The group stood shoulder to shoulder on the dirt road facing away from the village. Large clouds of dust were being kicked up as the bandits got closer. The roars and bellows of the engines grew deafening as they halted to an idle a few meters away from the group. There were two vehicles stopped in front of them.. The light vehicle and Tank Destroyer from before. A familiar face jumped from the light vehicle and smiled at the group.
"Didn't think you'd get this far. Hats off to you for that. But this little game ends now. After all, no one gets away from Vask alive."
Again, his smile dropped. His cold face driving into the minds of the crew.
"My boys want your heads on a line. Should be a good enough apology for the damage you've done."
Vask then turned his attention to Kaze. His devious smile returned as he looked the Swordsman up and down.
"And it looks like you've got an exotic friend with you. Can't remember how many of them masked bastards I've killed. Once we're done with you all, this village 'll be a nice drinking party with free food and nice burning fires."
Kaze drew his sword and entered an assertive stance.
"You will never hurt this village. Just like those before you, they will die and flee like the cowards you are," Proclaimed Kaze.
"We'll see about that," laughed Vask.
Migs then aimed his rifle and fired at the bandit operating the cannon of the Tank Destroyer. As the bandits' head hit the floor, many more jumped out with guns and makeshift blades. Kaze and Hugo engaged some of the bandits at close range. Ehma and Migs ran off the road to flank the enemies who were still operating the vehicle. John, with his golden crosses on his arm, rushed to Vask and attempted to strike the bandit leader. Vask foresaw and quickly blocked the attack and retaliated with an uppercut to the chin.
John was blown back a good ten meters away landing with a puff of dust and drops of blood. Another bandit had already taken over the Tank Destroyers gun and aimed at the downed Londrun. Right before he could fire the gun, he was suddenly hit with a massive hammer and blown back by an explosion from the hammer wielded by Ehma. Migs tossed a live grenade to Ehma which she dropped into the floor of the vehicle and jumped out as it blew the gun and chassis apart into a millionth pieces.
Vask looked back after hearing the explosion. His face turned to anger as he saw the burning wreck of the tank destroyer.
"That was for Malcom," Snickered Migs.
Vask went to strike Migs, shouting all the while until he was intercepted by Hugo who grabbed him and tossed him to the floor. Hugo then followed it up with a body slam which missed as Vask rolled away and quickly got to his feet. Vask then curled up his arm and then released a devastating punch to Hugo which he blocked but was knocked to his feet. Before Vask could follow up with another attack, a massive impact struck his back and exploded. Vask was knocked forward but still kept his feet on the ground. Ehma then jumped in the air and swung her hammer down again. Vask quick-stepped to the side and grabbed her leg and tossed her into Hugo.
Vask took a short moment to catch his breath. A wail of a bandit let out followed by the slump of a corpse. Vask looked behind him to see Kaze over a dozen bodies. Kaze was stained red from the blood of the bandits. Vask at this point was beyond enraged.
"All of you are weak! I should've just done this myself," he Shouted.
He then began a sprint towards Kaze which the swordsman responded by running back towards him. Vask lifted his fist to strike the swordsman but an expected bullet fired by Migs tore through his leg causing him to tumble forward. Kaze used this opportunity to deliver a swift striker across his lower body, blood spilling everywhere where he agonised.
"You don't know what you've done!" Cried out Vask, "I'm a member of the First Hand! Killing me will only make sure of your death!"
Kaze stared at him in disgust.
"So you're the one who invaded my village" Said Kaze
Vask looked up at Kaze and smiled with bloody teeth.
"I'd do it again for free." Vask soullessly remarked.
Kaze looked away to avoid seeing the pitiful man. A buried guilt resurfaced in him as he recalled the raid on his village.
Vask, seeing his opponent with his guard down, then tried to lunge at Kaze who had his back turned only to be intercepted by John who delivered a holy stake through chest.
The fight was over. Vask let out a final gasp before falling limp onto the dusty road.
The smouldering wrecks crackled as the group all collected themselves. The smell of foul iron occupied the air. Hugo carried a winded Ehma and met up with Kaze and John. Migs ran over and checked up on Ehma who was still caught in a Daze.
Kaze then caught John on his shoulders as the Londrun's knees buckled and gave out.
Suki and a crowd of Cat people rushed over from the village to see the aftermath of the battle.
"Please come to the doctor's building, you all are hurt." Begged Suki.