What is left to fight for?(Zorolo, and Neko)

OoC: This is the battle that directly follows my character fictionThe spreading Infection. It would help to understand this battle if you read that first.

BiC:
There she was the one who they had set out to kill. Her face was shinning in the thin light cascading into the room threw the large windows on either side. The long hallway’s marble floor glimmered with fantastic drawings or men over coming all odds and pushing back the shadows. It was to end there; at least it was in his mind when he called to her.

“Anastacia demon,” Tsuukai yelled out the words he believed would bring the end of her reign of terror. Yet nothing happened, except for her smile to grow even more demonic as she stood up. Two figures burst into the light by her sides one was laughing in an evil manner.

“Fool, the words you speak are nothing,” Shinu laughed harder then before, ”We meet again master of shadows, but now it seems you have fallen prey to our trap,”

“The specter speaks the truth, now you will see the light, and help me dominate this world,” Stacia said in her small voice, but this time it seemed to be louder then a dragons yell, but still sounded the same as always.

‘Maria run!” Tsuukai he said quietly turning to her, but she would not budge she stayed still.

“I can’t they will kill you or infect you I have to help you,”

“And die along side of me,” His words seemed harsh but they where true,” Come back save me again if you must I will give you time,” This time Maria could not object, she turned around, and ran for the door whence they came. He eyes again where streaming in tears, as she had to break her promise again. She slammed the door shut behind her as Tsuukai turned around to face the demons again.

“If you want me so bad,” he said grabbing his hilt, “Come and get me,” His voice rang around the throne room as he drew his blade by the name of shadow from it’s resting place. He pointed it at Stacia, and charged forward knowing full well that he was worse off then when he was captured in the castle. He knew now that all that had happened was a carefully planned out trap, but he did not care victory could not be his this time, he did it to save Maria if he died and Maria lived his life would be fulfilled and he could rest in peace. Life it seemed always moved in circles he would end this adventure the way he began it, with his sword in hand, and a battle in his mind telling him what to do. He did not fear death it seemed his dreams where wrong, but he did fear people hurting the ones he loved, and for the first time in his life his blade was not drawn for him.

Stacia’s pushed back the warrior into a wall with the power of wind. Tsuukai couldn’t budge, but he still smiled looking at the other two. One looked like nothing he had ever seen before yet hauntingly familiar. Stacia called him a specter what that meant Tsuukai wasn’t sure. The dark enigma strolled forward laughing at Tsuukai foolishness to run into a fight. “Well if it isn’t the master of shadows, Oh have I longed to meet you again. What don’t you know who I am, well I am not surprised, I am the dark side of that weak fool Zorlo. You remember me now don’t you,”

“I remember you, I remember defeating you,”

“Ignorance is not welcome,” he said swinging his weapon at Tsuukai, but the Master of shadows fought threw the wind, and blocked the attack. The black rider flew into the air escaping Stacia’s power, and turned to look at the other. He looked like A Neko, a cat like race he had met before. Yet different he could detect a sense of power about him that a neko did not have. Tsuukai closed his eyes for a second going into his sixth sense. He felt his power briefly, and that was all he needed. He was part dragon to.

“If you expect to capture me, you may have to change you plans around,”

“Foolish mortal, can’t you see there is no escape so why do you fight it,”

“What do you take me for, I will never bow down to you,” That was the most ironic thing Tsuukai ever said,” You will not take me alive.” He said shooting a ball of black energy at Stacia, the ball seemingly struck exploding with shadows. Black dust rose from where it hit, light shown threw the darkness showing that Stacia was neither dead nor hurt. She protected herself with a light green shield. In retaliation the light being shot a ball of energy back a the shadow, but using a similar method the Black rider blocked the attack dropping to the ground Tsuukai prepared himself for the worst, as the three closed in on him.

* * * * *

Why, why did she have to run again? Wasn’t once enough, why couldn’t she fight, why did she have to leave him alone to fight the unimaginable odds? Was it even worth running? Maybe she could save Tsuukai, but what if he got infected? Then there would be no stopping her? How was she supposed to help? She didn’t know what to do. She found tears endless tears flowing down her face, dropping into a stream where she ran. She knew she had to run; Tsuukai was in there fighting so she could live, so she could find a way to stop her. If she went back then everything he fought for would be for nothing, and she couldn’t let that happen. Her feet stopped at once as a figure with shinning gold hair interjected itself in her path. She drew her blade, not for her self, but for Tsuukai, he wished her to fight back, to stop Stacia where he couldn’t for that she had fight.

A blade fired for her head, but she dodged it with a relative ease, it was as if her entire world was moving in slow motion. She swung hard for the man, but it was blocked, by the things other blade. She blocked another attack, or rather she saw herself block the attack, it was as if she running by instinct alone. Her hand moved without her will throwing her blade at the one who stood in her way, it cut the chest slight of the golden haired fiend. The beast grabbed its wound not out of pain, but out of surprise.

“Why do you resist the light?”

“Because your light is everything evil to me,”

“Then you shall die,” The voice slithered.

“No it will be you,”

“And how to you figure that, you are but a girl. Who are you to defeat the army’s of the almighty Stacia,”

“I am Maria, I have traveled the world, and back again, and it will be by my hands that your queen dies,”

“Your words are nothing but lies,” It near screamed lunging forward. The beast attacked, but left his mind behind, Maria saw an opening, blocked one blade, and then slit the throat of the beast. Blood flowed quickly from the now red wound. He let out one final gasp for air, called to its master then fell over in a pool of its own blood. Maria ran quickly over the thing, continuing her search for an escape from the nightmare made of light.

OoC: Nice opening Puck-kun, now then, for my post, I'm going to have to go back a little while before the events in yours.

BiC: The dark one stood in the center of the ruined city, nine thousand souls lost in the battle that had ensued. Countless ships ruined, endless amounts of property was eradicated with ease by the six invaders, and what for, little more then the enjoyment of each. It was because of a loud mouth madman that Shinu had come to this place, but he had found use of one here, the Neko/dragon called Nekatsuki. His gray eyes, veiled under the black hood he wore, looked about the remains of the city. "That was fun, but now is the time that we return to Stacia and complete our mission," the dark one muttered as the giant Neko monster moved towards him. "It's almost time we leave, Nekatsuki," the great evil said as he looked at the massive beast.

"You said that the human you want me to help you overwhelm is powerful right?" The cat/dragon asked in an interested tone.

"Very powerful, I've fought him before and found him most impressive. That is why I asked you for help," the dark one told the Neko.

The Dragon scoffed at the dark one's claim. "A strong human, perhaps I could enjoy playing with him then," Nekatsuki muttered with a powerful grin towards the dark one.

"Yes my friend," Shinu started as he took a step, placing his foot upon one of the human corpse's and pushing it into the ground, "and like these fools, he shall be defeated."

"Keep in mind, little part human, that I am not helping you because I like you, merely because you told me this human we are to fight his strong. Now is your time to deliver," the Neko said in an angry tone.

"I know, in time. First, we must head to the palace of Stacia, the infector, and complete the circle. Tsuukai Ita won't know what hit him," the dark one said as he began to walk, followed by the Neko closely behind him.
***
The human hunter and the master of terror entered the massive castle and the killer of humans looked about at the servants of the infector. "I'm not impressed," he sneered as he looked around a bit more.

"I didn't think you would be, but recall, you are not here to be impressed, but to help Stacia and I," Shinu retorted.

The two warriors quickly entered the infector's throne room and she looked over the dark one's ally. "This is the one you spoke of," she said quietly.

"Yes, miss Stacia, he shall aid us capture Tsuukai," the dark one told the young appearing girl.

"You want me to help this little girl," Nekatsuki snorted as he looked at Stacia.

She smiled slightly as she held up her hand and forced the Neko dragon against the wall, pinning him tightly to it, but he fought back with everything he had. "Do not underestimate me because of my appearance," she told him, releasing him from her bind, "I am far more powerful then you can imagine."

"This could be fun," Nekatsuki commented with a smile.

"All right, time for the last moment planning," Shinu said with a dark smile. "Nekatsuki and I shall hide until the Master of Shadows enters, and then we shall ambush him. He shall be stopped this day," the dark one said laughing wildly as the three readied to battle with the powerful foe that was drawing near.

