More trouble?! (Ark, Orenji)

[Orenji]

Orenji was flying across the plains, heading towards his village. The creature called Mogam said his leader was going to attack Aiyas village. This couldn’t be allowed, he needed to get back there as fast as he could. Orenji turned his head to see Ark and Drexx following behind him, Drexx still holding onto the chain on the fire creature. He looked back ahead the Namek planet surface quickly passing underneath him. Eventually Orenji landed on top of a mountain, walking over to the edge.

”The village is right down there and it doesn’t look like anything has happened so far.”

Orenji looked back at Drexx and Ark motioning to them to follow him a little longer. Orenji lifted off of the mountain and began to plummet down to the surface. Orenji was going to land behind the biggest building that was in the village. As he plummeted down the half circle of dome shaped buildings. He landed behind the center building; this dome shaped building was several feet taller than the others. Orenji made his way around the building to see the samurai figure standing in the center of the village holding a namekian up in the air.

”Release that Namekian right now!” Orenji yelled emerging from between the buildings.

The samurai creature looked at Orenji releasing the namekian; the body fell to the ground limp. Orenji ran to the body, once he was close he could tell that it was his mentor. The samurai creature began to back away laughing at Orenji and his mentor.

“Orenji is that you…no it can’t be you.” The mentor said quietly

”Yes it is me mentor, it is Orenji. I have come here to protect the village form these invaders.”

“You look…different Orenji…what happened to you?” The mentor said

Orenji picked up his mentor, turned around and walked into the bigger of the namekian buildings. Orenji entered the building, looking around he could see other Namekians of the village scared and worried. Orenji placed his mentor on one of the beds on the opposite side of the room. The bed was next to the staircase.

“Orenji why are these people here? What do they want with Namek?” The mentor said

”Don’t worry about it Mentor everything is going to be taken care of. I have friends that are coming to help; they weren’t far behind me when I landed. Everything is going to be taken care of.”

Orenji tried turn around, but the mentor stopped him.

“Before you go out there, there is something that I have been meaning to give you.” The mentor said motioning to one of the Namekians

The namekian went upstairs and returned seconds later carrying tattered clothes. Orenji took the clothes from the namekian villager and walked up stairs. A few minutes passed as Orenji descended the staircase. Orenji was dressed in black boots with purple pants tucked in the gray cloth that is on top of the boot. A black belt with two purple lines wraps around his waist. Cloth bracers are wrapped around each wrist and half way up his arm., with two metal wristbands above them. A tattered white cowl drapes on his back, with the hood down. Two purple pauldrons are draped over his shoulders.

”Thank you mentor for the new clothes, but I have some business outside to take care of.”

Orenji left the building, approaching the samurai, the two stood in the center of the village, ready to settle this right now. Before anything happened someone yelled Orenji’s name from one of the buildings. Orenji looked over to the building where the noise came from Ari, one of the Kalavarian girls was running at him.

”ORENJI YOU ARE BACK, I KNEW YOU WOULD COME!”

Ari ran at Orenji wrapping her arms around his leg.

”Ari you can’t just run up to people like that, it appears that people don’t really know that I am Orenji. So how did you?”

”Because I can always tell when it is you. That is why I ran to you, duh. Now are you going to teach him a lesson?”

”Yes, now get back inside and stay there till I tell you to come back.”

Ari nodded at Orenji. Letting go of his leg and running back inside the building, the door quickly shutting behind her.

[Deleted]

Drexx followed the Namekian, Mogam ran below him keeping pace surprisingly well with the android hopping over rocks and obstacles as if they were nothing, the chain didn’t hinder him in the slightest. They quickly came upon a small village that Drexx guessed must be Aiyas. The village looked relatively unharmed, much to the surprise of both Drexx and Mogam.

“They said they’d be here…” Mogam looked around but shook his head. Where would they have gone if they weren’t here? The Namekian stepped off the mountain-face and plummeted towards the village, catching himself with a small burst of bukujutsu in time to stop. This newcomer… something was very familiar about him, but at the same time he was completely new to the android.

Drexx landed near where the Namekian had and walked into the center of the village. Standing there holding Orenji’s mentor, a man Drexx remembered from his time on Namek long ago, was the samurai figure. The Namekian yelled out for the samurai to release the elder, and the samurai did so with a laugh, dropping the frailer looking being to the ground in a heap. Was he dead? The Namekian ran to him and the two exchanged words, after a moment the newcomer scooped the elder up in his arms and walked away into a building.

The samurai looked around at those gathered. Would he attack? Would he try and kill those gathered? It hefted its crescent spear off of its resting place on his back and pointed it at the Android.

“Fight me, or they die.” He swept his spear at those gathered and they were flown back by a powerful gust of wind, some smashed into buildings while others were flown out of the villages limits. None seemed too seriously injured but it was enough to show that the samurai meant business. The samurai once again leveled his spear at Drexx. The android’s shield and khopesh slid from his skin with a slashing noise.

“Let’s dance.” Drexx charged catching the tip of the samurai’s spear with his shield and slashing at him. The samurai sidestepped and tripped him with the butt of his spear.

“I don’t dance.” The samurai said deadpan. Drexx stifled a chuckle. He turned and deflected the point of the samurai’s spear once again cut into the samurai’s armor with his khopesh. It hit nothing but air. The samurai laughed and head-butted the android, but to no effect. Drexx looked up and smiled, charging his energy into a point on his forehead and smashing it into the samurai, sending him flying.

The Namekian that had led them to the village stepped out from the largest village, dressed in different clothing than when he had entered. The samurai had already regained his footing and the namekian approached him. A small familiar voice cried out a familiar name. One of the twins Drexx and Orenji had rescued from Kalavar ran out and up to the Namekian. Did she just call him Orenji? But no… that was impossible wasn’t it? How could he be Orenji…? They exchanged quick words and the girl ran back into the building she came from.

“Orenji? Is that really you?” Drexx asked over the silence towards the Namekian. How could it be Orenji? Drexx had seen Orenji mere hours ago… and it wasn’t the same being standing in front of him now.

