Shiro would sometime sit alone and wonder just how he ended up at this stage in life; after all he had been through, after all he had done and all that he'd seen. Facing the secret of the ooze; becoming the figure that he is and being a teacher and guide to four great turtles.
Leiko his chosen leader, Dai the brains and clear inventor, Rin a fire lays within however he's a kind soul and Miyuki the joker and one of a kind, the friends his as make along the way Anna O'Dywer a reporter with like minded view and Kair`Ral a guy just fighting to keep his street.
How he as entered a fight with the clan travelling so far to stop Shre`Ard and his members; driven to corrupt and steal.
His thoughts were running away from him; he was getting ahead of myself and he needed to let himself start at the beginning, the night he had come to know as one of the most life changing event that has come to pass in his long life time.
Yoshi and Nagi are friends
-A Man's Worth, A Man's Standing-
Yoshi and Nagi are the best of friends; the pair of them had been truly inseparable as far back as they could remember. At an early age the young boys developed a childhood friendship with a girl from their neighbourhood called Shen Tang; Yoshi and Nagi simple treated her as just another boy.
However, now that they are teenagers both Yoshi and Nagi's feelings towards Shen had developed becoming more affectionate.
Yoshi and Shen had recently started to date one and other, they had decided to keep this a secret from Nagi as both of them didn't really know how to tell Nagi; the new lovers fearing that it could ruin their friendship.
On a lovely afternoon Yoshi was in his room at his desk sitting in front of his computer logged on to internet messenger; chatting away sending personal messages whizzing back and forth to Shen and hadn't truly noticed the time flying by.
Meanwhile only a few blocks away Nagi had picked up his kit bag and headed over to Yoshi's apartment building; as they both attend the same ninjutsu class together.
Suddenly he heard the sound of the door bell buzzed, Yoshi almost fell from his chair. Startled he got up and ran to his flat's balcony doors and slid it open, stepping out he peered over the ledge; he was taken a back to see his friend Nagi staring up at him.
Nagi stood there waiting for Yoshi and tapping his watch; as Yoshi as always was now making them late. "Hey Yoshi… Yoshi Hamato come on man get down here; if you don't get a move on then we're no doubt going to be late!"
"Yeah Nagi I'm on my way down, there's no need to panic..."
Nagi shook his head. "Come man what have you been doing!?"
"I'm ready... I'm ready to go okay, be down there in sec; just got one or two things to just finish off!"
"Just come on get a bloody move on will you, time's a ticking!" called back Nagi still taping on his watch.
"Yeah... Yeah... Yeah!"
"Don't give me that, I can't believe you what have you been bloody doing up there?" asked Nagi.
"Hey there's no time to worry about that now...I'm ready to go okay and be down there in sec; just got one or two things to just finish off!" he replied sounding rather offish as he quickly sliding shut the balcony door and rushed back to his computer.
Yoshi quickly typed through a final message to Lady_Tang on the computer. -Sorry look I've got to log off maybe I'll see you by your door in a sec as we walk on by… Off to my fighting lesson with Nagi xxx-
Lady Tang quickly replied back. -I'll be outside in a second, can't wait to see you walk by in your hot whites…One day you know Yoshi we're going to have to tell him about us.-
A second message then followed -You know it's the right thing to do.-
-One day okay babe I promise… Bye.- And with that Yoshi logged off and then quickly run to his wardrobe to collected his ninjutsu uniform and as he shoved it into his kit bad ran out of the door.
Yoshi did not read Shen's reply. -I guess that today want be that day than.-
Yoshi met up with Nagi; Nagi stood at the door tapping on his watch. "Yeah I know sorry man." said Yoshi; as the pair smiled glad to see one and other.
"No point saying sorry to me; you know master will by anger at us again Yoshi; and hey friend it's all your fault."
Yoshi came down the stair to the pavement. "Hey then what was so important friend?' Nagi asked once again. 'It's going to be the second time in a month man!"
"Err what nothing okay; just things to finish off.' he sputtered out. 'And hey sorry to keep you waiting, come we better hurry as I don't want to see master angry." Yoshi ended as he tried to quickly change the subject.
"Oh I'll be angry all right and it'll all be your fault!"
"Nothing new there then friend, now hey we better get a move on!" replied Yoshi running on ahead.
On their way to class as planned Shen was waiting at the entrance of her building just to see Yoshi walk by; she smiled and flicked her hair when she saw her man heading towards her. Shen thought that he looked very good indeed in his white ninjutsu uniform. She was about to say hello, but was stopped. "Hi there Shen." grated Nagi.
"Hello Nagi' she said playing down her emotions. 'And hello again to you Yoshi." she let out a shy giggled.
"Yeah it's good to see you Shen." Yoshi replied, bushing his hand through his hair.
Nagi truly wanted nothing more than to spend sometime with Shen and therefore he stepped forward, brushed a hand through his hair and plucked up the courage to ask. "Hey so Shen are you like busy this afternoon?' The teenager was trying so hard to hide his utter shy redness in his warming cheeks. 'You know if you're not anything I was wondering if you would like to watch us train."
Shen smiled quickly back warmly at both of them and then looked directly over at Yoshi to try and read his response, she too hiding her emotions. However all she gained from Yohsi to aid the situation they were forced in was a simple shrug of his shoulder; which truly didn't help the situation at all.
So she saw no other option, but to agreed stating lightly. "Yeah you know what I'd love to; I've never actually had the chance to watch my best friend's to train in some months now. So yes Nagi I would like that ever much, thank you!"
"Hey now, if your coming then we better get running as were late already." chipped in Yoshi, across at Nagi trying hard to hide his utter pleasure.
Nagi didn't notice their shared glances and quickly Nagi led the way happily; deep down he was just so happy that Shen Tang was coming along to watch, but Shen was only truly coming along for Yoshi.
Kenshin is their ninjutsu teacher; he walked around his Dojo watching his students train talking to student after student, giving advise and correctly moves when needed. Their teacher had stopped and watched over Yoshi and Nagi for a second as they pair off against each other. Nagi pushed hard looking for his teacher's praise and attention.
Meanwhile Shen watched Yoshi moves on the mat, Nagi's skills were also being watched by another. "I have taught you today ninjutsu, the ways and skills of the ninja. Each one is improving; a few of you are ready to move on. It truly was a good class; leave today and practise my students." Each student bowed to their sensei in respect and left then the mat.
After the class the building's owner Shibano Sama had come over to meet with Nagi; he introduced himself and kindly pass on to the teen his encouragement, Shibano is in fact the leader of the Shibano Ni clan.
Yoshi left the boy's locker room; Shen then came rushing over to him and pointed out their conversation, Yoshi didn't look too pleased that Nagi was actually talking to Shibano. To their surprise Shibano acted so friendly and welcoming to Nagi; Nagi even actually laughing and smiling back at the owner as they continued on their conversation.
Yoshi looked happier as he watched the man walk off; Yoshi then quick rushed over to his friend. "What did he want?" asked Yoshi with concern.
"Oh Shibano Sama." simply brushing it aside.
"Yeah Shibano, what did he have to say to you Nagi?"
"Hey settled down there Yoshi,' said Nagi waving his hands to steady him. 'He simply wanted to give me some encouragement, you know extra pointer that's all nothing for you to be concerned about; he said that I actually remind him of himself when he was growing up, learning the art of ninjutsu."
"Yeah I beat he did, well maybe he's not the best person to be taking compliments from Nagi.' stated Yoshi, implying for him to merely say away. 'You know what my grandfather thinks of him."
"Look if he was such a bad man, then why does he let us train here Yoshi and why would our master trust him?" Nagi put the question to Yoshi.
"Look grandfather said…"
Nagi interrupted. "Look stop with this grandfather says; he was just giving me encouragement that's all nothing more now would you please just drop it!" and he walked away heading in a mood over to Shen.
The following morning Yoshi had gone out with Shen, so that they could spend the entire day together. Nagi calls Yoshi on his mobile, but couldn't get through the call always clicking into voice mail. Nagi though. 'Where could he be? What would be more important than spending this hot day with his best friend.' He then tried to get hold of Yoshi at home, Gohgi Yoshi's grandfather picked up the phone. "Oh hi Mr Hamato is your grandson there?" he looked angry when he heard Yoshi's grandfather's response, but did all that he could to hold his temper in his tone of voice.
