As Luna Estrella emerged, the time machine had teleported her to an unknown street. There was no going back, as there was no other time machine. She gazed around with a fusion of advanced insight and resolute determination, sweeping her new surroundings—a stark contrast to the bleak, dystopian future from which she had journeyed. She looked around and saw a sign that read "Santa Monica Boulevard," a vibrant and bustling street in California. AA knot of anxiety tightened in her chest as she took in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of Santa Monica Boulevard. This wasn't the wasteland she knew; it was a bustling, chaotic tapestry of life. Despite the creeping fear of the unknown, her mission remained clear in her mind: she had to find the seven legendary swords, artifacts that had plunged her world into chaos and darkness. Trying to get hold of herself and give herself some confidence and comfort, she whispered to herself, "I can do this for everyone in the future." Aware that her quest must begin somewhere amidst the unfamiliarity of this era, she ventured into the heart of the city, her approach to strangers marked by a blend of curiosity and urgency.
"Excuse me," Luna's voice trembled slightly as she approached a passerby, "I'm looking for the seven legendary swords. Do you know where I can find them?" She hoped to start somewhere but had no idea where to begin. "Sorry, no," came the brisk replies, as people hurried on, eager to distance themselves from the oddity before them. Luna was unsure why they were looking at her so strangely when she asked about the seven swords; they should exist in this era based on history books. Not giving up, she continuously asked around, hoping someone or somewhere would provide a slight clue to help her continue her mission.
As Luna continued her earnest inquiries about the legendary swords, she was often met with nothing more than dismissive chuckles and skeptical glances. To the people of this era, her quest seemed no more significant than an eccentric's fascination with the myths and folklore of yesteryears. Despite her persistence, the responses she garnered remained steeped in disbelief. "Just legends and fictions," they would chuckle dismissively, "the stuff of fairy tales, nothing more." This barrage of skepticism began to sow a seed of doubt within her. Was her presence in this time misplaced? Had the legends of the swords, so vivid and real in her own time, faded into nothing more than the misty fabric of history? If the swords really didn't exist, what was she going to do? Live a normal life in this era?
This growing uncertainty shadowed Luna's resolve, casting a pall over the spirited determination she had upon arriving. She pondered her situation, grappling with the possibility that her monumental journey through time might have been in vain. "My comrades cannot be wrong; the swords must be in this era. I have to find them," she resolved. Refusing to back down, despite the doubts and dismissive attitudes of those she encountered, Luna knew that her mission was far too important to abandon at the first sign of disbelief. She remembered how those swords had turned her and her comrades' future into a grim one. Pushing herself harder, she continued to ask around, hoping for a different outcome. Someone had to have a clue and help her with her mission.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a8/Rax_Maddox_with_his_Bike.png]
"Vroooom, vroooom, vroooom!" a motorcycle roared past Luna. The rider was showing off, revving his engine as loudly as possible to gain the attention of those around him. It was annoying, but it met his objective of making heads turn as he rode by. The motorist noticed Luna and took an interest in her. He observed her actions and facial expressions, noticing how desperate she looked. He also grew interested in her appearance and her captivating purple eyes. He halted his bike on the sidewalk and decided to approach her.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a5/Rex_Maddox_Profile.png]
"Hey, you look lost. How can I help you?" His voice carried a hint of intrigue, mixed with casual confidence and a touch of charming roguishness, someone who felt at home amidst the chaos of the city. Luna observed the man from top to bottom. He was a figure whose rugged demeanor and striking appearance made him stand out even in the most crowded of places. Clad in a sleek black leather jacket that seemed to cling to his muscular frame, he was the embodiment of a road warrior from another era. The red bandanna tied around his head, along with dark sunglasses shielding his eyes, added layers of mystique and untold stories to his persona. Short brunette hair peeked out from under the bandanna, hinting at a carefree attitude juxtaposed with the disciplined structure of his life. His smug smirk and the rogue charm that seemed to radiate from him spoke volumes of a man who was no stranger to the thrills and perils of the streets.