The samurai launched forwards with his spear at Orenji, but stopped halfway, spear in mid strike.

“That’s enough Nobunaga.” A rich voice called out. Out from behind the largest building, the one Orenji had just ventured out from, came a tall muscular man. Plated armor covered his body, dark with glowing green cloth showing underneath. Pure white hair cascaded down to his shoulders, his skin paler than death. His lips the color of a recent corpses, eyes glowed green like an evil jack-o-lantern’s. A tattered cape flickered softly in the light breeze that swept through the village. His large claymore was strapped to his back, the metal dark as night. He had the bemused look of a parent come home to find his children at play.

Mogam shifted and hid behind Drexx, looking very much like this was the last place he wanted to be. The sound of shuffling filled the air and a grotesque woman skittered into view. Her bulbous body and thorax was supported on four strong thick legs, each ending in needle sharp points. Four arms each ending in claws stuck out from her sides, there tips razor sharp and dripping with poison, three faces and a crown of spikes sat atop her head. Her stomach appeared to be a large sac of green pus; other smaller sacs covered her body, arms and legs as well. A scowl graced all of her faces as she glanced around the village.

The spider-woman was equally as strong as the samurai… the man in black was as strong as Drexx was himself. This must be Arthis. Drexx could understand why Mogam feared this man. Was he behind everything that was going on?

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Arthis Lifebane. Welcome to my village.”

[Ark Ghiest]

Ark flew behind Drexx, and the two of them followed the strange Namekian. Again he was following, that always seemed to be the case. When the android had first found him he had follow him to Ancient City. From there he had followed his two new companions to Pulitu Village only to be drawn away by the power surges from those two strange creatures. Finding himself to be no use in that situation Ark had followed the large red alien back to Ancient City, that atrocity the worst thing he had laid eyes on in his short life. At first he had felt as if there he might be able to help, might be able to track down the one responsible for the death of so many innocents.

Once again he proved to be useless, having waited around the city until Drexx arrive…soon following the android on a search for another set of strange power signatures. The human felt so out of place in all of this, all those he came across seeming so confident and sure of what needed to be done. Sighing some the human pushes the thoughts aside, hopefully he could prove himself useful now.

Landing slightly behind the other three Ark walks up to the edge of the cliff, looking down at the village below. This Namekian seemed attached to the place, it might have been his own village, his younger years spent amongst its structures.

The green man went first, soon followed by Drexx. Walking around the building they come across yet another needless scene of violent, an elder Namekian held up in the air. He was soon dropped to the ground, discarded as the one they had followed spoke up. Ark’s questions about the alien’s connection to the place were put to rest when he picks up the elder Namekian and takes him inside.

Hanging back Ark watches as the short scuffle between the android and the strange wind creature they had seen before. Getting the better of the fiend a second round was about to begin between the two when the fiend stops, a new voice halting the creature in mid attack.

Meanwhile Orenji, or at least that is what the red alien had called him, told the girl to get to safety. Orenji? Was that not the name of the Namekian that Drexx had introduced to him back in Ancient City? That was only several hours ago and yet this Namekian possessed much more power than Orenji. Had he truly increased his strength so drastically in such a short time, how was that even possible?

This newest individual seemed more human than the others they had seen so far, but it was obvious he had not been born on Earth. Dressed in vicious looking armor that was only outdone by the large blade strapped across his back the man seemed to be some sort of knight. The green glow spoke of other worldly power, power that Ark could feel.

Swallowing some he was not sure if they had the ability to handle someone of this strength; it was double what they had first been drawn to in Yemall village. Arthis’s cloak whipped around him like a living shadow, the tattered edges grabbing and clinging to his frame like grasping fingers.

The fiend that thought himself a samurai floated back down, taking up a position back and to the right of the group’s leader. As if that was not enough a walking nightmare comes from behind another structure, it’s chitinous form, making his stomach churn slightly. The gender of the creature appeared to be female, part of its torso resembling the female anatomy of most bipedal races, but that was where the similarities stopped. The fiend’s arms and legs resembled some sort of creature, reminding Ark of an arachnid, her movements quick and twitchy.

Stepping up alongside Drexx and the Namekian who everyone had started calling Orenji the human was not sure what should be done. He had no intentions of fleeing, yet this seemed like a fight that they did not have the power win.

”Drexx, perhaps we should gather others from Ancient City, or perhaps even the villages.” His voice was soft, not as if he was trying to hide his words, but due to lack of confidence. Ark may be a martial artist, his body trained and tested over years of practice as he attempted to master his craft. That, however; did not make him a fighter, at least not in the sense that Drexx and Orenji had proven themselves to be.

Ark was not ready to fight; he did not understand why everyone on this planet drove to attain what they wanted through violence. Even those that chose to defend it used such means to do so. Could words not solve these issues without further bloodshed? Still if it came down to it Ark would not abandon Drexx, Orenji and the others trapped in this village that Arthis had claimed for his own. Standing at the ready he glances over at Orenji, wondering if the man’s words might set him off. If forced to raise his fists the human planned to go for the walking nightmare, thinking he had the best chance of containing her out of the three now in front of him.

[Orenji]

”Orenji? Is that really you?”

”Yes, it is me Drexx, I will explain everything once we are done here. It appears something different has happened to you as well. Ark it is good to see you again, I thank you for your help ” looking over to Drexx

Orenji looked back at the samurai, who was charging at him. Orenji stood his ground as the samurai was getting closer and closer. The Samurai stopped in his tracks when a voice came from the distance.

”That’s enough Nobunaga.”

Orenji looked in the direction the voice came from. Plated armor covered his body, dark with glowing green cloth showing underneath. Pure white hair cascaded down to his shoulders, his skin paler than death. His lips the color of a recent corpses, eyes glowed green like an evil jack-o-lantern’s. A tattered cape flickered softly in the light breeze that swept through the village. His large claymore was strapped to his back, the metal dark as night. That must be the leader that Mogam was talking about.

