With a blinding flash, Zod's eyes opened, to a small and lonely inn. Quickly grabbing his sword, he scanned the room. Within seconds, an annoyed snarl echoed back to himself. The noises of a damn festival he thought. Who were these people shitting anyways? Death and destruction hung on their doorstep, land ravaged by civil war. These sods acted like everything was fine. He got dressed, paid, and stepped out into the light.
He was greeted to bright colors strewn about the people and the streets alike. His stomach painfully reminded him of its emptiness, after smelling just about all of the cities fare food. Zod approached the closet stall. Various citizens dressed in outlandishly foolish costumes, preceded to sit around a small table, all drinking the beer that hallmarked this tent.
As peoples glances gazed over Zod, their smiles faded subtly. Here that stood before them, was a particular crude looking man. At least, given the circumstances. The bartender had an excited look, clearly relishing at the chance to make a sale. "My good sir, I can see you need a drink! Why here, lets try Connlaoth's signature lager!" The man proceeded to pull a clean glass and pour beer from the many taps that riddled its wall.
"Now this brew, started way back to before either of us were born. Taste it slowly for you are drinking hundreds of years of perfection. Why, this been the staple of Connlaoth's...." The bartender gave a slight gasp. Zod started, and finished drinking the beer in the short time the man attempted to explain it. Throwing some gold quickly on to the table, Zod replied simply, "Keep the change," as he strode out the exit.
Bright and smiling faces weaved amongst the cobblestone street. All except one. A group of children ran past, singing and playing as they chased each other about. Zod was painfully reminded of his task. Walking slowly and casually, he turned his attention to the university.
Taking a hard right, he looked onto a piece of paper, and grimly matched it to the building he stood before. This part of the city was notably quieter. In fact, the only noises were Zod's increasing breath, and some sort of noise inside the building. It seemed like someone, or something was constantly shifting its weight. With a somber realization, Zod preceded to kick the door in.
The professor turned about, griping a companion in his arms. Zod stared at the two through slits, and waited for the companion to rush out the door. "That doesn't appear to be your wife professor. She sends her regards."
Zod drew his sword. The man's still twitching hand fell to the floor. Screaming out in terror, he backed up into the wall behind him, now gushing blood from the stump of an arm. With a growl, Zod's sword thrust itself into the Professor's heart. The professor screamed out at the top of his lungs, but was cut short after a moment. Gasping for air that wouldn't circulate, he collapsed onto the floor.
Zod walked out the door with haste, and back into the festival. He succeeded in killing his target, but failed to do so quietly. As guards rushed past him and towards the source of the scream, they paid no attention to him for the time being. They wouldn't put two and two together, until after investigating the crime scene he reckoned. Their minds would quickly flash back to the suspicious looking man, but by then, Zod would have at least a chance to evade.
Alder lowered his bow. Son of a bitch. Seems the client hired another assassin. His Bodies glow died down as he stepped off of the house he was sitting on. He watched the other assassin walk calmly away from the guards. He followed close behind until they where out of town. Seems like they where to stupid to give chase. Alder waited till the man was in a clearing. How much did you get for that? He asked
Zod perceived a new scent of someone that seemed to linger. He didn't think of much of it though, as the guards were nowhere to be found. He grinned widely. The buildings returned to houses, and those houses began to dwindle in number as he approached the city limits. He calmed considerably after the op, and released the tension in his shoulders.
Yet, the smell of someone continued to linger as he exited. He began to hear footsteps following behind. Whoever was behind him was damn stealthy, as he had managed to stay essentially undetected the whole city. Turning to face the man, he politely waited until he had finished speaking.
"If I can return to Readh with haste, a fair amount. And who might you be?"
