Fate: Shrowded Path

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

This is the story of two people from completely different worlds, one an exiled Demon Hunter, the other a Demon/Hunter hybrid. Together they will set in motion a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the fate of all. Only together will they be able to withstand the trials before them, and protect not only their world, but every world in existence from a force like no other. That is if they don't kill each other first.

 

[Katrina]

Hey! It sounds interesting!


If your still interested want to do it with me?

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

The sky rumbled ominously over head as the dark clouds blocked out the light of the moon. The night was warm, but there was a definite chill in the air that had nothing to do with weather conditions. Markus was walking down the sidewalk, the street lights buzzing over head as a gust of wind sent garbage floating across the pavement. Markus had just gotten off work, and was walking back to the apartment, when he felt something change. A shiver crawled up his spine, like an electric current. His demon sense was tingling, something that every Hunter got when a demon was near.


Reaching behind his back, he grasped the hilt of his sword firmly and pulled it from its sheath with a metallic scrape. Most people gave him strange looks when they saw the sword strapped to his back, but he gave them no mind. His sword had been key in keeping him alive, since near every demon wanted his head as a trophy to spite his father. Sad, they were unaware that his father would most likely be happy if Markus was dead. "Alright. Quit the shit and come out. I ain't got all night." Markus stated to the open air, his sword at this side, in a seemingly open posture.


There was a flicker to his right, and near a decade of fighting for survival had honed his battle instinct enough that Markus instantly ducked. A moment later, a black orb of energy with crackling red power blasted through the space his head had been a second ago. The orb flew into the wall of a nearby building and left a clean hole where it made contact. Oh shit, that ain't good. Markus thought as he straightened out and looked around for his assailant.

 

[Katrina]

3 hours before.....


"I still don't get why you want me to kill another hunter..." Keira grumbled while looking down at the sheet in her hand. Her piercing red eyes scanned the document. "I don't want you to kill him. Just test him. Don't use all your power, we don't want him dead. I leave it up to your judgement if he's good enough to join the organization. Do your best, Keira." The man who stood facing away from her said, his eyes scanning the scenery outside the window. Woman let out a sigh in defeat, even she didn't dare to go against the leader of the 'Shadows', one of most powerful hunter organizations. Keira stayed silent and crushed the document, throwing it in near by trashcan. She was clearly not satisfied to go after this man, it was a silly work for a high class assassin like herself. "What are you plotting?" She asked in icy voice that could make anyone shiver, however the man just smirked. "Just go easy on him....." He said, not bothering to even look at her. With an annoyed huff Keira pulled a mask over her mouth and nose, covering the most of her face. Without a word she walked out from the office.


***


Keira watched as her target walked out of his work place, he was carrying a sword on his back so it was not hard to tell that he was a hunter. By the way he moved it was already clear that he was skilled. For a while Keira just followed him down the street to see if he noticed, just as she expected he did. Young woman hid in shadows, her black clothes made her almost unnoticeable. A ball of lightning appeared in her hand as she eyed the man carefully. When he avoided the first attack and started to look around Keira quickly moved to another shadow and looked up at the sky. A loud rumble of the thunder echoed through the air making the ground shake. In blink of an eye a lightning flashed through the sky, heading straight for the man standing just across the street. Keira was interested to know if he could dodge this attack. If he couldn't then man would just end us as dead meat that would be no use to organization, however if he could then he passed the test.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

Nothing. Where had the assailant gone? Lifting the sword to a ready position in front of him, Markus closed his eyes. Naturally you don't want to do that in a fight, but since he couldn't tell were his opponent was, he needed to concentrate. His hearing was naturally higher than an average human, but thanks to his training as a child, he had learned to hone his senses and thus he could isolate noise or smells with intense concentration. He heard a slight shuffling sound to his left and behind him. But then the sky boomed, catching him off guard and he screamed as hot knives stabbed at his eardrums. Disoriented, he opened his eyes just in time to see a flash of light coming at him. Awkwardly, he managed to leap out of the way of the lightning seconds before it impacted the spot he had been in. The concussive force of the impact sent Markus flying away uncontrolled. Slamming down hard on his back, all the air was blasted from his lungs and he couldn't seem to breathe in again. A couple of seconds later, the pressure on his lungs released and he took a deep breath.


His vision was blurred from his head slamming the pavement, and his ears felt like that had been gouged with a sharp spoon. Shaking his head, he stood up and looked at the smoking blast spot the lightning had struck. The actual hell? Lightning? Impossible! Markus thought, looking around now for his attacker. "Still in the shadows? Face me coward!" Markus called out.