(OoC: And with me, the battle can commence. Sorry if I misuse your characters. I can't say I've even read how they fight before this.)

Bic:

“What do you take me for, I will never bow down to you! You will not take me alive.”

Nekatsuki couldn't help but to smile at Tsuukai as he advanced before the thought occurred to him. Does he truly need to be able to bow? Or be able to move? Or even need to be alive? The girl and Specter only said he needed to be captured, but never specified if he needed to be alive at the end. He paused and looked toward Stacia questioningly. Guessing Nekatsuki's thoughts, she simply replied, "Beat him to an inch of his life. I only need him alive, maybe conscious. Intact doesn't matter."

"Good," the Kiwadoi said and continued forward with Shinu. Tsuukai seemed ready to win and escape and Nekatsuki wanted nothing more then to disappoint him. His mouth could seen glowing through the space between his parted teeth as he smiled. Opening wide, a beam of light burst forth aimed for Tsuukai's legs. He leapt aside only to be flung to the wall by Stacia's wind. The beam of light stopped soon after, a trail of molten rock left behind where the beam touched.

"How about not destroying the castle!" Stacia yelled from were she stood. She didn't seem angry though she was certainly not happy.

"Sorry, But damage control wasn't part of the deal," Nekatsuki replied without looking at her. "Make this human repair it later." Nekatsuki charged Tsuukai as he got up prepared for an attack. He got one soon enough his rolled out of the way of a straight punch aimed for his chest. Scales were covering Nekatsuki's sides and back even as his punch contacted the wall and left an imprint of his fist an inch deep. Tsuukai was already up and ready to stab deeply into the Kiwadoi when a bolt of darkness hit him in the back. Though it did little, it was more than enough of a distraction for Nekatsuki to sweep Tsuukai's feet out and drop him to the floor where a heel drop soon followed that was just barely avoided by the master of shadows, instead putting a foot sized dent and hole in the floor where his gut would have been. The Neko/dragon rolled back to his feet eyeing Tsuukai as the warrior looked back and forth between Shinu, Stacia, and Nekatsuki.

Stacia still stood in front of her throne of a seat while smiling at Tsuukai's futile attempts to win. Shinu had changed his weapon back into it's strange bladed form that he seemed to like so much as he stood waiting to strike. Nekatsuki was crouched and ready to pounce on the master of shadows while he scanned Tsuukai for weakness and unconsciously counted the seconds. He knew how long it would take to use his breath weaponry again and how long his formable scales lasted. Tsuukai could by now see just how close he'd come to being put in the dirt by the Kiwadoi with both attacks. It was time. The shadow warrior's attention was drawn to Nekatsuki as the Neko/Dragon opened his mouth slightly to allow electricity to crackle and jump across his teeth though his mouth wasn't glowing.

Tsuukai sensed a powerful attack by a numbing headache. He instinctively closed his eyes his mind going into a sixth sense. He could see Nekatsuki very clearly in the blurry world around, showing the great power the beast had. He saw a yellow light inside of him climbing into his mouth. He opened his eyes quickly looking at the ground for reassurance. The light shinning into the large room was covered in only a few spots where no window’s had been placed; Tsuukai was lucky to be on one of them. The lightning soared quickly, but before it deadly energy could so much as sing the finest hairs on Tsuukai’s cloak, the Master of shadows sunk into the shadows.

The shadow realm as usual was a dark dreary color; it was in everyway the same as the real world except for that where there was light there in the shadows there was darkness. The light was the only way to escape the world, and in this world everybody was there although time moved faster making them look like they where standing still. The lightning bolt passed through him without harm, or it appeared to it reality he wasn’t there. Tsuukai sighed relief, but it was then he noticed something; the walls usually looked transparent showing that he could move through them. Yet now they where solid, of course this could mean only one thing, the walls where made out of anti magic material, meaning he couldn’t escape even if he wanted to. Look what you got your self into; you are trapped like a rat for what? For that sake of that stupid girl! All our work, everything will be lost, you have no chance to win you are doomed an old voice had returned that of the dark wizard forever imprisoned in Tsuukai’s emerald. I have had enough of you; you try to tell me what to do, tell me how to live my life. You go on, and on about how much I fail. Enough is enough just be quiet or I will destroy your emerald, and you in it, He Replied harshly ending the conversation there by running towards a stream of light directly behind Nekatsuki.

Tsuukai appeared from a shadow directly behind the half neko-demon blade in hand he plunged it forward, hitting nothing, but air, for the witch of control pushed Nekatsuki out of the way with her powers. The large beast looked slightly surprised at the Rapid movement Tsuukai made looking shocked for only a second before reverting to his arrogant state. “You have no idea what, or better yet who you are fighting for do you?”

“I know who I am fighting against, and that is all that matters,” Nekatsuki hissed bitterly.

“You hardly know that,” He said seething his blade, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am the one known most commonly as the master of shadows, or as the black rider, but seeing as I doubt you would partake in calling me by such names you may call me Tsuukai Ita,”

“Your name is not important only that you are human,”

“Am I?”

“Yes you are, don’t try, and play games with me human scum,”

“As you wish,” Tsuukai chuckled sending a blast of shadow energy at he large half dragon. It connected in a small explosion sending the beast stumbling back a few steps, but regaining his balance in the end he charged forward claws out. He aimed his deadly hand at the head of the dark warrior, but to his dismay a sharp blade was in its way. Without wasting time he went lower slashing wildly at the torso of his enemy. The master of shadows ever watching eyes noticed this, and by doing a half jump back he managed to dodge its wrath. In retaliation the black rider did a slash to each arm, but thick black scales covered them stopping the full force.

“Is that the best you got human?”

“Don’t underestimate my powers,” he said preparing to lung for the heart, but he was sent stumbling when a black bolt shot him from behind, this allowed the beast to have an opening striking his claws against the man’s chest leaving three thick claw marks already dripping with blood. Tsuukai grabbed his wound, and then looked carefully at the new blood staining his fingertips. Tsuukai looked around him as Shinu slowly came in from the side strange weapon in hand, the menace Stacia was sitting at her throne, but by no means was any body safe if she was close.

The black rider seethed his sword, and drew his bow all in one fluid motion. He took aim at Shinu, who was coming from the side, of course still taking notice to the human hunter in front of him. Yet the arrow he had drawn to the fine threaded bow string was not meant for either of them.

The dark one looked at the master of shadows, who's bow was strung and ready to be fired. Despite an attempt at outsmarting the dragon and the dark one, the black rider had done little more then give himself away. Shinu pulled his arm back and flung his buzz saw like weapon at high speed as the master of shadows let the arrow fly. The strange weapon of the dark one spun around and the master of shadows dodged with all speed as the blade spun around and shattered the arrow as it moved half way between the infector and the master of shadows. Stacia smiled as she watched the Terror of Death's blade come back and catch it with ease.

"Nice try, oh master of shadows, but you still fall short of our power," the dark one mocked as he charged at the shadow bound warrior. The master of shadows and the master of darkness' blades clashed with a powerful clang as they met. The dark one pushed his blade, the black rider pushed his, and finally the two forced and broke their attack and the master of shadows jumped back. The powerful dark warriors seemed evenly matched, as Zorlo and Tsuukai had appeared in their last battle. The Neko watched, enjoying the two semi-humans fighting, and Stacia was enjoying watching this, mostly since it meant she did not need to battle. The two warriors of darkness stood ready to strike as the dark one muttered, "Convert!" Lowly under his breath and his weapon began to change as the black rider fired off a shadow ball. The dark one quickly created a nightmare flash and the two dark orbs clashed and exploded, creating a massive crater as the dark one scanned. Tsuukai had escaped with ease, but the dark one knew he would return soon, he would have no choice.

The dark one grinned under his hood as he awaited the attack of the shadow master. Suddenly, the black rider rose from the ground behind the dark one, but suddenly found his sword stopped by something. A dark tentacle had emerged from the dark one's feet and easily stopped the black riders' sword, and another emerged from the dark one's feet and grabbed the master of shadows and chucked him into a wall, creating a powerful break in the wall as more the two tentacles and two other ones that were just spawned followed the master of shadows, who watched as they drew near. Without a second thought, he descended back into the shadows to avoid as the four dark streams created four massive holes into the walls. The dark one laughed as the dark streams returned under his feet and vanished.

