4. The Blade Rage I: The Elites With A Bounty Of Over One Million

THE JOURNEY BEGINS SAGA

4. The Blade Rage I: The Elites With A Bounty Of Over One Million

A mighty wind blew across the lands and over the hills and mountains to the lone tavern that stood in the expanse of space before the desert.

One the tavern hung the name, The bitter sheep. It was made of wood, glass windows on the front and sides. By the bitter sheep, a huge patch of grass and a stable halfway packed with horses. This tavern was located close to the entrance to the scorching skull desert and the only checkpoint where travelers could get a good drink and meal before they ventured on thier adventure.

Aside from the other horse that stayed in the stable, nine stood out from the rest. Nine good strong horses of the elites that had only arrived minutes earlier.

She slammed her jug back on the counter and let out a loud gruff. She exhaled loudly as she threw back her crimson red hair and stared at the huge taverner before her. "You call this ale? It tastes like cows piss." She spat out.

The taverner wiped a stain off his moustache and said. "I'll go get you another Miss...?"

"Revnesolena!" She said with a burp.

"Revnesolena?" He turned back to bring another drink. "Sounds familiar though." He comes back with another drink and pours out a pint.

She takes it from him gruffly and empties the entire pint down her throat. "Damn! Feels like fire ant running over me." She slams her head on the counter.

The taverner stands there with a confused look on her face.

"She means, it's good." Says the brown haired man who sat by the crimson haired woman.

"Is this how she always is?" The taverner asked.

The brown haired glanced at her on the counter, "I know it's embarrassing."

Hmm. "Who are you guys anyway?" The taverner asked.

"I'm Tim. Timmy Stormblood and this is Revnesolena", the brown haired begins. "The others there are..."

The taverner cuts him off.

"The blade rage?"

Tim turns back to him, "You've heard of us?"

The taverner smiles and says, "Everyone has heard of how you guys destroy Blackquire, by the way I'm William Henshore, I own the black sheep."

The redhead rases her head off the table and sighs, "Why did you keep such good ale for last? Give me two more pints of that, Willy."

"Okay miss Revnesolena." William says with a smile.

"It's Rev!" She barks out, drawing all the attention of everyone in the bitter sheep.

"Cool it Rev", Tim whispered to her. "Remember why were here."

How could she forget? It had only been a day since they recieved a letter from the king of Gandigos sending them on a quest to rescue the missing princess. The bitter sheep was the only taver within the area and they only place for traveler to rest and recover before setting out on whatever journey they had planned.

She huffed out. "How could I forget?"

She was the leader of the Blade Rage, her team of elites. It was composed of nine members including her. Revnesolena was the second daughter of her father, born into a family of highly skilled fighters. At the age of fifteen she left her home town to start her own team of elites. At sixteen she had formed a team she was satisfied with, along the way they had some adventures across the continent and earned themselves a reputation, even ranking 406th among the elites.

Revnesolena Michella Malmandorazo was proficient in the use of high grade sword techniques. She was born with crimson red hair, a very unusual hair colour,her family once thought it was a trait from the Sun God. She had ruby red lips, a fair countenance, dressed in studded leather with a series of straps and buckles on. On her back a huge metal blade- the Doomblade, made from a earth grade metal. Her current bounty being two hundred thousand perus.

Being the strongest and wisest of the team, she had earned their respect and honour. The other members of the team:

Timmy Stormblood 'Tim', the eldest and most matured member of the team. Age nineteen, son of Delactor Stormblood a world renowned swordsman. Tim joined the blade rage with the goal of becoming one of the strongest swordsman in the continent. At age nine he began learning the ways of the sword, at eleven he developed his own sword force and by fourteen he began learning sword style. Wielding the sword dubbed, Confessor's end.

Now having a current bounty of ninety thousand perus.

Billy 'Bill' Drakens. Age seventeen, son of world renowned adventures. Joining the blade rage with the aim of becoming the strongest fighter in history. After joining the team he undergoes harsh training and eventually unlocks a violent sword force. He wields different weapons but at times a dual sword user.

His current bounty is seventy five thousand perus.

Tommick Lordbane. Age seventeen, a female loving man who joined the team for reasons unknown. He is a skilled archer who wields a high grade bow, the Elfsong Warbow. Having yellow-gold hair and a striking personality, bring the most formal member of the team.

His current bounty is twenty thousand perus.

Reighnard Forgeoaken, a former wrestler who joins the team after having his life saved by them. Aged eighteen, he is a huge muscular fighter who uses a mace and his physical strength in battles. After joining the blade rage he has a current bounty of eleven thousand perus.

Tommy 'Tom' Stormblood. Younger brother to Tim and aged sixteen. His specialty is studying history and ancient languages. Reason for joining, unknown. His weapon of choice are mystical totems which grant him various abilities. His current bounty is six thousand five hundred perus.

