the idea of Shoan traveling into the depths of Abanaku's forces. He watched his brother and his company walk away with a heavy heart. He felt soft arms wrapping around his waist and a fragile figure pressing against him.

Ten - "You're worried about him aren't you?"

Amarth - "Of course."

Ten - "Go with him."

Amarth - "I couldn't! What about you? What if the Yowai come back?"

Ten - "It's you they're after. I'll probably be safer with you gone. Besides, I can't be so selfish as to keep you here with me when your country needs you. Especially when your brother also needs you. You're going with him and I won't take no for an answer, just... come back to me."

Amarth turned in her arms and wrapped her in his own. They exchanged a passionate and lingering embrace that neither of them really wanted to break, but eventually, they forced themselves apart. Amarth ran and grabbed his travelling kit, and when he was on the way out of the door he heard his wife calling. When he turned to look at her, she was dragging what could have been a small horse wrapped in a blanket behind her. "Wait. Take this food with you, I don't think it'll last you too long, but I would like to help in some way." Amarth smiled and grabbed the makeshift bag, tossing it effortlessly over his shoulder. He gave her one last kiss and was out the door chasing after the party. They weren't even out of the valley before he caught up to them.

Shoan - "I had a feeling you might come."

Amarth - "I'm only here to make sure you don't do anything stupid."

Shoan - "So Ten made you come?"

He snickered a little as he spoke. Amarth simply hung his head a bit and walked on.

Petra just wants a boy toy is all.

Petra felt relieved and appreciative when she turned to see Amarth joining their group for good. Restraining a smile, she caught his eye and nodded respectfully.

Knew he was a good choice to put on the list...

Enzeru grinned brightly as the group made their way through the high peaks of the mountain trail. The sun shone brightly as it made its way over the eastern horizon, and cast its warmth onto the party's faces.

"So, Amarth.." Enzeru asked "where should we head? Abanaku's base?"

Amarth nodded and looked immediately away. He only wished to anticipate the perils ahead. It had been a while since he was on the road, and the memories and instincts that he had once relied on to survive came pouring back to him.

Shoan on the other hand was desparately trying to position himself in Petra's line of sight. Once he had finally caught her vision, he mustered all of the energy he could and put it into trying to make himself look as handsome as he could. He flashed her the most attractive and flattering smile he could put together and gave her a nod. He waited to judge her reaction before walking over to talk to her.

Don't just apologize for the miscalculation. Fix it.

"That was just the fight that I needed. It was such a rush when I found a pack of them running for their lives to the northeast. I only wish there had been more after I took out the Yowai coming from the southwest," exclaimed Draconis. Flickers of red could still be seen in his eyes as he talked of the Yowai.

Amarth is married... and I don't feel like fixing my miscalculation so there. :-P

Amarth's ears perked up at what Draconis had said. "Draconis, those you found running northeast, Shoan and I had spared them. Didn't you notice this? They were all wounded."

"I didn't really give them a chance to show me anything," sneered Draconis, "What good does it do to spare them anyway?"

Your posts aren't important enough to read Mojo Jojo. Also, I suggest we take a moment after this drama to have a dialogue about the exact route we will be taking.

"You. You have to stop this killing demon. The way you treat your adversaries is your business, but when you come after mine you're making it my business. Never do anything like that again."

Though Amarth spoke calmly, his eyes seemed to be backlit by an intense blue light. He had his teeth clenched and was gripping his sword tightly. He hated to see anyone, even the servants of Abunaku, dead. It was such a waste, such a terrible tragedy.

Draconis - "How noble, sparing your enemies. That is, if you consider it noble to be weak."

"I consider it weak to kill. How much easier is it to kill your enemy that to change him? It is true strength to be able to show your enemy the err of his ways and give him a chance to correct it. If you just go around killing all the time, you'll only breed hatred and voilence."

Shoan had heard this speech a million times before and was mostly bored of it. He inched his way over to Petra and smiled at her again before saying, "He gets like this all the time, there's no need to worry. Honestly, I feel much safer now with Amarth to cancel out Draconis."

Draconis had overheard Shoan.
"You'll need more than a house cat to rival me. [to Amarth] That is what you are after all, toying with your prey rather than providing it swift and utter desimation. Change an enemy. They are your enemy not because they will not change but because man is incapable of changing his heart. An enemy is not some transcendental idea; it's an obstacle that must be destroyed, nothing more. If someone tells you they've been changed, they're merely lying through their teeth."

You guys make me laugh. Hmm. I dare say Petra isn't interested in Draconis, no offense, and Xyven has no personality for obvious reasons... I'll let you two (Shoan and Enzeru) decide/compete for the honor if you like.

Petra listened half-heartedly to the tiff between Amarth and Draconis, feeling in her heart that it made no difference what either said, neither would change their opinion.

What a waste of breath.

Turning her attention to Shoan, who was suddenly acting ridiculous for no apparent reason, Petra smiled as warmly as she could and nodded as he spoke. Her mind was wandering and she found herself unable to focus on what Shoan was chattering on about.

No offense taken. Weight off of my shoulders, not having to deal with feigning sexual interest in someone over the internet. I'd sooner feign emotional interest in some girl in the flesh.

This guy's going to be a thorn in my side this whole fucking time.

Draconis - "Hey, Xyven. You never did drink any of this. [tossing the liquor jug to Xyven]."

Xyven uncaps the jug and takes a swig. He is appears unphased by the fiery liquid.

Xyven - "It's good." Fucking hell, that burns. "Real good."

Draconis - "That's what I like to hear...[to Amarth] I'm guessing you'd prefer some warm milk or perhaps a couple platters of rice covered in animal fat, what with your appetite."

About this time Enzeru came bounding out of a nearby bush carrying an armful of different berries and some apples.

"Hey guys, I brought back some..." Enzeru halted his words as he looked on at the group. Draconis and Amarth were locked in an intense battle of wills, Shoan was flexing anytime he mad eye contact with Petra and Xyven seemed to be burning alive on the inside.

"Uh, what'd I miss? I was hungry so I went and got us some fruit for breakfast. It's not much, but we should be eating light anyways."

"So..." Enzeru said looking around at the group "who wants some?"

No one said you had to feign interest in me personally, dear. After all, we aren't living through our characters, that would just be silly. ;)

Petra, snatching up the opportunity to remove herself from Shoan's somewhat awkward attentions, sidled up to Enzeru and surveryed his offerings. Picking out the best looking apple she could find in the bunch, Petra thanked him and dropped back from the group to enjoy it alone. She hadn't realized how hungry she was.

As she munched gratefully on the fruit, Petra let her feet wander from the path the group was taking and explored the woods around them, keeping the voices of her companions distinctly audible as she strolled lazily through the brush. The sun was warm and inviting on her face and, clearing her mind, she listened intently to the ceaseless banter of her company intermingled with the distant cries of some great bird of prey, the whirrings of a thousand leaves in the breeze, and the clatter of millions of tiny insects below her feet.