”So that is the leader of this small group. He is going to pay for what he has done to my village. They have come to my planet, attacked my people, for this they are going to wish they hadn’t”[/i]

Just then a shuffling sound filled the air, and a women looking creature came into view. Her bulbous body and thorax was supported on four strong thick legs, each ending in needle sharp points. Four arms each ending in claws stuck out from her sides, there tips razor sharp and dripping with poison, three faces and a crown of spikes sat atop her head. Her stomach appeared to be a large sac of green pus; other smaller sacs covered her body, arms and legs as well. The female was hard to look at for more than a few seconds.

”Allow me to introduce myself. I am Arthis Lifebane. Welcome to my village.”

”Your village? You are mistaken; I am the protector of this village. You are not welcome here, so I suggest you leave and take your grotesque follower with you, as well as the warrior.”

Orenji noticed the Samurai called Nobunaga turn his attention to him. Orenji did the same thing, he was the one that attacked his mentor.

”You disrespect my leader, alright namekian I am done with your words.”

Nobunaga charged at Orenji once again pointing his spear at Orenji. Once Nobunaga was close enough, Orenji shifted to the left hitting underneath the spear sending it up. Orenji then punched Nobunaga in the gut, it did nothing. Orenji’s hand just slammed into his armor causing more damage to him, than to Nobunaga. Quickly Orenji created space between him and Nobunaga. Once again Nobunaga swung the spear at Orenji, slamming it into the side of Orenji’s head. He stumbled back and began to walk towards a building. Orenji turned around just in time to see the spear being thrown at him, luckily for Orenji the tip sank into the building inches away from his head.

”Come on namekian, you are going to have to fight better than that. This is pathetic, you better be better than this.”

”This is only the beginning; I am going to save my village from you and from Arthis.” taking a few steps away from the building ”Now come one let’s continue this.”

Orenji gave a quick look to Ark and Drexx, hoping that they could handle Arthis and the femaleish creature. They needed to save the village from these invaders, Namek wasn’t their planet and Orenji was going to make sure they never came back here.

[Deleted]

Arthis merely chuckled at Orenji’s words, the spider-like female at his side joining in on the chuckling. He saw the Namekian before him as less than a threat, and with Drexx’s powerlevel unreadable he perceived Orenji as the strongest there. With a look a whole conversation occurred between Nobunaga the samurai and Arthis. He charged Orenji, a battle quickly ensuing between the two green creatures.

“Fear not, I forgive your friend for his rudeness. It can’t be helped that he doesn’t know his place. I’m not leaving Namekian, though then again… neither are you. This is indeed my village, for I see none here who can stop me from having it.” He chuckled to himself and looked over at the chitinous female with a bemused look. Another entire conversation seemed to occur between the two. Was there a telepathic aspect to these three?

“You may have whichever of the play things you’d like, but don’t take too long we still have to find my love.” He looked into the sky and squinted, something seemed to weigh heavy on his mind. He sighed and his sword flew from his back into his hands. The female charged towards Ark and Drexx went to intercept, but the Lich leveled his claymore at Drexx. Drexx lost sight of the two in the tussle.

“Do me the honor, android?” Drexx eyes grew wide. How was it possible that Arthis knew he was an android? Arthis smiled, long canines flashing in the light. He clearly had his secrets. And who was this love of his that he was searching for? The images of Orenji and Nobunaga flashed by, the two locked in combat. Mogam shuddered against the android’s leg.

“Oh come now Mogam, I’m not angry. You’re a witless small worthless creature who would do anything for survival. I understand. Your death will not be slow, but take solace in the fact that I’m not angry.” Mogam scurried from behind Drexx’s leg into a building off to the side. Arthis chuckled.

“Children… They can be hard to deal with. Though spare the rod and spoil the child. He will get his punishment after we’re through with you. Shall we?”

Drexx’s khopesh and shield released from his arms with a swift slashing noise. Arthis looked over the weapons with genuine intrigue.

“A khopesh and shield? Interesting style choice android… It is not common for a Saiyan… tell me have you ever been to Ra? The markings on your khopesh would indicate that you had. The more I look at you the more of an enigma you become.” He hefted his own claymore between his two hands, looking over the blade himself. He raised his hands and it floated over towards Drexx, whose khopesh flew back into his hand as he reached out to grab it.

“Forged of an alloy of soul-metal and katchin, its name is Soulreaver. Legend says that a beheading by this sword takes your soul as well.” a soft moan seemed to come from the large blade in Drexx’s hand. “I can attest to the fact that those who’ve been cut with this weapon don’t usually live long afterwards.” There was obvious love in his voice for the cold weapon in the android’s hand.

“Now come” He said, his canines flashing with his smile, the sword flying back into his outstretched hand “Let’s dance”

[Ark Ghiest]

Hanging back behind his two companions Ark was not sure which side might strike first. Clenching and unclenching his hands he could feel the tension in the air for the several seconds the two parties stood across from each other. The way this Arthis spoke conveyed that he had no intentions of leaving, and he knew that would not be satisfactory to Orenji. He did not know the Namekian that well, but he understood the passion the man possessed. Ark had no doubt that he would lay down his life in order to protect what he cared for and it was not surprising when he gives the fiends one choice, leave or die.

The statement initiates combat, the spear wielding fiend rushing right for Orenji. Watching the two warrior’s class the human hopes that Orenji is the strong of the two, but he was not awarded much time to do so. Apparently without a word from her leader the female fiend rushes for him. For a moment it looked as if Drexx was going to step in to intercept her, but it seems Arthis had no plans of letting that come to pass.

”Xendra shall rip you limb from limb little human, but not before we melt the flesh from your bones. Our master has given me permission to do as we see fit with you!” Only the middle face spoke, but the two off to the side shared its excitement. Four legs worked in perfect unison as the female charge for him, her arms lift up and out to the side. The middle face grinned widely while the two off to the side licked their lips.

