The Art of Revenge (Join by pm request)

[Kyo]

((Please Pm Spook or myself if you are interested in joining this story. I will give you a brief overview of what the previous events were. Thanks!))

The Art of Revenge

From within the deep recesses of the dark blue dome which hovered across the heavens, dawn’s first golden rays of light began to peak the eastern horizon, projecting faded hues of lavender, orange, and pink upon the ominous storm clouds which arbitrarily dispersed and conjoined throughout the area, allowing for a beautiful hybrid of rain and fair skies. Scattered showers brushed across the surrounding grass verges in a light drizzle, splattering on a muddied dirt road. A stray bolt of lightning streaks across the horizon, capturing a frozen snapshot of the cedar forest which the lonely road teased through below.

A stray leaf formally making its home atop one of the rare and magnificent Red Oaks broke off from a high branch and began to twirl its way downward in tune to the breeze. Following its path set by god, it floated to rest upon the hand of a female dibbun Ermine, Tetra Aylane, whom was lying on her back in the damp brown soil. The water droplets residing upon the youth’s faded brown fatigues glistened dully as a few gleaming rays of sunlight escaped from an opening in the lead colored clouds lining the sky overhead.

The young ermine closed her soft eyelids and inhaled slowly for a brief moment of bliss as a cool yet feathered wind danced a lazy path through the prickled branches of the cedar foliage, creating a surreal whispering hum throughout the area. She viewed the rain as a blessing and aid to the otherwise placid atmosphere. An intense feeling of nostalgia and longing enveloped her. She gazed around her surroundings, this place felt sacred to her. She did not know why, but it was almost as if she had found something long lost in the deep abyss of time.

Suddenly, A gleaming glow of light materialized to her left. Glancing, Tetra witnessed a lone figure saturated in light walking slowly towards her. The light emitted from the figure was warm and reassuring. The young ermine pushed herself off the ground and stood facing the approaching light. As the figure approached, the steady stream of light subsided, revealing the beast that was housed inside. It was another Female Ermine, An adult. Her fur was an elegant White at her core which tapered into a light brown extending down her back, Much like Tetra’s own fur. Her eyes were a penetrating deep blue hue, which contrasted sharply against the green foliage of the surrounding area. She carried herself with a certain and very familiar confident manner. She then glanced down at Tetra, and grinned. Tetra grew wide eyed as she realized who this figure was.

“…Mom…”

Tetra tried to blink back tears of regret and longing, but the dibbun succumbed to her long forgotten feelings and turned her head away. When she glanced back, her mother had disappeared and another figure stood in her place. It was another adult Ermine, Shorter in stature, but carrying the same confident air around her. Her eyes were a yellow Green Hue, shining like daggers of confidence. Two Circular golden earrings caught the sunlight and almost made Tetra Squint. She recognized this figure from her soal…The figure standing in front of her now was herself. The form of herself smirked challengingly, then broke into a genuine smile and extended her hand down to the dibbun.

As she made a reach for her own outstretched hand, the adult Tetra grabbed her harshly around the neck and yanked her into the air. The Dibbun was stunned as she watched the face grotesquely twist and turn, morphing into that of a Towering Male Stoat. Recognizing the Demon from her past, Tetra tried to scream, But the stoats iron grip refused to let a trickle of air escape into her lungs. Tetra reeled her Head, searching for help, but She was greeted by a field of dead bodies and a blood red sky. In the distance loomed a fort with a shredded vermin clan flag dominating one of the tallest spires…She knew the fort. A good beast’s haven known as Kyo.

Tetra, With all the willpower she could muster, grabbed the Stoats muscular arm and tried to pull it away from her neck. The surrounding field began to spin wildly around her, and to her surprise, she was able to remove the stoats iron grip from her neck with little effort.

Reeling backwards, she lunged forward and slugged the stoats jaw. The impact sent vibrations up her arm, and she realized that she had taken on the larger form of her adult self.
Tetra yelled with rage, and pushed the stoat into a wall, then yanked his arm backwards and positioned her foot on its socket, preparing to dislocate it with one strong kick.

“Captain!”

The stoat started whimpering uncontrollably, and a dense fog now
surrounded her

“Captain!!”

She heard a far off, yet familiar voice. The fog began to lift and. light was beginning to flood her vision again.

“Tetra!!!!!!”

The Ermine Blinked and stared down at the beast she was restraining. It was no longer the threatening stoat from before, but a whimpering mole with a deeply bruised jaw and dawned In a medical overcoat.

“Bur..Hur… Plois dunt urt moi! Dunt kill Moi! Oi was Only troiing to elp!”

Tetra felt a powerful hand on her shoulder

“Captain! Let him go, he didn’t do anything! You were dreaming!”

Tetra let the mole free, and watched him fall to the ground caressing his arm and jaw. Afterward, she turned around and faced the beast that was at her back and was met with the hardened eyes of her partner, Dax Torrin.

“Captain….I didn’t mean to yell at you, but I thought you were about to kill him”

Tetra, with her dignity slightly scarred half turned to look at the mole and gave a shaky sigh.

