The Uprising - Writing.Com

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IS THERE TIME? & DADDY'S DIFFERENT
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[Introduction] Once there was a time when great warriors roamed the land. The people loved them for they protected those who were weak and defenseless... they were champions. But over many decades the ones in power began to resent them. The rulers had the people's fear but not their loyalty. So the rulers looked into the forbidden and sought out the Maboroshi (Japanese for illusions or mystics) to destroy the warriors very existence.

The war went on for ages, tearing apart villages, but in the end the warrior clan was no match for the Maboroshi demons. The few who survived escaped into the mists never to be heard from again. But as time goes on the need for such champions grows. The people, forced to labor under the demons watchful eyes, whisper of the return of their defenders. The old and new gather together to honor their pact to protect and get their freedom back.

(Still working out the rough spots in the plot. Once everyone starts writing the story will have a more solid base. Any comments or ideas are greatly appreciated.

)

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R.U.L.E.S.

*You have five days to add or you're skipped. Keep this in mind when you ask for an invite.

*Don't kill off characters unless you ask.

*Look out for punctuation and grammar.

*For first post please provide a bio block including Name, Age, Appearance, Personality, and History (opt.) Your character can be part of the old warrior clan, a new fighter, or one of the Maboroshi... its all up to you.

*If you have any questions and can't get in touch with me, e-mail LdyPhoenix

the co-moderator.

*Enjoy. 8-)

Scheherazade

NAME - Shin Hachisuka

AGE - 19

APPEARANCE - Shin stands a few inches short of six feet tall. His dark brown hair reaches his shoulders and his dark hazel eyes hold a keen intelligence. His body is fit from working the fields and training with his uncle. There is a small scar across his chin.

PERSONALITY - Shin is charming and arrogant but not too overly condescending. He can make even the crankiest of people smile. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to his emotions. Often the smile on his face hides how he truly feels. Shin likes to take risks and push himself to the limit. He takes great pride in his work no matter what the work may be. And although he firmly denies it, he's overprotective of his sister.

HISTORY - Shin and his twin sister have lived in the mists of the high mountains their entire lives. Although his loves the mountains, Shin craves to experience something beyond the confines of his small village. He believes his destiny is much greater than working as a farmer. Against his father's wishes, Shin trains with his uncle at night in the ways of the warrior.

Name: Taka Hachisuka

Age: 19

Appearance: Taka is about 5'6" tall with willowy figure. She has wavy dark brown hair that reaches all the way down to the small of her back but she always keeps it bond to the back of her head. Her eyes are a shade darker than her brother's and project everything she's feeling. She moves gracefully like a dancer but wishes she had her brother's presence. Taka also has a light sensitivity which prevents her from direct sunlight.

Personality: Always the dutiful daughter, Taka does her best to keep her twin out of trouble. She keeps a watchful eye on everything around her to make sure things are running smoothly. Taka is soft-spoken, cautious, and only takes risks when necessary. She can be adaptable but hates when things change -there are too many possibilities for things to go wrong. While Shin is the heart of the twins, Taka is the head and doesn't rely on impulse like her brother. (And she's just as protective of him as he is of her.

)

History: The misty mountains have always been Taka's home and she feels no need to venture out of them. Since the death of her mother she has taken over all the household chores but she does not mind. In her way of thinking it is easier to keep track of things this way. Although Taka is destined to marry, she would rather live the tainted life of a spinster than be forced to live a life she doesn't want. She believes there is no such thing as destiny but rather people make their own paths in life.

Kage Hotokegi

Age: 19

Appearance: Jet black hair and forest green eyes. Hair is spikey at the top and there is a short ponytail in the back. He wears a red headband with a black vest that used to be a black jacket until the sleeves were inadvertantly torn off. Black pants cover his lower half and there is no shirt under his vest exposing his lean frame. Kage wears steel plated guantlets with arm wrappings under them.

Personality: Long story short, he's a tough guy with a soft side. He usually seems to snear at anyone weaker than him but he'll protect them with his life. Mostly takes the route of a hand to hand fighter of great skill and travels across the land. Friendly but not in the conventional sense. He comes off as harsh and uncaring but sometimes tries to make up immediately after offending someone (usually doesn't even know what he did wrong).

History: Left his hometown in the mountains long ago like his "adventurous" father before him. His mother was left with nothing and eventually disappeared leaving Kage to tend to himself. Kage makes sure to always return to his house in the mountains once done exploring a new area. Has always evaded demon rule and has seen good results of it other than the life on the run. They have yet to discover his actual home of course.

t.s. wood, the sleepy art kid

Name: Imakao

Age: For his kind, a Child.

Species: Maboroshi (Male)

Appearance: Though somewhat and generally monsterous looking, Imakao has a short size of 4 foot compared to his more adult and wicked counterparts. One of the few things which stays constant as a breed of the 'shifting' varity is that of the face, which has reddish skin with two yellow eyes which can often display pity as well as resentment, and fang like teeth. His clothes are a ragged cloth top and pants of a browny colour. Though he has short claws on his hands and feet

Personality: Though he can try to appear threatening and all-powerful like his brothers and sisters, Imakao really isn't into that 'being horrible' stuff, and prefers to see good in people. Still he finds humans a little daunting which amused his fellows and resulted in his removal from their order. Imakao tries to be kind to those in need thanks to influence from humans but when you enbody something which people fear, that isn't easy. As they are more open to understanding then, he prefers Human Females to Human Males. His favourite things in life is to relax and take matters easy, but with the ways things are going, that can't last much longer.

The important thing to say about Imakao is this - as a growing Maboroshi, he has yet to be known as good or evil - the influences he might face upon himself will be critical deciding factors in this adventure. And this will be significant when he eventually becomes an adult.

Abilities: As a immature Maboroshi, Imakao has semi-shifting capabilities, so he may partly alter his structure, normally to turn his arms or legs into weapons. He can also form wings for limited flight powers.

Name: Hoshiko Gotou

Age: 15

Appearance: Hoshiko is small in stature, but she carries her strong frame deftly and confidently. Countless hours of work in the fields has made her skin tan, and she keeps her thick, dark hair- lightened to brown in some places by the sun- cropped short in a smooth, round shape that just meets her chin. Though her face has mostly soft, round, and small features, her black eyes have a certain fierceness to them. She wears a sleeveless, blue jacket that is wrapped over a small and light linen shirt and black, knee-length leggings.

Personality: Though quiet at times, Hoshiko is extremely articulate when she speaks, quite surprising for one of her age and humble upbringing. She is extremely keen and observant, talking her way out of the roughest of spots. Her father's death when she was 11 replaced the flighty bounce of her childish nature with a solid determination and willingness to fight back. However, sometimes she feels overwhelmed by her own resolve, pulling back into herself.

History: The people of her small village harbor a silent yet almost palpable resentment for the Maboroshi; as expected, Hoshiko has always known a hatred of the regime. As a younger child, she had heard hushed talk that the warrior clan, thought to have been lost, could still be surviving in hiding. The rumor was confirmed four years ago, when her father was executed for preparing to join an underground resistance that was connected to an escaped warrior. Since then, Hoshiko has been dreaming of seeking out and joining the resistance, aiding them in whatever way she possibly could.

Name: Mininoki Kazuma (or Mina for short)

Age: 18

Appearance: turquoise eyes like the sea on a sunny day and blond hair kept up in a pony tail. Has just the right appearance for guys to be super nice to her in hopes of getting her attention. wears a short light blue skirt over tight black pants. Her shirt matches her skirt. She wears a copper cuff on her upper arm as well as small green and copper earrings.

Personality: Usually very friendly- has a weakness for cute things, especially ones that look at her with puppy dog eyes. Still, she's easily angered and tends to get over excited about things she feels strongly about.

History: Mininoki lived in an orphanage her whole life. She's not sure who her parents are or where she comes from. She only has one fleeting memory of her old life but its too vague for her to put in words (as of yet). With her turning of age, Mininoki could no longer stay in the orphanage so she packed her things and began traveling. She managed to find a small dojo. The Sensei there agreed to let her clean the place for a room and three meals a day. She usually has to stay up late though and wait for the man and his nephew to finish their night time training before she can do her cleaning though. She's saving what little money she's gotten a hold of and plans to leave within the week.

Name: Xanoske Tenaka (Xano for short)

Age:18

Appearence: Xano stands 6 feet tall, he has wild long black hair that sticks out at crazy angles, his grey eyes goes perfectly with his caramel colored skin, Xano has a light scar that goes over his eye *where he got it he doesn't know yet* He has a lean muscular body from all the work he was forced to do growing up.

Personality: Xanoske is sometimes harsh when you first meet him, but at he gets to know you and trust you he warms up a little and doesn't mean all the things he says quite so literally. He gives people a chance to earn his trust, but once you cross him you don't get another.He protects those he cares about and stands up for those who can't protect themselves.

History: Xanoske was left sitting on the door step to a Dojo by his mother, She told him she would be right back when he was 5 years old and though it's been so long he still remembers the way she looked. The master of the Dojo took him in and after a time of cleaning the place the master of the Dojo began to train Xano in various art forms.

Name: Kimi Toyotomi

Age: 17

Personality: Kimi is quiet and observant, but also has a fun, wild side to her. She is a very determined individual and will stick to what ever it is she's set herself to like a bulldog with lockjaw.

History: She was sold by her parents at the age of twelve to work at an inn. The people there were cruel to her though, so she ran away. She was found by an old trader who took her in. She has learned the art of getting a good deal, fairly or otherwise, and much more from this old trader. She has wanted to make it on her own, however, so after taking her last cut, and the traders monkey Yori, she has set off, somehow feeling if destiny is calling her. She knows not what destiny.

Scheherazade

Shin wiped his sweaty brow on the back of sleeve as he breathed in the cool mountain air. The day's work in the fields had been good and tiring. The harvest would be plentiful this year if the weather held like it was suppose to. But Shin knew better than to depend on the expected. Fate had a way of turning on a man with certain assumptions.

As the day grew late Shin headed back towards town, taking the scenic route by the creek. Spotting a familiar ugly hat, he smiled and cut through the tall grass to the riverbank. "I see we're still working," Shin said smugly as he knelled next to his twin.

Taka dunked one of his shirt in the water and scrubbed it to wash the dirt out. "Not everyone can toil away in the fields like you do. Some of us have actual work to do." She dunked the shirt again, a little more forceful than necessary, splashing him with water.

"Hey!" Shin shouted as he wiped his face dry. "What'd you do that for?"

"I felt like it." Taka peered up at him underneath her wide-brimmed hat and grinned. Shin kept his indignant expression on his face but inside he smiled. His sister had little to smile about these days and it warmed him to see her happy, even if it was for only a moment.

"Are you almost done? I'm hungry," he jokingly whined.

"You act like I don't feed you." Taka twisted the last damp piece of clothing and set on top of the laundry basket. She stacked the rest of her baskets and balanced the load on her hip. "If you're starving so much why don't you cook something yourself."

