Quiet, Serene…

From: DemiGod | Message Detail

Amazing. It was the only way to describe what I saw. Heaven on earth it seemed. This was an area which could steal a man's soul without letting on that it was ever there. A beautiful field spanned out from his vantage point utop a crashing waterfall, long grass swayed in the warm breeze. A forest cut into the field from the east, trailing back, deep into the horizon. From the west, another lake could be seen, adjoined to the waterfall by a calm stream; further behind that was small peaks, which hinted at a vast range of mountains. Behind me, from the way I came, lay rolling hills, dotted with tree's and boulders. A ways to the left was a common travelling route, one which led to the city of Salnes. Where I had been only a few days before.

I took a deep breath and let out a contented sigh. The wind blew through my hair, raising my short travelling cloak high, as it caught in the wind. This landscape was too perfect, I almost felt badly for it as I saw the glint of steel in the air. The field had it's own battle to fight, and I felt that soon, so would the rest of this area. Too often places like this were destroyed by people like myself. It had already begun, call it the natural way of life if you will, because nothing would stop the pain that would soon come.

I looked closer, but did not recognize the people in the field. They were new to me. Below the waterfall, I noticed a familiar shape, and smiled. It was Duelist, I got ready to call out, but his concentration suddenly strengthened. He raised his hands over the hilt of two swords, both I knew well. It seemed Duelist had his hands full already. I would not interfere. But staying here any longer might not be safe.

I looked out over the horizon once again. I had two choices ahead of me, East, through the forest, or West, through the mountains... I decided that I had had enough of mountains for awhile, pulling my gloves tight, I sunk down to my knees and helped myself to a handful of the crisp water. I rose, and headed East, skirting around the waterfall, and avoiding the already raging battle on the field. The forest seemed the most inviting place in this area. Calm, and peaceful in it's expanse. Still, I kept my eyes, and ears open for any signs of danger.

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

He stood on the edge of branch within the forest. He didn't move, he didn't even make any noticeable signs of breathing. The branch was thick and very well attached to the tree it was in. His eyes were closed, and his arms were crossed in front of his face as he stood with his feet closed together on the branch. He was covered from head to toe in gray. Even his face was mostly covered. A hooded cloak helped with that. The cloak right now was hanging there behind him. A mask of sorts covered the bottom half of his face. It was a part of the hooded cloak. The only thing visible on his face were his eyes. I guess you could say, he looked like a ninja. He almost fit that definition. He was a former assassin. And from that he learned to never show his face. The cloth from his hood always covered his face. He wouldn't let others know he looked like. It was something which he hated.

Though his face was covered, there was a visible scar over his left eye. It could be seen as plain as day, especially when he had his eyes closed. The scar was from a battle long ago. A battle which was etched into his mind. A battle with a foe similar to him in many ways but in another way completely different. This was the man which he had grown a hatred for. The hatred was all he knew. It consumed him, and it was his very essence. He knew nothing else but hatred, anger, and apathy. He didn't care who he killed. As long as he got to his final goal. To face the one who had given him this scar. The scar was not the reason for which he wanted to challenge this man. It was something totally different. A reason they both knew. A reason which probably was at the back of the man's mind right now.

The Night Blade was the name given to this masked person. It was a name dating back to his assassin days. Mainly being because he was the best assassin their group had to offer. He was so good, that he killed the whole group during one night when they slept. He was the only remnants of this assassin group. He didn't care though. The group was merely a way for him to gain experience. It was a way for him to train himself in the dark arts. If he were ever to face the one who looked just like him. Night Blade knew of the power this man had. And he knew that day long ago when they had their battle, and Night Blade lost. He knew then that he needed to become stronger and train to beat this man. For if he did beat this man, it would be like the ultimate revenge of fate. You see, Night Blade was the incarnation of the evil which once lived in this man's heart. The evil needed to be expelled, and when it was, Night Blade was formed. So, it was no wonder their features matched. But not only that, he had a sense to find this man. They were almost connected in a way, able to know and define the other's aura. And it was that which brought him to this forest, on the edge of this branch above it all.

