Chapter1
On the edge of a cliff there is a guy in a black cloak with a samurai sword on his hip. He is just standing there when a young man walks up
Youngman: Hey you there are you the one they call shadow sword?
Mysterious man: Go away if you value your life
Youngman: Hey my town was just destroyed by this so called master assassin. I have to avenge my family. *HE draws his sword* prepare to die.
The mysterious man just smiles
Young man: Wipe that grin off. DIE!!!
HE slashes at the man but misses
young man: Huh a shadow here did he go
Mysterious man: Behind you
Young man: What!?
The mysterious man slashes at him and cuts him in two. The young man doesn't even utter a word.
Mysterious man: Why must they do everything the hard way. Pitiful beings.
He walks off into the sunset that leads into the next village
Inside the town tavern rumors are spreading like crazy
Drunk man: Hey did you hear that killer dude what's his name is here, umm shadowsong or something
Bartender: No way it shadow scythe or something like that
Booming Voice: Its Shadow Sword
The whole tavern: Huh?!
Voice: My name is Alex Von Charza. I have been hunting this man for a while and I have heard he has come to this town. But for the lack of mayhem apparently he isn't here. I must continue my search If you see him tell him that I will kill him.
He leaves
Bartender: Well that sure was weird oh well back to work
the door opens and a guy in a black cloak appears
Mysterious man: Hello would you be so kind to tell me where to find the head chief of this village please.
Bartender: Yeah sure he's right down the road can't miss it.
Mysterious man: Thank you here's a tip *throws a silver coin at him*
Bartender: Thank you kind sir what is your name I might ask?
Mysterious Man: I'm called Shadow Sword
the bartender gulps as Shadow Sword leaves the inn
Chapter two: The Job
as Shadow Sword leaves the tavern with people staring at him with gawked stares, they run away. Afraid that he might kill him. As the cool breeze of the night approaching goes across the face of shadow sword he reaches his destination. AS he is looking at the colorful building with many carved stone statues he wonders why this village is so poor.
"May I help you sir?" He turns around with his blade half out of his scabbard when he sees a wrinkled old man with cane looking at him. He puts his sword away and says,
"Yes I was told to come here. Someone said that they have a job for me" "Oh yes, right away" As shadow sword enters the house he notices that inside is even more luxurious. He stares at awe as he sees the paintings that can feed this village for a year. He shoves these thoughts out of his mind for it doesn't concern him. As he enters into the leader's room he sees a knife go flying towards his face. Without even movement being detected he slices it in half.
"Ha Ha Ha Ha. That's what I would expect from the great shadow sword come, come. Sit and drink."
"I don't play games what's the target and where"
"I see that you are very blunt. Very well then the target is the next village. It's called kinetin. I want you to take out the headman. I swear it is only because he been unfair to the villagers and-"
"Stuff it. It'll cost you this much" He writes a number on a piece of paper. "WHAT! ARE YOU CRAZY! NO WAY WILL I PAY THAT MUCH" "either take it or leave it. I guarantee my jobs" He starts to leave and when he gets to the door the leader says,
"Wait. I will pay your price."
"Very well. I will collect my payment after this job is over and if you try to cheat me" He makes a slitting motion on his throat " Then your life is mine" "Very well. Here don't you want a picture of him" He flips out a picture when a knife goes through it and sticks it to the side of the wall.
"Just watch and see. By this time tomorrow he will die" He leaves leaving the village leader speechless.
Chapter Three Ambush
The town was very quiet as Shadow Sword looked down upon it from a nearby cliff. He thinks of this town and of how it reminds him of home; and of the girl he once loved. Sakura was her name he thinks. He dismisses these crazy memories. He has a job to do. The moonless night provides great cover for him as he rushes down the hill with the wind moving across the grass. The chilly night reminds him of that time. That time when he was under the great lord Mifune. He was a commander of the order of Bizen, an elite stealth team serving only one purpose; to defend the lord and protect the great lord Mifune. But one of his closest friends in the order betrayed him. He killed everyone in the order and his lord but he spared him. Just so he could go on living everyday knowing that he had failed. He pushed these thoughts out of his mind and starts moving on the rooftops. The tiny *click clack* of the tiles could not be heard over the night orchestra. He finally reached his destination. He silently slips through the window and creeps into the Magistrate's room. Shadow Sword takes out a dagger when he hears the door slide open. His daughter comes in looking shocked. He rushes over to her and covers her mouth
"Don't scream little one" he said, "I won't hurt you" Suddenly the town bells start ringing.