“It doesn’t taste the same when I cook.” He exaggerated his pout but Taka simply rolled her eyes. He could have sworn she whispered something like “donkey” under her breath.

Shin fell in step beside her as they made their way back to the family cottage. The small mountain village was beginning to lessen as the crowds dispersed to eat dinner. His stomach grumbled but Shin knew to keep his mouth shut. If he teased his twin too much he’d be lucky to get week old mealy rice for supper.

But his mood was looking up when he caught the sight of a bobbing blonde ponytail. As quick as a flash he grabbed the laundry baskets from his twin and hauled them to his side. The girl glanced up as they passed by each other and Shin gave her his best smile. She smiled by slightly, pink flushing her face, before looking away. He felt his heart skip a beat.

The moment she walked out of sight Shin unceremoniously dumped the baskets back on Taka. She glowered at him. “What was that?”

“Nothing.”

Taka’s went from him to the blonde girl and back. Shin knew he should stop smiling but he couldn’t help himself. An unholy light flared in his sister’s gaze as her mouth twisted into a smirk. “Do you have a crush on Uncle’s tenant?”

“She’s not a crush,” Shin said defensively. The mysterious girl had shown up one day looking for work and he’d been head of heels ever since. Little was known about her but Shin found himself starving for information on who she was and where she came from. He begged him uncle for even a small hint but the man was stone when it came other’s privacy. But none of that truly mattered for every time he saw her he went weak. “Not a crush. You’re looking at my future bride.” Taka nearly fell over snickering at his arrogant tone.

“Hiya!” Mr. Dazai shouted from his porch, waving his hand high in the air.

The two waved back at the Postmaster, as they passed by his small office. He gestured them over then rushed back inside. Taka and Shin looked at each other and shrugged before following. The Postmaster was an odd little man.

“Come, come.” He motioned for them to enter from behind his cluttered desk. Stacks of paper fell to the floor as he frantically searched for whatever he was looking for. “Another missive came for your father,” his muffled voice called.

“Another letter? That’s two in one week.” Taka forehead was wrinkled in confusion.

Shin raised a dark brow. “You make it sound like a bad thing.”

“Father barely receives two letters a year, let alone in one week.” She spoke next in hushed tones as she leaned closer to his ear. “And ever since he received the first one he’s locked himself away in his workshop. When I knock on the door to bring him food, he yells for me to leave it at the door. Don’t you think that’s strange?”

Shin opened his mouth to tell her not to worry so much when Mr. Dazai’s bald head popped up from the stacks. “Ha! I found it!” He rushed over and handed the white letter over to Shin’s unoccupied hands. The unsuspecting envelope weighed heavy against his palm. Shin couldn’t shake the impending sense of doom that flooded his stomach.

“I hope it contains good news.”

Shin slipped it into the back pocket of his pants and shook hands with the Postmaster. His charming smile slipped a notch. “I hope so too.”

WhiteFire

Name: Ryuu Aomori

Age: 47

Appearance: Ryuu is short, but has a powerful demeanor that makes people feel like they’re looking up at him. His long black hair is generously laced with silver streaks, one of the few testaments of his age, and he has dark gray eyes. His stern face carries a few deep wrinkles, mostly around his forehead as he is often frowning, still he looks good for an old dude. Even being a few years nigh of fifty, he carries himself well; actually, he’s quite light footed. Oh, and he has a bright white scar on is left eyebrow.

Personality: probably the most arrogant old guy in the world, Ryuu doesn’t and will never back down from a fight. He basically considers himself the best fighter to have ever lived and though he’s been proved wrong several times, no one can convince him otherwise. He has a strange soft spot for little things that are soft, cuddly and defenseless and will protect them with his life. Every now and then he has bouts of insanity which is the result of seeing many horrible things in his life. Very rarely does he let his guard down and let someone get close, usually he pushes them away with sarcastic remarks and jokes.

History: Ryuu was 22 when he and his fellow Warriors were defeated by the terrible Maboroshi. He had been one of the more skilled fighters, a master of the naginata and the katana, his two favorite weapons; he put to the sword over a hundred Maboroshi, reaping the famous name Dragon. His family, wife, daughter and son were murdered in the end, and, grief stricken, Ryuu fled to the sea where he disguised himself as a fisherman and became the bitter old man he now is.

Taka silently sipped her tea as she watched Shin and her uncle finish their dinners. Although she wouldn't admit it aloud, knowing they were enjoying their food too much to talk gave her a small burst of pride. Taking care of the ones she loved was important to her. If only she could get her father to come out of his work shed she'd feel more at ease.

Her uncle pushed his empty plate away and patted his slightly ample stomach. "Taka you've out done yourself again. If you keep feeding me this way I'll won't be able to fit into my pants!"

"You flatter me, Uncle. But the true thanks belows to my mother. These were her recipes."

"Now, now, now." He shook his finger at her in mock censure. "Take a compliment when it is given to you. I don't give them out lightly."

Taka gave him a hint of smile and bowed her head. She glanced over the rip of her cup at her twin. Shin was surprising quiet through the entire meal. Usually he'd would be spouting out some joke at her expense by now with noodles spilling out of his mouth. But tonight his eyes were thoughtful as he stared off into the distance. He'd been this way since they'd returned from town.

"More vegetables?" She held out the serving bowl to her brother as she caught his attention. Her dark eyes asked the questions her mouth could not say. The curl of his mouth told her not to worry but the small smile didn't reach his eyes. Needless to say she began to worry.

"Come Shin. Its time for you training." Their uncle rose from his position on the floor and stretched. Although he was somewhere in his late forties, he was just as fit as if he were twenty. The only thing that slowed him down was a limp in his left leg.

Shin rose, taking Taka by the hand and helping her to her feet. She glanced at him one more time before walking into the kitchen and retrieving to two small packages. She handed them over to Shin without a word.

"What's this?"

"Food for the object of your affection. The thoughtful gift should impress her if your damnable charm can't do the trick."

Taka knew it his smile was real when his usual arrogance bubbled to the surface. "I don't need gifts to win her but they sure couldn't hurt."

*

Nighttime in the mountains could be deathly quiet. The mist, which rolled in like a silent intruder, during this time added an extra chill to the air. Taka took a woven green shawl from one of the coat pegs by the door and wrapped it around her shoulders. Making sure the sunburn on the backs of her hands with covered by her tunic sleeves, Taka picked up her father's eating tray and carried it around to the workshop.

For the past week she'd been bringing her father his food for he would not leave his station. Taka could only guess what he was doing back in the wooden shed. She was worried for him. He was a solitary man but never to the point where he turned away family. Something troubled him enough to stay away.

Taka knocked twice on the door. She waited for the yell of his gruff voice to let her know he was okay only the voice never came. She knocked again moment later this time harder. The force of the knock pushed the door open the door a sliver, revealing a seated man silhouetted man in dim candle light. He didn't move from his position. He simply stared down at the letter clutched in his hand.

"Father?" Taka quickly set the food tray on the floor and quietly stepped inside the shed. The work table beside him, which was normally littered with tools and unfinished projects, was cleared off except for a sword and its sheath. The katana was long with a dark red handle and a sharp blade that shimmered in the light. Taka had never seen a katana made with such craftsmanship before. It was magnificent.

"This was never suppose to happen," her father whispered in the dark. He slowly turned his head to her direction. His eyes were etched with sorrow and deep resolve. "We were defeated. It was over."

"What was over?"

"The War." Suddenly, her father stood from his chair and sheathed the katana. His finger shook as he held the weapon but Taka watched them shake for only a moment before he tightened his hold in a crushing grip. "Go to the dojo and gather your uncle."

Taka watched her father with wide eyes. The man before her had always been as steady as a tree with its roots settled deep in the ground. Now he trembled like a leaf in the wind. She feared where he might fall.

"What do I tell him?"

"Tell him we've been Called." He folded the letter and handed it to her. The tiny flame on top of the table caught a strange gleam in his eyes as he gazed at her. "You must prepare the house, Taka. Guests will be coming soon."

Kage dashed across the rocks. Had his eyes really decieved him so? Demons headed toward...no. He moved like the wind as usual with a hooded cloak on concealing his handsome but rough features. It couldn't be. Why would they be heading toward his home? As long as they didn't see him he'd be fine. As long as they didn't see him he could warn the village about their coming without bringing extra trouble onto them. Kage's breathing was quiet though his body had only just begun to fatigue. He wouldn't let them get there. The demon's he'd seen earlier...they were in armor, they had weapons. They carried flags. This wasn't right. Why attack now? Why his home, where there were people he knew? People he cared about (but would never admit).
"Shin, Taka...Mina. Dammit," he whispered to himself. In the dark he saw a demon scout on a horse up ahead. His face was grotesque with red gleaming eyes and there was a scary looking halbard in his hand. He turned to see Kage and quickly let out an ear splitting howl just before Kage leapt into him with both feet extended. Upon collision Kage bounced off of the demon's chestplate doing a backflip and landing on his feet. In contrast, the demon landed on his back quickly trying to scramble to his feet. A metal clad fist collided four times with his face just before he flailed the halbard out hitting nothing in the shadows. Kage was under it and grabbed the demon's arm with one hand and threw a fist into the elbow with the other. A sickening snap was heard just before Kage fled forward. As he ran he slowly counted in his head as he pulled his small throwing knife from his side. One...two...he threw it backward without even turning hitting the scout right between the eyes as he stood.

With blood on his guantlets he continued forward quickly. His thoughts of Mina quickened his pace. The first person to show him kindness after his arrival in that village years ago. The feeling of abandonment returned. He would not be alone again. He wouldn't let these kind people fall victim to harm. They were strong, but these were not humans. Not even he could take on more than the ill-trained scouts by himself. Kage bounded over a few hills of dirt and rock. There she was in the distance. The only place he really called home. Kage's pace picked up again. Full speed. He took a glance behind him. Barely visible torches illuminating the flags. Could this really be...it? No. Kage was determined. He'd stand out front and fight them himself if he had too. What was his life worth anymore anyway? He was worthless to her...to THEM. Maybe they had been nice to him, but he new he was a bit of a jerk. Even if they considered him their friend (which he thought they did) he hadn't done enough to feel he'd proved himself. Maybe this would help. Maybe if he held the demon's off long enough for them to escape. Kage smiled. Nah, Shin was way to hyped to run in the time of need. Either way he'd make sure to protect Mina no matter what. Of course she would resist...

Almost there. Only a little more. He could see a few people inside now. Just...a little...longer. Kage smiled a little. Sharpshooter. An arrow hit him in the back hard. Kage's smile disappeared as he fell to the ground. He felt like he was moving in slow motion. The pain surged through his body as darkness began to take him, "Mina..." he groaned. His mind screamed. This would not be the end. His hand lurched forward clasping the dirt. He pulled himself forward and began crawling.

t.s. wood, the sleepy art kid

Imakao was irritated, cold, and wet - all the thing that a child Maboroshi loathed. Imakao always preferred warmth and comfort, not this foolish challenge he'd been thrusted upon by his overbearing mentors.

