Reality's Blade

Chapter 12: The Dark Samurai

Hikage began his tale, I sat nervously but my curiosity was burning, I had the feeling many of my questions would finally be answered.

Hikage looked around his party members, their faces were unfamiliar, but he was used to that. The four of them were stood in a circle discussing how to carry out the quest. It was a bright day in Legerdemain, sun shone upon the rustling leaves and raised their spirits, although now level 50 Hikage had done this enough times to not allow himself to be too overcome by nerves. After all, he thought to himself, this should be pretty easy.

Today's companions were a small fair girl, who was a mage, her brother, a loud and stubborn boy who played the defensive role in their formation and a quiet shy girl who would be their healer. They were all levels in the 40's.

Hikage joined parties who temporarily needed a swordsman, so was constantly playing with new people, because of this he had quickly picked up reading the group's dynamics, who was in charge and who was going to get in the way. He was almost certain that the boy thought himself superior and would boss the other two around, he seemed like the type to charge straight into an attack. Hikage could see the bond between the two girls, and knew they would hold the rear well, constantly watching the forward members and adjusting accordingly. He trusted them to have his back at least somewhat.

"The aim is to kill two taranceri and two fire-phinx within the ten minute time limit." The boy, who had pretentiously named himself Ryuuki, dragon demon, informed the group. "Let's split up to make finding them faster. As the guard I can take more damage, so Hana come with me and enhance the offensive ability of our pair. Hikage, you might need healing more, so take Mia."

Mia nodded nervously, glancing at Hikage, her cheeks tinting pink.

Hikage was surprised at how logically Ryuuki had divided the pairs and thought about how to take on the mission, perhaps he wasn't such a blockhead after all.

"Good luck everyone. Let's go!" Ryuuki cheered, dashing off into the forest, eager to find his foes.

Hikage turned to Mia. "Is Ryuuki more of a taranceri type of guy or a fire-phinx guy?"

"Err... Fire-phinx. He's scared of spiders." She replied shyly.

"Okay. Then we won't need to venture too deep into the forest, look out for signs of webs in the trees." Hikage instructed.

They too wandered into the forest, Hikage stepped silently through the undergrowth, listening intently. The girl tapped him on the shoulder, too scared to break the quiet, and pointed up into the branches, where webs spanned the trees. Hikage smiled at her, and tried not to laugh at the intense shade of red she was quickly turning.

It wasn't long before the branches were creaking with the movement of taranceri scuttling among the canopy in waiting. Mia screamed as one came falling from a tree above her.

"We have a taranceri, start the timer!" Hikage opened the group communications.

"Understood." Ryuuki replied immediately.

It was going according to plan, Hikage had been waiting for the enemy to attack Mia, she appeared weaponless so was the more rational target. As the taranceri hit the ground Hikage lunged, taking a large swing straight down through the head. It popped with a pleasing bang.

"One taranceri down."

"Awesome! That was fast."

Hikage smiled to himself and set the next trap. Mia was stood in a clearing, while Hikage had climbed a tree and was waiting up in the branches above. If one came from the ground he could drop down on it, and if one tried to attack from above it would have to come close to him.