"Ambush, it's an ambush! The neighboring village is attacking. Defend yourselves." All hell is broken loose as the town explodes with movement. A rain of burning arrows appears out of nowhere striking everything. The town is set ablaze. The Magistrate leaps out of bed and sees Shadow Sword with his daughter.
"Get your hands off my daughter you bastard" He rushes at him when an arrow is fired through him.
"Damn" Shadow Sword thinks, "This is not what is supposed to be happening. He turns to the girl and says, "Come. I will take you to safety."
"No leave me alone" She struggles and tries to get free of his grip but he is to strong. He rushes out to find the guy who had hired him.
"What the hell do you think you are doing!? This was supposed to be an assassination mission. Not a massacre. Only the Magistrate was supposed to die. No one else."
" Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. What are you an honorable assassin? Well no matter. To tell you the truth I was sent to kill you. I was hoping you would die in the arrow crossfire but I guess that you are just to good."
"Who did it?! Who sent you?!"
"Well now I can't tell you that. But I can tell you it was someone you know. Beware for the last of the the Bizen is to fall. Mwa ha ha ha. Run little assassin for soon doom shall come to you. Ha ha ha ha."
As Shadow sword rushes into the moonless night, lit by the burning of the village and with the girl in his arms, all that can be heard is laughter for miles.
Chapter 4 Memories
Shadow Sword pants as he reaches a cave with a running stream nearby. He sits down upon a huge rock and sets the girl down next to him. She fell asleep about 6 hours ago. He remembers about how the heat of the flames and the smoke covered the skies for hours. He leans next to the girl and whispers into her ear
"Hey. Wake up. We are out safely. Come on."
"Huh, what?" She lets out a big *Yawn*
"Its okay we are safe from them now don't' worry"
"Oh, okay" She scoots a little away from him.
"Look I know you don't trust6 but please. I didn't mean for any of this to happen at all. Trust me on this. I did not want this to happen at all. If it means anything to you I am sorry."
"So you saying sorry will fix everything just like that! I don't even know you. And what were you trying to do to my father?"
"I was hired to kill him. But that's all in the past right now. Look we have to work together or else they will come back and kill us. Come on we should search for food or else we will never survive."
"Okay" As they are searching for food in the forest they find a bunch of logs and mushrooms. They find some good supplies and go back to the cave. As they are going back the girl starts asking about Shadow Sword.
"Umm. I was wondering? Where exactly are you from and why did you decide to become an assassin?"
"Are you sure that you want to ask me that?
"Yes I do please tell. How can I ever trust you if I never know who you are?"
"Very well then it all started back with lord Mifune. It was a long time ago, I would say about 8 years ago. I lived in the city of the Koto. I was about 16 at the time when I decided that I wished to become a samurai. I came upon a lone traveler being attacked by bandits. I rushed over to him and splayed the bandits. He thanked me and was impressed by my skills. He asked whether I was thinking of becoming a retainer. I said that I was and then he said that he was called lord Mifune and that he wanted me to become his personal guard. I would be ranked among the highest of people. How could I refuse? About three years later we formed the order of Bizen. It was meant to protect the lord. But it was so long ago."
"Why are you stopping?"
"Well I am telling you all about me yet I don't even know who you are."
"Oh well my name is Sakura."
"Sakura?!"
"What? Is something the matter?"
"No, no you just reminded me of an old friend. Her name was Sakura to. She would go out when the blossoms bloomed and looked lovely. She had long flowing brown and hair and was very beautiful. She was the daughter of my lord and we were to be married before the. incident."
"What incident?"
"Well when we were to get married my best friend Alex of the Hamogori family was secretly in love with Sakura. He was enraged to find out about our marriage and plotted my downfall. Later on someone deep within the Bizen destroyed the whole entire order while I was away. When I came back everyone was killed. The order, Lord Mifune, and even my lovely Sakura" Tears are streaming down his face as he talks about his past and the wind blows them off into the distant horizon.
"There it's okay. I am here for you know."