His eyes opened as soon as he heard footfalls in the forest. He knew that the man he searched for was busy. So, he needed something to do himself. He didn't care who it was. He wanted a fight, and if death was at hand, that was even better. More death, a chance to grow stronger and give more power to Deathbringer, his katana. Night Blade jumped forward off the branch and descended towards the ground. He landed softly without a trace of botching up the landing. He would wait for someone come and his battle would begin.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

As I neared the forest I noticed it was almost too serene. Too quiet. The usual sounds accompanied with such a lush area were non-existant, no birds, nor bugs, just a suffocating silence one which seemed almost palpable. I had the sence of walking into a trap and realizing it too late. Keeping myself calm I surveyed my surroundings.

The forest canopy blocked almost all the sunlight in the area, only a few stray shards of light found there way through. The ground remained moist, there must be some underground source of water nearby. Moss grew up the tree's like hands, reaching up the trunks with long green tendrels, as if sucking the life away slowly. The ground was littered with fallen leaves. Light shone so dimly in this place that it was hard to see beyond a few feet in any direction. I was quickly figuring out that what appeared calm and tranquil from the outside turned out to be something much different once inside.

I felt a presence nearby, just out of range. Someone was near, and they didn't want to be seen. Whoever it was knew well what they were doing, this wasn't some ammature, it was a professional. Not a sound was made, even in this silence nothing broke through. Though I knew a way to find this would be stalker. Calmly I sounded the words to call to me my sword. Reinsol.

A void appeared nearby, casting a crimson glow. Thick as water, yet as touchable as air. Reaching in I withdrew a long bladed sword. It's hilt seemed designed for my hand, it's blade, turquoise in colour, was wrapped in the same crimson glow that had eminated from the void. In my hands the sword flared it's red light brightly, casting a sickly light on the surrounding area. I heard a muffled gasp, and turned in time to see my hunter dash into the darkness. It was obvious that he had not expected such a show; and now that he knew I had seen him, I hoped it would force him to come out into the open.

You have been seen hunter, now come out into the open where I can get a better look at you.

From: The Night Blade | Message Detail

He watched in darkness and complete silence. He knew better to to make a sound when looking for prey. He was an assassin. He knew how to strike silently, and leave no trace of his presence. If he didn't learn that fact long ago he would be dead now. It was too bad that his fellow assassins were so watchful. Maybe some of them would have stood a chance against him that night. But that even was a joke to Night Blade. He knew none of them stood a chance. They had not the skill to match him. Once he knew that he had grown better than all of them, he had no use for them. Those assassins were useless to him at that moment. That is why he got rid of them. They were weaker, and they were even scared of him in a way. So, he killed them. There was no real motive behind it, he just decided they needed to die. And they had a chance of getting in his way in the future. With that man's good nature, and will to save others, he would likely get on the badside of some evil men. And evil men always turned to assassins. Night Blade couldn't have anyone else killing that man. That job was for him and him alone.

As his thoughts of his prey came to him, someone came by in the forest. The canopy of the forest shrouded this area in darkness. He was safe to watch at his discretion, and hopefully follow and kill. Another death would bring more power to Deathbringer. And more power would help him in his quest to kill this man. The one which he hunted so feverishly. The serene, almost too calm quiet of this forest probably was beginning to become noticeable to this man. With Night Blade's presence came darkness and silence. It was something he knew. For he was one with darkness, and as so he knew how to manipulate it. What happened next was a bit of a surprise. A crimson void appeared from nowhere, and the man reached inside it. And within a second he pulled out a sword, and a crimson veil was spreading over the area. It was fighting off the darkness. And as such he ran into the darkness.

The man asked him to show himself from hiding. And at this he laughed. He had no idea of why he chose the darkness. It was not to hide, but to bring the manipulation with him. With a forward point of his finger, the shadow of this darkness spread around the area from which these two fought. It was a darkness which seemed thick enough to touch. And then the Night Blade stepped forward. But his form was not harder to see, odd enough. It was actually much clearer to see him. For some reason the darkness did not surround Night Blade himself. It permeated around his figure, leaving his figure perfectly visible. Though his face was not visible in the least, his dark eyes were. They watched the man in front of them closely as Night Blade reached behind his back for his katana. With a quick pull, the grey blade of Deathbringer was within his hand.

I don't hide in the darkness. I bring the darkness with me.

From: DemiGod | Message Detail

The darkness began to thicken, to amplify upon itself, consuming much of the natural light in the area...