 

[Katrina]

Keira sighed when he barely avoided the attack, only few people had ever stayed alive after that. Another rumble of thunder echoed through the city before the clouds subsided and the storm was gone, it just disappeared in thin air. Without any rush Keira stepped out from shadows where she was hiding in. Her steps were slow and light, her feet made no sound at all as she walked. She walked through the cloud of thick smoke that still lingered from the place where the lightening had hit. "You passed...." Young woman said in rather bored manner, her voice was icy as she spoke. Keira crossed arms over her chest and eyed the man before her with sharp stare. The hood who was thrown over her head and the mask completely covered her face from the sight, making her look even more mysterious and intimating. A long black cape hid her form completely, nothing could give away who she was from the appearance. Metallic black bow that was thrown over her shoulder shinned in lights of the city, from outside it looked like it was the only weapon that she had, besides the quiver that was filled with the same black colored arrows. Keiras eyes traveled over the sword the man named Marcus, as she learned from the documents, was holding. 'Nice blade....' Woman thought to herself. A hunter was as good as it's weapons, that sword told her a lot about it's owner. "Come with me....." Keira said in the same robotic voice that betrayed no emotion at all.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

When a black clad individual came out from the shadows, Markus' sense of unease jumped up a couple of notches. something about him/her made his skin crawl. His demon sense was still sending shivers up his spine, so it wasn't difficult to deduce that the person in front of him was dangerous. With the face and most of the body hidden from view, he couldn't tell what he/she was. All demons had distinguishing traits that gave them away. Shifters had unnatural eye color and were usually incredibly athletic in appearance. Vampires also had unnatural eye color, but their appearance was always incredibly handsome beautiful. The list went on and on.


When the person in front of him said that he had passed, he responded with, "What does that mean?" Markus ended the question with a scoff, his eyes intently focused on the posture of the individual. The bow and arrows slung on it's back worried him, but as of yet, it made no move to use them. The nagging worry was that maybe the person didn't need them because they could use some crazy magic that imitated lightning or some such like before. "And what do you mean, come with you?" Markus pointed the blade at the person in front of him defiantly. He hadn't noticed the storm being unnaturally dispersed yet. "You're a demon. Like I would ever follow one of you. I ain't stupid enough to fall into that kind of trap!"

 

[Katrina]

Keira frowned deeply as a annoyed sigh escaped her lips. She eyed the blade that was pointed at her and then it's owner, honestly she couldn't care less if he didn't want to come with her, however she didn't want to bother with the shit she would get for not obeying the orders. Sure she could just say that he didn't pass the test and wasn't good enough, however the leader was like a walking lie detector, even Keira's emotionless face stood no chance against him. There was no escaping this. 'Such a pain in the ass.....' Keira said in her mind before stepping closer to Marcus. He knew that she was a demon, there was no way he would trust her. "If your not stupid then follow me and accept the deal. The 'Shadows' wants to hire you, the leader stent me to test you and if you survived take you to him." Woman explained while coming closer by each word that left her mouth. When she was just inches away from the blade that was pointed at her Keira took off her hood, letting her pitch black hair fall freely over her shoulders. Woman's piercing red eyes stared straight at Marcus as she slid off her mask, revealing her whole face. Keira was annoyed that she actually had to put up with all of the trouble just to get him to come with her.


She didn't bother to explain about her being a demon, that was her own business and no one else's. If he had a problem with that, and she bet that he had, it didn't bother her.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

When the demon crept closer to him, it took all his will power not to try and run her through with his blade. As she got closer, she revealed her face, which was startlingly beautiful, except for the red eyes of course. When the girl finished approaching, they were far to close in Markus' opinion, as all she had to do was jut a hand forward to rip out his heart. Still something caught in his mind when she said the leader of the "Shadows" had requested to see him. The Shadows was a group of Hunters that had succeeded from his own original group of Hunters, The Circle of Light. The Shadows were classified as a rogue group and they were to be killed on sight. Why they had left the Circle was a mystery to Markus. It didn't make sense though, why would the Demon work for a Hunter? Something seemed very strange, but a voice inside his head told him to go with the woman, though another voice screamed it was a trap. Making up his mind, Markus said. "Fine, I'll go. But, if you try anything funny, you'll feel the bite of my blade." The words came out harsh, a testament of the life he had lived through since being exiled.