“I think I was as well”

“What was that about?”

Tetra, finding her former personality, spat into the ground.

“Hellz if I know…. Never discuss this around me again Torrin”

“…a-aye captain.”

A brief pause ensued

Tetra thought a moment as the previous day’s events began to flood back to her. She looked down and tugged at the bandages wrapped around her well toned core.
Dax Chimed in

“The operation was a success. The injuries that you sustained on the Wind’s Wake were not as serious as we had originally believed…well they weren’t life threatening anyway. But they were still serious.”

Tetra exhaled, Obviously relieved.

“Alright, Let’s pack some provisions and be on our way”

Dax craned his head in concern.

“That probably isn’t a very good idea. You should rest for a day or two and give you injuries time to….”

Tetra’s Piercing eyes plunged a dagger into Dax’s sentence

“Uhh…on second thought, I’m pretty sure that your injuries are healed enough”

“Damn right they are!”

Tetra shook her head with a smirk, then glanced back at the mole whom was staggering to his feet.

“Sorry about that, but next time you grab me without warning…ill be sure to kill you. …I do appreciate the effort Doc.”

Tetra sat back down on the bed, and staired out of the clinic window into Redwall abbey's courtyard. Soon they would depart from this place. Although she did not show it, she was thankful that the woodlanders agreed to help her, considering her race.

[Spook]

Outside the walls of the grand Redwall Abbey sat Taross the Warlord. To say that he was in a foul mood would be a severe understatement. The giant wolverine had been denied access to the insides of the Abbey; understandably so, as the only experience Redwall had with his kind was a very unpleasant one. Still, the veteran warrior sulked out the days as he waited for his acquaintances to leave the place. Though he was one of, if not the absolute oldest and wisest creatures in Mossflower, Taross still had great difficulty controlling his anger. He had come to Redwall in hopes of finding a cure to his family curse: a sickness that had claimed his father's life. However, not only did the creatures within the sandstone walls have no way to help him, they also wouldn't let him in. Taross had to even find his own food to eat, which wasn't too big of a problem, as he had many provisions in his cart. Still...

At the moment, the Warlord was pacing around in the ditch that spanned across the old road. So great was his size that one could see his upper body and head sticking out from the top of the ditch. He had walked down the span of it for ten full times, going on eleven. Each time he completed a lap, he grew angrier. Muttering to himself curses about anything that was unfortunate enough to strike his displeasure, he kicked rocks and debris out of his way. Sometimes, he'd kick a large rock that only the tip of was sticking out of the earth and hurt his foot. This, obviously, did not improve his mood.

Completing his eleventh lap of the ditch, Taross decided he'd vent his rage in another manner. He climbed out and stood tall, facing the Abbey. Reaching into his cart, his protruded his impressive warhammer and banged in on the soft ground. It had rained recently, and the ground was still somewhat damp. Mud splashed up into the wolverine's face. Calmly, he cleaned his hammer and face off, and stowed it back into his cart. Then he took a deep breath, trying to quell the absolute fury dwelling within his emotions. Actually managing to succeed, Taross sat down hard and put his head between his hands. Unfortunately, it was quite hard to distinguish ant hill from pockets of sloped mud. Feeling the first few little shocks of pain, the Warlord looked down. There were ants crawling angrily up his legs and hind quarters. Then Taross snapped. Howling in rage and pain, he slapped at his legs and behind until the ants were largely off of him, creating a rather strange and humorous scene for anyone watching from the wall-top.

After fending off the furious little invasion of ants, Taross decided he would need something to alleviate the pain. He had experienced much, much worse, but the tiny insects had made sitting down a little awkward. He rummaged through his cart, muttering threats and curses at everything he could think of, trying to find one of the poultices he had stowed prior to arriving at the Abbey. Finding a couple, he slapped them on his tail and legs. Then the wolverine began thinking of other ways to spend his uneventful time while waiting for Tetra and her bodyguard/first-mate Dax to leave Redwall. He desperately wanted to destroy something... or someone.

[Kyo]

The mole had silently left the room in order to tend to his bloodied jaw, leaving the Ermine and polecat to themselves. The medical complex inside Redwall was quaint and homely. The walls were constructed of Redwall's trade mark red sandstone. As the light drifting in through through the single window struck the stone, it emitted a warm glow. The room its self was immaculate, it seemed that there was a large focus on keeping the medical facilities tidy.

Tetra yawned and then worked her abdomen in a short series of stretches, wincing and sighing Bitterly after each repetition.
Dax raised an eyebrow in concern.

"Still hurting you?"

Tetra stopped her stretching and spat out a harsh laugh

"I took a hit in the ribs by a war hammer, take a moment to consider what the answer to your question would be."

Dax opened his mouth to comment but Tetra cut him off

"Im not staying in this place Dax, I am sore, but it is manageable."

"Aye capn..."

Tetra walked over to the window and gazed out into the Abby courtyard coldly. Golden sunlight flooded the outside world as an assortments of birds sung cheerfully. There were a group of dibbuns chasing after each other near the gardens while thier parents watched smiling from a distance. The smell of flowers and the remnants of a fresh breakfast filtered through the air, as a soft breeze drifted through the spires of the Abby.