Yoshi's grandfather was sitting in the living room of the apartment, with a cup of green tea on the table in front of him. The old man scratched his head and he recalled what his grandson was out actually with Shen and that in fact he wasn't to let on to Nagi.
Nagi heard the old man humble something under his breathe before stating. "Oh yes that was it I sent him out on errands, so yeah he'll be out all day in town. So hey don't worry Nagi I'll get him to call you late yes when he comes home."
"Okay thanks Mr Hamato, I'll wait for his call." and with that he ended the call as he just could believe what he had been told. 'Come on now Yoshi; no way would you be out doing mere errands, could that be some important than a day with me!? What my friend are you truly up too...'
"Hello!' came a voice from over Nagi's shoulder, he spun around to see Shibano Sama who he had met from his ninjutsu class standing there in front of him. 'Sorry young one did I startle you?"
Nagi shock his head and smiled. "Err no every things fine, I was, well it doesn't matter now."
"Well young Nagi to tell you that truth I am so glad that I've come across you this day. I so wanted a second chance to talk with you again; our conversation the other day after your lesson wasn't that long and there are further matter that we need to talk about."
Later that evening Yoshi arrived back home to the apartment, his grandfather truly wanted to hear all about his day, but he first had to inform Yoshi of his phone conversation with Nagi. "Oh Gohgi I told you not to give him anything to worry about!"
"I tried my best boy, but I didn't take kindly lying to him..."
Yoshi shook his head and turned away. "Look I better call him." and Yoshi picked up the homes phone and went to his room.
To Yoshi's utter surprise Nagi was okay when they talked. "Oh hey Yoshi how's things!"
"Err yeah fine, so grandfather said you called today, are you okay?"
"Oh yeah nothing to worry about all's fine; it fact I'm glad I couldn't get hold of you I was lucky to dump into Sama."
"Sama, what did he want with you? Haven't I warned you about him Nagi."
"He seemed fine to me, we talked all day in fact and wanted nothing really! We just talked that's all."
"Talked, that's all.' repeated Yoshi, sounding peeved. 'Seems as if you're the best of friends, so good buddy what did you talk about?"
Nagi laughed and answered Yoshi's questions. "Well not much to tell you the truth, he liked our fighting skills he thinks that we've got some good moves Yoshi, Sama thinks that we could go far under Kenshin's teachings."
"Yeah under Kenshin's teachings." Yoshi found himself interrupting his friend to point out the meaning of his last comments.
"I know... I know, he also talked about a little group of fighters he's putting together. A group he hopes to change our city!"
"I should have seen that one coming a mile off."
"And what does that suppose to mean, like I've already said Yoshi the guys okay."
"I know you don't want to here this, but you've known me forever... My grandfather knows other wise about him Nagi; please I beg stay away from him." and with that said the line went dead.
-A Fall A Promise-
Yoshi arrived back home, his grandfather truly wanted to hear all about his day, but he first had to inform Yoshi of his phone conversation with Nagi. "Oh Gohgi I told you to not give him anything to worry about; look I better call him." and Yoshi picked up the homes phone and went to his room. To Yoshi's utter surprise Nagi was okay when they talked. "Oh hey Yoshi how's things!"
"Err yeah fine, so grandfather said you called, are you okay?"
"Oh yeah nothing to worry about; it fact I'm glad I couldn't get hold of you I was lucky to dump into Sama."
"Sama, what did you want? I've warned you about him Nagi."
"He seemed fine to me, we talked all day and he wanted nothing! We talked that's all."
"Talked, that's all.' repeated Yoshi. 'Seems as if you're the best of friends, so good buddy what did you talk about?"
Nagi laughed and answered Yoshi's questions. "Well not much to tell you the truth, he liked our fighting he thinks that we've got some good moves Yoshi, Sama thinks that we could go far under Kenshin's teachings."
"Yeah under Kenshin's teachings." Yoshi found himself interrupting his friend to point out the meaning of his last comments.
"I know... I know, he also talked about a little group of fighters he's putting together!"
"I should have seen that one coming a mile off."
"And what does that suppose to mean, Like I've already said Yoshi the guys okay."
"Well My grandfather knows other wise and you've known him a lot longer." and with that said the line went dead.
For the rest of that night Yoshi was very worried about his friend and the future he could be drawn into if he follows Sama' world, so he went to speak with his grandfather. "Grandfather I..." he paused return to turn away.
"Please come in my grandson you truly look troubled." stated Gohgi has Yohsi stood in the door way to the living room. Gihgi could sense from his grandson's body language that something was clearly bothering him.
Yoshi entered the room and had explained what had happened between Nagi and Shibano. "Please now Gohgi I beg of speak with him make Nagi know the truth... You must make him see sense."
"I will do all that I can, but Nagi is his own man... He makes his own path."
"He's got to keep away from that man!' There was silence, Yoshi lowered his head, is a low tone he asked. 'Why is he so bad grandfather?"
Gohgi didn't want to answer that question. "Shadows need to be kept in their places young Yoshi."
"Well all I hope is you can talk him around and see if you can warn him; try to keep him away from these shadows."
Gohgi nodded. "I will leave now, Nagi is a kid that Shibano could easily take under his lies, let's just hope I can talk with the boy before it's too late!" Yoshi's grandfather Gohgi looked back at his grandson and smiled reassuringly before leaving to see Nagi.
Nagi's mother Miyoko answered the door. "Oh why hello Gohgi, why are you here so late?" she asked.
"Mrs Oroku may I speak with your eldest man Nagi?" he said with a warm smile as not to worry her.
She smiled back, but saw some of his trouble. "I hope everything is okay sir?"
"That at this point ma'ma I just don't know... I do hope there isn't anything to worry about, that however rests with Nagi!" he replied softly and so she turned and went to call on Nagi.
Nagi came to the door to see Yoshi's gather at the end of the corridor before him, as soon as their eyes met he knew deep down what Gohgi had come to talk to him about. Standing their side by side on the door step Gohgi tried his up most to warn Nagi about turning to the clan and told him. "You have your whole life ahead of your Nagi, I ask for you to cherish it!"
"Why do you say such things? I own my life Gohgi and I could not as for anything more!" stated Nagi, never sounding so sure about anything.
"Yes that you do young one, but go with Shibano then you will loose ownership of it... Please now Nagi don't do with Shibano, turn back now listen to my words and don't throw your friend's aside."
However, Nagi did not want to listen and the more they spoke about thing's he didn't wish to hear nor comprehend anger took it's toll of Nagi. Quickly their conversation soon boiled over into an argument and Gohgi realised that young Nagi couldn't no longer be reasoned with. Nagi's frustrations grew until he snapped and he actually pushed Yoshi's grandfather. In the motion Gohgi lost his balance and fell backwards down the stairwell.
Nagi stood at the top of the stairs looking over him. "You brought this entirely on yourself old man. I just need to find my place in life that's all and I gain protection if I become a member of Shibano's clan, they will deliver more than I can ask I will want for nothing! Now I advise you to get up Gohgi, go home, tell Yoshi that I'll be just fine and that he needs to just butt out..." And in tears Nagi slammed the door shut behind himself on the injured Gohgi; who lay hurt on the street.
Yoshi was in his room practising his ninjutsu; his pet rat Shiro watching his owners every moves from within his cage very carefully, Yoshi had receive his pet from his grandfather following the death of his mother and they became good friends.
There was then a number of hard bangs on the front door of Yoshi's apartment to turned to his bedroom room in surprise. Yoshi wasted no time in running out of his room and right to the front door. His hands were shacking as he unclicked the lock and opened the door.
Standing in the open door way Yoshi saw a sight he wished he never saw; there before him stood a neighbour holding up his grandfather. "I found him on the front door.' There was silence. 'Please I must lay him down, Yoshi he needs help." His grandfather who had been badly hurt; Yoshi had no idea what had happened, he just couldn't imagine who could have done such a think.
