An unwelcome meeting... perhaps?

Ruvel had been travelling around a while, though he was at a loss after escaping his grim fate a year or so back, he had lost track of how long he was lost to hell but he thought that was to keep those like him more compliant. Times right now where hard for the young dark haired male, he had been taught to serve others his entire life as few years as they actually were, but even then most of it had been spent in a place he never wanted to think of let alone return to. Letting out a frustrated sigh he found himself moving to a small patch of grass in the shade of an oak tree. As it stood he knew the chances of him even being taken seriously for any kind of job given the tatted, torn and dirty clothing he wore was slim to none and slim had left the building with no chance of ever returning.

"Some fate my life has... perhaps..." he said in a neutral tone though shook his head knowing what he was thinking was stupid; afterall he was never one to believe in gods not that anyone would blame him had they known his life. "If there are gods, why can't they be merciful and take me from the misery they placed on me?" he asked his head moved backwards to lay on the tree as his eyes closed. The only good thing he could think of right now was that his sister had escaped the fate that he had gone through as he had knocked her out before hiding her and taking her place as their kingdom's heir.

As Ruvel was contemplating his unfortunate fate, it did seem that someone was actually listening in. However it wasn't one of those so called gods, no instead the one that would steer the boy's fate in a different direction was no other than his sister herself, the one who had escaped her own fate of becoming their countries queen. Only to become the ruler of something far worse... Savage Skull. And in her royal decree she had demanded that she had to be reunited with her long lost brother.

Now most people would see a family reunion as a joyous occasion. One to be celebrated with a banquette, music and dancing the night away. Unfortunately for Ruvel this wouldn't be the case, as the one fulfilling the queen's desire was a man who didn't knew the meaning of holding back. A man stoic and stern who would fulfill any mission at all cost, in fact he would easily eradicate an entire village from the face of this earth if that was needed. This man was coming straight for Ruvel.

Dahau was an enigma, even for Savage Skull standards, a man with his own set of warped principles, but principles none the less. Either way, one thing was certain, this man was ready for battle. Always all the time and judging from the way he looked he meant serious business. Clad in a battle armor with a long black cloak dragging behind him, his mouth curled up into a conceited smirk and his eyes as cold as ice. But it wasn't the way he looked that was the most disturbing, no the strangest part about this man was that he didn't feel as a mage at all. Unlike most mages, Dahau didn't send out any magical energy or presence. Basically making him feel like, well a normal human being. Powerless and weak, yet everything about him suggested he was far from powerless.

'It seems your prayer has been heard boy... however it aren't the gods that answered it'

In front of the boy it would seem as reality itself would tear apart, as a crack appeared in front of him and slowly ripped itself open. The crack spread to about two meters wide and three in height, and in it you could see a landscape far different from the sunny fields he was laying in. From it came a voice, amused and taunting while slowly a blackened silhouette appeared and treaded through the crack into the light of day.

Ruvel remained sat where he was for a short moment he did not really believe that that it was he who was being spoken to, after all since he had ended up here he had been ignored by all passers by. He could not blame them for how he was treated and he found it somewhat comforting that he was ignored as he knew all to well what attention could bring and that one thing secretly scared him. Eventually though he opened his eyes revealing that the pupil could not be distinguished from his eye color "The gods are nothing more than fables to keep naive people in line... they are false." his words were calm but it was able to see within the undertone just how much hatred he held for these so called divine beings.

His eyes fully opened now to see what seemed like a noble to the youth towering over him, he felt a twinge of fear as he believed he was going to be dragged back to the dark place he had fought so hard to get away from. Standing quickly he backed against the tree and though still within dirty ragged clothing he dusted himself off as if trying to make himself more presentable, even he had no idea why he was doing that currently given that he was trying to decide wither or not he should try fighting the older man or flee for his life.

He chewed the inside of his cheek he knew he stood no chance if he took the man head on, it was plain to see the older, towering man was battle hardened and would easily take him down. 'Could I out run him?' he wondered to himself 'He will be slowed by the armour and his weapon but given his appearance I doubt everything is as it seems with him... should I still try?' he kept going between the pros and cons of his two options as staying didn't really seem safe and fighting just felt like committing suicide all that was left was to run but for that he would need a distraction.

Moving his hands behind his back he winced as he pushed a nail into the palm of his hand "I summon blood I summon hate, I summon war and anger... warrior of death hear my call... Barthenz appear." he whispered to the point his words would not be heard except to those who had exceptionally good hearing, he knew that this contract was a bit of a risky one as Barthenz rarely listened to a thing he said and attacked anything he seen without hesitation which was fine on this occasion. He waited for the dark seal to appear and the tall, muscular scared battle hardened male appearing within "Give me time to run Barthenz" he whispered, not that he had much say as the warrior had already lunged to attack Dahau.

