Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ The Nightmare Saga: Warrior of Shadows ❯ Assault on Lord Herb. ( Chapter 7 )
Chapter seven: Assault on Lord Herb.
-Loyal warriors of the Musk Dynasty, hear the words of your Emperor!- Herb, the Third Emperor of the Musk Dynasty, looked down at part of his vast army, the 1st Corps., from a balcony located at the top level of his black-stoned fortress. His voice rang out loudly, echoing throughout the land like thunder during a storm. Though normally quiet in nature, the Dragon King began his speech with a deep booming voice, a voice that demanded respect and instant attention.
Thousands of soldiers that made up the 1st corps, clad in modern gray fatigues stood assembled in formation below him, awaiting his declaration of war. The Emperor's voice was, even now, being carried across the empire to the ears of his citizens and military alike via television and radio. It was not a shocking speech, most had known and wished for a war to end Amazon hostilities once and for all. Boarder towns along the Musk/Amazon line suffered moreso now than ever before as the Amazon council, acting of it's own accord since Cologne's departure to Japan, sought to gain territory and deny the Musk the land that was rightfully theirs.
-For many years, our empire has been strong. We've made the whole of western China ours thru bloodshed and countless sacrifices. Yet, despite all these successes, one thing still remains beyond our grasp: the village of the Amazons!- Herb spoke the name with disgust and his narrow eyes flashed with intensity.
-For thousands of years our tribe has fought many incredible battles with these vermin and yet we were always thwarted. When we gathered together after the destruction of the last great dynasty to form our own, new dynasty, the Joketsuzoku Amazons struck us hard and often, but we managed to hold our own. They killed our women and children, and destroyed our towns and cities. But tomorrow that changes my friends!!! Tomorrow, we will slay the Amazon's in savage combat and pay them back in kind!-
He raised his fist to the sky and the men below him bellowed a loud war cry. If he had to do to the Amazon's what they had done to him, then so be it. An eye for an eye. The Amazon council had marked his empire as an enemy over disputes almost a hundred years old and it was time to settle past grievances once and for all.
-Tomorrow we march into glorious battle. This coming conflict mark the fall of the Amazon nation! Return to your wives and rest, warriors of the mighty 1st corp., but be ready for the coming war! We depart at dawn. Unit commanders, take charge of your troops.-
The commanders saluted, then about-faced, calling their unit's to attention. -Rise up in the name of Herb,- they cried, stirring the coals of motivation that were already at an all time high.
-RISE UP IN THE NAME OF HERB!!!-
The thousands cried, thundering at the top of their lungs. This pleased Herb to no end, and he saluted them all, allowing a small confident smile to grace his features. He, the great emperor with the power and virtues of a dragon flowing through his veins, gave another savage cry and his men cheered, waving their weapons in the air. He watched the large masses of men break apart as they returned to their homes, some, no doubt, for the last time.
He turned his gazed up and looked out at the beautiful evening horizon as a cool breeze ran through his hair. The setting sun reflected off of the dragon scale armor he wore on his body and he glowed a magnificent gold. From the distance, he looked like a shimmering being of light.
He thought of the Amazon hordes and his very being filled with anger. "Joketsuzoku scum… We have some very unfinished business to attend to. Tomorrow there will be a reckoning of a magnitude you would not have thought possible!"
Herb had lost his father ten years prior during the last of the great battles against the Amazons, leaving him to the care of his people. His mother had died three years before that to cancer. The loss of both his parents over such a short period of time had hardened him into a tight-fisted warrior which manifested itself within him more every year of his life. At age sixteen, his contained emotions reached it's pinnacle and he had retreated into himself, swelling with sadness and anger. The two losses hurt and depolarized young Herb more than he would ever dare admit, even to himself. He was somewhat unstable and he understood that. The events that had happened involving the Amazons had given birth to a hatred that sent him into the embrace of madness at times. The little life changing plunge at Jusenkyo hadn't helped his mental stability either....
Over time, he had learned to control his fits of anger and maintain his powerful and invulnerable image. But today he couldn't help himself. His body shook with rage and his soul cried out for revenge. He knew that in the battle to come, the Lord the Musk Dynasty would disappear and leave a mad killing machine in its place with a quest for vengeance and a taste for blood. The ancient battle between Amazon and Musk was going to end very soon.
{Soon Amazons, you will pay the price for resisting my power! You will suffer twice as bad for the murder of my father!} Herb shook his head to clear it and forced himself to calm, clenching and unclenching his fist repeatedly. He decided to forget his anger for the moment and focused on the matters at hand. After all, planning a war was a tough job. Single-minded determination in this instance would only hurt his forces and his public image.
While the Musk preferred to hold onto the old ways of living, {boys were generally kept away from women until they reached the age of marriage for instance,} the country wasn't entirely against change. Tradition and technology had blended together nicely. Traditional villages still flourished outside the capital and it's suburbs, but office buildings existed as well. Trade and modern tehnology had found a way to coexist with the traditional Chinese lifestyle and it had proven to be most appealing. The Amazons however, who lived exactly in the same manner as they had thousands of years ago, viewed the Dynasty's ways as poison and a threat to their views. It was from this difference, as well as others, that the flames of war had burned as brightly as it had all these years.
