Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Final Fantasy Seven: Shadows of the Light ❯ Arc One: Rebirth of ShinRa ( Chapter 2 )

Arc I: Rebirth of ShinRa

Part II:

Fenris strode into the tavern and smiled when he noticed a card game in the back corner. It had been far to long since he'd allowed himself a little sport, one of the serving girls winked as he caught her eye and his smile widened, far to long indeed. Ignoring the protests of the other players, Fenris settled down to some serious gambling amusing himself between hands by flirting with the friendly serving girl. By the end of the hour, he had her giggling on his lap, happily stacking his winnings while the other players watched with varying degrees of hatred or envy. Sensing their moods, Fenris sighed regretfully and nibbled on the woman's neck using the movement to whisper his message. "You've brought me luck, sweet. Now be a good girl and get back to work."

Deftly slipping a few gold pieces down her bodice as she stood, Fen turned back to his smelly friends. "So gents, will you be jumping me now...or shall I be seeing you later tonight in some alley?" As one they stood and strode out of the tavern with Fenris following, handing his velvet cloak to the girl as he passed. "Hold that for me, love. I'll be right back." A few moments later, Fen swaggered into the bar whistling cheerfully, his long auburn hair tangled down his back and a grazed cheek the only sign of the struggle. Sighing happily he plopped down in a chair and motioned for the girl, who came running with a mug of ale. "I'd forgotten how much I liked Junon!"

****

Riya laughed softly and tossed the other half of the apple to the hungry feline-like Ku as she stood. She watched the cute creature for a few moments more and then began breaking camp. As she packed her belongings and secured them to the sleeping Chocobo, Riya explained her every move in a soft voice, trying not to startle the little creature away from it's meal. "Poor baby, you must've been starving to come this close to me, I wish I had some more to give you...maybe." A slight shift in the chocobo's breathing caused Riya to freeze and wince slightly. Siydi was waking up, in a few minutes she'd be dealing with one angry chocobo. She finished packing up, and propped against a large rock, smothering a yawn. She glanced over at the Ku, who was watching her with pleading eyes.

"Sorry, I don't have anything else." She gestured over at Siydi's sleeping form and the bundles secured to his saddle. "You just ate the last of the food." She leaned back against the sun-warmed stone and watched the black chocobo. " You might want to get away from here before he wakes up, Siydi won't be to happy about that lil sleep spell." She closed her eyes for a moment. "Hmmm-- I think we'll just let him sleep it off." another yawn. "I could use some sleep myself." She grinned at the Ku who was batting playfully at a grasshopper and then shut her eyes, her hand slipping to the hilt of her sword as sleep claimed her.

Slapping once more at the grasshopper, Kuku's eyes trailed over to the saddle bags were Riya had motioned to while explaining that there was no more food. Pouncing a few paces and then lowering into a quiet step, Kuku eyed Riya, then the stirring bird, and snuck over to her side where the bags were fastened. She narrowed her eyes, and glanced around curiously. Surely there was some kind of edible snack left over! Kuku's tummy just wouldn't believe that there was none. So shifting her weight on to her elbows, and sticking out her tongue, Kuku leaped onto the saddle bags grasping on with her fore claws, and startling the chocobo from it's sleepy trance.

****

Rufus slid off the black chocobo's back, as he stretched he glanced behind him at Dark Nation who had followed him most of the way on her own feet. Silently, he took the bird back towards the stables behind the mansion.

As he entered the mansion he saw that the servants must of left, and looking though the servants quarters, he found they had indeed left for good it seemed. He turned then away from that part of the large house and proceeded to walk up the stairs to his rooms.