Bucky 'Buck' Drakens. Young brother of Bill, an introverted, intuitive, quiet and calm boy. Aged fifteen. He is a lightning mage who studies alchemy, his wields the mage staff- Stormbringer. He aspires to widen his alchemy skills. Reason for joining team unknown.

His current bounty is five thousand perus.

Steronick Brightblade a former thief and buglar. Aged sixteen. Joined the team to pay off a debt. Uses mystical daggers only he can summon in fights. He is usually hyperactive, noisy, loudmouthed and cheeky.

His current bounty is two thousand perus.

The new guy. The last and final member of the team who joined months earlier. He has a strange attitude of ignoring every one and rarely talks unless needed. His strength is unknown. Age, unknown. Power, unknown. Bounty, none. Has an unsettling aura. Wielding an unknown blade.

Together the nine of them were the blade rage. Having a total bounty of four hundred and nine thousand, five hundred perus.

"Well just be here for a little while Rev", Tim said. "Till were stocked back up."

She gulped down her ale, "If we manage to save the princess, you know I'll be doubling the price right?"

"I still find it a bit hard to believe that the king of Gandigos would send us that offer." Tim added.

Bill Drakens walked up to them with six other men with him. "Rev? We have purchased some horses."

"Might I have a cup of juice please?" Buck Drakens asked a barmaid. By his side he had his mage's staff, Stormbringer. He took a seat by the others.

"What is with you and juice Buck?" Steronick asked.

"As a mage I don't take alcohol", Buck replied. "It'll ruin my body."

Tom bursts put in laughter. "In that case I'll have some apple to go with mine."

Buck rolls his eyes, "Haha. Very funny."

"Ignore them Buck", Tommick says as he rises from his seat.

"And where are you going?" Rev asks.

Tommick stops and says. "There." He points to a table where a group of ladies sit, "They're in need of a gentleman."

She waves him off.

Tommick hops off.

"He never changes." Reighnard mutters as he takes a swig of his pint.

Rev turns to the black haired man at the end of the table. "Aren't you going to order anything?"

The new guy says nothing and continues to stare at the counter.

"He's been quiet lately ", Tim says.

"Even more than usual", Steronick added.

"Wouldn't blame him though", Bill said. "We are on a death quest with possibly no chance of survival."

The taverner William walks up to them, "Aye, wha brings ye youngins round these parts?"

Tim clears his throat. "Nothing much. Just business as usual."

William smiles and says, "To da skull? It's a real nasty place. There be bandits n monsters, buh I guess it ain't goin be a problem for ye. Word has it sat the so called sisters be at it again.

"Real nasty place I tell ya. But it's good for business, folk like ye lot just can't get enough of it. Da danger and thrill, ya know. If ye lot be interested in some health supplies, me got some round back."

"No need", Bill says, "my brother's a mage and an alchemist."

William glances at Buck before turning back to Rev, "Not muh of those tis days. Alchemists I mean, last I heard they is being hunted in the south." William laughs aloud but stops when he notices their unwelcome glares on him.

"You better learn to keep your mouth hole shut blightera and stop spouting nonsense", Rev said.

They carry on in their fun and chatting for minutes before a loud uproar erupts from the entrance to the black sheep.

Not long after a group of six men step into the tavern all dressed in black robe and trousers with their weapons hanging by their side. Form their looks one could tell that they were elites.

The one in front was a dark haired man who had lost his left eye, on his face he had a dark grin. "Revnesolena show yourself!" He barked out, "I know you're here!"

The crimson haired leader of the blade rage raises her head and looks in his direction. "Cray-Cray? I see you're still alive." She says in a casual manner.

The one eyed man let's out a loud grunt. "As if you can kill me, Craven Lothian the leader of The Miscreants."

"If I recall correctly, I dropped a building on you last time we meant", she said.

"To think he survived", Bill spoke up. "Too bad you're not as tough as you used to be."

Craven takes a step forward, the attention of everyone in the black sheep was on them. "Rev, I taught you what it meant to be an elite and what did you do in return? You destroyed my empire, and took out my one good eye."

Steronick speaks, "At least you still have the right one."

"I used to have a bounty of three hundred thousand but now it's dropped to fifty thousand!" Craven barked out. "What's more painful is this!" He brings out a parchment with her face on it and a set numbers beneath. "When we last met you only had a bounty of fifty thousand perus and now on it's five hundred thousand!

"How on earth did your price skyrocket in just a year?" His eyes were red with fury. "The Blade Rage's total bounty is over one million perus while The Miscreants' is barely two hundred thousand perus! Because of you I had to start a new crew from scratch, do you know how painful it was?"

"No!" She said blandly.

She rose to her feet, "So let me guess, you want revenge?" She cracked her knuckles, "Let's get this on with then!"

One of The Miscreants stepped before the others. "Let me deal with her boss!" He said. "You shouldn't waste your energy on her."

Craven let a grin fly on his face, "She not someone can handle Elmet."