 

[Katrina]

Keira only scoffed and turned her back on him, not caring that he was still holding a sword pointed at her, if he made a move to attack she would know that before he had a chance to make any harm. Woman pulled back on the mask and threw a hood over her head, returning back to her mysterious, intimating look. Without another word she started to walk, the street lights flinched as she walked past them, for a brief moment the light just disappeared before appearing again when woman was far enough for them to work normally again. After quite long and awkward walk in complete silence a black sports car came in sight, it was parked at empty and rather dark parking lot, making it flow together with the surrounding shadows. Keira walked to it and with the touch of her hand a satisfying beep of car being unlocked echoed through the parking lot. "Get in..." She said rather harshly while opening the truck and putting her bow and arrows inside. It was uncomfortable to drive with cape so she just took it off and threw it in backseat. A sigh escaped her lips as she slumped the door to her car shut and climbed into drivers seat. Not bothering to put on a safety belt she put a hand on steering wheel and the engine of the car turned on by it self. Those were some good things about owning the element of lightening. Keira didn't even look at Marcus as she pressed the gas pedal into the floor and drove off in speed that made her body press deeper into leather seat.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

When the woman turned and walked away, Markus had to force himself to follow. After having been walking behind her for some time, Markus wanted to tell her to screw off. Why were they walk?! How far was this place anyhow? Finally when he was about to say something, the woman turned towards a sporty high end car. When she touched it, he felt the minute surge of magic power before the doors unlocked. From there, the woman went to the back and deposited her cap and weapons, then went to the front and got in. As she did so, she told Markus to get in as well, her voice harsh, a change from the robotic tone she has used before. Obviously stealing, Markus was at an impasse concerning what to do, but finally climbed into the cab, his sword awkwardly situated next to him instead of taking it off and putting it in the trunk too. When the woman floored the accelerator, Markus was thrown back into the seat. Quickly, he buckled his seat belt and once again felt like this might have been a mistake.


Several crushed garbage cans later, they pulled up to a very tall building. The top ten floors were illuminated brightly, but the remaining floors only showed dimmed light of offices. As soon as they stopped, Markus jumped out of the car, nearly tearing the door off its hinges thanks to the incredible adrenaline rush that had exploded through his body during the drive here. Sweat covered his skin and soaked into much of his clothing, evident in the armpits and crease between his pectoral muscles. "Who taught you how to blinking drive you crazy woman?!" Markus barked. He then wondered where they had to go from there.

 

[Katrina]

Keira simply ignored his comment, as always she kept her thoughts to herself. Woman didn't feel shaken from the rather wild ride, since she was used to it all. Calmly she climbed out from car and locked it with touch of her hand, her piercing red eyes scanned Marcus, she found it amusing to see him all shaken up, yet being herself Keira showed no sign of emotions. Without saying a word she started to walk into the building, heading straight for elevators. Once inside the pressed the button of last floor and stood leaning against the wall. Keira hated narrowed places, they made her remember things she was trying to delete from her mind all those years. From time to time woman stole glances at Marcus to check his movements, she didn't trust him one bit. The ride seemed to last for forever as heavy silence formed into air, it was interrupted by sound of door opening.


Keira sighed softly, feeling relieved that the ride was finally over. She stepped out in hallway, few people stood around chatting with each other. However when they saw her everyone fell silent and looked away, some even flinched and stepped as far from her as possible when she walked past them. Keira simply ignored their reaction, being used to it. She stopped before large wooden door that reached up to ceiling and knocked loudly. "Come in..." A mans voice came from inside and she pushed open the door, yet she didn't step in the room instead she looked over at Marcus. "Go in..." She said coldly in the same harsh manner.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

The woman said nothing as she got out of the vehicle and locked it. Kinda ironic that she would lock a stolen vehicle...but Markus said nothing. Following her into the building, they entered an elevator and zipped up to the 55th floor, where they proceeded to exit. There were dozens of people here, many of whom Markus recognized from his childhood. No one said anything as the woman led the way through the halls, most back out of her way with conspicuous hasty movements. Finally, they reached a door in which the woman knocked. Immediate, there came a response, and the woman opened the door and told him to get in.


Looking around, Markus felt kind of trapped, but he knew better than to say anything and walked into the office. Inside, there was a single man sitting at a large mahogany deck, the only light came from a desk lamp. The man looked young, roughly 30 years or so, with a strong build and a broad shoulders. His brown hair was short and well maintained. He was looking at some documents when the door closed behind Markus, noting that the woman had followed him in, but remained at the door. At the sound of the door, the man looked up, and Markus was blasted back to the past. Before him stood Duke Reignbak, one of the strongest Hunters of his generation, and once second in command of the Circle.


"So you managed to impress Keira, eh?" Duke said laying the papers down on his desk. Standing, Duke walked around the desk, to stop a few feet in front of Markus. "Lights." Came the simple command, and the lights of the office ceiling switched on, waxing in strength until they were full power. "So, no doubt you have questions. But right now I need to ask you something, Markus." Duke said, his face serious as he crossed his muscular arms over his huge chest. "Have you noticed anything strange lately? More demons around perhaps?"