"Master of Shadows!" The dark one said in a mocking tone as he walked about. "Come out, come out where ever you are. You have a meeting with your maker," he said as he looked about. "Nekatsuki, I think it is time you use your senses to help me find him, what do you think?" The dark one asked in a wicked tone.

(OoC: On the short side, but it should work.)

Bic:

It appeared once more time for the Kiwadoi to do more then just watch as Tsuukai once again sunk into the shadows. "Nekatsuki, I think it is time you use your senses to help me find him, what do you think?" The dark one asked in a wicked tone.

"Oh, but we were having so much fun too," Nekatsuki replied with a lazy, arrogant smile. "Don't get mad, my gray ghost. I'll find Tsuukai." He could tell he angered Shinu though the spector held his tongue for the moment to Nekatsuki's slight surprise. Must be saving his anger for the human, the Kiwadoi thought as he focused his dragonic power. Though he was never really great with non-battle applications for his power, this task was simply enough as he directed energy to his eyes. Soon the life auras that all living things had and gave off being to appear in his vision. Shinu's dark grey and black aura came to life like flame around his body. Yep, he was angry. Stacia's aura on the other hand, was gently radiating off of her in comfirmation of her calm mood. it was a bright golden sphere with green strips almost rotating around it's edges.

"Hey, hurry up would you? We don't have all day!" Shinu yelled, his aura flaring up like a flame hit with fresh oil. Waving his impatience aside, Nekatsuki began looking into the shadows.

For his sake, he'd better be as evil as the ghost behind me. Else his won't be ha- "I see you..." Nekatsuki said as he pointed to a spot just behind Stacia. Tsuukai's aura was a nuetral gray at stood out in the dark shadows. Though what was surprising and a bit convenient was the dark emerald light that shone from inside the aura. Stacia turned to see Tsuukai coming out of the wall. His sword was already aiming for her when he suddenly looked at Nekatsuki and sunk back into the wall to dodge a lightning bolt the Kiwadoi spat at him. "It's no use hiding, human. I can see you," Nekatsuki said as he pointed to the new spot Tsuukai was currently sitting inside the shadows. As he moved, Nekatsuki continued pointing directly at him.

OoC: IM BACK!

BiC:
“Really?” A voice boomed through the large hall echoing almost instantly.

“Yes it is pointless to try to hide,”

“Who’s hiding,” The voice laughed harshly, “If I was here to hide then perhaps you would be doing as well as I would have thought, but alas my reason for being here is not to hide especially from the likes of you,”

“Then show yourself coward,” The human hunter roared, the black rider rose from the shadow that he was hiding for to see the powerful neko charging him. The sly warrior took his time, and when it seemed claws would impale him, he leapt over the beast flipping, and spinning in mid air to be above, and behind the human killer. His bow was already ready in the shadow’s hand, and with a flick of his wrist the blade soared threw the oddly haunting air piercing into the back of one third of his enemies. His hard skin wouldn’t let the arrow dig deep, but for the master of shadows it was enough for what he was doing. Tsuukai landed gracefully behind him without so much as a sweat a sly smile across his angered face.

“Did you know,” He started, but had to postpone as he ducked a failed attack from behind courtesy of Shinu, “I was once the evil,” He said raising a shield to block a dark bolt from the specter’s newly transformed weapon, “It seems odd that I,” His voice rang out as he jumped over a claw swipe by the half dragon, “The master odd shadows is now fighting for what many consider good,” His foot landed on the large beasts head pushing Tsuukai into the air, with a marvelous show of acrobatics flipped, and turned at the same time to face the blood stained back of the human hater, “But evil is merely a matter of perspective,” The two he was fighting closed in on him, “Take for example the clouds, they spread shadows across the ground blocking the sun, but as the clouds move so does the shadows,” He blocked an attack from the angry Shinu who was getting irritated that the both of them could not beat the one, “So what was covered in shadow is now covered in light, but in the end it is the same land the same idea, it is all about perspective really,” He smiled finishing his speech, but as he did he let his guard down giving Shinu time to blast him away with a dark bolt. He flew threw the air, and came down with a crash against the cheery wall of the palace leaving his indent in it. He fell face forward, but managed to catch himself, stumbling to his feet you could see the anger on his face, not at his opponents in particular, but at himself for leaving himself of guard allowing him to get the blow in.

“Can’t you see you don’t stand a chance against our combined forces,” Shinu said without emotion, but on the inside he would be smiling because he knew what was to come.

“We will s…” He started, but stopped abruptly, he had that numbing headache again it was a attack, a very powerful attack. He turned quickly hands in front making his black shield surround him to stop Stacia’s most powerful attack. A green beam of pure power charged forward into the shield, surprisingly it did not break, but the pure power was to strong and he started to get pushed back even with the shield. It was slow at first, but it came stronger, he was sent back at an unmatchable speed, his feet sending the tiles on the floor flying as he pushed down on them hoping to stop the progress, but to no avail he smashed into the wall, or rather his shield did sending dust into the air as a almost perfectly round hole was smashed into the magnificent palace. The other two looked on with hope as the dust cleared, they smiled only slightly as they saw Tsuukai eyes close leaning limp against the cavern. His face was hanging down his body was cut all over bleeding little; even his cloak was torn and tattered from the attack. Then it was as if he found his strength, and that it only temporary left him he looked up black eyes glaring the best they could. He took a shaky step forward out of what was meant to be his tomb blade in hand.

OoC: You left? I had no idea [/Sarcasm]. I'm just joking dude, good that you have returned.

BiC: Shinu clapped his hands with greater power and intensity then he had in a long time. The master of shadows was putting up more of a fight then the dark one thought the man could, but the Terror of Death's patients were growing thin looking upon the feeble human. The dark one stood a few feet from the black rider, looking down at him. "Are you ready to die human?" The Specter asked, clenching his amulet tightly in his hand, a wicked smile upon his face as he pointed the magical item at the dark fencer. Black gray energy began to converge upon the dark one's pendant, creating a large ball of darkness, aimed with all power at the shadowed one. "Die now, little human," the dark one said as the black energy ball flew at the master of shadows.

Shinu knew all to well that the black rider could easily escape the attack, for the purpose of this attack was not to defeat him, but to distract him. The shadowed one side stepped the attack and ran at the dark one, the grey of the dark one's eyes glaring into the black of the shadowed fencer's eyes. "Convert," the dark one said filled with power as his amulet changed into his eight bladed sword. "Come get me, little master of shadows," the dark one mocked as the black eyed fencer charged. The dark one released one of his dark tentacles from his feet as he did, and just as the saber of the black rider was at the dark one's face, the one of the shadows was stopped in his tracks. "Nice try boy," the dark one said, his tentacle binding the master of shadows body, coiled around him, preventing all movement.

The black eyes of the master of shadows gazed into the dark one's hood, searching for a means of escape from the well laid plan. With a quick flick of his wrist, the dark one's tentacle threw the master of shadows against another wall, creating a small crater. The dark one smiled as he sunk into the shadows, hiding from the group of warriors. The Neko dragon suddenly jumped, slamming its claw into the ground as the master of shadows emerged, running at Stacia, in a vain attempt to defeat her. The terror quickly stepped in front and the blades of the two warriors of darkness clashed, creating a power burst of energy as the two stood silently, blades locked.

Shinu broke the silence quickly, mocking the master of shadows with, "You fool, how do you think you can defeat all three of us in you weakened state. You lack the hatred and passion you once had whence you battled my foolish other half. If you can't even over come him, what chance in hell do you have of beating the three of us!"

"You may be powerful, but you lack the intelligence of your other," Tsuukai responded as Nekatsuki rushed the master of shadows from behind, throwing his claw down upon where the master stood. As the claw came, Tsuukai quickly smiled and vanished into the shadows, appearing a few feet behind the massive dragon creature. "I cannot lose, for I have too much in this world now to be defeated by the likes of you!" The master of shadows stated bravely, readying to do battle with his foes.