Imakao was not much of a fighter. Part of it stemmed from youth. At a mere eighty one moon cycles, inexperience was his motto, perhaps with an added helping of custom dread and fear of dying.

Truthfully, Imakao liked humans. He seen them in various shapes and sizes, mostly that of the servants his kind kept for work, or for their personal amusement. His father, a tall and imposing figure by the title of Guerkao, must have owned some thirty human females for some purpose which Imakao had been told he was not ready to experience - he only knew that the females, preety and fair creatures they were, rarely lasted long afterwards. The child preferred not to think about it much, or if he'd have the will to perform such cruelties as his father.

The problem he really had with his dad stemmed from a lack of honor - yes, Imakao didn't have much of that yet either, but Guerkao's power, along with that of his entire large family order - the Kao Legacy - came from the prowess of his grandfather. Now, there was a man who could inspire - or at least he was told, Imakao was of course far lacking in moon cycles to have ever met him - and a legendary warrior of the Maboroshi, cutting down bad humanity in the name of class and bravery whilst spareing though who served willingly. Imakao looked up to him each day as he entered the family shrine, hoping that one day he would join his grandfather in the seats of the Great Fire, where the deceased Maboroshi celebrated and acknowledged their victories.

Scouting was a first step to bravery - all Maboroshi had to start somewhere, and Imakao, small and puny a child Maboroshi he was, wanted to make a difference. There had been a meeting - a family, a village of humans dared to oppose them. They had to be disposed of, and as Maboroshi Archers and infantry had stomped slowly forward, Imakao had elected to investigate the surroundings a little.

Ok, so he was a spy, not a scout. Imakao saw little difference besides less weapons and a higher mortality rate. So the job had been thrusted upon him and he hadn't wanted it. You drew the short straw, demon. Now live with it.

One main reason that Imakao made an ideal spy was his size and ability. He was of the shifter species of Maboroshi, and though he was as yet incapable of becoming a huge blood-thristy monster like his dead dad, his form could squeeze into tight corners and-

His thoughts were interrupted as he spied a set of candles glowing round what must be the training facilities for these humans. Imakao made himself thin enough to slide through the doorframe into the as yet empty room "Heh. Imakao early. Get to hide in better spot." As a child, his vocal chords had not developed enough to in the longer sentence dialect of a human or mature Maboroshi - though completely matured in the brain (barring some fear of getting caught by the more brutal humans), Imakao's tongue was like of the young.

He spotted a pot housing on a shelf and becoming a black mist, Imakao entered it with some difficulty as he was forced to shift some weight til he fit nicely. Just in time, as he heard the interior door slide open. Gentlely lifting the lid to expose but a tiny amount of himself he viewed two elders with a young male and female, appearing similar in kind. Twins, that was the term he recalled. Maboroshi never had twins, or certainly he had never see the same occurance among his own people. "Perfect. Cannot see or hear Imakao from here, but Imakao can see and hear them." One of the male elder began to speak of legacies and the war, treating Maboroshi as if they were all bad, which insulted Imakao. He wasn't bad! He just did what he was told. His thoughts of bitterness at this human faded as he returned to listen for vital infomation.

It wasn't supposed to happen this way- her mother, the buckwheat, the path, the encounter. And now here she was, slumped on the damp ground, held back by the mist. Her legs wouldn't carry her any farther today; her empty stomach pulled her chest over her knees with its hollowness. But Hoshiko had made it this far, far enough to see two shadows moving off in the distance and the glow of a house. If she was right about its inhabitants, she might still have a future.

She had woken two weeks ago to find her mother gone from the small room they shared. Frantically she had searched throughout the small village before being pulled aside by one of the village guards: a Maboroshi. They policed the villages of the peasantry, for these were the people most likely to revolt, the ones who had suffered the most. He looked bored as he coldly told her that her mother had been escorted to another village. Hoshiko knew what it meant- they were breaking up families, as they always had, destroying the first unit of rebellion. Her father had been the first to go, and while her mother was most likely still alive, Hoshiko knew that seeing her again would be almost impossible. The thought of anyone bonding together in anger frightened the Maboroshi, and they were determined to stop it from happening. Hoshiko would be alone now, unless she took matters into her own hands.

As soon as the guard had moved on down the rows of tiny shacks and houses, Hoshiko knew what she must do. Immediately, she had a clear picture in her head; the way the river had its source north from her village, into the hills, into the mountains. It was near the source, her father had said, that the warriors lived on in secret. Follow the river, and they could be found. All the while thinking of reaching the river, she hustled back to the little store behind her room, or what was no longer her room- she felt as good as gone at that moment. There was a rough little sack of buckwheat that could last her a week if she hurried, and it was small enough not to be missed. Into the sack she stuffed the few coins she had saved under her pillow, and into her jacket she carefully folded an old, worn piece of paper. That evening she alighted into the rustling woods.

All had gone well until the third day, when she had come around an encampment in the woods. It was empty and still but for some glowing embers sending up tails of smoke, waving at her as if in warning. Her chest tightened- surely it was a search party. The woods were indeed thick, but Hoshiko would not risk staying any longer. She wove her way out of them, far from the river. Nothing had happened until two days later, when she had come face to face with a Maboroshi, the same one who had told her the news of her mother. His discolored, leathery face creased into a horrid sneer as a ruthless hand caught her shoulder to keep her from running. All the calm resolve that Hoshiko had carried now melted from her, and in her terror she begged for her life, for anything. That was what she'd do, what she'd give- absolutely anything, just as long as she would be left alive. And so she gave him the coins; he took her body, and he was ruthless.

After that, all had been still and quiet. The search party, having watched the whole terrible thing, left her, thinking she wouldn't last on her own. It sickened her as she quietly cried against a tree and hugged her knees to her chest, that such a horrible act could take place on such a beautiful day; for a while, she thought she couldn't go on. But by dusk she had gathered herself together in the cold and quiet way she had, and she was walking on her way once again. She was lost now. Two more days, and she found the river again, but the buckwheat was all gone.

And now here, five days with only water, she crumbled in the mist, just paces away from the house. It was the first one she had seen; she hoped whoever lived there would at least show her sympathy and take her in for the night. Gathering all her strength, she cried out, "Hello!" The wilting and cracking of her own voice shocked even her. Suddenly, the two shadows she had seen froze briefly before moving slowly toward her. Footsteps grew in sound; the grey forms blocked the glow from the house. So many words now reached her ears- Who was she? Who? Could she answer? Where was she from? Hoshiko realized that these were questions for her, but that her mouth would not move. With a limp hand, she drew out the piece of paper without thinking. A young man quickly snatched it away- his face was obscured in the night but undoubtedly was shadowed with suspicion. Now she regretted it- if they were ordinary people and saw what was written there, surely she would be turned in, or turned away, or-

"This is Gotou's death warrant... Gotou. He was to lead an uprising in the Akagi village some years ago," came a hushed voice of gravel. The gruff face of an older man suddenly appeared in front of hers, and by stars' faint haze she saw the whites of his eyes grow round in the dark. "You are Gotou's daughter?"

As soon as Hoshiko nodded, she felt several hands help her to her feet.

Mininoki sighed as she carried the two large bags of groceries in her arms. “Sensei... why did I have to get so many things in one trip?” She complained out loud as she walk through the darkening streets. Shin's uncle always did wait till there was a long list of supplies. She remembered when he'd carried his sisters bag. The three had never been real close but at one point they might have been friends.

“Hey, Mininoki!” A voice called out. Mininoki turned, it was a guy who trained at the dojo. She didn't know him too much... couldn't even remember his name.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Some dude at the south entrance has an arrow in his back. He won't let anyone near him but he keeps calling out your name along with Shin and Taka's.”

Mininoki's eyes widened. “It couldn't be...” She whispered before rushing over to the guy and dumping the two bags in his arms. He nearly fell over. “Do me a favor and drop those off or hold onto them for me!” She called to him, already running towards the south side. Was it possible? Was Kage back after all these months? No... there was no way. Mininoki thought to herself as she ran as fast as she could. The south side was at least one and a half miles away.

She had long run out of breath but she wasn't about to give up. She ignored the burning sensation in her lungs and legs. She was close and she could see a crowd. “Hey... let us get you to the hospital.”

“Bug off!” a raspy voice yelled. “Mina... Shin... Taka...” He was struggling to stay on his feet and when he'd fall he'd crawl a ways before trying to rise again.

“We need to get that arrow out of your back.” Another urged.

The man pushed them away, stumbling on his feet before he fell to his knee's. “I... said to back off!” He stopped and looked straight ahead. Blond hair... turquoise eyes. She looked at him with recognition and fear. “M- Mina...” He smiled, his eyes rolling in the back of his head as he swayed.

Suddenly, the expression on Mininoki's face changed as she looked at the pale Kage. She glared at him and stomped over to him. “Kage!” She half growled half yelled. “What the hell do you think you're doing here? Why aren't you going to the HOSPITAL?!” She yelled

He looked up at her. “I'm not going. I don't need the hospital.” He said flatly if not a little weakly. “I came to warn-”

“Then what's this?” Mininoki asked as she tugged on the arrow in his back.

“OUCH!” Kage glared at her.

“See! You need to go!” She insisted putting her hands on her hips. He was always being stubborn. Even when he'd trained a few months at the dojo before disappearing again... he'd always be a pain in the butt. Only Mininoki ever figured out how to get him to listen- though it took way too much effort. Those few months had been the time when Taka, Shin, Kage, and her had actually begun to feel like family.

“I won't!” He insisted and began getting up.

Mininoki glared at him. “Fine. But you're coming to the dojo and you WILL let me fix you up. You big idiot- I don't have any sedative. It's gonna hurt like hell when I pull this thing out! I don't know what you did to get it but you're stuck in bed for the next month so don't even think of doing whatever it was again any time soon. You better not be doing anything illegal!” She warned as she began to drag him by the collar on the ground.

“Good to see you too...” Kage whispered sarcastically- sort of.

Mininoki ignored him. She needed to treat him now. She looked back at a farmer who had loaded a cart with his unsold stock. “Hey, is there any way we can use that to get him to the dojo quickly?” She asked.

The guy quickly nodded. “Sure thing.” He said and quickly carted it over to her.

Mininoki was so angry she picked him up and dropped him in the cart on some tomato's before running up front with the guy to help him push it. The two made it to the dojo quickly but Mininoki hadn't expected a half starved woman there too. She noticed Sensei and the others all had a strange look on their faces. They were all tense but she didn't have time to think about it. “Shin, help me out here! Kage's back... and he's gone and got shot!” She yelled, pointing to the arrow. Shin quickly rushed to her side and did as she asked, bringing Kage to the back room.

“What do we do about them?” Taka asked.

