Flashback Sylirian Nights

[Rheon Blueheart]

(13 Winter 510AV) It was a cold night in Syliras as Rheon scurried across the rooftops silently. This was one of those quiet, pleasant nights that one would simply sit in appreciative silence while staring at the crescent moon above. Rheon even caught himself glancing up at the clear night sky only to quickly gather himself and focus on his task at hand. The city was well organized and structured. If not for those goody two shoes knights, this city would be perfect. “Where is that guy?” Rheon whispered to himself as he thought out loud. Not a moment too soon after that Rheon caught a glimpse of someone walking an dark alley who looked like the man he was looking for. The man had gray hair and a dark robe. He was walking at a slightly lower than moderate pace with his cane. He appeared to have lost his sight. Rheon unsheathed his three blades and held one in each hand and the third he held with his mouth. Rheon halted his scurrying and took a few steps back before getting a running start as he leaped off the rooftops towards the old man with his swords pointed out. The old man simply continued walking at his pace unaware of the attack wrought upon him then at the last possible second he flipped over Rheon landing on Rheon’s back sending him face first into the ground. “Aww man that sucks, I see why you’re still the ageless wonder we all know and love.” "Ageless?! Hahaha, Are you kidding? My backed popped like 10 times doing that flip. I will definitely need an ice bath tonight. Besides if I was ageless I wouldn’t be taking these. The old man pulled out a variety of medicines out of his sleeves that hinted at some of the most weird and horrible ailments. Rheon replied with a grimace as he was helped up by the old man. “Yeah, for future reference keep those in your sleeve. How long has it been Captain Bullocks since you been up north and why do you always go there?” “Who knows? I lost count when my memory started going in and out. Haha” “Bullocks are you drunk? You know how you get when you’re drunk. Maybe we should-” “No. Maybe. Okay yes I’m drunk but I am as attentive as ever. On another note I see you’re picking up my ol’ three sword style. Pretty complicated…pretty expensive.” “Man you’re right about that. I paid for all three of these babies with my OWN money. They better not break or I will be pissed beyond all reason. So is it hard to get around?” “Not at all Rheon, I know the world like the back of my hand. My blindness is merely just another part of who I am. What I will never get used to is the irony. It is uncanny that the Sylirian nights could and would protect yours truly due to my frail appearance. All I need to do is fall down and let out a yelp and they come a runnin as if I am a pretty virgin whose locked in a tower. It really speeds up my travel time.” “Haha. You need to get a hobby Bullocks.” “That is my hobby. Anyway shall we start? I know you did not come here to just chit chat when you could be sleeping. Pick up your swords you piece of crap.” “What’s with the sudden change in moods Bullocks? You’re kinda of freaking me out.” “You’re freaking me out with how sorry you are you worthless codpiece. I outta make a fillet out of ya and serve it to your ancestors.” “ I knew it was a bad idea to come here at night. Just remember we are training so take it easy and don’t kill me. Remember we talked about this.” Bullocks begin to talk to an imaginary crowd as he waved his hands and ignored Rheon’s pleas to remain sane. “Take it easy the weakling says. I’ll take it easy alright. So freaking easy he won’t feel a thing. I look forward to spilling his noob blood on the freaking streets. After I’m done with him all drinks will be on me!” “Help.” Rheon said quietly as he simply stood in his fighting stance not sure if Bullocks was serious or if he was just acting since he was under the influence. Bullocks then charged at him at full speed with ferocious intensity.