An hour later he had cleaned up and changed his clothes. He was sitting in his study going though the various things that had been in the safe. He had already sorted the money he was going to take out and it was packed up in sacks of 100 gil each. Currently he was going though the files that had been in the safe looking for any mention of that fool Sierra. He needed something to go on if he was to make him pay. As of right now he didn't even know what he looked like. He sighed and set the current file he had in his hand down, glancing over at Dark Nation. " What do you say we go into Junon and see what we can find out, eh girl?" She looked up at him, stood and walked towards the door. He smiled slightly and followed. Couple hours later they were walking along in Junon when they both spotted a brief fight between one man and several others

*

Fenris yawned as he settled into his chair, enjoying the relative peace of the tavern. Soon his smelly friends would awaken, mad as hell, sore and probably wanting another go at him. A lazy smile curled his lips as he murmured. "Ahhh well, what more should I expect? Some people just can't tell when they've been outclassed." He sighed dramatically and placed a hand to his heart, causing the serving girl to giggle. "but it is my duty as a gentleman to allow them the chance to regain their honor." He glanced over at his charming audience of one. " But as long as I'm waiting." He raised his voice in a mock roar and flipped her a small gold coin. "Wine, my love! Red as your lips and twice as swee..." a figure outside caught his attention and his eyes narrowed imperceptibly as he cut his flirtations short. "...the best in the house."

While the giggling barmaid scurried to fetch his order, Fenris studied the young man and the beast at his heels. There was something familiar... The girl appeared at his side with a wine flask and a plain glass tumbler, causing Fen to sigh in mock dismay "Ahhh.. the hazards of uncivilized life." Just then, he realized where he'd seen the other man before and his surprised laughter echoed throughout the tavern. "So he did survive." After a brief order, the maid returned with another glass causing Fun to shake his head sadly. Sighing deeply, he waved her away and poured himself a generous amount of the crimson liquid. After a few moments, the young man glanced his way and Fen smiled slightly, sipping from his own glass as he gestured to the empty one in silent invitation.

Rufus saw the man look at him, he considered for a moment before walking over to the man's table. 'If nothing else, I might find out more about this Sierra.' He reached the table and looked down at the man sitting there. "Hello.. may I ask your name?" He didn't sit just yet, but waited for the man's answer.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Nation sniff the air around them, apparently satisfied with what she smelled she sat down at his feet. He smiled slightly, if she didn't think he was a threat then maybe he could possibly trust him enough to get some information out of him anyway. Brushing a hanging lock of blonde hair out of his face he waited with one hand in his trench coat pocket.

Fenris watched Rufus for a moment and calmly sipped his wine, sighing in appreciation. "An excellent vintage, even considering the crude presentation." He gestured at the plain carafe and glasses before turning his amber gaze back to his guest. An amused smile tugged his lips. "Come now Rufus, I can't have changed that much...." he sighed again and chuckled. " Very well." Standing he performed a graceful salamedes-in-splendor and introduced himself. "I am Fenris Northgale, call me Fen." An expectant grin lit his face but it was quickly replaced by a bored expression when Rufus didn't react.

Settling back into his chair, he shook his head in annoyance and muttered. "You truly don't remember me do you? Ahhh well, there's a fine dent to my ego." He flashed a dazzling smile and kicked out the other chair. "Well sit down man and have a drink. A fine way to treat your friends, disappearing like that, you should be ashamed..." Fen took another sip his playful attitude fading into melancholy. "I assume you've seen how things have changed...for everybody." He glanced back at Rufus with a wry smile that didn't touch his amber eyes. "So...what brings you to Junon?"

Rufus watched as the man stood up and introduced himself. He saw his grin fade into a bored expression when he didn't react to the name. He laughed silently. Looking at the chair Fen had kicked out for him, he put one hand on it looking over at the man. There was something...it was in the back of his mind and he couldn't place it...Wait ...no that person had had a different last name. He sighed as he sat down in the chair. Nation got up and padded over to him, sitting down by his side once more.

Turning to Fen, he responded. "Yes, I have...and I believe my reasons for being here are none of your concern at this time. I wish to ask you a question now...Who exactly is this Sierra I heard about on my way here? And where can I find him?" He ignored the drink on the table, instead studying Fenris. 'A pity you're not him...' he thought silently to himself. 'then I'd have someone to help me make that Sierra pay.' He sat back in his chair waiting for answer.

