A temple, of great size stands towering over the barren wastelands outside of it. It is long forgotten, however not abandoned. Inside, it is flourished with murals and stain glass windows portraying images of the gods. A holy aura rests upon the place, full of mystery and reverance. Both good and evil linger in peace, united by one force. Dark except for streams of light filtering in through the long, thin windows, the ancient building is well-kept, despite its age.
Although the temple seemed empty at first glance, a slight shift in the shadows in the far corner of the massive hall proved this thought wrong. Golden eyes glowed out of the darkness, full of scorn, haughtiness, yet great wisdom.
The large doors slowly opened, letting in a stream of light from outside. A figure walked in, and shutting the doors behind them, approached the alter at the other end of the hall.
Noticing the newcomer, the one hiding in the shadows glanced at them, and smiled.
What perfect timing... Quietly standing up, they approached the other from behind, treading lightly as not to be noticed. When the other knelt before the alter to pay their respects, they launched a dagger at them.
Eyes opening, they reflexively threw themselves to the side, the dagger's deadly blade piercing instead the alter at which they were standing only moments before. Turning to face their offender, they spoke up in surprised recognition. "You!"
"Yes,
me." The other mocked. Sneering, she commented, "What a nice surprise, Nova. I have been waiting. What held you up? Or were you too busy having your Knights lick your boots?"
A hint of anger touched her face, however it was quickly calmed. Coolly, she responded, "It has been too long,
Celestia."
At the sound of her true name, gave Nova a sharp glance. If looks could kill... Without a word, she drew her blades, twirling them as she approached Nova.
"You know, it doesn't have to be this way Shadowstalker.
" Nova retrieved her own weapon, a grand great sword of massive size slung on her back. She had not bothered to put on her armor, so was wearing only light-leather. She stood in a defensive stance, running her gloved hand delicately along one edge of the blade.
Shadowstalker stopped twirling her swords, gripping them downwards. Throwing an orb of light at her opponent to buy some time, she dashed at Nova, seemingly disappearing before reappearing behind her, coming in with a stab at her back.
Watching the attack come, Nova quickly angled her weapon, Death's Edge infront of her, deflecting the orb off the blade. Without pausing one moment, she spun, swinging her blade at Shadowstalker with great force, an attack to stop an attack.
Shadowstalker just barely got out of the way of the incoming blade, ducking under it. Flipping her blades to catch them pointing up, she threw a quick stab at her adversary, ready to withdraw her blade as she knew one alone could not stand the force of the great sword.
Moving herself slightly to the side away from the blade, Nova swung her weapon back at Shadowstalker, trying to cut at her side.
Shadowstalker this time dodged back from the attack with great agility. Melting into the shadows, she reappeared on the other side of Nova, cutting at her at another angle.
Nova shifted her body so that the blade would only graze at her side, tearing the cloth but not harming her. Again, she swung her sword at her opponent, coming down at her hard from above.
Drawing back both her weapons, Shadowstalker crossed them, blocking and holding the weight and jarring force of the attack. She quickly uncrossed them, pushing away the great sword, and threw yet another stab at Nova, except this time, the blade flashed red hot as if cutting through flame.
Nova's eyes widened in pain as the heat from the blade seared her side, despite the fact that she had managed to avoid the full blow. Spinning as she leapt into the air, she swung Death's Edge hard at her enemy from above, trying to see how she would block such force.
Quickly and with practised ease, Shadowstalker dodged away to the side, as the blade only crashed into the floor.
Pulling back her weapon from the ground, she raised it, coming at her again from above.
Dodging the blade to the other side, Shadowstalker quickly threw three cuts at Nova's side, alternating blades.
The first attack cut a light wound in Nova's side. The second she sidestepped. With Death's Edge, she hit aside the third, and reversing it, hit at her hard with the flat of her sword.
Shadowstalker managed to block the attack with crossed blades, however its impact threw her back, causing her to fly back a few feet. Rolling to break the fall, she quickly stood. Never taking her eyes off her opponent, she backed into the shadows, concealing herself.
Nova assumed a defensive stance. Loudly, she challenged, "Are you hiding from me? Show yourself you coward!"
Shadowstalker smiled. In reply, she launched two orbs of star energy at her, quickly fading again.
Nova blocked the first orb with her sword, sending it reflected back from where it came. The second bypassed her, flying dangerously close to her face and leaving a slightly red burn before it hit the wall behind her.
Reappearing again from behind, Shadowstalker threw two more orbs of dark energy. Slow fool
Nova smiled at the next attack. She raised her blade, and muttered a prayer to her goddess under her breath. The orbs, as if drawn by some invisible force swerved towards the sword. They were absorbed into the weapon, only increasing its power.
Stumble!