Yoshi guested him inside and called for an ambulance. The ambulance came soon enough; Yoshi stayed by his grandfather's side all night.
Gohgi when the paramedic left informed his nephew that it was Nagi who had caused all this pain; Yoshi stood up and walked around the room looking very disappointed; walking backwards and forwards just trying to get his head around what had happened. "Please now Yoshi, don't blame him... He is doing what he think is best!"
"Grandfather he's had all his chances I truly have to blame him...' snapped back Yoshi not believing what he had just heard. 'He did this Gohgi after all our family have done through his life."
Gohgi tried to move and shook his head. "He truly deserves a second chance... Nagi is a good kid, we've got to hope he can turn his life around."
"This is tough... truly difficult!" It was truly difficult for him, Yoshi fell back in his chair; he just didn't know what to do for the better.
Shen had heard from Yoshi about what had happened and came over to see him right after her morning classes; their emotions were high and they lend in together to kiss. Nagi's younger brother Saki had come to find his brother who hadn't gone to classes, but to his surprise he had caught sight of their passionate kiss and embrace. Yoshi opened his eyes to see Saki standing before them, Yoshi pushed her quickly away; Shen turned and stared in Saki's eye. The young boy couldn't believe the actions of his brother's best friend. "How could you both... How can you call yourself a friend damn you Yoshi!" called out Saki as he walked away.
Yoshi went to run after Saki, Shen took hold of his wrist. "I'm sorry, but I've got to after him." stated Yoshi, before leaving his lover to go after young Saki hoping to try and stop him from getting the chance to tell his older brother. However by the time he had caught up with Saki it was too late he had already found Nagi and had clearly told Nagi of what he had witnessed.
Nagi didn't look too happy to see Yoshi when their eye's met. "Brother please just go home, tell mother I'll be home later tonight!"
"But Brother." interrupted Saki.
"Please brother mother should know I'm okay.' Saki rubbed his eyes before he ran away. 'And as for you Yoshi… I'll deal with you later you can count on that! This is too much for me to handle right now."
Yoshi stepped forward to face Nagi. "What as happened Nagi; this time last week we were in Kenshin's class together pairing off and now look at us!"
"This time last week I hadn't been given a chance to be something... And this time last week you were out with Shen your girlfriend.' he paused, and cracked his knuckles. 'You knew I liked her man... Dating Shen would have meant the world to me!"
"Yes I knew, but you Nagi were too blind in your own emotions to see that I did too, that is why we couldn't tell you... Kept it a secret!"
"Like I said this is far too much for me right now damn you!" Then a black van pulled up beside Nagi.
"Please friend I beg of you don't do this, don't go with them!"
"Do what Yoshi? I've heard it all before and to tell you the truth I don't want to heard it any longer blast you!"
"Please Nagi you have to, you can still put this right... Grandfather is fine life can go back to normal." he called out pleading with his friend.
Nagi shock his head, before looking away. "Just drop it Yoshi I've made my choice, I am sorry for what I did to your grandfather, but I am a member of the clan it was my choice to make."
Yoshi had noticed that Nagi was holding in his left hand a black clan hood "Don't venture down this path. It will only lead to trouble!" Yoshi said stepping forward and taking hold of Nagi's wrist, but Nagi pulled away not in the mood to listen to any kind of reasoning. Nagi turned his back on Yoshi and stepped into the black van. A guy gave Yoshi a dirty look and pulled the van door closed, the engine revved and the van drove away leaving Yoshi on the street in a cloud of smoke.
Around 10 minutes later the van stopped at a pair of steel gates; the drive lowered the window and stated their business through the intercom and Nagi heard the drive say the pass word. The gates drew back and the van drove on up the driveway, the van pulled up outside a large mansion.
Nagi was taken inside to meet with Shibano, following the others into a back room. There in the middle of the room stood Shibano. He was surrounded by over fifty people who were dressed head to toe in black; he automatically realised that they were wearing the clan's uniform.
Nagi and the five others he was with were led to the front and took their places in front of Shobano. Nagi quickly shot a look to his left; there stood a guy around his age, in normal day clothes well build and looked like he could handle himself in a fight.
To his far left a girl, good looking around 5ft 6 a scare down her right eye.
He then briefly snapped a look to his right; there next to him at arms length stood a guy strangely in business attire and holding a briefcase. He too looked around Nagi's eye, he looked directly at Shibano before him listening to every word.
Next to him stood a guy muscular and tall, he stood just in his boxers, matted bed hair and unshaven that day, but still be looked on at his leader with an unquestioning stare. Nagi spotting the bruising on his arms and chest and the tattooed right arm.
To his surprise to his far right too a female again around 5ft 6, much fitter than the girl to his left, what took him by surprise was the fact that she was dressed in full army combat uniform.
The person who had led them into the room had now pulled over his head the same mask as the others; all of them standing the same in unison and all under one signal identity. He whispered in each of their ear; Nagi and the five others obeyed his demand and in turn went down on bended knee; he looked up at Shibano and listened to his instructions.
"You stand here before me today, because I saw something in you that would benefit the clan around you. I have gathered a few, but we together stand strong and you six are now welcome into this unit... Your past are your own and I ask never forget were you came from; however I demand that you futures are mine and mine alone."
-An Action A Consequence-
Shibano whispered in each of their ears in turn to bend down on their knees; they obeyed their leader and when down on bended knee all looking up at Shibano. The person who Nagi had been led into the room with had now pulled over their head the same mask as the others. Shibano stepped before Nagi. "You I have choice to led this group, take charge and guide them into your first mission Nagi.' Nagi listened to his instructions. 'You have till midnight to set up a plan, you can talk to any other member if you wish, but they calls must be your own." Nagi bowed too his master and received his mask and with that Shibano marched out of the room.
Nagi was as leader, as Shibano granted he spoke to other clan members, but the call was his. He and his unit was lead back out to the same van; it was time to go out on their first clan mission. They moved quickly through the building; Nagi calling out the orders, each one always fulfilled. However from time to time Nagi would stutter or hold back, which didn't go well. "Nagi come on where next."
He would snap out of his slum and get them to the volt; however as they filled their bags with money a member of his unit pointed out the long corridor and whispered. "Looks like we've got company?!"
Nagi did a double take, down the corridor then back at the money. 'This isn't how it should have gone down!' "Quickly now fill your bags then we'll get back to the van through the roof."
They all nodded and slip, but with his mind not fully on the task at hand he was shot by a security guard as he tried to escape; both bullets went right through him. Nagi dropped the bag and fell to the floor.
The security guard ran over to Nagi side, he pulled off his mask and checked the teens pulse. It was no good Nagi was dead. Another initiation member of the clan came up from behind and kicked the guard in the side of the head and dragged Nagi out. "Damn it, I can't believe it's ended like this."
"You get the body and I'll get the bag, maybe we can salvage something from this blasted mess." snapped the female member.
Saki heard a single knock at their front door; hoping that it was Nagi come home he ran to open it; he staggered back however when he came face to face with the dead body of his brother, which had just been left lying at the down of his building's steps.
Saki saw open of the corner of his eye a black van speed off down the road, behind him in the hallway stood his mother. He turned to face her and Miyoko broken down in tears, she was distraught collapsing to the fall; "My son... my boy!"
Saki knew there was no consoling her. 'What had you gotten yourself into bro when you sent me away, can't you not have found it inside yourself to talk to me... I could have sorted this all out.'
Both Yoshi and Shen had heard the sad news of Nagi's passing and after long deliberation had decided to attend his funeral to pay their true felt respects to their lost friend, they stepped out of their car. At first sight Saki came running over to them shouting the odds. "Okay what the hell do you think your doing here, you have no right!" truly not willing to have them there.
Saki's mother however stepped in to interject, she knew her son was upset and his mother tried to stop him, but he pushed past her. "Look Saki please we are here to pay our respect to your brother, he was a close friend!" stated Shen.
"Please now Saki they can stay Nagi wouldn't want it any other way." his mother addressed as she brushed the hair out of her face, the heart break in her voice. Yoshi could see the black runs of her eye-liner around her eyes.
