Learn to control people and manipulate events not by force, but by words and actions, so that you can obtain a goal without having to resort to any manner of fight. Use people's desires, needs, and wants against them. Humans need security, wealth, pride, strength, and to have their lust satisfied. Use this against them. This is the true path of the ninja. Use the tools given to gain entry, not to attack. Use the powders and explosives given to distract and deter in a fight, if it comes down to one. And in the end, escape with what is needed while the enemy is in confusion. Shadow War (Part 2) ________________________________________________________________________ "Are we there *yet*?" Xianghua complained for the umpteenth time. Apparently, she wasn't lying when she said she did not enjoy these long hauls too much. The hours and hours they had spent walking -no, make that running- from the temple to the base of the mountain range to the east were tiring. She was suddenly lifted off of her feet and found herself about three or four feet off the ground. "Thanks, Kilik." The young monk smiled down at his 'sister' before continuing forward. He may have not loved her in that way, but he still cared for her as if she were family. The serious and determined monk continued running forward as such, the Kali-Yuga slung across his back and Chai Xianghua in his arms. As he looked at her, he remembered his other sister... (Talim was right. She looks *exactly* like her. Same eyes, same face... if her hair were longer, she would fit the description perfectly.) This thought however, did not bring him much comfort. Still, he pressed onward, ignoring the flash of guilt that came over him. He had to do something about the current situation before going any further. Meanwhile, Mi-na and Talim were keeping pace almost perfectly, running after Taki with an equal speed. The two of them had been trained, like Xianghua, since childhood. However, they had something different driving them instead of just their footwork. That something different was what Xianghua was lacking, in a way. The two of them had a sheer and undaunting will. They forced their bodies to move faster, not bothering to worry about how long it would take to reach their desination. They would continue running until their bodies failed them; and even then, they would call on their reserves. Xianghua had less mental training than the two of them did... It did not make her weak in any way, but it was still a fact. The training she had gotten from the retired general would help a bit, but it would not entirely do what it had for her other companions, who had gone the same training that she had brought herself through for years. But then again, it was enough that she was continuing on, with all that had happened in the past few days. However, that was quickly set aside as they made their way through the forest, heading ever closer towards the much colder peaks in the Kyoto area. According to Taki's intelligence, the anti-Toki faction of the clan had taken refuge within the mountain ranges in order to have a better chance of reconnaisance against the other camp. Their base was not too far now, Taki assured the group. "They should be somewhere around here, if I'm not mistaken. We should be running into them any minute now-" A series of blurs and sparks later, and Taki had deflected a series of throwing stars headed for the group. Everyone stopped where they were as a voice called out, seemingly from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. "State your business. Otherwise, turn back the way you came." Mi-na couldn't help but look around, searching for the voice. Her grip tightened on the Scarlet Thunder as she did so, her body drawing tight in preparation to move as quickly as humanly possible. Xianghua and Kilik instincively drew their weapons, ready for another projectile assault. The only two who showed any calm were Talim and Taki. Taki knew who the voice belonged to. Talim did not, but she knew where it came from, thanks to the winds. Besides, she did not think of the voice as a threat, and their temporary guide had sucessfully deflected any attack coming toward them. She trusted in the ninja's ability to do so again, and thus halted her body's response. The ninja responded not long after the voice had spoken. "We are neither friends, nor foes. We're simply messengers. It would interest you to know that the man who was once called Toki is dead..." Utter silence followed. For a few good minutes, nothing happened. "Well?" Mi-na asked, a bit apprehensive. "Did they even hear us? You took him out, just like we saw there. They can ask us for themselves and stop hiding like scared little-" They came from everywhere. The forest was suddenly teeming with demon slayers dressed in black, red, brown, grey, white... they wore different colors and styles of clothing, but their methods were the same. These were the Fu-Ma who had gotten tired of Toki's errant ways and wanted to stage a coup against him. "You were saying, Mi-na?" Taki inquired, smirking without turning her head towards the woman in question. One of them, a man with dark brown hair tied back into a warrior's ponytail, and hazel eyes with an eyepatch over the right one walked towards the group, examining the four travelers who had come with their assassin. He was clean-shaven; muscular, yet lean from his training. Taki guessed that he was probably in his late twenties, perhaps early thirties. As the man gave them all a once-over he spoke, his comments directed towards Taki. "We'll need time to confirm this. For now, since you came back alive, I'll assume that the job is finished. With that in consideration... we have to make our next move