****

Izlude was ready to go so Raven tossed on her black hooded cape and left the airship in a hurry to get into Junon. She knew that Izlude - Pablo, would be behind her pretty soon once he was finished talking to Kidd.

Raven eyed the bar a few feet away. 'What a perfect place to recruit new members.' she thought to herself. Stepping inside, she could sense that someone had noticed her entrance. Her gaze rested on two men sitting at a table. One of which had blond hair and looked very familiar to her. She glanced at the black animal on the floor at his feet then looked up, her bright green eyes flashing with amusement. She pulled off the hood of her cloak and let her long brown hair fall out. " My name is Blade." she replied approaching the two men. "Mind if I sit down, or is this a private party?"

*

Rufus felt Dark Nation stir in her place at his feet. He looked down at her and saw she was looking at the woman who had just entered. He looked at her hooded cloak, then turned back to face Fenris. He then felt Nation rise and heard someone say. "My name is Blade. Mind if I sit down or is this a private party?" He looked at the person and realized it was the same woman who had just entered. He looked up into her face and he realized he knew her, and her name wasn't Blade.

'Raven' he thought. 'So Tseng was right...' he stood up to face her. " By all means--" he leaned closer to her, and whispered in her ear. "Raven." He then took one step back and offered her the seat he had just been sitting in. Dark Nation got up and snarled softly at the woman as she walked over to his side. He smiled slightly as he wait for her reaction.

*

"Just like Raven to go up to someone she doesn't know and start talking--great--now our covers blown." Izlude turned to Raven. "I'm going to the weapon shop.... I'll meet you here in an hour." With that, he turned and left the room. 'Who the hell was that guy...well who cares.... I need my sword sharpened.'

*

After catching a quick nap on the airship, Silvara had headed into Junon, keeping an eye out for any danger to her companions. 'They'll be fine as long as they don't blow their cover.' A faint sound drew her attention and she saw Clyde, gawking like a tourist and snapping photographs. Amused, she walked over to him and leaned against the doorway to one of the buildings. "I take it you've never been to Junon before?" She would have said more, but noticed a group of people heading her way. "Shiva freeze it, I've been here three hours and I've been hounded by that group the whole time! Why is it that there is never any work, until I'm busy with something!!"

She sighed and glanced at the startled Clyde. "Listen, I'm heading into the tavern. I'm fairly sure Pablo and Blade are already there, when you get done meet us there." With that, she turned and fled lightly down the street thinking about the jobs she'd been offered. 'Track my lost chocobo. My dog seems to have wandered off.' She paused outside the tavern and glared back down the street. 'I'm a bounty hunter, not a damn zookeeper. I wouldn't have to put up with this if I'd brought Siydi along, he does seem to discourage frivolous requests. Not to mention making it easier to get around.'

She smiled at the thought and felt her mind shift as she gathered her powers, whistling the tune she had woven into the summoning spell. A small orb of light formed between her cupped palms and then sped away, lost against the glare of the sun. Silvara grinned and strolled into the bar, brushing past a frowning Izlude. 'What's up with him?' Her eyes found Raven talking to some handsome men and she chuckled. 'Well she doesn't waste any time.' Settling into a chair that would allow her to watch the door, Silvara ordered a drink and waited. Just as soon as Siydi showed up, she could go find Riya.

*

Fenris felt the subtle byplay behind their polite smiles. 'Lovers? No, but they definitely know each other. Blade, huh? Right, and I'm a moogle. Best to go along with it though.' He stood and flashed the woman his most charming smile. "We are graced by your beauty, my lady. My friend and I were just about to discuss the political situation of the eastern continent, and we'd be delighted to hear your thoughts on the subject. But where are my manners?" He bowed gracefully. "Fenris Northgale, your most humble servant." He winked at her. "But I would be honored if you would call me Fen." He glanced from Blade to the still standing Rufus. "Ah my friend, it is unseemly to force a lady to stare up at you when she speaks." Fenris used the spell of lesser winds to push a chair across the floor to Rufus's side.