[Rheon Blueheart]

Bullocks took three large paces forward then leaned to his right only to suddenly lunge left surprising Rheon. Rheon took a leap backwards as Bullock’s blades ripped his shirt with the edge of his cutlass. The problem with fighting a drunken person was that one could barely read their movements and counter in time; moreover, they have no idea what they are actually doing. This was quickly turning into what looked like a life or death situation that really could have been avoided altogether. As Bullocks continued his relentless assault Rheon continued to block, evade, and do pretty much anything that would result in the avoidance of the steel blades. In Bullocks’s current state it seemed as if he could not feel fatigue. The swords moved liked rain; each move flowed well into the other in a shower of slashes that continued to fall at a steady rate. Even though he was drunk anyone that day could see those swords were in the hands of a master. Captain Bullocks was an elderly man who often made jokes about his own increasing age; however, actions do in fact speak louder than words. Even after all the jokes one could see Bullocks was no ordinary man. He had white hair and glasses and always walked hunched over and even hunched over he was taller than most people. When he fought he would immediately straighten up and show his gigantic 6’ 8’’ 270lbs stature. Rheon was outmatched in height, weight, strength and skill. It was no wonder some called him the iron terror of the north. “Come now, don’t tell me an old man like myself is tiring your young legs? If this is all you got then I should end it right here. Hahaha!” Bullocks gloated “That’s not fair Bullocks! You’re not the average geezer!” Rheon cried in response. At that moment Bullocks hit Rheon’s blades from underneath causing his arms to swing upwards leaving his body wide open. Bullocks released a forceful kick that sent Rheon flying through the air and tumbling on the ground. Rheon, who was wiping blood from his mouth, did not have time to gather himself as Bullocks was already above him, swords pointed down. Rheon quickly rolled out of the way as Bullocks came crashing down to Earth. Rheon decided that this was his best opportunity to attack so he charged from behind the large man and attempted to throw a quick slash, but Bullocks reacted unbelievably fast, even for him. He merely turned around and blocked the blade with a blade he held in his mouth. To pull off a counter like that would command a great amount of power and skill. For a brief moment Rheon and Bullock’s eyes made contact with each other. Bullocks seemed as if he was almost smiling while Rheon grinned back as if not to back down even after knowing full well he is outmatched. Rheon had many slashes on his clothes and some minor bruises. Blood trickled down his face as he thought to himself about Bullocks’s power. Even at age 68 Bullocks was able to move and fight like this. You could not help but wonder what he might have been like in his prime form. “You got some guts kid to come right at me like that. You had the chance to run away but you chose to fight the good fight.” “I really need you to get sober man. This isn’t cool.” “Let’s wrap this up. I can’t keep my fans waiting.” “Crap…” In one motion Bullocks was able to knock Rheon off balance and away from him. Rheon quickly regained his balance by using his swords almost like crutches while Bullocks began to charge again. This time he brought back two of his blades and swung full force. Rheon attempted to block the attack however he was overpowered and his swords flew out of his hands and scattered across the ground. Rheon took the single blade out of his mouth and attempted to start defended with that one. Bullocks swung downward with one of his cutlasses, and with his power he was able to pin Rheon’s sword to the ground. He then followed it with a swift kick that sent Rheon flying yet again as he left the grip of his final blade. Rheon crashed down on the ground and this time stayed there outstretched. “Ugh, if I die because my captain was drunk I’m going to be so pissed in the afterlife.” Rheon said as he coughed. Bullocks had walked over to him and raised his blade as if to give a final blow to Rheon as he lay there with his eyes closed. Rheon then heard a loud belch and metal clanging. Rheon opened his eyes to find that Bullocks had sheathed his blades and replaced them with a drink in one hand and a cane in the other. He was hunched over again and seemed as peaceful as ever. “Oh so you were were sober after all?” “No, I’m still drunk lad. Tis just gave me an excuse to scare the daylights out of ya. Come now pick yourself up, for what s man who cannot get himself off the ground and walk with pride despite his origins. When you’re done meet me on the rooftops.” Rheon could not believe Bullocks attempted to be philosophical but began to do as instructed. His injuries were not too bad, but some of the shots he took effected him. Rheon stumbled at first and walked with a little limp as he followed Bullocks, bruises and all. “Why do your lessons have to be so strenuous Bullocks?” “You learn the most important things by living them kid remember that.”