Herb's royal guards, the Elite, still brandished traditional weapons, while the rest of his vast military had harnessed the power of guided rockets, long range artillery, and automatic rifles. They had built a small navy as well, one the patrolled the Musk owned coastline like the Chinese wooden ships of old. His army, which had been formed under the reign of his grandfather, existed as three large corps, were each made up of between forty to sixty thousand men. Time and time again, his forces had proven their bravery as they patrolled the Musk countryside, beating back hundred's of disjoined Amazon assaults with rugged determination.
In turn, the Amazons had begrudgingly adopted a similar plan of action in order to survive the escalating war. After Cologne had moved to Japan in order to help out her beloved granddaughter in her hunt over Ranma, the council had adopted a series of new ideals that had brought them into the modern era in the span of just a few short years. They learned the way of technology and harnessed it's abilities, though many did little to hide their disgust while doing so. Their vast tribe had built a huge series of sophisticated buildings and tunnels under their village, establishing it as both a refuge for their people during war and a command center. On top of that, they quickly came to possesses modern weapons bought from all over the world. It was a threat the Musk couldn't ignore, and an opportunity the Communists couldn't overlook as they sought to take the Musk territory for their own. Communist officers had trained the Amazons, helping to form an army from the highly determined stock of citizens.
From that point on, bloodier battles had occurred, and the situation was enough to break even the Dragon Lord's heart. The situation had to be resolved once and for all or even more sons would lose their fathers to war and death.
Taking a calming breath and forcing that train of thought from his mind, he pushed his stark white hair back behind his slightly pointed ears and gathered his wits about him. -Mint, Lime, come forth!- He barked the order with strength.
Two men detached themselves from the shadows created by two large pillars which flanked the door that led from the balcony to Herb's chamber. They bowed humbly before him, neither daring to look into his eyes. --You summoned us my lord,-- they asked in unison.
Herb turned around to face the two guards. -Rise my friends.- His voice held an affectionate tone reserved only for those closest to him. Mint and Lime complied, honored by his soft tone. Mint, the weaker of the two watched his master with large, watchful eyes, stroking the skin's of a wolf he wore over his clothes. Small, fast, and cunning. These were the traits that had earned him the title of bodyguard. He was unmatched in his skill with throwing knives which he threw with deadly accuracy every time. In battle he was like a wolf, savage, and quick.
Mint glanced at his master's powerful dark eyes and nervously fiddled with the handle of a knife attached to his belt. He never felt completely comfortable in his master's presence. Herb's body radiated with ki and his strength was a thing of legends, like the great dragons themselves. Mint often wondered how such a powerful man had lost to a commoner like Ranma.
Then again, he shouldn't really be thinking about being beaten by a commoner. He had always thought that he was the fastest warrior in the Orient and it was that skill that had always landed him the assignation jobs and stealth missions. He was defeated at Mousse's hands, a fellow Chinese boy and an Amazon to boot. That fact stung more than anything. He had been fast, but Mousse was faster still. In his heart, he wanted nothing more than revenge against the boy and put him to shame.
{Soon, I will have vengeance. I'll show Mousse what true speed looks like!} A mischievous smile completely alien to his childish features appeared on his face like lightening but he wiped it away just as quickly when he saw his master was about to speak. When Herb spoke, one gave him his absolute attention.
Lime, the stronger and more confident of the two stared at his master with feral, cat-like eyes and waited for a command. He dressed in the skin's of a tiger that barely managed to cover his powerful form. The skins crossed over rippled muscles and, like Mint, two long shoulder pads extended from his shoulders. He preferred no weapon and loved to use unarmed combat where he could use his strength to crush his enemy.
Still, in the back of his mind he knew he was wasn't the strongest fighter anymore. A vision of Ryoga beating him senseless appeared in his mind. He snarled savagely. {I'm sure that if I fought him again I would be stronger! Soon, I'll return to Japan and claim my victory.} He silenced his thought when he saw herb was about to speak.
-My warriors, my friends!- Herb placed his hands on each of their shoulders. -Long have you served me faithfully. In our first battle together against the Amazon's, I requested your strength,- he glanced over at Lime, -and your speed,- he turned to face Mint.
Both bodyguards took pride in his compliments and puffed their chests out ever so slightly. Compliments from Herb were rare and far between and they took every opportunity to soak up praise like a sponge does water.
-Then, when we faced off against Ranma Saotome and his friends, your skills were a blessing that saved us from peril and misfortune. Now I request that you use that power again in the war to come, a war to end all wars with the Amazons. Will you help lead my forces to victory?-
The two boys nodded. -We will serve you faithfully to the end, Lord.- Mint bowed low.