Mininoki didn't look at her as she began washing her hands. “Get a large pot and boil water- we need a lot of food and liquids for the girl along with bed rest and Kage needs a fire, knife, and clean bandages... oh and something to bite down hard on.” She said as she rushed around to get things ready herself.

Kage looked up at her from the floor- he'd been laid on his stomach- his shirt torn off. “... Shin... they're... coming.” He said. “The Maboroshi...” He whispered.

“What?!” Shin, his uncle, and father all looked wide eyed and panicked. Taka was worried but Mininoki kept a straight face. She knew what it meant but she didn't have time to think about it.

“I need to help.” Kage tried to get up but Mininoki pushed him back down.

“No. They'll take care of it. You're staying here.”

Xano stood there watching Mina run off down the road to help Kage who he found to be rather cold at times, but it did not matter Kage was hurt, and though he did not know Kage very well he still did not want to see him hurt. Xano walked awkwardly back to the Dojo with the food and things Mina dumped off on him. As he walked he thought about all the things that had went on between he and Taka. Xanoske had been walking trying to clear his head of all the thoughts that were going through it about Taka, she was the most beautiful woman of the village to him, no one could compare her, her attitude, loyalty her family, and she was everything he wanted and more.

Xano watched as Shin, Taka’s twin brother left for his training with their uncle, Xano had already had his training for that day. Xano watched carefully to make sure no one else was looking, then with quickness he arrived on their door step to place a rose he got for Taka, he traveled a great distance to get this special rose for her called Dragon’s Breath. It had a brilliant bright green stem, with red/orange soft petals. The reason it was called Dragon’s Breathe is because of the green stem looked like a dragon’s head spewing out the red/orange bulb of the soft petals in the form of flames. Xanoske had gotten up earlier then usual to get these for Taka, he had been doing this for over a two years, but had not been able to tell her his feelings for her the truth was he loved her and wanted her to be his wife, but also knew that her father nor her uncle would let him marry her.

Xanoske placed all the flowers he had gotten for her in a rice paper wrapping after first soaking the paper in water so that it kept the flowers from dying he had gotten the root so that she could keep the flowers and grow them herself something he learned from a street merchant when he was going to just buy her some flowers. Xanoske had bent down to place the flowers carefully on the door step, he did not hear the door open, and see Taka standing there, “What are you doing?” Taka said with her hand on her hip as she looked down at Xano who slowly raised his head to see her short frame standing there.

“Uh…umm…well.” Xanoske said because his brain locked. “You’ve been putting these flowers here?” Taka asked looking at the flowers that were still in Xano’s hand. Xanoske thought about running, but that would never do. "She would look down on me and call me a coward." Xanoske thought to himself. So he did all he could do at that moment. Xanoske stood to his fullest height of six feet and stared down into her beautiful dark hazel brown eyes, and said, “Taka, I’ve known you since I was first brought to this village with no where else to go, you were the first person to really show me kindness. I’ve been gathering a little money on the side trying to show that I’m worthy of asking for your hand in marriage.”

Xanoske came back to himself when he got to the door to the Dojo and walked inside to find Taka there with her uncle along with her father and Shin, his mind raced and he did not know what to say at first. “Xanoske I’m glad you finally showed up, why do you have those groceries? I sent Mina to get those, where is she?” Taka’s Uncle asked looking at all the things in his arms. “Sensei she went running off to help Kage, he had an arrow in his back when I found him, but refused to be helped by anyone except Mina.

* * *

After Mina treated Kage’s wounds, and the girl that had been brought in the talk about the Maboroshi warriors began. Xanoske listened as Taka’s father and uncle went into detail abut how they fought in the war against them and that the Maboroshi were monsters with unknown powers and strength. “There will be a fight and everyone will have to fight.” “No father!” Taka shouted and left out of the Dojo. Xanoske went after her while her father and uncle continued to talk.

“Taka please wait.” Xanoske said running to catch up to Taka.

“What is it you want?” Taka said through tear filled eyes.

Xanoske looked at Taka and quickly moved forward before she could react and embraced her holding her in his arms. She began to cry. “Why is this happening now?”

“I don’t know Taka, but I’ll do my very best to protect you and your family.”

Kimi could see the lights of a town up ahead through the mist. The sudden fog filled her with unease, but she wasn’t going to rush into that place so soon. She had to make sure it was safe. It was well known that the Maboroshi had been moving in this direction. And it was nearly impossible for any town to fight them off. It was interesting, though, that she’d never heard of this place. She had stumbled upon a road, when she was somewhat lost in the woods, and it had led to here.
She forced her horse to a halt a few yards away from one of the houses, the one nearest to the forest, and concealed it behind a tree. She was wearing a completely black outfit, along with a hood and a cloth over her face that concealed everything but her dark eyes. She had been dressing like a man to make travel safer, and the dark colors made it easy to sneak around. The first building she approached was what looked to be a dojo, and the lights were on, but she couldn’t make out any of the voices inside. She nimbly climbed a tree that was near it and leapt quietly onto the roof. From there she slid through a high window and crouched on the rafters. She was very good at these things, for she had been trained in Ninjitsu.
There was an old man, two young men, a girl who looked like a lot like one of the young men, a shaken looking girl, an injured man, and a girl with golden hair.

“There will be a battle, and everyone will be required to fight.” The old man was saying.
One of the young women rose up. “No, father!” She shouted and stormed out of the dojo. One of the young men jumped up to follow her. “Taka, wait!”
The old man sighed. “The Maboroshi are almost upon us. We have to alert the rest of the village.”
Kimi’s eyes widened as she heard this. So they weren’t working with the demons… they were going to fight them. But that was foolish! She had fought to stay alive, for sure, but to fight just to save your home seemed folly. But then again… she had never had a home. Maybe it was something worth fighting for.
“But what if they are spies?” One of the young men asked.
“We have to risk it, Shin. We can’t let the village, and its good people, fall to the Maboroshi.”
Kimi wasn’t sure what to do. She could aid them, but it depended on how big the encroaching forces were. Why didn’t they just leave? They seemed to care for their friends, however. Which was another thing that she had never experienced before. Suddenly, she saw the all too familiar red skin and yellow eyes of a Maboroshi, peeking out from behind a shelf door.
She leapt down, her sword drawn, and charged at the cabinet.

WhiteFire

Rubbing his grizzled cheek, Ryuu surveyed the valley below him in painful remembrance. It stretched far and wide, teaming with lush foliage, wild flowers dotting the distance. He knew those flowers of many colors. When he had been young, a man of no more than eighteen years, he had collected bushel after bushel to give to Sayomi. Their courtship had been a simple process with no surprises; they married a year later…and were happy. The next year blessed them with a child, Dereku, and the next year Pia was born. He could not recall their faces, but the feeling of unconditional love would never leave him. Still he loved them…still he grieved.

Gripping the shaft of his naginata tight, he urged his horse forward and began to descend into the dale. The sun had almost completely set behind him; its last rays kissed his shoulder with its warmth, and then disappearing, succumbing to the night. His mount whinnied as he ambled through the tall grass that brushed the bottom of Ryuu’s boots.

A grim smile went across his face as he spotted a dwelling on the edge of a village, candle light flickering in the windows.

“Come, Jun, we’re almost there. Old friends await…old comrades.”

As he neared the house, he noticed, barely, a shadow creeping on the roof. It ran a few yards, quiet as silence, then slipped through one of the windows. Cocking his head slightly back, he smiled. Whatever it was, if it meant harm, it would be dead soon.

Guiding Jun with his legs, he made his way around to the front of the house, stopping suddenly when he saw a young man and woman hugging. The woman’s eyes shined with tears. Evidently the man was trying to comfort her.

“Get your hugs while you can, lad. Soon you’ll be making love to Death,” he laughed, startling the daylights out of the two. They sprung apart, the man glaring at him angrily.

“Who the hell are you?!”

Grinning wickedly, Ryuu slid from the back of his mount, making sure the katana on his hip and the naginata in his hand was plenty visible. Dauntless, he walked toward the two. “You may call me Ryuu cause it’s my name…and I think I’ll call you Loverboy. You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

The man paused, not sure how to respond. That was just fine with Ryuu, so he turned to the girl. Delight took him by surprise. “I know those eyes, dark, strong…and demeaning at the moment. Your father is Iwao, am I right?”

Hesitantly, she answered, “Yes. How do you know my father?”

Before Ryuu could explain, a sudden racket exploded in the house. Shouting and the certain song of blades being pulled was heard from within. He had been expecting this, pulling his katana and letting his naginata rest against his shoulder. The girl and boy ran to the door. Light stained the ground as they shoved through the door, Ryuu not far behind.

The room was packed full, two familiar faces among the throng of unknowns. A Maboroshi stood at the east corner of the house, the sword of a stranger inches from his throat.

“Wait!” Ryuu darted forward, dodging between a tall young man with dark hair and an injured one on a cot. His large fist came around the dark figures hand in a strong grip. With a grunt he pushed off, sending the stranger staggering backwards.

“What is going on here?!” a man’s booming voice filled the room.

Ryuu turned, grabbing the creature by the throat and slamming it against the wall. It struggled under his grasp, but stopped when he slid his katana forward to rest against the inside of its thigh threateningly. “It’s a spy, a young one, practically harmless…”

“So I guess we should just send it on its way?” The one in dark garb asked quietly, dangerously.

“Bloody hell…Are you out of your mind. This thing will report everything it heard here tonight to its superiors if we let it free. No, I actually had a better idea.”

“And what’s that?”

One rap over the head brought the thing down, unconscious. “Believe me, this thing is much more helpful alive than dead.”

“I’ll be damned. I never thought I’d see Ryuu Aumori save a filthy Maboroshi.”

Ryuu turned with a smile, taking in the sight of two old friends beaming at him. “Iwao…Ryota…Wow, you got ugly.” The old men burst into boisterous laughter.

Taka looked at the three older men with shock. They were laughing their heads off like they were little boys. Discreetly, she glanced over at her twin only to find him just as surprised as she was. They hadn’t seen their father this mirthful in years.

The laughter died down long enough for the older men to thumped each other on the back like long lost comrades, completely forgetting the unconscious Maboroshi on the floor at their feet. It was only when Taka raised a brow and motioned with her head to the boisterous men, reminding her brother of the duty as only son, did someone intervene for introductions. Shin gave her a soft snort before complying.

“I can guess by this interlude that you know my father and uncle,” Shin said with his charming smile. His hand rested lightly on the handle of his katana at his side. “This is good… I feared I would have to kill you, old man.”

Their father’s eyes narrowed in warning. “Shin,” he warned as he took as step toward his son but the newcomer named Ryuu placed a hand on his old friend’s shoulder with a broad, mocking smile and booming laugh. “The boy has got spirit. Too bad it will get him killed one of these days.”

Taka watched the exchange of playful insults as if their world wasn’t coming apart at the seams. In her line of vision she could see Mina trying to persuade, rather forcefully, Kage back into laying down in the cot she made for him right after he arrived back injured. Not much further away was the younger girl named Hoshiko, standing tall even though the fear of some many unknown people still shined in her eyes. The only one who didn’t seem out of place, although it was obvious to Taka that he did, was the dark dressed man watching everyone, waiting for them to react. He had yet to speak his name.