Dropping back into a stance Ark awaits the creatures approach, letting his power rise to its maximum. Once within range the fiend slashes in with her upper left claw and bottom right one, trying to catch him in-between. Both of his arm’s snap into place, blocking the two blows, but his movement does not stop there. Well aware that the fiend possessed four arms he expected the second set to come stabbing in for him and that they do. Pulling his blocking arms in some Ark launches into a back flip, pulling up and away from her second attack to flip in the air, landing several feet away from her.

”OH, you are quick little thing aren’t you? Let us see how fast you are when you run on stumps instead of feet!” Pulling her torso back the fiend seems to tighten her stomach, compressing the sack on her abdomen that contained an abundance of acid. Ark could not see that the acid was being forced up her throats and towards her mouth. Snapping forward the Xendra spits acid from all three mouths, the streams arching out towards him.

His quick reflexes alone save him from the exact fate the fiend had described. Hopping back and up into the air Ark removes his feet from the acids path just before it reaches them, the sizzling liquid instead splashing against the ground. The grass instantly dissolves, the dirt below even being eaten away before the acid finishes running its course. Looking to the creature he realized he needed to avoid any contact from that chemical, his barrier no doubt useless against such an attack.

Glancing over to see Drexx and Orenji caught up in their own battles, equally pressed by their foes he knew that no assistance would be coming his way.

”You and your companions leave us no choice Xendra, I will do what I must.’ With that short statement Ark commits to the battle, rushing towards her. Using his Zenzoken to close the distance he cocks back his fist to drive it in hard towards the fiends abdomen, right above the section that appeared to contain the corrosive acid. With size, reach and number of striking limbs at Xendra’s advantage he knew that speed was going to be his best ally.

[Orenji]

Orenji looked at Nobunaga, turned his head and looked at the spear that was still sticking out of the building behind him. Nobunaga had thrown it and missed by only inches. Turning back to his armored opponent. His first punch did nothing against Nobunaga; it did more damage to Orenji.

”Come on Namekian come at me. This fight isn’t over yet, you seem like a more capable warrior than the one I fought previously.”

Pulling the spear out of the building ”You could have ended the fight right there, why did you miss?”

Orenji held onto the spear with his left hand and with his right he began to activate his Orange Ki blade Ki No Tsurugi. Orenji swung his right hand through the spear, cutting in it half. Both pieces dropped to the ground and Orenji looked back at Nobunaga.

”What do you think I missed on purpose? Because you are right, I know you are a better fighter than that. Also what was the point of cutting my spear? Do you think that is going to help you?”

”It has gotten rid of your extended reach, that is enough help for me. Now enough talk its time for you to leave my village and get off of my planet.”

Orenji looked at Nobunaga as he took off the tattered white cowl that he received from the mentor. Smiling at his armored nemesis, Orenji began to double in size and mass. Orenji was now a few feet taller than his opponent. The two charged at each other, slamming into one another. Lefts and rights were thrown neither one of them blocking the other. Each time Nobunaga hit Orenji, Orenji could feel some bones cracking, and blood began to come out of his mouth. Orenji blocked one of the samurai’s punches and slammed his huge fist into the gut of Samurai. Causing him to take a few steps back.

Nobunaga didn’t waste any time charging back at Orenji, he swung a left hook at him. Orenji saw it, ducked underneath it, wrapped his arms around the samurai. With a great amount of strength, Orenji lifted the samurai off of the ground and threw him into the building behind them. Nobunaga smashed through the building and went clean through the other side. He skidded across the ground, until eventually slowing himself down before slamming into the mountain. Orenji quickly glanced over at Drexx and Ark, both locked in battles of their own. Orenji hoped that the two of them could handle themselves until Orenji got back. Orenji lifted off of the ground and closed the gap between him and Nobunaga.

”You should stop now; I don’t wish to kill you. You can leave now and keep your life. Please don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

”I have never run from a fight, running is not honorable. Even though I may not look it I am a man of honor. Now let’s get back to it.” Nobunaga said returning to his feet

”A man of honor? You invaded my planet and attacked my village, almost killing my mentor. How can you be a man or honor!”

”Your mentor as you call him accepted my challenge, but he kept saying that some Namekian named Orenji was coming to protect the village. I just laughed at him, calling him a fool, saying that no one was coming to save this village. Apparently I was wrong, you have arrived just like he said.”

”Challenge? Your leader and that grotesque creature don’t seem like people that would challenge anyone. So if you are a man of honor why would you join up with them?”

Nobunaga just smiled at Orenji ”You are going to have to finish the challenge to find that out.”

Orenji just shakes his head, and the two once again charge at each other meeting in the middle. This time only a few punches would get through, the majority of the attacks were being blocked or deflected.

[Deleted]

They clashed for what felt like hours, but most only have been minutes. Block, thrust, parry, dodge, repeat. The skill behind the great black claymore was as obvious as it was intense, the strength equally so. This was clearly not Arthis’ first sword-fight. It took all the perfect protector android had to fend him off, and despite the even powers Arthis was clearly the superior. The only saving grace Drexx had was that he had trained under both Sohko Masamune, the sword-master and Horus V, the best khopesh wielder in the galaxy. It wasn’t enough to give him the edge, but it was enough to save him.

“If I didn’t know any better android I would say you weren’t even trying!” Arthis said with a laugh, catching Drexx’s blade and swatting it aside with a mere flick of his wrist; a gauntleted hand smacked the android like a tough parent chastising their child. Drexx stumbled and fell to his hands and feet. He wiped the blood away from his mouth with the back of his hand. Benjin should have never installed the stupid blood function. Drexx had never before felt as outclassed. Arthis placed the tip of his blade in the blue grass and leaned on his sword, allowing the android to get back to his feet.

“You are strong. I’ll give you that android.” He smiled and waved at Drexx to regain his footing. Drexx did so, taking the brief opportunity to scan the area. Ark and Orenji were holding their own against Arthis’ monsters. Mogam was nowhere to be seen, probably cowering in a building somewhere. Arthis noticed this.

“Your friends are holding out surprisingly well. Though… I know my soldiers. They will win out in the end, as they have hundreds of times before.” He stated it so calmly, so matter-of-factly, as if it had already occurred and the two were old friends reminiscing on it. Drexx had regained his footing, so Arthis picked up his claymore.

