NationStates Jolt Archive

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN IN, TG ME AND I'LL THINK ABOUT IT... HOWEVER, THIS WILL BE A PRETTY RIGID RP, SO DON'T EXPECT ME TO BE LENIENT WHEN YOUR CHARACTERS DO CRAZY THINGS...

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It was a time of darkness and horror. A time where light was all but extinct. It was the end of the beginning...

Millenia ago, a dark legend was spread throughout the lands known as the Middle Kingdom (aka China). It went:

From the realm of the civilized, will rise a champion of light. Torn by the loss of his family, he will rise to challenge the light protecting the light. And from the deepest of hells, surrounded by the the flames of might and magic, will rise the champion of darkness, corrupted to the paths of evil... He will extinguish the light and plunge the world into darkness... And yet, one man would step forth to challenge this champion of darkness. Heralded as the champion of the light, he will battle the corrupted one. But, he will fail... And in failing, dooming the realm to near interminable darkness...

-----In the depths of hell-----

A handsome figure sat in a throne made from the bones of the dead. Surrounded by his dark minions, the figure held loosely in his right hand the skull of the one that could be called his father...

"Well now, father... You thought you could defeat me, but now what are you?"

Laughing haughtily, the figure threw the skull down onto the ground. When the skull slammed into the ground, an ethereal figure appeared from the skull.

In shock, the handsome figure rose from his throne and began to unsheath his sword.

http://kelesis.free.fr/hp/gallery/kojima/swordman.jpg

"What mischief is this!?!"

The ethereal figure took the shape of a small demon and spoke.

"Bah... Thy are fit to be my son... But thy rule shall be short, for a champion of light has emerged from his travels and will come to hunt thee down... Prepare for you death, my son... Prepare..."

The handsome figure sneered and stepped forth, intent upon destroyed the ghost of his dead father.

"Begone, father... You are dead, killed by my very own hands... Begone!!!"

And with the last begone, the figure disappeared. The handsome figure began laughing.

"Hahaha... Father, you underestimate me... I have beaten countless of these so-called champions of light... What can this new one do!?! Haha... I am the darkness that renders the sky. My cry destroyed the walls of Jericho. My anger was manifested in the kamikazes that destroyed the Mongol fleets. The ice age symbolized the cold icy hatred within my heart... I am the doom, the destroyer, and nobody is my equal..."

TAG :D

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Hey, are you aware that the picture is a woman? lol

Hey, are you aware that the picture is a woman? lol

(OOC: Or is it? :wink: I didn't say that the character was male, her father was saying she was a person "fit" to be his "son," figuratively of course...)

(Tarlachia... that figure is NOT a woman.... at least, maybe a very flat chested one.... nice Katana too)

(Tarlachia... that figure is NOT a woman.... at least, maybe a very flat chested one.... nice Katana too)

(OOC: Let's just say, the figure is an it... No gender until I say so... :wink: )

ooc: ok, a feministic male lol :lol:

ooc: ok, a feministic male lol :lol:

:roll:

OOC: So just how is it NC-17? I don't see anything resembling the other NC-17 thread i've seen so far......the one titled, "My Prison"........

(OOC: It says, may be NC-17, which means it will be in the future...)

--The Past--

In the darkness of the lands, two people were running, running… The two were a legendary couple, renowned throughout the lands for their gallantry and generosity, the handsome and famed swordsman and fighter, Lance Crusade, and his wife, the beautiful and powerful sorceress, Amelia Eiken Crusade. The two were famed champions for good and tranquility, having through their lifetime battled and defeated countless evil that had risen to threaten the peace and serenity of the lands. But now, it seemed as if they had met their match. The two had openly defied the efforts of the corrupt government to expand its rampant fraudulence into new lands. The government’s massive armies were prepared to increase its territories, but Lance and Amelia Crusade stood in the way of the government. It had in desperation to quell this resistance to their rule had dispatched a massive army purported to be a million strong to kill the couple and their newborn child, Amistad Crusade.

As Amelia ran, she glanced down briefly and mournfully at her child tied to her bosom and then glanced with her eyes full of resolve at her husband running alongside. Then glancing backwards, she noted the masses of torches swiftly following them. Speaking between her ragged breathes, Amelia said, “Husband, we can’t go on like this… We have to stop and defeat them or they will chase us to the ends of the earth…”

“You are correct, my dear,” Lance responded, “But we are not strong enough to fight off this army of a million men…”

Amelia in response sighed. And the two powerful fighters continued to run. But it was clear, the enemy was drawing near. Stopping in his tracks, Lance untied his sheathed sword from his back, the weapon known only as the Sword of Cala. Amelia startled by her husband’s sudden stop, also paused, turning around and staring at Lance, troubled.

“Husband, what are you doing!?! We have to run or we will be killed!”

Staring into Amelia’s eyes, Lance spoke his tone full of remorse, “My dear, it has come to this… For the world and for our son, I will be sacrificed… Raise our son well… Goodbye Amelia, goodbye.”

With the last goodbye, Lance from within his tunic pulled out a scroll and flung it towards Amelia along with his sheathed sword. Without another word, Lance turned around and walked towards the swiftly approaching army of pursuers.

“Husband, please come back!”

Turning around briefly, Lance smiled at his wife. Farewell Amelia. We shall meet again…

Turning swiftly around to hide his flowing tears and trying to block out his wife’s vain attempts to call him, Lance ran towards his pursuers, his hands grasped tight as he prepared to fight to buy time for his wife and son.

Amelia collapsed crying to the floor, mournfully calling for Lance. As she watched, Lance ran straight into the front ranks of the approaching army, his hands flashing. With a massive explosion, the masses of soldiers in front of Lance were obliterated. Arms, legs, and heads were ripped off from the soldiers. Men were cut in half, men were killed, and men were left better dead than alive… And soon, the screams of the wounded and the dying joined the sounds of battle. Amelia stood once more, biting her lip so hard, that blood flowed freely. And with one last despondent call, Amelia turned around and ran…

Meanwhile Lance continued to fight, utilizing his ancestral Eighteen Xiang Long Palm Techniques. With extreme determination and resolve, Lance blasted his way through the ranks of soldiers, tearing the hapless soldiers apart, his palms releasing gigantic “dragons” which blasted and flowed through the masses of soldiers, and killing and wounding thousands.

“Get the hell out of my way!!! I am Lance Crusade, master of the Hidden Dragon!!! None of you are my equal! Out of my way!”

