A clash of interests

[Garret Strife]

Dante leaned against a large tree, and took a deep breath of brisk air. He was nearing the abbey, this he knew, but he wasn't heading there. He was staying in this same area, making sure none of the beasts he'd met on the path were following him. He drew his cloak tighter. It was cold tonight.


"Damn it's cold out 'ere!" swore Gaz, previous captain of the Corrupted, before the Long Patrol had attacked it when they docked to gather supplies. Now he was being followed by one of them, and he wasn't as athletic as he used to be.

[ussjkakashi07]

Ryuu Flamesword leaned against a thick tree, panting. He had to be close now, the trails of the fleeing corsair had become strikingly obvious. He shivered in the chilling breeze, a million thoughts running through his head. He was all alone now, no one would even know if he died tonight. He wasn't ready for a mission like this, what were they thinking, sending him alone?
He squeezed his eyes shut, clearing his head. Now was not the time for thoughts like this. Everyone was counting on him. Even if this was his first real mission, his only chance to make a good impression...
His thoughts wandered to the only weapon he carried, the sole katana strapped to his sash. It was the only weapon he'd grabbed in his haste, and he felt naked without his others. But in this long run, he didn't need the extra wieght, they would only slow him down.
After he pulled his thoughts together, he straightened his back and started again in an easy lope after his target.

[Garret Strife]

Gaz kept running, his lungs burning, only to trip over a root jutting from the earth. He landed hard, knocking the breath out of himself. Grogilly standing, he turned around in circles, having lost his sense of direction. He drew his shortsword, to be safe.

[ussjkakashi07]

Ryuu stopped suddenly, listening intently. He was sure he'd just heard a crash... It had to be the corsair! His breath quickened, and his ears became stiff with focus. He had to do this right.
He turned to the right and began to widely circle around the area in front of him. He knew stealth was key, but he kept his pace fast. It wouldn't work unless he cut the captain off before he started moving again. He subconsciously kept his right paw locked around the hilt of the katana, the cold metal comforting him. This was his only chance, and he was set on victory.

[Garret Strife]

Dante turned. He had head a slight crash a reasonable distance away. He headed for it, moving quite quickly, yet also completely silently.

The Corsair, satisfied that he was safe, began to ponder what direction he'd been going in. At this time, he lowered his guard, having to focus intently to figure it out.

[ussjkakashi07]

Ryuu could see the figure now, he looked very confused and uncertain. Now there was only one thing left to do. He sighed deeply, closing his eyes again to focus all his energy. He HAD to do this. His intent eyes snapped open, and in one glance he took in the situation.
The corsair was oblivious to everything, the perfect time to attack. Maybe if he was lucky, he wouldn't fight back at all. But he had to be prepared for the worst.
He took a silent step towards his target, his eyes locked on the beast's back. This was the end.

[Garret Strife]

Dante arrived at a clearing. Remaining hidden in the trees, he watched. It would be interesting to see how this played out.

The Corsair snapped his claws, he remembered, now. He wad come from the direction he was facing, meaning he wanted to go the other way. He turned around.

"What the...?"

[ussjkakashi07]

Ryuu's heart quickened as the startled corsair turned to face him, and he cursed under his breath. So much for making it easy...
He reacted quickly, his eyes fierce. He lunged at the vermin with his katana ready, hoping for a quick kill. This was his moment to shine.

[Garret Strife]

Gaz's reflexes weren't quite quick enough, as he managed to block the blow, but the shortsword was knocked from his paws as well. He stumbled back, and fell over.

"Please, Rabbit, I never 'urt no one! Dun' kill me!" He pleaded, quite pathetically.

[ussjkakashi07]

Ryuu stopped abruptly, started by the look on the corsair's face. This wouldn't be as easy as he imagined. One thing was sure, he would never kill an unarmed beast.
He motioned to the shortsword lying in the dirt, "Pick it up," he said, mustering up the most commanding tone he could. "Pick it up, and fight me."

[Garret Strife]

Dante shook his head. Honorable, to be sure, but somewhat foolish.

Gaz stood up, shakily, and then grabbed the blade off the ground. He didn't waste any time, and immediately charged Ryuu, blade raised.

[ussjkakashi07]

The sudden attack failed to surprise Ryuu, he'd heard his share of stories about vermin pirates. He dodged neatly to the side, noticing the complete change in the corsair's expression. Perfect. He could rest easy knowing that the beast he killed was rotten after all. With his new found resolve, he swung his sword in a wide arc at the pirate's unprotected back.

[Garret Strife]

Gaz was rather horrified when the hare dodged his attack, and was about to turn, and make another attempt, when he felt a sharp pain between his shoulderblades, and the corners of his vision went black, as everything seemed to slow down.

Dante watched the Corsair fall, landing limp and heavy. He was definitely dead. He Continued to stay hidden watching the skilled hare.

[ussjkakashi07]

Even through all his focus and mental preparation, the amount of blood knocked the breath from Ryuu's lungs. It gushed out, staining his sword and the ground below. He had been wrong. At that moment, sheer disgust at what he had just done flooded over him, and the sword fell from his paws as the corpse thudded on the ground. He turned as if he was going to hurl, but then a slight movement caught his eye. "Who's there?"

[Garret Strife]

Dante cursed. He'd been seen, but this didn't worry him, as this hare seemed a virgin to killing, and after that experience, he doubted the beast would be willing to do it again, on the off chance that they fought, and that he lost.

He stepped out, paws raised. "Just a drifter, friend."