The bazaar fell completely silent. People backed away, vendors hid behind their stalls, and children buried themselves in their mothers' sarees. In the middle stood only two figures — Ryu and Saren. One calm, the other wearing a devilish smile.
Saren twirled his dagger, his whole body moving to a different rhythm, like a dancer waiting for his next step.
"So you're Ryu. I've heard a lot about you… but I want to see if you're really as they say or just a rumor."
Ryu stood straight, wearing that usual calm smile.
"And if I am exactly as you've heard?"
Saren chuckled beneath his mask and, with a sudden flick, lunged straight at Ryu. His first strike was so fast that the dagger made only a faint whisper through the air, but Ryu only took a small sidestep and Saren's blade failed to even graze a thread of his clothing.
Elira stepped back, clutching her basket tightly. Kael drew his sword, but Ryu raised a hand slightly to stop him.
"Don't interfere."
Saren rose and executed a sharp pirouette, then murmured with a light grin.
"Interesting… you dodged my first strike without moving."
Ryu shrugged lightly.
"That strike was your warm-up."
A momentary gleam flashed in Saren's eyes and he lunged at Ryu again. This time his move was faster — the dagger came low then spun upward in a heartbeat. Ryu extended his hand and caught Saren's dagger between two fingers.
For a second Saren's face showed surprise.
"I've only seen this once… just once."
Ryu released his grip and said in a soft voice.
"You'll get to see more."
The next move came so fast Saren didn't even realize it. Ryu stepped forward slightly and placed a finger right at Saren's throat, as if he could break it in an instant.
Saren stared into his eyes for a moment, then laughed softly and stepped back.
"Alright… I admit you're more dangerous than the rumors."
Ryu looked at him calmly.
"Now tell me what your real business is."
Saren smirked beneath his mask and replied.
"Business? I have an offer for you… but I won't say it here in the crowd. Meet me at the old west gate tonight. If you don't come… I might have to come after you."
Saying that, Saren vanished up into the trees and the people in the bazaar breathed again. Kael sheathed his sword and spoke angrily.
"We can't trust this rogue."
Ryu glanced at him and said in a calm tone.
"I don't trust anyone. But there's something to learn from every rogue."
Elira looked at Ryu cautiously, worry in her eyes.
"You'll go tonight, right?"
Ryu looked at her and gave a small smile.
"I always go."
Inside that smile hid that same old pain only he knew.
The city looked different at night. Bazaar lights died down, only a few torches flickered in the lanes. Near the west gate an old stone bridge marked the start of the dark outer woods.
Ryu stood there, his face faintly shining in the moonlight, his eyes calm and carrying that familiar, slightly tired depth.
After a while a shadow dropped from the trees. Saren. His mask remained in place, but tonight his movements had less mischief and more thoughtful intent.
Saren stood before him and said, chuckling softly.
"I thought you wouldn't come."
Ryu looked at him calmly.
"Get to the point."
Saren twirled his dagger and planted it in the grass between them, as if signaling he didn't intend to fight here.
"Alright. I have a deal for you. I know you're just passing through this city… but there's something here that will trouble you too."
Ryu asked, expressionless.
"What is it?"
Saren stepped closer and spoke quietly, as though not wanting to be overheard.
"For two weeks people have been disappearing from the old catacombs beneath the city. I don't think it's simple kidnapping… it's something else. I saw you in the forest — the way you fight. I need a partner."
Ryu looked at him without changing expression.
"I am not your partner."
Saren laughed beneath the mask.
"Not a partner… call it a temporary contract. You'll want to find out who's taking them. If they reach the woods, they'll become an obstacle for your journey."
Ryu considered, then said slowly.
"Where does the entrance to the catacombs start at night?"
A smirk spread across Saren's face.
"I thought you'd refuse. But you've got as much curiosity as I do."
Ryu looked straight at him.
"Not curiosity. Necessity."
Saren shrugged.
"Then meet behind the old church tomorrow night. That's where the path down opens."
Ryu nodded and turned away.
Elira and Kael waited a little distance off. When Ryu returned, Elira looked at him, concern in her eyes.
"Ryu… are you sure? That rogue… do you trust him?"
Ryu looked at her and said quietly.
"I trust no one. But sometimes a foe's path shows a foe's true face."
Elira fell silent. Kael tightened his grip on his sword and said angrily.
"Watch it… if he betrays you I'll cut his throat."
Ryu glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"There will be no need. If he betrays me, there will be nobody left to stop me."
Under the moonlight, for a moment a cold glint flickered in his eyes — the same look only a player carries when willing to do anything to win.
TO BE CONTINUED…