But, Lance was only one man against an army of a million. As Lance was tearing about a formation of pikemen, halberdiers, and swordsmen, Lance left himself open and was hit by four poisoned arrows, piercing through his tunic. In anger, Lance ripped the arrows from his body. With blood flowing swiftly from the four wounds, Lance quickly attached healing salves to the wounds. But the poison began to flow through his body. Wounded, Lance prepared to unleash a desperate attack against his attackers. A force of 500 soldiers attacked with spears, swords, and halberds. With practiced ease and calm, Lance blocked the attacks and with a yell, Lance unleashed the final technique of the Eighteen Xiang Long, the Hidden Dragon. A powerful defensive technique, Lance had honed it to such perfection that it was also a powerful offensive technique. Blasting out from Lance, a massive “dragon” sprang up and flowed towards the sky. The concussive power of the attack, sent the soldiers attacking Lance all flying by the power of the technique. Several were impaled on the swords, spears, and halberds of their fellow soldiers.

Not even waiting to see the results of his attacks, Lance struck out again, utilizing the ninth technique of the Eighteen Xiang Long, the Battle Dragon. Lance’s palms extended several times, each time unleashing a powerful dragon into gathered clumps of soldiers. The multitude of Battle Dragons unleashed filled the landscape, disrupting formations and massacring the soldiers.

Lance stopped his offensive and paused, glancing around warily, waiting for more of the soldiers to attack. But the only person to step forth was the commander of the army, Field Marshal Octarion Acturus stepped forth. Lance cocked his head at the field marshal. Octarion bowed politely towards Lance.

“You must be Lance Crusade… I am Field Marshal Octarion Acturus. I have orders from the Emperor of the Qin Dynasty to bring you in to face punishment for your open defiance of the wishes of the Empire…”

“Humph… You have no authority over me…” Lance replied reciprocating Octarion’s bow.

“I loathe utilizing force against such a renowned fighter as you, but I now have no other choice… You have forced my hand…”

With that, Octarion struck, his twin swords dancing through the air. Lance spun on the ground, his right foot, kicking a sword into the air. Catching the sword with his right hand, Lance parried Octarion’s attacks and growled menacingly, “Octarion, this is your only chance to back down. Do so and you will be spared…”

“Unlikely…”

“Well then, you will die,” Lance retorted, his left hand snaking out and catching Octarion unsuspecting. With a swift move, Lance tore off Octarion’s left arm. Howling in pain, the general backed away, dropping his sword and clutching his stump with his right hand.

“You animal! I’ll make you…”

Before he could stop, Lance stepped forth and with a fleet, fluid motion tore into Octarion’s chest cavity. In shock, Octarion stared down at his chest. Pulling his bloodied hand out, Lance ripped out of the chest, Octarion’s heart. With a final gasp, Octarion collapsed to the floor. Lance held up the heart up to the sky and glanced briefly at it. Coughing up blood, Lance dropped the bloodied heart to the ground.

Coughing up blood and feeling the intense pain from the poison and from his exertions, Lance fell to the ground. With his last bit of resolve, Lance smashed his two hands into the grounds, his palms unleashing his final attack. Out of the ground around Lance, a multitude of “dragons” sprang forth attacking the soldiers surrounding Lance. Hundreds were killed or wounded by this closing attack.

“Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils. And now, it is finished…”

With a final sigh, Lance’s eyes misted over and he collapsed, dead… When the surviving soldiers worked up their courage and moved closer to investigate, a flash of light materialized out of nowhere and engulfed the entire area, blinding everyone in the vicinity. When the light disappeared, Lance’s body was gone…

*****

Amistad awoke screaming… Sitting up in shock, Amistad found himself in a bed. Clutching his head in his hands, Amistad glanced around at his surroundings. Finding himself in a small room in an abandoned farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, Amistad stood up. It was just a nightmare… But a weird one at that… I saw my father’s last battle… What does this mean? What does this foretell?

Sighing deeply, Amistad began to think. After the death of his father, Lance Crusade, Amistad and his mother Amelia fled south into anonymity. From a young age, Amistad learned the powerful ancestral sword skills and palm techniques passed down for generations from the Crusade family. From his mother, Amistad began to practice the arts of magic. When he turned eighteen, his mother suddenly died. Deeply grieving, Amistad began to wander the lands. Finishing dressing, Amistad tied the sheathed Sword of Cala to his back and glanced one last time at the room. Picking up his satchel and sighing deeply, Amistad exited the farmhouse and into the fields around the farmhouse.

With a sigh, Amistad glanced up at the sun and at the multitude of children around him playing cheerfully. Although the scene was a happy one, it brought nothing but sadness to his heart.

Watching the children, Amistad noticed a little girl sitting alone on the side, his body full of bruises and sorrowfully watching the other children playing. Perplexed, Amistad walked towards the little child and kneeled down upon the floor.

Extending his hand, Amistad said, “Hello, my name is Amistad, what’s yours?”

Shyly, the girl shook Amistad’s hand. Hesitantly she replied, “My name is Elizabeth, but you can call him Eliza.

“Well, Eliza. Why aren’t you playing with the other boys and girls?”

Her voice shaking uncontrollably and sobbing, Eliza replied, “They say that my father is a good for nothing bastard… But I don’t even know my father…”

“There, there now, Eliza. Where is your mother?”

“She’s dead…”

“Then, who’s taking care of you?”

“My elder brother, but he’s always drunk…”

“Hmm…”

“Please, help me…”

“Eliza, I can’t do anything about it.”

“If that is the case, then I want to leave this place… It has forsaken me, while I’ve clung forlornly to it… Now, I wish to abandon it…”

“Eliza… I cannot take you with me… My life is full of danger and death… I am sorry, I cannot take you…”

“But you’re immortal!”

“No hero is immortal till he dies.”

With a sigh, Amistad stood and glanced down regretfully at Eliza.

“I am sorry, Eliza… Remember, Eliza that the past cannot be changed, but the future is yet in your power.”

And with that Amistad stood up and began to walk away. Eliza glared with intense hatred at the swiftly disappearing figure.

“I vow to become the bane of my enemies… I shall attain victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. To this victory, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat…”

Unbeknownst to Amistad, the little girl he once knew as Eliza would become the bane of his existence…

--The Past--

On the summit of Mt. Skyfire in the center of the Civilized Lands, Amistad stood wearily in front of his meditating, aging master, Omnus Stormrider, waiting impatiently for his next journey of learning and training. Omnus Stormrider was an odd being, a hybrid created through the magics which fused a newborn human and a dying dragon into one, retaining the basic humanoid features, but adding the mythical powers of the dragons. Omnus was blessed with his anomalous creation, the magic, intelligence, and cunning of the humans along with the wisdom, near immortality, and power of the dragons.

Suddenly, the eyes of his master opened and with clear enunciation, Omnus spoke, “Amistad, how long have you been my pupil?”

“Master Stormrider, I have been your pupil for almost eight years now, since you took me in after my mother died…” Amistad replied, a little startled by the question, continuing he said, “Master, may I ask why you asked me this question?”

“In the time that you have been with me, you have studied and mastered far faster than I have ever hoped and even imagined… You have surpassed me in many ways. But you still lack one last crucial thing. Alas, my time remaining on this Earth grows short, I will be unable to see you fulfill the destiny that you were meant to realize.”

