Chapter 2

(It's early in the morning as all of the Lockheart Kingdom's residents come together for a city-wide announcement regarding the attempt on Stephen's life. On the Palace's Balcony, are the King and Queen of the Lockheart Kingdom, Mason, and Kate Lockheart. Behind them are Stephen and his childhood friend and rival Ken Kitsugu, from the Kitsugu Clan, one of the founding clans. After them, are Katherine Uesugi, leader of the Uesugi Clan, the other founding clan of the Lockheart Kingdom. As a few moments pass, both Mason and Kate make way for Stephen as he steps up to inform his people.)

Stephen: Last night, an attempt on my life was made. Two mercenaries killed several of our family members who serve to protect the outside barrier, but they did not stop there. They then proceeded to steal from of us. Taking artifacts and gold. Thankfully, an unknown bystander saved me and killed the mercenaries. While this is good news, I fear that the worst has yet to come. What I mean by this is that I saw The Bloody Crow last night after the attack. He stood atop of our Watch Tower and then disappeared within the night.

(As Stephen says this, the people begin to talk about their individual safety now that the Bloody Crow can enter the Kingdom.)

Stephen: Yes I know that hearing this is frightening, but I am here to tell you that we, the Uesugi and Kitsugu Clans, the Royal Guard and myself will protect every single one of you. As you all are all a part of my family.

(As Stephen says this, he raises his fist as it bursts with his blazing Crimson Fire.)

Stephen: You have my word.

(As Stephen says this, the crowd begins to roar in rally of Stephen and begins to chant his name. A few hours pass, as Dante arrives at his hideout in the mountains. As he walks downstairs, he takes off his gear and put them on his rack. After this, he goes further down within his hideout to the underground hot springs and proceeds to relax. As he is enjoying his quiet hot bath, he begins to sense some familiar magic, then suddenly begins to his old friend's  voice in his head.)

Kitara: Dante.

Dante: Well hello Kitara. I knew I sensed your magic. I didn't see any of things up top, you must not be back yet, are you?

Kitara: Just what did you do last night, Dante? There was a public announcement about it a few hours ago in the Lockheart Kingdom.

Dante: No need to worry Kitara. Everything is fine. I've just decided that it's time for my return Kitara.

Kitara: Dante no! We've talked about this.

Dante: Enough Kitara! It's been seven years....I've trained my body into the ground. I am at my peak strength right now. I will have my revenge, Kitara. He's my mark.

Kitara: While I know where you're coming from Dante, you should've told me what you were planning. Your little incident has very far reach.

Dante: Does she know?

Kitara: Dante...

Dante: Does she know Kitara?

Kitara: The Black Crow knows.

(As Kitara says this, Dante sits up and as his eyes quickly widen, but quickly regains his composure.)

Dante: So she does? This is good.

Kitara: You can't be serious? How is her knowing is good?!? If she thinks that you've Fallen, then she will hunt you! And you and I both know that there is no escape from The Black Crow.

Dante: As I said, everything is fine. Have you found the ingredients for the spell yet?

Kitara: Yes. Have you completed your part of the task?

Dante: It will be done tonight. I plan on wiping out the entirety of Ragnarock tonight.

Kitara: You're becoming too predictable Dante. You must slow down. I'll be there in a few days. Try not to get yourself killed Dante.

Dante: If I didn't know any better, I'd say you actually care for me Kitara.

Kitara: Goodbye Dante.

(As Kitara says this, her magic link ends. After this, back within the walls of the Lockheart Kingdom, Stephen and Ken walk through the Kitsugu's Tiger Garden.)

Ken: That was a great speech you gave earlier. Way to turn around the people's moral.

Stephen: I am their protector Ken, it's what I do.

Ken: So what are you gonna do about this Crow problem? The guy practically doesn't exist. No one knows him or where he comes from. Not to mention his level of skill which is frightening as he alone has wiped out clans double my own. He isn't someone we can take lightly.

Stephen: Yes I know. I'm not completely sure as what I want to do yet, but I do have a lead.

Ken: You do?

Stephen: Yes. Last night, The Bloody Crow killed the last mercenary by ripping out his heart and dropping his body from the Watch Tower. I managed to see a symbol on his arm matching the same symbol on his partner. That symbol belongs to Ragnarock.

Ken: Ragnarock? As in the mercenary group Ragnarock?

Stephen: Yes. I've had a few scouts find me a location of one of the there larger camps nearby.

Ken: And we are going there to find answers.

Stephen: We'll go tonight, so prepare yourself.

Ken: You can count on me, Stephen.

Stephen: I'll see you later in a few hours friend.

(As Stephen says this, elsewhere Dante has started to training. Throwing quick strikes and kicks, while incorporating sword strikes as well. After an hour of training, Dante walks to a waterfall, jumps through the water to the cave behind it, and begins to meditate. As he does this, Dante's Yatagarasu flies in and lands on his shoulder and caws.)

Dante: You've found their location? Thank you Yatagarasu. Your help has been appreciated. Please take a break. You've earned it friend.

(As Dante says this, Yatagarasu stays on his shoulder and rubs its beak on Dante.)

Dante: You wish to stay? Very well then. We have work to do.