"You are becoming a pest now," Shinu told the master of shadows, rolling his eight bladed weapon around his finger by the hand guard. "Not that it matters, you can't defeat one, yet alone all of us. With that wretch of a woman of your's gone, you stand alone against the most powerful darkness in history. What do you think you are going to accomplish by staying here? Do you think that you have some hope in hell of defeating Stacia, myself or this Neko? We have joined together with one purpose, that being to bring you under Stacia's control. Now then, submit!" Shinu roared as he sent eight dark tentacles at the shadowed one, who merely watched as the darkness streamed towards him. In a quick crash and a massive release of dust, the dark one angrily glared at where he had just attacked as the dark extensions retracted. He had missed again, but had made eight new, nice holes in the wall. He smiled as he looked at this and stated, "You can't avoid us forever Tsuukai, eventually we'll find you and crush you. After that, absolute power shall be our..." Shinu was stopped as he fell to his knees, holding his head. A power similar, yet much greater then, Zorlo's rushed into the dark sense of the evil being. There is no way that fencer could be that strong, and he's close. What is going on! The evil one asked himself angrily.

OoC: Sorry for the wait. I've been empty on ideas for this post.....>.>

Bic:

Nekatsuki looked on in silence just in the shadows as Shinu fell to his knees, seemingly in pain. He could already see Tsuukai's aura moving through the shadows to come out behind the fallen spector and point an arm at him. Soon, four black walls surrounded Shinu quickly followed by a fifth that sealed him inside. Nekatski smiled before openning his glowing mouth to aim. Tsuukai soon glanced over at the Kiwadoi and jumped behind a nearby pillar to avoid the potent beam of light that was aimed for his guts. Nekatsuki swept it through the pillar only to see Tsuukai's aura moving away. A bit of cat and mouse is fun. Ecspecially when the mouse thinks itself the cat. Lazy, arrogant smile in place, Nekatsuki moved toward the pillar, covering his back, arms, shoulders, and neck in his thick, black scales as he walked. In his peripheral, he could see Tsuukai's aura circle about widely to where most wouldn't be able to see him without turning their head. Unfortunately for him, a Neko's peripherals were much bigger then most others and his own bigger yet.

Nekatsuki quite easily watched the Master of Shadows coming up behind him to attack. A little closer, my mouse in cat's clothing. Just a bit closer and I'll ring your neck when you appear, Nekatsuki thought arrogantly as he arrived at the half melted pillar. No sooner then he finished the thought, he saw something fly at him. Before he could turn, a dagger buried itself in the back of his thigh as he just noticed Tsuukai starting to reappear at the pillar. No time! Forget the dagger for now. Quickly turning, Nekatsuki sidestepped the thrust saber and grabbed Tsuukai's arm in his right hand and his neck with the left. Using the surprise, Nekatsuki hauled Tsuukai from the shadow and slammed him to the floor, pinning him. "Check mate, Human," Nekatsuki crooned.

Surprisingly, Tsuukai smiled back. "Sorry, but this is only check," He replied and sunk into the shadow Nekatsuki inadvertantly slammed him down on top of.

"Wha- D*mn!" Nekatsuki had just enough time to yank out the dagger before her raised and turned to the revealing Tsuukai to level a punch at his chest where it wouldn't kill him. The punch was fast, but just milliseconds too slow as Tsuukai disappeared into the shadows just barely in time for the Kiwadoi to sink up to his shoulder in the wall from the force of his punch. Even as Nekatsuki was pulling his arm out the Master of Shadows was coming out of the floor, saber aimed to impale the Kiwadoi. "Too Slow!" Nekatsuki yelled as raised his glowing mouth over this stuck arm and unleashed a huge wave of ice at his would be attacker. Tsuukai managed to cover him face before the ice breath hit him. Ice was forming across his body as he staggered back and covered himself with his black shield to stop farther freezing.

Smiling, Nekatsuki finished withdrawing his arm and looked over the ice covered shield before smashing his fist into it, shattering the ice and cracking the shield. "Give up Tsuukai, You don't have the power to hold that against shall power." Nekatsuki slammed another fist into it, cracking it farther.

"Surprising. You call me by name now?" Came Tsuukai's voice from behind and slightly above the now surprised Kiwadoi. He'd relaxed his eyesight from sheer arrogance and missed the position change. The Shield disappeared as Nekatsuki turned to find Tsuukai himself leaping from a shadow slightly up the wall, weapon coming down at the Half-breed's head. Sparks flew as Nekatsuki deflected the blade with his claws and with his free hand launched Tsuukai into the light where Stacia pinned him to the floor with a gust of wind. Wasting no time, Nekatsuki walked out to Tsuukai and planted a foot on his back, pinning him to the floor as Stacia ceased her wind.

"You earned your Name in my eyes, Tsuukai, but I'm afraid this is checkmate this time. No perfectly placed shadows to use now," Nekatsuki said, for once not arrogantly as he stood smiling. "Hey, Stacia. What should we do now? Break limbs? Maybe a nice concussion?"

OoC: You..you...you replied !?! Alert the press. I assure you it is just a joke, anways I didn't want to pull this trick out of my bag this fast but if you are sure...

BiC:
“Hurt him as much as you will, but make sure he is still breathing by the time your finished,” The witch of light grinned.

“Not a problem,” he replied pointing his claws at the back of Tsuukai, “Checkmate,”

“Check,” Tsuukai replied laughing a little bit, “You really think that I would fall so quickly, I am sorry for your misguided ways, but I will not die now,” The half-neko didn’t seem to take the black warriors warnings at all, as he continued his attack, but a few yards away something happened Nekatsuki didn’t seem to notice. A small shadow started to move, not by the sun, but seemingly on its own, it tore itself from the ground creating a black blob crawling fast towards the two. The small enigma found its way to the purpled haired fencers foot, attaching itself onto it making his foot seemingly a shadow. Soon the shadow spread up one leg, down another, and up the torso just as the human hunter was about to strike. The beast’s eyes had no idea what they where looking at, it couldn’t be possible, instead of him going to a shadow; a shadow had come to him. Tsuukai could feel the energy of the shadow bursting threw him, by the time it had engulfed his head. He turned onto his back, seemingly faster then the eye could see, and then blasted Nekatsuki in the gut sending him flying far back.

The shadow raised from the ground presumably a smile on his face, but it was impossible to say. His once tied back hair burst away flying in all directions from the power, his tattered cloak swung around wildly as if there was wind, but there was none. His entire shadow of a body trembled with power rarely used. “What is this?” The man hater bellowed.

“You have angered the master of shadows, and the shadows themselves,” his voice roared echoing itself, “You have tricked the very shadow of the world, and tried to trap him. You have hurt, or killed all he ever cared about,” Now the room even began to shake, “Now it is time for you to die,” His laugh roared maliciously throughout the enchanted palace.

“We wont fall prey to your tricks,” The arrogant beast bellowed trying to get his voice heard.

“Arrogant worm, I will crush you!” he laughed as the human hunter began to attack, he opened his mouth, which was now crackling with lightning, but as it flew swiftly threw the air, the shadow had jumped effortlessly into the air landing behind the arrogant worm. Nekatsuki attempted to turn around, but he was wrapped in chains before he even had a chance. The beast was trapped in a mass of shadows chains slowly tightening to crush him. The human hunter winced in pain as his bonds slowly tightened around him. Luckily though half of the chains disappeared, as Stacia fired a blast of green energy at the bounder, causing him to dispel on set of chains to bring up his black shield. The energy bounced of the shield not even leaving so much as a dent. Tsuukai’s eyes, the only part of his body not completely covered In shadows shown bright white, and they narrowed as he dispelled the last of his bonds on Nekatsuki. The human hunter fell on the ground trying to regain his breath as the shadow jumped into the air.

Drawing his bow with his left hand he grabbed a single arrow with his right, placing it carefully on the black string, as it seemed even his weapons where changed into shadows. He let lose on arrow, then moving his arm faster then most eyes could see he blasted ten more in mere seconds all aiming for the dark queen of light. The black arrows tore threw the air creating rifts of shadow where they left, a black aura around the tips of the dark arrows. The first arrow was dodged, but as it struck the wall where Stacia once was it exploded fiercely leaving a small crater, and spreading small rocks blasting threw the throne room. The next made contact blasting away a small portion on the women’s arm, making her cry out in pain. She quickly teleported away before she would sustain more damage. With Nekatsuki down for a little while, and Stacia in pain the shadow turned towards the cage of the half man known as Shinu.