Fenris felt the tingle of his magic spread throughout his body and knew from experience that his eyes were glowing a brilliant gold. He glanced up at Rufus's face, a brow arched in silent query as his blazing eyes slowly faded to their normal amber tone. The glowing eyes during the use of magic and the ability to control the element of air were all traits of the Nothgalea family. Fen motioned for the serving girl and turned to Blade. "Would you care for a drink, my lady?" His eyes sparkled with amusement as he glanced back at Rufus. Perhaps his childhood friend would recognize him now that... A woman entered the room, lavender eyes passing over him with no sign of recognition. He watched her for a moment, even in his anger noticing her delicate figure and graceful walk. "Pretty little thing." he muttered. "--a shame she has to die."

He stood and barely looked at his companions as he excused himself and made his way to the woman's table. Seating himself, he smiled cruelly as her eyes widened slightly. "Forgive my boldness young lady, but would you do me the honor of telling me your name?" She murmured something about meeting a friend, and stood to walk away. She had a lovely voice, he was going to enjoy hearing her beg for her life. Closing his eyes, he gathered his power to cast a spell.

Rufus looked at Fen, he had noticed the glowing eyes. He looked down at the chair beside him. "Interesting..." he murmured under his breath. He sat down in the chair. As he did, Fenris got to his feet. Excusing himself he went across the room. Rufus frowned slightly and stood up. Watching the woman and Nothgalea, he started towards them. As he reached him , he saw the woman murmur something about a friend and walk away. He looked over at Fenris. "What was that all about? " He saw him close his eyes and heard Nation growl behind him. He look down at her, she was standing in front of him growling at Fenris. He narrowed his eyes as he felt the buildup of power. He took a step that put him in front of Fenris, he looked into his friend's face. "Stop right now. What are you doing?" Nation was in front of him again and cast Wall on him as she growled at Fenris.

****

To someone who's survived life's difficulties on ship, Junon was truly amazing. Clyde strolled down so many streets, taking so many snap shots. The thought hadn't occurred to him that he might have stuck out like a sore thumb...but he wouldn't have cared even if he did.

At least this way he got to see the world. It wasn't long before the camera ran out of film. Clyde's head jerked back as he recognized this, and stared at it in disbelief. Surely he had brought a spare set of film, but reaching down into his hip pouch, he was as just mortified to find that there was none." Agh...just perfect." Clyde glanced around the darkening street he was on for some answers...Maybe, just maybe there was a nearby camera shop. His eyes set upon a corner store, which he didn't object to entering. A faint bell could be heard as he pushed the door open. It was a filthy shop, and the storekeeper was no cleaner, as he wore a dusty tunic and battered hat.

" Can I help you?"

Clyde took a breath. "Y.. yeah.. Do you have any film by any chance?" He rubbed the back of his neck, a little nervous.

" Where ya from son?"

Clyde hesitated, holding his breath...'what a strange question.. `Where ya from son?' '

He raised an eyebrow, and responded. "This.. here, I live somewhere...down the street.. far from here?" He could feel a sweat forming on his forehead. 'Sure...That's believable...what am I thinking?'

The man took a step away from Clyde. "No... I don't have any film, but I'd appreciate it if you left my house." Clyde's eyes widened, and he turned around, darting out of the shop.

"Great.... I always blow my first impressions!" He managed to say under his breath, running a fair distance from the *shop*. "Where's that tavern?"