Shoan got burned >.< Will you be living through your character when you get sexed up?

Amarth gave Draconis an intense look, the type of look that usually made people cringe a little when he gave it to them. It was... violating. That is the only real word for it. It is like he is looking right through you, straight into your heart and what you are trying to hide in its depths. Amarth decided he wasn't getting anywhere with Draconis for now and turned to Enzeru with a smile.

"Yes, that sounds nice Enzeru. Thank you."

He grabbed a few berries from the pile and sat himself down on the trail to enjoy them. Shoan recognized that Petra had rejected him. No worries. No maiden can resist my charm for too long, but knowing when to lay off is just as important sometimes. He grabbed more than his share of fruit and sat next to Amarth. Amarth nudged him with the hilt of his sword and pointed back at the pile with a stern look. Shoan returned what wasn't his share with a "humph" and sat back down.

"Here!" cried Enzeru as he tossed an apple to both Draconis and Xyven. He then sat down next to a tree, not bothering to see if the apples he had thrown were caught.

The gunman down the remaining berries in his hand in one gulp, then removed a few instruments from the pouch on his belt and began to fiddle with them. Taking a thick piece of black paper in his hand, Enzeru carefully, but tightly, wrapped it around a small wad containing a few grains of black powder. He then seated this casing with a small flint and pushed a lead roundball in half way at its head.

Enzeru then placed his free hand back into his pouch and pulled out a small tin of wax. Taking a bit on his finger, he spread the substance all over the casing, insuring it would stay together. He then laid the casing on a sunbathed rock to dry and repeated the process for five more casings.

As the last casing was finishing drying, Enzeru looked up to see the party more than a hundred yards up the trail. In a frenzy, the gunman grabbed up all of his materials and his casings and sprinted down the trail, throwing everything in his pouch as he ran.

"Wait up, guys!" He yelled.

Amarth - "Well, everyone ready to go?"

The party nodded and stood. They gathered their things, and began to walk down the trail. Amarth stopped short and turned to Enzeru, who was still sitting.

Amarth - "Enzeru? Enzeru... we're going..."
Shoan - "Don't worry about him, I'm sure he'll catch up. Come on."

Amarth shrugged and followed the party down the trail.

Draconis walked ahead of the others, trying to clear his mind of the incessant ramblings of that idyllic fool Amarth. He started wondering how much he could stand being around him.

"There's a town 15 miles from here, called Shinsen. We should stop there for the night. It will give us a chance ask around about Abanaku and get a decent meal."

Most of all I need to refill my jug.

Draconis turned back ahead and waited for an answer.

Enzeru had just rejoined the group as Draconis spoke. Leaning over, trying to regain his breath, Enzeru panted, "That..huff...sounds....puff.good ..to....gasp...me..wheeze."

Enzeru continued to wheeze as the rest of the party began moving towards Shinsen.

I hope they have some good food in this town

Amarth - "Fine."

Shoan - "Alright! Seems like forever since we've been in a city! Can't wait to be back amongst civilization."

Shoan's pace quickened and a smile covered his face.

Besides. It's been way too long since I've found some love.

Come now, Draconis, let us be friends.

Petra kept a little away from the group, taking note of what was said, but not contributing. She was anxious about entering Shinsen. It had been so long since she was with so many people and she had such a strong distaste for them. Skirting the trees along the path, Petra gazed distractedly into the woods and braided her long hair absently.


"Perhaps it would be wise for us to acquire some horses while we are there. We could cover much more ground in a shorter amount of time that way," she mused aloud.

Sorry if you guys don't want the added complication, but I like horses and so does Petra.

As the bustling town of Shinsen appeared closer and closer on the horizon, Enzeru turned towards the trees next to him and yelled, "Petra! You take care fo the horses. Oh, and do you want anything from the materials or fitting shop while we're in town. I'm headed over there to get some supplies for myself, and would be more than happy to pick something up for you."

Turning back to the rest of the group, Enzeru spoke " Hey guys, I hope you don't mind but I'm gonna go to the materia..."

"WE KNOW! BYE!" was the collective response from the group as they enetered the city limits.

"Okay then."

Wow, these guys must be able to read minds or something to know where I was going.

"Thanks, Enzeru, but all I need is a horse," Petra called back.

Watching the others descending upon the town, Petra surveyed the area before creeping slowly up to the city limits and beginning to meekly peak around the streets. After locating the town stables, Petra sat down to talk with the old man who owned the horses.

"We have the finest studs in the Emperor's whole territory," the man boasted, wheezing and nodding.

"I don't doubt that," Petra returned, looking around with concealed disappointment. The man grinned delightedly, revealing a significant lack of teeth. Wincing, Petra stood up and walked down the hall of the barn, examining the poor creatures contained there.

These wretched things would die before we made it out of town...

The large door at the end of the hall stood open and outside Petra glimpsed a palisaded paddock and the fluid, shiny movement of the animals within it.

"What's out there?" Petra asked, moving quickly down the hall and out the door before the old man could answer.

The walls of the paddock were taller than she was and Petra could only manage to peer through the gaps between the beams, but this was enough. Within the paddock, two dozen or so of the most magnificent creatures Petra had ever seen were clustered together, snorting and pawing the dusty earth.

"Those 'uns are no good," the old man wheezed, hobbling out next to her. "They're wilder 'an a dawg with six legs. We just got 'em yesterday right down from the mount'n."

Smiling almost giddily, Petra clambered up the side of the paddock and heaved herself over before the old man could object. As she landed with a thud on the other side, several of the horses screamed and bucked, laying their ears back against their heads. Closing her eyes, she bowed her head in respect to them and spoke in a low, almost inaudible whisper. The old man watched in awe as, one by one, the horses approached her and nudged her with affection. After examining their flanks, limbs, and teeth, she selected 6 of the strongest studs and led them like lambs from the paddock.

"I'd like to purchase these horses," she said solemnly to the old man, whose jaw still hung open.

After paying the stable man with money given to her by the Emperor's financial assistant for the journey, Petra secured the horses just outside of the town and set off to find the rest of the group.

It was all Enzeru could do not to get trampled as he attempted to find the material shop he was looking for.

OK, I'm used to living around a lot of people, but they all walk in lines, not like these people. The people are..

"AHH!!" Enzeru yelled as he side-stepped a carriage going down the street a little too fast. "CRAZY! These people are.."

Enzeru stopped as he looked up and saw a shop sign reading "Materials Shop".

"Alright! Finally" Enzeru said as he walked into the store. Once in the shop, it was all the gunman could do to contain his giddy joy. He was like a child in a candy store as he ran up and down the shop's narrow aisles gathering up different metals, powders, specialty papers, and the likes.