Herb nodded and motioned for them to follow him. -General Malleic is here reviewing our strategy with his subordinates. Come join us.- He threw open the large doors to his personal bedchamber and moved to the far wall where a large grid map of China hung. The map showed the exact location of the Musk Dynasty, the Amazon village, and all friendly units between the two. Three black lines lead up to the Amazon village from three different directions, passing the pinpointed objective points that were placed at various strategic locations along the way. Reviewing the map was a tall, medium built, slightly gray-haired, strong jawed soldier, who analyzed the data with his sharp, tactical eyes. Occasionally he'd break his silence to point something out a member of his staff who took personal notes for him to look over at a later time.
Lime studied the battle plan for a moment then made an irritated clicking sound with his teeth. -Master, there is no need for all this planning and organizing. Give me direct control of our men and I will give you the results you seek! Armed with our latest technology and air support I'll lead our army to their very gates and level that city myself!-
Herb cut him off with a raise of his hand. While bold, it was evident that his bodyguard's military experience was somewhere near zero. -No Lime! You know full well that the Amazon's are far stronger and smarter than that! Real strategy must be used in this day in age. My spies have reported a drastic build up in Amazon military supply trains over the last few months. Also, for the first time, the savages are forming a true strategy of their own, as their recent raids have indicated. Those females fight like demons and they have capable officers to lead them. My spies have confirmed this. We must go about this cautiously o will will only invite destruction!-
He pointed to a spot colored in red on the map. -We recently had several male Amazon's defect to our side. They told us of a secret underground tunnel that leads right into the center of the village. This tunnel is said to be big enough to move whole regiments through. They said it was designed back before the Battle of the Mountain to quickly move and surprise attack our caravans. My scouts have confirmed this information to be face value.-
Herb grinned. -Now for the interesting part! We can count on the fact that the end of the tunnel will be heavily guarded so a huge assault there would be a pointless waste of lives. The enemy could simply bottleneck our troops and pick them off at their leisure. Therefore, we need to draw as many of their warriors away from the exit as possible. Our three Corps. will set out tomorrow, and smash whatever interception force they rush out to meet us. From there, we will pushed them back, boxing them within the village's perimeter, if possible. I don't want to formulate a siege, but if that is the destiny of our forces, then so be it. Quick victory or slow yet certain victory in the form of a siege, it makes no difference which occurs. There is no way victory can evade us.
-Lime, Mint, you will lead two of General Haower's divisions because of your popularity and well standing with our men. These will be the 3rd Musk Combat Division, and the 11th. General Faing's Third Corps will accompany Haower's to provide immediate relief if the situation calls for it, leapfrogging and driving the enemy as they see fit. Once we reach striking range of the Amazon's main command center, it will be his job to back you both up and harass the enemy's main gate from the formidable Jusenkyo heights. That should send the fools running to engage us! Meanwhile, General Malleic's 1st Musk corp. will fight it's way up the secret tunnel and burn the city from within! By this time, the Amazon forces should be shattered, confused, and boxed in from both sides. From there, it will be a simple matter of picking them off one by one.-
Malleic nodded, squaring his broad shoulders. -In anticipation of an early Amazon strike that could disrupt our plans, General Faing has moved his corps. to the base of the Jusenkyo bluffs to shield our advancing units. We have all three corps. ready for battle, placing our forces at about 105,000 men, including our reserves. On paper, it's a perfect plan, my lord. The determination of our soldiers to end this war once and for all should keep moral within the ranks at an all time high, making this a relatively quick and decisive campaign.-
-A marvelous set of plans, my lord,- Lime echoed, bowing his head respectfully.
Herb nodded. -Indeed, it's a wonder we didn't think of such an attack years ago. Listen well, I am certain the enemy does not know we are aware of the tunnel, but it is very likely that they know of our coming attack. You can be sure that they will send their best assassins if they do. Guard the door and do not let anyone in. I grow weary for sleep.-
Mint and Lime bowed. --As you wish, master.--
Malleic came to attention with a fluid precision unknown to all but disciplined military soldiers. -Rise up in the name of Herb!-
Herb motioned with his hand, a small gesture, a flick of his fingertips. -Dismissed.-
Malleic and his staff packed up and left moments later. Mint and Lime filed out last and closed the heavy door, leaving Herb alone with his thoughts. Sighing heavily, he sat on his large bed, utterly spent of physical energy. He gently massaged his temples in an attempt to ward off a nasty headache that had been plaguing him for most of the day. Things had been going at a fast pace all week and he needed a break. Even dragons needed rest and he felt a sense of weariness deep in his bones.
Being a ruler meant one had to always appear strong and powerful in the eye's of his subjects. To show one's true feelings was to make one seem fallible. That's what Herb believed first and foremost. But that didn't mean he wasn't human, he had his own problems, even if he pretended otherwise. Being of royal blood didn't exclude him from life's fair share of bad luck and tragedy, though he had often prayed for it to be so. He sighed again and placed his head in his hands, allowing his multicolored hair to fall around his troubled face like a veil. For a brief moment, loneliness touched his spirits which lay exposed for the first time in a very long while.
For years he had kept his inner self hidden and locked away. Now all that trapped emotion was beginning to weigh heavily on his spirits, begging to be released. He only wanted a friend, a companion that he could open up to without fear of being ridiculed or judged, and who wouldn't spread news to the masses. Mint and Lime were the closest things to friend he had to filling this role, but they were his guards and comrades, which left little time for paling around. Their job was only to serve him.