****

Fenris didn't open his eyes, he sensed Rufus and his pet in front of him, blocking him, but that hardly mattered. A smile curled his lips as he murmured. "Rufus, do not cross me in this. You were...and still are my friend, but do not interfere." His eyes flew open, golden orbs blazing with hatred and power. "After all the searching, I've found her...I will have my revenge." He smiled gently, as a faint shimmering light enveloped him, swirling faster and forming a small whirlwind around him, knocking over tables and chairs as it gained strength. In a few seconds, only two glowing eyes could be seen in the center of the whirling mass of magic and wind, and then it was gone. The swirling chaos faded leaving, the bar a jumble of overturned tables and chairs. Fen felt himself shift as the spell of teleportation began to fade, opening his eyes; he found himself a few feet behind his prey and called her name.

Rufus spun around to look for Fenris. "What are you talking about?" he asked as he started for him again. "What are you doing?" He put a hand on his shoulder. "What revenge? Are you talking of your brother, Marcus? I'm sorry to say that if this lady killed him. She only quickened what was already going to happen." he then dropped his hand and turned away saying. "My father was going to send the Turks after him anyway. For unpaid debts he owed."

Since the man had approached her in the tavern, Silvara had felt a vague sense of unease growing stronger with each breath. Suddenly her instincts screamed for her to flee as a silky voice called her name. Whirling she drew her dagger and gasped, *his eyes! * Fear set flames racing through her blood as violet eyes clashed with the glowing gold of the man in front of her. The sun blinded her, she couldn't make out the man's face, but there was no mistaking that burning gaze. "Nothgalea?!" Her own eyes narrowed and blood rage coursed through her body driving away any doubt or fear. Silvara bared her teeth in a wicked little smile.

"I don't know what hell you were summoned from." she shifted her stance. "--but I will enjoy sending you back!" The man moved slightly, as he drew his sword and Silvara saw his face for the first time. "You!? From the bar." she paled and whispered. "Shiva freeze it... the brother."

Fenris laughed coldly and saluted with his sword. "Fenris Northgale, formerly Ferris Nothgalea...so pleased to met you." With a snarl of rage, he leaped for her, his sword catching the sun as he slashed through...air! He whirled and found a panting Silvara staring at him, her body shimmering in the haste spell she'd cast to escape his attack. "Ferris, I have no quarrel with you...leave now, before you start something you can't finish."

Ferris laughed harshly. "You underestimate me, I am more than capable of handling you, bounty hunter." With that, he sent a spell of greater winds hurtling towards her shimmering form. With a small gesture he manipulated the winds, lifting Silvara into the air and then hurling her body against the wall of a nearby building. He smiling as she cried out in pain. "You will do nothing, bounty hunter. I have come to kill you." He walked over to her prone form, and posed his sword for the deathblow.

Silvara's eyes flew open and she flung up her hand, a wash of flames leaping from her fingertips. Cursing loudly, Ferris leaped back and Silvara rolled to her feet, anger driving away the pain from her broken arm. She stared at Ferris a moment, and began working another spell. Ferris felt her power increase. "Another fireball?" he laughed. "Now we can't have that! BE SILENT!"

Light shot from his fingers, enveloping Silvara just as she shouted the last word of her spell. Ferris cursed under his breath, evidently her magic barrier had activated just after his silence spell hit her. He chuckled darkly, as he watched her open her mouth and then realize she couldn't speak. He read her lips, and smiled. "That's no way for a lady to talk. Since we've managed to nullify each other's magic." He slowly walked towards her raising his sword. "We'll just have to finish this the old fashioned way."

****

Riya's eyes flew open at the hellish noise and she leaped to her feet, heart racing and sword drawn. Whirling, she found the source and her mouth dropped open in astonishment. Siydi was wide-awake and furious, his red eyes blazed with anger as he vainly tried to reach the Ku clinging to the saddlebags. "By the gods.. Siydi NO!!" Riya reached out and grabbed for the terrified Ku as the chocobo began run, her hand closing on a handful of feathers, further enraging the chocobo.