The question caught Markus off guard, and it took him a moment to think. "I couldn't tell you. I spend every single day fighting monster that want my head on a pike." Markus said flatly, his eyes burning with barely contained anger. "What does it matter? A few more demons shouldn't be a problem to handle."


"Generally, you would be correct. A few more would be nothing to squint at. But lately, there has been an exponential increase in their numbers. Just last year we estimated the demon population to that of the Hunters' was rough 4:1, odds in their favor." Duke stopped for moment to let that sink in. "Now however, the estimate is 55:1, and that was just last month."


Explosively Markus exclaimed, "How is that possible?!"


Duke waited till Markus had calmed down. "We aren't sure. But that isn't the most troubling news I am afraid. Similar Reports are coming in from all over the globe. Two weeks ago, we intercepted a broadcast to the Circle. Three Hunter HQ were completely destroyed by demons. Near on 5 thousand Hunters were slaughtered." Again Duke let that sink in. "We don't know what is going on. But obviously, something very dangerous is beginning to take root. So now I need to ask for your help."


What Duke said seemed impossible. How could three HQ be completely destroyed? It didn't make sense. "Why would I help you? You are working with a Demon yourself! Who is to say you aren't responsible?!" The outburst was filled with rage and sadness, and his sword now pointed at Duke's heart, though Markus made no move to attack.


"You are only half right, the girl behind you is a Demon. But she is also a Hunter as well." Duke said flatly.

 

[Katrina]

Keira followed Marcus into the room, however she didn't go in all the way instead woman leaned against the door and crossed arms over her chest. Her sharp stare was fixed to two men before her, she was ready to react in case if Marcus made a move to attack. She listened carefully to Duke explaining the situation, she knew about those things before so there was no real reason for her to be there, however woman was Dukes bodyguard so she wouldn't leave his side when someone dangerous was around him.


When Duke told Marcus of who she was an annoyed sigh escaped her lips, casing the leader to look over at her. "Since you both seem to get along i will leave him to you, Keira. tell him how things work here and show him around. Your apartment has two rooms, if i'm not right. He will be staying with you." Keira frowned at Dukes words, clearly not feeling satisfied about leaders decision. "That wasn't the part of deal, old man. he is not my trouble, deal with him yourself." Woman said while arching her back and pulling away from the door, without saying another word she left the office and slumped the door behind her. Duke sighed and run a hand through his brown hair.


"It takes time for her to warm up to people. The whole 54th floor is her apartment, it's not hard to find. If you have any more questions ask her." Duke said while returning to his desk and sitting down in large leather chair. "Oh and one more thing before you go... Try not to anger her, it can get pretty nasty." Duke smirked and looked out from window. "For now that's all...."

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

"Whoa, hang a moment. I never said I was gonna stay here." Markus said, wincing slightly at the loud bang of the door. Too many things didn't make sense to Markus. "And I stand by the well known fact that demons and Hunters cannot have kids. Despite the disgusting concept of it, Hunter DNA rejects demonic essence." That fact was said bluntly with a sneer.


Duke sighed and looked away from the window and directly at Markus. "Yes, you are correct. Hunter DNA cannot accept Demon essence. Or so we thought Keira is an anomaly. However, she is a Hunter. That much is clear." When Markus didn't say anything, Duke continued. "I don't know much about her past. She doesn't share it lightly. I do know that she awakened her element in self defense. As to which breed of demon is part of her physiology, I have no clue."


Markus waited some more, but when Duke said nothing else, he asked. "Why did you want me here exactly?"


"Those concerns are not yours at the moment, so please just try and adjust to the idea of working with us." Duke said flatly, his eyes daring him to go further on that subject.


Too bad for Duke, Markus was never one to back down from a challenege. "You expect me to work with you. Yet you give convoluted explanations and cryptic BS. Then as act like I serve you?!" Markus slammed his fist down on the desk in front of him, making multiple items jump slightly. "No. I am not gonna be some pawn, wandering around clueless like some dunce. Either you tell me what the hell is going on, or I leave." The threat in Markus' eyes blazed, daring Duke with enough force to melt steal.


Duke stared at Markus for a long while his eyes never leaving Markus', until finally he ran a hand across his face and sighed. "Fine, I can't tell you all of it, because I myself don't know everything." A pause. "Just before the reports came in about the slaughtered HQ's one of my contacts from the European branch contacted me," It took a moment for Duke to collect his thoughts. "He is an exceptionally powerful air elemental. You know how Hunters generally have secondary abilities to their elements, Fire can purify evil, water can heal, etc etc."


