Chapter 7

“Well, if it isn’t Ryu.” The muscle-bound swordsman scoffed. “Long time, no see.”

“Xavier.” Ryu whispered, frustrated at the sudden annoyance.

“I suppose you’ve come to assassinate me, then?”

“Well, I don’t suppose you’ll let me pass.”

“Not a chance.” Xavier scowled gruffly, drawing his sword.

“If that’s the case, then, I’ll have no choice but to kill you!” Ryu challenged. Secretly, he was frightened at the sheer power of his opponent. After all, he had no sword and was sure shuriken would be ineffective against this brute.

Then, he realized, if he could defeat this man, right here, right now, there would be no more war. He could stay at home and start a family with his wife, teach the village youngsters about the martial arts. He would give anything for a life like that.

The burly swordsman charged at Ryu and lunged forth, sword at the ready. He shot his sword straightforward. Ryu leaped over the oncoming blade and swung his leg full force into his opponent’s forehead. Blood leaked slowly from the small cut caused by the metal plates on Ryu’s knees.

Xavier got up and ran in Ryu’s direction, readying another attack. Ryu ducked under the man’s arm and gave him a sharp elbow in the ribs. He spun round and Ryu’s foot met the giant’s jaw with shattering impact. Making a quick recovery, Xavier thrust his sword straight downward in an attempt to smash his quick opponent. Ryu crossed his arms above his head, hoping the metal arm plates would cushion the blow.

The massive long sword knocked Ryu’s arms away, slicing him in the shoulder. Ryu closed his eyes, imagining the damage the massive blade could’ve caused to his shoulder.

But when Ryu opened his eyes, only the fabric of his kimono had been torn where the blade impacted. His arm was unscathed.

A newfound confidence welled up inside Ryu. He realized that he had finally controlled his gift for the first time. He had believed that he could save his people and as a result, his gift of immortality shined through.

“Surprised?” Ryu taunted the dumbstruck swordsman. A devilish smirk spread across his face.

The angry and confused Xavier created space between he and his indestructible opponent.

Ryu rushed forward. His bony, clenched fist struck his opponent in the gut. Ryu quickly followed up by kicking the tyrant in the ribs.

Ryu had never imagined that he could attack so directly in the heat of battle. Usually, he had the ability to assassinate without detection. However, it seemed as though he could harness his gift as a power, as though all his strength was now unfettered.

Ryu pummeled his opponent, who could not withstand the power in his blows. Xavier held the broad side of his sword in front of him in hopes of blocking Ryu’s consistent attacks.

Finally, he’d had enough. He raised his mighty blade above his head and brought into straight downward into Ryu’s arm once again. However, this time the blade dented Ryu’s metal arm guards and injured him severely.

Ryu had backed off a little at the sign of the blade having penetrated his guard. But it was too little, too late. Blood flowed from the gash in his forearm, spilling across the stone floor of the bridge. Ryu panicked at the sudden overwhelming nausea. The swordsman, scraped and bruised after his relentless pummeling, slashed aimlessly at Ryu in hopes of gaining more distance between he and his injured opponent. The blade cut across Ryu’s chest, causing him to fall forward, head hung in shame.

Ryu realized that he was about to die. It was my stupid fault for taking such a precious gift for granted. I had been cocky, thinking that I could use such a gift as a power. I was a fool. I deserve to die.

Ryu waited for the feeling of cold steel to knock his head against the ground, to put him out of his misery, but it never came. Instead, the sound of clashing blades brought Ryu back to reality.

He had been saved by the most unlikely person of all.

“You weren’t planning on dying and leaving this fool for the rest of the world to deal with, were you?” Ryu recognized a familiar voice, which taunted him as its owner stood above him, going toe-to-toe with the mighty swordsman.