AN: Hello, Hello my friends I am back after years of silence. I am currently starting this all up once again and editing all the chapters please be patent with me. Some of my old works which I will not finish will be deleted. I hope that all works out and that you will continue to enjoy my writing. Please forgive any problems with the early chapters I would like to devote more time to the later chapters.
The world is divided into three major empires; The Western, the Northern and the Eastern. Lately, there have been many disputes between the Eastern and Western empires. Yao, the emperor of the Eastern world, is trying to avoid war at all costs but as the western worlds Pirates begin to move into their waters under Command of their own leaders, it looks like their truly be no choice except war...
Kiku dipped his brush in the black ink sitting on his desk and added a few more strokes to his picture. A black and pink cherry tree with an elaborate background sat on the paper. Smiling gently Kiku placed the drawing to the side to dry before placing it in a small folder that he kept with him. It was kept in a bag that was tied to his side. The bag was much less then practical for his profession but it was the only thing that connected him to his home.
A light knock on his cabin door moved Kiku to quickly place his brushes and ink away. "Yes?" He raised his voice so that it could just be heard.
"We are reaching our midpoint stop sir, would you like anything?" The voice was low and muffled.
Taking a second to think he replied, "Please, this time I will look for myself." Kiku stood and walked to the door, "Thank you though." Opening the door he walked into an empty hallway. The Japanese man could hear and smell the salt waves that surrounded his ship. Making his way to the deck he breathed in deeply as one of the crew came up behind him.
"Kiku-sama if you are going out you must bring your katana with you." The small sailor held out his beautiful white sword. Once Kiku reached out and placed the sword on his hip the man left him alone again.
The ship slowly made its way to the last dock in the Eastern Empire. The town was buzzing with life and made Kiku feel both at home and small. Ignoring the guard that followed silently behind him, the short Japanese man jumped off the boat and onto the dock before the ship had been tied down.
Browsing the shops, he found the two things he wanted. One was fabric to use as a sash for his bag. The other thing was a new sketch book and more ink that he could carry in his small bag. Out of the corner of his eye an elaborate store that held clothes of many colors, walking over he approached the small girl who was working, "Excuse me miss, are any of these made of pure silk?"
Nodding, the timid young girl showed Kiku to a small section of the store. "I'm sorry sir we only have these... pirates have been raiding the delivery ships in area." Her voice was light and sounded like she was afraid of being herd.
"It's alright. I already see what I want," Reaching over Kiku took a blue silk kimono off the shelf, "Is anyone doing anything about the pirates?"
The girl shook her head, "Even the other pirates are afraid of Arthur; he has been prowling along the trade routs around here." Pulling out a sheet she looked at the price of clothing that Kiku had chosen, "That should be about $800."
Paying the girl and handing her the robe to be wrapped up, he pressed for more information about the pirates. "Do the pirates ever dock or just steal from ships?" Kiku
"They come on land very rarely but never steal anything, just stalk up on weapons and alcohol." She handed Kiku the now wrapped piece of clothing. "Thank you for your purchase."
Bowing slightly the Japanese man left the store and quickly made his way back to his boat. He now had some information that would make his mission easier. Yao had asked him as the leader of the ninja branch of the family to take care of the invading pirates. Kiku at first refused but as he saw the damage the bastards where doing he took on the difficult task. Back at the ship, he altered his bag and got ready for any battle that may come up in the near future. The ship took off shortly after they where completely restocked.
One day at sea quickly turned into a week. The crew was tired but used to these prolonged stays at sea. Finally the long awaited cry rang in the air, "Pirates starboard bound!"
Kiku slipped his bag into his solid back uniform and pulled the mask over his face. Running to the edge of the boat, he and many others carefully lowered themselves into small boats that wouldn't be seen on the darkness of the water. His white katana was covered with a thin black sleeve to hide it until the attack was over.
The two small boats made their way over to the pirates ship hiding in the cloudy night. Each member of Kiku's clan that sat on the boats seemed excited to feel the thrill of a fight again. "Your mission is to retrieve the lost goods and kill who stands in your way. I will take the captain no matter what happens, just do your part if needed retreat and live to do another attack." Kiku did not want the first time they invaded a pirate ship to be suicide.
The moment they touched the boat every one silently disappeared. Kiku crawled along the side of the boat picking out the captains room before carefully entering. At a far desk sat the captain. Quickly he drew his katana and ran, sword pointed right to the heart. Moments before the sword made contact, the pirate moved to the side, eyes open wide at first but seconds later they narrowed into green slits and a thin smile played across his lips.
Kiku quickly moved back, his sword ready to take another strike as the pirate captain reached and grabbed his thin sword. "What is this? An attacker in the dead of night? Surely those fiery eyes don't hope to defeat me of all people?" The pirate spoke with authority and confidence while taking a step forward.
In a flash two swords clashed, both aiming to kill the other. Pulling away, both members of the fight desperately were trying to cut flesh but each advance was met with metal. Kiku took another advance and was able to drive his sword into the others shoulder but it was fairy shallow and his side was also cut in the advance. Pulling his sword out of the blonds shoulder, he stepped back holding his side.
A strange expression crossed the pirates face before he spoke up again, "I am Captain Arthur Kirkland. State your name."
Kiku looked from Arthur, to the wound, and back, "We have no name for we are shadows." Painfully he moved back to an attack stance and began to advance once more. The smirking pirate blocked again and pushed the smaller man back again.
"I'm intrigued Mr. Shadow, how you where able to wound me and why." Arthur stepped closer, reaching for the mask that covered the Japanese man's face. Pulling away, Kiku ran back to the window and after another glance, jumped out.
Arthur quickly moved over to window and looked for the man who had attacked him; all he could see was the black sea. "I will get what I want little shadow... I always do."
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