"Yes I am well aware, get to the point!" Markus growled.


Duke didn't react to the barely concealed rage. "Well my contact had a vision, one that was absolute madness. He said that the demon world would rise up to squash the Hunters. He reported seeing many a battle fields littered with Hunter bodies, driving us to near extinction." Duke let that sink in for a moment. "But that wasn't the most ludicrous bit. He said that the seal shielding our world from all other dimensions would be broken. And that soon darkness would be unleashed once again." Gathering his thoughts. Duke continued "The Hunters were blessed by Seraphina, our Goddess. From Her we have our powers. It is her shield that protects the Earth from pure blood demons in the other dimensions. If that shield were to fail and the Hunters extinct, there would be no hope for humanity."


Markus let all of that information sink in, then he laughed. "That's totally crazy. You believe this nonsense? Nothing can pierce the shield, not even Ithreal himself could in the Demon Wars."


"I thought the same at first, until the annihilation of the three HQ, and the increasing demon population." Duke said flatly.


"You still haven't said why you need me." Markus spat


"Because my contact gave me two names. Yours, and Keira's. He said that one would be the key, while the other the warrior. Who the key is, or to what I don't know. But clearly the warrior is meant to fight." Duke finished.

 

[Katrina]

Keira stormed through hallways, feeling utterly pissed off. What was Duke thinking!? Pairing that guy up with her. As far as she knew he could be anything, a maniacal killer, threat to the organization. "Damn this!" She yelled while punching the near by wall, a small gap appeared on the place where her fist had hit. A man who was standing few steps away nearly jumped in air at the force she used. His eyes were wide with fear as Keira turned to face the poor hunter, her red eyes shined dangerously. With a loud gulp man stepped back for a moment woman watched him before stepping away from the wall and heading straight for the hunger. Man squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for an attack however Keira simply ignored him and walked down the hallway. She headed straight for Alex's office, he was second in command and the only person besides Duke that could give her answers to some questions. Since it was impossible to break Duke she had to try talking to Alex.


Without bothering to knock young woman burst through door, into office. "Ah...Keira. Who will fix the hole in the wall this time? Everyone could hear that bang.Have a i told you that you have an anger issues?" A man was sitting on sofa, looking over some documents. He didn't even bother to look up at angry woman standing before him. Alex was usually one of those persons who annoyed her the most, however she needed some answers. "What is the true reason of that hunter being here? I know that you know the reason and i expect answers." She said in overly calm voice witch was clearly failing to mask her anger. The lamp that hung't from ceiling blinked few times as she spoke. "Looks like Duke isn't telling you anything, huh? And you expect me to say something if he doesn't? I didn't think that you'd be so naive." Alex said in mocking voice while glancing up at Keira. "You can go now...before i restrain you. Last time wasn't so pleasant, so do us all a favor and keep your inner demon locked up." A low growl escaped woman's lips as she eyed Alex, two sharp fangs shined behind her red lips as she spoke. "I will find out whats going on even if you refuse to tell me."


With a fast move Keira left the office, her anger was overflowing. Her demonic nature had taken over, not enough for her to lose self control but enough to make every hunter around sick in the stomach. She frowned and looked up at lamps hanging from ceiling in hallway. In blink of an eye all lights went out in whole building. Keiras red eyes shined in dark as woman walked to her room, not caring about the pitch black darkness. She was a demon after all, her vision was good enough to see through the blackest of nights.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

Markus stood in silence for a few moments, trying to digest this ludicrous information coming from Duke when he felt a wave of sheer demonic energy explode over him. The hair on his arms and neck stood on end as a minute amount of fear rolled over him. Instinctively, he tightened the grip on his sword that had never been released. "What are you waiting for?!" Markus shouted, turning and rushing to the door. Just before he could reach the door though, blue fire erupted in the air, a floating shimmering wall of heat and death to any that touched it.


"Calm down. That is simply Keira." Duke said, and with a twitch of his hand, the fire extinguished itself as if it had never been there before.


To think that one demon could have such an impact on him, actually frightened Markus. He had felt something in that demonic energy. Something he couldn't name, but deep down he felt afraid of it. A moment later there was the sound of electrical buzzing, followed by the light in the office flickering before going out completely. By the shouts of dismay, Markus guessed this had happened throughout the building. "You said the girl had an element. What is it?" Markus asked, his back to Duke.


"Isn't it obvious? Her element is lightning." Duke said, getting up and moving to the window. Something had set him on edge the moment the lights had gone out.