Sadly the emotions were still too high and in anger Saki snapped. "Yeah right let them stay mother; you've got to be joking right, after what happened between them... What they did to my brother, ah they called themselves his best friend! Sorry I don't think so somehow, its time for them to leave. Get the hall out of here you two truly have no damn right to be here!"
Shen turned to Yoshi and pulled him away; whispered in close. "Look maybe for now we keep our distance; let the family grave together!" He nodded in reply and stepped aside.
Saki saw this and grinned through the tears as the couple walked away. "Yeah that's it just walk, never stop. I don't want you here...' anger and nastiness in his voice. 'Leave our family alone and keep your bloody distance I never want to see you two gain!" Yoshi turned back for a second wanting to say something, but he saw the look again on Nagi's mother's face and continued on walking back with to their car.
As the couple drove home saddened by what had just occurred, a white van sharply pulled in front of them blocking their path. Saki along with a couple of guys jumped out; Yoshi opened the driver's door. He signalled for Shen to stay inside. "Let us by will you; I don't want any trouble Saki not today.' stated Yoshi calmly. 'Please now just let us past; go back to your family you need time to grieve!"
"Never dare speak for me again, I know my own mind Yoshi and to tell you the truth you've brought all this down on yourself damn you, you are nothing more than a rat!" cried out Saki.
Shen screamed in fear as one of the guys took a staff and smashed it across the car window; Yoshi tried to protect her. He attempted to take the staff away from the male, but there was just too many of them and they set on Yoshi.
Saki stood there giving out the orders. "Get them damn it; make them feel my pain, let them feel my sorrow!' and one larger member held Yoshi whilst the others attacked him.'My brother cared and trusted you both more than anyone in this world and this is how you go and repay him! Going behind his back never caring or trusting him; if you were there for him when he needed you damn it then he'd still be here today! But you Yoshi always thought about yourself!"
"No!" Shen protested, when she saw the wide grin on Saki's face. Shen had managed to open the passenger door she rushed in to try to stop the attack. She forced her way in between the attacks and Yoshi for a second. However she soon realised it was no use, there was just to many and they pushed her down to the floor.
The men seemed only driven by Saki's orders rather than common scene. "NO!' she screamed again looking into the eyes of Saki. 'Come on Saki just let us go!"
"Shush... Enough of this!' Saki snapped pointing down to Yoshi. 'You're cries damn you Shen will only leave to more pain for him!"
Shen looked directly into the eyes of Saki. "Stop this Saki, see scene. We too are sad over the death of Nagi; this isn't the way! This isn't the way." However all she could see was anger.
Shen was too stunned to speak. 'How dare he!' she thought. 'He's a mad man; he's gone too far, he's utterly snapped. There's no stopping him only the police can stop him now... Yoshi needs help.' and she ran off to call for help.
"Don't worry Yoshi! I promise you that you'll recover from this beating here today; after all when you are back on your feet I can restart your pain over again.' He stated calmly, but with a forceful tone that leaves no room for disagreement. 'So don't struggle, make the beating easier for my guys!" he said jokingly.
The police were called out; Saki looked down on Yoshi on the floor he walked over to Yoshi and then kneels beside him, he grabbed hold of his face and raised his hand and clinched it into a fist; Yoshi was out cold lifeless. Saki looked over his shoulder; frowning as he heard the police sirens. He then looked back around at the others then down at Yoshi lying black and blue on the road before him. "We have caused our damage. Yoshi I hope you hurt forever!"
As the police siren's filled the street Saki realising what trouble he was in. He was without hesitation about to jump back into their van; when a black limo pulled up in front of a shaken Saki. "You all better leave immediately damn it!' Saki was ready to leave; he noticed that Shibano was pointing directly at him. 'No you come with me; now I'll meet you five at the mansion later." The other thugs nodded and took their leave into the shadows of the city.
Saki realised there and then where is future and loyalties lay and so without hesitation he agreed and stepped into the limo. Yoshi blacked out as the door to the limo was slammed shut and it sped down the road.
Saki looked over at Shibano. "Do you know who I am boy?"
"I don't no sir!"
"In that case then Saki it is clear we need to talk; as I can deliver you a bright future." stated the clan leader.
'He will truly be a better leader that his foolish brother; Saki is younger and drive, looking for glory. He could be easily moulded after all he is braver than Nagi was.'
Front this point on Shibano pushed and drove young Saki, he was now the perfect person to leader the new wave of the clan. Saki had cut himself off from the past he knew; the boy had given his mind, body and soul to the ways of Shibano's teachings. Shibano was now his master, keeper, provider and in the same light the clan around him would be his life, shelter and family.
Shibano was able to use Saki's anger over his brother's death to mould him into their fiercest warrior and he had been training to such an extent that by the month's end he had surpassed all other members in the Shibano Ni Clan. Saki soon raised through the rankings even taking over other longer serving members.
Soon the leader came to Saki and asked him. "I need you brave Saki to step forward, step forward and take the greatest of prizes. Saki I require you to step up to the mark and be at my side as my equal?" To which, in the heat of the moment the younger Saki agreed too.
A few months had gotten; Shen and Yoshi engaged he had purchased a lovely ring for Shen; picking the right and place Yoshi surprised Shen by going down on one knee and opening up the small box. "Shen you have been my everything, I wouldn't see my life without you in it. Please say my love that you will marry me?"
She smiled down at Yoshi, over joyed she answered. "Yes... Yes my dear Yohsi I'll marry you." Yoshi stood up and placed the ring on his finger. Later that week he also went to speak with her mother and father to gain their blessing; Yoshi had brought them a gift offering to show his worth and love for their daughter.
Word of their engagement had soon reached the ear's of Saki, he was enraged and so that night he left the clan's camp and headed back to the old neighbourhood Saki was ready to end Yoshi's life. 'Quite strange... Quite strange indeed.' He though as he walked past his old home, the lights were switched on and he could see his younger brother Kazuo comforting his mother. 'Didn't think I'd be back here, funny what you drive the Oroku's brother to do!'
Saki knew that he at this stage in his path had no place inside his home any longer, so he then continued to walk until he stood outside Yoshi's building. Saki saw the couple leave holding hands; with no true care in the world. It wasn't hard for Saki to see their engagement rings on their ring finger. "Go and life your life's for now... I will be waiting for your return, the first cut is the deepest." Clearly finding all this too much for him to handle, still blaming the pair for the end of his brother. He rushed up to the door, seeing their name's on the panel and ran his hand down ranging every bell of the building. 'Someone will foolishly let him in, no doubt.'
When he heard the release of the door Saki pushed the it quickly open, entering the building and ran up the stairs. Saki saw the front door to Yohsi's flat and without stopping lifted his foot he kicked in the door. The lock popped and the door swung open.
Saki stepped inside he looked around the small apartment, which they share; the young pair had made it their first nest egg and deep down Saki wanted to snatch away that feeling. 'Oh truly what a home you've made... I've had a bad life, but it's yours whose going to get worse Yoshi.'
He continued to walk through their apartment, not taking anything in. His eyes caught a glimpse of a kendo stick; picking the weapon up Saki had a wide evil grin on his face and started to mash up the place; swinging left then back right knocking things over and smashing things on the floor causing great amounts of damage.
Saki then suddenly stopped dropped the kendo stick to the floor when he sees a box of matches on the table top by the side of a candles, which had only just been blown out five minutes earlier. He leaned over and picked up the box, without a word pulled out a match and struck it. The small match caught alight, his eyes fix on the colours of the flame. He walked over to the bin in the kitchen and dropped the box of matches in first and then dropped the lit match in the bin. "Oh to see these flames, your life going up in flames..."
'Oh what it would be like it you two were here.' tough Saki as he stood back from the bin watching as it caught on fire. The fire grew; the bin burning before him and within a couple of seconds the fire was out of control. Saki backed out of the kitchen and then ran out of the flat in the stairwell and as he ran down the staircase to get out of the building his conscience must have overridden his emotions.
'I am not the deliverer, only Yoshi and Shen must live with pain and lose.' He then started to warn people in the building about the fire; he shouted out, knocked on doors and pressed door bells in the hopes of saving the people who innocently lived along side the pair.