Change.

In a matter of twenty four hours Taka’s entire world seemed to have tilted on its axis, changing everything she had ever known - had once believed in. She felt out of sync and in complete chaos. The people closest to her were calmly preparing to go to war and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Why did things have to happen this way?

A large hand settled on the lower part of her back, offering her comfort in a soft unseen gesture. Even though she had only spent mere moments in his arms she knew without looking that Xanoske standing near her. Thoughts of earlier sent a blush to her face. His admittance of leaving flowers at her doorstep and his spoken intention of marriage had been so unexpected. There was no way for him to know that she waited with baited breath for each blossom he left in secret and how she saved them after they had dried up, hiding them away like buried treasure.

Against her better judgment, Taka looked up at Xanoske only to find his fierce gray eyes looking down at her. It would be foolish to fall for someone like him. Their would be no hope for them; her father and uncle would make sure of that for they had strict views of who she could marry. But the concern, and protectiveness, and something else Taka was too scare to define, spoke from his silent being without him having to say a word. Xano was a steady, solid rock in the storm of all her emotions. Reason told her, however, that what she wanted and reality were leagues apart from each other.

Tears stung behind her eyes, but she held them back like she usually did, not wanting to cry in front of all the others. Xanoske’s hand reached up to wipe away the moisture only to hesitate, realizing where they stood and how would effect them to show such a tender gesture in front of the male members of her family. Still, he silently pleaded with her not to cry. Taka could only give him a wobbly smile of reassurance before placing her cool mask of indifference on and stepping out of his reach.

She felt empty without his touch.

“Mister Aomori, I apologize for interrupting your reunion, but I fear it is time for the others to get their rest.” Taka replied as she motioned toward the injured Hoshiko and Kage. She may have little say about the course of her life, but what she did have was the ability to calmly direct people. “May I offer you some food while I prepare your room?”

A note of seriousness settled over everyone once again as Taka efficiently took over control.

As the babble and hubbub continued over in the crowded area of the place (something about what would be good at the moment and a jest about nothing being good coming from this place, boisterous laughter again, another joking insult, ect.); Kage was just getting finished biting a piece of wood in half as Mina pulled out the arrow and applied ointment and disinfectant. After the bandages Kage finally sat up, “Geez, they sure look like they just learned their entire way of life is in peril!” Kage snapped sarcastically. Mina turned his head back toward her,
“Where did you go anyway?” she asked him fiercely. Her eyes showed more concern than he expected,
“Mina…don’t you remember?”
“No I don’t remember! You never tell anyone where you’ve gone! You just up and leave and we don’t even know if you’re coming back or not,” Mina fussed. Kage’s peripheral vision caught sight of someone slightly familiar,
“Hey! You’re Xano right? I remember you a little bit! Still got that crush on—“ Mina turned his head again,
“Kage!”
“What Mina? It’s not like it really matters if I come back or not to you guys…” he said with a carefree smile. Mina glared at him,
“You really think that?” she asked possibly a little hurt. Kage looked away from her,
“I could never stay away from you guys okay? This is my home. But if you EVER tell anyone I said that I’ll shave off your hair while you’re sleep!” he replied with a stare of daggers. Mina smiled at him,
“Oh I see. As I suspected!” she said poking him in the chest, “You ARE a big softie!”
“I’m a what?!” Kage shouted. Mina just laughed at him and sat with an expectant face,
“So where did you go!?” Kage jumped at the sudden outburst,
“I went back to do some more training. I was training with Heed and Corai. That was the plan,” Kage said,
“Hmph, those two misfits huh? I would expect as much from you!”
“Well I am a misfit if you didn’t figure it out yet!”
“But THEY—“ Mina started then cringed, “you’re different I THINK”
“Well like I said that was the plan. But when I got there…I found out that Heed was captured by Maboroshi, and Corai was already dead. That’s when I headed north. I didn’t get very far before I realized that they were headed this way. So I ran. I ran all the way here, that is before I got shot in the back. That only tells you how close they really are. Sure it was a magic arrow, but they’re in range to attack now. I plan on fighting y’know,” Kage said. Mina glared down at him and grabbed a mallet,
“Really? Is that so?”
“W-what are you gonna do with that? Hey I’m still injured!”
“Not too injured to fight though?”
“Not too injured to protect you! Nothing’s getting in here if I’m alive! Don’t you dare tell me to run away either!”
“Then who’s going to protect the people who are evacuating?” Mina asked. Kage was silent,
“I can leave that to someone else. The militia should do a descent enough job…”
“We need the militia to fight them off,”
“Well I can’t do it Mina. I have to stand with everyone else,”
“Or lie down…”
“What?” Whack! Kage’s head hit the pillow as Mina put the attacking mallet away,
“He’s so stubborn!” she shouted. Kage groaned and rubbed the spot on his head,
“That…was…uncalled for…” Mina stood and left him to rest though she knew to check back in no longer than a minute since he’d try to escape her at the drop of a hat.

Outside the silver-haired Heed was shoved along battered and bleeding with the Maboroshi army that advanced at an annoyingly quick pace. His dark emerald eyes were tired and drained of all energy. Though he did have a knife hidden on him an hour ago, a thorough search had deprived him of even that. His body was too worn to try and escape so he simply marched. Waiting, watching with peeled eyes, listening with perked ears, hoping with a heavy heart that he’d get an opportunity to avenge both Corai and Kage. Corai who’d been killed with a barrage of heavy blows and trampling, and Kage struck down by a magically far-sighted arrow. What did they want from him? Sure he had half their blood flowing in him, but he’d never liked their kind. Kage would have his head in the afterlife if he didn’t avenge him anyway, so he couldn’t die before then. Even so, they were dreadfully close to the place that would be attacked. The place that his friend had so loved to go. What could he do?

(Everyone please feel more than free to use Heed!)

The Great General Inayi loomed above poor Imakao and growled.

"Typical." He hissed as Bortyu and Smagyu stood just behind him, brothers in both arms and legacy, the former carrying his bound of magical arrows, the other a huge spiked club.

"Typical." Inayi spoke again. "I shouldn't have expected that a little runt like you could have performed such a task without the golden rule of not getting caught. "Now what happened, youngling? And this time, speak clearly."

The young Maboroshi shifted uncomfortably. "Imakao did as you say, go check village defences after running man got shot by Bortyu." A sly smirk registered on the face of the tall demon as Imakao continued. "Find house of main guy. Imakao hide and sneak words into memory. Old Man preparing to fight us, calls us weak."

Inayi rolled his eyes. "A fool to call us anything but his masters. Carry on scrimp."

Imakao's voice became enraged. "But stupid Ninja girl spot Imakao. She try to kill me, but nastier black haired man pin poor Imakao to wall."

Inayi snarled. "You're not a sapling, boy. You could have fought back."

"Man have sword. Forbidden Sword. Imakao thinks he is a..." he shifted again. "...a Maboroshi Killer."

The adult Maboroshi looked about nervously, but Inayi waved a hand in dimissal. "Humph. He is one, and we are so many."

Smagyu stepped forwards to address his commander. "What about the intruders? There was the running man my brother maimed, and we never found the body of that woman that I ra-" He recalled that Imakao was present, and checked himself. "The woman I 'interacted' with." Wicked chuckles came among the darkness but stopped from another wave of the general's hand.

"Enough, we waste time. Those fools know that we're coming, and no doubt the absence of this one will alert them into knowing that we know that fact. So stealth is out of the question." He ground his right claw into a fist. "The entire village must be razed, as an example. We kill the human males. The children become our slaves. And the women..." He snickered. "Well, we'll need other children sooner or later, all the better if some of them have our blood in them." A roar of laughter struck through the camp, save for the half-breed they had captured.

Only Imakao in the group remained unaware of what exactly this need for the human females was, but he was getting some ideas, none of them pleasant to him. These might be his kind, the decendants of his noble grandfather, but they had some very corrupt practices and codes in these times, because they could.

He thought back to the band of humans who admist the elders' enjoyment in seeing each other once again had foolishly forgotten little Imakao or what he could do. He'd shifted his body into black smoke, spied the tiny hole in the floorboards and floated his whole form into the grass behind. He just had enough time to see with his right eyeball, the last of him to go, the face of the blonde haired girl he thought was called Mininoki turn from that formerly injured boy and stare at him with a mixture of horror and suprise. The single eyeball had blinked back, perhaps a little sadly, and then he couldn't wait any longer and with a gust of speed had zoomed to the direction of the oncoming army.

Imakao felt a little sorry for her. Sure, he felt little pity for the nasty old men who called him weak, ugly and cruel. He promised to rip asunder the Ninja Girl and the black haired scarred man who'd treated him so roughly. But what of the others? The sickly girl? The injured boy? The twins? And Mininoki? They seemed innocent, untouched by war.

Almost like him.

Yes, he did feel sorry for them. Because by the rising of the sun, the boys and men wouldn't no doubt be dead, and the girls would become involved in the strange practices of the adult demons who surrounded him. And somehow that made little Imakao sad.

Mininoki rolled her eyes as she turned around, heading towards the back room. She knew Kage still intended to fight the Maboroshi with the others but she would have a better chance at fighting them then he did at this point and she wasn’t about to let him go off on a suicide mission. She’d tie him to the floor and drill the holes in the floor board herself if she had to so he couldn’t sneak off. Yet as she walked down the hall, she stopped and stared as the Maboroshi faded into black smoke his face and then his eye the only thing that remained. The two froze for an instant in time. Mina thought she saw sadness and confusions looking back at her through its eye. She’d never seen one before but she’d never thought they were so… cute. She’d caught a glimpse of its last form and with the sorrowful look it gave her, she’d have been tempted to scoop it up in her arms and cuddle it until laughed or purred- whatever it was Maboroshi did. She watched as even the eye faded into black smoke and melted in between the floor boards. She wondered if that was the last she’d see of it. Had a few more seconds gone by, she might have warned the others but something snapped her out of her thoughts and made her forget all about the one thing that might ruin any hope of making it out alive.

“I’m coming with you.” Kage said. Mina’s eyes widened and she spun around, her eyes squinting into an evil glare as she stared him down. Kage froze in his half sit up position. His own eyes widened in realization as the words: OH CRAP registered across his brain and showing in the facial expression on his face. “…Mina?” He asked as an awkward moment of silence fell between the two- even as everyone else talked. She said nothing but instead, spun back around and dashed into the storage room in the back. She began tearing the room apart looking for that rope. She’d only have a few minutes before he tried to leave- not that he could make it all that far.

Everyone stopped talking and slowly turned to the noise of things being thrown against the walls and of things breaking as they were tossed to the floor. Kage looked up at Shin who stared dumbfounded in the direction of the noise. “… what’s she doing?” He asked.