“How do you know I’m an android?” Drexx asked earnestly. It was nearly impossible for most beings to tell he was something other than a Saiyan or a human, so how did Arthis know so easily. The Lich shrugged.

“You don’t give off a life-force aura like the others. That means you’re either a zombie or you’re an android. You don’t appear to be rotting so my earnest assumption is that you’re android.”

Life force aura? What was that? Why didn’t Drexx have one? He was alive wasn’t he? He certainly felt alive. Was it the same thing as a soul?

“I didn’t mean to send you into existential crises mode…” He shrugged and quickly rushed forwards, claymore raised. It was a feint, Drexx made to block with his shield but Arthis brought his knee up into the android’s stomach. He brought his elbow down on Drexx’s back, sending him once again into the dirt.

“For someone who wants to protect Namek you’re certainly doing a piss-poor job acting like it.” The tip of the claymore bit into the ground next to Drexx neck, clearly a statement that the Lich could have killed him had he wanted to. “Up now boy.”

Drexx once again slowly got to his feet; the taste had been knocked out of his mouth by the knee and elbow. Arthis was the superior fighter, but Drexx had much more than sword-play up his sleeve. His right hand drifted to his pistol his thumb flicking the latch on his holster. He rushed Arthis, who deflected the swipe with ease. But it was a ruse, a ploy to get in close. Drexx brought the pistol up and fired, the blast catching Arthis in the side and sending him spinning backwards out into the plains on the outskirt of the building.

He got up slowly, steam smoking off of his armor; it was dented but not broken. He sucked on his teeth and if looks could kill Drexx would be dead.

“And here I thought we were having an honest gentlemen’s duel. Your actions wound me far more than that petty gun of yours.” His body literally appeared to be melting into the ground, and then Drexx felt a tap on his shoulder.

“How in the world…?” Drexx quickly brought up his shield to block Arthis’ claymore. He had seen Orenji move rapidly before as well, but never… never like that.

“Liches have control over death and shadows. Allow me to show you both.” He said with a smile, his long white canines flashing in the light.

[Ark Ghiest]

His knuckles drive into soft flesh, the fiend doubling over from the force of the blow yet her four legs anchor her to the ground. Not able to see the face of his foe Ark does not see the grin on all three of her faces as she doubles over, the action a choice and not a reaction.

Folding in such away allows Xendra to bring her arms in, two of her pincers grabbing onto the human in front of her. With a laugh of delight and a twist the fiend sends him flying, only to hit the ground and bounces across its rough surface. Ending his flight in a roll Ark groans some as he rises to his feet, shaking his head after the dizzying tumble. He had hit the creature straight on and she seemed mostly unaffected. Gritting his teeth he could already hear the fiend mocking him.

”The gnat flies right into the spiders web only to find that it is out matched. Perhaps this little gnat should just curl up and surrender so that I may savor its insides.” Laughing once more Xendra rushes towards Ark her movements slightly uneven due to the off pace steps of her multiple legs. Looking as if she was coming in to engage in close combat once more he finds himself off guard when it becomes apparent that is not her intent.

Yards from his location the fiend slashes her upper arms in the air, the tips of her pincers glowing brighter green as she does. From each appendage an arc of green Ki lashes out, traveling at him in an X shape. Not wanting to get hit by the strange attack Ark heads forward, breaking into a sprint so that he can drop into a slide, barely fitting his body below the attack. Having been aimed at a downward angle the blast does hit the ground behind him, burning an X shaped hole into the ground.

Pushing off the ground with his knees the human hops back up onto his feet, the two of them once again within striking distance. The first thing he needed to do was duck, a clawed arm slashing over his head in the air, then twist to the side as another stabs down past him. Almost all of Xendra’s attacks originated from above him, their height difference having the creature always striking down at him. While the angle put her at a slight disadvantage the fact she had four arms more than made up for that, her continuous strikes keeping Ark constantly dodging and parrying.

Luckily for him it seemed that although she had the same amount of legs three were needed on the ground to maintain balance, only one ever lifting at a time to stab in at him. On one such occasion Ark takes the initiative, an arm snapping out to wrap around a leg as it stabs at him. Tucking it in against his ribs he strikes with his other hand, using his Force Palm technique right on the joint. A sickening crunch was heard before the limb breaks clean off. It was not a complete victory for him though as acidic blood sprays from the limb, starting to eat away at his jacket. Screaming in agony Xendra rears back from him, giving him the time he need to spin away and throw off his jacket before any of the acid could contact his form.

”YOU LITTLE WRETCH!” Bending her four arms in Xenrda presses the green tips of her pinchers together, all of them meeting at a single point. Trembling with what Ark could only assume was anger she starts to gather bright green Ki, the energy building up between all four points. The ball of energy quickly increases in size, the sphere sizzling and crackling as arcs of the same bright green Ki swirl around it.

With some distance between them Ark was not sure what to do. The energy was gathering quickly and it seemed the fiend might release it at anytime. Worried he might be just about to strike when that moment occurs he instead backs away from her. Barrier up he felt his best strategy was react once the blast had been fire, hoping that he had the speed to save himself from any real harm.

Of course Orenji was locked into some battle for honor with the samurai creature while Drexx seemed to be outmatched by the leader of the group. Still the one with the claymore seemed to have a sense of honor, even if his arrogance outweighed it. He had no time to glance over at them or offer assistance if they needed it. Why had he been stuck with the crazed one?

[Orenji]

Orenji and Nobunaga were still fighting with great speed. Punch, deflect, counter, knee, deflect, these were repeated over and over again. After minutes of fighting Orenji left hooked Nobunaga in the head sending him stumbling back. Both fighters were breathing heavy, their bodies ached, cuts and bruises were everywhere on Orenji. He had no idea if his blows had even been affecting Nobunaga, but he wasn’t going to give up.

”You seem to be getting tired Orenji, come on now don’t let this fight end already. I am just getting started.”