Saki left the apartment block and stood across the road; he looked up as he caught his breath; smoke had now started to billow out of their apartment window. He smiled, actually pleased with himself at the damage he'd caused. Residence now were slowly making their way out of the building.
Some residence came running out with thick blankets over their heads to protect them from the thick black smoke; others had rushed out and as they entered into the fresh air they started to cough as smoke had filled their chests and as they entered into the fresh air they started to cough.
Inside Yoshi's flat his pet brown rat, Shiro had started to feel the heat of the fire and started to panic running around his cage and then he began to chew and bite on the bars in hope of getting out, but he didn't know was that he was trapped.
The fire department were on the scene ready to tackle the fire, a fire unit ran inside and entered the apartment water was dowsing the flames.
Saki saw Yoshi and Shen running back up the street as they return from their evening to see fire engines and police in front of their building, the light of the flames catching their faces in the shadows.
The police officer held her back as Shen ran forwards. "Sorry ma'ma, you must stand back. I can't allow you to go any further."
"PLEASE, IT'S OUR HOME!' she cried out to the officer as he stood firm blocking her path for her own safety. 'Please it's our home." she cried again braking down in tears; Shen's eyes were all misty and tear drops rolled down her cheeks.
Noticing the tear drops rolling down the cheeks of his lover Yoshi stroked the girl's hair gently and gave her a hug. "It's going to be okay Shen. Please now my dear don't cry."
This sight made Saki laugh. "That is called revenge my young one.' said a voice behind him. Saki turned away from the fire and looked up; it was Shibano. 'Come back with me Saki; we wouldn't want the police asking questions to a member of the Shibano Ni Clan now would we."
Saki feared that his master would no doubt be ready to punish him for his actions, he cleared his throat and looked directly into his master eyes. "I acted out of anger and not bettering the clan, but know this Master Sama they deserved all they got. Will I be punished for my actions?"
"No you will not Saki! That boy harmed you and your brother before you.' answered Shibano. 'You acted to protect yourself from being harmed by them again, you acted like a clam member."
-An End An Equal Beginning-
Saki was a little surprise and relived to hear that Shibano had no intention of punishing him for his actions; and truly saw the positives in the route he took. "But my boy there is something I need you to do, you have turned into a masterful leader by my side!"
"Thank you master, your training as served me well I will do ask you ask." stated Saki sounding humble.
"But to be a leader you need to stand up, raise up and to snatch the options ahead of you.' Saki nodding at every word. Shibano however need to take Saki far away from Yoshi and the Japanese authorities, and had come up with a proposal. 'In fact I have a place for someone like you in a far off country; there is scope for a new path for the Shibano Ni Clan in America."
Saki's jaw fell open. 'What an opportunity, truly what an honour, I'll be just a fool if I turned master down.' "Truly what a great honour, I gotta take it master there is no doubt." because as far as he was concerned, whatever his master had planned for him across the ocean in America would lead to better and greater things.
Shibano nodded. "You have done the right thing boy the right thing..." and together they left the scene of the crime walking side by side down a dark alleyway, but Yoshi had just caught sight of them.
Shen turned to Yoshi just as her fiancée was about to dash off after them, she then grabbed his arm holding him in place. "Look my love look!" she called out in excitement, which took Yoshi by some surprise; Shen was pointing to one of the fire officers who had the cage of Shiro in his hands. Yoshi rushed over to the officers, who had just pulled off his breathing mask and was walking toward the couple, he looked up at the man's face. "You've totally got one lucky rat there kid." he stated handing over the cage to Yoshi who too his own amazement he saw Shiro a bit shaken gazing back at him through the scorched hay.
"Thank you... Thank you very much." replied Shen as she tried to wipe the tears from her eyes.
Yoshi walked away from the police and the fire services and whispered to Shen. "It was Saki; he's the one who caused all this carnage! Damn it Shen that kid has just gone too far and truly as got a lot to answer for now."
"How can you be so sure Yoshi?" she asked with a drop of doubt about this.
"Oh yes Shen there is no doubt in my mind they are truly behind this all right I saw them walk away, just before the officer brought us out Shiro. I've done all I could to protect his brother from the Shibano Ni Clan, but to no avail I must try and drive some sense into Saki and hopefully stop him before he's too far gone and someone seriously gets hurt by his misguided actions."
"But Yoshi you are just one man, you need to talk to the police, they must be able to help stop the clan it's their job!" advised Shen.
Yoshi shook his head, even though he didn't know it for sure he felt that some of the police in the area were in the pocket of Shibano Sama. "Oh there's no doubt that they know the clan exists and have done nothing to bring them back; besides I feel I let his brother down, I didn't do all that I could for Nagi from the hold Shibano Ni Clan gain on him, but I must do more for young Saki drive some sense into him, in hopes of getting him away from their power or there's no doubt in my mind someone is going to get seriously hurt by his misguided actions."
"But you're just one man, are you sure you can help."
"I'll have to talk again with Gohgi; I've got to discover all that grandfather knew, see if he knows of people who can help.' replied Yoshi sounding determined now more than ever. 'I must gain a shoot to get close to Saki and try to talk with him alone."
Shibano had one last task for Saki to complete before he would leave on his tourney to America; it was away in which Saki could prove himself to Shibano and to the others dominance in the clan that he had succeed past him brother. Saki was given the same instructions has his fallen brother all those months ago. "I ask of you to work together, use each other's skills well, but ultimately Saki be a leader of your team, show them what you need and tell them your plan."
"I will Master Shibano I will not let you down."
"I am pleased to hear than Saki, I trust that you will.' stated Shibano. 'You have an hour then go and come back in the glory of a clam master."
Saki and Takehiko and four of members had arrived at the bank; Saki stepped forward and laid out his orders. Each member carried out their part of the plan Takehiko staying close to Saki's side; the team making their way inside and to the main bank volt.
Standing in front of the volt Saki gave them their orders; one member stepped forward and break through the bank's security; the volt door clicked and swung open, Takehiko kept guard up the corridor, whilst the other's quickly filled sacks with the contents of ever last safe deposit box.
Saki's mind of fully on the job nothing was going to stop him; he catch up on Takehiko, he was about to signal the all clear when Takehiko saw the wave of torch light. Saki got the signal, he turned to the team members as they filled their sacks. "Looks like we've got us some trouble, time we get to the roof. I can't afford for this to go wrong, you've gotta get the hell out of here!" The team nodded, tied up their sack and made a run for it to the roof.
Together they cross the same floor where the security guard had killed Niga. That same guard tried again to stop the robbery; it looked as if Saki had gotten cornered by the guard, and the guard was about to fire his gun, but this time with his mind firmly on the mission at hand Saki was able to dodge the bullets, kick the gun clear out of the guards hands and then leap over his head and snap the guard's neck. The guard fell to the floor Saki stood over the lifeless body, Takehiko stepped beside him. The team had successfully retrieved the shipment of weapon and returned to the mansion.
Saki was brought once again before Shibano, however this time he stood before him alone just the two of them. "You are a better soldier to the clan than your brother will ever be Saki!" Shibano stating to his prize the truth of the task at hand.
Saki was not affected by his revaluation, in fact Saki deemed with pride. "I am glad that I didn't let you down in the same way; I have stepped with force master out of my fallen brother's shadow. Those would have struck against me have fallen to their knees and I have been left standing."
During the week Gohgi under Yoshi's instruction had found out all the information that he could manage on the Shibano Ni Clan movement; through his contacts and some dodgy character.
Also through the week Shen had grown worried over her fiancée's behaviour and change in character; she choice then to speak with her younger sister Amaya. "Look if you are that worried about him sis; then you must speak with him, make him see what he's putting you through." Amaya stated just not willing to hear any more.
Shen shock her head. "Yes okay I hold my hands up I'm concerned, but he's a good man... My good man Amaya, I've got to stand by him see it through.' Amaya couldn't believe what she had heard. 'Come on now Amaya all Yoshi wants to is help… Saki needs his held I have to try and understand his wishes to do that..." Shen found herself replying, but her sister could tell that Shen was mulling things over even though she was trying so hard to keep her emotions hidden.