Ruvel decided to take this opportunity to run though he knew it was only going to be a hit maybe two before Barthenz was sent back to where he came from but that should be enough time for him to find somewhere safe to hide... right? He quickly moved to run out the park, though stopped at the gate to see if anyone was around whom would help him but as he ran up to try and tell them they moved around him as if he as some sort of plague 'people are so cruel' he thought running down a nearby ally.

Out of nowhere a pentacle had appeared and from a tall rugged man emerged, one that without a second delay rushed towards Dahau. Why? Dahau could only guess, but judging from his opponents eyes, it was blood he was after. His hair was messy and fluttered as he draw his blade in the same movement he dashed towards the Savage mage. The moment was barely an instant, a single second and Dahau's opponent had already drawn the blade and struck at him. Yet the enigmatic mage wasn't entirely caught off guard, in fact by only raising his right arm in front of him he managed to catch the sharp end of the blade with his own protective armor. Surely it cut into it, but it wasn't deep enough to seer into his flesh, nor have Dahau move an inch.

Dahau stared into the eyes of his opponent, which were crimson red and raging with bloodlust. A total opposite of his own cold gaze. 'well... aren't you intriguing' he said while gazing upon Barthenz face. It was obviously some sort of summon, but nothing like any of the celestial spirits. None of them were filled with such rage, such lust for battle.
His other free arm pulled back while his hand clenched into a fist, ready to retaliate with punch. Dahau broke off his entanglement with the swordsman and launching his fist into the mans stomach. With such might he would send Barthenz flying into the very tree his master would be. However his master was nowhere to be seen, instead there was only a tree that broke in two from the impact and the summoned swordsman that regained his posture. His summoner long gone, running away in the distance. 'Very well then... have it your way.. Fenrir! Skoll! Chase him down!'

The moment he uttered the two names of his pets, two new portals appeared. But unlike the first time it wasn't any man that emerged from it. But instead two large beasts came sprinting through them, hounds but unlike anything Ruvel would have seen before. They were large, larger then any hound. The size of a car at least. And they didn't look like a dog at all, instead they had more the appearance of a crossed breed between a hyena and a pitbull. With a similar bloodlust as Barthenz the large beasts sprinted through the park after Ruvel, their drool which was black as tar dripping from their large maws. They were like trucks, they stopped for nothing and had no regard for human life whatsoever. They plowed through the streets, chasing after the young mage. Crashing through market stalls, and shredding apart any person that stood in their way.

Back at the battle scene there was a moment of silence it seemed. Where Dahau stared at his opponent, waiting for it to move. The man was truly a horrifying sight to behold, surely something that would haunt children's dreams. With his hair blackened from dried blood, scars that had ravaged his entire body and a gaze that would send mostly any men fleeing in fear.

Ruvel didn't know how long Barthenz would last against such a strong opponent but had faith in the warrior a concerned look in his eyes 'Barthenz... your contract was so you could continue fighting strong warriors even after your death... I know he'll be a worthy opponent, but please be safe' he turned his head back to where the part was, he was unsure how far he could be from those who he held contracts to so this would be educational if nothing else. It was then he seen them his eyes going wide 'He's with them... I... I...' his inner thoughts were so panicked with the thoughts of being dragged back to where he had spent the last part of his short life that he tripped over his own feet and landed hard on the ground.

As much as he wanted to stay there and catch his breath he knew right now he was in far to much danger, so pushed himself up with a laboured gasp wincing as he started to run once more. He forgot how much he had to give of himself to start the summons contract.  'I'm no threat to them... I... what are these beasts chasing me? More things like me?' He shook his head, right now wasn't the time for such thoughts survival was the only thing he needed to worry about... well that and not being captured. He ended up down an ally that had a chain linked fence "What is with everything this life trying to kill me? Did I kill someone of importance in another life?" His words were panicked more so as he heard his four legged hunters nearby.

