"Step away from her." She recognized that voice. It was Aaron, she felt a little relieved. Her plan had worked, she gave the stranger a mocking look. She could feel him grin under his mask as he turned to face his new opponent.
"Well well, look who's home" He said as he turned to face Aaron full on, he didn't seem to be afraid that an enemy was right behind him because he seemed to have forgotten she existed for the moment.
"Put down your sword I'm in mood for a fight." He said as he took few steps forward away from Sian. He could clearly see that his nearness to her stirred up some unfriendly emotions in his opponent."I've only come to take her with me." He finished pointing at Sian who seemed rooted to the spot.
"She's not going anywhere with you" Aaron said as he unsheathed his katana he had purposely missed earlier so as not to put Sian in danger. It was already clear he had over powered but she didn't seem to be in any form of danger or pain. Her clothes weren't even torn a bit. He took quick steps to check on her but was stopped in his tracks by an outstretched blade.
"Ah ah ah, I was asked to retrieve the girl. Sorry but you aren't needed." He ignored the stranger and made further steps forward, this time the cold metal was already on his neck, any further movement would lead to a cut.
"I was asked to retrieve her unharmed but to slay anyone who opposed my mission" The stranger said. His voice had clearly changed. There was seriousness in his tone and a hint of bloodlust."We should both save ourselves the stress of any unnecessary violence".
'He must be deranged to think that he would break into someone's house and be welcomed with an open arm' Aaron thought something was definitely up with this stranger.
"Sian run, now!" Aaron ordered just before he charged at the invader.
Sian made quick movements to the door, she could feel the the strangers gaze lingering on her as she made her way out of the cottage. She hated his confidence. Underestimating Aaron was a big mistake. 'He must think highly of himself for him to have his attention on her when under attack' she thought. 'He might actually be more dangerous than he seems'. Fear set into her as heard the sounds of metal clashing against each other. She wanted to help Aaron but she knew she would only slow him down. All she could do for now was to stay outside of the cottage and pray and hopefully God answers her.
The stranger was skilled, but Aaron still felt him holding back. They were evenly matched so far, it was evident that each of them had honed their fighting skills to almost perfection throughout the years. Aaron made a downward slash at his feet but he was quick to jump. He made a summersault backward onto the wall and using it as a boost, propelled himself forward at Aaron, his blade held out in front. 'He is fast' Aaron thought as he turned the flat side of his blade to deflect the attack.
He seemed to defy gravity because he threw at least three attacks at Aaron in mid air. "I underestimated you" Aaron confessed. He had been grazed on the shoulder but the stranger was still in good health. He caught Sian's peering eyes through the door. She had worry and fear in her eyes. He took a deep breath and gave her a reassuring look before turning to to face his opponent. He felt someone behind him, he had let his guard down for only a brief moment and the stranger had taken complete advantage of the situation. His speed was impeccable Aaron confessed.
He made a prompt bend jus before the blade swept over his head giving him an unpaid haircut. The stranger was fully on the offensive and he was doing a bad Job on the defense. His attacks were ruthless and most of them got to him. He let his guard down for just a second and the course of the battle had changed entirely. He took a kick to the face and another to the stomach. He staggered backwards, trying to regain his balance.
The strangers speed was overwhelming, he had reached him in split seconds and had delivered an elbow strike to his face throwing him completely off balance. He crashed down onto the table which broke down to the floor. He made attempts to stand but another kick sent him down again. He felt a sharp pain in his lower abdomen. His warm blood soaked his shirt as he stared into the strangers eyes. Mustering enough strength, he pulled himself out from the blade and clutched his bleeding torso. Sian had already raced into the cottage the moment he was stabbed.
"Stop!" He screamed at her. He didn't want her to see him like this. It would give her the impression of hopelessness. If he couldn't protect her then her life was as good as over. "Leave now!" He shouted yet again when it seemed like she wasn't listening. The stranger was already walking up to grab her. She couldn't fight him, he was way above her leagued
She looked at him, surprised at the man she was looking at, his eyes had reddened with blood, she could see flames in them, was he going against his own vow just to protect her? Now she felt absolutely useless.