After his little romp, Enzeru made his way to the shoppwner's counter.

"Quite a load you got there stranger. Hope you can pay for it."

"Not a problem." said Enzeru as he removed a small scroll bearing the Emperor's seal and slid it towards the shopowner. "Just take this to the local administrative post and they'll cover the cost."

" I see..." said the shopowner, taking the scroll in hand and thumbing the seal. "So I take it your a member of the Imperial guard?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am. But how did you know?"

"Well, besides the fact that you bear the Emperor's mark on the headband of yours, noone else around these parts knows how to make gunpowder cept Imperial forces and them fellars up to the north."

"What fellars up to the north?"

"Okay then. You're all set here. Please come again and good luck."

"But um...you..uh.."

"Bye then."

"Bye." said Enzeru as he picked up his bag of supplies and made his way out the door to the noisy street.

That was kinda strange...

Greetings and Serale Chauncey! (Sorry. Lame game reference.) We're glad to have you around. I was getting worried nobody loved us enough to join. I sent you a PM with a few little things about what's going on here, so check your private messages.

Enzeru... what kind of shop is actually named "Materials Shop"? >.<

Amarth and Shoan began making their way through the town to look for a tavern, or anywhere they could eat. This was Amarth's first time in a big city in the past five years. He didn't like it at all. He walked to the side and he walked tall, ensuring the other citizens would make way for him. Shoan on the other hand was eating this scene up. He loved everything about the big city. He walked right through the tightest crowds, relishing the feeling of community. He frequently bumped into nobles and apologized profusely. He also managed to pick up any valuables the nobles may have... "dropped".

After walking for a few minutes, they came across a sign that read "Sutabe Tavern". Shoan and Amarth nodded at each other and went in. They sat down at the bar and called to the waiter. It didn't take long for the two large weapon-wielding men to get attention.

Shoan - "Bring us two of the biggest rice bowls you got, two of the strongest drink you got, and ... "

Amarth (In a low voice directed at Shoan) - "Tea."

Shoan - "And a pot of your best tea!"

Waiter - "Mac, the biggest rice bowls we got are made to feed parties of five or more. You're fine with that?"

Shoan - "Better than fine."

Waiter - "Your money."

He went in the back and began calling the order out to the chef, then returned with a pot of tea and two drinks that were barely more than raw alcohol.

Waiter - "The food'll be here in a minute."

With that, he walked over to the other end of the bar to serve the young ladies that had just walked in... and which immediately caught Shoan's eye.

"I'll be back Bro."

Shoan took his drinks and went over to the girls to start working his magic. Bits and pieces of the conversation drifted over to Amarth's ears.

Shoan - "Their meal's on me barkeep."

Shoan - "Aww, c'mon."

Girl - "I don't know."

*Laughter*

Girl - "I can't drink that!"

Shoan - "Sure you can."

*Coughing and more laughter.*

After a few minutes of flirting, Shoan came back over, slightly inebriated with two very inebriated girls in his arms. "Amarth, I'd like you to meet Candy and Sandy. Their sisters! Their parents had some wierd sense of humor or something." *Giggling*. Amarth found Shoan's antics somewhat boring, and was relieved that the barkeep chose that time to bring their rice. Amarth took it and began to head outside so he could dine in the fresh air.

Barkeep - "Hey mac. You're not goin' out with a meal like that before payin' for it."

Shoan slapped a fist full of gold coins on the bar and the bartender's eyes (as well as the girls') lit up. "That'll cover us for the rest of the day I'm sure."

Bartender - "Y... Yeah. Sure. I expect that'll do the job. You're a good man Mac. Anything else I can get ya?"

Shoan - "How about a round of drinks for all my buddies here in your fine establishment?"

Bartender - "Comin' right up."

The sound of cheering faded as the door closed behind Amarth. He found that dining outside the tavern was suprisingly peaceful, in spite the bustling city around him. There was a strange serenity to be found in the union of such a vast number of people.

Petra kept to the back streets of the town, avoiding the large crowds and casually looking about for a tack shop or a familiar face. She was comfortable on her own, having only herself for company for close to 5 years, but her concern was that her less judicious companions may have more to drink than necessary and cause the group to lose time in waiting for them to recover. There was also, of course, the possibility that the demon drink would make their tongues run wild and Petra was sure that Abanaku had more spies in his service than any of them cared to imagine.

Driven to pick up her pace by this unsettling thought, Petra darted round a corner, nearly running right into Enzeru, who was weaving down the street under the weight of several packages of assorted purchases. Apologizing hastily, Petra shared her concern with Enzeru.

"Oh shit!" were the words Enzeru chose to use as he came face to face with Petra, rounding a corner and nearly dropping his packages. He had been looking for the nearest clothing store, but instead held converation with the scout for a few minutes.

After hearing Petra's concerns, Enzeru placed his packages on the ground and began to run his hand through his hair, as was his usual nervous manner. Looking up to respond to Petra's concerns, Enzeru was slightly caught off guard by the beauty of her eyes, which were usually hidden under her hair.

"Um...yeah," Enzeru stuttered."Uh...I think everyone else will be alright. Draconis and Xyven aren't the most social types as we all know and Amarth will keep Shoan in line. So I don't think we have TOO much to worry about. Although, thee was this weird shopkeeper guy who said something about....OOOOO there it is! Let's go!"

With this, Enzeru began to sprint across the street to a dingy little shop, picking up his packages in one hand and taking Petra's hand in the other, jerking the surprised scout along with him.

As the pair entered the store, it became clear that it was a clothing store. Racks upon racks of cloaks, dusters, shirts, pants, boots, and the like filled the shop.

"OOoo, I need a new cloak, and a new belt, and I could use a new glove." As Enzeru counted off the things he needed on his fingers, he turned to a slightly shocked Petra and asked, "Do you want anything? MY treat."

Petra, surprisingly pleased with Enzeru's company, responded with a coy smile.

"I wouldn't want to take advantage of your generosity, thank you."

She added, after a moments hesitation, that she was accustomed to making her own clothes and wouldn't know what to buy. She immediately felt awkward and uncouth and wondered if she should consider purchasing something more feminine than her present attire. Feeling her cheeks growing hot under Enzeru's gaze, Petra hid behind a rack of cloaks, pretending to examine them with great interest.

What the hell...?

Maybe Enzeru should buy Petra a lacy thong. :)

"Hey Petra!" Enzeru said as he bounded up beside her. " I didn't know this place was a weapon shop too. Look I found a slingshot."

Petra blushed a deep red and replied, "Enzeru, why don't you put that back. You may hurt yourself."

"Ah, you're no fun." the gunman replied as he walked back and placed the thin-strapped contraption on its rack in the back.

"Well. I got everything I need. Just let me pay and we'll get out of here and find the others." Enzeru said walking to the counter.