Just some one who only got paid for a first half of a assassination he couldnt complete. He said as he Hopped out of a near by tree. Who would think that woman had the gold to hire Two assassins, She must have really hated that guy. He said as Flashed Four Card like pieces of paper
"Knowing his crime, wouldn't you?' Zod said with surprise. He was surprised that she had hired two assassins, but considering what professor had done, Zod would've hired as many assassins as he could, if we were the parent of the given situation. She had paid him half in advance, but he yearned for the 2nd half of his payment. "I'm sorry mate, I know these things can be make or break. No hard feelings eh?"
That much gold for someone she could have killed herself is a waste But some people don't have the mettle for it. Hiring Two is a bit much and can lead to "hard feelings" Alder threw out all four Papers. His chest Myrill raiment and legs Started to glow.Sylphs Blessing He then slammed his arms into the other two remaining. Vermilion Gauntlets He said as the runes Took Hold on his Forearms
His arms Then Molded into a fiery metal then cooled down to reveal a slick and shiny metal covering his arms. Spikes surging from his fingertips and knuckles.
I need that gold He spoke from under his mask. I hope to avoid any further bloodshed so im asking nicely
Zod watched as his opponent produced, what he saw as glowing lines and marks on his body. Despite not knowing what this was, reckoned it was some sort of magic. Seeing his opponent covered in armor, his eyes narrowed, and he gave a snarl.
In one fluid motion, his sword appeared and he took a strong guard. Despite having what he saw as normal magic, he looked at his opponent with eyes akin to a starving and enraged bear. "Its been awhile since I've had a good fight. Bring it you stupid bastard."
Zod began to slow his breathing. Mind shifting slowly into calmness, he glanced upon his opponent, he ready his guard sword at the ready, and braced for impact.
Alder Dug his feet into the ground and Charged with Unprecedented speed. The earth getting kicked up behind Him as he Jumped He threw one of his Fists forward and Felt it make contact with metal. He then Put all of his force into the Punch as his momentum transferred into the man's sword. An explosion of metal clinging was followed by a burst of air made from the exchange sending the man sliding away from alder. He looked at the man now about 20 Ft away from. You still alive or are you a dead man standing?
Zod prepared his guard, but was taken surprise by the man's sudden speed. His fist landed directly into Zod's chest armor. denting it slightly from impact. Absorbing a good portion of the blow, Zod took the rest of the force with his body. While not damaging him severely, the force of the impact sent him flying backwards. Hitting on his back and crumbling into the ground 10 feet, he immediately flipped onto his feet and slid the rest of the way upon them.
He looked upon his opponent with that of a man unfazed. Answering his opponent through his teeth, he replied, "still alive shitbag." He stood with one shoulder facing his opponent, sword held in a high guard, poised and ready to strike.
no need for the rude language Alder teased He then took a talisman from his deck and into his hand. He held it there and jumped into the air with ease to the side Circling the man. He kept circling looking for an angle to strike. You know this can all be over if you hand over my gold He said as he landed and jumped again.
Zod wordlessly responded to the man by smiling. He watched as the man took a symbol and made it reality. With silence, Zod blocked the openings of the man, and matched his speed. He circled in position with his adversary, smirking to his opponent nonetheless.
As the man attempted to land for the 2nd time, Zod shifted his whole weight into a spin, and attempted to backhanded his gauntlet into Alder's face, dodging his advances.
Alder saw his arm swing around and put his arms up in a T. He blocked the attack, but the sheer strength knocked him out of sync and into a nearby tree. That could have Seriously put a damper on my good looks you know he then stood up in the tree. How ever you cant win fights just by counterattacking
Zod couldn't help but smile again, the man having gotten up. "Why dont you try again and find out," he said menacingly towards his opponent. He took another guard, but this time ready to aggressively lash out at his opponent.
"Just walk way now, no one was to get hurt," said Zod.
Gotta turn you down. He then put the talisman on his right fist and jumped down. say are you human? he asked as he crossed his arms. He didn't want to attack him in the pose he held now, too risky he would instead Stall for time. You seem stronger than your average joe
Zod twirled and spun his sword in hand twice, a whooshing sound echoing across the clearing. He did this not threateningly, but to show his opponent that he was ready for anything.