“Shut up and help me up!” Kage yelled as he sat up the rest of the way. She was going to kill him. He was certain of that.

Even Ryuu Aomori and the stranger who’s identity remained hidden stopped. “My god,” Ryuu mumbled as he looked over to Shin’s uncle and father. “I think she’s going to kill someone… should we be worried?” He half joked.

Kage pulled down on Shin’s arm as he pulled himself up. “You’re not the one she’s going to kill. Now come on- grab your weapon and lets get a move on so we can warn the rest of the village and let them either flee or fight.”

Shin looked over at him and smiled. “I forgot how much you rile her up. You really do put this on yourself you know?” He teased. Kage just glared at him when suddenly the noise stopped. Kage’s eyes widened and he began to make his way to the door as best he could.

“KAGE! Get back in bed you idiot!” Mina yelled as she came out of the room with rope at the ready. Kage quickened his pace and reached out for the door as though merely touching it would save him. Mina quickly tied a knot and threw a newly made lasso in the air, watching it wrap around him. She pulled tight on it pulling Kage off his feet and onto the ground. She walked over to him and quickly tied the rest of the rope around his arms and legs- tying it as tightly as she could.

“Mina! Let me go!” Kage grumbled as she dragged him by his collar back to his bed.

“Now lay down and heal.” She ordered as she sat down on his back- making sure he couldn’t wriggle free. She looked at the others who all seemed shocked. It had been a long time since she’d had to act this way but Kage always seemed to bring it out of her. Who else was going to take care of him? Shin broke the awkward silence with a chuckle which was joined in with his sisters. They knew all too well how Kage wore Mininoki ragged. Mina smiled and looked to the weak young woman and other strangers. “Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Mininoki Kazuma- but some call me Mina. This happens to be Kage Hotokegi but it might as well be Stubborn.”

“Ryuu Aomori- remind me never to cross you.” He chuckled. Mina shook his hand- still sitting on Kage who was complaining. “I’m a friend of Iwao and Ryota.”

“Hoshiko Gotou.” A frail voice spoke. It was the younger girl who spoke. Taka had come back with food and drink for everyone and was helping her eat. It was obvious something had happened to her. Just looking at her was enough to pull at the heart strings. Mina thought she saw Taka steal a glance at… Xanoske Tenaka- THAT was his name. She felt silly forgetting it earlier. Xano introduced himself as did everyone else. All except the stranger who’s eyes were the only thing visible remained silent.

“Well,” Mina sighed. “What exactly is it we’re going to do? Is it even possible to fight them?” She asked.

“Of course it is- now let me up!” Kage yelled. Mina ignored him. They needed to make a plan of action quick and now that everyone was tended to, they could communicate as a group. If Kage couldn’t help, she’d take his place and protect the people to took her in without question.

Xanoske looked around the room making a quick mental image of the people that were there. Everyone seemed to be on edge and he couldn't blame them they were about to be attacked by the vicious Maboroshi.

"We need to gather the people of the village together so we can meet this threat head on." Ryuu said with a determined voice, despite the fact he knew doing such a thing they'd only have a slim chance of getting out of this alive.

"I'll help, anyway I can." Mina spoke up, determined to keep Kage from getting involved.

"I WANT TO HELP!" Kage yelled from his tied up state in a bed next to the masked stranger.

"KAGE, SHUT UP BEFORE YOU HAVE ME COME IN THERE!" Mina shouted, with ice sickles dripping from her voice.

Everyone stilfed snorts of laughter as it he suddenly became quiet in the room. Taka went around making sure everyone was okay, then had a silent conversation with Shin near the corner of the room. Xanoske sent slight nonchalant glances Taka's way only to be met with her back most of the time.

"Standing here talking about what we need to do isn't going to change a thing. Now is the time for action." Taka's father annouced, his voice carrying so that everyone could hear.

There were murmurings of, "Yes and You're right."

"Shin, Xanoske. I want you two to go get everyone you can gathered in the center of the village." Shin's father ordered.

Casting a quick glance at Taka, Xanoske headed for the door following Shin into dark night that was quickly being chased away by the flames of morning light.

Whoosh

A sound split he air, and Shin stopped aburptly right after opening the door, his body jerked back into Xanoske as if he had been pushed by some unknown force.

"Hey, Shin. This is no time to be playing around." Xanoske scolded.

Shin turned to the side to show that he was not playing around, but had an arrow pretruding from his chest. He had a look of astonishment and shock written on his face.

"SHIN!" everyone in the room cried in unison.

Shin fell, and Xanoske caught him clumsily landing on the floor along side him. At the same time a crash could be heard from the kitchen, everyone had gone on high alert and was waiting for the worst. Taka had ran over and began to take care of Shin who looked up at her, his eyes blinking rapidly. Maboroshi began to file into the room from the kitchen and from there the fight was on.

Xanoske had one warrior, and saw that next to him the masked stranger had another fighting bravely against these cretins. The Maboroshi had excellent swordsmanship, Xanoske was only grateful he knew how to take care of himself, taking his sheath from his side, and placed his katana facing outward toward his opponent, when the Maboroshi warrior stabbed at Xanoske he didged easily then brought the sheath down hard the warroirs sword hand, he then swept up in an arc catching the warrior by surprise.

A quick glance over showed the masked stranger in combat with his or her own warrior, but a slash from the Maboroshi warriors sword to the face cut the banages revealing smooth soft looking skin...the stranger was a woman.

Kimi kicked the Maboroshi in the stomach, then with a slash of her sword brought it down. Too late, however, for her mask had been cut away. They now knew her secret. But as far as she was concerned, they weren't her enemies. They were fighting the Maboroshi, after all. And if they were to turn foe later? Well, then she'd deal with them then. She could see the rest holding their own, and realized that they had been trained well. Even the older men were very skilled. But then again, what kind of people would you expect to find in a dojo? They had very different fighting skills then herself, but were effective none the less. She saw Taka hurriedly trying to bandage up Shin, and her thoughts turned to the healing salve that she had in her pocket. It was tiny, and she had been saving it for if she herself were in an emergancy, but if she didn't give it up then he could die. After delivering a killing blow to the neck of one of the Maboroshi she slipped it from he clothes.

"Here, take this!" She cried, causing Taka to look up. Kimi threw the bottle to her and she caught it on reflex. She stared for a moment in surprise, for she had obviously not suspected Kimi to be a girl, but quickly turned her attention back to her brother.

Kimi saw out of the corner of her eye five more Maboroshi file in through the door.

How many of these thing were there!?

The sound of clashing katanas and hard kicks echoed throughout the house. It seemed for every one Maboroshi put down another popped up in its place. Her loved ones were fighting for their lives, but all of that faded into the background. Taka's focus was solely on her twin.

"Taka..." Shin rasped. A thick line of blood formed at the corner of his mouth as he coughed, gasping for air. His skin was deathly pale with a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. Small tremors shook his body.

"Be quiet! You must save your strength." Taka wiped the blood away with the back of her sleeve as she continued to hold pressure to his wound. "I've been given a healing salve to help you, but I must take the arrow out. It will hurt."

Shin nodded once, tensing his muscles for the pain to come. Taka's movements were efficent as she broke of the end of the arrow and discarded it. But inside she was shaking and hurting for her brother. Since they were babies, they had always been able to feel each other's pain and suffering. At times it seemed like they were one person. She willed him to keep fighting.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, just take the damn thing-"

A scream escaped from his mouth, but Shin clamped down on it before sound became too loud. Blood rushed out of the wound in large gushes. Taka tore off her tunic, leaving her in just an undershirt, and pressed it to the injury on his chest. "Hold on brother," Taka said through gritted teeth. "Or I swear to you that I will kill you myself."

His laughter sounded like more of a gurgle as air escaped his lungs. Knowing she was running out of time, Taka took her blood soaked tunic off the wound and pulled out the cap of the healing salve with her teeth. The green liquid inside the tiny bottle looked metallic and was cool to the touch. With a silent prayer, Taka began to pour the salve over his wound when a strong arm knocked her to the ground with a heavy thud.

A Maboroshi stood posed over Taka with it's sword raised high above his head. Stunned, she could only lay frozen in wait for the blade to cut her down the middle.

"Taka! Move!"

Taka rolled to her side at the command only to watch the handle of Shin's katana stick out of the Maboroshi's chest. It looked down at the weapon embedded in it's abdomen before collapsing in the spot where she laid seconds before.

She quickly snapped out of her state, scrambling to sit up and get to Shin only to feel spikes of pain splintering through her hand. Taka gazed down at her palm to see tiny shards of glass were protruding from the skin. The healing salve bottle had broken in her hand.

"Taka..."

Taka rushed and knelt by Shin's side, savagely ripping the shards from her flesh. A drop or two mixed into his blood as she squeezed her cut hand over his wound. There had to be enough, there just had to.

"Taka..."

"NO! Enough of the salve made it into the wound. I know it did." Her voice broke as tears rolled down from her eyes. "You'll be fine, brother. You have to be fine. Don't you dare give up!"

"Taka..." Shin's blue lips moved wordlessly as he tried to speak. His entire body shook as if he were freezing. Taka huddled closer to him to share her warmth. "You must keep fighting, Taka. You must... be brave."

"Stop talking like that. You're going to be alright."

His large hand grabbed onto hers and clutched it for dear life. Shin tried to smile. "I was always getting you into trouble... but you still had my back... when punishment time came around."

"That's what twins are for."

"Be happy, Taka... be brave for them."

"I promise because you'll be here to remind me."

Shin held her hand tighter in reassurance, taking one last rasping breath before his body became still, his golden eyes fixed on an image Taka couldn't see. She remained where she was, sitting idly on the floor with Shin's lifeless body cradled in her lap, her hand still holding tightly onto his. The tears that rolled down her face brought no solace. Her brother, her best friend, was gone forever.

The Maboroshi with Shin's katana still stuck in its belly stumbled back over to Taka, ready to finish the task it was set to do. It basked in victory as she didn't see him approach from behind. Gripping the broad sword with both hands, it raised over its shoulder and brought in down the girl's head in an arch.

The broad sword fell to the ground as the Maboroshi dropped to its knees. A broken arrow was jammed straight through the side of its neck. The inhuman sound of the attacker was so gut-wrenching, the Maboroshi cringed in terror. A slim girl covered in blood and cuts stood over it with her head thrown back in anguish, the horrific sound only stopping when it dared to lock gazes.

"You will pay for this," Taka said, her voice fierce and distant. She grabbed the end of the arrow and ripped it from the Maboroshi's neck, watching numbly as it collasped dead on the ground. "All of you will pay for this."

