A/N First fanfic, I've been meaning to write one for a long time. If I decide to continue this, updates will probably be sporadic and random. I will try to be as consistent as possible to the personalities of the characters. (I hate OOC-ness)

If you have read Zed's lore, this is the part where he and his students seize the order of the Kinkou.

Enjoy

Braving the Shadows

Zed removed his mask, revealing his narrow and pointed facial features, a trait common of most Ionians. Uncommon to most Ionians, however, were his blazing red eyes. Eyes that now fell upon the old man seated in front of him. Grey hair fell to small shoulders that sagged, tinged with sadness and regret. Despite his frail form, he still emanated an air of authority and respect among his students. This was something that did not extend to the master of shadows standing before him.

"I have failed you as a master." The master of the Kinkou sat calmly,with Zed soundlessly looming over him. He gazed up at Zed with sorrowful eyes. He had lead Zed to the inner sanctum's of the temple, where the master of Shadows knew the box was being kept. He needed that box, to further his gains in the way of the shadow. The last time he had opened it, all those years ago, he had gotten a mere glimpse of the powers and secrets within. The shadows had touched his mind, sharing with him age-old secrets long forgotten. He craved the power held within it.

"I made a mistake, banishing you was not the right thing to do. It only served to push you further down the path of darkness."

"I have failed you as master," he repeated. "I have failed you as a mentor. And I have failed you as a father-"

"You are not my father," Zed interrupted. The venom and anger in his voice was palpable. "I have no father" he continued. The hurt in master Shujin eyes was evident after hearing those words. It may be true, that Zed was indeed an orphan, but he had always considered Zed a son of his. Regardless of Zed's feelings towards him, he knew he had to push that aside, and try to steer Zed away from the path he so dangerously walked.

He sighed. "I understand why you may feel that way, but that is not why we are here. You are here because of this," The old man seemingly materialized the box out of thin air, and into his hands. "The path of shadows is a forbidden path, one that has not been walked in many centuries, for very good reasons. "

"I do not care for those reasons. Give me that box," Zed growled, unsheathing his blades as he did so.

He lunged forwards aiming his wrist-blades at his former-master's throat - and would've hit his target too, if Shujin was still remaining where he sat. He had seen the attack coming and had effortlessly moved out of the way at a surprising speed for a man of his age. He stood now, a few paces opposite Zed, the box still in his hands.

"Just listen to what I have to say," The master continued.

"The shadows have not strengthened you, they have corrupted your mind. Your lust for power, it is an addiction. A hunger that cannot be sated. But is not too late." Shujin gestured to the box, "Destroy it. End all this and lead your followers back to the path of balance. You will be welcomed back into the Kinkou. You can return to your brethren."

It was tempting. It had been years since he had seen Shen, since he had seen Akali. He felt an ache in his chest at the thought of the dark-haired ninja. It would be so easy, to fall back into his old life. He looked at the Kinkou master and saw him watching Zed hopefully. Clearly, he could see Zed's conflict written all over his face.

"I-I will destroy it," He said hesitantly . The master managed a small, encouraging smile and outstretched his arms, holding the box just before Zed. The master of shadows unsheathed his blades, mentally preparing himself. He raised his arm up, preparing to slice through the box downwards, when he suddenly realized the implications of what he was about to do. To turn back now, would be weak. He thought. I will not return to the false teachings of balance!

Instead of slashing through the box, he brought his blades down in arc in front of him that brought them tearing through the master's wrists, severing the tendons and bones that attached his hands to his arms. He yelled in pain, dropping the box at Zed's feet.

Picking it up, Zed opened the box and instantly felt darkness enter his mind, enter his body. It was an intoxicating, exhilarating yet terrifying feeling that threatened to make him black out. The feeling progressed until he felt as if he were being consumed by shadow. It was unbearably painful. He screamed in agony, certain that anyone of his students outside would of heard him. He didn't care at that particular moment. Unable to cope anymore, he collapsed to the ground, dropping the box as he did so and ending his painful ordeal as soon as he let go of the box. He was unconscious for a few minutes and awoke dazed and disoriented. He felt warm liquid dripping down his chin. Raising his hand to his face, he was surprised to find a freshly opened cut running diagonally across his face. His memory of the events that just took place were hazy, but he was certain nothing had attacked him.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled his nerves. Already he felt stronger, faster. The knowledge, the power he had sought after for so long, it was his. It had worked. But at what price? He still felt a dull throbbing at the back of his head as he shakily stood up.

As he did so, he noticed a shadow of him, standing parallel to him and copying his every movement perfectly. It looked to be composed of pure smoke and darkness. Zed smiled to himself. Finally he thought.

Briefly, Zed thought he heard laughter in the recess of his mind. Scared, but not deterred, he shook it off and turned to his master, who sat slumped against the wall, his breath ragged as he slowly bled to death. The shadow moved, of its own accord, towards Shujin and dragged its wispy blade across the master's neck, severing his head from his body before disappearing. Zed was shocked. It has a mind of its own . Again he heard the faint laughter and the throbbing in his head increased even more. He was beginning to question his decisions. Would he be able to control it? What have I done? Again, he shook off his doubt and replaced it with steely resolve.

He knew what he needed to do next. Picking up Shujin's head, he walked into the courtyard where his followers and a few Kinkou had gathered. He swept his gaze across the room, stopping as he met a familiar gaze.

Shen

His face was a concealed mask, betraying none of the emotion he felt, but Zed had a pretty good guess. Stormy gray eyes glared at glowing red ones through his mask. Zed threw the Kinkou master's head at Shen's' feet. Even then, Shen didn't blink, didn't even glance as the head of his master, the head of his father rolled at his feet. However, his face noticeably twitched, the only sign betraying his true emotions, his anger. Zed felt grimly satisfied at that.

"Slaughter them all." Zed yelled to his followers. "The temple is ours!"

And the rest is history

A/N: Thoughts? Not exactly sure where I want to go with this, more to come though! I would love some feedback, thanks for reading.