"Technically," Zod relied simply and without emotion. He purposely didn't give a meaningful answer, as to confuse his adversary.
Alder reached for into his spare deck. Interesting he then started putting Talismans on his fists. One, two,three,four,five. All glowing red and vibrating violently. Well if this doesn't kill you ill be damn impressed. Alder charged Forward again but his opponent was expecting it. After feeling his fist Make contact with the sword he chanted. Vermilion Fire! The three Talismans on his Fist Detonated with extreme prejudice. Sending alder tossing back bouncing around the ground. Seems three of the same spell was a bit overkill. The Area was filled with Black and grey smoke
Hey You still alive in there? Alder then took a knee. If not for his Enchantment he would have been blown to bits
A sudden and violent explosion send Zod cratering into the ground. As he was blasted backwards, Zod painfully dragged into the ground and was thrown into a giant nearby rock, shattering it into pieces from the impact. He had expected his opponent to rush, but had never seen anything like this in his years.
His armor was blacked and clearly damaged from the force. It held its structural integrity though, and still would give him mlld protection in the fight to come.
And there will be a fight to come, thought Zod as awoke from his several second long nap. He quickly got to his feet. The skin and flesh from his right cheek blew away, now giving Zod a truly horrifying appearance as his bone was revealed.
A small layer of flesh immediately began to cover the bone and grow in depth. Rage surfacing, his now previously calm demeanor was gone. Luckily for him, his opponent saw none of his healing, area now covered in thick smoke. His breath was heavy, and he snarled as he walked towards the sound of his adversary's voice.
It was his turn to attempt to surprise his opponent. He quickly and suddenly bursted out of the cloud of smoke, sprinting full force towards the kneeled man. He gave a wide slash at where the man was, using the momentum of his sprint.
Adler threw his Arms up as he saw the swipe. He threw up his right arm. the blade skewering his right arm as it ate into his gauntlets. He brought his left arm up to his opponent and motioned to the talismans still on his left arm. Ah ah ah I say two words now and blow us both to hell/ He then grabbed the blade with his bloody arm forcing it in so he couldn't take it out. Why dont we have a civilized talk
"You could, but only one of us would heal from that," Zod gritted through his teeth. Still pissed off from the first explosion, he didnt need his sword to fight. He attempted to punch his opponent with three medium jabs. Trying to rip his sword clean from the man, he was suddenly stopped as Adler held his blade in place.
Satisfied from the pain he inflicted into the man, he lowered his fists slightly, but ready himself if his opponent changed his mind. "Okay, lets talk."
Alder took the punches he dished out, two in the abdomen and one to the face. He was getting ready to detonate again but the man stopped after the third hit. I have Faith my armor would protect me. But enough about that, seems you where tracked. Alder could hear Horse hoofs and people marching. The air still heavy and black from the last explosion. Seems the Connlaoth Army has been called out. Im sure they mean to arrest whom ever would have won our fight while they where recovering. Alder reached down and grabbed another red talisman, threw it and detonated it to create more Soot and smoke. I recommend we work together to escape from their army
Zod was unsure of what to do in the particular situation, he wanted to trust him, but also realized that man had tried to blow him halfway to hell. He thought of his time as a starving young man, and had sympathy. Although the man had tried to take his money, the bag of gold still weighed his pack nonetheless.
His mind also went to the guard, although being attracted to his location because of the explosion, the army had probably been dispatched anyways having killed such a high profile target on a day like today. If he hadn't been in this fight with Alder, the army would've most likely taken him by surprise further down the road. The sounds of war lay in stark contrast to the city's ruckus which could still be heard, although faintly. The man's sudden wave of intuition snapped him out of rage.
Gently attempting to retrieve his sword from his former enemy now companion, he offered a hand to the kneeling man through the smoke, to help him on his feet.
"We'll never outrun them, but there are other options. We can fight our way out. If you help me do that, I'll give you half of what I got from the job."