“I do not understand, master… What do I lack?”

“I cannot tell you. It is something subtle and only you can acquire through experience. Do not worry, you shall understand, soon, very soon…”

Omnus stood up and unsheathed his sword, the Hellblade, gesturing for Amistad to draw his Sword of Cala. The two men then began to spar, their swords weaving and dancing expertly in the air. After fighting to a standstill, the two descended from the summit and headed towards a small cottage built two-thirds of the way up the mountain. Entering the cottage, the two took seats at a small table and Omnus began to educate Amistad in the endless subject of philosophy.

“Amistad, you are a very powerful fighter, a hero renowned throughout the lands, but you are not immortal. No hero is immortal, until he dies. If you do anything in the future, you must not seek any material rewards or compensation. The sole reward of a thing done is to have done it.”

“I understand, master…”

“Good, good…”

With a sigh, Omnus stood and stared out of one of the windows. Without turning his head, Omnus continued, “In the future, you will face many tasks that may seem insurmountable. But, if you maintain any hope of resolve and determination, you will succeed, no matter how high the odds. To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is the courage that matters within a man.”

“Master, what if I lose my resolve, what if I do not have will to battle onwards?”

“Then you will die… Your esteemed father in the last hours of his life, battled endlessly to save the lives of you and your mother. Although he was faced with an army of 1 million strong, your father never lost his resolve. He continued fighting, even though it was quite evident that he was going to die. And in doing so, he utilized every single bit of the energy and magic that he possessed. That takes us to our next lesson. Few men during their lifetimes come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them, your father is one of them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used. You must learn to use these hidden resources. They will prove to be factor that may turns the tide.”

“But you said that this resource is hidden, how do I access it then?”

“You will find out soon enough. Once you have mastered to perfection the Hidden Dragon Technique, you will find that what was once hidden, will appear…”

“I understand now, master…”

“Really? I doubt you even comprehend my words… Amistad, you have allowed your emotions to rule you. Your emotions are your masters. In this world, rampant emotions are a weakness. A weakness that your opponents will readily exploit… The world is a dangerous place with nothing as it seems… Be careful Amistad…”

OOC: *nods sagely* True, very true. Let not your emotions rule you, but rule your emotions. *tag*

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tageth

--Present Day--

Amistad woke up from a nap in the quiet forest south of Mt. Skyfire. It had been several days since the departure of his master, Omnus Stormrider west to deal with the appearance of some resurgent evil. Alone and still pondering his master’s teachings, Amistad walked somberly through the forest.

At first, everything seemed the same, the forest was abundant with animals and the sounds of the forest echoed like music. But as he got deeper into the forest, everything changed, the natural sounds of the forest disappeared. Amistad became uneasy. As he tried to pinpoint the cause of sudden silence in the forest, he began to sense a strange presence following him. Approaching a clearing in the forest, Amistad turned around to face his shadow.

As he turned around, Amistad roared and called out, “Show yourself, whoever you are.” And from the shadows of a tree, a man dressed entirely in black detached himself. Amistad cocked his head in curiosity.

“So you are the son of Lance Crusade and Amelia Eiken Crusade, aren’t you?” the man snarled while smirking.

“Yes, I am… Who are you?”

“I am known as the Shadowhand, chosen minion of the Dark Lord, I am here to claim your head…”

Before Amistad could reply, Shadowhand attacked, a wicked looking blade whirling through the air aimed at Amistad’s neck. Reacting swiftly, Amistad sent the Sword of Cala exploded out of its sheathe into the air and thudding down into his right hand. Blocking Shadowhand’s blade with his sword, Amistad spoke, “Why do you seek my head? And who is this Dark Lord you speak of?”

Laughing manically, Shadowhand bounded back, his blade held loosely in his right hand. Responding Shadowhand said, “What!?! You don’t know who the Dark Lord is!?! Hahaha… The Dark Lord is champion of darkness and the sovereign of the nine hells of damnation and the ruler of the damned. As you are the chosen champion of the light and of the Gods, I have been commanded by my master to terminate your life upon the human plane. Muwahahahaha… Prepare to die!”

With that, Shadowhand struck again, his blade dancing through the air, as Shadowhand lashed out. Amistad leapt up into the sky, the Sword of Cala arching down towards Shadowhand’s head. Swiftly, Shadowhand’s blade blocked the attack and with a powerful push of the blade into the Sword of Cala, Shadowhand sent Amistad flying backwards. Backflipping into a tree trunk, Amistad leapt off, the Sword of Cala pointed directly at Shadowhand’s heart. Shadowhand blocked once more. The two swords clashed, as the two fighters attempted to push his opponent to the ground. With a roar, Amistad released his left hand from the sword and utilizing the Battle Dragon palm technique and attempted to smash it into Shadowhand’s chest.

But the Shadowhand had seen the attack coming and with his free palm blocked Amistad’s attack. The two fighters were driven back by the impact, both suffering heavy internal damage. Smashing into a tree, the Shadowhand rose from the ground with great difficulty and clutching his chest. With a smirk he spoke, “I see that you are worthy of being the champion of light… But you will experience more powerful opponents than I… Muwahahaha… You shall in time perish under the power of darkness…”

With that, Shadowhand moved back and disappeared, melding back into the shadows from whence he came.

Breathing audibly and painfully, Amistad stared up at the heavens and sighed. I have no light to guide my path… My father and mother are both dead, my master gone west, I am all alone in this world…

Suddenly a voice began to speak in Amistad’s head, Amistad, it is I, your father, Lance Crusade… You are now the chosen champion of the light. On your shoulders rests the fate of mankind and the world. You must stand ready to battle the forces of the Evil One, who shall not be named… His dark powers are great, but your power driven and strengthened by the twin pillars of the gods and the light will prevail. Do not fail, for if you do, the world will be plunged into a great darkness, from which we may not ever return from. Be strong, my son, be strong. Remember a journey of a thousand miles, must always begin with a single step. Take that one step down the path to your destiny. I believe in you… All will be revealed in time. Be patient, Amistad…

As abruptly as it had come, the voice was gone. In wonder, Amistad stared up at the heavens and spoke aloud, “Thank you, father for this direction. But I have so many questions to ask you… Come back, father…”

Amistad sat quietly underneath a massive, aging tree, near Mt. Skyfire. His Sword of Cala in its sheathe beside him. Looking up at the bowels, branches, and leaves of the tree, Amistad sighed. His thoughts whirling, bewildered by the sudden slew of events that had transpired, Amistad frowned deeply. Although his father, Lance, had provided a light for the path down his destiny, Amistad still felt powerless.

Why was I chosen, besides the fact that I have abilities beyond a normal human being? I am nothing, compared to others in the worlds. Many others are far more powerful, far more skilled, far more experienced, and a lot better trained. Why? I am nothing more than a young pugilist in a small obscure marital arts group… Why?