Tetra smirked without humor.

"Look at this place. Its so Cheerfull, So Carefree....I suppose this is what some beasts would call Bliss"

She snorted

"They are so utterly clueless to what life outside these walls is like...So ignorant..."

Dax Stood next to her and followed her gaze out the window.

"Ignorance is bliss"

Tetra turned away from the window and made eye contact with Dax.

"And true bliss is ignorance...C'mon, lets get out of here. Im sure that mole will babble a story about how I assaulted him."

Tetra started walking confidently at the door leading to the courtyard. Dax, smirking at the cold personality he had come so accustomed to over the years, Followed in her wake.

((.....Short lapse in time to move along the thread, the duo just exited the Great gate.....))

Dax eyed The huge figure sitting in the ditch as they approached. The wolverine was glaring at them furiously.
Tetra craned her head slightly

"What has his panties in a wad?" Her choice of words was mocking, but her tone was serious.

Dax lowered his deep voice. "Redwall Refused to grant him entrance. I havnt talked to him since we arrived, but i'm sure he is peeved...As your adviser, I would suggest not to be a royal pain in his ass"

Tetra eyed the wolverine up and down.

"...Noted"

Dax and Tetra came to the edge of the ditch, staring almost eye level with taross. Dax smiled and waved.

[Spook]

Taross looked at Dax and Tetra. Even in the ditch, the wolverine was only slightly shorter than either. He watched them approach. The pair strode directly up to him and stopped at the edge of the ditch. Dax smiled and waved at the Warlord as he stood up and began to climb out of the ditch. He stretched and groaned, a deep guttural sound that was unpleasant to hear. He stared down at the two pirates for a long uncomfortable period. Then he spoke, "You look to be doing better, miss. The creatures of Redwall are legendary healers." His face darkened as he said this, reflecting his mood. "Anyway," he continued with an evil smile, "I'm feeling sort of restless at the moment. I'd just love to get some blood on me. How would the two of you feel if we went and got ourselves into a spot of trouble?" The wolverine eyed the two in a most "hungry" way. His lust for blood was currently under control, but it was only a matter of time before he lost it.

Suddenly an idea came to Taross. His smile turned from evil to downright insidious. "Tetra, didn't you mention something about getting back at the vermin who betrayed you at the fort... whatever it was called? I think I might be able to help you out with that..." As the Warlord waited for an answer, his mind began scheming up plans of attack and what he'd do to his potential enemies.

________________

Waking up late, Rade scratched his head and yawned. He slapped the sleep out of his head and stepped out of bed. Heaving a huge stretch, the ermine groaned loudly. Then he looked around his temporary room. Stepping up to the window, he peered outside. Then his eyes went wide. Good... night...! How late did I sleep?! He quickly got dressed and assembled his belongings, grabbing up all his meager supplies. Then he froze. His sword and shield were missing.

Rade's heart skipped a whole beat as this realization dawn on him. Then his blood went hot. WHO.. THE... HELL?! This ermine was very clever and crafty. His powerful mind put two and two together quickly, and burst out of his room. Narrowly missing a little mousemaid, Rade sprinted down the dormitory stairs as he raced for the Abbey lawns. He knew somebeast had stolen his weapons, but who? As he ran outside, he caught a glance at two creatures leaving the Abbey. They were those two pirates.

Based on a hunch, Rade dashed towards the pair. Out of everyone in this place, those two pirates were the most likely suspects. What he would do when he caught up with them, he didn't know. Maybe he'd have to try and negotiate with them... but simply drop kicking the larger one and then turning on the female ermine might be easier...

[Kyo]

Dax and Tetra watched silently as the giant wolverine climbed out of the ditch and once again stood head and shoulders over even Dax. His cheerful front was obviously a false one and the tension in his voice could be cut with a knife.

After looking at the pair for a while, he finally spoke

"You look to be doing better, miss. The creatures of Redwall are legendary healers."

Tetra nodded and glanced back at the red spires of the Abby.
"Yeah, I guess they know their stuff well enough."

The wolverine then adopted a toothy smile which made Dax a little uncomfortable. If Tetra felt the same, her eyes masked it.

"Anyway, i'm feeling sort of restless at the moment. I'd just love to get some blood on me. How would the two of you feel if we went and got ourselves into a spot of trouble?"

Before anyone could answer, the wolverines tone changed and he asked a further question.

"Tetra, didn't you mention something about getting back at the vermin who betrayed you at the fort... whatever it was called? I think I might be able to help you out with that..."

Tetra's eyes narrowed fiercely and the fur on the back of her neck stood slightly erect.

"Yes, I did.......Taross, If you can help us get revenge on that monster, You can do whatever you please with every vermin in that fort. murder them, torture them, what ever suites your fancy I dont care.
But the one who calls himself a Warlord will be left to us. He is the only one we care about, The rest are swabbies, worthless junk."

Tetra Spat

"But it isn't as simple as that. He has a large army under his controll Unless we somehow raise an army ourselves, the best course of action will be an assassination."

