Crimson Assassin

Tir heard the click only a moment before the shot rang out. He dove to the side, taking Sasha down to the ground. The bullet went past his ear on the side away from Sasha. That was good news and bad news for him. Good because the attacker wasn't aiming for the girl, and bad because it meant the attacker wanted her alive for who knew what purposes.

"Run Sasha! I'll draw him off!"

Tir was half way to a standing position when he saw the light from a nearby lamp reflect off of a piece of metal, the barrel of the pistol. One of his daggers slid from his shirt sleeve into his right hand and as he heard the second shot, he sent his dagger flying.

Tir was known for being one of the most deadly and accurate knife throwers in his home village. His father had taught him and his brother the art of combat from the time they were old enough to hold a weapon. Tir's brother had excelled at swordsmanship but tir had found his talents were more towards skill and accuracy than brute strength.

The bullet and knife collided, causing both to go off course badly. By the time the assassin realized his error, another dagger had already been thrown. The assassin moved like a viper, slashing with his other hand and knocking the knife away with his own dagger.

Tir was on his feet, pulling out two long daggers and preparing to close the distance to reduce the gun's usablitiy when the assassin stepped out of the shadows. His long red hair looked as if it had been set aflame and he had a patch over one eye. At first glance, Tir would have guessed the man to be younger than him, but something was off. Tir ran straight at the assassin, expecting the man to raise his gun again but instead the assassin charged as well, meeting blade to blade and using his wicked looking gun to block the second attack. The black gun seemed to glow in the assassin's hands and another shot thundered in Tir's ear as the man fired off another shot. It seemed like a misfire but so close to Tir's face, it immediately drew his attention. The assassin wasted no time in sliding his blade free from their lock and slicing it across Tir's chest.

The young pirate fell back with a shocked yell but kept his balance. He glanced down at the cut. It didn't look deep but he didn't want to risk it for long. The assassin raised his gun, aiming for Tir's head.

"You're not bad for a kid. Move aside and maybe I'll let you live long enough to try again."

Tir could hear someone moving behind him. He had told her to run, but he could make out Sasha's voice as she sobbed, huddled by a nearby cargo crate. He wasn't sure he could win this fight but three shots from that gun had to have gotten someone's attention. Could he hold on long enough for help to arrive? He wasn't so sure.