A Chilling End (Prologue)

The wind whipped rapidly around the base of the mountain, blowing snow every which way. Mounds of snow dotted the land, turning the mountain side into a blank canvas. Pure white could be seen as far as the blizzard allowed. The blissful silence was broken by the clash of steel. The sparks slowly illuminated two figures locked in combat.

One of the figures, wielding a giant lance, stared murderously at the other. Looking at their clothes would bring about confusion for the fight. They both wore the same uniform with the same crest engraved in the back of their cloaks.

"Master! How could you do this?! You've betrayed your king, your people, and most of all," Anger echoed loudly through his voice but tapered off into sadness by the end, "And you betrayed me," He wiped a tear away on his sleeve and gripped his lance tightly once more.

"It's not too late, Gray. Join me. My Lord would welcome my protégé and the only disciple of the great Master Jin," He bellowed out an invitation to Gray but was greeted by a quick stab of Gray's lance. It began pulsating in his hands as a huge gust of wind surged forth from his lance. Master Jin dodged the stab and easily deflected the wind with his hand.

"Ah, Sylphia. How could I forget you? You are a powerful spirit. Why do you stay by his side? Join me and --" Sylphia shot another slice of air at Jin before he could finish his sentence. He managed to deflect her wind but a small red line slowly dripped down his cheek. "So that is your answer?" Jin let out a helpless sigh as he gripped his greatsword in both hands.

Gray watched carefully as he adjusted his stance. "Sylphia be ready --" Gray went to warn her, but he was too late. Jin disappeared from view and then sliced at Sylphia before she could react. She let out a soft scream that was drowned out by the blizzard.

"Sylphia!" Gray turned to watch his spirit fall in front of him. He went to reach for her but was stopped when Jin thrust his sword through Gray's chest. He collapsed to his knees and clutched his spirit close as he fell face first into the snow. The pure white snow turned dark maroon under him while Jin left his former student to die.