Dax nodded.

"I highly doubt we could convince woodlanders to join an army, and all the major vermin clans in the north have banded together under the same warlords leadership. It will take some strategy before we can do him in"

tetra then interupted the conversation

"Hey look alive , we have some company"

The three beasts turned towards tetras gaze and saw a lone figure aproaching from the gates of redwall.

[Spook]

Rade froze in his tracks. What in death's name is that?! he thought, staring straight at Taross the Warlord. After a full second of gaping at the massive creature, he straightened up and began thinking of what to do. The two pirates were talking to the giant thing, and they might even be in legion with it. That would make things complicated. He had originally planned on confronting the pair and demanding that they give him his things back. If they didn't, he would pretend to acquiesce and walk away. But then, he would stalk them and wait for the opportune moment. Then he would get his things back and teach both creatures a lesson.

Adopting a nonchalant and almost tired-looking mask, Rade strode over to the three who were, by now, looking at him. The one-eyed ermine stopped a slight distance away and spoke calmly, " Good day to the three of you... I was wondering if I might interrupt the discussion for a bit and speak with the two pirates? If not, then I request to speak with them immediately after you're done. I hope that won't be a problem. The name's Rade, by the way."

Trying to act calm in the presence of the colossal wolverine was difficult. But Rade was an expert of manipulation, and he knew how to fake emotions... and how to control them. If the pirates would not speak to him, then he'd have to resort to "plan B," which was making them think he went away. Then he would hunt them and steal back his belongings at the right moment. But Taross the Warlord changed things a lot...

[Kyo]

The trio watched silently as the woodlander approached and Dax's lips parted slightly in a brief moment of surprise when he realized that it was an Ermine. He hadnt expected there to be any other beasts that were classified racially as "Vermin" to be residing at Redwall.
Just what did he want anyway?

The Ermine walked with a calculated confidence, as though the huge wolverine standing a yard to their back was only a dibbun.

"Tetra, I doubt he will try anything stupid, but I dont like this. I stole some weapons from redwall's armory"

Dax walked over to the cart and produced a beautifully crafted cleaver and a large battleaxe, then strode back over to tetra.

"Here, take this. just in case".

Dax held out the cleaver to tetra with his right hand while the battleaxe hung loosely in his left.

The Ermine was now within earshot and dax noticed the eye patch covering his left eye. Either he fancied a new trend, or this beast was experienced. Dax was willing to bet the Latter.
The three stared at him curiously, ready for anything.

" Good day to the three of you... I was wondering if I might interrupt the discussion for a bit and speak with the two pirates? If not, then I request to speak with them immediately after you're done. I hope that won't be a problem. The name's Rade, by the way."

Tetra glared at Rade with piercing eyes for a long while, creating a tense and slightly awkward silence. Then she spoke crisp and athoritively.

"What do you want?"

[Spook]

"What do you want?"

Rade smiled smugly. Who did this creature think she was? Rade believed wholeheartedly that he would come out victorious if the two of them fought. However, she was armed while he was not. And her large companion would certainly intervene if they got into a tussle. Whether Rade could actually beat her or not didn't matter to him. One thing did, however. She was holding his prized sword. He didn't look or even glance at it. He merely said, "I want my sword back. And my shield." Rade stared right in her eye, still with a smug grin painted on his face. If worst came to worst, he would have to run away. But he was a clever beast. The one-eyed mercenary was confident that he could get what he wanted with words.

Taross glared at the newcomer. Then his eyes lit up. "Rade! What are you doing here?!" The two of them not only fought with each other but also against each other in the past. The two were rival mercenaries of different regions and had run into one another on a few occasions. Though they were rivals, Taross was glad to see a familiar face. Rade looked at the wolverine and smirked, "Long time no see, Taross. What are you up to these days?" Then the Warlord shrugged, "Not much, Rade. Right now, I'm traveling with these two. We're thinking of going up to a fort in the north for..." Taross broke off and realized that he was getting ahead of himself. Maybe Tetra didn't want anyone to know about what had happened at the fort. He smiled and continued, "To be honest, Rade, nothing really. We're thinking of heading north. Would you care to join us?"

"I'd love to," Rade said, feeling somewhat proud of himself. I bet these pirates didn't expect that I knew Taross the Warlord. I bet they'll take me a little more seriously now. He glowered a bit and turned back to Tetra. "That's my cleaver you have there. I'd really like it back." He tried to find some hint of emotion in the female ermine's face, but couldn't. She was ice-cold it seemed. Rade smiled inwardly. This pirate was more than just a pretty face.

[Kyo]

Tetra narrowed her eyes as Rade produced a smug smile....Was he mocking her? He definitely looked confident, enough.
Rade then spoke, nearly replicating her own tone of voice.

"I want my sword back. And my shield." Blunt and to the point.

Tetra stared at him for a moment, then glanced down at the cleaver resting in her hand. she blinked, then gave a two syllable laugh.

"Your Sword? ha, you come here unarmed making a dema--"
"RADE!"

Tetra reeled back as she was cut off by the overpowering voice of Taross.