Hovering to a landing right beside the black cage, he grabbed four now shadow daggers from his cloak by their tips. With lighting fast flicks of the wrist he sent them tearing threw the cage. The small opening they created was rebuilt almost instantly as the daggers flew hopefully into the body of Shinu. “Come out, and play Shinu,” his voice shook the very building to its core, but no one answered from inside the cage, “I know your in there, there is no way those daggers could have killed you, now come out and fight me” Still no one answered, “Fine,” He roared, “ I will come in, and get you if you refuse to come out,” With a small hand movement one side of the cage descended showing…nothing. Shinu was gone, but the master of shadows was certain he was about to find out where he went.

OoC: Not quite the way I had planned to escape, but it works.

BiC: The dark one sat in the dark box, still in pain from the sudden surge of energy that he sensed from the Aura Master known as Zorlo. What's... What's going on?! The dark Zorlo trembled at the power he had just sensed.

You fool, we cannot pay attention to that now, we must escaped, I sense something is happening outside! Aizi retorted, trying to force the damaged human from his weakened state.

The dark mortal would not budge, he was far to weakened from the immense power he sensed from the fencer of Tasogare to take any action or attempt to even remotely try to escaped from his prison. Dark Zorlo was losing his power, drifting far away from the once cocky, confident force he had been. The dark energies he had become so intoxicated with were no longer what he needed, for the fencer had discovered a much greater power. How can I beat him now?! The human asked in a monotone, emotionless voice. He had been lost, and the demon hoped only for now.

He's lost, Aizi sneered. That means it is up to me. Fool, why do you fear that human, we have greater power then you know. The demon began to take over the body, transforming it into a more desired form. The already gray skin darkened in color, a demonic smile appeared as his teeth became razor sharp. He let out a loud roar that was completely contained by the prison as he opened his eyes to reveal glowing red pupils and his gray eyes. His hair grew out and flowed like a gray flame from his head. His smile was still vibrant as he sat down and began scanning the area to pick up the powers that remained.

The dark gaze of the Demon Master pierced through the walls, sensing the powers around him. Nekatsuki was weakening, his body was recovering; Stacia had fled, apparently from something that the Master of Shadows had incurred. The dark one then turned his demonic gaze upon the Shadow Master himself; The power Tsuukai held was equal to that of what Shinu had sensed from the Aura Master, which did not distress the dark one in the slightest. The dark one picked up his blade, which transformed as he grabbed it, into a pendant. The dark one placed the amulet around his as a gray flames surrounded him; the dark sense the demon had felt that the Shadow was coming to try to destroy him.

"Fool," the dark one muttered as the gray flames engulfed him and he completely vanished. The spirit of the dark one watched what the Shadow did next and watched as he brought down the barrier. Suddenly, the same gray flame appeared behind the Shadow Master, who turned slowly to face the dark one, noticing that he had returned. "Nekatsuki, and here I thought you were really powerful," Aizi mocked as his dark gray aura flared up. "And you, this trick didn't work last time, what the hell makes you think it will work this time?!" The dark one mocked the power of the Shadow Master.

"When last I fought your other, he defeated me with some odd power. I am much stronger now, and neither him, nor you shall defeat me," Tsuukai commented as the darkness around him grew stronger.

"So you think, little human, but I am far beyond anything you can imagine," Shinu remarked, holding his hand out. A sudden gathering of massive gray flames in the shape of a ball formed from the demon's hand, and a ball of shadow formed in the Shadow Master's hand. The two energy balls flew at each other and collided, creating a massive explosion. "Not bad, but you still can't match me," Aizi told the dark fencer.

"I doubt that you are that strong," the shadow filled fighter retorted.

The gray flame erupted again and began to gather in the dark one's hand as a sword of pure gray flames. "Come get me then!" The Demon Master ordered, pointing his gray, flaming sword at the Shadow.

The shadow narrowed his eyes at the new enemy before him, his power was far greater then dark, Zorlo, and it seemed the demon had full control. He brought his right hand straight out, then his left, black energy crackling from him. He brought them together, and with a tremendous burst of energy shot it, not at the Demon Master, but at the ceiling above him. The marble roof disintegrated into dust at the resulting explosion, bringing a fog of dust over Aizi. The warrior covered in a gray fire snarled looking threw the blinding barrier for the Master Of Shadows. He felt the shadow aura behind him, and just as Tsuukai’s shadow blade was about to strike, he turned blocking it impressible with his flaming sword.

With one hand the demon master was trapped in a sword lock with the shadow of the world, but with the other he prepared an attack. Before either could even begin to show their power, the demon Master shot him off with a powerful dark bolt, leaving Tsuukai on his back. When was that attack so powerful He thought to himself holding his burnt chest in pain. He slowly returned trying to formulate a plan. The shadow charged forward blade in his right hand, he saw Aizi begin a counter attack already exactly what the shadow had planed. His left hand flickered quickly sending a small blast at the flaming sword knocking it away, leaving the Demon master open for attack.

Tsuukai slashed full force upwards, but Aizi dissolved into this air, his sharp teeth shining a smile as he did. The Demon master appeared directly behind him sword up ready to strike the master of shadows down. Tsuukai could sense the power behind him, and by turning his blade into a reverse gripe stabbed backwards at his powerful foe. Yet his foe took a jumping step back knocking Tsuukai’s blade down as he did. The Black Rider took the moment from the parry to swing around slashing at the left side of his foe, but it was tactfully deflected by The Demon Master who then stood face to face with the master of Shadows. “Fool, my power is far greater then yours,”

“I will not go down,” He roared sending a dark chain at the Demon master. The shadow of a chain soared threw the air, but was demolished as it connected with a dark bolt from Aizi, “What…How,”

“Do you see now, I cannot be beaten,”

“Every enemy bleeds, and dies, you are no different,” He white eyes glared with anger as he bellowed. Tsuukai leapt backwards into the air Taking out his shadow bow, and set lose a dozen arrows consecutively as soon as he reached the peak of his jump, yet none hit each one was deflected by, a tentacle of darkness sending the black arrows flying in different directions. Tsuukai shot another into the air, then another, then another, but none could hit their mark. Angrily he reached back towards his quiver searching for another arrow his hand grabbed only air as he realized his was out of ammo. He reached into his cloak for a shadow dagger, only to fine he was out of them as well.

“Oh is the great Tsuukai out of weapons, now you are going to have to fight by the sword alone,” Aizi mocked jumping in the air towards the flying master of Shadows. Desperately Tsuukai reached for his sheathed blade, but before his hand could find it the menace attacked. He shoved his right forearm hard into the gut causing the shadow to keel over in pain, and then he bashed the master of shadows out of the air with his left. The shadow of a man skidded on scarped across the marble ground leaving him in a heap about fifty yards away. He winced in pain as Aizi teleported over his head, but little to the demon masters knowledge, Tsuukai already had his hand on his hilt. With lightning fast reflexes the seemingly fallen shadow lifted his sword from under him, and into the gut of the man covered in gray flames before he could attack. The Demon master stumbled back a couple steps holding his gut, a little bit of blood trickling out his fingers, but he appeared to be laughing.

“What is so funny,” Tsuukai questioned getting up on one knee.

“Foolish mortal, you think that would best me,” He said taking his hand away from his gut, to show Tsuukai that it had already healed up completely.

“This isn’t possible,” The wide-eyed shadow said is astonishment.

“Now do you understand, my powers are far above what you could ever hope to achieve, you where a fool to try, and defeat me!”

“You may be immortal, but your not invincible,” Tsuukai stated courageously, bringing his blade up, and pointing it at the Demon master.

“It will be your funeral,” he replied pointing his blade back at the Shadow, “I will defeat you, then Stacia will infect you, you have no say,”

“Ill make you eat those words,” He said slashing hard at the demon master hard only to hit air as Aizi jumped into the air, and pointed his blade downward at Tsuukai. Dropping fast, Tsuukai barely was able to roll out of the way of the attack. He was on his feet a split second later, and shot multiple dark energy balls at the demon master, The first hit causing Aizi to step back slightly, but the others where stopped in mid air by highly lethal dark bolts. It was Aizi’s time to attack now; he leapt backwards holding his hands in front of his, sharp teeth smiling.