Without a thought to his injuries he started to climb up the fence with ease before starting to jump up the narrow walls till he was on a ledge panting hoping it was high enough that he could catch his breath before running once more. "Edaenz" he whispered holding his chest, he needed to heal or he may die of his injuries long before the hunters got to him. Sitting beside him a petite woman with shimmering blue skin and hair that was in continuous movement though at the moment there was no wind "Ruvel, what a state you've gotten yourself in young man." she scolded as only a mother could "I'm sorry Edaenz, I'm being hunted... there was this man that is a more sane version of Barthenz I'm sure and he has two... um... animals chasing me down... they aren't normal" he tried to explain Edaenz hugged him closes and sang gently stroking his hair her glow surrounding him as she healed him "Barthenz is a capable warrior, you were right to call him if you felt that threatened and smart to run too." her sky blue eyes tracing the ground below as she heard the howls "Our contracts will hold, do not fear to call us if you feel the need" she said warmly, he knew this already but it was still nice to hear.

Barthenz smirked seeing that he had caught the other off guard, he was happy for the fact that the other had caught his attack on such short notice it meant the effort of being summoned was worth it. "I was thinking the same thing about you, you aren't a usual mage now are you" he let out a dark laugh as his eyes narrowed "His magic is different than celestial spirit so don't put him on such a lowly tier of magic" he snorted, where he didn't know what the man was truly thinking many in the past had made the same assumption so it would have been through past experience that he knew what Dahau was thinking. As he was talking he had taken note that the other was ready to strike but as both his hands were on his sword so unable to block the punch to his gut and so was forced through the nearby tree of where he had been summoned from.

It wasn't to long before the battle hardened summon got up and quickly even for his size "Nice hit..." he complimented the other which was a rare occurrence, but then he hadn't had a challenge in a while. His blood eyes staring the other down "As much as he is a weakling, you can't have him." he said coldly launching forward his one sword splitting into two as he moved faster than before one aiming to slash across his chest as another aimed to strike straight into his stomach it was clear that he wasn't taking prisoners and he knew exactly what he was doing but he suspected that the other would know how to defend or deflect at least one of the hits if not both but it also meant the chance of striking back was slim.

They beasts that hunted Ruvel left nothing but death and destruction in their wake, nothing that stood in their way was spared from their large maws and grotesque bodies that steamrolled through the general population of Clover Town. Instinctively they knew where to go and how to track their running prey, so as the first beast reached the small alley Ruvel ran through, it didn't stop. No instead it crashed it's body which was obviously to large to actually fit through the small alley with the high wall, through the opening. Bricks shattered and were thrown around as the first for the hounds made their way through the alley with a rumbling sound of destruction.

The other one went another route, instead of pushing itself through a small alley which it couldn't really fit, it would crash through the front wall of the nearest shop and made its way upstair. The shop itself, which was a small bakery got destroyed in the process. The beast came bursted through the roof and stood there for a second, trying to sniff Ruvel's scent once again.

Much to Dahau's delight his opponent didn't seem to be some frenzied lunatic that could only grunt or growl. Even though the swordsman did give off that vibe. No instead he seemed quite preceptive about his own situation, what others thought of him and about his opponent. It seemed that years of battle has made this man as keen as a hawk.

Even though Dahau had managed to land a good hit into his opponent, that in turn had send him flying into the nearest tree, which had come crashing down as a result. It seemed that it didn't do much damage, in fact none at all. The warrior easily regained his posture after being send flying and showed to be even more ready to battle then before.
It was only a split second, but Dahau could see it, the light tread of the warrior's feet before he lifted off and rushed towards him. His blade that split in two in one smooth movement just right before he attempted to land a hit on him. One blade was aimed for his chest, but was obviously a ruse, as for the real attack that could do any really damage to him was aimed lower. As the first blade clashed against the armored plating of his armor and made a clanging sound while it did, the tip of the second one was aimed at the side of his stomach. At a small location that wasn't covered by any armored plating. A vulnerable point in Dahau's design, something that would've gone unnoticed if the opponent was a normal man, or a simple minded warrior. But this was a seasoned soldier, a warrior that had sharpened his senses and honed his skill through maybe thousands of battles.

It left Dahau with no choice. In that very moment, that fleeting second. He manipulated the magic around him and his opponent. He could feel it, flowing through the warrior as water that slipped through his fingers when he washed his face. He was summon, celestial or not, which meant he needed magic to sustain him, to stay in this world. There for he was magic. He could stop this right now!
Just right before the tip of the blade could enter his flesh, just when it was only a fraction removed from his skin, Dahau had stopped his opponent entirely. Locked him in his own position, unable to move yet not unable to stare straight into Dahau's eyes. 'I have to commend you warrior.' said Dahau with a conceited smirk on his face 'Not often does someone give me a hard time so fast... however, this is the end of the road, I have a job to do and unfortunately for you it is collected that master you call a weakling'

By clenching one of his hands into a fist, he increased the pressure and hold he had on his opponent. Forcing him down, while behind Dahau a a large pentacle appeared, floating just several inches behind his left shoulder. And from it a large cannon like barrel appeared, aimed low just several inches away. Slowly it started to charge up, a orange glow appeared inside the barrel. 'Till next time warrior' said Dahau right before the cannon fired into his opponent.