"What are you doing here?!"

as if activated by a switch, both Dax and Tetra turned toward Taross and exhaled out the same statement in unison

"You know him?!"

Taross laughed, his foul mood forgotten for the time being.
Rade winked at Taross with his one good eye.

"Long time no see, Taross. What are you up to these days?"

Dax and tetra, stood to the side, not sure what to make of the situation as the Ermine and Taross continued thier conversation.

"... We're thinking of heading north. Would you care to join us?"
"I'd love to!"

The two were grinning from ear to ear, then Rade turned back toward Tetra and looked her in the eye.

"That's my cleaver you have there. I'd really like it back."

Tetra looked at him with a much less harsh expression, then looked back at the cleaver in her hand, Then back up at Rade. After thinking a moment, she adopted an almost warm expression.

"So this is your cleaver?"

Rade nodded and smiled.

"I see, In that case..."


...A brief pause ensued...


"No"

The round of smiles slowly dissipated as though a bomb had been dropped on the conversation. Dax stared a few seconds, then looked up at Taross to see his reaction. The wolverine was scanning the two with a deeply amused expression on his face.

Rade's smile also vanished.

"Excuse me?"

Tetra's eyes reverted back to thier normal dagger like appearance.

"Dax, are you still carrying around that longsword in the cart that you picked up from the fight at the beach?"

"Uh...Aye"

"Bring it to me."

Dax wordlessly Walked over to the wolverines cart and pulled out the steel longsword that he had used at the waterfront. After a brief moment in memory, he walked the sword over to tetra and handed the hilt over.
Tetra examined it, tested its sharpness, and when satisfied, hurled it in Rades Direction.
The longsword buried its self into the ground 4 yards away from where rade was standing and momentum pushed it forward untill the wooden hilt was facing rade.

"Tch...You want your sword back? This is how it is going to go down. You get something stolen, you fight to take it back.
That is our code."

Tetra drew the Cleaver from its scabbard and pointed it at Rade.

"Dax, you wont interfere"

She then Replicated Rades smug expression and adopted a smirk herself.

"Draw the sword from the ground, or flee back to the Abby. the choice is yours..."

[Spook]

Taross was very amused by these turns of events. He emitted a deep chuckle. "I honestly didn't see this one coming, Rade," he said. "Tetra seems pretty serious to me. You'd better watch yourself." Rade's face was a picture of genuine happiness. He loved battle. Personal combat, duels, wars, hunting, all of it. He decided he liked this pirate... Tetra, was it? Not only was she beautiful, smart, and clever, but she was also pretty fierce. A rare specimen. Rade gripped the hilt of the longsword and tugged on it. After pulling it from the earth, he tested its balance.

"Taross," Rade said, "Have you got anything else in that cart of yours? This blade ain't bad, but I'd prefer something different." Taross grunted with amusement and replied, "Nothing that's light enough for you, Rade." Rolling his eye, the ermine said, "Of course..." For a second, Rade considered dueling Tetra unarmed. He was competent enough to try, but there was something in her eyes that told him she wasn't messing around. He decided he'd be much safer with a weapon. He hefted his blade and bowed slightly at the pirate captain.

"Let me tell you... Tetra, was it? You've really made my day. It's not every morning that I can start things off with a duel," Rade said genuinely. Then he smiled a smile that was somewhere in between insanity and bliss. He raised his sword into a fighting stance and began circling Tetra. He would gauge her skill and strength. If she was going to be a challenge, Rade would play with her a bit, just for fun. Then he'd get serious and fight. If she wasn't worth his time, he'd knock the sword from her grasp and decide afterwards whether to kill her or not. He truly hoped she was a good fighter...

[Kyo]

Dax viewed the pair with a hawklike gaze. He knew for a fact that Tetra wouldn't be at one hundred percent, especially considering it was the first day after the operation. She was skilled, no doubt about that. But even if she was in her prime, This Rade character looked menacing. And worse yet, If he had met Taross in battle, this wasn't good at all.
He had been given a direct order though, and would not interfere.

His grip tightened on the steel grip of the battle axe.

If Rade were to Kill Captain Aylane, Dax would be his next opponents. If Tetra were to fall, He would have lost everything.

Rade Grinned Happily at Tetra as he assumed his fighting stance.

"Let me tell you... Tetra, was it? You've really made my day. It's not every morning that I can start things off with a duel,"

Tetra smirked.

"I imagine not, living with such weak creatures in that dump. I doubt they could even mount a decent defense."

Rade's expression didn't change.

"heh, you obviously don't know the history of that place. Redwall has seen more blood than you ever will"

He began a wide circle around Tetra

The female Ermine twirled the cleaver for a moment, then assumed her own fighting stance, one that looked very different than rade's. Then She began to circle aswell, spireling closer with each revolution.

"Dunno about that one, I've seen quite a bit of blood in my time. and your's will not be the last."

They were now mere meters apart.

Tetra gave the first genuine smile since waking up from the operating room.

"I haven't felt the clash of a blade in soooo long. Now come take My cleaver you filthbag."