Amistad stood up and dusted himself off. Picking up the sheathed Sword of Cala, Amistad proceeded to walk back towards the mountain. Gazing up at its peak, Amistad sighed deeply and proceeded onwards.

Where should I go? Where should I begin my journey?

--The Next Day--

Amistad awoke from a troubled sleep. Getting up and dressing quickly, Amistad strapped on the Sword of Cala. Taking a deep breath, Amistad walked towards the small stables located at the foot of the mountains. Entering the stables, Amistad glanced briefly at the two horses there, one his master’s and the other his own. Sighing at the sudden thought of his departed master, Amistad walked over to his master’s horse. Patting it softly, Amistad said, “Glorika… You’ve served my master, Omnus Stormrider, for so long… My master won’t return from this last battle in the west. And I must depart on my own journey… Glorika, you are free to do as you please…”

With a deep sigh, Amistad, released Glorika and sent it out of the stables. Gazing longingly at his master’s beloved horse, Amistad began to shed tears.

Master… I hope you can return…

Quickly staunching the tears from his eyes and sighing, Amistad walked towards his own horse, Fyre. Patting the horse, whilst saddling the horse, Amistad spoke in soothing tones.

“Fyre, its just you and me once again… We’re going on a journey to the ends of the earth. Wandering… You’ll love it…”

Finished with his task, Amistad climbed onto the saddle and with his reins, guided Fyre out of the stables. With a kick, Amistad sent the horse into a swift gallop. As Amistad rode, his thoughts turned towards his home for the past eight years, Mt. Skyfire. With a deep sigh, he reined Fyre in. Glancing back at the mountain, Amistad tears began to flow once more. Biting his lips in desolation, Amistad turned Fyre around and proceeded on his way.

--Four Days Later--

Amistad had ridden hard for the past four days, proceeding east. Arriving finally at the Huang He, Amistad gazed at the swiftly flowing river, seeking a place to cross. Guiding Fyre to a hilltop, Amistad discovered a small ruined temple at the bottom of the hill, near the water. Wearily, Amistad guided Fyre towards the inn. Dismounting at the gate of the temple, Amistad pulled Fyre after him, as he entered the temple. Looking around at the decaying wood and the weeds growing all around, Amistad stooped down and picked up a shard of what was once a pot.

Glancing down from his stooped position, Amistad saw a skeleton picked clean of its flesh lying upon the ground, an arrow stuck through the ribs.

“Desecration, pure desecration… We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.”

Unstrapping his Sword of Cala, Amistad dropped it to the ground and began to pick up the skeletons and bury them.

Two hours later, Amistad stood quietly in the vestibule of the temple, gazing upward at the statue of the famous general from China’s Three Kingdoms Period, Guan Yu, known as Lord Guan. Venerated throughout China as a deity of war, Guan Yu possessed temples throughout the lands.

With a sigh, Amistad spoke, “Lord Guan, I have one question to ask of you. What fate has destiny written for me? What life am I expected to live?”

--Midnight--

Waking up from a shallow sleep to a sound of something scraping outside, Amistad quickly grasped the Sword of Cala and quietly stood up. Silently walking to the entrance of the small temple, Amistad peered out into the courtyard. Five figures kneeled silently in the courtyard facing the temple entrance. Curious, Amistad stood silently there, watching. As he continued to look around, he looked up at the bright, full moon. Suddenly, a dark figure bloated the moon from moon. Shocked, Amistad nearly gasped in alarm. The dark figure landed in the courtyard and sat down in a meditative position, a sheathed sword strapped to his back.

As one, the five kneeling figures chanted, “We, the Five Assassins of Darkness, bow before Fan Ruji, the Master Assassin…

The Master Assassin nodded briefly towards the five figures. With his left hand, he gestured for the rightmost figure to approach. Quickly, the figure rose and walked forward, kneeling before Fan Ruji and said, “Master Assassin, what do you wish of me?”

“Shadowhand, did you meet the son of Lance Crusade?” Fan Ruji asked.

“Yes, Master Assassin,” Shadowhand replied, “I have found him and have tested him…”

“Is he capable?”

“More than capable…”

“Will he be a threat, an impediment to the plans of the Dark Lord?”

“Very likely, Master Assassin…”

“Then he will have to be eliminated,” Fan Ruji said with resolve, his eyes narrowing. Suddenly, behind him, something crashed, as Amistad accidentally knocked over the swiftly decaying door. In anger Fan Ruji exploded out of his meditative position and attacked the eavesdropper with his palms. Surprised, Amistad managed to block most of the Master Assassin palm thrust before a quick attack slammed into Amistad’s abdomen and sent Amistad flying into the statue of Lord Guan. With a crack, the statue toppled over. Groaning in pain, Amistad rose, drawing the Sword of Cala from its sheathe and narrowing his eyes at the swiftly approaching figure of the Master Assassin.

“Who are you?” Fan Ruji asked.

“I am the one you seek to eliminate,” Amistad replied with a short laugh.

With a malicious grin, Shadowhand walked into the temple, his wicked blade extended. “Well, well, well… Speak of the devil… So, Amistad, are you ready to die?”

“Shadowhand, I should have killed you when I had the chance.”

“Ha… Kill me? I am immortal, drawing my power from the Dark Lord.”

“We shall see…”

Like a whiplash, Amistad struck, his blade dancing through the air as if he possessed twenty blades. In shock, Shadowhand attempted in vain to block the blows, but suffered numerous cuts and bruises. Staggering backward, Shadowhand’s tunic was slashed hundreds of time. Clutching an especially bad wound, Shadowhand looked at Amistad in amazement. Dropping to the floor with his blade keeping him upright, Shadowhand glared at Amistad and uttered several words, “So strong… How!?! How did you get so…”

Before he finished, the Master Assassin, Fan Ruji, had moved and slammed his right palm onto the top of Shadowhand’s head. Like a hammer against a pulp of wood, Shadowhand’s head exploded, blood and gore scattering across the ground. Bringing his hand to his lips, Fan Ruji licked some of Shadowhand’s blood.

“You’re next, little one…”

In horror, Amistad attacked, his sword dancing through the air once more. However, the Master Assassin was no Shadowhand. Expertly blocking all of Amistad’s attacks with his palms, Fan Ruji grinned at Amistad’s feeble attacks. With his left palm, the Master Assassin struck the sheathe strapped to his back, sending his own sword flying out of its sheathe and into his right hand. With a yell, Fan Ruji attacked, his sword lancing through the air. Easily overwhelming Amistad’s attempts at defending, the sword pierced Amistad several times. In desperation, Amistad attempted to utilize the vaunted Mirror Sword Skill, but was repulsed by the Master Assassin’s expert swordplay. With a grunt, Fan Ruji attacked, his left palm slamming into Amistad’s sword hand, sending the Sword of Cala flying out of Amistad’s grasp. With a gasp, Amistad backflipped away from the Master Assassin. Landing on the ground, clutching his right forearm, Amistad grimaced at the pain lacing through his arm. Looking angrily at the Master Assassin, Amistad crouched down into a standard combat stance, his arms extended.