"I forgot to introduce myself. I am Rex Maddox," said the man, extending his hand, clad in black biker gloves, for a handshake. Luna, however, did not reciprocate, taking caution of this man based on his appearance; he seemed untrustworthy. Noticing Luna's hesitation and lack of trust, he continued to try to strike up a conversation to put her at ease. "It's fine, lady. You can tell me what you're looking for. I know this place like the back of my hand," said Rex, trying to gain Luna's trust.
Seeing no harm in trying, Luna, cautious yet hopeful, confided in Rex about her search for the seven swords, hoping to find some slim clue or understanding, or even assistance. Rex, upon hearing what Luna said, inwardly amused and skeptical of her fantastical tale, couldn't help but see an opportunity in this encounter with a stranger who seemed so out of place, so removed from the reality he knew. "The girl must be some sort of senile, thinking the swords are real," Rex thought to himself.
With a sly grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, Rex played along with Luna, his curiosity now intertwined with a sense of amusement at the situation. "You mean the seven swords? I know where they are. Most people are clueless because these swords are top confidential government secrets, but I know where they are," said Rex, lying through his teeth.
Luna, still cautious of Rex but beginning to see a glimmer of hope, responded, "You know where the swords are? I seek them to prevent a future calamity."
Rex continued to feign deeper knowledge about the whereabouts of the seven swords and started bragging. "Of course I know them. These swords are not known to ordinary citizens. I can bring you to them, just follow me." His plan was to draw Luna into a more secluded environment, an alley where the bustling noise of the city would fade into a distant echo, allowing him to do nasty things to her.
"What are you waiting for? Follow me. I might have the information you need," Rex proposed, his voice now laced with a feigned assurance designed to intrigue and lure Luna further into his trap. Luna still had doubts, but seeing Rex as her only hope, she decided to go along with him. Besides, what could even happen to her? She was from the future, and her weapon was more advanced technologically. Her purple lightsaber would be able to protect and safeguard her if anything bad happened.
As they ventured away from the crowded streets, Rex successfully lured Luna into the shadowed quiet of an alley, bringing her to a place where there were only walls and shadows. The light was dimmed, and silence held dominion with only the sounds of a few insects and rats. Rex Maddox slowly began showing his true intentions. Luna, looking around, started to notice this was a trap. She regretted not trusting her gut feeling about Rex, as her focus on finding the seven swords had overtaken her caution.
In the dark alley, the only exit was behind Rex. Luna, aware of the grave situation, felt a cold rush of fear coursing through her veins. She had not expected such danger to happen so quickly in her mission to find the seven swords. "What do you want from me?" she demanded, her voice a mix of fear and defiance, as she confronted the looming threat before her.
Rex smirked and, with a slow, deliberate pace that seemed to mock the urgency of the moment, advanced towards her. His words, dripping with feigned pity and a sinister undertone of amusement, cut through the silence. "The seven swords do not exist, miss, but I can be your sword," he taunted, his gaze appraising Luna with a mix of contempt and unwanted admiration. "You look cute, with your purple eyes, hair, and structured bodice."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/24/Luna_estrella_in_a_ready_stance_with_her_purple_light_saber.png]
But Luna Estrella was not one to be underestimated or intimidated. In the face of danger, she summoned her courage and readied herself for battle. Her lightsaber hummed to life in her hands, casting an eerie glow that pierced the alley's gloom. "I warn you, I am not someone to be crossed," she declared, her voice steady and imbued with a strength that belied her initial fear. Her stance, both defiant and prepared, was a clear signal that she would not succumb without a fight. She believed in her superiority to Rex, as she was from the future.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a4/Maddox_Biker_Chain.png]
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Rex, however, was undeterred by her display of readiness. He brandished his biker chain, made from high-strength steel. The thick, solid metal links were designed to endure intense physical combat without breaking. At approximately 5 feet in length, the chain provided Rex with ample reach to engage opponents from a distance while still maintaining control in close-quarters combat. The chain caught the scant light, gleaming with a sinister promise of violence, as Rex prepared to unleash its full force. A weapon of long range with unpredictable swings and strikes, it reflected his adaptability and resourcefulness, honed on the tough streets.