A figure slowly emerged from the darkness, shrouded in black, yet, all except for his face, perfectly visible. Try as I might, I could not make out his face, his features all but hidden, except for a long scar over his left eye. Who he was would have to remain a mystery for now.

I lifted my left hand, testing the darkness. It was much like the light from the void, thick, yet holding no texture or pull. It did not interfere with the light from Reinsol either, if anything it amplified it. In a place where there was no shadow, Reinsol's sickly glow added to itself a new level of intensity; as if to counteract the enroaching darkness.

The man spoke:
I don't hide in the darkness. I bring the darkness with me.

Intimidating words, and by the looks of it, he was ready to back them up. He reached behind his back, withdrawing a long, dark katana. This blade matched the darkness perfectly, it had the look of cold, unfeeling death. I did not doubt that it had dealt that out many a time.

I eyed the stranger, taking a better look at him. His stance was typical of an assassin, one taken with care, ready to fight or flee at the drop of the proverbial hat. But he was well trained, he showed no sign of movement, his breathing making little sound. I smiled despite myself, if he wanted a fight, then he would get it. A man so used to dealing out death, he had no idea what he was getting himself into.

Well hunter, it looks like you decided to come out after all.

From: The Night Blade | Message Detail

The man smiled at Night Blade. He knew very well that a battle would ensue. And that smile seemed to clinch it. It was an almost cocky smile. It seemed to call to Night Blade to start this battle. The man before him was no stranger to a fight. He could tell that much from the blade from which he held. The man held a finely crafted blade, a token of magic. That blade probably contained immense power within it. And the power could only be released by the one who wielded it. It would be interesting to see that blade in battle. It would surely draw out blood quickly, and without the slightest hitch within the flesh. Night Blade could only imagine what the blade from a magical crimson void could do to him. This would turn out to be interesting.

This man kept referring to Night Blade as hunter. Maybe that was a true term. He was like a hunter. He was always searching for his one prey. There was only one prey which he cared for. He wanted that man's death more than anything. He wanted it just for the twist of fate. To try to escape your dark side, to only have it defeat you. It would be such a sweet revenge. But he was a hunter in other ways. He was trained assassin. The best of his group, a group which no longer existed. Night Blade would have chuckled, if he had the emotions for it. He could only smile underneath his mask, a dark, twisted smile. It couldn't be seen by anybody, but his dark cold eyes showed it. Night Blade stared back at his opponent. His eyes showed no real feeling in them. He was just ready.

I guess I am a hunter. But if you must call me by a name, then know me as Night Blade. And I will allow you first move.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

His eyes reflected a twisted smile, cold, unfeeling. One of a man who had long ago killed all his emotions, swept away by darkness. He revealed himself as Night Blade, and offered me the first move. Any preconseptions that this man did not want to fight left me then. Maybe fight wasn't even a strong enough word, this man, this thing, wanted not just to fight me, but to kill me. There was no emotion behind this, no reason, he just wanted more death. He feeds on it.

I almost pity you hunter... almost

I raised my sword level with his own, staring him down, looking for a weakness. He was doing the same to me. After a few moments passed, I made my move.

I rushed towards him quickly, agility was one of my better points, A foot away from my target, I focused energy on Reinsol, sending a blast of crimson light out towards my opponent, hoping to throw him offguard. I slashed downwards quickly not aiming for his body, but his sword. Smacking it hard to the side, quickly reversing the stroke, I sent a violent slash directed across his chest, towards his face, we shall see how he deals with that.

From: The Night Blade | Posted:Message Detail

His eyes were trained to pick up on the slightest of movements. The twitch of a muscle, the intake of a breath, his eyes noticed it all. He could tell from the movements of muscles when a potential move would come. Their eyes were locked, searching for weaknesses. He knew this was what this man would be doing. But it would be hard to find a weakness on Night Blade. He had no emotional weaknesses. He didn't have to worry about such things as emotional attachments. And his physical form was nearly perfect. There was no sign of movement, or even breathing when he stood ready. The man raised his sword at the same height as Night Blade's. they were both ready to attack.

After giving out words of pity, the man charged. He was fast, but so was Night Blade. Assassins had to be fast. He was trained in stealth, and quick execution of actions. He had known this for years. And he knew it was something which would come in handy in battles. As the man charged, he released a crimson blast at Night Blade. He only smirked at this. Deathbringer was already charged from the power of the darkness around it. Night Blade slashed upwards with Deathbringer, and the sword collided with the energy blast. The energy blast became wrapped into darkness and then disappeared, only to explode a distance away. But this wasn't all the man had planned. He knocked Deathbringer back down with his sword as he came inwards.