The duo left the shop, and began to make their way to main street. Enzeru had quite a bit of trouble seeing over the parcels he carried in his arms, and was constantly apologizing to people he haphazardly walked into.

"I sure hope you bought some horses, Petra. I'm gonna need one." Enzeru said turning and smiling at his female comrade.

Petra, I was being nice and friendly. Just not nice and friendly with your intimate nether-regions.

Back at the bar, Shoan was still busy chasing tail and both the brothers Eldaire had eaten their share of the meal for 10 they had ordered. Suddenly, the door flung open and in walked Draconis, clutching a black bag. He immediately noticed Shoan at the bar.

"Where's your brother?" Draconis asked Shoan, who was lit up like a paper lantern.

A shaky, misguided hand extended towards the window, where in he saw the samurai's silhouette. Turning back outside, Draconis walked down the alleyway to the right of the tavern and looked at Amarth.

"Here. [tossing the bag to him] I want you to hold on to these."

Amarth looked down at the bag, perplexed as to what this demon would want him to have. Opening it, Amarth looked over at Draconis with an even more confused look.

"I bet you thought it'd be a head, huh? They're blessed jewels. I can't touch the things but where we're going, no mortal is safe. These are strong enough for you to walk through the front gate of hell. If you don't feel like trusting me on this, say hello to all my friends at the sulfur pits, would you?"

Draconis turned and walked back into the bar, leaving Amarth to deal with those holy nuissances.

My hands are better suited for holding a cup than a jewel.

Draconis sat down at the far end of the bar and gave the barkeep a quick hand signal. The barkeep nodded and brought over a red glass bottle with a sword bathed in flame etched into the side. In one fluid movement, he tossed a large goldpiece to the barkeep and tilted the bottle vertical. It was then that he looked to his left to find Shoan still there, leering at the two girls at his sides, even though one had passed out on the bar.

"You really need to learn when to cut other people off, Shoan. If you're going to kill them, at least give them the honor of dying in battle."

Shoan obviously had no earthly idea what the hell any of the words Draconis just said were. Turning to the other girl, Draconis said, "You're friend here needs to be taken care of. Should you need it, I'd be honored to help."

"Oh, Chi, wake up," exclaimed the conscious girl, "I didn't even notice. Please help me get her back to her room."

Draconis threw the passed out girl over his shoulder and carried her upstairs to her room on the second floor. After placing Chi in the bed, the other girl bowed to Draconis in appreciation.

Girl - "Thank you so much. My name is Rei Fubuki. May I ask yours?"

Draconis - "Oh, there's no need to be so formal around me. By the way, the name's Sosuke Senada. It's a pleasure to meet you, Rei. Now that she's safe in bed, would you care for some of this reserve? [holding up the bottle] It's really quite good."

Rei - "I'd love to. Actually, my room is right here and I have a sake set in there."

Draconis - "Well then, shall we? [extending his arm towards the door]"

Draconis looked down to Shoan at the bar. Shoan was fuming with anger. Looking him dead in the eyes, Draconis flashed a quick glint of red in his eye. He closed the door behind himself and the sound of the door shutting rang home with Shoan. A few minutes later, just as Shoan was drinking his worries out of his head, a woman's screams were heard coming from the second floor.

"What are you....aaagh!!...aaaagh...AAAAGHH!!"

Shoan jumped to his feet, grabbing his weapon. He was ready to sprint up the stairs when he felt a slight pressure on his stomach. It was the hilt of Amarth's sword. Shoan turned to him with a puzzled look on his face.

"AAAaagh YEAH!..Oh GOD!....OOOOOOHHH YES!..."

A flush of red came over Shoan's face and, looking back at Amarth, he saw Amarth shake his head once with a twinge of a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. Undaunted by the ensuing 2 hours of noise, Shoan quickly found another fair maiden at the bar.

Shoan woke up to the rhythmic poking of Amarth's sheath. When he finally opened his eyes, they were overwhelmed with brightness. Slept in too late. Sun's all the way up. He tried to stand up off the tavern floor, but a rush of blood came to his head and he fell back to his ass. A throbbing headache coursed through his entire being.

Amarth - "Well, let's go. We're all supposed to meet outside the village where we came in."

Shoan - "Give me a break. Can't you see I've got a hangover here?"

Amarth - "If you didn't want to deal with the hangover you..."

Shoan - "Yeah yeah yeah."

Shoan rose back to his feet and looked around for a moment. He picked up a girl who had passed out on the floor with them and carried her upstairs to a bed. He stumbled his way back down the stairs and outside. Amarth sighed and followed.

Enzeru had spent a majority of the night searching for the rest of his group with Petra at his side, until he finally found them in a tavern on the far side of town. When he found them, Shoan was in the process of wooing a young lady with his drunken charm, Amarth was keeping an oderly eye over the entire bar, Xyven was lurking in the shadows and Draconis was busy entertaing his new found lady friend.

After consorting with Amarth for a few minutes, the gunman paid for a room on the third floor and made the trek up the stairs to his bed.

Sunlight from the rising morning sun poured into Enzeru's room, causing him to wake up at the start of the day. He dressed himself, and began to tinker with his pistol and casings before heading down to the bar to wait for the rest of his party members.

While he waited, he helped himself to a batch of rolls the shopowners wife made and a stiff drink to liven up his senses. After about two hours of waiting, Enzeru finally heard the sounds of footsteps coming down the staircase.

Looking up, Enzeru saw that Petra and Xyven had already come down, but were simply sitting quietly in the far corners of the room. The footsteps were being made by Amarth and a blurry eyed Shoan, who held his head in his hands massaging his temples.

"Where's Draconis?" Enzeru asked in a cheerful voice. Shoan winced with pain, as if he was being whipped by Enzeru's words.

Petra had slept the whole night through peacefully for the first time in months. Even the excessive noises of pleasure coming from Draconis and the bleary-eyed ragdoll in the room across the hall did not keep her from going straight to sleep as soon as her head had hit the pillow.

The next morning, sitting quietly over a hot cup of tea waiting for the others to rise, Petra was grateful for the night's rest, knowing it may be the last for awhile.

She had watched Enzeru come down from his room and sit at the bar, but had chosen not to join him there. She felt confused and threatened by the effect his presence had on her, making her less aware of her surroundings, more susceptible, more vulnerable.

When Amarth and Shoan finally came down, Petra finished her tea and joined them at the bar.

Chauncey, I figure you can start writing for Baratsu after this post. Matt, I'm writing for Amarth for this post of this scene since we already discussed it ahead of time. Enjoy folks.

Draconis opened the door to the room he was in. He looked the same as he always did, as though nothing had happened. As he started walking down the stairs, Rei peeked her head around the door. Her hair was unkempt and had only a blanket wrapped around her body.

"Come see me next time you're in town, Sosuke," Rei crooned, a stupid grin creeping across her face.