She grasped the cleaver in both hands high above her head and brought it down like a whip, angled in a downward slice at Rade's neck
Rade brought His longsword up in a crisp block and the two blades met with a earspliting clang.
Tetra Grinned as the heavy vibrations reverberated throughout her upper body. they Stood connected for a moment, almost able to read eachother's thoughts, then Tetra jumped back and jabbed the blade at rade's midsection with lethal force.

Rade expertly blocked Tetra's jab and forced the cleaver down and away to his left, momentum carried her with the blade and Tetra turned to the left of rade. as the male ermine griped the handle of the longsword in preparation to swipe at Tetra's back, she used the momentum to her advantage by planting her right foot into the earth and using it as a pivot point to unleash a heavy sidekick with her left leg.
Rade jumped back and narrowly escaped her foot.
Tetra then planted her left leg down and tried a one handed upward angled slice across Rade's Torso.
This time rade side stepped the attack, but tetra had more control over the sword with this attempt. Her other hand clasped the Cleaver and she again brought it down in a hard angled strike.

The two blades again met with a loud clang, and the two stared into the others eyes.

[Spook]

Taross watched the two ermines as they enacted a grim parody of a dance. Tetra was skilled. Her attacks and defense were imbued with finesse. She was much more polished than Rade was. But Taross knew that Rade was merely gauging her strength. When the two of them had fought against one another, Taross had manhandled Rade and his allies. Only Rade's quick mind saved his life. Now Rade was fighting a much more manageable foe. The wolverine looked over at Dax who was doing a decent job of hiding his anxiety. But The Warlord knew he was worried.

Rade realized that Tetra was a worthy foe. Satisfied, he then began to actually try. Parrying one of her slashes, he set her just off-balance enough to allow an opening if his own. He spun and sent a back-kick right at her diaphram.

[Kyo]

Rade's foot collided with tetra's diaphram with a loud and meaty thud. In an instant, the unbearable pain which she had felt when first wounded resurfaced and washed over her.

The wind had been knocked out of her lungs. Unable to scream, Tetra collapsed silently to the ground, clutching her chest.

"CAPTAIN!"

Dax could stand aside no longer and rushed to her aid.
In less than two seconds the big polecat was kneeling down beside her,

"Hoy, Capn! Talk to me, are you alright? Capn!"

Tetra began to regain her breath on gasps of pain. she then muttered something inaudible.

"What was that captain?"

Tetra suddenly grabbed Dax by his black overcoat and her forehead collided with His own in a Vicious headbutt.

"*cough* I thought I told you not to inter--*gasp*--fere"

Dax took a step back, stunned slightly from the blow.
It probably hurt Tetra more than it hurt him, but it definitely got the point across.

Tetra rose awkwardly to her feet and breathed out a heavy sigh of pain and annoyance. then she craned her head and smirked at Dax.

"What the hell do you keep in that thing, bricks?"

Dax blinked twice, then laughed half heartedly.

Tetra then turned towards Rade, who was watching her from where he had first unleashed the kick.

"That was a cheap shot, you dog."

After a second of staring at rade, Tetra then broke into a laugh.

"But a damn good one to be sure! You're skilled, Ermine..."

Tetra suddenly threw the cleaver to her side and reached into her vest.

"Your Cleaver is extravagant Rade, but it hardly fits my style. I can loose my balance with such a heavy blade.

With drawing her hand from the vest, she produced an equally extravagant fourteen inch Dagger, the hilt was encrusted with a dark green Jade stone which glistened dully in the light.

"Hit me once more, Rade, and ill keep my promise...If you can that is."

[Spook]

Rade smiled and said, "No, a cheap shot would be kicking you when you were down. You're through, Tetra; stay down." But no, the pirate stood up. She tossed Rade's cleaver aside and reached within her vest. She pulled out a gorgeous dagger and assumed her fighting stance. Rade shook his head, but he couldn't help admiring her.

"Hit me once more, Rade, and ill keep my promise...If you can that is," she said.

"Alright," Rade replied simply.

He then tossed his longsword aside and went into an unarmed fighting stance. "I'll give you a chance this time," he said smugly. He had won fights before just by making his opponent angry. He figured that Tetra had better control over her emotions than most, though. He circled her and kept his knees bent with his fists in front of his chest and face. Tetra looked at him as though he was crazy. Rade wasn't surprised. He was unarmed against a killer wielding a blade. He had to teach her a lesson, though.

Tetra then regained her composure and began mirroring Rade's circle. Rade feigned a instep and kick. Tetra was obviously hurt, because she was a little slow to block it. However, she blocked nothing. Rade then sidestepped and brought his fist hard down and from an angle right at her head. Tetra saw it just in time and stepped back, narrowly avoiding a blow that could've injured her further. She then made an instep of her own and thrust her dagger right at Rade's chest. Her weapon gave her a significant range advantage over him, but he was ready for anything.

The point cut through the air and threatened to do the same to Rade's flesh. He leaped backwards and sidestepped. She countered this by making another instep and slashing at him. This is exactly what he wanted. He ducked and stepped inside her power arc. He then caught her arm and moved along side it. Kicking the back of her knee, Rade felt her weight go down towards the grass. Then he held her arm down and put his knee on top of it. From this position, he could easily dislocate her arm and break it by pushing down on it with his knee.