Night Blade watched this man's muscle movements closely, and he saw the oncoming movement of the arm. He already knew in his head what to do. He turned on his right heel, and moved his body away from the sword. He then put his head back slightly as he watched the blade almost cut his face. He brought his face forward once again, and then moved Deathbringer outwards and upwards. He brought the dark blade down upon the one of his opponent. The two blades clashed and Night Blade leaned forward to push down upon the blade. He was ready to speak once again, but he did not take his gaze off his opponent's sword or form for that matter. He kept his eyes moving and watching for every sign of movement.

Pity me? You can't even begin to understand what I am.

Night Blade sent a swift kick with his right to the back of the left heel of this man. It was a semi sweep maneuver. As he did that, he slid Deathbringer up his opponent's blade. Sparks flew and scratching metal was heard as the two blades moved against each other. Then Night Blade aimed a slash for the arm of his opponent.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

The man was good, better than I had expected, he knew well what to expect from the slightest movement of muscle, he parried and dodged my attack easily, the crimson light having no effect on him. Then made his move..

He pinned my sword down with his own, sending sparks trailing up the blade behind his own, his leg came in for a sweep at my left ankle, an attempt to try and throw me offguard, and if it had worked, it could be fatal with the current position oh his sword.

Realizing that he was watching me for sign's of movement, I decided to use that to my advantage. As his leg neared mine, I twitched the muscle groups in my right leg, as if readying a powerful kick, as his eyes trailed that movement, I swiftly kicked with my left foot, connecting with his chest, and sending him sprawling backwards a few feet, it didn't appear to hurt him much, for he landed impecably, as expected; but it did show me, (and unfortunatly him) that he might not be able to read all of my moves.

I stood tall, Reinsol held lightly at my side. Looking him over, I realized that I would have to fight in a way I hadn't long done. I would have to rethink and adapt my usual strategies to this breed of assassin. I waited until his cold eyes fixed once again upon mine.

What he would of seen in them I knew only too well. I had changed. Outwardly, my persona seemed normal, if not calm, but my eyes did not hide the change, they had turned the color of the void. Just as cold and unfeeling as his own. My entire body was still, no movement could of been detected by the naked eye. If not for my burning eyes, or vertical stance, I could have been mistaken for being long dead.

I moved my sword quickly, up in a diagonal slash, then horizontal across my chest, and finally back down to it's original position in a strange triangle fashion. It wasn't for anything but show.

The speed of my sword was incredibly quick, by the time he could have registered my muscle movements, my next move would already be half done, it was not as fast as I could have done, I was not physically fused with Reinsol yet, just emotionally. I hoped that I did not have to go any further, if I was forced to use Crimson Flurry in this state.. it might be hard to come back to what I was.

Your wrong hunter, I believe I have a perfectly good idea what you are

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

Even Night Blade couldn't keep track of every movement. He knew that well. And that was proven to him very well. This man had distracted him with a movement in his right leg. And with that distraction, he was able to land a kick to the chest of Night Blade with his left leg. This sent Night Blade sprawling backwards. Night Blade quickly gained control and landed on his feet. He had a smile under his mask. He had other tricks besides detecting movements. There were a number of things an assassin had to learn. He knew that their would be opponents faster than him. That is why he knew never to show any sign of surprise. There were a wide array of opponents out there. There would be some stronger than him, some faster than him. But not many would be as crafty as him. He would think of something else to help him in this duel within darkness.

Night Blade fixed his eyes upon that of the man. They were a different color now. They were the same color of the crimson energy which his sword held. He had given way to the sword. He had given up his emotions for this battle. It was something Night Blade knew well, for his eyes were the same color of darkness. This man was willing to fight in way where he could very well lose himself. Night Blade could not do so, because had had nothing to lose. He was darkness, the dark side of emotions. That's all he knew. The man moved his sword in a triangular pattern. It was to show the speed of which he had with this sword. It glowed with a trail of dark crimson with every strike. Night Blade feigned interested while looking at it and moved his sword slightly. He moved his sword slowly, in comparison to the speed and show which the man decided to give, with every movement of the sword several shadow patterns followed. The image of the sword lingered in every spot from which it left. Night Blade then let out a dark sinister laugh. A laugh which could send a chill down the spine of most normal men.