“Well then, Master Assassin, let’s see if you can handle the Eighteen Techniques of the Xiang Long…”

“Ha… Let’s see it.”

With a roar, Amistad threw his palms towards the ceiling, utilizing the last technique, the Hidden Dragon, sending flowing waves of dragons into the sky. The temple exploded as the technique was released. With a twirling move, Amistad leapt out of the crumbling temple and landed in the courtyard. Meanwhile, the Master Assassin was sent flying out of the temple by the attack. Landing hard on the ground, Fan Ruji looked briefly at Amistad.

“I see why, the Dark Lord ordered me to eliminate you. You are a powerful threat to the darkness of the Dark Lord,” Fan Ruji said whilst bowing, “We shall meet again…”

With that, the Master Assassin gestured to his four surviving underlings and they disappeared into the night. With a sigh, Amistad fell drained to the floor…

--The Next Morning--

At the crack of dawn, Amistad awoke to a cock crowing in the distance. Rubbing his eyes, Amistad stood up amidst the remnants of the temple and stretched his sore limbs. Taking in his surroundings with a quick glance, Amistad walked over to his dropped Sword of Cala and picked it up, sheathing it once again. Strapping the sheathed sword to his back, Amistad got ready to depart.

Walking towards his tied horse, Fyre, Amistad untied the reins and patted Fyre on the head. Climbing onto the saddle, Amistad guided Fyre out of the temple courtyard. Taking one last glimpse at the temple behind him, Amistad sent Fyre into a swift gallop north, towards the nearest city, Lanzhou, and the closest ford approximately ten kilometers away.

By eight, Amistad had arrived at the outskirts of Lanzhou. Gazing at the massive fortifications rising up around the city, protecting it, Amistad glared at the multitude of guards posted around the city.

Warily, Amistad guided Fyre towards the city gate and the city beyond. Mingling in with the swarms of peasants and merchants streaming in and out of the city, Amistad was not halted by the city guards.

Entering the city, Amistad headed towards the nearest inn, eager for some hot food and several days on the move. As Fyre approached a building with a large sign with the character wine (jiu) attached, Amistad descended from the horse. When a stableman rushed out of the inn to take up his horse, Amistad dropped several coins into the stableman’s hands, ordering him to provide the horse with ample feed and water. Glancing up, Amistad read the name of the inn, “Yu Lou” (Jade Inn) and then walked inside.

Sitting down quietly at a table to the side, Amistad gestured for a waiter. Ordering a couple of vegetable and meat dishes, Amistad poured himself a cup of tea and slowly began to calmly sip it. Placing the Sword of Cala on the table and sitting calmly, waiting for the food to arrive, Amistad began to listen to the mass of conversation going on around him.

In particular, Amistad began to listen to a conversation about the situation in the capital in the east.

Behind Amistad, two men sat talking earnestly about the situation. Both of them were heavily armed, carrying bows, arrows, and swords. The man right behind Amistad said, “From what I hear, the situation at the capital is growing increasingly dire. The emperor has become ill and his heirs have begun jockeying for power. They say that that the crown prince was killed recently by assassins.”

“Really,” the other man said, “How did the situation get to become so appalling?”

“Well, the emperor has been increasingly ill for the past twenty something years, after that incident regarding the legendary couple, Lance and Amelia Crusade.”

“What happened in that incident? I heard that it was disastrous, but never heard any of the details.”

“Well, the legendary couple defied the emperor’s wishes. In anger, the emperor dispatched an army, purported to be a million men, to deal with the legendary couple. But according to the accounts of the survivors of the attack, Lance Crusade single-handedly took out some fifty percent of the army of a million, ripping apart the commander of the army…”

“The emperor must not have been happy about that…”

“Correct… He was so furious, that he suffered a heart attack.”

“Oh my god…”

“Yup… The emperor fell in a dead faint.”

As Amistad continued to listen, the waiter appeared with the food that he had ordered. Starving, Amistad dug quickly into the food, his chopsticks traveling swiftly from the plates of food to his mouth.

Within half an hour, Amistad had finished. Grunting in approval, Amistad dropped a gold ingot on the table and picking up his sheathed sword, walked out of the inn. Intent upon wandering about the city, Amistad decided to leave Fyre at the inn’s stable.

Strolling calmly through the streets of Lanzhou, Amistad found himself directly in front of the municipal government building complex, drawn by a massive crowd of several thousand that had gathered in front of it. Curious, Amistad approached the complex and stood quietly in the back, assessing the situation.

At the main entrance to the complex, a convict kneeled on the ground, flanked on either side by government soldiers. The crowd had been gathered to protest the conviction. The leader of the riotous group threw his right fist into the air and shouted to his followers, “This man is Zhao Ziyan, the renowned poet and painter who resides in our fair city. Are we going to let him be wrongly accused?”

“No,” the crowd yelled in answer.

“Good,” the leader replied and with a wave of his hand, the crowd surged forth, intent upon freeing the wrongly convicted Zhao Ziyan.

But suddenly a horde of government soldiers poured out of the complex and began to ruthlessly attacking the gathered civilians. The soldiers brutally beat the civilians back. Unwilling to stand by, while unarmed civilians were being injured, Amistad moved into the throngs of antagonists, his twin palms snaking out, and sending the soldiers, flying back into the complex. Within minutes, Amistad had sent every single soldier flying in pain into the complex, leaving the thousands of civilians slightly harmed.

In anger, Amistad walked into the complex, his sheathed sword raised. Out of the main building, a trio of men ran out. The leading figure was obviously the magistrate charged with governing the city. The two men flanking him were the ranking soldiers in the city. The three men looked in shock upon the beaten soldiers lying about and at the man standing calmly in their midst.

The magistrate, working up his nerve, stood forth and challenged Amistad.

“Who are you!?! How dare you attack government soldiers and barge into a government complex without authorization?”

“My name is Amistad Crusade. Son of Lance and Amelia Crusade, known as the legendary couple. You know of them don’t you?”

“You’re their son!?! Impossible!”

“Nothing is impossible… Now I have only one question. Why did you convict that man, that poet kneeling outside?”

“You mean Zhao Ziyan? He’s the anonymous poet who has been turning out multitudes of subversive poems lambasting the government and denouncing the emperor as an old charlatan…”

“Hmm… A crime that should not be prosecuted… He is not guilty of any crime. Therefore, you should release him.”

“But, I can’t… The emperor will have my hide if he finds out.”

“If you don’t him released immediately, I will obliterate you all. I will rip you apart as my father killed Field Marshal Octarion Acturus.”

“Octarion Acturus? You mean the general ripped apart during the escape of the legendary couple? Hero, please don’t hurt us, we’ll do as you say,” the magistrate stammered in trepidation. With a quick gesture from the magistrate, one of the officers ran outside and released the arrested poet. Immediately, the officer was bashed over as the crowd rushed forth to protect the poet.

