The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 51: Wrath of the Samurai

Unaware that the others were on their way to help, Chri found himself in a dangerous gambit for his life.

The terrain could play to his favor as the forest was crowded with trees and jagged rocks to aid him in avoiding some of his opponent's more lethal attacks, but adversely if he was cornered it could end his life.

Darting towards a large boulder while focusing chi into his fists, he jumped onto it and launched himself towards Curran. He landed a series of facial and body blows but to the monk's dismay, his opponent was unaffected by his attacks.

Acknowledging the bloody gashes on his hands, "Damn that armor." he muttered to himself while wiping the blood on his tabard.

"Resist as you will but know this Krinx, it will be me who strikes you down." he said in a calm maniacal tone.

Unwavering, Curran blocked Chri's next incoming assault with his free hand and quickly overpowered him with a strong front kick to the midsection which sent him rolling back.

Now gripping his katana firmly with both hands and towering over his next victim, he slowly raised it above his head, "Another lamb to the slaughter."

"Put it down Curran!" Thengol demanded, finally arriving on the scene.

Halting his swing midway and shifting his gaze to Thengol and Naitosai who followed up right behind.

Seeing Evenharth and Slarant both lying on the thick moss covered ground, Naitosai decided to check on them.

As soon as he took a step in their direction, Thengol grabbed him and motioned over to their opposition, finding that Curran's gaze had focused in on the dragoon's movements.

With Curran distracted, Chri seized this well needed opportunity to retreat to safety.

"Curran please... put it down." Thengol pleaded with both katana drawn and brought to the ready.

"Ishnero, we settle this here and now!"

"That's not Ishnero Curran, its Thengol, we've come together to stop Krinx." Chri tried to clarify.

"If we work together, we can avenge Raintree and save my brother, but we can't do it without you!" Naitosai added.

Stopping Krinx? Avenge Raintree? What is this? No... it can't be true, they're lying to me... but what if they aren't?

The thoughts of a mad man's inner turmoil jumped around sporadically. Plagued by his inability to see the truth and make a sound decision, he dropped his katana and gripped his head from the piercing pain that continued to grow.

The agony was wicked with each pulse magnifying the anguish and confusion that hazed his mind. Fumbling back and forth, reeling in despair, Curran's armor continually faded in and out of form.

Chri made his way over and joined his comrades as they all looked on, watching Curran flashing back and forth between tattered rags and his mystical yoroi armor.

"C'mon man, fight it!" Thengol encouraged.

Thinking this was a good time as any to check on the injured, Naitosai renewed his efforts, stepping cautiously towards them.

"Naitosai watch it!" Thengol shouted.

His speed spared his life, as Naitosai barely avoided the arrow as he rolled out of the way. The arrow originated from its handler, who had regained control over his ascended form.

No longer did he reflect any sign of pain. To the contrary, his only expression was that of a cold and calculated fighter.

"Okay, if that's how you want to do this then bring it!" egged Naitosai.

He stood his ground as his mind cleared, focusing on only his core strength. As his ascension was derived of mythical power, his eyes began to radiate once again with the light enveloping him.

From the blinding spectacle, the dragoon emerged. Mighty, with his dual headed spear in hand, Naitosai charged Curran and met with him in combat.

Cecilee ran through the forest with Llaw following not too far behind.

"Ceci! Do you even know where you're going?!" he shouted while panting as he struggled to keep up with her pace.

"No but it's okay, I'm following my gut." she yelled back, maintaining the same speed since they had entered the woods.

Her active lifestyle with daily rigorous training barely made her break a sweat. All thanks to Guru's training me. She thought, but how quickly did she regret thinking of the name.

For even though the man she knew was long gone, she couldn't help but feel pain in her heart for raising her weapon against her once right wing soldier and friend.

"Your gut, awe... c'mon Ceci!" he huffed in disbelief.

Interrupted by Llaw, she instantly pushed the thoughts from her mind and focused on the issues at hand. She had lost one son to the enemy and she wasn't about to lose another.

Continuously quickening the pace till she abruptly halted, causing Llaw to almost crash into her.

"Look", she said as she pointed at Thengol and Chri in the distance.

They both trotted over to the small clearing as the rest of the party came into sight.

Thengol and Chri, who stood by apprehensively acknowledge their arrival. Cecilee first noticed her son then glanced over to Evenharth. No... not you too.

"Sorry, I was too late." Chri whispered remorsefully.

She turned to Chri and shook her head, "It's not your fault. I trust that you did your best with the situation."

"Well, what should we make of this?" Llaw asked, watching the two ascended fighter's battle one another.

It was hard for the untrained eye to even keep up with the speed at which they fought. Only able to see momentary glints caused by the impact of their weapons clashing, Llaw readied himself to join the fight by revealing his dual short swords.

"No, wait... let me try." she said as she began walking towards them.

Naitosai cut his eyes back at his mother but staying on guard, "Mom... no, please don't."

She found herself full of reassuring confidence as she proceeded, "It's okay, something in my gut tells me I'll be alright."

"Oh for the love of... her guts she says." cried Thengol, flabbergasted that she was walking towards a man who had already put down two of their comrades.

Also, Curran wasn't in the right mindset where even logic and reason could free him.

"Well sir, you underestimate her gut. I did too, yet we stand here before you." Llaw assured him.

She kept a steady and calm stride, relaxed yet confident as she passed her son patting him on the shoulder. From there her eyes met his, soon his wrinkled expression unfurled as he lowered his weapon.

With an outreached arm, he took one step closer to her and spoke the words, "Raintree.... my love."