Tetra grunted but didn't let go of her dagger. She was obviously somewhat surprised and angry. Rade heard Dax gasp and saw him make a step towards the pair. Then he was stopped by Taross' huge arm being pushed against him. "Your captain said not to get involved," the wolverine said. The smarter part of Tetra then took control and dropped her dagger. She tapped the ground, signalling her admittance of defeat. Rade brought his mouth down close to her ear and whispered savagely, "I should break your arm just to teach you a lesson, Tetra. No one treads on me. No one!" Then a booming voice cut into his threats, "Remember when we fought, Rade? You're only here because I showed you mercy. I made you promise me that you would show mercy as well. If you don't keep your promise, then I'll be forced to complete my victory over you.

Rade's knee was putting a lot of pressure on Tetra's shoulder. It must of hurt because, though her face was stone cold, Tetra made a grunt of pain. Rade then let off and stood away from the pirate. He spat on the ground and glared at her, saying, "Taross may be right, but you better believe that next time you cross me, I'll finish what you start."

Then something very unexpected happened. "I take on the winner!!" a giant voice said. It didn't take much brains to realize it was Taross speaking. All three creatures froze. Rade looked over at Taross who was suddenly charging right at him. The mere sight of the colossal juggernaut made Rade freeze in cold terror. He tried to get away, but the wolverine easily overtook him. Taross grabbed Rade and lifted him over his head as though he weighed nothing. Rade shrieked. The Warlord then dropped him and glared down murderously at the fallen ermine. Rade looked up in sheer horror at him.

A great, deep chuckle emerged from the barreled chest of Taross the Warlord. The chuckle turned into a roar of laughter that echoed across the flatlands. "No one treads on you, indeed! Oh ho ho ho!! Rade, you silly little bully! Ah hahaha!!" Rade glared at Taross with a mixture of amusement, relief, anger, and embarrassment. The giant Warlord had proved his point: there's always a bigger or better. Always.

[Kyo]

Tetra slowly stood up, not fazed by Rade's comical expression as Tarros dropped him. The last time she had been defeated in a fight, she was still a lieutenant in training aboard her mothers fleet. And even then, the fight was extremely close.
Never before had she been defeated without even being able to touch her opponent. Her dignity was obviously scarred.

Dax appeared beside her with a bottle of cool water, saying nothing.

Holding her shoulder and still wheezing from the previous blow to her torso, she turned towards the Ermine and spoke with an apparent undertone of genuine respect.

"...you...Just who are you exactly?"

[Spook]

Rade smirked and remarked, "Name's Rade. Can I have my sword back?"

Time Lapse (Evening)

The four creatures lounged outside of Mossflower Wood after dinner. Taross sat with Dax and pointed up at the stars, "Remember when I said that the stars were the heroes that have died? You think you know anyone up there?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Rade approached Tetra. He sat down beside her and said, "Taross told me you were injured... I had no idea. You fought like a beast that was in full health." He didn't want to sound condescending, but he felt apologetic towards her. She was hurt, and it wasn't a fully fair fight.

[Kyo]

Dax was sitting quietly next to Tarros, enjoying a cool Breeze as it brushed against his dark brown fur and ruffled the assorted trees of Mossflower soothingly.
As he gazed up into the brilliant starscape that spilt over the sky, Tarros pointed upward to a constellation that contrasted against the other stars.

"Remember when I said that the stars were the heroes that have died?"

Dax tilted his head and Looked at Tarros. It was before they had reached Redwall that Tarros mentioned this to him.

"Yeah, a pleasant Fate if it is true."

Tarros nodded, then their eyes met. "You think you know anyone up there?"

Dax spent the next minute in silence as he pondered the question. Ever since he was captured by slavers during his Preteen Seasons, he had to fend for himself. Thus had never really considered himself to know a hero. Dax had believed that he was his own Hero, and no one but himself Deserved such a title...But his viewpoint changed after he had joined the Grand Fleet.

Dax broke his silence as another breeze brushed passed their camp and licked the fire.

"I... honestly never really have had a hero figure in my life. But I suppose there is one that I could consider the closest to that status."

Tarros rose an eyebrow
"Oh? and who would that be"

"A Beast named Aylane... Admiral Aylane"

Tarros thought for a moment, then look backward at the only Female member of the camp. As he did so, Tarros noticed Rade sit down next to her by the fire and begin talking.

"...You mean Tetra?"

Dax shook His Head.

"No, I mean Jade Aylane, Tetra's Mother."
_______________________________________

Tetra was lost in her own thoughts as she was warmed by the fire in front of her. While watching the Flames crack and pop through the air, the sound of light footsteps faded into hearing.
Tetra, Rose an eyebrow as Rade walked around her and sat down facing her on the other end of the fire.

"Taross told me you were injured... I had no idea. You fought like a beast that was in full health."

Tetra laughed.