Seeing that the poet was safe and sound, Amistad turned his attention back to the magistrate. Leveling the sheathed sword at the magistrate’s throat, Amistad began speaking ominously.

“Tell the emperor that I’ll be here, waiting for his armies. Tell him, the son of Lance and Amelia Crusade has returned to take his revenge. Gao shu ne ge shi huang di, ta ma shang jui hui shi de… (Tell that blasted emperor, he will die very soon) And now a demonstration of my power.”

With that, Amistad turned around and looked at the main building. Leveling his twin palms towards the building, Amistad roared and released the Ninth Technique of the Eighteen Xiang Long, the Battle Dragon into the building. The twin dragons unleashed ripped apart the building, obliterating the building’s structural supports. Within seconds, the building collapsed.

When the dust cleared, Amistad was gone…

Amistad sat quietly at a table in the inn, sipping tea, while waiting patiently for the arrival of the poet, Zhao Ziyan. Having rescued the poet from harm’s way, Amistad wanted to understand and meet the person that he had saved. A moment later, an immaculately dressed aging man walked through the doors of the inn. Spotting Amistad sitting in the corner, the man walked over and bowed before Amistad. The man was none other than Zhao Ziyan. His worn face punctuated by his sorrowful and heart wrenching eyes. Amistad quickly rose and bowed in return.

Taking their seats, Amistad and Zhao Ziyan began to talk earnestly.

“Thank you young hero for rescuing me. I am naught but a poor scholar eking out a living in this city. To be rescued by such a hero as yourself is beyond my luck…” Zhao Ziyan said.

“No, no… I am no hero Master Zhao. You are the hero. In your venerable state, you still dare to stand tall against the might of the emperor. Against the empire. I have no such audacity,” Amistad replied modestly.

“We all witnessed your power, young hero. You defeated the magistrate’s soldiers as if they were nothing. You obliterated the building as if it was nothing. Nobody I’ve ever seen has such power. In addition, you are the son of the legendary couple. You are a person beyond compare.”

“I am not… I am but a ill-taught wanderer of the lands seeking the course of my destiny…”

“During my youth, an astrology visited my house and proclaimed in the future that I would meet someone whose every single actions could change the course of the world. From I have seen, you are that person.”

“You must be mistaken, Master Zhao. I am naught but a man seeking his own fortune…”

“I cannot be wrong, young hero. You are the man that the astrologer foretold.”

“There is no such thing as the future. Humankind faces multiple possible futures, many of which hinge on seemingly inconsequential events.”

“And yet, the future, the past, and the present are intertwined, a weave that forms at any point in time.”

“We may become the makers of our fate when we have ceased to pose as its prophets.”

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”

“Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torment of man.”

“I see that you are a learned man, well versed in the texts of the philosophers, Amistad. I have never been so thoroughly challenged in my long life as a poor scholar."

“A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance.”

Frustrated and angered by Amistad’s tenacity, Zhao Ziyan stood. Bowing, Zhao Ziyan turned and left the building, muttering, “A fool… What a fool… I could have made you an emperor and yet you refused to listen to my words of advice…” Stepping outside, Zhao Ziyan looked up at the sky and sighed deeply. Speaking softly, Zhao Ziyan said, “The earth is finished… The Son of Heaven will fall to darkness. And we, humankind, will perish… There is no hope left… And darkness will penetrate the land, covering and corrupting all. There will never be hope again…”

Meanwhile, inside the inn, Amistad stared at the swiftly departing form of Zhao Ziyan, very disturbed by Zhao Ziyan’s prodding. From reading between the lines, that one man believed that he could make me emperor!?! He thought that I could change the course of history with a wave in my hand… Does he not know that although the future is in our power, we cannot change the past? Is he mad?

Deeply unsettled by his conversation with Zhao Ziyan, Amistad continued to sit quietly, brooding over the course of events.

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Amistad sat quietly on the roof of the inn, perturbed with his conversation with the poet/scholar, Zhao Ziyan. His sheathed Sword of Cala at his feet. Amistad gazed up at the stars shining in heaven, its lights shining through the darkness.

Amistad sighed deeply and turned his piercing gaze to the dark streets below. As he watched, several dark figures detached themselves from the darkness. Suspicious, Amistad picked up his Sword of Cala and prepared to investigate.

The dark figures quickly sprinted to surround the entrance to the inn. As Amistad watched, five of the figures leapt into the second story window of the inn. Within secnods, screams were heard from within the inn.

Perturbed, Amistad leapt and laded on the street. With a flash, the Sword of Cala leapt out of its sheathe and into Amistad's right hand. Its golden light illuminating the darkness of the streets, revealing sixteen figures waiting.

Surprise, the dark figures cringed. The five figures that had leapt into the inn, quickly came leaping out, their sword drawn, bloodied. The leader of the figures stood forth towards Amistad brandishing a bloodred sword. Amistad narrowed his eyes as he glared at the figure, the Sword of Cala held tightly ready for battle.

Levelling his sword at Amistad the figure spoke in a familiar rasping voice, "So we meet again, Amistad..."

"Fan Ruji?" Amistad said incredulously.

"Did you think I was gone?" Fan Ruji questioned. Without waiting for an answer, the Master Assassion gestured for his followers to attack. With a yell, the twenty fighters converged upon Amistad.

Roaring, Amistad counterattacked, his right foot snaking out and catching the closest fighter in the neck, snapping it. When the swords of the other fighters moved to pierce him, Amistad leapt into the air and landed upon the seeking blades, perfectly balanced. With a dexterous move, Amistad attacked with the Sword of Cala, the blade seeking the heads of the fighters. Several of the fighters fell, wounded or decapitated. The remaining eleven fighters warily retreated, while Amistad landed on the ground.

Amistad stood calmly amid the bodies of his opponents, blood streaming and flooding the streets, the Sword of Cala held tightly, blade down.

Gesturing for his subordinates to withdraw, the Master Assassin struck, his sword whirling through the air. Expertly, Amistad blocked the multitude of attacks. And using the Ninth Technique of the Eighteen Xiang Long, Amistad sent the Master Assassin flying. Landing hard on the ground, Fan Ruji spit out large amounts of blood. Clutching his aching chest, Fan Ruji glared at Amistad. Like lightning, Amistad struck again, his right foot catching Fan Ruji in the chest. Surprised, Fan Ruji flew into the air and landed hard upon the ground.