Whipping blood from his mouth ”If you think I am done yet then I am sorry for you. Nobunaga there is no reason for this fight to continue. Just leave my planet and you will live. I have no wish to continue this violence.”

Nobunaga just laughed at Orenji and charged him; Orenji quickly stepped to the side, grabbed onto Nobunaga and slammed him into the ground. Orenji then picked up Nobunaga and threw him into the mountain, with great force. Nobunaga slammed several feet into the mountain side. Pointing his hand out, extending his index finger Orenji began to charge up ki at the end of it.

”Dodonpa!”

The ray shot from Orenji’s finger and slammed into the mountain side, exploding on contact. Debris and dust shot at Orenji. He brought up his arms blocking his eyes from the oncoming debris. As the dust settled Orenji couldn’t see any site of the armored opponent Nobunaga. Orenji turned his head but only saw buildings behind him. He began to listen to make sure he could still hear Drexx and Ark.

”I am glad that they are both still alive; it appears the two of them are holding their own against the two other invaders. Now where is Nobunaga? I know he isn’t dead I can still feel his power signature inside the mountain. Come on Nobunaga get out of there!”

Seconds after talking Orenji noticed a cyan glove grab onto the opening on the mountain side. Nobunaga emerged from inside the newly created hole in the mountain side, his armor cracked blood dripping out of the cracks in the armor. Orenji had finally pierced Nobunaga’s armor; the battle had switched into his favor.

”Nice try Orenji, but I am not done yet. You aren’t going to defeat me that easily. That trick isn’t going to work again.”

”That was no trick Nobunaga; I can do that again if I want to. I have gotten something done that I have been trying to this entire fight. Your armor is broken, your defense has been crippled, and this fight is over for you Nobunaga.”

”You think just because you have broken through my armor that I am done? Oh Orenji you are mistaken, this fight is far from over.”

Nobunaga charged at Orenji, Orenji blocked the first punch but was caught off guard as the right hand slammed into his ribs. Before Orenji could stop him, Nobunaga slammed his right first into Orenjis side several more times. Orenji could feel his ribs crack, pain shot through his body, it was getting harder to breath. Nobunaga grabbed Orenji by the throat and tossed him across the ground. Orenji skidded across grass for a few feet before sliding to a stop.

Slowly getting to his feet ” Well it appears this fight isn’t over yet, alright then Nobunaga if you want to continue this.”

”Orenji you are going to die here today, I will make sure your mentor, and that little red child have a quick and painless death.”

[Deleted]

It was like fighting the very shadows itself. Arthis could move between them somehow, total control over them. To make matters worse he seemed to be able to step backwards into his cloak, using it as a shadow. Drexx would slash at him, but the blade would cut through air. Arthis would appear and mock him, and the cycle would repeat. Drexx was getting frustrated. How was he supposed to fight something he couldn’t even touch? Arthis appeared behind him, a mocking smile on his face, white canines flashing.

“Come now android, it’s as if you’re not even trying.” He chided. His team was clearly winning; The Protectorate didn’t seem to be able to get a footing. Ark was fighting something twice his size, and much more powerful. Orenji was fighting an armored samurai who seemed to be winning as well. Arthis was the most powerful opponent Drexx had ever faced, and he was completely toying with the android.

A plated knee was brought into his chest once again, forcing the strength from his body, making his knees go week. The blade of Arthis’ claymore was rested against the back of his neck. It was cold as ice; whispers of tortured souls filled the android’s ears, as if coming from the blade itself.

“This was a cute distraction, but it was nothing more than that. You play at being a hero. You play at being a protector, but you can’t even save yourself. You’ve played a game you can’t win. You never could.” The blade left his neck and raised high into the air. He heard the downward swoosh and braced himself for the inevitable and not for the first time the android wondered what death would be like, what death would be like for him. Of those he would lose. Tina came to the forefront of his mind. Who would tell his adopted daughter what happened to him?

But death never came. Drexx raised his head to look at Arthis, who had stopped the blade mid-swing and was stairing up into the night sky as a single star shot across it a white tail of energy following behind it. Drexx didn’t think much of it, until he realized that the star was on this side of the energy field blocking off namek.

“Well that’s unexpected.” He muttered and he sounded legitimately surprised. It had surprised him enough that he had hesitated in killing Drexx. The hesitation was all Drexx needed. He placed his hand on the ground and the glowing eye of Horus appeared. “Ah. The Eye of Horus… damn.”

The blast rocketed upwards and threw Arthis away from Drexx, his claymore flying away from him. He turned and in the same action drew The Gun of Black Midas, firing two shots, one at Nobunaga and one at Xendra. He hoped that bought Ark and Orenji some time, perhaps giving them the edge to win their own battles. Arthis was already getting to his feet not to be done in by a single attack. The claymore flew back into his hands. His cloak whipped up and he stepped backwards into it, vanishing.

Drexx brought his shield up to deflect the claymore swipe from behind him. He parried it and backhanded Arthis with the shield. The panels on Drexx’s chest opened up and his uni-beam rocketed from its port and into Arthis. He brought his cloak around himself and the blast seemed to disperse into it, fading into its shadowy depths.

“I will admit, that was most impressive. Perhaps I didn’t give you enough credit.” The Lich swiped his claymore towards the android and hundreds of bats flew from it towards him, they encircled him and blocked his sight, at the same time biting and tearing at his flesh. The claymore bit deep into Drexx’s left shoulder, it felt like ice ripping into him frostbite already showing on his shoulder. The android screamed deeply.

“You can’t win. I am death itself.” Arthis moved the blade back and forth in the android’s shoulder. Drexx charged his ki into his right fist, and at the same time activated his bukujtusu, launching upwards and punching Arthis in the jaw. The sound of his teeth cracking filled the air. The Lich back flipped through the air in a spiral and landed on his stomach.

“I’ve met death. He was nothing like you.” The android growled. Arthis snarled at him, his broken canines flashing in the light.