“Nightmare Flash!” He roared sending a massive wave of energy at the defenseless Tsuukai. In a desperate attempt to survive Tsuukai brought up his shadow shield, but as the black formless mass connected with the transparent purple shield, the shield shattered instantly laving Tsuukai flying backwards dark energy dancing around him burning his entire body. His limp body hit the marble wall creating a crater in it. He fell face first onto the ground smoke rising from his body. His body returned back to his normal form halfway threw the attack, his cloak was badly damaged torn, and burnt in most places. His long purple hair fell over his bruised, and cut face in shame. The demon laughed at this pitiful sight about to call Stacia to finish the job, until the seemingly impossible happened.

Tsuukai slowly brought his hand in front of him, and pushed himself up. He was holding his right shoulder, and limping a little. He looked nothing like the legendary Tsuukai Ita, who could supposedly destroy a village with a blink of an eye. He looked like something far greater at this moment; he looked like someone who refused to give up.

“Why wont you die!” Aizi roared in anger at the stubborn Master Of Shadows.

“I am Tsuukai Ita,” He coughed, “And this time I am fighting for a reason, lay down your weapon or be destroyed,”

“Disgraceful mortal, it is time you laid down for good,” He said drawing his flaming sword.

The Demon Master was annoyed; even thought Tsuukai had reverted, his energy drained and his body ravaged, he stood ready to fight the ancient demon. The demon's sword burned brightly; the time had come to end this battle which seemed to have long drawn on, but it seemed so close to an end. The dark one swung his sword to the side and then charged at Tsuukai, who fought just to stand. The black rider moved his hand swiftly, guarding himself from Aizi's attack, but he fell to one knee as the demon pushed his blade down. "Foolish mortal," the demon stated arrogantly, "you still think you can stop me. Your power may have stopped the Neko and that woman, but it means little to me. You'll become her slave, and then absolute power shall be mine," he said as he laughed sadistically.

"I shall overcome you," Tsuukai piped up as he rolled to the side and slashed the demon across the chest, forcing the demon lord to step back slightly. "I will not die... Not until the three of you are dead. I will not let Stacia accomplish her plan!" He yelled, brandishing his blade to fight the demonic warrior.

"That girl, what a fool. She thinks she has hidden what she has planned, but we knew all to easily what it was," the demon told him, smiling, revealing his sharp teeth to him. "She can end this world, it matters not. All I care is that I shall walk away from the dead world after she is done. She thinks she is clever, smarter then you or I, but we both know what she is planning, and it shall be what ends her," Aizi said, holding out his right hand.

The Shadow Master stood silent, watching the dark one's actions and movements. He didn't speak, only watched, preparing to strike whenever a chance presented itself. He pushed himself to his feet, for the black rider would prove just how strong he is this day. "Let us continue!" He commanded, tightening his grip upon his saber.

The Demon Master charged and began swiping his sword like mad at the dark fencer, who could barely move quick enough to block the flaming sword. "If you could not defeat me with your full power, what makes you think you have any hope now?!" Aizi asked as he pushed his sword forward and disarmed Tsuukai, throwing the shadow bound warrior back. "It ends here," the demon said, pointing his sword at Tsuukai's throat.

The warm steel was so close to the throat of Tsuukai he could feel it. He fought bravely even against unimaginable odds, three on one, not even he could win against such odds. In the end he hardly expected to, he was just trying to by time for Maria to escape the damned castle, but there was still time he had to waste. He could feel her energy, perfect, and flawless, but it was still inside she had to escape. Tsuukai was stuck at a crossroads, he was hardly strong enough to by her enough time to escape especially against this highly powerful foe, but he could not let her die, if he fell surly they would eliminate her next. If only there was some way to regain power, if only he could take the powers of the shadows themselves, but he couldn’t, or could he. A spark, an idea came to mind, one he had never thought of. With it he had a chance albeit slime, but a chance.

“Yes yes it does,” he finally replied to the Demon Master, looking down he noticed something, they where standing on a shadow. With all the power he could muster he knocked Aizi’s blade away, and grabbed his shoulder, “Join me wont you,” he said descending into the shadows dragging the demon along with him. As soon as he entered the alternate reality he felt his energy restored, the shadows strengthen him, he was back in the fight.

“What is this,” The demon master said looking around.

“Your doom,” Tsuukai alleged blasting Aizi away with a dark energy ball. The demon master landed on his feet, but he was still shocked that Tsuukai still had the power to stand, and use magic, “Welcome to my realm, the realm of the shadows,” He said drawing his sword one last time. Tsuukai looked oddly heroic standing there with his brandished steel ready to fight for the life of another. Tsuukai ran first, causing Aizi to do the same, both shot similar dark attacks, and both attack glanced over the should slightly singing it, the only difference was Aizi’s burn healed, Tsuukai’s didn’t. The master of shadows feinted right, and Aizi feinted to Tsuukai’s left, Aizi jumped turning towards his opponent blade ready, Tsuukai did the same. The clamor of metal on metal filled there arena as the two blades met in mid air. They landed where the other had stood only seconds before. Aizi ran forward ready to pierce Tsuukai once, and for all, Tsuukai bounced of Aizi’s back as soon as he got close enough. He flew into the air sending a massive wave of black energy down at his fierce opponent. The Demon master dodged them effortlessly sending a dark bolt of his own clipping the wings of the shadows master sending him on his back on the ground. The angered Demon was ready to kill as he jumped into the air, Tsuukai could sense what would happen next.

“Nightmare Flash!” The massive energy zoomed towards him, Tsuukai made a choice he didn’t want to make, he tried to return back to the real world to escape death, but he would lose his powers. It was a odd choice, but he had to, unfortunately the attack still hit, as he took to long to make up him mind, although it was not at full power it was still enough to bring Tsuukai close to death. Tsuukai looked through half glazed eyes to see the sinister face of Stacia looking down at him, the human hunter beside her. “It is over,” She said preparing to infect him. Tsuukai closed his eyes searching desperately to see if Maria had escaped, if he was to be infected he had to know if his fighting was worthwhile.

He smiled.

She had managed to escape, where he wasn’t certain all he knew is that she was safe for now. This thought warmed his heart as Stacia prepared to infect him. He heard lightning flash, and the seemingly distant mumble of words, he didn’t even feel alive, he had no choice. Tsuukai seeped into the light; the Shadow had fallen into darkness.

“My queen please forgive me,” he bowed before his new master, as Shinu, Nekatsuki, and Stacia smiled at victory they had achieved. The victory known as The Master Of Shadows.

ooC:*computerized voice* Stage one complete, comencing stage two.

A gray flame rose up next to the newly risen Tsuukai, and a man with deep fangs and gray skin appeared next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. The flames that danced around Aizi's head returned to Shinu's regular, gray hair; his pupils returned to their normal black, surrounded by the gray of his eyes; his teeth returned to normal, and the two souls were again in unison.

Finally recovered from his ordeal with the discovery of the fencer's newfound power, the human soul returned and returned the dark force to its normal power. The specter closed his eyes, and opened them slowly, looking upon the two golden haired people and the dragon. A wicked smile crept over the dark one's face as he held his arm out; his grasp was not towards anything, but an opening in a wall where a small hint of light was getting in. Closing his hand, the dual voiced specter looked happily at the light as it vanished in his hand.

Nekatsuki looked at Shinu with his normal, arrogant, lazy grin and stepped back slightly from the dark one and the infector. "Well Shinu, you are more then meets the eye," He spoke, lightning crackling in his mouth.

"Don't even think about it," Stacia stated quietly. "You don't want to happen to you what happened to him," she said pointing at Tsuukai.

"That, and I know you don't want to die," Shinu assured, holding his hand out.

The dragon closed his mouth and looked at the dark fencer, the infector, and the dark one and smiled lazily again. "Good point." His words were lazy as he was, but something was not quite right.

Stacia turned to Shinu and looked at him inquiringly. "What happened to you back there?"

"I sensed him... My other, and he is just as strong as he is at his full power," the specter told her, pointing at Tsuukai. "I don't know if he knows where we are, but if he does, and he comes, we'll destroy him," the dark one assured.