Though the army would be attracted to the cloud, it would also serve as a great distraction while they pick apart single enemies who attempted to enter it or linger. "Lets wait till they get close, then hit them with everything we got. Try not to kill anyone, that'll only increase our bounty." said Zod grimly.
Alder took the mans hand as he offered it. He had no idea what this other man was wanted for, but Alder had a pretty good idea why they wanted him. He had been stealing gold and Heirlooms from the local Lords for weeks now in addition to assassinating people. Taking on a whole army? Alder Sighed and Took out an additional talisman this one Gold in color. Annihilating Lion's Strength!
He yelled as his arms now where glowing. Cant promise this wont kill them He said as he smashed his knuckles together making a Metal warping Clang. So whats our plan of attack?
"We hit them hard, and then fall back immediately to the treeline. The calvary wont be expecting us to push against them. We scare the horses and cause them to retreat momentarily, giving us the opportunity to get the hell out of here."
He hoped it would work anyways, "Horses aint a huge fan of me anymore, not after my condition," Zod said to explain. "But give em enough flashes and bangs, and you'll have a similar effect as me. Wait until they're almost in the smoke and then we strike." He paused, and started to slow his breathing down.
Turning his head to the side, he briefly looked upon Alder, "You ready?" His gaze returned to the ever-growing sound of horseback.
Alder nodded As he Took a Fighting stance as the Horses Grew closer. The first one that entered the smoke wasnt in it for long as Alder Punched the beast with such augmented strength that it sent the Horse's body and rider Flying out of the Smoke. Alder then Rushed past the vanguard and found the sweet spot in the middle of the Calvary. He then Slammed his fist into the first horse he saw and with a shout Detonated the Talismans remaining on his left arm. Thrown back he recovered from the blast on both feet with more smoke and soot in the air than before. He then fled into the treeline behind them.
Zod watched with awe as Alder punched the great beast through the air and into the clearing. The other riders looked at each other with fear, but continued to charge. Suddenly, Alder burst through the smoke and brutally took down some of his opponents' before creating another massive explosion. This caused the first wave to instantly be killed, or forced the horses to flee for their lives.
It took out all but one. As Alder turned to run back, Zod noticed a a rider coming dangerously close to him. With blinding speed he closed the distance. Swiping widely, he jumped up and decapitated the horse rider. Body slumping to the ground, the now useless horse fled back towards the city.
Taking the momentary silence to retreat, Zod turned and sprinted full force in the direction Alder took off in.
Alder jumped a good distance away, now sitting against a tree in a deeper part of the woods. His glow on his chest was Waxing and started to make sparks, His armor was at its limit. His charred outfit now catching on the wind. His gauntlets returned to normal as he Chanted a dispelling spell.
Zod approached a few seconds later, after Alder was in the forest. He walked up, and sheathed his sword. "I think we lost them for now friend," Said Zod. He walked over to a stump and sat down. Listening, he tried to listen for the sounds of the enemy, but couldn't hear anything, not yet anyways.
Whether they would pursue the two wanted men was unknown, but for the time being at least, they were safe. Zod proceeded to take a flash out of his pack, and take a large drink. He did this not because it was a regular occurrence, but rather because he had killed the professor, and barely escaped the entire army of the city. For now at least.
I dont think we are welcome in connlaoth anymoreAlder said jokingly as he rested his head on the tree.So which way is the fastest way out of the country? He asked, We very well cant stay here. I think the army might be starting to tire of thiefs and assassins pouring into their borders
Zod smiled at this. They probably weren't welcome in Connlaoth anymore, but they would both be back often, or never leave in the first place.
"The Connlaothians are an honorable sort. They seem a little prudish friend, but they are as loyal as friends can be if you happen to not piss them off as we have done! Once they learn of the Professor's crime, they will turn a blind eye sure enough," He looked to his friend and tossed him a piece of bread from his pack, along with half the money as promised.