"Until then," replied Draconis, turning on his heel and bowing, "you'll be in my thoughts."

Draconis started to walk away, but turned back for one last look. Strangely, Rei was gone. I should have heard her move. What the hell is going on? Draconis put it out of his mind for the moment. He had more important things to do than worry about quick women and their even quicker retreats. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Draconis looked over at the rest of the party. They all seemed well rested, that is except Shoan, who was glaring at him. This guy really knows how to hold a grudge, but then again, so do I. Can't fault him for that. Draconis chuckled and shook his head, walking right past the jilted lecher.

"Alright, now that everyone's up and ready, what do you say we get out on the road again?......[to Petra and Enzeru] GET DOWN!"

Just as the two dropped to the floor, a large iron ball attached to a chain came flying through the wall, barely missing their heads. Suddenly, 30 Yowai crashed through the thatched roof, surrounding the group. As the group circled, the ball flew back through the wall. A man came through the hole, chain in hand. He was tall, looking more like a grotesque statue than a man, and clad in bronze plate armor.

Man in bronze - "I am Colonel Baratsu, second in command of Lord Abanaku's southern armies, and I have come to take your lives."

Draconis - "You have come here to die, weakling."

Baratsu - "We shall see..[throwing the ball] GyaAAAAHHH!"

Draconis dodged to the left, well out of the path of the ball. Then, without warning, Baratsu yanked back on the chain, releasing a series of blades from the ball. It was too close for Draconis to dodge and there was nothing he could to to stop it; one of the blades tore into his torso, cutting clear through from his collar bone to his navel. Amarth rushes over to his body, catching it as it falls to the ground.

Baratsu - "You were a fool to even try to dodge my attack. Perhaps you'll be smart enough to run away should we meet again in your next life."

Draconis - "Amarth, I must ask one thing of you. [pulling out a pink ribbon from his jacket] I have always carried this with me in battle. This must not die with me. I cannot tell you why. Please, do this. [Draconis goes unconscious]"

Amarth - "[tying the ribbon on his wrist] Rest well. [to Baratsu] You had no right. You had NO RIGHT TO KILL HIM. NO MATTER WHAT HE DID IN HIS LIFE, WHETHER HE LIVES OR DIES IS NOT YOUR DECISION."

Baratsu - "And what do you intend to do about it?"

Enzeru leaped down to the floor, as he watched the giant iron ball plow through the tavern wall. As he hit the ground, he heard the thud of Petra landing next to him. About the same time the gunman looked up to see what was going on, a large piece of timber fell from the tavern's ceiling onto Enzeru and Petra.

Enzeru rolled quickly onto his stomach, covering Petra, and taking most of the impact. Looking down at the scout, he asked,"Are you ok?"

After Petra nodded yes, Enzeru quickly made his way to his feet. All the while, rubbing his right shoulder and drawing his gun. Enzeru stood in time, to watch Draconis get sliced open by the ball's blades and Amarth rush over to him.

After Amarth yelled back at Baratsu, Enzeru wasted no time before bringing his pistol to eye-level and firing at the bronze-clad warrior. Baratsu deflected the roundball by quickly blocking his chest with his chain.

shink

Amarth's sword seemed to come the air as he drew it from it's sheath.

"Let me handle this Enzeru...." Amarth growled.

The gunman took a few steps back, keeping his pistol cocked, and his eyes on Baratsu.

"Bring it little man!" Baratsu snarled.

Enzeru smirks as he tears his eyes away from Baratsu to begin to dispatch the thirty Yowai that attacked the bar with him.

Looking around to get a handle on how the demons are dispersed, Enzeru realizes that Xyven has already taken care of six of the Yowai as he sees the ninja darting in and out of the shadows of the piles of rubble.

"Look out behind you?" Xyven yells to Enzeru as he finishes off yet another Yowai, and catches sight of one of the demons charging towards the gunman from behind.

CLICK

The attacking demon falls to the ground in a lifeless heap as blood rushes from a gaping hole in it's chest. Enzeru hadn't even bothered to turn around, but instead pointed the gun over his shoulder and fired.

About this time, five more Yowai came rushing towards the gunman.

CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK

The four shot Yawoi fell in a linear line on the floor as they died, but there was still one coming. Enzeru still had his pistol raised and poised to shoot the oncoming Yawoi, even though he knew he had no more shots. As the demon approached within ten feet of Enzeru it lunged, claws beared, prepared to tear the gunman to shreds. Again, Enzeru smirked as he took a step back, avoiding the demons claws, and brought the butt of his pistol down incredibly hard on the back of the Yawoi's head, dropping him immediately and leaving a deep indent in the demon's skull.

Xyven finished off three more Yawoi by using his faint attack on all three at once. As landed behind the three demons and sheathed his small sword, the Yawoi turned their heads to look at the ninja who had just run through them with incredible speed. Upon turning their heads, the Yawoi's jugular veins exploded and they dropped like rocks.

"Nice one!" yelled Enzeru as he reloaded his pistol, this time with five black casings and one blue. The gunman then turned his head to see how the battle between Amarth and Baratsu was progressing.

The sounds of battle poured around Amarth as he charged through the opening in the Yowai towards Baratsu. He wasn't really running, but more like gliding over the ground, dust circling around his feet as he went. He brought his blade down an inch from Baratsu's face and stopped. Baratsu hadn't flinched a muscle.

Amarth - "Impressive, you knew I wasn't going to finish you, but you are not as aware as you think you are."

With that, a *clink* was heard amidst the battle sounds, and Baratsu found he was suddenly caught off his center. That was because the large ball was no longer connected to the chain. *clinklinklinklink* The chain began to completely fall apart, save for the foot long piece Baratsu still held in his hand.

Amarth - "I should kill you. I should kill you right now. You killed Draconis. He wasn't the best man... he wasn't even a good man, but YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL HIM!"

Amarth stood locked in a stare with Baratsu. In the back of his mind, he noticed the shuffling sounds coming from outside. Those aren't Yowai, they move too gracefully.

a "linear line?" somebody was at a loss for adjectives...

Petra darted from her spot on the floor as soon as Enzeru was off of her. Jumping onto a nearby table, she croutched with her bow poised and began to dispatch Yowai as they poured into the tavern. Letting arrow after arrow fly in a rythmic, almost mechanical, grace, Petra incapacitated 10 of the beasts before dropping down off the table, unsheathing her sword, and turning to find Amarth and Baratsu motionless, staring eachother down.

Writing for Shoan, Amarth. Don't kill please..

Shoan finished off the remaining five Yawoi, with a few mere swings of his zanabatou. He then turned his gaze to his brother who was staring down Baratsu.

The youngest of the Eldaire brothers leaped forward to join his brother in battle, but was stopped short by the extended arm of Enzeru.

"This is his battle, let him settle matters on his own." Enzeru told Shoan.