You know me, you say? Then tell me, what is it like to face the darker side of yourself?

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

Night Blade moved his sword slowly, gracefully, leaving small designs of darkness in it's wake. I wasn't sure what to expect from that, but it didn't matter, I would find a way to deal with it when it came. For now, I would have to make a move, it was obvious that he was playing it safe, I don't blame him, the best offence, is a good defence.

He let loose a maniacle laugh, filled with cold emotion, a void of darkness, a look into his soul.. He spoke then, dark words indeed, making me wonder just who this man was, the tone seemed familiar, almost recognizable, but I could not place it.

You have no idea the things I have done, the things I have seen. There are worse things in me than my darkside, assassin.

the words were spoken with cold assurance, emotionless, the plain and simple truth.

I let my sword move side to side, rythmatically swaying, leaving a glow in the darkness. This man was not impressed by the speed of my weapon, which meant either that he was faster, which, from what I had seen, was unlikely at this point. Or that he was not worried, which in turn made me wonder what he could do to slow me down... another thing I would have to deal with when the time came.

After a long moment, I made my first real move, no more games, no more playing, it was time to begin. I eased Reinsol up, horizontal with my chest, but out to the side, leaving my body open. I waited for a moment longer to see what would happen, seeing if how he would react, then rushed in quickly.

I reversed the hold on my sword as I neared, the blade pointed down instead of up, I brought my sword up quickly in a backslash aimed for his chest, then jumped back half a foot, reversing again, then thrusting Reinsol foreward towards his head.

My speed was incredibly quick, with less than a second between the backslash and the thrust. It would appear, that if this hunter had any tricks, I would see them now.

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

The man once again moved his weapons in a flashy display. Night Blade just watched the movement of the sword with dull eyes. He didn't really care. The sword was incredibly fast, that much he knew. It seemed to flow and be one with the user's movements. And the energy which it held within it was amazing. Every slice of the sword had with it a crimson silhouette. It was impressive in its own right, but Night Blade was not one to be impressed. He did not care for life or death. If he died then he died. There was nothing else to it. Though he wished to kill the man he searched for before he died, if he couldn't it was of no consequence to him. He had no real emotions. He would not be happy nor sad at the death of another. He just knew death. And it was death which he brought with him.

The man held his turquoise blade in a horizontal arc across his chest. It left his body open for a second. He was testing Night Blade, to see if he would rush in. But Night Blade wasn't one to be foolhardy. He took the time given to him to adjust to the movements of the man. This was something which the man did not know. With the power of darkness and enough movements, the Night Blade could easily speed up to match the speed of his opponent. It was a skill which he had taught himself to use. As the man soon charged, Night Blade watched his movements carefully, waiting for the first move to come. This would be a serious attack. His hold on his sword soon reversed, and he came up in a slash for the chest. Night Blade quickly held Deathbringer up, and came across his chest in a quick parry. The swords barely even touched for a second. But he probably showed this man his power to adapt to his speed. As the the clash of the swords stopped, the man jumped back slightly and thrusted for the Night Blade's head. Night Blade quickly cocked his head to his right while bringing up Deathbringer to meet the sword before it could go inwards for his neck.

You are so oblivious.

Night Blade pushed the sword to his right side, and then lifted his left hand and shot a wave of darkness at the man. This man still had no idea what Night Blade was. It was humorous in a way to Night Blade. If only he knew what it was like to truly face himself. Then he would know what the Night Blade was. But in time, it will be revealed.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

My attack had little effect on Night Blade. His speed miraculously matching my own. I imagined that his doing this would take it's toll on his body, but he didn't seem like the type to care. He was a force driven by one urge, and whatever that urge was, he had sacrificed all semblance of humanity to it.

I was wary when my lunge completly missed it's mark. I had been in battles enough to expect something, retaliation in some form. I put pressure on his sword, pushing it towards his head, and started to twist around the side, as I did so I noticed darkness deepen around his hand..