With great difficulty, Fan Ruji stood and kneeled unsteadily upon the ground. Grimacing, Fan Ruji attempted to stand. But Amistad stepped close and with his palm, smashed Fan Ruji's head, sending blood and gore streaming through the air. Looking at his bloodied left hand, Amistad glared at the Master Assassin's subordinates...

tag for character Ski Teng

Amistad watched as the Master Assassin’s followers melded back into the shadows. Relieved that he had finally defeated the Master Assassin, Amistad turned around and headed into the inn, gazing at the bodies strewn across the floor. Sighing at the carnage, Amistad walked out of the inn and towards the stables. After untying Fyre and saddling him, Amistad climbed on and guided Fyre out of the inn. As Amistad rode, he found a woman standing calmly in the middle of the street. Amistad in curiosity reined in Fyre and dismounted. She was young and quite tall, almost as tall as Amistad, with a figure of perfect elegance on a grand scale. She had dark and abundant hair, so lustrous that it threw off the meager lamp light with a gleam. Her face besides being beautiful from regularity of feature and richness of complexion, with the impressiveness belonging to a marked brow and deep black eyes. Amistad was taken aback by the sight of the woman. Standing inquisitively in front of her, Amistad cocked his head in curiosity.

“Hello Amistad. It has been a long time. Or do you not recognize me?” the woman said softly, her eyes filled with intense joy and happiness.

“Fair lady, you know my name. But I know not yours…” Amistad responded questioningly.

“I am Shi Teng, the girl whom you save years past…”

“Shi Teng!?!” Amistad said incredulously, shaking his head, “You’ve grown a lot.”

Years past, during Amistad’s wanderings after the death of his mother, he had come upon a village being pillaged and destroyed by a veritable army of bandits. After sizing the situation, Amistad charged into the village, attempting to save what was left of it. In the fighting that ensued, Amistad managed to kill all of the bandits. There were only two survivors, Shi Teng, age sixteen, and her ill mother, Wei Yue, age thirty-four. Amistad stayed in the ransacked village, helping Shi Teng and Wei Yue to reorganize their torn lives. When Wei Yue was strong enough to travel, Amistad brought the mother and daughter to the care of an old friend of his father, Teralon. Leaving them there, Amistad had continued his wanderings. Meanwhile, Wei Yue soon died of her illness, while Shi Teng was tutored by Teralon on the philosophical works of Confucius, Menicus, and Lao-Tzu. Shi Teng quickly blossomed into a charming young woman. One day, Shi Teng decided to depart from Teralon’s home and wander, in search of her savior.

“As have you…”

“You have become very beautiful.”

“As you have become handsome.”

“Shi Teng, why have you come to this forsaken land?”

“To see you…”

“What?”

“Ever since I first saw you, cutting through the bandits, risking your life to save the lives of both me and my mother, I have admired you. And over the years I have longed for you, to love you, both as a savior and also as my Immortal Beloved…”

“You must not love me, Shi Teng. I am a warrior. The paths I walk are lined with the dead. I am death… Go, Shi Teng, you deserve someone besides a killer… What attributes do I possess that is worthy of your love?” Amistad said in a questioning tone.

“You are a brave man, Amistad. I have seen you do things that others would never dare attempt…”

“The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else,” Amistad quoted in response.

“Well, if you do not wish to accept my love, will you at least stay in my presence for one night?”

“No… I am sorry, Shi Teng

With a sigh, Amistad turned and mounted Fyre once more. With a kick, Amistad sent Fyre into a slow gallop. As Fyre neared Shi Teng, she suddenly leapt in front of the horse, attempting to block Amistad’s passage. As Amistad attempted to rein in Fyre, Fyre reared up and struck Shi Teng in the shoulder and in the chest, knocking her down. In a flash, Amistad was on the ground, clutching the injured Shi Teng in his arms, while Amistad checked her wounds.

“I am so sorry, Shi Teng… It was all my fault…” Amistad stammered, trying to apologize, while tears streamed down his tears, “If only I hadn’t attempted to leave, you wouldn’t be injured…”

“There is no need, Amistad. It wasn’t your fault. It was mine, mine alone…” Shi Teng said, while she coughed.

Warily, Amistad picked Shi Teng up and began to carry her with his two gestured. With a nod of his head, Fyre began to follow Amistad. Amistad began to run quickly through the streets, seeking a doctor.

Moments later, Amistad sat sitting worried and impatient in the parlor of a doctor. Inside, Shi Teng was being examined by the doctor. A moment later, the doctor appeared. Hurriedly, Amistad rose and walked over to the doctor.

“How is her situation, doctor?” Amistad asked.

“She is fine. She suffered some bruising on her shoulder from the blow. Butt he blow to her chest was much harder. She will have some trouble breathing for the next couple of days…” the doctor answered.

“Thank you, doctor,” Amistad said, as he produced several golden ingots, which the doctor eagerly accepted.

With several brisk steps, Amistad walked to see Shi Teng. Arriving at Shi Teng’s bed, Amistad sat down on the bedside, his face worn with worry. When Shi Teng attempted to rise, Amistad held her down with the palm of his hand.

“Rest now, Shi Teng. You’re hurt…” Amistad said.

“I won’t, unless you profess that you care for me…” Shi Teng replied in earnest.

Amistad was taken aback by the comment. With a deep sigh, Amistad glanced up as if seeking guidance from the heavens and nodded his head in reluctant acceptance.

“Alright Shi Teng… I do care for you…” Amistad stammered uneasily.

With a smile, Shi Teng went to sleep. And with a sigh, Amistad rose and stood quietly looking down mournfully at Shi Teng’s serene face.

“It is said that, ‘There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.’ But I have seen that this is not true… Love is the child of illusion and the parent of disillusion…”

Quietly, Amistad stepped out of the room. Once again thanking the doctor profusely, Amistad walked calmly into the courtyard and sat down upon a stool, in deep contemplation. As he thought, a silent figure walked into the courtyard. Completely unaware of the presence of another, Amistad was startled out of his mental wanderings when the figure said, “Amistad Crusade. Are you going to continue defying your fate?”

Whirling around to face the figure, Amistad discovered that it was an old Zen swordmaster. Calmly sitting down, Amistad gestured for the swordmaster to sit down. When the Zen swordmaster was seated, Amistad said, “Forgive my ignorance, master, but how do you know my name? Who are you?”

The Zen swordmaster laughed as his right hand smoothed his short beard. Smiling broadly, he said, “Amistad, have you forgotten who I am? My name is Sun Zhi, third brother of the Seven Zen Swords.”

“So its Master Sun. It has been a long time since we’ve last met.”

“It has…”

“You must have something important to tell me for you have to journeyed all this way from Handan?”

“Your father in heaven has spoken to me. He has warned me that if you continue along this path, the Middle Kingdom will fall into great turmoil.”

“I have done nothing to endanger the tranquility and the peace of the Middle Kingdom.”

Master Sun sighed and said, “Amistad, you have openly defied the government. You have killed assassins of the vengeful Assassins Guild. You have brought upon your head something that in the need you will be unable to handle. For you to complete the task allotted to you through your fate, you must do your utmost or the world will be endangered.”

“Bull… None of what you say is the truth,” Amistad said and then he quoted, “The truth is often a terrible weapon of aggression. It is possible to lie, and even to murder, for the truth.”

