金瓶梅第2部

⟬ The Basilica, Inner Courtyard. ⟭

Barza Keith, the Lone Shadowdark, mulled about the outdoor temple grounds, walking with as much confidence as he could manage.

If the members of the Church found out he was trespassing, he'd either get thrown back in prison or get crucified. Either would be... really bad.

Being around so many armed and armored enforcers was nerve-wracking. It seemed he'd arrived while most of them were taking part in mid-sun martial training.

A Centurion challenged him. Barely able to keep his composure, Lone stated that he worked for Decanus Tycon, who worked for Archbishop Crucis.

He was left alone after that. The Archbishop seemed to have a frightening... reputation. It made him slightly worry about his boss... but if anyone he knew could survive against her, it would be Sir Tycon.

Stepping out into the grass, Lone breathed in the fresh air. It was much cleaner than he was used to... and slightly salted by how close they were to the ocean.

He'd gone to so many different places in the past couple of years... the Mosswood Wilds, the island of Saint Guinefort, the hills where the Halls of the Dead Snake were hidden... and of course, that stupid prison, Turrim Orientem.

He'd fought and killed many enemies... undead heretics, giant pig-beasts, moving statues... mimics, demons, and even a few gorgons.

He'd served with many allies... a Titanblood Swordmage and an Elven Ranger, a noble Fisherman and a hero of the Holy Country... and even a sly Rogue.

And that sly Rogue... was scaling the wall in the courtyard.

Lone blinked his eyes. Spiky blonde hair... wearing a unique glove on his left hand. That was undoubtedly Edge, his arena partner  from his time participating in the tournament at Caeruleum.

What. Was. He. Doing. In CERSEI'S. REST?!?!

He was still supposed to be serving time in Turrim Orientem!!

Lone glanced all around and ensured no one was watching. As fast as he could, he slipped away, dashing from column to training rack... and scaled the brick wall with his bare hands.

Pulling himself up, he projected his voice in a loud whisper, "Edge! What the *hells* are you doing here?"

The Rogue turned with a scowl, "Awww, Flame take me."

Then he drew his rapier.

Lone didn't want to fight... but they were somewhat safe atop the palisades. With all the training below, no one would be able to hear the sounds of their duel.

"Edge! Snap out of it, it's me!" He drew the Shatterspike longsword-- it was too dangerous to risk the howls of Tres Leches.

"The Lone Shadowdark..." Edge grimaced, his voice sounding hurt, "I'm sorry it's come to this. ⌈Flourishing Strike!⌋"

The Rogue dashed forward in a dark blur, a lethal rapier thrust aimed at Lone's heart.

Lone deflected the lunge with the base of his sword-- just barely. With his opponent unbalanced, he successfully struck his elbow against the side of his friend's head... and quickly followed with a sword-pommel smash aimed at his nose.

The Rogue swayed his head back to dodge, rolling backward on the stones, and getting back to his feet.

"Lone..." He growled... "Where's your eyepatch?"

Lone clenched his jaw shut, trying to think of an excuse.

Edge was referring to the eyepatch he wore during the tournament. Back then, Lone told him it was to keep his power level in check.

It didn't, actually... so Boss Tycon made him get rid of it. He felt terrible for lying-- this misunderstanding was all his fault! He just wanted to have a cool backstory!

"Won't answer, huh?" Edge shut his eyes, shaking his head. Was he... crying? "I'll end you, then. It's the least I can do-- I won't let the darkness take over, old friend!"

"Wait!" Lone yelped-- but not quick enough.

Edge lunged forward once more, sweeping his blade low.

Lone took a step back and to the side, then with both hands on Shatterspike's hilt, he swung from overhead.

The strike hit Edge's rapier guard.

Lone was in trouble.

The Rogue twisted his sword around, deflecting the Shatterspike away... while simultaneously slashing down towards Lone's left forearm.

It was going to hit. It was going to hurt.

He couldn't afford to hold back anymore. Igniting his mana, it circulated quickly through his body as he activated a skill in desperation,  "⌈Rush!⌋"

Lone dashed forward with mana-empowered speed before the swing could hit him-- and planted his elbow into Edge's solar plexus, knocking him to the ground.

Lone placed the cold steel of his sword against his opponent's neck, "Edge, stop! It's me!"

"It can't be! You--" Edge's eyes opened wide in surprise, "Y-you learned to control your power?"

"Whew. Yeah," Lone nodded, breathing a sigh of relief and relaxing his guard.

Finally, the hostility in the Rogue's eyes lifted... He wiped at his moist eyes and brushed aside the hair matted to his forehead, "Whew... Shite... Haha... Always gettin' ahead of me, aren'tcha? Lord Ranger?"

Lone offered his hand, pulling Edge back onto his feet.

"It's a hundred years too soon for you to challenge me," He grinned.

"Right," Edge nodded. "Hey, it's good to have you, man, but listen. Follow me-- we don't have much time."

"Wait, what? Wh--"

Before Lone could stop him, the Rogue had already turned his back and began climbing to the next level of palisades.

Why? Where was he going? Why in the seven hells was that guy sneaking around in the most guarded structure in the Holy Country?

Lone wouldn't get any answers by doing nothing... so he immediately went up after him.

Edge was fast... but he was faster. He'd even gotten some practice in, the other sun, hanging out with his hot girlfriend. (Coraline was not as good as she thought she was.)

He reached the top before Edge did, pulling himself up with one arm-- just to show off how strong he was.

"Hey! You're not supposed to be here!"

Eleven heavens and Seven HELLLLLS!!!!!

A Church guard was approaching with his weapon drawn, while Lone was caught on his hands and knees.