Chapter 4: The Gathering of Four
The evening sun painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold as Ardyn and Kai walked along the harbor, their minds heavy with the weight of the past. The salty breeze carried whispers of distant waves, but even amidst such beauty, bloodshed remained an everyday sight.
Kai broke the silence. "Ardyn, we need to do something more than just fight in the shadows. If we want to end this cycle of assassination, we need allies."
Ardyn glanced at him, intrigued. "Who do you have in mind?"
Kai smirked. "A king, just like you."
Ardyn raised an eyebrow. "A king, huh? Call him."
Without hesitation, Kai led Ardyn through the narrow alleys of Kyoto, eventually stopping at an old dojo. Inside, a young man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes stood confidently with his arms crossed. He wore a dark yukata, his katana sheathed at his side.
"Meet Zion," Kai said. "Samurai of the Yama Clan."
Zion smirked. "So, these are the weaklings I'm teaming up with?" His voice was smooth yet filled with arrogance.
Kai chuckled. "Oh, you'll fit right in."
Before Ardyn could respond, a bloodcurdling scream echoed through the streets. The three turned toward the sound, their eyes locking onto a brutal scene—an assassin drove his blade into a merchant's throat before vanishing into the darkness. Zion's tough demeanor instantly shattered.
He jumped behind Ardyn, gripping his sleeve. "Save me! Save me!" he whimpered.
Kai burst into laughter. "Told you, he's a sweetheart."
Ardyn sighed. "Murder is as common here as eating a banana."
Zion straightened himself, coughing awkwardly. "Of course! I was just… testing you."
Ardyn smirked. "Are you willing to fight?"
Zion puffed out his chest. "Of course, Ardyer."
"It's Ardyn."
"Of course, underwear."
Kai doubled over with laughter, while Ardyn rolled his eyes. Despite Zion's antics, he could feel the warrior's potential.
With their new member in tow, the trio walked toward the docks, where a lone man sat in a boat, watching the sunset. His back was broad, his silver hair slightly messy. He wore a sleeveless coat, revealing arms covered in battle scars.
Zion hesitated. "Wait… something's off about him."
Ignoring the warning, Zion approached. "Hey, buddy! Are you com—"
A fist met his face before he could finish. Zion stumbled back, clutching his nose.
The man stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Name's Steel Magneta. You guys are loud."
Kai whispered to Ardyn, "I think he's a weirdo."
"Yeah," Ardyn muttered.
Zion, furious, pointed at Steel. "What the hell, man?!"
Steel shrugged. "Reflex. You were too close."
Kai, still holding back a laugh, asked, "Steel, we're gathering a team to stop assassinations. You in?"
Steel's eyes lit up. "Assassinations? Hell, that's in my blood! Count me in!"
Kai sighed. "I meant stopping assassinations."
Steel scratched his head. "Ah… well, peace is good too. But only if we can kick some ass along the way."
Ardyn smirked. "Then let's go."
With that, the four warriors set sail into the unknown, unaware of the bloodstained path that awaited them.