The image of his brother staring down Baratsu with a deadly glint in his eyes was a sobering one to the hungover thief. After hearing Enzeru's words, Shoan gripped his zanbatou harder and grudgingly contented himself to sit back and watch.

"Anyways Shoan, I think we are gonna have our own hands full." Enzeru said, motioning towards the numerous shadows advancing towards the group from outside the tavern.

rock out

Petra, at first startled, but then enraged by this stranger's gall, threw the shattered remnants of her bow to the floor. Baratsu, quite pleased with himself, seemed completely unaware of the unspeakable power inside the girl. Sheathing her sword, Petra drew two silver arrows from her pack. Centering herself, she grasped one in each hand and charged Baratsu. The smug look left his face and turned to horror as he felt Petra plunge the arrows deep into his sides. Baratsu fell to his knees before the scout. Releasing her grasp on the arrows, Petra unsheathed her sword slowly and decapitated Baratsu quickly and precisely. His head hit the floor with a sickening thud and silence descended upon the group as they stared in amazement.

I feel like that was unspeakably cruel. Let's pretend that Baratsu murdered my family instead of just breaking a stupid bow. Also, I'm sorry to undermine all of Amarth's painful morality, but Chauncey told me to do it.

Enzeru turned his ahead away as he heard the shrick of Petra's broadsword slice through Baratsu's neck with ease.

Disgusting....apsolutely horrid

"Well, Shoan. Seems as if the rage of a woman finished this fight, not your brother Amarth. It's a good thing that those guys are here though." Enzeru said as he pointed at the horde of demons that now peered down at the remains of their leader.

Baratsu's late reinforcements were not Abanaku's typical Yawoi henchman, in appearance or demeanor. A typical Yawoi would've trembled and ran away after their leader had fallen, these demons simply looked down at Baratsu's remains then looked up at the group of heroes. Also, these demons were a head shorter than the Yawoi, but much thicker. Thick armor shielded their heads and chests, and each bore long-sickle like swords.

"They're about ready to attack!" Enzeru said, yanking his revolver up to eye-level,"Get ready!"

Hey SSJ, I think I'll just play into your hand for a minute, so don't be dense (save the damsel in distress)

The demons, seeing their slain leader's body at Petra's feet and the bloodied sword in her hand, swarmed over her with a bloodthirsty vengeance. Petra became quickly exhausted blocking the numerous attacks and was unable to hold them back. She fell as one of the demon's swords pierced her shoulder, driving her down.

Reacting immediately to the demons' attack on Petra, Enzeru fired his first shot into the neck of the demon who had injured the scout. This took their attention and the fury away from the fallen woman, they now surged towards Enzeru.

As Enzeru checked to see that his blue casing was next in line to fire, he yelled "Get down everyone! Now!" He then cocked and fired at the dozen of demons now a mere five feet away.

BOOM!

A thundering ball of fire exploded from the end of Enzeru's six-gun causing more rubble to fall from the damaged roof, and the demons as well as Enzeru to go sailing ten feet back. Enzeru was thrown with a loud thud into the rear wall of the tavern. The demons were thrown in the piles of rubble that littered the floor.

"That didn't destroy them....they're only stunned!" Enzeru gasped, hoping that his comrades would hear him. Through blurry eyes, the gunman saw the demons already beginning to stand up.

Xyven and Shoan darted towards the dazed demons, weapons drawn, and slit the neck of each and everyone, causing a large pool of blood to form under their fallen bodies.

Enzeru tried to stand up, but slumped back down against the wall after only getting halfway up.

That was one Hell of a shock....hope everyones okay...

Through the dust and smoke, Petra watched the demons clamber back to life only to be cut down by Shoan and Xyven. Her shoulder throbbed and was warm and wet under her touch. Covering her wound with her hand, she pulled herself up and surveyed the room.

Enzeru was slumped against the wall, looking dazed and in pain. Petra stumbled over and slid down next to him. He felt so warm and it had been so long since she was close to anyone, especially a man.

"You all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine....just a little sore." Enzeru groaned, as he holstered his pistol. "Thanks for asking.

"Let's check on everyone else." Enzeru said as he wrapped an arm around Petra's waist, so as not to hurt her shoulder, and pulled the pair of them back up to their feet.

Once standing, Enzeru lingered a bit before removing his arm from around Petra's waist and taking a limping step forward. The warmth of her body seemed to have dulled his pain.

Looking around at the remains of the tavern and his comrades, who were all soaked in blood, Enzeru could only shake his head.

This place is a disaster...so much blood...

Aight. I've doon a poor job of keeping everyone informed. Petra... don't kill the generals yet, we're taking them out at the end. Also, don't decide whether your death blow (or any blow) lands or not when fighting the generals. They are Chauncey's characters. Also, please don't take my kills *personal note*. I would have stopped you from going for his head at the very least. Chauncey, play Baratsu off as someone who wanted to be a general and so was trying to do that by killing Enzeru's group. Now, bring in the six generals (make one of them that girl Draconis saw). Guys, we're going to have to be losing when circumstance arrises that makes them have to leave. No serious injuries (especially fatalities) either way.

Amarth stood amidst the corpses, a solemn look (even moreso than usual) on his face. He felt so much pity for these creatures that hadn't even had the chance to live their entire lives. He sighed a deep sigh that filled his lungs with the stale air, reeking of blood.

Shoan sat and gently leaned back on one of the standing walls, rubbing his temples.

"Somebody's gotta stop me from drinking so much next time. I had a headache before... now it's pounding."

He closed his eyes tightly and tried to regain his composure.

Amarth approached Draconis's blood-soaked body. While he had been shaking with anger and fury during the fight, Amarth quickly became very solemn upon reaching Draconis. He bent to one knee and extended his arm, resting his hand on Draconis's shoulder. Suddenly, a hand reaches up and grabs his arm.

"You know, that ribbon really is quite fetching on you."

With that, Draconis opened his eyes and a huge grin crept across his face.

Enzeru jumped a few steps back, right into Petra, when he saw the arm of the dead Draconis reach for Amarth. The gunman now leaned against Petra as he looked, mouth gaping open, at Draconis, who grinned deivantly at the rest of the group.

Xyven, who had taken up his usual position in the corner, only shook his head at the whole scene, before taking a seat on the floor.

How the Hell did he? I mean....the blade...o, come on!

It was then, as Enzeru thought, that his gaze wandered to a pile of rubble next to him and the top of a still full liquor bottle caught his sight. Taking two steps over to the pile, Enzeru picked up the bottle and brushed off the demon blood, before tossing it over to Draconis in a high arch.

"Not really sure how you did it, but that whole coming-back-to-life-thing is a neat trick, and I'm sure it takes a lot out of a demon. I'm sure this stuff isn't the usual Hellwater you're used to, but enjoy."