With an ominous hiss, he turned his head and Riya shrieked as she realized that the bird could reach her with his sharp beak! Drawing back her fist she prepared to punch the chocobo with all her strength, and then they were enveloped in light. Just as the light faded, Riya's fist connected. Siydi's red eyes rolled back into his head, and with a last outraged "WARK" he fell to the pavement. ...?.. *PAVEMENT? *

Riya calmly brushed her auburn tresses from her face and slowly lifted wide green eyes from the chocobo, emitting a choked squeak as she recognized her hometown. 'JUNON! HOW!?' She remembered the light and a vague tune, Silvara's song...a summoning!! That meant... She whirled and found her friend crouching a few yards away, dagger drawn and wild eyed. For a moment they both stared at each other, dumbfounded. "Silvara!?" Silvara's mouth was moving but she wasn't saying anything...and she looked mad as hell.

Silvara began to gesture wildly for her to move away and Riya frowned. "Silvara what is..?" She sensed movement behind her and spun around sword ready and gasped as she recognized the man before her. "Ferris!?"

Ferris arched a brow and looked at the dusty woman before him. There was something familiar about her, but he had other things on his mind. "Do you mind? We were in the middle of a battle, if you would be so kind as to GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!!" He brushed by her, and charged Silvara. Riya turned and saw her friend smack her palm against her forehead and point towards a group of people before she raised her dagger to parry his stroke.

Dazed, Riya stumbled to the small group of people the Ku following at her heels. One of the men looked her way and she gasped. Growing up as one of the elite aristocracy in Junon, she had met him only a few times, but would have recognized him anywhere. 'RUFUS!?' He was watching the two combatants, Dark Nation growling softly at his side, while she approached and stood beside him for a moment, not really expecting him to recognize her even if he did notice her. Her gaze followed the two fighters, watching as two of her closest friends tried to kill each other and she felt a sharp pain blossom behind her eyes. She sighed as the headache intensified and decided enough was enough. Not caring if he remembered her or not she leaned close and caught his attention and whispered. "Rufus, why the hell is Ferris fighting Silvara?"

Rufus was not pleased with this turn of events. First Fenris ignored him and now he had some woman asking him questions even he didn't know the answer for! He looked down a Nation who was snarling at both the woman and Fenris. He then smiled as he thought of something. "I don't really know, but I have an idea on how to find out." he said to the woman. He then laid a hand on Nation's head to get her attention. She looked up at him. Under his breath he whispered "Bolt both of them." She looked back over at the two fighters and snarled casting bolt first on Fenris and second on the woman with whom he had been fighting. Rufus then cast Esuna on the woman. "Why the hell are you two fighting for?" he asked. Nation snarled at Fenris and anybody else that was within ten feet of him.

Silvara threw up an arm, shielding her eyes as a spell hit Fenris, surrounding his body in a burst of lightning. She closed her eyes against the blinding glow and laughed silently at Ferris's outraged howl. Her eyes flew open at the slight tingling of danger that danced down her spine. Then her laughter quickly changed to a silent scream as pain coursed through her body and lightning swirled around her. It would seem that she had been tagged by the same spell. The lightning faded, and she collapsed to her knees, cursing at the top of her lungs....blushing in anger at the pathetic series of squeaks.

Ferris had staggered to his feet and sneered down at her with mocking contempt. "Ya say something.. bounty hunter?"

Silvara glared up at him only to squeak again as a curtain of greenish light surrounded her, she closed her eyes and braced herself for another attack. There was a subtle wrenching sensation and she felt the silence spell, as well as her haste and magic barrier, stripped away. Her mind sought out the lingering pattern of the magic. 'Esusana? but who?' Her instincts screamed warning again and her eyes swung back to Ferris who smiled wickedly, she could feel the power surge around him. 'If that's the way you want it...' Narrowing her eyes in answer, she called another fireball.

"Why the hell are you two fighting for?"