{Stop this!} Herb snarled at himself and cut off the current train of thought. He had the future of his empire to think about and that left no time for self pity or personal want. All that could come after he accomplished what the previous two emperors could not.
{Your behaving like a child!} He ground his teeth together in frustration.
He looked up at the ancient looking grandfather clock that hung on the far wall. The clock was just one of the many exquisite items that occupied the room but to Herb, it was the most precious of his belongings. Smiling slightly, he stood up and walked over to it. Memories rushed back as he gently ran his hand over it, feeling the smooth wood finish under his fingertips. The clock had been a gift from his father who had carved it and put the gears in single-handedly. He had given it to Herb as a battle present shortly before he was killed in the Battle of the Mountain.
The Musk and Amazon tribes had existed for centuries but it wasn't until the end of world war one that the Musk Dyansty had come into existence. The area carved out to serve as the lands under the Musk's control included the Amazon territories and they, with their pride and strong female led society, had no intention of being assimilated into the forged empire, hence the current war that had erupted as a result. For decades violent and indecisive wars had erupted between the two nations, and countless innocents had died. Now at last, Herb, the third Emperor of the Musk Dynasty, would end the cycle of violence and bring peace and order to the land.
{Father,} Herb thought to himself, {I wish you were with me now. I am sure you would be proud of me.} He sighed sadly and removed his hand from the clock. His face set with determination and pride and a feral grin appeared, almost stretching from pointed ear to pointed ear. -Just you watch, father! I will avenge you and bathe the ground with the blood of the entire Amazon village!-
He shook his fist up at the heavens, triggering a ki shockwave that rattled the room. Revenge would no be denied to him, he had waited too long and planned to hard to let anything stop justice from being served. -It is almost time!-
Someone chuckled loudly and Herb whirled around in surprise. He hadn't heard anyone come in through the main door. Lime and Mint were guarding the entrance, and even if they had been defeated, the sounds of battle would have tipped him off instantly. No, this person had entered without making a sound or opening the door at all!
His grin reached his eyes and they pulsed red with delight. {How interesting!}
He turned around and saw a man blanketed by a cloud of gray ki standing before him. He took up a loose defensive position, studying this uncanny phenomenon with interest. {A ki shield? What does this man hope to accomplish with such a base trick?}
-YOUR GOALS ARE ADMIRABLE, EMPEROR HERB. HOWEVER, I AM AFRAID THAT YOUR LITTLE WAR WILL HAVE TO BE CANCELED. I DON'T THINK YOU WILL BE IN ANY CONDITION TO FIGHT WHEN I GET THROUGH WITH YOU.-
-Who are you?- Herb's eyes never left his opponent. -Are you some sort of weak Amazon assassin? You are certainly original in appearance, aren't you? Coming here was a mistake, Intruder. I will make you pay many times over for your arrogance. The only way you will leave these chambers now is in pieces.-
-I AM NOT HERE ON THE AMAZON'S BEHALF. I COULDN'T CARE LESS IF THEY LIVE OR DIE. THEIR ACTIONS ARE NONE OF MY CONCERN. I HAVE COME HERE TO PUNISH YOU FOR A TRULY DISHONORABLE FOLLY THAT YOU MADE SOME TIME AGO.-
Herb raised an eyebrow. -And what might that be?-
The Shadow Warrior took a step forward and pointed a cloaked finger at Herb. -YOU ONCE FOUGHT AGAINST A JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTIST NAMED RANMA SAOTOME. YOU WERE DEFEATED DUE TO YOUR OWN STUPIDITY AND OVER CONFIDENCE. TO LOSE AGAINST A STUDENT OF THE ANYTHING GOES MARTIAL ARTS FIGHTING STYLE IS TO COMMIT A VERY DISHONORABLE FOLLY. I AM HERE TO PUNISH YOU AND TO SEE HOW STRONG YOU REALLY ARE!-
Herb winced at his words and a long buried memory resurfaced despite his efforts to keep it away. During his fight with Ranma, the pigtailed boy had tricked him into placing too much energy into the air which he had then used to created a revision of the Hiryu Shouten Ha. While Herb was quite aware of the effects of the final attack, the revised version had taken him completely by surprise and given him a bitter taste of defeat. It had been his first and only loss in battle.
Herb blanched as the statement triggered further memories. If defeat itself hadn't been bad enough, the mountain they had been dueling on had fallen apart and Ranma had actually saved his life. He found himself growing angry now and a low growl escaped his clenched teeth. While he didn't hate Ranma anymore by any means, being defeated by the commoner was still the single most embarrassing event that had ever happened to him. How dare this pathetic shadow bring up such embarrassing moments to him? The insolence of this fool was more than he could bear!
-Ranma was very lucky, Intruder. I'm far stronger now than I was then. You've also underestimated my powers. What sort of cowering weakling would need the protection of a ki shield?!- Herb casually raised his finger and threw a small ball of yellow energy at his opponent. The Warrior looked down in surprise as the ball hit his chest and quickly dissipated his energy cloak. Shining golden light repulsed the Warrior's shield, tearing it away from the armor underneath, showing the true form of his opponent to be.