***o=)---------- ----------(=o***

His dark green cloak swayed in the influence of the wind; something had just changed the direction of the unseen force, and it did not forebode well for the traveler. His hidden eyes looked upon the city, busy and moving. A loud clank rung out as the hidden figure took a step and walked into the city. The figure was unaffected by the wind that pushed his cloak back, but not his hood, which he held tightly to prevent it from falling.

The townsfolk looked at the bounty as if he had just trespassed into a very high security land, but they didn't speak to him, barely glancing at him as he walked. A few of the people who lived in the city walked towards him, namely children, but stopped as someone would stop them, whether it be parent or friend. The town held a massive bar in it, and that seemed to be about the place the dark cloaked man should head, but he wasn't sure about if that was the best idea, seeing as it was a warrior bar, a place where the fighters of the land gathered to relax.

His green, hidden eyes scanned the building as he moved towards the door and looked around him; something felt off, as if he was being watched by someone or something that he could not fully see. The infectors warriors still followed him, yet he had slipped away from them a little while back, after meeting up with his loyal ally, Aegis. The green clothed man turned the door knob and walked into the pub; almost immediately, several eyes looked at him, mostly those of bounty hunters who were after this man's false bounty. The man walked forwards and sat down at a table, keeping his hood up and his cloak tight to him, the cape it produced flowing lightly behind him.

Many of the warriors of the bar were talking, discussing missions and things of that nature. As for the mysterious man, he sat completely alone, watching the people as they ate, drank, and relaxed in this bar as if it were their home; such actions did not surprise the cloaked man as he had been around their kind many a time. The cloaked man shifted a sword at his side, removing it from his belt and resting against a nearby chair; the sword had a silver handle, brilliant and beautiful to all of those who looked upon it. The blade stood roughly four and a half feet.

A waitress walked over, but the man waved her off, preferring to not have anything to drink, and just rest in the bar for now. Some things that can't be avoided happen, and one of such things occurred in this day. The door to the bar slowly opened, and a beautiful, blonde haired girl walked in. The cloaked man kept a close eye on her, mostly because the weapon she carried reminded him of someone, and her hair reminded him of his own lover.

The city stood like a barrier stopping all enemies at its steel gates. It was home to many warriors, and seen as a place of rest for some of the strongest fighters in the land. Yet it was directly in the line of fire, it stood on the boundary between the free world, and that controlled by the Dark Queen of light, but no word has come or gone from the Queens infected land for months, the citizens where pitifully unaware.

The wind whipped, and tore at the clothes, and hair of the blond haired girl. From the outside she didn’t look like much, her longed blond hair flowed freely down her fragile looking body. Her Navy blue dress, which was neither of formal wear, nor for that of battle, looked distinctly odd with a large saber hanging from it, but looks aren’t all that matter. She marched towards the large bar almost directly boldly, knowing the dangers of the great warriors found within these warriors where the reason she was even there.

She opened the hard wooden door softly, her feet knocking against the stone floor as she walked. As soon as she entered the smoke filled room she could sense many eyes upon her, choosing to ignore the watchers she took a seat by the wall, so she could survey the warriors within. She had noticed one guy in particular had been watching her fairly steadily, his eyes, and face was covered by a cloak, but she could tell they where pointing at her. He seemed to be pondering something, what she couldn’t figure out. Looking away she noticed something that couldn’t be good for the cloaked stranger, two bounty hunters where looking at each other, and pointing towards the cloaked man. She noticed one take a dagger from his boot, and attempt to creep up on the warrior.

The dagger slowly came for the cloaked mans neck, but before it could come close the cloaked man, nearly jumped from the seat bashing the fools weapon out of his hand, and pointing his silver hilted sword at the hunters neck. Before he could open his mouth to speak a second jumped on his back trying to throw him down. The rest of the bar starred at the events unfolding not wanting to interfere in others affairs. The cloaked man spun around, and by grasping the attackers shoulders flipped him off, but by doing so his hood fell as he stood up straight revealing his face.

The girl’s eyes grew wide as she saw the man’s appearance. His green hair stood on ends, as his emerald eyes shifted around hoping no one else would recognize his face. He matched a description The blond haired women’s love gave her months back, ‘Green hair, green eyes, and a rapier by his side,’ there was no doubt this was Zorlo.

A third came in to attack, the fencer of Tasogare, probably an accomplish of the first two. His blade shined as he leapt forward, but he was stopped in mid air. The girl by this time had got to her feet with her hand pointing towards the attacker. The bounty hunters feet didn’t touch the ground he was suspended in mid air, at least he was until the girl threw him threw a table, without laying a finger on him. The warrior through the bar where shocked by this display, a few of the more cowardly ones even ran, “Leave now,” Maria ordered glaring at those who looked questioningly at her, quickly they fled, not without regret though, running from a women seemed foolish, but it was not their business to deal with her. The only one who refused to leave was the green haired man, grinning at what he had found.

“What do you want with me,” He questioned.

“Your Zorlo aren’t you?” She said ignoring the questioned raised.

“Yes I am,” He said narrowing his eyes trying to grasp what the girl could want with him, “Who are you? And how do you know Me?”

“You fought a warrior by the name of Tsuukai Ita haven’t you,” She said ignoring the question again.

“Aye I did what’s it to you,” He asked, “Are you his apprentice or something?”

“So it is you, I knew it,” She said trying to hide the excitement in her voice, “ Allow me to answer your questions now. I want help, my name is Maria, from a story Tsuukai told me, everything, and I am more then his apprentice,”

“Help for what,”

“It is about Stacia,”

“What about her,” He snarled at the thought.

“Tsuukai, and I where on a journey to stop her, we sought out an ancient book supposedly laying out her weakness, but it was a trap, they did it to capture, and infect Tsuukai, now she has complete control over him and is about to bring her armies throughout the world slowly conquering it with Tsuukai’s power.”

“What?!?”

OoC: Page two lets dance.

"What?!" The fencer shouted as he looked at the strange woman; she looked at him sadly, almost appearing as if she was about to cry as she spoke of the Master of Shadow. The fencer scratched his cheek, looking at the woman's sympathetic eyes. I hate when women give those eyes, and they always work, he told himself with a sigh. He turned his head and smiled at her, placing his right hand on her shoulder as he sheathed his golden blade. "Worry not, miss Maria, I shall help you."

"You will?!" She asked him, stepping back from him slightly.

"Of course! Tsuukai and I may not be friends, but he is my rival, and if anyone is going to defeat him, it will be me," he told her, stepping towards the door of the bar. "I think we'll be fine," the Aura Master told her as he opened the door to find the lightly armored foot soldiers of the golden haired cult attacking the townspeople. "This, on the other hand, could make this quite annoying," the fencer admitted. "Why can't these things happen when I'm not here?"

"Because we trouble finds us, not the other way around," she told him, drawing her saber.

"Right!" The fencer said as he drew his rapier and ran into the street.

The streets were overrun with the light infantry of Stacia's army, which were mostly lithe warriors with dated weapons, generally humans. As these fighters attack the town, the mercenaries struck back quickly, easily taking out whole handfuls of these men as they streamed through the shattered gates. Despite the lack of soldiers in the city, the mercenary guild warriors were easily enough force to deal with these cultists.

The fencer watched as the mercenaries ripped the army apart and turned to Maria with a smile. "Think they need our help?"

"I think they may," she told him as she rushed into the fray, her blade drawn and her skills getting to work.

"Some times I wonder what would have happened if my life had been different... Odds are it would be boring," he told himself, charging into a group of the light armored warriors. The fencer made a quick moved, thrust his sword through several of the opposing forces and made a quick cut, removing about six of the light armored warriors. "This could be fun," the young swordsman admitted as he quickly spun and ripped his blade through another pair of foes. "Come get some!" The Aura Master told the foes, stepping back and thrusting his blade forward into another of the warriors.

OoC: BOO!

BiC:
The blond haired beauty stood amongst the battle as the green haired fencer struck down multiple opponents. She charged forward stabbing her blade threw an unexpecting lightly armed infected warrior. Ducking a deadly wave of blood hot steel she kicked a man’s knee in, dropping him like a stone. Before the injured warrior could have a chance to recover his meaningless strength, she fond a bloodstained saber threw his heart killing him. As Maria watched for her next opponent, or victim, she heard a frightful sound.

