Songs of War: Deviant Path [CANCELED]

1.1 Thalleous Sendaris (Unfinished First Chapter)

Thalleous was the champion of the Ardoni, nearly everyone in the clans knew as much. His job was to hunt down every single surviving Voltaris as a result of the atrocities committed by the clan during the Great War. Sometimes Thalleous questioned the morality of his task, but he knew it would be necessary to kill those not guilty in order to prevent the banished clan's return. And it seemed to have worked, as Thalleous had not found another Voltaris in years, even after venturing into the caverns beneath Northwind. He thought he had ensured they would never return.

Yet here one was, standing here, even though Thalleous was sure he'd eliminated the last camp in Northwind. The Voltaris had a certain presence that demanded respect. His markings were like bolts of crimson lightning; his voice raspy and intimidating. 

"Hello, champion," the Voltaris uttered with disgust. 

"I do not have time for pointless formalities. You are a Voltaris... a murderer, one who would destroy countless lives," Thalleous told the Voltaris.

"Hm... if only you realized..." the Voltaris growled. He drew his sword and fired a red sphere of energy at Thalleous, who quickly jumped out of the way. 

The aura of Thalleous' sword flared to life as he rapidly advanced toward the Voltaris, who had taken a defensive stance. Thalleous struck, being blocked. He and the Voltaris kicked and swung at one another, neither seeming to relent. At one point, the Voltaris had slashed Thalleous with his blade, causing luminous blue blood to splatter on the cold stone floor.

Thalleous' breathing grew heavier from the severity of the wound, but he knew he had to bring down this Voltaris. He looked at the Voltaris, who was now a considerable distance away from Thalleous, as if he were expecting a last-minute plan. The Sendaris looked at his one free hand as he curled it into a fist. The use of Songs had become much more costly than it was in the days of his youth, but this would be worth the price.

Red energy began circling Thalleous' fist as he began to take steps toward the Voltaris, who was ready to finish the Sendaris off. The Champion suddenly flashed in front of the Voltaris, shocking him, then struck his fist into the ground in from of him. Flares of red light shot up from the ground around Thalleous, knocking the Voltaris back. 

The Voltaris knew he couldn't win. At least, not alone. He took advantage of Thalleous' temporary fatigue to flee while it lasted, leaving the Sendaris to stand alone in the cave. Thalleous, on the other hand, knew pursuing the Voltaris could have less than favorable results.