against the faction that supported Toki. As for the pieces of Soul Edge... are they still in the temple?" Taki nodded. The man rubbed his chin in thought, then nodded. "We're going to get rid of the annoying shards of metal that have tainted our clan so. But we can't destroy them entirely- that's already been shown from the beginning. Not to mention that we have no means or methods to purify such fragments. I'm guessing this is where your... companions come in." He looked towards them again, bowing slightly. "Forgive our earlier avoidance of you... we can't entirely trust anyone these days. There are evil influences everywhere, and we have to be careful." Mi-na sighed in relief and lowered her zhanmadao. The others took it as a cue to sheathe their various weapons. "Nah, it's okay. I suppose we should explain ourselves anyway. But first- how about somewhere to rest for a while? We haven't exactly had the best trip over here, after all." Xianghua sighed and almost slumped to the ground, grateful to Mi-na for her suggestion. "Certainly. Just follow us- we have somewhere that will probably be all right for you all. After a bit of rest, you'll have to introduce yourselves formally." Mi-na nodded and smiled warmly. "Hey, lead the way." A voice popped up in her head- Xianghua's. She sounded a bit repentant. (Sorry for all that. I was just really tired from what we went through with that crazy girl, not to mention having to walk all that time through China...) Mi-na smiled to herself and replied without looking back, their communication unheard by even Talim. Not like she minded in the least- everyone had their moments when they needed privacy. (Hey, you know I'm always looking out for you guys. But this time, I think I'll have you owe me for this one. I'm sure you can think of some way to repay me, right?) Xianghua grinned. She did indeed have a way... but she hid her thoughts for the moment. Mi-na didn't need to know everything that she planned, after all. However, she did awnser her with (Yup! I can definitely manage that.) A smile from Mi-na, seeming as if she were content that everything were going well, was her only awnser. ________________________________________________________________________ It was quite some time before they reached the shinto shrine in the nearby mountains; the sun had begun to sink below the horizon by the time the torii -the gateway to the shrine grounds- was in sight. Talim could somehow feel a contentment in this place- no one had disturbed it and no evil had passed through it. She couldn't help but wonder how this was possible... until that is, she walked through the gateway. She could feel the air thicken and tighten around her, as if something were trying to stifle her. Then, just as quickly, the moment had passed. "Did you guys feel-" Mi-na nodded. Xianghua and Kilik said nothing. "Yeah, I did. That was a barrier we just went through. If we were taken by Soul Edge, it'd definitely be bad news... I don't exactly know what would happen, but it wouldn't be good." Talim nodded, and tried to think of what would occur if any one of them tried to walk onto these grounds while under posession of such a force. Would the barrier break? Would it cleanse the evil and leave the one who tried to enter unharmed? Would they be repelled; perhaps with injury? She shook her head at the last thought. No matter what they did, no one deserved to be hurt. All life was sacred to her- it was how she was raised and taught, and she believed it almost to a fault. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she walked forward, Spreading her arms outward... And the wind- the pure, untainted air within the grounds- flowed into her; through her. Talim smiled in contentment and stopped where she was, raising her head to the skies as she took it all in. Power and energy pulsed within her, and the whispers of the spirits that resided here passed through her mind. As she exhaled and opened her eyes, she saw Taki and Mi-na in front of her. Mi-na wore a smile, while Taki's face had a slight curiousity to it. Her voice betrayed nothing else besides the question she wanted to ask. "Just what are you? For a moment there, I could have sworn you had lifted yourself from the ground." Talim blinked, and looked towards Mi-na, who nodded. "I guess I did, didn't I? I certainly didn't know. If that's the case, then the winds must favor me in this place." Taki quirked an eyebrow. (So then that meditation earlier... and the aura I felt...) After a bit, she nodded. "All right, then. So you can speak with the winds and use them as an extention of your own body. And in exchange for their help, what do you give in return?" There was always a price for someone who could channel an element or their own energy. Talim smiled, understanding the question for what it was and awnsering in kind. "I give the only thing that I can. Myself. My body is what the winds wish it to be; does what they wish it to do. In exchange, I have their power and their knowledge from the world beyond. At least, that's what I was taught." Mi-na nodded and Taki shrugged. "Interesting. Just to let you know, you have quite the potential to generate great amounts of spiritual force... I suggest you keep yourself strong-willed in order not to succumb to any influences on your mind." With that, she walked away. Mi-na sighed and shook her head. "She does like to state the obvious, huh?" Talim shook her head and smiled. "I think she said it because *I* needed to know; because I didn't know. And I didn't. I just do what comes naturally to me. I don't even know what she's talking about... But I'll keep it in mind. It's good advice, I think." Mi-na nodded and smiled warmly. "Yeah. If anything else, she