"Shit, I need this," exclaimed Draconis, lifting the bottle to his lips, "But honestly, I didn't think that Amarth would wear that stupid ribbon the whole time. [turning to Amarth] You really are quite a good speaker. Maybe there's a career in it for you since it seems you can't even take care of one lousy colonel."

That was just too much fun. It's a shame it took them so long to get that taken care of.

Don't mind this post if it's stupid. I'm blackout drunk. I love you Petra. Do whatever you want. :-P I love this thread too. I love everything except Rebecca... may she rot. Oh well.

"Hmph" spoke Amarth as he walked away. Shoan and Enzeru stood aside, watching the situation progress.

Enzeru - "Y'know, I'd expect him to be angrier. I mean, Draconis messed with his very moral fiber."

Shoan - "Oh, he's angry."

As Shoan spoke those words, small pieces of ribbon fluttered by their faces as they carried on their conversation.

Shoan - "See?"

"Um...well." Enzeru said running his hand through his hair and looking around at the group. "What now?"

There was a collective silence from the group. As Enzeru looked around the group, Xyven simply looked away, Shoan ran from pile of rubble to pile of rubble looking for another intact bottle of liquor, Draconis was smirking and finishing off his bottle of booze, and Petra was holding her injured arm looking down at the floor.

Seeing Petra, Enzeru walked over to her and pulled her shirt down slightly to reveal her wound. Though alarmed at first, Petra quickly gave in as Enzeru flashed her a reassuring smile, showing her his benevolent intentions.

"Have any of you guys got any bandages?" Enzeru asked.

The gunman was quickly answered as a roll of clean linen bandages struck him in the back of the head and bounced off. Enzeru caught the roll before it hit the ground and turned around to offer his thanks.

"Uh...thanks?" Enzeru said hesitantly, not sure who to direct his appreciation to.

The gunman then tended to the scouts wounds, taking as much care as was possible not to hurt her, and apolgizing when she winced with pain. After the bleeding had stopped and the wound was covered, Enzeru sat Petra down and brought her the remaining pieces of her bow.

"Sorry." he said placing the two pieces at her side.

Enzeru then turned to the others and began to speak, "A clerk yesterday told me of the 'fellars to the north' who knew how to make gunpowder. I think he was talking about Abanaku's forces. I think we should head up to the north. What do you guys think?"

Once again... blackout

Amarth and Shoan both shrugged simlutaneously at the bandages comment. They had both practiced the art of regeneration for decades, and thus... needed no bandages so long as they survived the battle (though... they had never seen anything like Draconis). After the question about the north however...

Amarth - "Abunaku's headquarters lies north of here... I'm not sure exactly where, but I journeyed these lands for a long time and heard much about them. Somewhere north... slightly northeast if my sense of direction does not fail me."

Shoan - "Knowing Amarth, it probably does."

Amarth shot Shoan a look of agression which was returned, but Amarth could not argue this point with Shoan, and so quickly backed down.

"Well then, are you two going to sit around and make eyes at each other or do I have to turn the hose on you two?" smirked Draconis, "'Cause I'd like to actually get going. [turning to the wounded scout] Where are those horses you bought?"

Petra, who had hoped her affinity for Enzeru had gone undetected, blushed furiously at this remark. She was almost alarmed by the thrill she had gotten everytime Enzeru's fingers brushed her bare skin as he tended to her wound. She had pretended that she was trembling under his touch from the pain, but she knew better.

Feeling weak and slightly dizzy from the combination of her wound and Enzeru's attentions, Petra hesitated a moment before answering Draconis.

Where the hell did I leave them???

Remembering suddenly, Petra looked up with a weary smile.

"I hitched them to some trees on the edge of town. I'll lead the way if we're all ready to get out of this dump."

After Petra had revealed the location of the horses, Enzeru tore his gaze away from the scout and back to his party.

"Let's get going then." the gunman said as he walked to the tavern's door, helping Petra when ever she needed it as they walked over the rubble.

As Enzeru walked out the door, he heard the chuckling laugh of Shoan. "A bit pointless to use the door isn't it?"

Looking up, Enzeru saw what was funny. The rest of the group was already standing outside on the street, having used the gaping hole in the tavern's wall as an exit.

"Well.. I guess you can just call me old-fashioned." Enzeru replied, smiling and running his hand through his hair.

As the gunman exited the tavern, he looked up at the sky.

Strange

The morning sky, which started out completely clear, was now covered by threatening rain clouds. A few hawks could be seen flying on the distant horizon.

Petra had discarded the broken remnants of her bow and as the group left the town, she scanned the ground for any bamboo or lancewood she could use to rig up a new one.
Suddenly, the group stopped short. A blood-curdling roar could be heard in the distance. Petra knew that sound too well. It was the sound of an army moving to attack. Petra's hand dropped to her sword and she quickened her pace, spotting the horses lashed to a stand of trees just ahead.

Withdrawing a crude halter from her bag (a bridle and bit were not necessary with her "ability"), Petra spoke softly to the largest of the studs as she slipped the halter over his nose and ears and tied it beneath his jawline. She slid a pair of leather reins through the rings on the front of the halter and layed a rough blanket across the animal's back as she had not had time to purchase a saddle. Leading the horse up to a stump on which she could stand, Petra mounted the animal and wheeled around to her companions.

"I think you'll find these mounts to be quite agreeable. They shouldn't require any roughness. I'll ride on ahead and find out what's going on."

With that, Petra bent low to the horse's neck and whispered inaudibly to it and the horse bolted off in the direction from which the roar had come.

Two things. First, I thought only the generals were gonna attack, not an entire army. A bit premature for such a big battle isn't it? Second, I'm dissapointed in you Dixie. I thought the 'halter' was for Petra, not the horse. Tsk,tsk,tsk.

Enzeru watched as Petra rode away, leaving himself and the group a little lost. Enzeru, for one, had always been cautious about riding horses since the time he was six and got punted about thirty feet by one.

Approaching the large animal surrounded by a sense of foreboding, sweat began to run down underneath the gunman's head band.

Awh, fuck it!

Enzeru rushed forward and jumped onto the horses back.

SHYYIIITT!

Enzeru was on his ass, yet again, as quickly as he had jumped onto the horses back. This time taking a smarter approach, Enzeru rubbed the horses mane while he hopped on it's back. However, this plan was quickly abandoned for a "spur the horse and hang on for dear life" stategy as the gunman realized he was alone.

The steed bolted forward as Enzeru clung to the reins. In a matter of moments, he had caught up with the group, and seconds later had past them. Looking back and watching the group get farther and farther behind him as he rode through town, Enzeru was very shocked when the horse came to an abrupt halt next to Petra on the other side of town.

As the gunman whipped his head forward, he was met with a gruesome sight. Batallion upon batallion of demon warriors were charging towards the city of Shinsen. They were no more than a mile away, and closing fast.

