Xemio

... Thus began the tale of Xemio, pale warrior of Nesa. Long ago when the world was yet young and chaos ruled the surroundings of man, a great city emerged amongst the decay. The great city was named Nesa, jewel of Tria. Within the city walls on the outskirts of the great square a child was born. His name was Xemio. He grew up like most others, playing with his friends, taught by his mother and father about the outside world. Xemio was rambunctious and constantly got into trouble. His mouth was the quickest drawn and unmatched in cursing. His father, a soldier was one day sent to protect his homeland from invades. Sadly he never returned. Xemio received his fathers armor and sword, as was ritual for honorable deaths. The news swirled over the victory in the streets of Nesa however Xemio did not attend. His father proclaimed a hero amongst the city, but he would not listen to those words. Xemio thus left the city to reclaim his fathers essence. He traveled endlessly with his sword and armor for now he had become a man. He sought out the best teachers and trainers in the land. He trained night and day to become the greatest warrior in all the lands to seek his revenge. Xemio became that of an empty soul, no emotions no cares and no fears. Through his travels he fought in many battles and earned prestige but he never found his enemy, which was sadly himself. One day during his journeys he stumbled across a messenger. The messenger was wounded by the roadside struck by a spear. The messenger bleeding warned Xemio of a grand army heading east towards Nesa, his home. Soon after his words the messenger died of his injuries. Xemio cared not anymore. His hometown spoke so bravely of his father but yet allowed his killers to live. Suddenly Xemio's attention lay on the spear near the messenger's body. He studied it well and noticed a red ribbon around its spear tip with a series of yellow strips that extended down the shaft to the grip. He then remembered exactly where he had seen those markings before. In Nesa, it was customary for the soldiers to take the weapons of the warriors killed in battle as a prize of manhood. His body began to tremble and quake with a feeling of hatred and disbelief. His search became insane with the thought of meeting those who had destroyed his life when he was young. With a swift turn he raced towards Nesa but it was getting late and he had to make camp for the night. He wished not to wait but remembered his training and began his meditation preparing for the coming battle. He peered intently at his black sword given to him at the expense of his father's life. The blade of night sharpened from one side to the other with the full intent of being used against his enemies. With a swift swipe he drew blood from his very hand and vowed that this would be the last battle his father's sword would see. Day arose and he was on his way. As he approached his home he was horrified at the scene present before him. Slain warriors scattered the field he use to play in out side the walls. As he lifted his head he noticed smoke and dust rising from the towers and great pillars of Nesa. He hurried faster eventually coming to the walls of the great city. Before him was the great square. He saw only a few townsmen in the center surrounded by warriors of the opposing army. Amongst those townsman his mother. She was holding the body of the King who had been run through by a dagger which also caught his attention. What remained of the guards of the city of Nesa were huddling in fear at their defeat near the outer walls trying to escape. Suddenly with a sharp ping, Xemio turned his head to see his mother's bracelet hit the ground then fell his mother. The same dagger that killed the king was again used as the townspeople began to be executed. Now Xemio had nothing to lose and with a thunderous cry appeared in the square behind all the warriors from the opposing army. His swordsmanship was unmatched in all the land as he faced silently of against a legion of troops. The clouds began to role in as a gently breeze foresaw the coming bloodshed. Then like lightning Xemio struck and struck fast. It seemed almost instantly a hole opened up to the people held within the circle of guards. Left, right, and another left slash, the warriors were indeed no match as they fell bludgeon to the ground where the canals and drains caught their shed blood. What was left of the army amongst the city met with the same fate as that of guards surrounding the square. It took Xemio only two hours before all were killed. The masses of people began to once again assemble in the Town Square . Xemio walking with an unknown sadness walked right through to where his mother lies protecting the king. Her body lunged over his stiff corpse. The town's people erupted in joy as the battle was over. Soon more people arrived the guards Xemio had seen trying to escape before. The patted his blood stained armor and spoke greatly of him as they once did his father. Xemio still looking down at his mother were he actually shed a few tears. His journey had come to and end or so he thought. Then he turned around and stared at the guards who had fled who were cheering with the rest of the people. His anger grew as he watched them celebrate his victory and with a thunder it began to rain. His quest was far from over. He lunged towards one of the guards, a general, nearly clinging him in two. Then to the one next to him then to the other side. Soon again fresh blood stained everywhere. The townspeople fled into their homes shocked and afraid at what had happened. Xemio standing alone once again in the square as he did while waiting for his father screamed aloud. He took his mother outside the village into the wooded forest that was near by and buried her. As he stood atop her grave he took one look back at what remained of the great city of Nesa and with a quick thrust he lunged his sword into the ground near where his mother now rests. He bowed his head once then walked away leaving his life, his home behind never to return again...

Shadow Raven...(*...