Elmet pulled out his sword and said, "I have a bounty of forty thousand, so iml might not last long, at least I'll tire her out a bit."

Elmet pulled out his sword and charged at her without a moments hesitation. He swung for her head.

Rev dodges his attack and strikes her middle and pointing finger down Elmet's throat, blood starts to gurgle out. Rev throws him into a table nearby. "What a waste." She muttered.

Craven bellowed.

"Stubborn one, that one." Craven says, "Take them out and leave her to me!"

All five of his men charge at the blade rage with their weapons drawn.

With a swing of a sword Bill takes them all down with one slash. "You call them elites? More like losers."

William bangs his hand on the counter, "If ye lot are going to have a squabble then do it outside!" He yells.

Craven smiles and says, "No problem William. The real party is just outside, I knew I could not beat you all ony own, at least not with these scums." He opens the door and gives them a wave, "So I called some people more capable than me or my men." He says as he walks out the door.

Revnesolena gulps down her ale before walking to the door. "Boys! Let's go see what righty has in store for us."

They all make their way outide the black sheep where feet's away are ten uniformed people and by them is Craven with a dark smile on his face.

"Damn!" Bill muttered. "To think he would call the government officers, how low can you get?"

...

They were dressed in all white uniform, coat and trousers. Their hands behind their backs, on their feet huge white boots. They carried an air of importance and power. On their chests the symbol of a a building surrounded by a storm of lightning, it was one all elites knew too well- the symbol of the World Government Organization.

They were the most powerful force on the continent, they were responsible for placing the bounties on elites and ranking all threats to the continent as well as stopping them.

The organization had existed for hundreds of years, it was told to be a symbol of peace and unity. It was headed by the seventeen great elders of the continent who commanded the most feared force in the continent, the four great admirals.

The officers in front of them in white uniform were the lowest ranks. The area offices. The bitter sheep must have fallen within their boundary.

Area officers manages crime at the local power, the strongest and highest power in the area was the Chief Deputy Officer.

One of the officers stepped out, he was the only one with a hat above his head. "Greetings blade rage, I am Chief Deputy Officer Rafe Antonelli of Sector Two, Area One! I have come to detain you ruffians, and I expect you all to co-operate."

"Now you're dead blade rage!" Craven laughed at the top of his voice.

"Seriously dude?" Steronick yelled out. "Working with the enemy?"

Craven smiled, "Like I care. This is about payback! I tipped the area officers about your location and struck a deal with them. I would lead them to you and in exchange they would state that I took you all out, losing all my men in the process. After that my bounty is sure to soar again."

CDO Rafe Antonelli walked up to Craven, "And why would we honour that deal?"

Cravens composure immediately falls, "You lied? But aren't you supposed to be the good guys?"

CDO Rafe Antonelli grabs Craven by the neck and lifts him off the ground. "We are Officers of the law, we are strong and upright, the only thing that keeps the world from falling into total chaos. If you for a second thought that we would associate with such a filthy scum like you, you must have mistaken."

He slams Craven on the ground sending mounds of dust in the air and knocking him out. "You used to be something Craven Lothian, that is till you fell", he claps the dust off his gloved hands. "But you are right in a way filth.

"After I bring you all in, I will be named the one who took down the Blade Rage and The Miscreants, then I should be able to get promoted to Junior Lieutenant. It's almost impossible to find elites with as high a bounty as yours." He looks over at Rev, "So I brought my strongest officers in Area One. Just surrender quietly filth and become cleansed."

"Not a chance pencil beard", Rev said with a shrug. "Alright boys take your pick."

"If you haven't noticed Rev there's ten of them and nine of us, which isn't a very fair...!" Steronick spoke out. "And she's gone."

She leaves then and walk towards the chief deputy officer.

"Very well then", CDO Rafe Antonelli stroke his chin. "Spread out and take them, use extreme force if possible."

He then looks up to Rev as she approaches him.

"I hear that a Chief Deputy Officer should be able to handle someone with a bounty of five hundred thousand perus so does that mean you're as strong as me?" She stops just feet away from him. "Let's see how long you'll last against me pencil beard."

CDO Rafe Antonelli sighs, "Just because you're a lady doesn't mean I'll treat you any different than the trash you are."

"You talk too much, dog breath", she huffs out.

She could only wonder how high her bounty would soar if she managed to beat him.

Fighting till the end, it was something she had had instilled in her team from day one.

She turned her head to her side where her team stood before their opponents ready to fight, in terms of strength not all of them would be able to match a government officer of that level.

One thing was sure, only the strong would come out on top.

Ok boys. She thought, show me what you've learned in the past week.

"The blade rage is a pillar that will never fall", she muttered.

"Boys!" She calls out.

They all turn in her direction.

"WHEN DANGER CALLS!" She barked out.

"THE BLADE RAGE THUNDER!" They yelled back.

The fight was about to begin.

The fight between the blade rage and the Area One Officers!