Ruvel was sat on the wall he had almost caught his breath fully and found himself relaxing as he looked down to the ally below seeing how high he was "They can't jump this high surly" he said looking towards where Edaenz had been with his black eyes. A saddened look on his face "Barthenz is still active it seems... I'm not strong enough to hold them both out at the same time." he whispered to himself as he wondered if he should end the summons but then that would be another problem as he could tell the other was powerful and would instantly come after him without a second thought. His eyes moved to his hand "I know I'm to far away to weaken but the link I have with Barthenz... could the seal still work?" he wondered as he dug his nails into his right hand palm breaking the skin wincing "I sacrifice my life force to increase Barthenz's speed and strength..." he hoped that he was still close enough for the seal and tasks to work.

He closed his eyes and let out a sigh as he got use to the stinging in his right hand but his eyes shot open and he found himself trembling as he heard 'them' coming "Please... no..." his voice shaking as he heard the crashing of brick. In that instant he knew he was anything but safe more so as he seen a brick barely miss his head while another quarter brick hit him in the temple causing his head to bleed instantly. He felt the warm liquid start trickling down the side of his head as he sat disorientated his heart pounding intensely as he soon heard crashing behind him. He was sorry for the misfortune that he had seemingly brought on this town and its people but he hadn't expected be found let alone hunted. Before either one of the hellish beasts could get to him he hopped to his feet and jamp from one wall to the next once more trying to avoid debris as much as possible but he still took damage that caused him to miss the roof ledge effectively but grabbed it with the bare fingertips which even with his light and fragile frame was still a trial in itself "I refuse to die like this... not as a hunted animal! Not as pray!" he called out his body starting to giving off a dark red aura as he called on the contract between to draw just enough strength to pull himself on top of the roof.

Pushing up he tried to start running but merely stumbled over his own feet crashing forward thanks to still being disorientated due to the head injury. He wanted to curl up and cry, he was sorry he had even run away from the place if this is what they intended to do to people who escaped "I'm sorry..." he whispered, but no matter how much he now regretted what he believed was a mistake he knew that severe punishment awaited if he ever went back. Weakly getting to his feet he started to run although it was slow due to injury, disorientation, blood loss, hunger and being tired overall. He wanted to get out of this town so the bad things would stop happening here but then he really would no place he could run 'Towns have sewers right...? They are to big to get there, right? Then I would still have to contend with their master and I might get lost and bump into him anyway...' he thought to himself.

Clenching his eyes he started picking up his pace as he got near the end of the buildings ledge and jamp reaching the other side with ease pausing for a second before running once more to get to the next roof knowing those things where close behind. It wasn't long however until he got to a point he couldn't move to the next roof because of it being slanted instead he positioned himself be hanging from the roof and drop to the ledge below and continued doing so until he was on the ground and though exhausted started to run once more to find a manhole cover not that he knew how he would life it he wasn't physically strong and the one summon he did have contract with that could do it was busy elsewhere.

"Appearances are deceptive no?" he said with a slight smirk happy for the challenge he knew that both he and his opponent where most likely both judged on what they looked like. His blood crimson eyes going to look at the first blade as he heard the clank of metal hitting metal. "You are likely judged as a mere warrior but my 'summoner' seen more, you likely seen me as a brute he seen more in me too when we made our contract." he commented, now he thought on it he might be as strong as soggy paper but his summoner was very perceptive on his surroundings and of people in general. Though he could he noticed also that Ruvel had never used this ability to its full potential in manipulating scenarios into his favour.

"My name is Barthenz!" he stated proudly as the second blade seemed to be heading towards the singular weakness in the others defences; but as it was ready to pierce the cloth, armour and skin to end this entirely he found that he himself couldn't move. 'What's this?' he found himself wondering His crimson orbs looking around the other as he seen the fluttering of magical energy and all of a sudden he somewhat grumbled something in an unknown tongue. His eyes looking to the other, he could call him a cheat for doing such a thing; however he was a man of honour he understood the warriors code to use whatever they could to survive and take out an opponent at any cost and Dahau was truly a worthy one.