“Truth? In this hour you ask for truth? What before you can you say for sure is the truth? What before you can you say is a lie?”

“I… I…”

“As I thought.”

“Then at this hour what is the truth?”

“The Tides of Darkness are coming… It has already begun and we cannot stop it. We can only hope to defend the innocents and hope we at the end stand and persevere.”

“Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torment of man.”

“Yet in this hour of darkness and the coming we must hope. For without hope, the swiftly dimming light of the good will swiftly disappear and be replaced forever by eternal darkness.”

“In this coming darkness, what is my task?”

“Your task is not an easy one. You must seek out the one known as Nightmare. He will help you fulfill what has been foretold. You must fulfill the destiny or we all shall pay the horrendous price of failure…”

“Who is this Nightmare?”

“He is a former servant of the Tides of Darkness and the Dark One. He is none other than the current Emperor of the Middle Kingdom.”

“That is not possible…”

“Correct…”

“But that is impossible…”

“No it is not impossible. It is only highly improbable that it was Qin Shi Huang. Originally we thought that this Nightmare was none other than Lü Buwei. But now, we have seen that we were gravely incorrect. When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

“What shall I do with him?”

“With his current grandiose plans, Qin Shi Huang has bankrupted the state and have oppressed the populace. In order to rectify the chaos and the fetid smell of corruption and decay, you must kill Qin Shi Huang. By doing so, you will allow the Middle Kingdom return to normal and save the world from the Tides of Darkness.”

Amistad frowned. When Master Sun saw it, he said, “What worries you, Amistad?”

“My task of infiltrating the Imperial City and kill Qin Shi Huang. He is undoubtedly guarded by thousands if not tens of thousands of powerful fighters. I fear that I cannot complete this task you have given me. I fear I cannot take up this incredible responsibility.

“Every obstacle you face must be overcome, every inconvenience suffered, and every risk run to ensure that your blow is decisive. You cannot afford to fail, for in your failure you will doom the world and place it into the hands of darkness… And as a word of warning before I return east, ‘In this universe, there is no such thing as a safe place or safe way. Danger lies along every path…’”

When Sun Zhi had departed, Amistad sat down wearily as his thoughts raced quickly through his mind. Qin Shi Huang was the archenemy of my father. It was his Army of a Million that separated my parents, killed my father, and caused the early death of my mother. He is too blame for all my suffering… All my pain… He is to blame and he will pay the consequences for his perfidy… His mind made up, Amistad began to nod off. Slowly, Amistad’s head dropped to the table and he fell into deep tranquil sleep.

Amistad was already up when the rooster in the courtyard crowed. Standing, Amistad stretched his limbs as he moved about the courtyard, warming up his sore limbs. Sneezing, Amistad swore. The night had been both a cold and uncomfortable one for Amistad, sleeping in the courtyard. Now he had caught a dreadful cold. Sneezing continuously, Amistad continued to swear. Cursing, Amistad walked into the main building, seeking out Shi Teng. Amistad found her still sleeping in the bed chamber. Softly, Amistad sat down on a chair beside the bed and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, a few moments later, Amistad found Shi Teng glancing up anxiously at him.

“Feel better now?” Amistad queried.

“A little… But my entire body is aching like there is no tomorrow,” Shi Teng replied.

“Well, you’ve several broken ribs and a bruised shoulder…” Amistad said, and then he paused, continuing on, he said, “I’m sorry for what I’ve done… I was irresponsible.”

“No, it was not your fault, Amistad. I surprised Fyre and caused this damage. I am responsible…”

Shi Teng suddenly paused as he gazed into Amistad’s eyes. Seeing a blaze of determination and anger, Shi Teng shuddered as she continued, “You seem to want to go somewhere… Your manner is set on something… Tell me, Amistad, what you’re planning on going?”

“I have to journey east to Xianyang, the capital of the Qin…” was Amistad’s answer.

“Xianyang!?! Why!?!”

“To kill Qin Shi Huang…”

“Why!?! His rule has stabilized the lawlessness, the chaos that was once characteristic of the Middle Kingdom. Although he may be a cruel and authoritarian ruler, Qin Shi Huang has done many things to help the kingdom…”

Amistad laughed and said with contempt, “You know nothing, Shi Teng… You have been bombarded by his propaganda. Qin Shi Huang is inherently evil… He is greatest scourge to come onto this land since the Shang a thousand of years ago… He has buried live many accomplished and exceptional scholars, just because they disagreed with him and dared to speak out. He ordered his own father to commit suicide. He has massacred any who dared to oppose him, including my father, forcing the early death of my mother. For these crimes against my family and against the Middle Kingdom, Qin Shi Huang deserves to DIE!”

Shi Teng cowered at the sudden display of great anger by Amistad. Whimpering, she stammered, “You’ve changed greatly Amistad… Your life has become full of hatred and anger… Why!?!”

“Ha… Shi Teng, you know nothing…”

“You’ve changed… You are no longer the man I loved…”

Amistad bowed his head and said, “Love… Love is something that I do not require… It is ephemeral and is naught but bittersweet… I cannot love… For me to love would be for me to forsake the duty that I have taken upon myself…”

With that, Amistad whirled and exited the room. Walking out of the building, Amistad bumped into the doctor once more.

“Doctor, can you please take care of my friend for a bit?” Amistad asked, his hands filled with several gold ingots.

“Of course,” replied the doctor as he greedily eyed the gold.

“Then this is yours,” Amistad said, while handing the gold over.

“Thank you, thank you.”

“Make sure my friend is healed, before she leaves… If I find out that you’ve mistreated her, I’ll hunt you down and personally kill you.”

Satisfied that everything had been taken care of, Amistad untied Fyre from a post and led him towards the city gates and out of the city. Exiting the city, Amistad glanced back once more and glanced up at the parapets. Sighing deeply, Amistad climbed atop Fyre and with a kick, sent it into a fast trot. Qin Shi Huang, I, Amistad am coming for you… Prepare for your death!

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Tag for a possible character. How do I tg someone? I'm not used to all of this new stuff...

(OOC: Welcome back Valient... The TGing should be done through NationStates not through the Jolt Forums...)

(OOC: Unfinished post...)

A month of hard travel finally brought the unredoubtable Amistad Crusade to the home Xianyang, the capital of an empire, and home of the aging Son of Heaven, Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. I have finally arrived in the city of my enemy. I have finally reached the goal of my revenge...

With a heavy menal sigh, Amistad slowly led Fyre towards the city gates, proceeding slowly through the throngs of travellers, merchants, and peasants, moving hither and thither through the city gates. Stopping at the the opulent west gate, Amistad snorted in disgust. In front of him were five city gates, each with imposing arches. Atop the central arch was a sign made of the finest gold and silver with the words "Tian Xia Yi Tong" or United Under Heaven. Disgusted with the fradulent and decadent nature of the city, Amistad slowly entered the city...