“Time to take the kid gloves off.” Arthis’ form began to change. He grew taller. Bulkier. His armor grew darker, spikes jutted from it. A helmet encased itself over his head dark and tall, spikes jutting from the top. His claymore too changed; encrusted within it a green gem glowed at the base of the hilt, in the middle of the hilt and at the tip of the blade. His powerlevel too rose. He was much more formidable now, and that was the scariest thing Drexx had ever experienced.

“I think you’ll find that I am death. At the very least yours.” he said with a smug smirk. His canines had been fixed.

[Ark Ghiest]

Energy gathered between the fiend’s claws while sweat beaded on his forehead. He had chosen to not attempt to interrupt the attack, hoping that he could dodge or block it. Watching the sphere grow Ark realized he had made the wrong choice, the blast gathering in front of his opponent continuing to rise in intensity…there was no way he would be able to stop it and he doubt he was fast enough to dodge it.

Drexx had come across him several days ago on the plains of Namek. At that time he had been enjoying the peace and quiet the planet normally had to offer. Little had he known in agreeing to help the android that he would be getting dragged into all of this. In all honesty he had no problem helping others out, but for the most part he had felt as if he was a burden more than any real help.

Having followed Drexx from Ancient City the human again found himself in a fight, but one he had truly felt he could assist with. One wrong decision had changed all that though, and now he was going to die, leaving Orenji and Drexx behind to fend for themselves.

Xendra’s blast unleashes after a couple of seconds, but to Ark it felt much longer, his internal struggle about what action to take having dragged out the time. From the center of the green sphere a beam lances out. The thin beam starts to expand as it fires, aimed right for Ark chest. He had his arms up and his barrier activated, but it was all for naught as the blast burns straight through his chest.

That is what should have happened, what was going to happen had there not been outside interference. As Xendra’s beam begins to fire the fiend suddenly lurches as a blue blast slams into her side. The shot was powerful enough to stagger her and cause the powerful beam to miss its target, burning a long trench in the ground in a way similar to her last attack.

Blinking Ark risks a glance to the side to see the source of the blast…it had been Drexx. The human remembered the gun the android carried and the blasts that it was capable of shooting. Drexx was already focused back on his own fight, the shot apparently having been meant as a distraction to aid the human when it in fact had saved his life.

Not wanting to squander the sudden opportunity Ark twists some, pulling his right arm back before thrusting it forward, palm out. In similar fashion to his Force Palm technique he blasts Ki from his hand, but instead of the short range strike he normally employed the Ki ripples out in a wave of force. A visible ripple can be seen in the air as the ranged attack rushes towards the fiend, slamming into her. The force of the blast coupled with the fact she was reeling from the androids attack was enough to topple even her sturdy frame.

Still Xendra quickly starts to push herself back to her feet, her powerful attack disrupted from the fall, but the creature far from finished. Not wanting to let her get back up Ark again launches the wave of Ki at her, knocking her back over. He was well aware it would not do much damage to her, but it was enough to keep her on the ground and give him the advantage. Marching towards Xendra now Ark sends wave of wave after Ki at her until he is able to close the distance.

Once within striking distance he lifts his hand up into the air to ready it for another attack, but does not strike. The fiend seemed to be breathing heavy, whether it was from the barrage of attacks for the energy she had put into gather that blast before he could not tell. Either way it seemed he now held the advantage over the fiend so he was in the position to give her one more chance.

”I have bested you, yield and I shall take this no further.” In his heart he hoped she might yield, yet he doubted that she would. The fiend did not seem that balance and so all attempts to talk her down had failed, but perhaps now that she was on the ground and wounded she might rethink the offer.

[Orenji]

Once Nobunaga mentioned killing Ari and the mentor, A fire was lit in Orenji and he charged. He collided into Nobunaga , he unleashed a flurry of punches each one finding their mark. Nobunaga was beginning to be forced back. More and more punches were raining down on Nobunaga, until Nobunaga threw one of his own. His fist smashed right into Orenji’s, both fists connecting with great force. No doubt they could pain was running through their hands, but it didn’t stop them. Both warriors continued fighting, fists hitting fists, knees hitting knees, along with the occasional head-butt.

”Just give up damn you, you can’t win this fight.”

Nobunaga tries to sucker punch Orenji, but it is caught. The same thing happened with Nobunaga’s other hand; the two were locked in a test of strength.

”What you are saying may be true, but if I can’t win than neither can you. Nobunaga one of us is going to die here today, that I can promise.”

The two combatants struggled back and forth trying to get the upper hand. When suddenly both fighters saw a blue beam heading towards them. Orenji recognized the beam as one of Drexx’s attacks, Drexx was trying to give assistance to Orenji, but it appears he didn’t see Orenji getting in the way. Nobunaga looked back at Orenji, trying to get away but Orenji wasn’t letting him move.

”What are you doing! If we don’t move that blast is going to hit us, let go your fool.”

”Like you said, I was going to die today, but I told you that you were going to join me. You aren’t going to win this fight Nobunaga.”

The beam slammed into Orenji and Nobunaga, exploding on contact. The two warriors were sent flying through the air, slamming into the ground. Orenji’s eyes were closed; his breathing had slowed down immensely. He tried to get up but his body wasn’t moving, he was in too much pain. His body was giving up on him, the attack hurt more than Orenji expected. He closed his eyes and began to see everyone flash before his eyes.

"Live well, fight well, and protect namek. We...are...one.”

”I am not going to fail you Cargo, I am going to save our planet, I promise.”

Cargo’s words remained in Orenji’s head, live well, fight well, and protect Namek. Orenji’s eyes slowly began to open, power began to course through his body. Something was happening inside Orenji, Orenji knew something was wrong when he synced with Cargo earlier, it didn’t feel complete. Whatever sickness was inside Cargo had slown down completion on the sync, but that was now gone. Orenji could feel the full power from Cargo, his power signature spiked no doubt Drexx and Ark would feel it.

”Thank you Cargo for this, I will make sure to use this power for good, for protection. I will not diverge from this path. You and I are going to protect the weak, the innocent, and anyone else that needs it.”