Her sister tilted her head to one side. "The fact that you've even got to ask means you've got to!"
"But,"
However she was cut off. "Shen I told you all those years ago when you first knew you liked Yohsi, you and Yoshi should set a future for yourselves and stick to it; you've must got to ignore everyone else who affect it and sis if what you tell me is true then it is clear that this Saki has set his own future too!' Shen know that her sister was on her side and talking practical, Shen then nodded in agreement. 'Then if you weren't thinking about talking to Yoshi then I know you wouldn't have come and talk to me about it." Shen smiled and held her sisters hands and thanked her and left knowing that she would have to speak to Yoshi tonight.
Just across town, Gohgi had staggered over the threshold calling out for his grandson. "I'm here grandfather... I'm here, what news!"
"My Yoshi they are acting fast... A grave future is coming..."
"Grandfather please no riddles.' interrupted Yoshi who had who ran into the hallway to face his grandfather. 'I must knew the truth, I've got to find away to speak with Saki!"
"That may not be so simple from now on."
Yoshi had just found another lead that Shibano had plans of move Saki to America; it was as if his ears had just popped, as a faint ringing now filled them. "I just can't let that happen grandfather; I can't let Saki gain that type of power." he stated with true determination, as he shook the weight from his head.
"Yoshi please you can go running after him like that, I fear for you my boy please listen let's just sleep on it for now, see how things are in the morning!" pleased Gohgi who moved forward to touch his grandson's shoulder.
He brushed it to one side and shook his head. "If he does get the chance then sadly he'll be truly lost forever." Yoshi stated, and without another word he suddenly turned on the spot to leave the room.
Gohgi knew that feelings and emotions were high as he rushed into the back bedroom of his grandson's; he tried so hard to stop him by hopefully talking some sense into him. By now Yoshi was already in his room shoving things in a rucksack. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you just run towards the clan like this. They will have your head Yoshi."
Yoshi swung his bulging bag over his shoulder and had picked up Shiro, he knew that he couldn't just let the clan spread any further. "Shiro my old friend its time for us to go!' and the small rat let out a squeak. 'This night we may have to go to a far of world old friend, we must truly stop the one who the clan call their master!" Yoshi knew that he couldn't just let the clan spread any further.
His grandfather looked down on his grandson, and Yoshi then turned to look up at Gohgi; Gohgi knew that by him taking his rat that this was it Yoshi would not be returning and this would in fact be the last time he be seeing his grandson; he took a deep breath, pulled him close and holding back the tears whispered in his left ear. "Leave now and don't look back. This is a fight you must take on your own, but always remember you have the heart of your father and the soul of your mother. And you will never need to know what happened to me; as my story is ending on this half a page yours my nephew will go on and start the next."
Yoshi had truly made up his mind, without wasting any more time he threw his bag over his should and ran down to the stairs and out on the street. Yoshi haled down a taxi; the cab pulled up before him. Yoshi as his grandfather requested didn't look back as he throw his rucksack on the back seat of the cab and then with Shiro in hand he jumped in the back of the taxi and that night Yoshi was leaving, his life, his grandfather and girlfriend behind to track down Saki. The driver turned his head back to face his passenger and asked. "Hey where to then mister?"
Yoshi answered the driver. "I need to head over to Kenshin's Dojo." the driver nodded, then quickly clicked down his fair meter and drove away.
Kenshin was about to lock up and was pulled down the steel shutters to his dojo when the taxi pulled up behind him and Yoshi stepped out. Kenshin turn to face his old student, raising a troubled eyebrow. "So nice to see you my boy it as truly been some time hasn't it?' he looked Yoshi up and down and laughed. 'Seems as if you are no longer a boy any more; you will always be one of my best fighters."
"Look, there's truly no time for niceties, I need all the information you have on when Shibano is leaving for America." Yoshi fully understood what he was asking.
Kenshin almost fell down when he heard Yoshi's question, he looked across at the cab drive then back at Yoshi. "If I tell you Yoshi you know that they'll kill me!"
"I know I can't protect you master, but I must stop Saki things are getting out of hand; the younger brother of Nagi as clearly lost his way!"
Kenshin looked back at his dojo; he knew deep down inside what lined he had cross to get the building and his school of the ground, but now realised what it had cost him. "I was once a proud and respected man; always teach my students to be truth and respectful. I have let so many down.' Yoshi shook his head; Kenshin was ready to tell Yoshi the little he knew. "Look I had overheard Shibano talk early before this evenings class, he had made arrangements for a jet to be ready this very evening and then half way through class he was gone."
Yoshi thanked his old master and then head back into the taxi, he stated to the drive. "I need you to take me to the airport and fast, time may not be on my side." The drive just nodded and headed to the airport.
Shen stood in the hallway ready to knock on Yoshi's door, taking one final breath before telling him how she felt, about him and the whole situation. However before she could raise her hand to knock on the door the door was pulled back and Gohgi stood in the doorway. Their eyes met, Shen straight away could sense that there was something not quite right by the red and puffy rings around Yoshi's grandfather's eyes. "Oh my poor dear child you better come in." he gestured for her to come in.
"I'm here to speak with Yoshi Gohgi is he here!?" she said confused as she stood on the threshold of the apartment.
"I'm oh so sorry Shen, but he's not here." answered Gohgi stepping in to hug her tight.
"Gohgu it's important I need to speak with him where could he be at this hour?" Shen asked looking our at her watch.
"There is a lot to discuss you better sit down!" addressed Gohgi leading Shen into the living room.
"Come now Gohgi you are making worry, please what as happened... Where is he where is Yoshi!"
Gohgi shook his head. "Saki is leaving for America tonight, Yoshi has gone after him in the hopes of stopping this from happening, so please now come sit let's wait for Yoshi's return."
"And what Gohgi you just let that happen!' There was no reply, in fact Gohgi looked away. 'What is wrong with you, this as truly gone too far I'm calling the police; let them deal with Saki and the clan."
Gohgo stepped forward shaking his head as Shen stood up from her seat and was about to pick up the house phone. "That won't end this my sweet girl; they all know of the clan's existence. I can promise you they wont help us at all; the Shibano Ni Clan is far too big; if he's got to be the one to stop this then damn it then so be it."
"And what if he can't stop him; what then hey Gohgi what then?" replied Shen with tears of sorrow in her eyes, 'If I've got to be the one to save Yoshi from this madness then so be it!" Yoshi's grandfather saw her sadness and told her that if she wishes to get to Yoshi then she must go now. Without wasting another second Shen turned and left.
Has Yoshi's taxi turned into the grounds of the airport Yoshi spots the surrounding clan entourage; who had gathered around their leaders Shibano and Saki; all heading across the runway toward a black private jet. Yoshi knew this was it no turning back, he placed a hand on the driver's shoulder and told him. "Hey now please just pull over here!"
The drive simply nodded and sharply parked the cab. Yoshi then picked up his bag, then paid the high fair, took hold of Shiro's cage in his left hand. "You going to be all right there?" The driver asked passively. "Yeah you have a good evening." stated Yoshi kindly, knowing the driver was only being polite; with that he opened the door and with a quick smile thanked the driver and closed the door behind him.
It was raining heavily; Yoshi pulled his collar up and ran over to the surrounding airport defenses. "Got to get to him and fast, before it's too late." He looked around, no one was around; he caught sight of the taxi turning out of the ground he knew he had to act now no turning back.
Yoshi looked up and saw the top of the barb wire fence and noticed a red sensor security lights; he bent down and picked up a smallest of twig that he could find on the ground beneath his feet. Knowing that he would only have one try took a long deep breath and threw it at the sensor; as planned the twig simply dropped into place, disable the sensors so it would go off when he crossed the top. Yoshi looked in on Shiro. "Sorry my little friend its going to be a bumpy few second." Then he threw his bag up into the air and with Shiro's cage tightly in hand he started to scale the fencing, each time with skills holding his hand out grabbing the bag in mid drop before throwing it further up into the air.
