Demon Hunter 5

Bob turned on him. "The last plan almost got you killed! How can you possibly want to do it again? We're doing something new. My way. I propose we storm the front gate. We're stronger, faster, and more experienced than last time. Any objections?"

Nobody had one. It seemed like a good idea to stay together because all of the Hunters were aware of the new help Shinn would have. No doubt, Shinn and his "friends" would be ready and waiting for the five.

Finally, the castle appeared around a bend in the path. There were no guards like last time, no line of archers on the wall, and the castle seemed almost deserted. The only thing that gave it away as inhabitited was the rare guard patrolling the wall and the single archer perched on top of all four of the towers.

"Easy in, easy out," Jeff muttered as they crouch-walked behind the dunes, slowly getting closer.

The five dropped to their backs on the nearest dune to the castle. Dillon shimmied to the top of the dune and peeked over.

"We're going to have to take out those archers on the towers, ot they'll be able to alert Shinn and whoever he's got with him that we're here. I was kind of hoping to get past them without confrontation and straight to the Pearl. Any suggestions?"

Ashley pulled her machine gun and waved it silently.

"Nope. Trust me, that thing's loud. Besides, it's got hunting ammo in it; the bullets are designed to mushroom inside the body, rip everything up! One shot with one of those would blow a hole through his body and send body organs flying everywhere. I think that might be a little noticed, don't you?"

Ashley made a face as she slipped the gun back into the vest. "I'm not sure whether I should say ...ew!' or ...cool!'"

Alex pulled a dirk out her vest and flashed to the others. "What about these?"

"Perfect. We could pick off those archers from here, plus any wall guard that might walk into sight."

All five of the Hunters pulled a dirk and aimed. One after another, four archers fell from their posts. Jeff still had one on hand, and when a wall guard came into view, it was gone. The wall guard disappeared from view as it dropped from death.

The five Chosen stood and walked casually to the front gate. One by one, the Hunters Broke and started to float.

Wordlessly, they rose to the top of the wall. In the courtyard, there was no living thing moving. The archers and remaining wall guard had disappeared.

"Well, it seems we're alone. But why-whoa!"

Dillon dropped as a purple blur tried to tackle him unexpectedly yet again.

"So, you've gotten better, eh? Come fight me!" Shinn stood, arms crossed, on the wall. His yellow eyes glowed with energy.

"This time, it'll be a fair fight! Go for the Pearl!" With that, Dillon shot up to the wall to face his enemy.

Shinn sneared as he stood in his stance opposite of Dillon, his eyes flashing black as he Broke. "I'll still beat you, you know."

"Somehow I don't think so."

Dillon flew at him. He attempted a few punches, but Shinn was able to deflect them. The last punch Dillon threw was caught. Shinn flipped Dillon into the air and shot up after him, but was not quick enough to cause any damage. Dillon had already managed to land by the time Shinn was at the height of his jump. As Shinn landed, Dillon let loose a flurry of kicks. He pounded mercilessly into Shinn with lightning-fast kicks. Shinn stood dazed, swaying back and forth. Countless red dust footmarks dotted Shinn's torso. Dillon, still balancing on one foot, smiled and said, "Shadow kick. Dad taught it to me. Had enough?"

Shinn regained his form and charged. "Never!" He reared back an arm, but before he knew it, Shinn was imprinted into the wall of the nearest tower. He was able to lurch out, but landed flat on his back. A red dust footmark was on his face, and he couldn't see out of his right eye. He felt blood trickling out of where he believed his eye to be. Then everything went black.

Dillon lowered his foot and waited for Shinn to get up. Nothing happened. Shinn was unconcious, but, unfortunately, still alive. Dillon noticed a purple belt around Shinn's waist, just a shade darker than his skin, and cat walked over to investigate.

Dillon looked down into the courtyard and saw four pairs of footprints leading to each tower entrance. He looked for the biggest footprints and followed them into the East Tower.

Four Hunters stood in the center of the courtyard and watched as Dillon shot up to meet Shinn on the wall. All leaned on the well rim and watched in awe as the first attacks were thrown.

"We better start looking for the Pearl, shouldn't we?" Jeff suggested.

"Well, got any idea where we should look?" Ashley asked.

"We'll have to split up and search each tower." Jeff pulled the leather book from his vest and opened to the middle. " ...In each tower, you will find a key in the lowest lair, the basement if you will, guarded by an elite guard. One will only be found by chance, however. A traveling elite guard hold the last key. He travels back to Vaardock Castle regularly to check in so to speak.' " Jeff stopped and looked at the others. "Others like Shinn." He went back to reading. "...After defeating the demons, you must enter the Lair of the Black Pearl. You will know where to place the keys when you get there. All must be placed in their slots at the SAME EXACT MOMENT!" The last part was also underlined and circled to show its importance. "And then it goes on to say how to get to Arsen the Dragon. We'll destroy that bridge when we get there, but for now we'll start by searching the towers."