Markus scoffed again. He wanted to say that was impossible, but something stopped him, "Lightning has been extinct among the Hunters for over 400 years. Why is it that she is able to use it?" When no reply came, Markus turned back towards Duke. "What? No answer this time?" Markus sneered.


An explosion rocked the hallways and the sounds of shouts could be heard. Moments later, the sounds of fighting echoed outside the door. Not even waiting to see what Duke would do, Markus turned and opened the door, jumping into the hallway. It was dark, though there were emergency lights every 30 feet that glowed in the hallways, but that wasn't enough to see nearly as well as one would hope for.


There were flashes of fire being flung in all directions, water and ice flew through the air as blasts of wind threw things around. The sound of metal striking metal could be heard, along with horrible roars not natural to the mundane world. Screams, both from Hunters and monsters alike made Markus want to cover his ears. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement on his right side. He ducked and rolled out of the way, just in time. Something heavy slammed into the wall, breaking the sheet rock. A dark shadow was all Markus could see, until it turned around and glowing yellow eyes focused on him. The thing was a good 8 feet tall, and judging by the shape of the shadow it created, it was massive and strong. The glint of fangs reflected from the glow of its feral eyes was accompanied by the sound of a vicious growl. One that wolves made when angry.


Well, ain't I just the lucky one. Damn Shifter wants a Midnight Markus snack. Markus thought to himself. He was on his feet, but before he could move the Shifter rushed forward and slammed him hard enough to send him flying a good thirty feet. He landed on his back dazed, his sword lost. There was a strange sound, and he felt the Shifter lumber over to him, his feral eyes giddy. "To die by one's sword is the noble ideology so many live by. Ironic to die on one's sword." The Shifter said, his voice barely coherent. Then there was horrible agony for a sword moment as his own sword was thrust through his heart. Then darkness enveloped him.


(Sorry felt like having a turning moment. xD )

 

[Katrina]

Keira had almost reached her room when a loud beast-like roar echoed through the hallway. Without hesitation woman took out her sword and ran in direction of the growling. She moved faster than an arrow through dark hallways, from time to time pushing some hunters out of her way. In matter of few seconds she reached the place where she felt the demons energy coming from..."Shit..." A low curse left her mouth when woman saw Marcus laying down on the floor a massive sword sticking out from his chest. Right besides him stood an 8 feet tall monster. 'A werewolf huh? This must be a joke....newbie lost to a fucking Shifter!'





Keira frowned deeply and slid her sword back behind the belt, knowing that she won't need it to win this. Her piercing red eyes shined dangerously as she already knew that she wants to see creatures blood decorating the walls. "Your in my territory..." Woman's voice was low and threatening. Her demon nature came out in it's whole beauty. The pupils of her eyes narrowed like cats and turned much brighter shade of red. Pair of perfectly white, sharp fangs were clearly seen behind her ruby red lips as she spoke. Slowly she removed the thick gloves from her hands and threw them on the ground. The werewolf looked taken aback from wave of power, but it only roared and charged right at her. Keira didn't move a step, in stead she waited for it to reach her.


When creature was only few steps away woman reached out and touched it's arm with her bare hand. The Shifter froze on the spot, large black veins appeared allover its large body. Another loud roar of agony left his mouth before it fell down on the floor dead. Keira looked down at him coldly before stepping over the dead body and walking to stand before Marcus. She knelt down, yet didn't dare to touch him. "What a disappointment...." Woman looked down at her hand. "As a daughter to death himself i order you to return to life, the door to holy land is locked for you...." Keira mumbled before leaning in and softly pressing a kiss on mans lips.


Keira didn't know why she had to bring him back, but her intuition told her to do that. It was rare and took her a lot of strength to return him to living. The moment when their lips touched was a brief moment before she pulled back from him and stood up. Slowly she made her way down the hallway, leaving the man behind. The whole thing had made even her tired.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

Darkness, darkness everywhere. Cold darkness, Markus felt like he was floating through nothing. He couldn't see, he couldn't hear when he tried to call out. It felt like an eternity was passing him by when finally a voice called out. "Are you the one I have been waiting for?" The voice echoed through the darkness. Then a moment later, an explosion of light tore the darkness apart. Markus had to shield his eyes for what felt like several minutes before the light finally dimmed. When he opened them, he was standing on solid ground, the sound of bird and water from a waterfall some distance away could be heard. A light breeze carried the sent of fertile earth with it, its cool caress inviting. Looking around, Markus tried to figure out what was happening. How did he get there? Last thing he remembered was being skewered by his own sword.