As Enzeru quickly drew his pistol, emptying it's casings and replacing them with all blue ones, he thought to himself.

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!

Uh, SSJ, I don't think we're prepared to fight an entire army between the two of us. In fact, I'd venture so far as to say that the entire group isn't prepared for this. Petra and I are out like a fat kid in dodgeball.

Turning to Enzeru, who had suddenly appeared beside her, Petra nodded grimly toward the approaching army.

"It would be suicide to take them on, Enzeru. We can't save the city now, but if we save ourselves, we'll have a better chance of regaining Shinsen later."

Petra spoke in a foreign tongue that Enzeru had never heard before to the horse beneath her and, in an instant, the horse had turned on its heels and headed off to the right of the city at break-neck speed.

"Get the others and follow me," she called back to Enzeru.

Upon seeing the army, Draconis turned to Amarth, saying, "I think I'm finally going to have some fun." With that, he lept from his horse, hurdling through the air and landing in between the scout and the gunman.

"Now I know you love to claim your kills and what not, but with your permission, I'd like to lend a hand now."

Enzeru and Petra simply shook their heads, still dazed at the mass of soldiers in front of them.

Hell, I'd have done it anyway.

With that, Draconis began slowly walking towards the army.

"I've died once today," Draconis shouted, "Are you going to try to kill me again? Do your worst."

All of a sudden, a cloud of arrows came crashing down out of the sky, pinning Draconis to the ground. The army let out a collective cheer, but it was soon silenced by a thunderous laughter.

"That's it. Hahahahaaaa. If you were smart, you'd have saved those for my mortal companions instead of wasting them on me," sneered Draconis as he lifted himself through the arrows and off the ground, "Now...it's my turn."

Draconis lifted off the ground, his entire body engulfed in black smoke, save his piercing red eyes. The smoke began to congregate into two groups on his back, forming massive black wings. He looked at the horror in the soldiers's eyes and grinned, soaring high into the sky and crashing down into the center of the group. His wings had disappeared, dissapating across the army, enveloping them in impenetrable smoke. All around the soldiers, there was black. They could barely see their hands at their sides, let alone each other. Then, glowing red eyes began to appear around them, each pair extending from the smoke to form the top half of Draconis's body. In the confusion, the soldiers began to hack away at their vision of Draconis. When the smoke cleared, 10,000 lay dead or dying and upon the pile of bodies stood the demon, eyes aglow and hair on end. The soldiers had struck each other through the smoke, the army unintentionally slaughtering itself.

"Don't look so grim. I did spare some of your lives, though I can't say whether I or my companions will take them soon enough," said Draconis, his heart racing in the midst of the carnage, "[turning back to the party] Come on. That is unless you don't mind me killing all of them."

Alrighty...we're taking on an army...six people versus 15,000 men...o wait, 5,000 now right Draconis? Let's cut out the etheral net bullshit mumbo jumbo and get back to shit.

As the smoke cleared, Enzeru saw the carnage Draconis had released on to Abanaku's forces. Though shocked, the gunman wasted no time in bringing his pistol to eye-level and firing three rounds at the remaining clusters of men scattered over the body-ridden field.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

Three long streams of fire were emitted from Enzeru's revolver. The impressive display was matched only by the three explosions that followed the shots. Each shot had been fired between the clusters of men, rather than right at them, to cause optimal damage.

Seeing about fifty or so men go flying, Enzeru smirked, before holstering his pistol, giving it time to cool, and waiting for the others to join in on the battle at hand.

Amarth looked to the others and raised his hand. "There shall be no more wanton carnage on this ground by our hands." Upon hearing this, Draconis stepped to the side of the battlefield, limping the last few and resting upon a tree. Amarth drew his sword and placed one hand on the blade, one on the handle. Slowly the blade began to glow blue, splitting into two identical swords. Without looking ahead of him, Amarth jumped to the tree immediately to his right, quickly ricocheting from tree to tree. He reached the remaining soldiers in seconds. Still darting from tree to tree, Amarth passed through the lines of men. Finally, Amarth slammed his feet down into the ground, gradually slowing until he stood next to Draconis.

Amarth - "You're bleeding. What's wrong?"

I'm leaving this post unchanged until Draconis changes his later post... or I talk to him and find out how I should change it.

"I'm fine," snapped Draconis, "I'm just a little tired. It's not safe for you to be around me now. You need..to get back."

Goddamnit, just push it back down and it'll go away.

Amarth did not heed the warning, extending his arm to try to help Draconis.

"I..told you..to get..BACK!"

I can't stop it. Just fucking concentrate. I will not allow myself to be weak like this. CONCENTRATE, GODDAMN YOU!

Tiny wisps of black enveloped Amarth's legs, making their way up his body. Soon they covered him head to toe and a horrific vision began to occupy Amarth's mind.

Bodies strewn across a vast plain. The nearby creek runs crimson with their blood. There are only two left standing: Amarth and a boy, about 16. Both have drawn their swords.

I'm supposed to control this. I CAN control it.

Enzeru watched from a distance as Draconis's aura began to engulf Amarth. Enzeru trembled a bit as he began to wonder what horrific visions Amarth was seeing at the present. The gunman knew too well the strength of Draconis...he had seen his greatest evil...and once had been more than enough.

Petra stood next to Enzeru watching as well, and soon moved forward, as if to help her samurai brethern. She was stopped immediately though by Enzeru's outstretched arm. The scout looked up into Enzeru's eyes, which were still locked on Amarth and Draconis and let out the slightest of gasps. The usual good-natured glimmer that sparkled in Enzeru's eyes had been extinguished and replaced by a look of despair and horror.

"Amarth...he...knows what he's doing...he'll be...fine.." the words seemed hard for him to get out.

This is insane...he can't be human...he's...he's still standing...

The boy gazed at Amarth with absolute hatred. "You killed them all. My father, my brother, all of them. I don't care if I die, so long as I take you with me!" He wobbled weakly towards Amarth, making some attempt at holding up a sword, but Amarth simply sheathed his weapon and walked away.

"Enough," Amarth said as he walked out of the smoke, "I made peace with my demons long ago. That technique won't work on me. But I want to know, why would you use it anyway?"

Petra watched these events unfold with feelings of despair and compassion that came from a place inside her she didn't know existed. Was she actually beginning to care about her companions? Was her fate now inextricably entwined with their own? When she looked up into Enzeru's eyes, she knew that it was.

When Amarth layed Draconis across the back of his stead, Petra stepped forward meekly and spoke to the horse softly.

"Dearest brother, carry my friend with gentle and sure steps. Please honor him and don't let him fall from you."

As she spoke these words to the horse, she felt Enzeru's arm around her shoulders and she let herself be held only for a moment, breathing in the warmth of her companion, before breaking away and mounting her own horse.