knows what she's talking about. Come on, let's get moving." As she spoke, the Korean extended her hand towards Talim, that same smile on her face. The young shaman-in-training nodded, but did not take her hand. Instead, she stepped in close, wrapping one of her arms around the Seong progidy's waist. Mi-na took it in stride, loosely draping the extended arm around the young woman's shoulders. With that, and a warm chuckle from the older woman, they headed towards the shrine. ________________________________________________________________________ Taki and about eight of those who seemed to be the leaders of this coup were sitting in one of the rooms. The doors were sealed with ofuda, the incantations written on them harmless to those who touched them. However, the doors could not be opened or penetrated, due to the barrier formed, and no sound came from or into the room. The conversation that was held would not be overheard, no matter how hard one tried. Then again, no one was an enemy here... there were just four people who were complete strangers. So yes, the seals were needed. "So then," the man from earlier spoke, "Let's make ourselves known to each other first. I am Ookamikingin, leader of these who would be called rogues... were Toki in power. But according to you, he is no longer so; nor is he alive." Taki nodded, her face expressionless. "That's right. As you can see, it was harder than it looked." The scars on her body were evidence enough of the struggle, just as she said. However, she looked unfazed by them. "I see," Ookamikingin replied. "Still, we need to do reconnaisance on whether his body is still there or not." The kunoichi nodded again, her features stony and unreadable. A woman with black hair and blue eyes spoke- one of three women on this council of leaders. "My name is Kishiumi. I've checked out your history from our information network. I can't begin to imagine how conflicted you were when you had to fight someone who was a mentor to you... But I do sympathise." Taki lowered her head, letting her bangs fall over her eyes. She suddenly felt like yelling at someone. Bursting into tears and screaming in heated anger, (How can you sympathise? You weren't there when I was forced to kill him!!) It was all unfair, how these things happened. She was twenty-nine years old, had a successful run as a demon huntress, had survived constant battles and attempts at capture... And she felt like bursting out with emotion. Why did she get angry over a man who was dead? He was no longer the man he was, back when she was younger. Within, he was probably sufferring. She had to kill him- just to give her former master mercy. Why was she angry at this woman? She calmed herself after a few brief moments, her face retaining its coldness. "No... you can't. And thank you." She did not refuse the sympathy; not when she felt like running off somewhere and crying until she could do so no more. But she kept her emotions within an iron grip- she had to be strong. Instead of simply nodding however, Kishiumi... smiled. Warmly, gracefully. "Come... there is no need to hide your feelings. You are among allies and comrades here; there is no need to hold things in." Though the emotions had passed, Taki nodded. It had been a long time since she could trust someone; open herself to others. At times, she wondered to herself whether or not she was losing her humanity- her ability to feel anything at all. She couldn't stop the rush of fear that flowed through her every time she thought of it. To lose one's emotions... was to have an empty soul. Though it was free of evil and pain, it was no better than being possessed by a demon. "I will... try to do so from now on." Ookamikingin continued onward, the talk between the two women ended for now. "Well then... you will have to explain what role your companions have in this. As far as I can tell, two of them are from China, while one is Korean. Both are Japan's enemies at the current time. While we have no quarrel with Toyotomi, we need not draw his attention." Taki nodded and explained herself. "They are on a journey in order to silence the cursed sword, Soul Edge, once and for all. I was told of their plight and agreed to help in whatever way I could. In exchange, they have agreed to help resolve this matter to the best of their ability." The man nodded and stroked his chin. "What exactly can they do? Have you discerned their abilities?" Taki shook her head. "I have no possible idea what they are capable of. I have fought one of them, the Korean woman, quite a few times before. She is skilled in battle, but I don't know what other changes she has undergone." The others seemed to mull over this for a moment. Finally, another one spoke. This man seemed to be younger- one of the youngest, actually. He seemed in fact, no older than thirteen or so; a child in comparison to some of his older couterparts. Brown hair, blue eyes, and a serious expression on his face as he considered the options before him. "We'll take them. We need all the help we can get." Taki looked toward the young man and quirked an eyebrow, showing the first hints of either puzzlement, or disbelief. (He's just a child,) she thought to herself, but she didn't speak. However, the younger member smiled, reading her face as easily as her thoughts. "Let me guess. My age is a problem for you, isn't it?" Taki's eyes widened. He had either read her thoughts, or read her face. Either way, the slightest slip in her composure had probably been seen by this young one. Bringing her expression back to a neutral one, Taki shook her head. "Not anymore." The child shrugged. "Either way, my name's Kageboushi. I guess you could say I'm a bit young to be on this council, but