Fenris snarled as the voice cut through his concentration. Glancing at his friend, he raised his voice in an unnatural roar "RUFUS. I SAID STAY OUT OF THIS, DAMN YOU!" Turning away from Silvara, he glared over at his friend. "I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE TURKS OR UNPAID DEBTS, THE FACT REMAINS SHE KILLED MY BROTHER AND DYSTROYED MY FAMILY'S HONOR!"

Silvara glanced between the two men, fireball in hand. 'So there's my sparky friend, did he say Rufus? What's his deal?' Her eyes widened with disbelief as she listened to Ferris rant and his last words sent her blood boiling. Hurling the fireball at him, she managed an impressive roar herself. "WHAT HONOR!!? THE NOTHGALEA FAMILY HAD NO HONOR!" She glared at him in cold contempt. "Or should I say has no honor?"

Ferris roared with rage and dodged the explosion of flames, his anger and loss of concentration dissipating his own spell. Lifting his sword, he charged her, teeth bared and eyes blazing with bloodlust.

Riya's mouth fell open in disbelief as her friends were engulfed by the bolt spells. She turned and glanced from Dark Nation to Rufus noting his angry expression. 'Great, just what I need, now he's getting into it.' For a moment she wished Silvara, Rufus and Ferris would all kill each other, and save her the hassle of trying to deal with such stubborn people.

Silvara and Ferris lunged for each other, and Riya rolled her eyes with disgust as she managed to disarm him on the first pass, only to be thrown to the ground an instant later by another well-timed spell from Ferris. Silvara rose to her knees, and Ferris backed away, preparing another spell. Riya shook her head. 'too slow.' Silvara's hand flew to her boot, closing around the hilts of three tiny, but perfectly balanced, throwing knives. Riya winced, as the tiny missiles sped towards his chest...Silvara never missed.

Ferris shouted something and made a small gesture, changing his spell to deflect the daggers back towards Silvara. She tried to leap away, but yelped and fell to the ground as one sank hilt deep in her thigh. Before she could stand, Ferris pulled his own dagger from the sheath at his calf and launched himself at her prone figure in a flying leap Silvara saw him coming and in one fluid motion, wrenched the knife from her leg, hurling it into his sword hand as he sailed towards her. While succeeding in knocking the blade from his grasp, the throw cost Silvara the time she needed to roll away from his attack. Riya knew what was coming and winced again, with her friend's injured leg...the throw would hurt like hell.

Silvara raised her legs and caught him mid-leap and planted both feet in his chest, her cry of pain mingling with his harsh grunt as she bent her knees, pushed up with muscular thighs and rolled back on her spine. The simple movement caught Ferris unaware and his eyes widened in shock, with a startled curse he flung out his arms to break his fall as he sailed over her and crashed into the ground.

Silvara pressed her advantage and with a cat-like pounce straddled his hips, as she brought her dagger down towards his heart with a triumphant yell. Ferris heaved beneath her, throwing her smaller body off and causing the dagger to sink into his shoulder instead of his heart.

Riya sighed again, they were both getting sloppy. Her eyes narrowed in speculation. Ferris she could understand. His life didn't depend on his fighting skills--but Silvy? Something about this battle must have really spooked her. Ferris stood, wrenching the blade from his shoulder and cupping a hand to the wound, rage warring with disbelief on his handsome face. Riya watched him for a moment, frowning thoughtfully.

"1...2....3....4....5..."

She noticed Rufus staring at her with an incredulous expression and shrugged. "Silvara use to lace her dagger with malboro blood. I guess she stopped using it for some reason, otherwise he'd have passed out by now." She glanced back at them as they rolled on the ground, both blood soaked. Ferris throttling Silvara with one large hand and trying to pull her dagger from his throat with the other; Silvara was turning a pale blue and steady trickle of blood flowed from his throat down the edge of her blade. Shrugging off her heavy cloak and throwing it to the ground, Riya drew her sword and snarled. "Right, that's about enough of that." With a fierce yell, she ran into the fray.