A blast of dark energy fired from the assassin's hand, flying towards the spot where I was only a moment ago, the area on my clothes where it had struck started to whither and die, the darkness stealing all color and life, though it did not directly hit my left arm, I still felt a slight numbing sensation, as if my arm had fallen asleep. I ignored it for the time, it was already starting to fade away.

I continued putting pressure on his weapon, and, as I twisted around behind him, I spoke into his ear:

I care not what you are hunter, for I doubt it has any bearing on me.

That said I prepared to release my own blast of energy, I had to act quickly, I wouldn't have the opportunity for long, as such the blast was not nearly as powerful as I wanted, but it was enough.

I punched hard into the small of his back, then opened my hand, releasing the pent up energy. I wasn't sure if it would throw him or not, so I leaped backwards to be safe. I raised my sword in a defensive position, and took the free moment to take in my surroundings.

The area we were fighting in was smaller than I had thought, I was almost surprised that neither of us hadn't backed into a tree or stump. The tree's themselves were huge, some easily ten feet in diameter, with amazingly large branches, rising high into the canopy.

I turned my focus back on my opponent it wouldn't take him long to recover, I watched and waited for his next move.

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

Night Blade's attacked had missed its mark but not completely. He could see the darkness had hit somewhere. His cold eyes focused upon the spot where the darkness had hit. It had withered away the fabric of the man's clothes. The darkness had stuck along his side, not along his gut like Night Blade had wanted. But it was good enough. Nothing would hit its mark all the time in battle. He knew this would be more a battle of patience and consistency. He would have to watch every blow he made, and make sure to follow through with a move. Though that wouldn't be a problem with Night Blade, he aimed to kill.

He could feel the pressure upon Deathbringer. This man was trying his best to force his sword free. Night Blade had actually watched this man fight before. He had fought with the man he searched for before. Though, he knew not this man's name, he didn't care. As the pressure was kept upon their blades, the man soon moved to behind Night Blade. After whispering into Night Blade's ear, he planted his fist into Night Blade's back. Night Blade didn't even flinch, he knew better than to show pain. But he could feel an energy building within the fist, and he knew better than to just stand there. He quickly twirled to his right as a blast of crimson energy shot forth from the man's palm. The energy hit Night Blade's side as he twirled and left a burn along his right side. Night Blade still showed no emotion, no sign of pain. He merely let out a low, sinister laugh.

Like I said, you are so oblivious. It does pertain to you, at least a friend of yours.

From: DemiGod | Message Detail

The man showed no sign of pain, no emotion, though the blast had hit him on his side, causing a slight burn, he ignored it completely. As impressive as that was, that's not what intrigued me the most, what did was his mention of "a friend"

Could someone I know have a past with this person, thoughts whirled through my mind, I wasn't sure who it was he spoke of, I couldn't be. Everyone I knew, anyone I thought of as a friend, all had fairly shadowed pasts. As did we all.

The man let out a sinister laugh, a twinge of madness rung in his voice. Whoever he knew, whoever I knew, had done something to this man, he or she was so entwined with him that it had made him mad, or worse. It explained alot, a man driven by the darkness of one's soul, searching endlessly for another being, somone who he had a score to settle.

I stayed in my position, sword raised in defence, I didn't allow the slightest movement of my body. It was almost time for me to try a more damaging attack, I was prepeared to kill this man, but before that, I wanted to know who it was he talked about, and how I was intertwined in this chaotic mess.

It seems, that the world is small, after all.

Very well hunter, enough games, enlighten me.

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

Night Blade could tell he struck a chord with this man. He was probably thinking of who he could be intertwined with. And it all seemed so humorous to Night Blade. He knew who was this man's friends. He knew everything about the man he hunted. He knew his darkest secrets, and what lurked within his mind. He was the only one who knew that. There was no one else who could know the one he hunted as Night Blade did. He could name the town his man grew up in, and numerous things about his fighting style. And all the while no one else knew these things. It was something hidden within the head of Night Blade. And now this man wanted to know what Night Blade knew. It was perfect. He always loved to pick off the weak spots of an opponent. There was a lot in this man's head, and a past which he probably kept to himself.

Night Blade watched as the man lifted his sword in a defensive stance. Night Blade wasn't going to attack yet. He was building energy. He was feeding off the darkness around him. He was getting ready to use some of his magic which had had picked up within the dark arts. And his energy gathering was not even visible within this darkness. Only Night Blade would know about it. And when the time came he would surprise his opponent. But that was only a theory, he knew of opponents who could read energy. And this man might be able to. It didn't matter to Night Blade. Right now he was just preparing, and messing around with his opponent. He didn't underestimate but he didn't care enough about his life or any life to show respect for his opponent in battle. And right now this was much more fun.