In front of him, three columns of light erupted from the earth, and then vanished. In their places, stood three demons. A Shifter, a vampire, and some strange thing he had never seen before. Immediately the three demons burst forth, and Markus jumped back. Throwing a roundhouse kick in past the claws of the Shifter, landing a heavy blow to its head. The Shifter was thrown to the side just as the vampire lunged, bone claws erupting from its finger tips. Markus managed to grab both wrists of the Vampire and allowed the momentum to throw him on his back. His back curled, Markus rolled, carrying the vampire with him, which he sent flying over him with a kick.


The third demon did not attack, instead it stayed back, hiding in the trees. The Shifter was back, it charged Markus, but Markus simple jumped out of the way, using a thrust kick to knock a knee out and send it to the ground. Before the monster could retaliate, Markus jumped on it's back and delivered a powerful kick to the back of its neck. There was a satisfying snap, and the light in the creature's eyes faded. A moment later the monster began to smolder, red flames erupting from cracking skin as it burned itself to ashes within seconds. Markus couldn't enjoy the victory, as the vampire tackled him from the side, claws slashing savagely as Markus tried to shield his face from the assault. The vampire had him pinned to the ground, unable to strike back. Finally, done playing around. The vampire struck with one hand, its razor sharp bone claws penetrating into Markus' shoulder. The pain made him cry out, but it also ignited a rage in him he hadn't felt before. It burned in his soul, and his body began to burn all over. An adrenaline rush flushed through Markus' body, and with one hand, he swung at the claws embedded in his shoulder. The claws broke away from the Vampire, yet still remained in Markus' flesh.


The monster screamed, and Markus screamed right back letting his rage out. The fire burning in his soul responded and golden fire exploded around Markus. The vampire jumped away from Markus but he wasn't finished. He jumped to his feet and threw his hands forward letting the rage take control. A ball of fire left from his finger tips and smote the vampire in the chest instantly reducing him to ashes. Next Markus' turned his gaze to the last demon, which was whimpering pathetically behind a tree. Fire gathered in Markus' hands which he raised over his head forming another ball of flames. But something stopped him. The monster didn't attack him, there was no evil or malicious intent coming from it. Only fear.


The fire in his soul cooled and fire disappeared. Then the voice echoed out once again. "You are worthy." And then there was an incredible pain in his back. It felt like thousands of red hot needles were stabbing him over and over again. After what felt like minutes the pain faded. Then light exploded across his vision again, before returning to darkness. The sounds of fighting could be heard, followed by screams of agony. Markus opened his eyes to see darkness, his body hurt but he couldn't think about that at the moment. Somehow he knew his sword was laying by him. He immediately reached up to his chest to feel for the wound, but found only intact skin and muscle. Blood did cover his shirt, but no other evidence was present. Getting up, Markus grabbed his blade, and rushed towards the sounds of more battle.

 

[Katrina]

Keira walked down the dark hallways without making a sound. Woman's piercing red eyes seemed to shine with dangerous glow. Battle yells echoed through the whole building as other hunters continued to fight off the demons. A sight escaped her lips as she felt familiar cold shivers run down her spine. "You have some nerves..Snaking up on me like that." Keira stop't in her tracks and looked over her shoulder. A tall figure she knew too well stood few meters away from her. Creatures form was hidden in shadows only two bright red eyes that were similar to her own shined through the darkness. A low chuckle made the air shake, it seemed powerful and could make anyone drop on their knee's. However Keira held her ground, not feeling impressed by demons presents.


"Oh..My dear Keira...Still the same cold, ruthless creature. I always liked that about you." A demonic looking man stepped out from shadow cover. He was clearly a high class demon, from the first look he even looked like a normal human man. However sharp red eyes, overly pale skin, claw like nails and pair of fangs that clearly showed when he spoke gave away who he really was.


"I told you to leave me alone. Gather your servants and get lost before i decorate the walls with your blood." Keira spat while turning to look away from the devil. Yet creature was fast enough to move to stand right before her.


"And i told you that you belong with demons, not lowly hunters. You know what's coming, you can't deny it. You feel it. No one need to explain it to you, your demon self is being called and when the time comes you won't be able to resist anymore. You are a demon after all..." Man said with a wide smirk. Keira frowned deeply and tightened the grip on her sword one more word and she was ready to slit him open. The demon reached out to touch her cheek, but woman moved backwards and pulled out her sword, pointing it at him. That only made the devil chuckled again and shake his head as if he was amused by her.


"See you again when we are alone." He said while looking over her shoulder and disappearing. Quickly Keira turned around and saw Marcus standing on end of the hallway. He was alive and the wound was gone, just as Keira expected. But now she had a bigger problem, he was not dumb and must have seen the demon. The cry's of battle disappeared, woman guessed that demon had taken it's servants with him as he went. Without hesitation Keira turned her back on Marcus and started to walk down the hallway like nothing happened.