Herb gazed at his unveiled opponent with a mixture of subdued awe and disbelief. His opponent's body was covered in heavy gray battle armor. Metal spikes rose from his large armored shoulder and arm pads and his face was completely covered in a metal helmet that sported smaller spikes that started on his forehead and went back in a line to the back of his skull. His arms, legs, back, and chest gleamed with dark armor adding to his inhuman appearance. He flexed his metal gloved hand and stepped forward, catching the light of the room's many candles. His metal clad boots clanked loudly on the marble floor. All in all, he looked like a Samurai warrior Herb had once seen in an old Japanese history book.
The Musk lord laughed and sat down on his throne, genuinely excited for the first time in a very long time. -This is very amusing! Your reflexes are sluggish at best inside of that armor. I can now see that you are not even worthy of facing me in combat! You are all boast and no substance. Mint, Lime, come to my side!-
The main door flung open and the two boys flew to their masters side. Their gaze fell on the Shadow Warrior and they dropped into combat stance, moving in front of Herb to shield him from harm.
-My friends, this fool is a threat to our plans and to me. Kill him and throw his worthless body to the dogs!-
Mint and Lime need no further instructions as they rushed forward, throwing themselves into combat mode. Moving side-by-side as one, they jumped into the air and launched their feet at the Warrior. They connected with his breastplate armor and sent him crashing into the far wall, cracking it's very frame.
Herb watched this from his throne and laughed, growing more confident by the moment. How entertaining his evening was turning out to be! Yet, even as he enjoyed the show, he kept his ego in check and observed this threat for weaknesses. There had to be more to this opponent, he wouldn't have come to fight if he didn't have an edge of some kind… If he could find it, he could break this man, and that would be the perfect warm up for the war to come!
-Give up, mister! If you do, I wont have to hurt ya.- Mint growled savagely, running his hand over a particularly sharp knife. No doubt it was made to cut into the very heart of a man. Young and normally immature as a child of his age should be, he was all business now, showing power and determination of a warrior many times his age.
-Refuse and we will personally tear you limb from limb,- Lime added cracking his knuckles. -So please refuse. I haven't had a good fight in a long time!-
The armor clad fighter laughed and rose to his feet with outstretched fists. -You two clearly overestimate yourselves. Come on, I'll show you how a true martial artist fights!-
Mint threw six daggers with blinding speed but they clattered off the armor with no visible damage to show for it. Lime rushed forward, furiously throwing punches, laughing despite the seriousness of the situation. Bringing his hands together, he swung sideways, slamming into the side of the Warrior's face mask. The mysterious man half stumbled to the side, apparently dazed.
Lime threw another punch, slamming his huge fist into the Warrior's midsection, hurling him backwards again. Behind his mask, the man blinked in surprise. He had come to this castle tonight to battle Herb; he was completely aware of his skill and abilities… but he had no knowledge of these two guards and their apparent skill had momentarily gotten the better of him.
-I have you!!!- Lime launched his hands outward, aiming for his opponent's neck.
With a burst of great speed, the Warrior stood up straight and locked his hands with the Tiger clad warrior. The two grappled, each trying to overpower the other, staring each other down. The Warrior bore down on the guard, intensifying the strength of his grip.
Lime's eyes widened in shock, and his grin faded. He had clearly hoped to overpower his enemy in a matter of seconds. No one could possibly move that fast after receiving the brunt of his strongest attacks, and yet, the unthinkable was happening before his eyes! He put all his power into his arms and leaned forward, pushing the Warrior's arms backwards again. At such an angle, he could surely dislocate the man's arms.
-YOU ARE STRONG,- The warrior muttered, straining. -HOWEVER, I CANNOT BE OVERPOWERED SO EASILY.- Crying out, his strength increased yet again, and he pushed Lime's hands away with increasing ease. Turning his head slightly, he chuckled evilly and brought his left foot up, catching Mint in the face as he tried to sneak in close to attack. The blow propelling his body away where he fell to the ground and skidded on his side.
Lime couldn't believe how much power the man had as his enemy pressed on, straining the bodyguards arms to the limit. His feral eyes went wide in fear {It isn't possible! No one is stronger than me! No one!!!}
Executing another attack with blinding speed, the Warrior brought his armored knee up and slammed it into Lime's jaw, completely shattering the bone it hit. The boy cried out in pain and watched as blood and several broken teeth flew out of his gaping mouth. However, he did not go down. Ignoring the pain, he threw his freed fist forward and smashed it into the Warrior's chest armor, denting it slightly and pushing the man backwards again, propelling him away from Herb by several more feet. The Warrior grunted but managed to grab Lime's arm before he could pull it back to hit him again. Using the strength in his arms, the Warrior preformed an overhead throw, sending Lime crashing into the far wall. A sickening snapping of bones was clearly audible throughout the chamber. The stricken guard fell to the ground as blood oozed from his broken jaw. The light dimmed from his eyes as unconsciousness claimed his mind.