Orenji pulled his way out of the small hole he created in the ground after the attack from Drexx. He looked around for Nobunaga who had also just gotten back to his feet. Orenji just stared down Nobunaga, no doubt he would notice the power increase that Orenji had just gone through. Orenji charged at Nobunaga, slamming his fist into his chest. Nobunaga leaned forward as no doubt the wind was knocked out of his lungs. Orenji wrapped his arms around Nobunaga’s back semi-locking his hands, lifting him up. Orenji lifted Nobunaga up flipped him around and power bombed him into the ground.

”You are finished Nobunaga, give up now before this gets worse for you.”

[Deleted]

The claymore ripped into Drexx’s side, shallow but tearing blood skin and wires all the same. He let out a roar of pain and fell to his knees, clutching his side. Arthis kicked him in the chest sending him toppling over. He stood over him triumphant, looking very much like the aspect of death he claimed to be. His cape whipped around even though no breeze filled the area. The tip of the claymore dug into the ground on the side of Drexx’s neck.

“I have told you android. I am your downfall. The death of Namek. What I do I do for my lady. You have to understand, this is not personal.” [/b] The sword rose up again, but at the last second Drexx hit Arthis’ hand with his eye-beams. It spiraled from his hand and landed in the dirt away from them.

“I continue to underestimate you.” [/b] He leaned down and gripped Drexx around the neck with one gauntleted hand, he raised the android high into the air and began to squeeze. Drexx didn’t need to breath, but he still needed the circuits housed in his neck and his spine as well. He struggled against the iron grip of Arthis, clawing against the gauntleted hand and kicking at his armored body, but to no avail.

“You die now android.” [/b] The grip tightened and Drexx’s vision began to become static around the edges. His hearing began to fade in and out, the sounds of fighting fading. This wasn’t right? This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. Drexx had been through so much, he had nearly gotten killed by the grey-skinned beauty, upgraded and gotten more powerful than he had ever been before, but now… now he was going to be killed by Arthis.

No. It would not end this way. Drexx would not let himself be killed this way. His khopesh slid out of his arm rapidly and in the same action he stabbed Arthis in the chest low and to the right. The stab wouldn’t kill him, but it was enough to get the Lich to let go of his neck, staggering backwards and clutching his chest. Green glowing ichor leaking from the wound, pooling around his hand. His glowing green eyes bulge with pain.

“You stabbed me… you… actually stabbed me…” [/b] He said with disbelief, looking from the wound to Drexx and back. He bared his fangs and snarled at Drexx, his face animalian in its ferocity. With a swipe of his hand he flung his blood on the ground. A rumbling filled the area, and multiple hands clawed out of the ground, skeletal with flesh barely covered them. Zombies.

“You forget that I’m the master of the dead.” [/b] The zombies rushed forwards and began landing blows on the injured androids. They didn’t do much damage, until they started hitting the injured areas. Drexx cried out in pain, zombies grabbing onto his arms to hold him down. Arthis walked over and kicked Drexx hard in the injured ribs. Drexx spat blood and oil at him.

“You landed a lucky blow. I’m done playing.” [/b] He raised his hand, the claymore flying into it out of nowhere and slashed downwards. Drexx based himself for the inevitable.

[Ark Ghiest]

Xendra attempted to rise back to her feet, but another blast from his palm flatters her once more. Looking down at her he pitied her perspective on life, so driven by anger and recklessness. From his recent experiences he had discovered that many went through life in much the same way, or at least with no care for anything but their own wants. Seeing the anger in the fiends face he had no doubt of what her response would be to his request.

”I yield human…just spare me my life…” The venom had left her voice, having finally come to the realization that the fight between them did not need to carry on. Letting out a sigh himself Ark slowly lowers his hand.

”Very well, take your leave of this planet and do not return.” The way Xendra looked away from him was as much as a resignation as he needed. Letting himself relax the human suddenly feels a spike in power, to a level beyond anything he had experienced before. Glancing over he was shocked to find the force of that power surge to be Orenji.

The Namekian had doubled in power since he had first met him and now his strength had increased once more. Where did he find this power, how was he able to control such strength in such a short time? Glancing over to the fiend his companion was squaring off with he was sure Orenji could win now, the difference in power between the two just too great.

Starting to turn he looks for Drexx, his android friend not faring as well as the other, a heavy blade poised above him for what looked to be a finish blow. “Drexx!” The cry forms in his mind, but never makes it past his lips. With his attention on the others Xendra had chosen to strike at him, her words having been nothing more than a lie.

Shoving back to her feet the fiend lashes out with a leg, taking his right one out from under him. Stumbling forward from the kick Ark had no time to react as one of her clawed hands slams up under his jaw. The force of the blow lifts him right off the ground and into the air, but her string of attacks did not end there.

Another of her four arms grabs onto his ankle before he is sent out of her reach and slams him down into the ground. Clutching his leg tightly Xendra yanks him back into the air only to slam his body into the dirt once more. Shaking his head the human tries to regain his focused, not having been prepared for that attacks and slightly dazed.

Grinning widely with all three heads the fiend leans over him, another arm grabbing each of his remaining three appendages. Straighten she lifts him up into the air, holding his arms and legs out to the side. As she holds him there mismatched laughter comes from the three heads, the uneven voices making it seem even more sinister.

”Oh foolish little insect. How in the world have you reached this point in your life while being so naïve?” Her claws clamp down, beginning to dig into his flesh, blood starting to line their edges. There was no attempt to remove his hands and feet, something she had well within her power to achieve if she so wished.

"Shall I give you the same chance to yield as you offered me?" More laugher followed the statement, the fiend of course having no intention of letting him hold onto his life. ”I think not. Instead I shall simply rip your limbs from your body then our fight will be over.”

With that the fiend starts to pull, but not with all the strength she possessed, just a percentage of it. The amount of force would gradually start to increase, the pressure building on his legs and arms. Grimacing in pain there was nothing Ark could do; his close combat techniques were useless if he did not have the ability to use his arms. His own solace was the power he had felt from Orenji, for even if he died the Namekian would no doubt avenge him along with his fallen people. What a shame, he had wanted to ask him how he had obtained such power…perhaps in the next life.