 

[Dragon Slayer Arcos]

Demon after demon jumped out at Markus, and each met their demise at this sword. Fire burned in his soul, giving new power to his limbs. One particular demon came at him from the side, a sword about to cleave his head in two, when by instinct Markus threw his free hand out towards the demon. There was a flash of incredible heat that rushed through his body, and next thing he knew, golden fire was streaking towards the monster in the blink of an eye. The second the fire hit, the monster was reduced to ashes. Markus blinked several times, disoriented by the intense light that was followed by complete darkness. His dream came back to him, and something in him seemed to click. The fiery energy of his element pulsed in his soul, and magic pressure poured from his body, making all demons near him turn towards him before fleeing with a crazed urgency. In a blink they were gone.


Markus tried to reign in his power, but he didn't know how, the energy flowing through him was hot, and slightly unpleasant under his skin. But at the moment it didn't seem to be going out of control, so he instead focused on the here and now. His sword held ready, Markus moved through the hallways, searching for demons. Dozens of Hunters were injured or worse, and any water elementals were already busy healing those that had a chance to survive. Turning a corner, he heard a voice, and his demon sense flared again. There before him was Keira, and some strange demon standing in front of her. He was facing Markus, his red eyes glowing brightly, and a smile seemed to etch itself on his face before he disappeared into nothing.


"This is your fault?!" Markus bellowed at Keira. At the sudden shift in his emotions, his fire surged with it, and Markus groaned, trying to contain his power. Failing, fire flashed down his blade, and a small symbol for fire etched itself into Markus' blade. Red energy flared around his body as the power fought its way out of him, and Markus screamed. The pain was too much, and then everything went black once again.

 

[Katrina]

Keira's eyes widened when sudden wave of power hit her senses, she felt uncomfortable shivers run down her spine before another wave of heat caressed her body. Woman turned around only to see fire surrounding Marcus, wild flames covered his sword and red glow lingered in air around him. Before she could react the flames were gone and Marcus fell down on the floor, unconscious. For a moment Keira could only stand still and look at him, she couldn't remember the last time she had felt so much power being used in the same time. Slowly she moved to stand before unconscious man. Keira knelt down and put her gloved hand on his neck to check if he was still alive.


Woman sighed, he was alive. Marcus couldn't control his power, she only wondered why it could happen to someone who had just discovered the power of element, however man laying before her was a professional hunter he didn't seem like a newbie. just by the way he held himself it was clear that he was skilled. many things didn't made sense to her, but Keira wasn't the one who would ask. With an annoyed sigh she pushed his body upwards and warped one of man's hands around her neck as a support. As a demon and hunter she had more strength than normal human so it didn't take much effort for her to drag the body to her apartment.


For some reason she just couldn't let him lie there unconscious. Soon enough woman reached her apartment and pushed open the door. Keira cursed under her breath as she managed to get Marcus to bedroom and lie him down on the bed. 'I can't believe i'm doing this...' She murmured in her native language, woman didn't bother to use human languages when she had 'conversations' to no one in particular. Keira turned off the light, leaving Marcus in complete darkness as she left the room, closing the door behind her.


Woman walked down narrowed hallway before she reached her own room. It was large bedroom with wide windows that reached all the way from ceiling to dark wood floor. The room itself was quite dark with decorative brick walls. The air in it was quite cool that's why just before the bed was old fireplace, some of the coals were still glowing bright red but the rest was just hot ash. Keira sighed softly as she took off her long black boots. Assassin's clothes were comfortable, but she didn't like them. Woman took off one peace of cloth after another till only thing left on her was underwear. She left the clothes laying on the ground as she walked over to the red wood door that leaded to her walk in closet. She opened the door and pulled out pair of ripped, skinny jeans and simple black t-shirt. Keira hated to look at her body, every time she did woman saw the countless scars that covered nearly every part of her. they reminded her of past, things she had gone through, in a way she liked them..Those scars didn't allow her to forget who she had become and why.


Keira closed the door and pulled on long, black leather gloves that reached all the way over her elbows. Woman let her smooth, black hair run freely over her shoulders as she walked over to small bar and took out bottle of whiskey and pack of cigarettes, since she hated cigars. Keira sat down on the carpet that was made of white wolfs fur and leaned her back against the bed. Woman simply sat there, staring into light glow of coals that seemed to shine through the dark the same as her red eyes. She took a swing of bottle of alcohol and lightened a cigarette, letting white smoke fill the room.