Yoshi then leaped over the other side and perfectly caught his bag just before it would have hit the ground. Without even taking a second to catch his breath.
Yoshi was running across the grounds to the runway where the aeroplane was readying its engines for take off to America. Things were now happening way too fast, Yoshi realised he must get on board and that he may not be getting off.
Shen had managed to get to the airport on the back of her friends motorbike and spotted Yoshi heading towards the plane. Shen cupped her hands around her mouth and called out to him at the top of her lunges. "Yoshi please come back you don't have to do this; just come back to me!" but sadly her cries were drowned out by the roar of the plane's engines.
In sadness Shen had come to that realisation that she had gotten there too late, knowing that she would never she the man she loved again Shen fell to the ground in tears rolled down her face; her friend holding her in a comforting embrace. "Goodbye my love!"
Yoshi saw the only chance to get on board and run to the wheel-arch of the plane and with difficulty he had managed to pull himself up sneaking on board without being detected; just as the wheels of the aeroplane started to turn fast and fast down the runway. The aeroplane slowly gathered up speed skimming the surface was the tarmac.
Once safely on board the plane Yoshi took out one of the clan's soldiers and quickly changed into his outfit. Deep down Yoshi felt dirty, but knew it had to be done to enable him to get close to Saki. As he tried to get into the private quarters of Saki, his heart slowly started to beat rapidly, sweat was trickling down his face and his left hand was shaking uncontrollable.
Yoshi told himself. 'Come on now pull yourself together; Saki is just behind that door, if you go in like this you'll no doubt be killed for sure!' Getting a hold of himself he walked towards the door.
He made a briefest of eye contact with Takehiko; Saki's second stepped in close; noticing the slight differences with the stances of the soldier. "Hey Browin; master Saki still thinks that no good scum err Yos-a-something will come to stop him, but we all know that the coward wouldn't dare come here to stop the Shibano's great plan!" he commented in passing.
"Yeah that coward… Too the great plan of the Shibano Ni Clan!" Yoshi was forced to reply, so not to get the guy suspicious, but deep down Yoshi wanted to prove the guy wrong and that he was here and no coward.
And however Takehiko knew instantly that this wasn't truly Browin and grabbed hold of Yoshi; forcing him back to the wall and pulled off his mask.
Yoshi pushed himself free of Takehiko; he however found himself surround, a fight broke out. Unfortunately Yoshi was clearly outnumbered and he was brought down to his knees.
Captured Takehiko took Yoshi and threw him down before Saki. "I came here to try and save you Saki, please see some sense and stop this while there is time."
"Look around you Yoshi, I don't need saving damn you, I'm exactly where I should be the future of the clan." was Saki's response.
"So what about your life in Japan Saki? Your family… Your mother, Miyoko."
-A Humble Past A Stronger Future-
Hearing his mother's name didn't even seem to faze Saki at all and to Yoshi shock it was as if he had fully put that part of his life to death. "Nagi was always her favourite and my younger brother Kazuo will no doubt be on the straight and narrow. And besides she'll know where I am when the time comes." snapped Saki.
Yoshi shook his head in utter disbelieve, 'Saki he's maybe just beyond help; he is driven by his clouded dreams.' Deep down inside all Yoshi wanted to do now was to head back home to the life he'd left behind; however Yoshi knew that he couldn't do that.
Saki stood up from his seat and walked towards Yoshi, he stood there staring at Yoshi; he looked to either side of Yoshi at the two soldier's who had Yoshi held tightly. 'He is just where I want him.' he though deep down inside for a second. 'All I want to do now is to jump across this blasted room and kill him where he stands, oh how bloody simple it would be... Grab him by his throat and throttle him until his life runs dry; ending his miserable life for good.'
However, Saki knew deep down realised that he can't take any further risk in any way; his rage was still too strong to hold back and the leader was heard to cry out. "Oh Yoshi I should kill you right where you stand, but alas I wont... I can't, as if I did then I'd be the one to stop the clan's power in this new land even before it had ever started." He rubbed his left hand down his right arm; he then held it back and struck Yoshi hard across his face in anger.
A great feeling of jubilation rush over him as Saki saw the red mark form across Yoshi's cheek. "Luckily for you I have no other option, but to hand you over to the proper authorities when we land and in their hands I will see that you rot behind bars. You'll be no bother after then!' he snapped leaning in at Yoshi. 'Now take him away I want to enjoy the rest of this flight damn it!" Saki then retook his seat and picked up a glass and took a sip not even looking back at Yoshi as he tried once again to struggle free.
Once on American soil, even though Saki didn't want to draw too much attention to himself and his true nature in America, he with the two members and Takehiko by their side took Yoshi to the authorities. Yoshi lowered his head in defeat; something Saki took delight in as a young officer came to meet them, called Officer John Stern. "You are done!" whispered Saki.
This gave him the drive to go on; Yoshi then dropped Shiro's cage to the floor; the door swung open and the brown rat was then able to leap out of his cage. Yoshi looked down at his pet. 'I hope you can help us my boy as your my only blessing now of hope!'
Shiro looked out at his owner with a twitch of his nose. Yoshi's pet rodent came up trumps; he bit the hand of Takehiko as he came in to grab him, then the rodent quickly ran up onto his broad shoulders of Saki's second in command and quickly leaped towards the clan leader. Shiro landed on Saki's face. As Saki brought his hands up to grab the rat Shiro dug in his sharp little claws in and wiped deep across Saki's face.
Saki screamed out in pain and blood could be seen on his hands. Yoshi saw his chance to run, he forced his elbow into the side of the soldier to his left and free brought the second soldier to his right down to the ground with a throw move. "Know this Saki; I will try and stop you at every turn; you truly haven't seen the last of me."
Through the pain Saki cried out. "Get him, kil…" but quickly ended the sentence, as the young Japanese male saw the armed transport police.
"This isn't over Yoshi.' he whispered to Takehiko. 'I want the entire city scoured and him brought to me!"
Yoshi also saw the police and knowing now that he had no true right to be in the country and that he would be classed as an illegal-immigrant, Yoshi therefore made a home for himself on the streets.
America had welcomed him with a cold embrace; it wasn't the kind where he could shield himself with a tight snuggle of an old thick coat. It was at this point when Yoshi suddenly realised just how much he had sacrifice, how much he regretted and how much hopelessness he feels deep inside.
In this country Yoshi was just another face, totally lost in the crowd. Everyone else would simply ignore the dark coat man with selfless shoves and passive responses; as they all struggled to get through their own day. Yoshi looked up at the raising sun, which reminded him of home; he later that morning looked for some discarded blank paper and a pen. Sitting in the light of a street lamp Yoshi wrote two letters, -My heart will always love you- he ended Shen's letter.
Happy with what he had wrote Yoshi sent word back to Japan of his landing in America, but he knew that for Shen and his grandfather there wouldn't be no way for them to reply. The sadness was too great; Yoshi truly didn't know how he would go on, but go on he must. It was the presence of Shiro the link I still had with my past that helped me.
Saki sat ready to have his mask placed over his face. 'I can't afford my men or enemies to see my weaknesses.' "Today I want all in this world to call me Shre`Ard! I shell still be feared, a man to be revered!" snapped Shre`Ard, taking his new stands the mask heightened his drive his being.
As Shre`Ard he stamped his mark firmly on the streets of America, the clan in turn grew stronger in power and size. Shre`Ard's rapid success pleased him at the clan's core.
To keep up to date with the goings on within the city Yoshi would take the newspaper from the cities rubbish bins and read about the city and the reports about the raise in crime and violence. Yoshi didn't like what he was reading and knew that he would have to stop Saki and his leadership of the Shibano Ni Clan. He was ready to take a stand Yoshi knew that he must be determined.
Months went by and Yoshi in this time had managed to learn the streets and back alleyways that surrounded the clan's base of operations like the back of his hand. To aid him further he would also study the underground subways and sewer systems to collect the best picture of the city that he truly could.
Using this gained knowledge of the layout of the city Yoshi would go out each night and strike the clan fast and hard, however he soon came to realise the harsh truth that deep down one man's actions just wouldn't be enough to bring down the clan and that he couldn't get help or contact the police.