-APPEARANCES AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM, LORD HERB.- The Warrior flexed his blood-stained gauntlet. -THIS ARMOR IS INCREDIBLE FLEXIBLE AND LIGHTER THAN YOU WOULD BELIEVE. IT DOES NOT HINDER MY SPEED IN THE SLIGHTEST.-
-How dare you!- Mint came at him again, attacking with a knife in each hand, looking for a gap in the man's armor. He jabbed his hands forward but the Warrior easily knocked the projectiles away. As fast at Mint attacked, the Warrior countered just as quickly, blocking all of the deadly blows with ease.
-Damn you!- Mint snarled. Crouching low, he drew the sword he kept at his side. He swung wildly, losing control of his senses, giving in to the fear that constricted his heart. Ducking the blow, the Warrior chopped his hand to the side, snapping the blade neatly in half. -Weapons wont work on me, little boy.-
The boy back-flipped away giving him some room to maneuver. The Warrior shifted his stance slightly, reviling a small crack of exposed skin between his shoulder pads and the armor on his arm. Aiming carefully, Mint threw another knife. The blade imbedded itself into the Warrior's arm and a cry of pain escaped from his lip covered mask. Mint grinned wickedly, praising his impeccable aim. -Yes!-
The Shadow fighter grunted as he pulled the knife out, sending a small geyser of blood spurting out of the wound. He looked his arm over and quickly noted that the wound wasn't too serious. The blade had gone deep but had missed the bone altogether. Still, being wounded by such unimportant opponents was not something he had expected. It would only serve to hinder him further against Herb.
{Perhaps it's time to used the revised version of prince Toma's final attack.} He grinned inwardly. {A test for the new move, a crucible by fire.}
-Don't get distracted!- Howling, Mint snapped his foot up, catching the Warrior in his plated jaw. The blow staggered the powerful man, throwing him back to the doorway of the chamber. The warrior gripped each side of the doorway, steadying himself. His powerful grip shattered the wooden frame and he hunched his stance slightly.
-YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!- He snarled, extending his hand. -HELL FIRE BLAST!!!- He threw a column of red fiery ki at Mint, engulfing the flailing guard in flames. The Wolf boy screamed as his clothes and skin began to burn. He stamped at the flames with his hands but it refused to extinguish. He rolled on the ground but the flames stubbornly refused to be smothered. Pleading eyes foretelling his agony, he gazed up at Herb, crying out for help. -My lord…-
Before Herb could move, the Warrior clenched his fist and the flames went out. Mint fell to the floor, unconscious and badly singed as portions of his skin bubbled up and cracked from the intense heat. His body smoked painfully as a smell of cooked flesh filled the air. It was one of the most painful sights Herb had ever had to witness. True, it was Mint and Lime's job to put themselves in harms way to protect him, but that didn't make it any easier to watch the two my beloved people in his life get crushed so badly.
The Warrior gazed down at his hand and smiled behind his mask. {I turned a move that was an illusion into an actual flame attack. I wasn't entirely sure it was going to work seeing as it was the first time I had used it. Heh, sometimes I even impress myself.}
-Mint…Lime… How dare you!!!- Herb rose to his feet, snarling savagely. He gazed at his opponent, like a cat does a cornered mouse.
-RELAX EMPEROR, I DID NOT SLAY THEM.-
Herb shook his long hair over his shoulder and took several calming breaths. -You fought well, Intruder. You defeated the Musk dynasty's finest guards with near flawless precision. Now, let's see how you do against me! Give me a good fight before I cast you into hell!- A burst of air blew past as Herb tapped into his reserves of power, hands curling into fists.
The Shadow Warrior stepped forward, dripping blood from his arm on the marble floor as he moved. -YOU CAN'T WIN.-
Herb's face twisted with glee as his dragon blood burned through his veins, electrifying his senses. It had been far too long since he had felt the sweet rush of combat. -I guess time will tell for certain! I don't suppose you'll beg for your life after I beat you? That would be so amusing.-
-NOT A CHANCE, HERB. I KNOW OF YOU FIGHTING SKILLS. YOU WONT BEAT ME, SO THERE'S REALLY NO NEEED FOR YOU TO THINK OF SUCH THINGS.-
-You've started this and I will finish it! An attack on the Emperor of the Musk Dynasty means death! When I defeat you in combat I will kill you!-
-SO BE IT. THE TIME FOR TALK HAS ENDED!- The Warrior leapt forward, extending his fist. Herb smirked and with one smooth motion, effortlessly grabbed the Warrior's wrist and flipped him into one of the room's many pillars, shattering it. The warrior groggily shook his head to clear it as he slowly and painfully stood up amidst the rubble. He should have been prepared for such a move. He had attacked without thinking. {How utterly pathetic…}
Herb laughed, waving his finger in the air. -Ah, ah, ah! Your own momentum was used against you. At least try and give me some small amount of a challenge before I remove your head!-
The Warrior bellowed in anger and charged forward again, throwing a volley of punches. Herb ducked down and swept the Warrior's legs out from under him. A surprised look crossed his face when the Warrior landed on his hands, and brought his leg up to kick him in the chest. He barely managed to block the blow with his hands before it was too late. Herb grimaced. {He's using a style I don't recognize. I had best treat this fight with more care.}
-Impressive speed!- Herb brought his own leg up and kicked the rising Warrior in the ribs, spinning him off his feet. The Warrior grunted as he hit the ground on his back. Herb laughed again, dropping back into a combat stance. -I'm afraid you have no chance of beating me. Your skills lack in potency.-
-YOU SHOW FLAWLESS SKILL, DRAGON LORD, I'LL GIVE YOU THAT. I'M NOT FINISHED YET THOUGH. THE FIGHT HAS JUST BEGUN.- He flipped to his feet and dropped into a low attack position. Herb readied himself for another attack but instead of attacking, the man teleported in a flash that nearly blinded Herb with it's intensity.