His eyes went to the left as he felt his strength being called on "Bad time for that Ruvel... You better start praying because when I get my hands on you, you're gonna regret it!" he growled he knew he could vanish if he wanted as all he was being used for was a distraction and he had managed to do such a thing; but he was having to much fun with Dahau that Ruvel's command was an after thought. He seen the hand movement and found himself taking a knee though even Dahau would be able to see that he wasn't going down without a fight even against someone such as him. Eventually however he found himself on his knees though still fought against the pressure the other was placing on him, his eyes going to the growing orange light that was now aimed before him a smirk on his face as he accepted his fate.

He had been bested the energy went through him causing him to fall backwards and he started to fade as he laid there; normally he would have vanished completely with a hit like that he knew Ruvel wasn't as strong as the man whom was before him but he managed to sit up and let out a bellowed laugh feeling the additional strength that came all to late thanks to the distance being so far between him and Ruvel "So, before I leave... Do I get to know your name?" he asked holding his hand out as he moved to stand up knowing there was no point in fighting right now "If you catch him, don't go easy of teaching him he has potential and without the correct motivation he will never reach it." he said by the fight alone he could tell that the other had no intention of killing Ruvel but if summoned against him again he would happily take the challenge.

Dahau grabbed the hand of the blade wielding man who just earlier had introduced himself as Barthenz. As for Dahau's name, he kept it to himself for now giving the berserker only a genuine smile. Suggesting that he will learn his name sooner or later and that right now he wasn't planning on giving it to Barthenz. Regardless the summoned swordsman had earned the respect of the dark mage's. And before Barthenz would fade away Dahau would respond. 'Don't worry' he said ominously 'I'll make sure to teach him properly....starting with fear' As he said that Dahau would walk away from the scene, only to vanish himself in a newly created rift, one that would take him to Barthenz summoner.

Ruvel's idea to escape into the sewers underneath the town was rather short lived, as the moment he would see a manhole in the streets. Was also the samen moment one of the Garms came crashing through yet another wall behind him and immediately gave chase. The other one had picked up the scent again as well, and chased the boy by running paralel to him along the rooftops. Only to cut him off by jumped down and landing just a few meters in front of him, right in the middle of the street.

At the same time a rift opened near Ruvel and from it Dahau emerged. He stepped towards Ruvel, only so that he could tower above him while smiling down on him with a conceited smirk, knowing that this result was inevitable. No matter how much Ruvel struggled. 'Oh don't look so pessimistic boy.' taunted Dahau 'I am not here to kill you, no instead I have come to take you home'

Barthenz looked at the dark mage with a smirk of his own, he knew that the wise usually kept their names guarded but then he had never been accused of being wise except when it came to battle "Then I shall learn your name when he does it seems" he commented back knowing that if Ruvel didn't give it willingly he had other ways to pry such information from him and though it would be seen as cruel and most likely inhumane somehow he was fine with it because normally just the threat was enough to get Ruvel to give him information. Hearing the others words he couldn't help but laugh "I think you already got that part sorted" he stated as he continued to laugh, knowing his time was at an end he thumped his chest once as he stopped laughing "Until we meet again comrade" he stated in a respectful tone and just like that he was gone from whence he came.

Hearing the crash behind him he didn't even need to look knowing exactly what was behind him 'What did I do to this man?' he thought to himself not understanding why he was being chased and hunted like a rabbit. He could feel that Barthenz had returned to his home so when he seen the manhole he could do nothing but let out a sigh knowing there was no way he would be able to lift it, he was born extremely frail in comparison to his lost twin, more so than any normal human would be. 'Now what do I do? I can't get below and those thi- His train of thought was cut off as he heard their masters voice speaking to him almost as if he was there in front of him, his eyes instantly closing wishing it was nothing more than illusion not wanting to see it as anything else than his fear getting the better of him.

Feeling the magic so close in front of him his eyes shot open without a second thought as he found himself looking up involuntary only to see the elder mage towering over him, it was clear from his eyes alone that he was afraid more so as the word 'home' was spoken. Ruvel shook his head as he looked down his hands clenched to the point his nails pierced his skin, the glowing white liquid trickling between his fingers "Y-you can kill me now, I refuse to go back there..." his voice was a mere whisper "I don't want to endure that again..." he started to look up to Dahau crystallising tears in his eyes though there was something more inside the afraid boys eyes a spark of defiance "I WON'T BE HUNTED! I WON'T BE HARMED! I WON'T BE TAKEN BACK TO THAT HELL AGAIN!" he yelled, he was weaker than the other but he knew now that he had to stand his ground there was no where he could escape and he had made peace that his life may come to an end now and was fine with it; after all Dahau had yet to state who he was or why he was there.