She spun around in the pool of blood by her feet to see twenty sparkling arrows diving towards the green haired stranger. His buckler was blocking his has, and heart at least, but the rest of him remained open for bloody assault. Her hand rose through the blood stained air stopping the merciless arrows in it, with a snap her soft fingers the deadly missiles turned around, and pierced themselves through the grimy bodies whence they came. “Where did you learn that?” He questioned trying to grasp the girls powers.

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” She tried to laugh a little, but she couldn’t manage to make it work, “Lets just say an angel tough me it,”

“you’re a strange one,” the warrior named Zorlo remarked, “But I cannot doubt you will make a great ally,”

“Thanks, though still I wonder why Stacia sent such weak warriors to attack us,”

‘Maybe she does not know it is us,”

“Huh?”

“It is possible she lost track of us, in that case she thinks this is just a weak town,’

“then lets kill the rest of them off quickly, I have heard tale that she, and her infected eyes are one in the same, don’t let her see us for more then a second,”

“Stealth would be a good strategy,” he nodded his head, “Come with me into the shadows, we’ll be safe there,” He creeper off into a small dank, and dirty ally way with the blond haired fencer following behind him.

“There in the shadows, see someone,” Maria said breaking the silence that had surrounded them. Zorlo strained his eyes, but was certain he could see the glint of gold on the person’s hair.

“One of golden hair,” he whispered silently into the wind, “Best to rid him of life,” he remarked taking his short sword out holding it in a dagger like grip. He walked like an assassin towards the minion of the evil one; each step brought him further into the light of the uncovered city. A burst of light shimmered, as if dancing of the assassin’s blade, just as he plunged it into the poor souls neck, stepping back into the calming shadows after the deed was done. “Tis done, we need to find a way to save this city without being seen,”

“ I just thought of something,”

“Yes”

“Even if she can see us it would still take her days to get he armies here by that time we will be long gone,”

“True, but we should think of a plan to get rid of so many quickly,” he said bringing the dark shadow filled ally way into a long moment of silence, only occasionally broken by the screams of civilians as new blood poured onto the ground. Zorlo leaned against a dirty wall cleaning his short sword, as Maria paced nervously back and forth her lantern from the gods dangling from he side catching Zorlo’s eye. He said nothing still, for the longest while they sat in the peaceful darkness till still another bloody curdling scream filled the air.

“Enough is enough,” She said stomping her foot on the ground,” To much innocent blood has been shed we have to fight,” She started power walking towards the blood covered light having a hand grab her shoulder.

‘We need a plan,”

“We need to save them its not fair we sit here safe while innocents fight, this is my fight not theirs!”

“True,” he said looking down, “Let us fight quickly then, lest more blood be spilt,”

The two fencers walked quietly through the shadows of the city, moving out and attacking foes every so often with the silence and skill of an assassin. The green haired man had a hard time moving silently, thanks in part to his heavy armor, but still moved swiftly and left the darkness to smite the foes that dared to near the alleys of the city. Soon though, the two sword fighters found that the alleys had ended and the time had come to fight in the open. It mattered not if the golden one saw, for she would know sooner then later, but with the element of surprise still on their side, the two fencing armed warriors nearly stepped into the light of day.

"Wait!" He said, holding up his hands to the girl that had been aiding him as he looked into the streets and saw no more of the cultists... Well, living ones anyway. "They are all dead," the fencer said as he stepped out onto the streets and sheathed his swords, looking at the large number of nearly unharmed mercenaries that stood in the center, pushing the bodies of the fallen foes away.

"Impressive and effective," Maria noted as the bodies of the golden ones were piled up, their eyes were shut, just in case the queen was looking. "They are very skilled," she stated again as the mercenaries turned and looked upon the two warriors.

"Hello," Zorlo stated, raising his hand, almost waving as he smiled at them. "I am known as Zorlo, fencer of Tasogare, as you all know, I am sure."

One of the fighter-for-hires stepped forwards. He had brown hair at the same length as Zorlo's, and his eyes were crystal blue as he looked the two over. "I know who you are Zorlo. I fought alongside you in the war, and I know that you are being set up by someone, for I was there when he fought Nemo, the demon swordsman," the captain of the fighters told the Aura Master.

"Ah, Tobias, it is good to see you again," the green hair fighter stated as he looked his friend over. The man had wore a steel chest plate, grieves and a pair of lower forearm guards, all that shined from the newly polished steel the man loved so. The captain wore a broad sword at his side and wore a black cape that attached to the collar of his armor.

"Yes my old friend. And who is this, your woman?" he asked, looking at Maria.

"Oh no, this is a friend of mine's lover, I think? Her name is Maria, and I was wondering if you could help us."

"With the cultists, right? I know their base is somewhere nearby, and my warriors are willing to help. Do you know the way Zorlo?"

"I don't, but she does," Zorlo said as he pointed at Maria and smiled. "Maria, can you please direct my friend and I to where Stacia's hideout is so we can help your friend?" The Aura Master asked her, trying to not tell Tobias whom he was talking about, seeing as Tobias was one of the men who had told the fencer about the Master of Shadows to begin with.

***o=)---------- ----------(=o***

The dark one slunk throughout the whole castle, looking for something to entertain himself with, but no ideas were coming to him. "Man, now that Tsuukai is captured, this place is dull," the dark one stated as he walked through the winding corridors of the fortress. "Stacia is busy planning to destroy the world with her new slave, and only the gods know what Nekatsuki is up to. I'm sure I'll find something to do short-"

The Specter had been cut off by some that hit him again, but this time it hit him slightly harder. He could feel Zorlo's power as it pulsed through the fencer, causing chills and anger to run through the demonic creation. Though Aizi was stronger then Zorlo, Shinu was no match for Tsuukai when he went Shadow, so what match would the demonic presence be against the fencer, who's powers were even with the Shadow form of Tsuukai.

"How can this be happening?" The dual voiced man asked, gritting his teeth. Soon though, his anguish and anger were replaced with a smile. "Before long though, this shall all end, and I shall be the only one left," the dual soul stated as he continued to trudge down the halls.

OoC: I'm still here, in case you thought me dead or gone. >.>

Bic:

Nekatsuki was literally up to the roof of the castle, unable to take all of the infected humans inside without killing them. It was more that he didn't want to murder the entire castle to get away then he truly believed Stacia was powerful enough to infect him. The cool night air fulled his lungs and invigorated him to want to do something. The smell of blood on the wind had Nekatsuki on him feet and searching out nearby from his vantage. The smell seemed to be coming from a town to the south of the castle. Another fresh smell of blood made Nekatsuki lick his lips. It was human blood that was being spilt and he wanted to be the one that spilt more. He could smell the blood running rich in the air now. A lot of humans were being killed.

"I can't stand it! I want to let human blood flow. To only smell it is torture!" He declared and leapt from the roof. The height didn't bother him as he landed with a loud squish. Squish? I don't 'Squish' when I land. Nekatsuki looked down at the meat pancake that used to be a guard of Stacia and was now a springy door mat, if one could ignore the growing pool of blood around it. Oh, I stepped in human. That sucks. Next to him, another guard sat on the ground surprised before getting back up. Nekatsuki looked at the man as if waiting for a challence to his actions before leaping and racing down toward the town.

"Hey, My Queen has not given you her leave!" The guard called.

"Then tell her I gave me leave. I didn't need hers," The Kiwadoi called back. He was soon out of sight, following the scent of blood on the air and imagining how nice it would be to once more destroy a human town. Another scent made him stop and look around. "A fire, cooking meat, and...a human. Good, I can use this." He moved toward the campfire and found a swordsman cooking a roast on a spit over a fire. "Hey!" The man jumped and drew a claymore as he turned to Nekatsuki. "I need you to warn the nearby town that I'm coming." The swordsman quickly moved in for a powerful down slash, intent on killing the half-breed, and was stopped at he grabbed the blade and snapped the blade before jamming the broken piece through his shoulder. "Now go if you don't want to die. Tell them Nekatsuki, The Terror of Death, is coming." The swordsman knew he was outclassed and rab toward the town. He'd make it soon and inform the others there. Inform them of their coming death. For the few minutes he needed to wait, Nekatsuki began eatting the roast.

OoC: I know it's not good. I wrote this late and was tired. I'll do better next post.