The Emperor looked around, never letting his guard down. -Come out, coward! Do not hide from me!-
A pair of gloved hands reached up from behind him, grabbed his neck in a vice hold, and lifted him off the ground. -THAT WAS JUST A LITTLE TRICK I PICKED UP!- He threw Herb against the far wall with all his might. The prince was saved by his own lightning fast reflexes, honed from years of intense training. He used his powerful legs to rebound off the wall and easily flung himself back at his opponent, brining his fist around, slamming it into the Warrior's face mask.
Herb landed gracefully on the ground, forcing him to let his guard down momentarily to gather his balance. The Warrior took advantage of this and drove his knee into the his unguarded stomach. Herb back-flipped away a second later, clutching his middle. He grimaced in pain but quickly recovered his composure and smiled. -Well done!-
-I'M JUST GETTING STARTED!- The Warrior charged again, faking a punch and raised his leg to deliver an axe kick that would have torn Herb's arm from the socket had it connected. Luckily, he dived to the side and the kick caught nothing but thin air. Herb rose quickly to his feet but took a round-house kick in the face and was sent sprawling to the floor again.
-I would have won by now if it hadn't been for your damned armor!- Herb hissed in anger and flipped in close to attack. The two threw punch after punch at each other, both too close to one another to block effectively. They pounded each other in a test to see who could take the most damage before falling. Summoning a great deal of strength, Herb drove his fist into the Warrior's plated gut while the Warrior responded by slamming his fist into Herb's face. The two back-flipped away from each other, leaving a pool of blood on the ground behind. They sized each other up from opposite sides of the room, the hot rage of the Dragon against the cool calculating Shadow. Both panted from exertion and felt as if they had just ran a thirty mile marathon.
The Shadow Warrior removed a flask of water and threw it at Herb. The glass container shattered against Herb's arm and cold water drenched the young man, shrinking him a foot, giving him curves, and a higher pitched voice. Herb was perplexed. How had this mysterious foe known about his curse? Few knew of it within the confines of his empire because it was his best kept secret.
Herb blinked in confusion. -What was the point of that, Intruder? I may be smaller and weaker in this form, but I'm also much faster!- She demonstrated this by jumping into the air with unparallel grace, delivering a lightning kick to his unprotected neck. Her foot sank into his flesh a bit, and she felt bones shifting around his shoulder.
The Warrior groaned in pain and mustered his iron will. Raising his arm almost completely by instinct, he caught her in her side with his elbow, shattering a rib. Herb choked off a scream and fell to the ground on one knee/ The two backed away from each other again slowly, nursing their injuries. Herb suddenly realized that further combat in her girl form would bring about her eventual destruction due to her sheer lack of power. She just couldn't hit as hard as she needed to, especially against an opponent wearing such impressive armor.
The Warrior raised his hand, palm outward. -BLOOD LANCE!-
The same beam of power that had toppled Kirin shot out from his hand, aiming for Herb's midsection. She rolled to the side, cursing as her broken rib screamed out in agony. The energy beam cut through Herb's chamber wall, and shot out far into the evening sky. She clenched her teeth together and rose on unsteady legs. -That wont work on me.-
The Warrior raised his hand a little higher and fired another, more concentrated beam.
-I said that wont work!- Herb swatted the attack away from her easily, clenching her hands into fists as her eyes trembled with pain.
-YOU SHOULD JUST SCREAM. I KNOW YOUR IN TERRIBLE PAIN,- the Warrior goaded.
-You seem to be my equal in unarmed combat Intruder,- She said through clenched teeth. -Let's see how you like this!- Howling, her body began to glow red and with clenched fists pointed skyward, she summoned her vast reserve of power. Even with her body injured as it was, her strength was beyond legend! -Take this! Matrix Orb!!!-
Two blue, round balls formed in her hands and she hurled them at the Warrior with a piercing scream. The Warrior dodged the first ball but the second one caught him in the chest, searing his armor and burning the flesh underneath. The orb exploded a second later, staggering him backwards. The attack neutralized the effect of his armor, leveling the playing field.
Herb smiled an evil grin. -Didn't like that much, did you?-
-JUST YOU WAIT! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! HELL FIRE BLAST!!!- Fire flew from the Warrior's hand as if he were a Phoenix, a being of incredible heat and flame.