Oh, no. I'm not going to outright tell you. That ruins all the fun and games. You have to find out. Your task, is to remove my mask. I think you'll be surprised if you manage to do it.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

I could feel a build up of dark energy radiating from the Night Blade. He was preparing something, though what it was, I didn't know.. what I did know was that he waned my attention somewhere else, he toyed with me, refusing to tell me who it was that he was linked to, challenging me to take off his mask if I wanted to find out. Whatever he hid beneath that mask, held answers to alot of questions..

I made a decision then, leaving my emotions behind, I decided to stop playing the defensive, and start a fight of my own... I didn't think he knew that I could feel the energy building up, and as such I deliberatly showed no outward intrest or sign that I had any idea what was going on..

I decided to play his game... or atleast let him think I was.

Fine then hunter, if you will not tell me then I'll have to find out myself. I'll remove that mask.

I waited, still holding a defensive position, but building up my own power, whatever he was preparing, I would be ready for it.

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

Night Blade found this all to be too amusing. He was stirring the emotions of his opponent. He knew information others did not. He knew a lot about the man he hunted. There were things hidden within his mind which no one knew, except Night Blade. It was funny in a way. To think that the one who wanted to kill this man, was the one who knew more than any of his friends. But this was all due to Night Blade's twisted sense of humor. Night Blade always found human emotions amusing. They always showed such compassion, such care for others. He didn't see the need for such emotions. There was nothing but an endless void within his heart. Love, compassion, friendship all these supposedly happy emotions had been thrown away. He only knew hatred, death, and anger. That was his life. It was what he delivered. And it was what followed him. This was the cause of the darkness within Night Blade. It gave him his power to control the dark arts. He drew power from these emotions. The more people hated him, the more power he could deliver upon himself. It was all that mattered. He needed to become more powerful. It was the only way he could finally become the victor.

This game should be a lot of fun. That's quite a bit of energy you've gathered there. I wonder what you'll do with it.

Night Blade chanted a few archaic words under his breath. They were barely above audible speech, and of a language only used for the dark arts. He was beginning to cast his spell which he had gathered the energy for. He wondered how much of a surprise the actually attack would be. It would be interesting to see the man's reaction.

Shadow Meld.

With the simple words spoken. Night Blade suddenly became surrounded by darkness. His form soon began to sink lower and lower. It looked as if he was disappearing. But he wasn't. He was moving into the very shadow underneath him. This would allow him movement through shadows. As soon as Night Blade disappeared into his own shadow, he quickly rose again right behind DemiGod and made a slash for the back of DemiGod's neck.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

I wasn't ready for what the Night Blade did next, I had expected him to force an attack upon me, instead, he... well, he dissapeared..

At first I thought he had released another dark energy ball, something which obscured him from sight, but I quickly realized that wasn't what had happened.. not wanting to lose his general position, I rushed towards the area I had last seen him.

I was none too soon.

I felt a wind brush by me, then heard the swish of a sword behind me. I could feel the air off his blade, just inches from my neck. He had not only dissapeared, but had gotten around me. I quickly ducked, and stabbed backwards, hoping to catch him offguard.

I then rolled foreward, pushing myself up onto my feet, and running towards the tree line. I could hear a sinister laugh behind me, followed by movement. A few feet into the tree line, the crimson trail had flared, then dissapeared.. I had entered a portal, coming out in the area behind him, just behind the tree line.. focusing hard, I dimmed the glow that Reinsol emitted, then waited, watching quietly for some sign of movement. I blocked my mental energy, if he could read the build up of powers, he might of been able to sence where I was...

I thought that if he was capable of it, he might of been impressed, I did not make a sound, as far as he would be concerned, I was as invisible as he was.