let's not make assumptions here. I'm tougher than I look." Taki couldn't help but chuckle at this. He certainly spoke like a child, but she could not doubt that he was skilled, at least in reading body language and observing situations. "I can see that. Well then, it's a pleasure to meet you." Kishiumi's smile brightened. It was good to see the quite famous Taki smile and laugh as she did just then- neither malisciously or derisively. It was a sign that she could be trusted; at least, to her it was. The young boy rested his hands on his chin and looked at Taki quizzically. "So then, what did you plan on doing with those guys? They don't seem like the type that'd be any good at ninjustu..." Taki smiled. "That's what we're here to discuss, isn't it? I have a few ideas..." ________________________________________________________________________ By the time the meeting was over and everyone was rested, everyone was told to meet in the main hall. There were about fifty members of the clan within the building in no less than half an hour, and sitting before them were the eight council members. Behind those eight seated officers stood Mi-na, Talim, Xianghua, Taki, and Kilik. The young Chinese woman tried not to gape as she took in the many people here who could probably kill her without blinking or moving that much. To say that she was nervous was an understatement. Mi-na however, was used to it. Talim sensed no intent to strike, so she had no qualms about there being so many. Kilik, as usual, held his composure and stood still. He could hold himself in any situation, which made Xianghua a bit jealous. Still, as long as the others were with her, she would be just fine. At least, she hoped so. Ookamikingin stood from his seat, looking noble as he wore a royal blue hakama with a kimono of the same color, a golden obi tied underneath, and a white haori that hung down to mid-thigh. His geta boots were black, as if they contrasted the brighter colors in order to mark the man as a ninja. As he spoke, the hall fell into silence. "We have recieved word," he spoke in a resounding voice, "That Toki, the man who has betrayed us all with his irrational and dishonorable behavior, has been slain. While we have little evidence of this as of yet, I will have Kageboushi lead a team into Hoko Temple to the east, to determine whether or not the man has perished. In the meantime, we have to focus on the re-unification of our clan. This division will only destroy both sides in the end, with nothing gained and all but our lives lost to us- those that escape death, that is." He was silent for a moment, taking time to let the words sink in. "I understand that you are not afraid to die... but consider this. If we die... who will stand up to the evils of this world? Who has the strength to combat that which the eye cannot see, or the ear cannot hear? Who has the will and drive in these times in order to face this hidden threat? If not us, then who?" Many nodded, their faces showing solemn determination. "No, we cannot stand aside and allow ourselves to be hunted forever. We're going to reunite the clan and continue to uphold our oath and solemn vow- to eliminate the presence of darkness and evil from this world; to strike at the shadows from the shadows. This is both fate and destiny for us, and we will not turn aside from it!" Applause broke out in the hall, cheers and shouts of exuberance rocking the very foundations. Mi-na and the others were swept away by the sheer wave of emotion, and couldn't help but be fired up as well. This was *exactly* what the four of them needed to effectively combat the waves of demons that had risen to the call of Soul Edge- now, if only they could get them to cooperate with their mission in some way. Raising his hands to call for silence, Ookamikingin spoke once again. "The four people behind me, along with Taki, have agreed to help us with our plight to the best of their ability. Starting tomorrow, they must be integrated into our clan in order for them to aid our cause. Accept them; respect them; be favorable towards them in all things. For in these times, our allies are few, and we need all the help we can get." They all agreed, some of them waving towards the newcomers, others simply acknowlegding them with a nod, and nothing more. Many had heard by now of the four of them, and wondered what they were about. In any event, the council leader nodded and looked them all over one final time. "Rest now all four of you. Rest easy with the knowledge that no harm will come to you this evening, as long as you are under the protection of the Fu-Ma clan. This is our solemn vow to each of you." The council members nodded, each looking at them with a different expression. Kageboushi looked at them with an air of curiousity, while Kishiumi gave them a friendly smile. The rest simply looked them over, only agreeing to the vow. "Now then," Ookami spoke as he turned towards the rest of the clan. "To rest, or to whatever you desire. Do not forget however, that we must be watchful. Enemies are everywhere, and the only ones we can trust in are each other. Good night and sleep soundly. You are dismissed." To Be Continued... ________________________________________________________________________ Yup, there it goes again. Of course, this should prove to be a most interesting thing indeed, putting in more of my original characters into the mix. Here are a few translations of names, just in case you all were wondering. Ookamikingin- "Wolf of Gold and Silver" Kageboushi- "Silhouette" Kishiumi- "Last Child of the Sea" Now then... there you have it. Review, please. No muss, no fuss, just feedback. Oyasuminasai.
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