10 Miss Violet
It's been two days since they've set forth on their journey to the Jade Path. The trio acquired a map of the Land of Dawn and set their eyes on the southwest corner of the map.
There lies the Maze of Minos - where the Jade Path led its winding road. They were currently between the Valley of the Winds and the Lion Academy of Magical City. Just east of the hidden maze.
In order for them to get to the emerald road, they still need to pass through the treacherous lands of the Fire Kingdom. Either that or they go straight through the wilderness between the Valley of the Winds and the fiery planes of the Fire Kingdom.
It was no man's land from then on. The three of them chose to avoid both the warring territories and travel on the borders to pass through the Jade Path.
The passage ahead of them consisted of gaping valleys and impenetrable rainforests.
They trecked for a few more days before another batch of assassins caught up on their tracks.
"THEY REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO STOP! DO THEY??" Gusion yelled as he dashed from one assault to another.
He used his shadowblades to slaughter enemies from the shroud of darkness coming from the approaching twilight.
"HOW DO THEY EVEN FIND US?!" Harper cried from the other direction of the woodlands. He bounced away wildly as he was being chased by two other assassins. "AND WHERE THE HECK IS MISS LESLEY??"
His question got answered when the two assassins tailing him dropped dead on the ground. Harper looked around and saw a glint on the treetops from afar.
Lesley readjusted her sights after seeing Harper was now out of the way, and then focused back on the battle happening on the other part of the jungle. She cursed and bit her lip as she saw Gusion being surrounded by those shadowmen yet again.
Meanwhile, it was a good thing that Gusion's arm and other injuries were about healed by this time, thus he had enough confidence and strength to take on a group of highly skilled assassins at this point.
Although, the occasional help from his sniper ally was very much appreciated. He didn't mind as she shot away other attackers that tried to be keen enough and penetrate his defenses.
CLANG!
Metals clashed as he deflected a sneak attack by one of the remaining enemies. He sidestepped and used the momentum to drive one of his hidden blade into the heart of his attacker. Only three more left.
Just as his opponent turned to dust, another one charged towards him with blinding speed. He was about to dash forward and counter him with his own lighting speed attack but Lesley beat him to it, obliterating the incoming striker. Two more remained.
He heightened his senses and reckoned only one assassin left in front of him. The other one seemed to be missing.
Meanwhile, on the far side of the woods where Lesley hid on the treetops, a lone assassin appeared from the shadows and tackled her from behind. They both fell from the heights while wrestling for the long rifle.
THUMP!!!
They both struggled as they crashed on a thicket of bush below.
"Aaaggh!!" Lesley clawed her attacker's face as they stumbled on the brush. She held for her rifle and rammed it against her opponent's head.
"HIYAAAH!!!!" Harper jumped out of nowhere and landed on top of their assailant. Lesley took the moment and immediately shot the assassin into oblivion.
"Thanks!" She scooped him up from the pile of ashes and sprinted to where Gusion was left fighting with the remaining shadowmen. "Now, come on!"
Gusion on the other hand, retained his stance while he spun a single dagger with his one hand. "Too fast?" He cocked his head to one side as he challenged the last assassin standing in front of him, "Just try to keep up with me."
The cloaked man warily took a step forward and tested his odds. He drew his sword from its sheath and let the remaining streaks of the setting sun reflect from its blade.
Gusion was about to dash forward when he heard Lesley calling out from behind.
"WAIT!!!" She screamed as she entered the clearing with Harper.
He instinctively stopped from his tracks and turned around, losing his momentum. The shadowman took this moment and charged at his distracted enemy.
Gusion saw from Lesley's irises, the reflection of the incoming attack but was too late to block it immediately.
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"NOOOOOOO!!!!" Harper's wail echoed through the forest.
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...
SHUUUNK!!!
The sound of sword slashing through the enemy silenced all of them.
All three of them turned and saw a man in a black suit coming from nowhere slicing their remaining opponent in half.
With a soft thud, he landed in front of them while the enemy turned into ashes behind him.
The trio were blown away by the surprise attack of the stranger that were now in front of them.
How did a man in perfectly fitted sleek ensemble came upon them in the woods? They all looked at each other and were all oblivious to the arrival of the man.
As if on cue, the fellow courtly bowed and introduced himself to the three of them.
"Greetings from the noble house of Baroque!" He announced. "I am the loyal servant of the household, Parsival Grey! Milady Miss Violet requests your audience at the mansion immediately." He said while keeping his eyes on Gusion.
The sudden mention of the powerful clan's name alerted Gusion; reminding him of his family's ties with them. He uneasily glanced at Lesley who was now by his side carrying Harper in her arms - her rifle strapped safely on her back.
He hoped he didn't gave away his true lineage by making it too obvious that he knew what the butler was talking about. By the looks of the suited fellow in front of them, he might have not known of his recent exile either.
"Tsk." Lesley irritatingly dropped Harper on the ground and started to vigorously brush away the dust on her clothes.
She hoped to keep at least one of their pursuers to inquest later but that damned butler came just in time to ruin her plan. She eyed the stranger then turned her attention back at cleaning her ruffled outfit.
"Ouch!" The cerulean blob complained as he bounced on the ground.
"Glad you're fine" Gusion cleared his throat and noted on his friends fair state after the incident.
"Gee, thanks. You noticed." Lesley sarcastically answered, still annoyed by the sudden intrusion.
"Ahem." The butler chimed in. "If you may, follow me." He gestured and began drawing a magical circle on the ground with his sword.
In a blink of an eye, they were instantly tessered in front of a magnificent baroque-styled mansion. The three of them were momentarily left in awe of the intricately designed architecture covering the expanse of the verdant valley behind.
Lights from everywhere across the front lawn and garden illuminated the view as the scenery began to turn a shade of blue-violet as the valley behind engulfed the setting sun.
"The guests have arrived, milady!" The butler announced.
"Gusion!!!" A brunette girl dressed in 18th century purple gown rushed towards them and launched herself at their companion.
"G-Gwen?" Gusion still in shock of the sudden welcome hugged her back.
Lesley, on the other side, raised her right eyebrow at the lady in front of them.
"So you still remember me!" She remarked, giggling while breaking away from the hug.
"Hi! I'm Harper!" The blue blob pitched in, introducing himself.
"Oh! Goodness me! I've seem to forgot about my manners!" The brunette giggled again and did a curtsy in front of them. She smiled sweetly before introducing herself, "Everyone, welcome to our humble abode! I am Lady Guinevere of House Baroque. Please, let's all come inside for a cup of tea."