-Don't take me for a fool! I've already seen that move!- The Emperor raised her hand, deflecting the heat with her considerable power. The defense tasked her considerably all the same. {This man is as strong as Ranma...maybe stronger! I may be in trouble!}
-DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME, EMPEROR!- The warrior growled in a mocking tone. He had proven himself to be a dangerous opinion to Herb indeed. The sweat that appeared on her brow was all the proof he needed to confirm that she was indeed growing nervous.
Herb balled her hand into a fist again and slowly stepped forward, throwing off her long robes with a snap of her wrist. -My final attack is the most feared attack in all of China. In thanks for such a great fight, I'll let you view it first hand.- Her body took on a pulsing green tone and her eyes shone bright green and as her form tensed up. She howled with strength, green waves of power crashed out from her body, shattering the ground beneath her. It was an impressive sight, and the Warrior had to admit, Herb was by far the strongest opponent he had ever faced.
-FINAL ATTACKS, HUH?- The warrior smiled again. -HOW AMUSING!-
-You treat this as though its some sort of game! This final round will decide who lives and who dies!- Green energy flowed into her hands as she raised them high in the air. -Musk Dynasty final attack, Dragon's Rage!!!- A huge "V" shaped wave of power rushed forward toward her waiting opponent. It was a perfected technique, the Warrior could tell by the depth of the energy and concentration that went into it. It would not be just another parlor trick. Herb had certainly outdone herself this time!
The Warrior also threw his ki attack, which just so happened to be Kirin's chopstick technique, his favorite stolen attack thus far. Multiple yellow beams of energy flew from his hand right into Herb's oncoming attack. The two blasts clashed together, creating sparks and explosions as the two waves tried to overcome the other. Wave after wave of green and yellow energy overlapping each other, creating shockwaves that cracked the chamber walls and rocked the floor.
The price for such power was great and the strain on their bodies was unimaginable. Both of them were injured and as such, the beams started to dim quicker than usual as the fighters began to use up their supply of energy. Strong as they both were, even they had their limits.
Herb cut off the flow of power when she was unable to attack any longer. Her body felt drained and tired, her soul tapped of power and will to fight. She moved sluggishly, like an elderly woman, falling back a few steps to give her some breathing space. This appalled her to no end. If she had remained a male, defeating this upstart would have been all but assured but as it was, as she was in this state, her chances were dim indeed.
She staggered backwards, gasping for breath. -You are persistent!-
The Warrior stopped the convection of power as well, sucking great heaps of air in through his mask. Suddenly, and with considerable effort, he pushed off with his back foot, rushing forward, slamming his fist into Herb's jaw. The move threw Herb into the wall at an almost sonic speed. Screaming, he beat on the shocked girl with all his might, bruising her body, and knocking the breath from her lungs with repeated punches. She collapsed into a heap on the ground at his feet, wheezing and broken.
-How...did... you have any...power...left....?" She fainted dead away, falling face first to the floor, her hair falling gently behind her.
He looked at the fallen Emperor and laughed, straining to recover his breath. -YOU GAVE ME QUITE A FIGHT, LORD HERB. FOR A WHILE I THOUGHT I MIGHT VERY WELL LOSE BUT I GUESS THIS TURN OF EVENTS PROVES WHO IS THE STRONGER MAN. TO BE TRUTHFUL, YOU ARE ONE OF THE STRONGEST FIGHTERS I HAVE EVER FOUGHT.-
Taking off the glove on his right hand, he placed it on Herb's forehead, lifting the man into the air. -YOUR TWO SPECIAL MOVES WILL SERVE AS A GREAT ADDITION TO MY ARSENAL OF ATTACKS. YOU HAVE MY THANKS.- Just as he did with Toma and Kirin, he extracted the memory he needed then put his leather and metal glove back on, allowing his freed target to crash back into the floor. Herb unconscious state spared him the pain and agony of the Warrior's mind probe.
He stared down at his vanquished opponent for an endless moment, before realization came to his mind. -NOW, TO FINISH YOU OFF! I CAN'T VERY WELL LET YOU LIVE, CAN I? YOU'RE TOO STRONG AND THE DESIRE FOR REVENGE WOULD CONSUME YOU AND HINDER MY FURTHER PLANS.- He prepared to bring his fist down on the defenseless girl's neck, smiling slightly underneath his mask. Oh, he was going to enjoy this!
-LONG LIVE THE KING.-
Suddenly, loud banging sounds erupted from the other side of the door followed by the sounds of men racing up the stairs. {Damn! His men have come checking on him! Well, it seems I'll have to wait and finish you off some other time.} Silently, the Warrior teleported away to safety. He had other people to attend to...
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Herb's soldiers crashed through the door and rushed to their fallen Lord and his body guards. The palace's many doctors were brought in and the three were given immediate treatment. The palace guards and the royal advisors breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the Gods when they found that their master would survive his horrific defeat. Under the supervision of general Malleic, Herb and his guards were cared for under the protection of armed soldiers and the best doctors in the land.
The great war planned by Herb was postponed, for the time being…