Kage heard the familiar sound of an arrow whizzing through the air. A unison cry naming the one who'd been hit echoed through the air. Shin's body hit the ground and Mina’s eyes widened as she dashed from the room. Kage yelled furiously out into the area struggling against his ropes, "What happened!? Shin!? SHIN!?" he cried. The sound of a furious battle ensued as Kage struggled, “Dammit someone free me!” he shouted angrily lurching left and right. The sounds continued. Soon after there was a silent emptiness among the clatter and clashing blades. Almost like feeling a flame go out. Kage lurched his body hard turning the mattress on the bed so he could see what was happening. Maboroshi had invaded the room and Shin was dead on the ground. Kage’s eyes widened and a look as if the arrow had struck his own chest appeared on his face, “No…” he whispered to himself. One of the few friends he’d had was…, “First Corai, then Heed, and now Shin?” Kage asked himself. His eyes sharpened, “There won’t be a next in line. I’LL KILL YOU ALL!!!” he cried in an echoing rage tearing away from his bonds. One more thing came to his attention as he grabbed his chainmail from the side of his bed swinging it hard to deflect a blade that was aimed down at his face. Mina was nowhere to be seen.

Heed looked on as the demons marched through the city raiding houses. They entered the dojo Kage had always talked about by breaking a large hole in the east wall with a battering ram. Some waited outside with lit torches at the ready. It was a beautiful morning for a massacre. Heed’s fist shook as he stared on in helplessness. There was a whiny to his right. He took a glance seeing a Maboroshi horseman. He was the brother of the one who’d shot Kage. Heed grinned. This idiot had his sword sheathed still and his little errand boy was carrying his pike for him. What Heed really liked was that the horse was huge and armored. He could probably make it through the lines of the enemy if he was on it. Well, as long as he kept low to avoid arrows. Summoning the last of his strength he leapt up hard kicking the horseman from his steed and landing on it. He lashed the reigns with a sharp, “HYA!!!” using an extra loud angry voice. He had to show the demon horse who’s boss. It charged forward through the surprised demons and made it nearly to the dojo before a long pike sunk into it’s chest and Heed was thrown of landing next to a really good-looking blonde with unique eyes. Heed sat up quickly rubbing his neck as spears pointed at him again showing him his escape had failed (One poked him in the ribs),
“Ugh, that was supposed to go better. Mina?” he asked raising an eyebrow,
“Yeah, so you’re…you’re Heed?” she asked. He nodded with a sigh looking at the dojo. So close. That’s when the door came down and a Maboroshi who’s face was caved in flew out landing cold on the ground with Kage stumbling out covered in demon blood. It was obvious his arrow wound had torn open again,
“Mina! Heed!” he shouted. That’s when Ryuu stepped out behind him grabbing his shoulder,
“You’re not bad, but you should let me take care of this part,” he said. Kage glared at him. Taka and the previously masked woman came up as well. Heed raised an eyebrow seeing Kimi,
“How you doing?” he asked coolly. Mina raised an eyebrow at him and a demon jabbed him with a spear again,
“Serves you right idiot,” she said looking back to Kage. Their eyes met and Kage’s filled with determination although he knew Mina would kill him for tearing open his wound if they got out of this alive.

Great General Inayi strode confidently forward, surrounded by what must have been a dozen of his best warriors. Nearby, poor little Imakao, armed with what he summarised to be little more than a knife and his bare fists, felt quite unprotected. He'd have rather sticked to the cool countryside, but his other side - was it bravery, savagery or mere foolishness? - felt the desire to help in any way possible.

Besides, he had to come or he'd be dead at the hands of a Maboroshi instead of a human.

Fear became brief panic as he spied the General heading off alone before a throe of angry villagers. He saw their faces, bitter and resentful, rush to within metres of the tall, imposing commander before stopping.

His face was blank of emotion for a moment. Then Imakao saw him grin, just ever so slightly, before raising his hand and beckoning at the villagers, daring all of them to take him on. As the cry of their charge began again, he moved his arm to his right side...

...and pulled forth a curved foot-long sword that to him seemed to weigh nothing. And then it burst into flames. The villagers looked terrified, losing their resolve in an instant as Inayi, laughing cruelly, leapt forwards and thrust the blade in their direction. Those at the front caught fire and screamed, unable to defend themselves as they sought to put the flames out and Inayi began to cut them down with the now non-flaming but still lethal blade.

Imakao could see now why no body argued with the General - in all matters, he commanded respect. Even with such a large weapon he moved it gracefully for such a bloody act, unlike say Smagyu who was clumsly throwing his spiked club about. Imakao wondered why such a dim-witted, slow demon could be brother to the swift and quick-eyed Bortyu, who with his magical arrows and bow had no doubt picked an ideal vantage point to bring down the villagers, one by one by one. Death from Bortyu to Iamkao seemed preferable - least getting an arrow through the brain was a quicker death than a slow, painful stomach cut from his older brother.

Imakao was brought out of his wonderings when a sword went through him.

Fortunately as being a shifter, Iamkao was able to react slower if he wanted to avoid injury, and his torso round the attempted cut changed into black smoke. Shifters were a rare breed - apparently one in every thousand Maboroshi, even Inayi or his grandfather had not been one - but the powers which resulted were impressive; partial immunity from weapons and a body able to morph and alter in size and density, at least to a limit. Soon, when he'd reach maturity - hopefully - he'd be capable of transforming into any number of wild things and perhaps stop pesky human rebels on his own.

For now, determination had to prevail. Imakao uppercutted the Villageman with a clawed fist and plurged the small knife into the man's stomach. This didn't kill him - though to his credit Imakao had already killed two people and wounded three fellows already - but it certainly stopped him from being a problem as he lay gasping on the ground clutching the wounded area. If lucky - or unlucky, he could take his pick - he wouldn't die and would get turned into a prisoner by the higher ups.

Iamkao ran past Imayi who was ranking up kills in his path to the Dojo courtyard and leapt from roof to roof, finally coming to a stop upon the Dojo's curved ceiling where he saw the majority of the various peoples he'd spied upon battling for their lives - including the pesky Ninja girl!

A snarl appeared on Iamkao's face. He'd make her pay for their last encounter! With a battlecry beyond his years Imakao leapt into the fray. As if he'd done it a thousand times before, as if the anger of seeing what was looking to be a rival of humankind before him, Imakao quite simply sprouted dark, smoky, bat-like wings as he rushed at her from the air. A tightened fist slammed into her cheek and she went flying across the courtyard into the dojo itself.

Still enraged, Imakao relished in his apparent new skill of flight and flapped in after her. Ninja girl would be sorry.

"You'll be sorry, Ninja girl!" Imakao shouted it at her as she rose to her feet. "No one hurts Imakao and gets away with it! On the blood of my grandfather Bravkao, so Iamkao swears!" He raised his claws and delighted himself to see that he had grown sharper claws. Perhaps hate wasn't so much of a bad thing after all.

t.s. wood, the sleepy art kid

Mina looked away from Kage and at the others. What of Shin? Was he dead? As she stood up with a determined look on her face, she knew the answer and hated these things for it. She ran over to one of the dead Maboroshi and pried a couple of curved short swords from its lifeless fingers. Then she looked over at Heed. “Hurry and get up!' She yelled at him as a Maboroshi towering over her, raised his spear to strike her. Her face twisted in anger as she mimicked some of the moves she'd seen done at the dojo. She cut through its amour and sliced open his stomach with both blades- one after the other. She felt guilty as she watched it fall to the ground. She'd let one go earlier. Partially because she hoped it wasn't evil and partially because she'd gotten distracted with Kage. If she hadn't been so stupid maybe Shin...

Heed was at her side battling just as fierce. She was surprised he had the strength to stand, let alone punch these things with such force. Mininoki could hear the others fighting as well and couldn't help but smile. They could do this. They WOULD do this- for Shin.

Mininoki focused on the Maboroshi of her size. The bigger ones were out of her league- of course she hadn't even known she'd had a league until then. She spun around, high kicking one in the face. She felt a sharp blade cut her leg and quickly turned around and looked down. One who'd been injured had dealt a cowardly blow by pretending to be dead. As Mina brought the swords down on his face- he was. “Ah!” She cried as she felt something run across her back. She fell down on her hands and knee's and looked up. A large Maboroshi towered over her with a look of triumph. His large clawed hand came down around her neck.

Suddenly Mina heard someone cry out. Then without warning a large sword was thrown at it and sunk deep into his chest. Blood spaying over Mininoki as he fell backwards onto the ground. She looked back and saw a wavering Kage. He looked pale and tired. Mina wanted to run to him but she couldn't. Another Maboroshi came charging at her- Kage was all out of weapons and couldn't get to her in time. Mina gasped as fumbled to find the swords she'd claimed before the beast claimed her. It raised its blood covered axe and ran at her, wishing to claim its next victim when Ryuu and the previously masked girl jumped in front of her. Ryuu's blade ground against the Maboroshi's axe.

“Get back!” He yelled and automatically Mina knew he was speaking to her. She turned around, grabbed her curved short blades and stumbled up on her feet. Kimi was quickly beside her- fighting. Yet without warning she was gone. A sweeping form smashed into her with a cry of rage and she was sent into the screen door.

“You'll be sorry, Ninja girl!” The smaller creature cried out.

Mina stopped- frozen. It had taken her that long to realize how fast her heart was racing. How out of control her breathing was. Then she looked at Kimi's attacker and her heart rose in her chest. She knew those eyes. “YOU!” Mina cried out as tears filled the corners of her eyes. It might have wings and be more than just shadow and an eye but she could tell it was the same creature.

The creature stopped and looked at her, mumbling something under its breath. Mina tried to glare at it. To hate it for what it did. Her grip tightened around the curved blades in her hand and tried to make herself attack but for some reason she couldn't. She vaguely heard someone call her name and moved just in time to dodge an arrow. Her eyes widened in fear as she ducked for cover and ran- ran to find a friend in this battle. She saw flames engulfing people she'd known her whole life up a head and turned the other way. Mina saw Kage and felt the urge to go to him.

“Kage!” She called out but before she could do anything another Maboroshi swung at her. With a cry of anger and sadness Mininoki jumped up and dug her swords into his neck before jumping down. Kage would have to wait. There were too many Maboroshi and unless a miracle happened soon, the village would be lost and so would everyone she loved. With that- she kept fighting.

In the dark, close space, Hoshiko's chest rose and fell evenly. She felt the weight of the weapon in her hands and allowed its still mass to steady her trembling, weak body. Thoughts rushed through her mind as the blood rushed in her ears, thudding and whispering with each pound of her heart. A thin film of sweat laced the back of her neck; a small bead rolled down as she let her head lean back against the inside of the closet door.

As she considered her situation, the bare facts cast her as cowardly. After everyone had been numbed by the shock of Shin's death, they had been immediately absorbed by the desperation and fury of battle. Even Taka eventually left the body of her brother as the violence either shifted into the courtyard outside, or distracted the few people in the room from the small girl crouched against the wall. It was then that Hoshiko used the little strength she still had to scamper over to the young corpse, stealing from him the blade that had not yet seen action. A brief emptiness in the dojo allowed her to drag the thing around a corner and behind the door against which she now crouched, her face inches away from the cramped wall. Just as she slumped behind the door, she heard the clamor erupt inside once again.