From: The Night Blade Message Detail

The man have moved, lucky for him. Night Blade was planning on killing him. His death was what he truly wanted. The power of death was a great power. It was a shame not a lot of people knew of it. Through the death of other's you could gain power. But it had a course. You had to lose yourself to the darkness. In order to get this power, you had to be consumed by the darkness. This was nothing to Night Blade though. He had been consumed by darkness long ago. And to gain power by doing so was a great opportunity. He didn't have any other emotions to begin with. So, becoming one with darkness would be easy for him. He wasn't like the man he hunted. He was much the opposite of him. They were probably the exact opposite in powers. The irony of this was only brought up when one thought about it. How could two opposites really defeat each other? In the end wouldn't they just cancel each other out? But this didn't matter to Night Blade. He just wanted that man's death. It was the last thing he wanted.

The man had jumped into some sort of portal and was now hidden. Night Blade smirked, he didn't know the powers of the shadow meld. The spell wasn't just a one time thing. It was Night Blade's true meld with the darkness. Night Blade closed his eyes and focused on seeing into the darkness. He now could see where his eyes couldn't. The darkness was his sight. And with that he spotted his opponent. Night Blade then stabbed his sword into the shadow below him. With the reaction to the darkness, Deathbringer shot a wave of darkness into the shadow. And with that the darkness traveled, and shot from a shadow behind his opponent. Night Blade then took the sword out, and slashed forward towards the direction in which the darkness had shown where DemiGod was. He would show this man, the power of death and darkness.

From: DemiGod |Message Detail

I was invisible.. or so I thought. I felt wary, something wasn't right about this. The darkness shifted, I coud feel it. The change in direction, a blur within a blur. The Nightblade was moving alright, and against all odds, he was moving towards me.

I didn't wait, trusting my instincts, I ran. I could not see him, at least I knew that if I was on the move, he wouldn't have a chance to take advantage of that.

I ran quickly, leaving tree's and forest behind in a blur. I kept an eye out for debris. A log, a misplaced stump. Anything could turn be dangerous. All it took was one wrong step, and I had no doubt that Nightblade would take advantage. He wasn't the kind of man who would think twice about stabbing someone in the back.

Light blinded me. It was unexpected, I went from the dark, dank forest to the light of day within a heartbeat. The sence was overpowering, I wasn't sure what had happened, my first thought was that this was some new attack. Something from Nightblade, or maybe someone else. I couldn't afford to wait and find out though..

I kept running anyways, despite the light blinding my eyes it only took a few blinks before I adjusted. I stopped midstride almost falling over myself. There was a huge clearing, unnaturally large, and so expertly hidden that you would never know it was there until you were ontop of it. But that wasn't the most magnificent sight. That privelege belonged to the great temple standing in the center.

The structure was huge, large pillars, many of which had been worn down by time, spread outwards from the temple, lining paths in all four directions. An invitation to enter. The temple itself was clearly out of shape. Moss covered the walls and structures. Gaping holes opened into the side of the temple. One side was completly destroyed, having fallen in upon itself. Yet I could still feel the power from this place..

I didn't take any longer to think about it. I had no doubt that the Nightblade would be upon my sometime soon. I headed for the temple, and hoped that the light would help me to escape his unnatural darkness... keeping an eye out for anyone else who might be lurking inside..

From: The Night Blade |Message Detail

The man ran. That was a reaction Night Blade hadn't expected. He ran off into the woods further. He didn't move to the front or back. He didn't even try to reflect the darkness which Night Blade had shot towards him. He just ran into the woods, trying to escape him and the darkness which he brought. Night Blade had an advantage in the darkness, but that didn't mean that he could not fight in the light. And if it came down to it. He could make the light soon become surrounded by darkness. It was his skill. He made darkness, he manipulated it. To most people it would have came at a price. But since Night Blade knew only hate his loss was nothing. He merely melded with the dark arts he knew, using his hatred to fuel his power. That was how he became stronger, he could never be consumed by the dark powers because of that.

Night Blade calmly walked through the woods, following the path of the man. And soon it seemed light suddenly came back. Night Blade did not flinch nor hold up his hand at the sudden change from darkness to light. He merely moved on, for his eyes only saw darkness. No light could penetrate them. He viewed everything in darkness but with a clarity unknown by many. He came upon a large clearing, seemingly appearing from nowhere. And within the clearing was a large temple. It was obviously where the man had ran. Night Blade wondered what other warriors could be in the vicinity now. But that would not matter. He only needed to defeat one man today. A task which his mind was set to. He walked up to one of the many holes which this temple had. And he began his search once again, moving soundlessly through the temple