"Oh, so you want to fight?" he sneered, the predatory smirk on his face widening. "Once I'm done with you, I'm going to make you my toy!"
The alley, inhabited only by insects and rats and long forgotten by the city's bustling streets, transformed into an arena under the watchful gaze of the pale moon. Confined by walls and nothing else, this narrow corridor, bordered by the indifferent facades of buildings, became the stage for a confrontation. Rex Maddox, exuding dangerous confidence, and Luna Estrella, resolute and unwavering, stood poised for battle. The tension between them crackled in the air, a prelude to the inevitable clash of future technology against street ruggedness. Luna prepared to defend herself and show Rex she was not someone to be trifled with, while Rex harbored ulterior motives if he were to win the fight.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/77/Photon_Flash.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/99/Chain_Cyclone.png]
Without a moment of hesitation, Rex Maddox unleashed the full fury of his biker chain, the metal links slicing through the air with a menacing velocity that spoke of his intent to dominate the confrontation. Luna Estrella, not to be underestimated, showed her resilience and tactical acumen, relying on her advanced technological combat training to counter his aggression. She activated her Photon Flash, her lightsaber erupting in a blinding surge of light, a beacon in the shadowed confines of the alley, hoping to use it to temporarily disorient Rex and gain an advantage in combat. Yet, Rex, a veteran of countless street brawls, remained undeterred by her luminescent gambit. With calculated ferocity, he executed his Chain Cyclone, swinging the chain in wide arcs around him, a whirlwind of metal that cleaved through the dazzling light, enveloping him in a protective vortex.
"Nice trick, girl. Cool weapon you've got there, but in terms of combat experience, I have more years than you!" said Rex, unfazed by Luna's Photon Flash skill.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1b/Holographic_Feint.png]
Undeterred by Rex's comments, Luna was caught off guard by the ineffectiveness of her initial tactic. She sought to regain her footing in this dance of danger. She prepared to launch her skills consecutively, hoping to take Rex by surprise. Deploying her Holographic Feint, she conjured an array of duplicates in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow, designed to sow confusion and misdirection. But Rex's cunning, honed on the unpredictable streets, saw through her illusion. His gaze, sharp and discerning, cut through the deception, identifying the true Luna amidst her spectral doubles.
With a mocking chuckle, Rex continued to taunt her efforts, "Is this a magic show or what?" His voice carried a blend of amusement and challenge, goading her into action. "Now it's my turn!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/30/Anchor_Throw.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/15/Streetfighter%27s_Finesse.png]
Narrowing the gap between them with a hunter's precision, Rex executed his Anchor Throw, propelling a segment of his chain with lethal accuracy. It coiled around Luna's wrist like a serpent, yanking her off balance with sudden, brutal force. In a fluid motion that spoke of his Streetfighter's Finesse, Rex drew her into his reach, delivering a punishing blow that resonated with the raw power of the streets, devoid of any mercy. Luna's abdomen was hurt, but she knew she could not give up.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d2/Cyber_Slice.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/71/Chain_Parry.png]
Reeling from the impact, Luna's resolve flickered but did not falter. She countered with a swift Cyber Slice, an augmented reality visor covering her eyes as she targeted Rex's weak points with high accuracy. Her lightsaber cut through the air in a desperate bid for advantage. But Rex, ever agile, met her strike with a Chain Parry, the clash of metal on the energy blade sparking a fierce exchange between the two combatants.