Alder caught both items. Well i dont think they will appreciate killing their horses but i think they will get over it. He started eating the bread his comrade gave him Besides A few thousand more gold to my bounty is hardly a dent.
Getting his own piece of bread, he began to eat it. Taking another massive pull from the flask, he set it back in his belongings, and relaxed more against the stump, as food and alcohol rushed into his stomach.
"And what is it you are wanted for my friend," said Zod, taking another massive bite out of the loaf.
Alder finished the bread he gave him and started counting the gold. Well its hard for an aspiring Grand master of the arcane arts to Find decent work in Connlaoth, with every one trying to find mages and kill them and all. So with my infinite wisdom and magic handed down for generations, I started Breaking into The lords houses and Stealing from them. I did that every day of the week for 2 weeks then broke into the King's Castle, but it seems that really pissed em off bad
Zod gave a hearty laugh at this, "Aye, but you aren't taking from people who need it most, just from people who hoard gold under the disguise of a fancy name," said Zod. He thought to himself, that many people would consider that kind of behavior benefitting society as a whole. He never actually took it upon himself to steal from the rich, but he applauded this man for doing so in his mind.
"Not to mention, those sods don't fight in the war themselves, but send their poor servants and subjects alike to do it for them."
I never thought of it like that. Alder said as he finished counting. Lords have more money than common folks, and the guards are a lot lazier as well. He started thinking about it. yeah i guess it was a "good deed" They also had a lot of cash for "fighting a war that needs to be won!" He said as he mimicked the various requiters who scouted solders.
"Yet some in this blasted city resort to having celebrations like that," he motioned towards the direction of the city. Zod had spent a great deal of time in Connlaoth. After his capture and escape, he immediately went into Serendipity for a time. This job returned him back for the first time in awhile. The war seemed to take more lives and ruin what was perfectly good wilderness, but he remained mostly neutral to this point.
Another contract of his would take him closer to the border again, but this was still a distant thought, as his mind returned to the here and now. He attempted to break the brief silence that was pondering had created.
"What did you take exactly?"
Well gold being my main target i also stole some paintings and a few old Scriptures of asngar.
He admitted as he got more comfy How long have you been doing your thing?
He smiled to this explanation, "At least your targets are more defined, many poor sods take family heirlooms, cool in design but worthless and heartless."
He sat back and began to explain, "I've been on the move my whole life. Things really started picking up when I was 16. I was just a kid, but I learned to survive in the wild."
He paused, memories of this early days at trying to stay alive flooding his mind. He was able to look into the forest now, and see which plants were edible, which would kill you upon eating, and which would help you in a pinch. He thought of the time when he started, helpless in the woods.
"You aren't like most mages I've seen, what type of magic do you use exactly?"
Alder drew one of his cards. Rune magic paired with Mana parchment. he then threw one over to his Partner. As you saw before the Result is devastating.Kind of a Lost art. Alder then pointed to the rune and its intricate nature. Each one of those branches and etchings have to be Hand drawn. But the result is worth the trouble, Im adept in all schools of magic but am no means a master of any of them. Alder then looked at the sky Jack of all trades, Master of none. Thats me Names Alder by the way. He then looked at zod. How did you survive the blast back there.
Catching it, he looked at it with great interest. He watched its design and pattern, unlike everything he had ever seen in his life. With amazement, he gently gave the card back, not wanting to damage it.
"Funny you should saw that. I am in combat what you are in magic. I know many fighting styles, but never wanted to excel in any of them. Why open yourself up to weaknesses from using one method?" He asked rhetorically.
"I can heal really fast," said Zod. "From magic, swords, arrows,....explosions," he said with a smile.
"It seems like a gift to most people, but its not really. Yes I can survive, but its something I guess I'll have to do forever now."
Im sure there is a Limit to your healing. Alder said Im sure Your knight in shining armor will come when you are tired of living and sweep you off your feet and into ashes. Alder joked. Any other tricks up your sleeve
Zod laughed at this.