It was now that she assured herself she was no coward. What more could a simple peasant girl do? Besides her adrenaline and her anger, she only had the sword as a weapon. She had not been trained to fight; she had lived under oppression. She had seen her father die. She had been crushed left and right by her birth, her home, and her assailants. The battle would rage, and she could not hope to hide here forever. They would find her and anyone else who tried to hide- the Maboroshi were thorough. And so here in the dark, alone, clutching the sword of a dead man, she made a promise to herself: The first thing that opens this door will die, even if I have to die along with it.

At this thought, a steely, calculating, and cold sensation washed over her, from head to foot; she felt as if she herself had become a metal blade, sharp and ready. If the finest of blades was perfect for one cut before dulling, then so was she. One cut was all she needed, all she could do.

An eerie calm settled upon her. She forgot her father, her mother, the horror in the forest; the strangers here, their screams, the dead face of one of their own- one who had dragged her inside just that evening. She forgot it all, and yet folded it together into an entirely different shape in her mind, so that it she was conscious of it and yet only conscious of it as a component of the very instant she was living. This could go on, she thought, as long as-

Heavy footsteps stopped just outside the door. Hoshiko's hands strangled the blade's handle, and she went down onto her knees, turned, and waited for what she knew would come next. Looking over her shoulder, she flinched as the door was ripped from its frame and came crashing down in the narrow hall.

The Maboroshi's eyes located her on the ground after a brief moment. But despite locating the appropriate target of aggression, he faltered for an instant. And in that tiny instant, perhaps only a fraction of a second, Hoshiko felt, for once, immense power. It was there, a flicker of surprise, confusion, and- she relished in seeing it-- fear. It was recognition of someone who shouldn't be alive, of someone he had thought he had overcome and destroyed, and the thought of whom he had let slip from his mind. Hadn't the forest swallowed her up? Hadn't she finally succumbed? And yet here she was, living, breathing, armed-

A disgusting, gargled cry ended the brief recognition as the Maboroshi's throat was punctured and ripped by the tip of the sword. With a thud, the demon's monstrous club crashed to the ground as his leathery arms confused themselves, reaching both for his neck and for the girl at the other end of the weapon. A clawed hand came swiping toward her face, but Hoshiko gave the sword a cruel twist, eliciting another bubbling noise and sickening convulsion from the Maboroshi. Dark trails of blood slid down the sword and puddled in the creases of Hoshiko's hands as she held the sword in place with all her might, kneeling and bracing her body with her shoulders. The Maboroshi's shudders slowed, then stopped. He fell to his knees just as Hoshiko stood from hers, one burly shoulder collapsing against the outside of the doorway. The blade protruding from his neck hit the floor and sank in a bit further, squelching under the discolored, leathery face that had leered from above in the forest, sneering at her cries and screams. Hoshiko squeezed out of the doorway and fell against the opposite wall, having obtained an unexpected revenge. There was a clatter and more yelling just around the corner, but just as she craned her neck around to get a glimpse, all went black with a spectacular crash against her head.

---------------------------

When she next opened her eyes, they filled with the light of an early dawn. The air that brushed her face was cool and fresh and moved with the freedom of the outdoors. But the softness was interrupted by a painful throb in her temples. Grabbing her head, Hoshiko rolled onto her side and found that blades of grass tickled her limbs. Dappled light filtered through the flesh of her closed eyelids in alternating patterns of red and yellow. Her throbbing headache not allowing her to stay still much longer, Hoshiko reluctantly opened her eyes and propped herself up with one elbow. She saw, to her horror and surprise, the yellow eyes of a Maboroshi boring into her.

"But I killed..." she mumbled, stopping short when she realized this was not the same demon that had attacked her the night before or violated her in the forest. This one was much smaller, and younger. However child-like it appeared, the Maboroshi nonetheless bore signs of a recent battle on its bloodied clothes and skin. Hoshiko found herself wondering whose blood it was.

"Human awake now," the demon mumbled blankly, causing Hoshiko to tense, already on edge. With an uninterested flick of the hand, the Maboroshi dismissed her reaction. "No need to run- can't run anyway. Imakao faster." The red face turned over a scruffy shoulder to look down at the village, on whose outside Hoshiko finally understood herself to be. There was a hilly area of grasses which faded into the thick forest surrounding the village; the two of them were perched rather high up, providing an excellent vantage point over the many wooden and stone structures that now lay half in ruins, half smoking.

Hoshiko felt her stomach turn. "You did all this-"

"Imakao did not do this!" retorted the young Maboroshi. "Imakao hurt some... saw human kill Smagyu." He said the last bit with thinly veiled resentment. "Very surprising. Ninja girl got away because Imakao so confused." He continued to peer at her.

Something was wrong. All her life, Hoshiko had known fear of the Maboroshi, and she had plenty of justifications for that hatred. But, as she turned this bewildering situation over in her head, she couldn't help but think that perhaps this young one- foolish and naïve, no doubt- had saved her from the carnage at the last minute. But why? He had seen her kill the more frightening demon- did that sort of act invite admiration or hatred, or a combination of both? Did he intend to kill her, or let her go, or... she stopped thinking. There was a territory that now stood solid in her mind, a place she dare not go.

"The villagers," Hoshiko muttered. "Are they dead?" She watched a few wisps of smoke trail up from the wreckage.

"Most, but it not matter. Important ones run away, hide again. But Imakao think Imakao catch one here- you kill powerful Maboroshi, but powerful Maboroshi not notice." He sat back on his heels, satisfied that he had picked out an important detail. "If Imakao catch human who kill Smagyu, others think Imakao can fight."

"So you're turning me in to them. Fine, you beast." Hoshiko accepted the outcome bitterly, but once again, the small demon named Imakao startled her.

"Not," he said. "Other Maboroshi-killers will notice you not there. Come looking. Imakao will be ready to make deal-"

Hoshiko gave a tired, disdainful grunt. "They've just assumed I'm dead by now."

"Imakao exchange human for more respect for Maboroshi!"

The statement stunned Hoshiko into silence. Never before had she seen a Maboroshi work alone, counter to the tactics of its brethren. And clearly so young- what danger had this one put itself in, to stray from the others and negotiate with the humans with whom the demons were clearly at war? Her head swimming and her body aching, Hoshiko gave up trying to understand what was happening to her and lay back down. "He had it coming," she muttered to herself, catching a glare from Imakao and suddenly wondering if Maboroshi felt the grief of loss, as humans did.

Xanoske’s heart broke into a thousand pieces at the cries of the woman he loved more then anything in this world. Taka. She had just lost someone dear to her, and he had just lost a friend someone who knew of his love for Taka, and encouraged him to seek the heart of his sister. Shin would be missed by all. Xanoske channeled his rage, pain, and sorrow into energy using his blade against all the Maboroshi he could see. None was spared any mercy he was beyond caring wither he was wounded or not. He was out of control, and would not cease his onslaught until all of them were dead.

“Well, it looks like my arrow found its mark huh?” Said a voice coming from behind Xanoske.

“You are the one who loosed the arrow that killed my friend?” Xanoske asked turning slowly to meet the gaze of the man who now stood before him. Xanoske noted that the Maboroshi whom he looked upon was a good 5 inches taller then himself about twice as wide the blade he carried was larger then that of the other Maboroshi.

“If it’s any consolation I was aiming for you, and my aim is rarely off. If I ever miss my targets I always go in close for the kill myself so you should consider yourself luck to die at my hand.” The Maboroshi warrior proclaimed.

Xanoske’s thoughts went instantly to Taka, and for a fraction of a second he let his worry for her enter his mind. That was a mistake. The large Maboroshi attacked in a rush, but Xanoske blocked the attack that would have cleaved him in two if he hadn’t blocked it though the force of the attack knocked Xanoske back several feet. The large Maboroshi warrior began to laugh when he saw the look of surprise that played on the face of Xanoske.

Xanoske didn’t hesitate a moment longer he launched himself at the Maboroshi warrior using his sword to shorten the distance between them. He moved to the right but place his sword on his right using the sheath to block an attack from the Maboroshi then attacked himself coming a breadth of a second close to sling into the Maboroshi warrior, but at the last second he moved just out of Xanoske’s reach. Taking his sheath in the other hand he used it like it were a second sword taking it firmly into his hand placing it before himself getting down into a stance by bending his knee putting the blade that he was going to use behind him edge out.

The large Maboroshi chose to attack again, but Xanoske was ready for him this time, and he waited for him to do what he thought he would and that was use an overhead move to split him in half. Xanoske didn’t give him the chance. Moving in close to the Maboroshi beating his knee with the sheath making him drop to one then with a spinning maneuver quicker then the eye could see he relieved the large Maboroshi of his head.

Taking a moment to revel in the thoughts of his victory he didn’t see the Maboroshi sneaking up on him, and felt pain erupt into his body from the sword that was now into his side. His sheath is the only thing that kept him from being cut too deeply still this wound was bad enough, and lucky for him he had placed his sheath back in its place. Xanoske caught the Maboroshi with his own sword, but at the surprise of his move the Maboroshi twisted the blade that was still embedded in his side threatened to cause him to lose consciousness.

Taka was in his thoughts as he laid there on the ground losing his life’s blood, feeling a cold sensation rushing over his body. He remembered the first time he saw her and how she looked so beautiful, he laugh, and the way she looked at him. Recent thoughts of how she held on to him when the proceedings of their group were too much for her. He felt himself drifting away from where he lay at peace with all that was and just as suddenly he had thoughts of Taka.

Images of Taka filled his vision, but there was something wrong there were Maboroshi surrounding her laughing at her rage. She clutched a dagger in her hands striking out at any who came too close like that of a cat back into a corner he didn’t see anyone he knew near her that could assist her in any way. The drifting away feeling he had stopped with a strong force then he gathered all his energy to push himself off the ground and toward where he thought Taka might be, and the pain in his side wouldn’t subside it was on fire one that he wouldn’t be able to put out with a splash of water though he wished he could.

Taka was surrounded by four Maboroshi warriors that had their swords drawn laughing as they circled around her taunting her with their swords. Looking down Xanoske saw that his blood was running freely down his side, but that wouldn’t keep him from saving his Taka. Gathering himself with everything he could muster Xanoske prepared himself to attack that which was nearest. With lightening speed Xanoske moved so quickly none of them saw placing his sword deep within one while not stopping there he spin on heel then placed his other in the next. At that moment Taka used the momentary surprise of the one closest to her moved behind the warrior closet to her making quick work of the man.

The remaining warrior went for Taka which was a mistake because Xanoske used speed he didn’t know he still had to take the warriors legs out then maimed his sword arm so that of all the warriors they would at least have a hostage. All of that done Xanoske collapsed hearing the sound of Taka’s voice faintly calling his name, and rousing his consciousness once more he looked blurry at Taka and released a single sentence.

“I…love…you…Taka.” Xanoske said with some effort.

Saying that seemed to take the rest of his energy and his world went black.