On his next night battling the clan; a member managed to kick Yoshi to the floor. "This is your end!" he called out.
Yoshi looked up as the member moved in; the clan member saw Yoshi shacking his head and found himself swept up off his feet, falling flat on his back. "You'll be paying for that!" the clan member stated pulled out his gun.
Yoshi backed away as he looked down the barrel of the gun. "See now that's the true power and nature of the clan..." Yoshi knew he had to get away; in doing so he was shot in the shoulder.
Still pouring with blood from his bullet wound Yoshi was able to make his way back to his hideaway, but he was tracked down by the clan member. "Your blood runs a line kid... And how that line ends here!"
'No like this not without coming face to face with Saki.' Hurt Yoshi pulled himself up and looked around; out of the corner of his right eye saw a man-hole cover and was forced to make his way down into the sewer.
Down in the sewer, Yoshi looked down at his pet rat, he knew that rat's don't live as long as humans and his pet was getting old. The sorrow of him not giving the rat a chance to live was great; feeling that his ticket was punched. 'He should be free, I would be killing him too if I die here.'
So he opened the cage door and let Shiro free. "Go on then little one leave be free, its time for you to be free; find a home for yourself in this world without me!"
The rat stepped out of his cage, which through all these years he was happy to call home; he looked left and looked right sniffing the air around him. "Like I said Shiro my friend my pet your free. Go! Go now you're free. It's your chance to live." But Shiro was loyal not wanting to leave his owners side, the small brown male rat would scuttled on to Yoshi's shoulder; Yoshi looked over at his rat and smiled in pleasure.
Later that morning as Yoshi lay hurt, up on the city street above him a young skinny teenage boy with short cut brown hair, brown hazel eyes and thin pink lips walking towards a pet shop. The kid's actions were being closely watched from across the street by a group of bullies from his school. "Can we get him now, hey Hunter?" said a stumpy kid; as he looked up at the clear leader of the gang for permission.
The leader just laughed and replied. "No not just yet, we'll wait for now! Let's ruin his whole day, let's wait until he buys his pet and then we'll strike... Taking it away." Hunter was the largest of the bully and is the stereotypical school bully. He is fat, ugly and always seems to be angry with a mean stern look on his face; he would even from time to time hurts his own 'gang' members.
The owner from behind his counter smiled politely at the young boy as he walked inside and kindly asked in a warm tone. "May I help you?"
"Oh yes, its my birthday today you see and my father said that I can get myself a pet."
"So young one what are you looking for?!' again the man behind the counter smiled. 'I have every pet a boy like you could be wishing for; cats, dogs, birds, fish or a hamsters perhaps." The owner waited for a reply, he saw that the boy was really thinking about what he would buy for himself.
The owner then beamed from check to check, held a finger up in the air and stated. "Oh no wait I've got it my young buy just the right thing for you, just in today as a matter of fact a group turtles. Four young turtles; the youngest only a few days old!"
"I haven't really decided on what kind of pet I want yet." he replied scratching his head; deep down all he knew was he didn't just won't to own a gold fish.
"Well like I told you kid I've got four turtles just waiting for a new home a owner just like yourself; come come over and take a look." The 11 year old followed the pet shop owner to a set of tanks and there looking back at him were five turtles not four.
"But sir there's five in there... Five turtle's look see inside the tank!"
The young boy smile when the owner could have them at the same prise. "I feel you'll look after them well my boy; other kids that will come into the store will simply pock and hit their shells. Yeah you'll give them a good home all right better than any child in this neighbourhood."
The bell over the door rang as the boy had left the store. He had spent all his birthday money and he had brought five different sized turtles.
The bullies looked up at their leader waiting for his response; one leaned forward eagerly wanting to strike. Hunter grinned liking the respect he had beaten into them and simply nodded.
And without needing him to speak they had run over the road dodging cars and people to get to him, one bully had came up close behind and pushed him hard with both hands. Then the largest bully had stuck out his size 8 shoe and purposely tripped the boy.
The skinny tall kid fell forward off the curb and out into the street; he had landed hard on the tarmac below gracing his hands and ripping holes into his red skinny jeans. The tank he was carrying had flow out of his grasp; it flew through the air, hitting the pavement and the glass tank smashed at it hit the ground.
Even as near by person came over to kindly help the boy; even the shop owner came running out after seeing what had happened. The bullies were still all standing there on the curbside; pointing at him, calling him names and laughing, they were so pleased with their actions.
Out of the corner of his eye the boy watched as four of the newly brought turtle had fallen down the storm drains and into the sewer; he tried to get up of the tarmac to go after them, but it was too late that had gone. The fifth was lost.
A large six wheeler lorry then suddenly came around the corner at high speed and up the street, the driver steering hard to try and keep control of the lorry. Police sirens could be faintly heard and then came two blacked out vans driving erratically after the lorry. By standers on the pavement turning their heads sharply as they heard the commotion race past them.
When the sound of the police sirens could be heard louder the bullies soon stopped their laughing and name calling; all turning looking to their leader. Hunter looked quickly from left and right, seeing the people around him. 'One of them must have called the police blast them.' were his cowardly thoughts. "Come on man what are we going to do; I can't afford to get busted!"
"And we're not going too either!" snapped Hunter almost striking down on his friend.
The gang this time didn't wait for their leader's approval they merely turned tails and ran off down West Street. However, the larger bully Hunter stepped forward pushing his way through the crowd and kicked the boy in the chest; standing above Arnold stating. "Hey now if you bloody dare grass on us Arnold and get me into any trouble, know this I will personal make sure that you'll be dog meat on Monday!"
The lorry driver was driving fast approaching the scene, he then took his eyes off the road for just a second looking back over his shoulder as he heard gun fire. He saw as the two blacked out vans came into view there side doors pulled back and gun man leaning out taking aim. He then saw that they were being followed by a number of police cars; the police were firing bullets trying to stop the robbers from catching up with the lorry. Then as the driver looked forward he just couldn't beleive the sight that was ahead of him; Arnold and the people who had gathered around him in the middle of the road.
The driver acted quickly, pressing down hard on his horn. The crowd quickly moved back; but there wasn't time to clear the road completely. The driver managed just in time to swerve out of the way; just managing to avoid them. Then to stop the lorry from crashing the drive quickly slammed his foot down hard on the breaks, but it was too little too late. The lorry's large black tyres screeched loudly, smoke came off the brake pads has the might of the lorry tried to stop. There were two lines of black tyrer marks left on the road; however the six wheeler lorry couldn't stop in time. It came crashing into a row of parked cars at the side of the road.
The trailer's doors were flung open on impact and swung into the side of the lorry, which caused a tie-cable to suddenly snap free. Four large drum had broke loss; one of the drums had been knocked off the back of the trailer, hit the tarmac hard and had smashed; spilling the green glowing ooze across the entire surface of the road completely.
Both blacked out vans stopped at the side of the road; as the green ooze flowed further flowing down the storm drains. An eager member of the clan inside was still willing to carry out his orders from Shre`Ard and slightly leaned forward to step out of the van door ready to dismount; he however felt a hand on his shoulder and he was suddenly pulled back inside by another colleague of the clan who had second thoughts. "What are you doing man... We have our order to complete blast you!"
"No the risks are too high. Clearly this mission as gone to pot, to protect the clan we must leave now.' The two clan members looked at each other dead in the eye. 'You stay if you wish, but no doubt Shre`Ard wouldn't thank you if the cops get you." And the door was slid back shut immediately.
The crowd of people then turned their face to see the vans as their engines revved up and the two vans sped off at high speed down into a back alleyway with the police continued on after them in high pursuit in hopes of stopping them.
The lorry driver quickly opened his door and jumped down from his cad, he saw the ooze in the street. He waved his arms and shouted at the top of his voice. "Get out of the street; don't get any of this green stuff on to you!" Across the side of the lorry the boy saw the words. 'Techno Global Research Institute.'
"Please now you have to listen, you must get out of the road its for your own good! It is truly important you don't wanna get anywhere near this damn ooze... Please get off the street you have to listen!"