"A few, but nothing magical in nature. Do you make new spells or do you have to find them?" Zod inquired, he wondered how such magic worked. If this man could blow stuff up, he wondered what other abilties he possessed.
A bit of both, I can mix and match to find a combination that works, but i perfer to learn from other Mages.Not all of my spells are offensive either. Alder then took out a Golden Talisman and threw it on Zod's chest. Restore He shouted as he Dragged his finger along it. The talisman parted ways as his fingers Drew over them and in a golden shower radiated over Zod. In a Flash His metal armor Mended itself and now had a unparalleled shine looking like it had just been forged. Like so he said with a aura of smug about him
Amazed, Zod threw him some extra coin to compensate him for fixing his once beaten armor. He hoped the work was permanent, but cared not if it wasn't, having been thoroughly amused.
"Thanks for fixing that! Thats incredible!" He rarely had the opportunity to see non offensive magic used, he was grateful to have chance to see a spell that wasn't casted at him to damage.
"So you have base spells, but you can combine them for various effects?"
Yeah but i try not too, the effects can be.... damaging to my well being. He said with a smile.
so why dont you show me one of your special tricks? He said as he crossed his legs
"Hmm, okay," said Zod. He stood up and took a step back from Alder. Looking away to the ground in concentration, Zod went on to list all the items in Alder's bag, using smell alone. Looking up, he asked, "So how did I do?"
Alder nodded his head as he named off every item. Too good for any human thats for sure He Took off his mask to get a breath of fresh air. I have other tricks up my sleeve but im afraid i cant show you them. My spells also come in different tiers. He then stood up. Hence the flying horse you saw back there, he then stood up. We should get moving again
Nodding, he arrose as well. He gathered his things and put them all into his bag. Zod slung it over his shoulder, and motioned towards the way with the least amount of sound coming from the other side.
They walked for what seemed like a long time, but walking in the woods as a way of removing the passage of time. They approached a small clearing in the woods. Taking a knee, he began to try and use his senses.
Alder soon was behind zod. smell anyone nearby? It was strange after the dead they left behind no one was coming after them as they where quite close to the border.
"Yes, there are a group of hunters moving into the forest where we just were," said Zod. He took a more battle ready stance, and motioned for Alder to crouch down with him, and stealthy walk in the direction of the boarder.
They were close indeed, but hunters were not regular soldiers or even calvary. They were foot based units designed to do just what their name implies, hunt down enemies of the state.
"They lot are different than what we encountered before. By the way they're waling, I can tell they are trained hunters and assassins...maybe both," said Zod.
Alder was confused. Why dont you just charge In and kill them all? I mean you can regenerate any damage you take right? Alder didnt seem to concerned with these so called hunters roaming about. Plus We got my magic to back you up as well, this is gonna be a cake walk
"Aye we could, but our goal isn't to take out the whole Connlaoth army. Our goal is to escape. Those hunters carry whistles to signal reinforcements. While i have no doubt we could take them out, I for one do not wish to battle waves upon waves of enemies. We still might get detected, but we should try to signal as few as we can"
He turned to creep into the forest further yet, holding a hand out to motion his companion to stop. A hunter stood several feet in front of them. Zod silently rushed and plunged his blade through the man's back and out of his chest. The short bow he was carrying dropped to the ground, as he gave a weak but sure whistle from the one he held in his mouth. He used his last breath to accomplish this feat, before collapsing onto the ground.
Although the whistle wasn't heard by many, he could sense the pattering of more hunters converging onto their location. Zod turned around, and motioned forwards to a bush with his head. He dove into it, and waited for the hunters to find their kin.
Alder Hopped into the bushes with zod. Well i think the time for stealth is past. He said. If one of them already alerted the others they would call for reinforcements Alder activated the Gauntlets he was wearing and they took on the Flame form they held earlier when he and zod fought. Whats the plan big man?