Seeing how helpless Luna was against his offensive and defensive maneuvers, Rex grew excited, sensing victory was at hand. On the other hand, Luna began to worry. "Why do my futuristic attacks have no effect on this guy? This is not possible," Panic gnawed at the edges of Luna's mind as her attacks failed to land. "Why isn't this working?" she thought, frustration and fear battling within her. "I can't fail now, not when so much is at stake." This was the difference between technology and experience. One could use all sorts of advanced technology, but without real-life combat experience, it was still a disadvantage.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Maddox%27s_Lash.png]
Rex decided to end the fight early, unleashing his signature move, Maddox's Lash, a relentless barrage of chain strikes that Luna found increasingly difficult to deflect. Each strike was a testament to Rex's precision and street-smart brutality, a relentless tide that sought to overwhelm her defenses and spirit.
Luna tried to use her lightsaber to block the onslaught. "I won't let you defeat me!" Her voice, tinged with frustration, was nonetheless a declaration of her unyielding spirit. Desperate to win this fight, she struggled to block the barrage. As she blocked one side of the attack, her other side, exposed, got hit by the chain. The rapid flurry of strikes was too difficult to defend against.
Rex's response was a grin that spoke volumes, a mix of confidence and dark anticipation. "You don't have a choice; soon you will be mine," he retorted, his grin widening as he sensed the tide turning in his favor.
Rex Maddox did not slow down his offensive. Instead, he advanced with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. His movements embodied raw power, each action executed with a brutal efficiency that seemed to cut through the very air.
Luna, in contrast, fought back, relying on her advanced technological purple lightsaber. But as the battle raged on, it became painfully apparent that her futuristic prowess was diminishing in effectiveness against the sheer brute force Rex wielded with such casual cruelty.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/30/Anchor_Throw.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8e/Chain_Entangle.png]
To end the fight, with a masterful flick of his wrist, Rex executed another devastating Anchor Throw, the chain snaking through the air to ensnare Luna's other wrist with unerring accuracy. The lightsaber, her only hope of offensive and defiance, was wrenched from her grasp and clattered to the ground, its light dimming as it skittered away into the darkness. Rex then executes Chain Entangle, skillfully wrapping his chain to entangle Luna's arm to her torso, temporarily immobilizing her, as she struggles to break free. Luna's heart pounded with a mix of fear and adrenaline; panic began to claw at her resolve as Rex's laughter, laced with malice and a sense of impending triumph, filled the alley, echoing off the walls like the prelude to her doom.
Rex Maddox taunted her with a sneer that cut deeper than any physical wound. "All your so-called future tech," he spat. "Yet here you are, a powerless pretty face doll." His words were a chilling reminder of her precarious situation, far removed from the technological advantages of her time.
Struggling against the metallic embrace of the chains, Luna's strength began to wear down with each attempt to free herself proving futile. Rex, sensing his victory, walked towards Luna with evil intent. His sunglasses reflected the dim light, appearing more eerie, and his well-groomed mustache grinned menacingly.
In desperation, with no other options, Luna's only solution was to use her voice, hoping someone could save her. Her voice pierced the night, a scream for help that seemed both futile and heart-wrenching. "Help! Someone, please help me!" she pleaded, showing her vulnerability. Even though she was from the future, she was still just a young girl. Her mission to find and stop the seven swords was coming to an unexpected, dire end. The barriers of time seemed to crumble before her eyes. Her scream resonated through the alley, a desperate call for salvation.
Rex paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features as he twitched his mustache. But there was no stopping him; his reward for winning was right in front of him. His laughter, devoid of any warmth, rebounded through the alley. "Shout all you want! No one will hear you!"
From behind Rex, in the shadows at the mouth of the alley, a voice emerged—clear, commanding, and impossible to ignore. "Stop! Leave her alone!"
Rex's arm froze mid-air, his anticipated victory abruptly interrupted. Luna, despite the physical pain and the crushing weight of despair, turned towards the source of the voice, her heart daring to embrace a fragile thread of hope. "Please help me!" she cried, not knowing what to expect from the shadow.
In that dimly lit alley, a silhouette appeared. Luna stared into the darkness, unsure of what to expect. She was battered and weary, and whoever was at the mouth of the alley was her last hope. She put all her hope into this person, praying they could save her.