"Heh. The condition the loser is in doesn't matter. The outcome was clear. You could have killed me, and I couldn't have done a damn thing about it. You won, And I lost, that is all there is to it."

Tetra sat quietly for a moment.

"Look race brother, I dont give out compliments lightly, but you definitely earned that sword back. I wasnt able to lay a paw on you. Wounded or not, that is saying something."

Tetra then smirked casually.

"So knock off the sympathetic crap, it doesn't suit a fighter of your caliber..."

[Spook]

Rade smiled at Tetra. She was one tough cookie. Actually, she was less like a a real cookie and more like a rock disguised as a cookie that would break your teeth if you tried to chew it. "You know, I'm just trying to figure you out a little bit. I admire when a beast isn't sore about a loss. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something since I can't get any sound information out of Taross at the moment. Where are the three of you headed if you don't mind me asking?"

----------------------------

"Tetra's mother, eh? For some reason, I can't imagine Tetra ever being a child, heh. So, you say she's up there. You know, Dax... I think I know quite a bit of the heroes in the sky. I've got plenty of friends up there. When you sit and think about the scope of things, the world suddenly gets so small and the universe gets so big. It's strange. Thinking about the scope of life has... weird effects..." Taross was silent for a small moment. Then he spoke up again, "What was life like aboard a ship, Dax?"

[Kyo]

"You know, I'm just trying to figure you out a little bit. I admire when a beast isn't sore about a loss. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something since I can't get any sound information out of Tarros at the moment. Where are the three of you headed if you don't mind me asking"

Tetra sat expressionless.
"In battle, the minute someone lets their emotions get the best of them is the minute they die. I'm sure you know this as well as I do"
She then glanced at Tarros.
"Unless you are that thing, heh...In anycase, There isn't a point in holding a grudge over a spar. That is childish, and I have no patients for children.

Her expression then darkened.
"And although we might be companions for the time being, don't try to figure me out. I am in this part of Mossflower country strictly to accomplish two goals. One, to recruit a new crew. And two, to Kill a certain someone. If you'd like to be our first recruit, then by all means, I could use your skill. You would get to know me in time.
If not, then you are no one to us.

She then laxed
"As far as where we are going, Dax and I are heading north of mossflower, up to Fort Kyo. Since you seem to be the traveling sort, I'm sure you have heard about the recent events to occur there. If not, I could give you a rundown.
We are going to assassinate the Stoat warlord who runs the place, plain and simple. He will die by my hand.
________________________________

"When you sit and think about the scope of things, the world suddenly gets so small and the universe gets so big. It's strange. Thinking about the scope of life has... weird effects... anyway, what was life like aboard a ship, Dax?" "


Dax Shook his head.
"In my opinion, There is nothing grander than the world we live in. The Stars and Universe...they are two dimensional to our perspective. The Universe that I live in is here."
Dax lightly jabbed his chest with his thumb.
"and here"
He then pointed to his large head.

"Ones thoughts and experiences are the universe, one that is graspable and malleable. "

Dax gazed back up at the stars
If you think about it that way, the world is Huge.

....And to answer your question, Life aboard a ship is, to be quite honest, quite normal to me. It would be like me asking you how life on the land is...I'm not exactly sure how to answer that question. But I will say that working with Tetra and her crew.....or what was once her crew, Has given me a purpose in life. I suppose you could say that I enjoy it.

Dax then Looked At Tarros. What about you, You seem to have gone through hell and back, twice. What is your story?

[Spook]

Taross smiled at Dax, "My whole life has been heaven, hell, and every possible thing in between. The worst parts were when I was young. My father was a warlord... the greatest in the Land of Ice and Snow. He was as cold and ruthless as the tundra we called home. Since I was his son, he treated me well. But he expected me to fill his shoes, and since I didn't know anything else at the time, I would have, too. I would've filled them twice over. I would've conquered and destroyed everything in my sight.. had it not been for our enemies. My father's armies were defeated, and he sent me away with his personal escort. We traveled into the south, away from the war. I began seeing the rest of the world as it truly was. I saw creatures living within peace and harmony. It changed me.

"Then I knew I had to disappear. I gathered my father's armor and his personal weapon (my hammer you've seen me use), and left my old life behind. I slew my father's escort and fled. I had to kill them because they were the last remnants of my past. That, and they would never let me abandon my father's legacy. After that, I stuck out south and became a mercenary..." Taross broke off and smirked grimly.

"I ruled the world in my youth, Dax. No one could stop me. I tamed the land and every creature both feared and respected me. I was something larger than life. Seas rose when I told them to... But... my past caught up with me. My family has a curse. It's what caused the downfall of my father's reign. It's a sickness that took him suddenly. It wasn't just him, either. It was everyone in his bloodline. I've got it, too... that's why I came to Redwall: to try to find a cure... No luck so far..." Then Taross broke off once more and looked at the polecat, "I'm dying, Dax."

--------------

Rade's eyes went wide, "You had something to do with that mess up there at Kyo?! Wow... The way I heard it, everyone either followed the stoat or died... I'm guessing the rumors aren't entirely true...?" Rade said.