'Thanks. You know I never noticed before but you are very beautiful. You look just like Sakura"
She blushes; "Oh thank you" There is a slight pause between them when she finally asks, and "You still haven't told me of your name just yet. What is it?"
"It's Mokuba. Mokuba Shima. Come on now we must get going. It will be night soon and we must set up camp"
"Oh; okay" As they get a fire started and start eating the mushrooms and cooking some fish that they caught they start looking up at the stars. Sakura starts moving up next to Mokuba.
"I'm scared. I'm afraid that I will be alone again. My family is gone and I have no one left to go to."
"Don't worry I know exactly what's going on."
"Please stay with me. I don't want to be alone. Just sit here with me and don't go." She starts to snuggle up to him and starts to fall asleep when the fire starts to dim and the night becomes darker.
He whispers softly to her, "Don't worry little one. I won't leave you."
Nothing else is heard as the night goes and they just sleep right next to each other.
Chapter 5 Sorrow
As the cool morning breeze goes across S.S face he think about what had happened last night and how he had felt about Sakura. Maybe he was starting to go soft. He had never felt this way before. Only towards the other Sakura has he ever felt this complete. This content.
"Good morning Mokuba" Shadow Sword turns around to see that Sakura has finally awaken.
"Good morning little one. How are you feeling this morning?" He bends down and grabs another log and throws it into the fire "Feeling well?" He turns his head away from the soot which has been getting into his eyes.
"Fine. I slept well knowing that you were there to protect me." She smiles as she sits next to him and leans close to him.
"Well I hope you are hungry. I just started the fish right now and they should be done soon." As he looks into her beautiful eyes he noticed how much she has become to mean to him. He is starting to fall for her. She smiles at him and he starts to blush.
"What's wrong Mokuba?"
"It's nothing Sakura. Here the fish is done." They eat for a little while in silence when Sakura starts to speak
"So, how long do you think we have been out here?"
"About a week I would say."
"Oh. What do you think happened to my village? My family?"
"Well the village is probably burned down by now. Your family is dead... I'm very sorry for your loss."
'Yeah. I was wondering, since I have nowhere to go. can I stay with you?"
'What!?"
"Yeah I mean we both are alone. We could look out for each other."
"Well I don't know.."
"Pleaseeeeeee"
"Oh I guess so."
"Great we could build a home and live together. Yay. Thank you."
"Don't mention it. You've started to grow on me. In a low whisper and in more ways then one."
"What?"
"Nothing. Would you mind if I went to sleep. I've been up all night and am really tired."
"Sure."
"Thank you; good night." As he walks back into the cave which they have furnished as a sleeping quarter he starts to think. Could I really spend the rest of my life with her? Could I? Is she really starting to grow on me so much? Oh well what is done is done. I wonder if she feels the same thing about me. He starts to go into a makeshift mat that they had put together with leaves and some twigs. It was simple and a little uncomfortable but better then nothing. As he closed his eyes he thought of just how much he was starting to like her.
"Ahhhhhhh" He wakes up with a start and looks around. He grabs his sword and rushes out. HE sees Sakura and that man who had set him up. Sakura is whimpering as she is tied up and being held by the man.
"Just who the heck are you?"
"He he. I knew I would see you again soon. My name is Kojiro. I work for someone you know. Someone who is dying to meet you."
'Help me Mokuba, please help Me."
'Shut up you wench. Now as I was saying, if you want to meet her again and don't want top see her die, come to the Shoaling temple by midnight tomorrow or she will die. Come for I await you. Ha, ha, ha." As he jumps of into the night he leaves S.S. thinking about what to do.
As S.S is standing in front of the temple he sees Kojiro and Sakura standing on top of the roof.
"I see you showed up."
"Let her go you bastard. I don't know what it is you want but leave her out of It."
"Such emotions. Here I thought you were a serious assassin. Do you have feelings for her? Well then by all means, take her." He throws her at him and as S.S. rushes to catch her a Kojiro throws a knife into her back.
"Oops slipped. I'm sorry, did I hurt her. I'm so sorry."
He grabs Sakura who is bleeding furiously from her back. S.S. sets her down softly tears start to stream down Sakura's eyes.
"I'm so sorry She coughs up blood as she talks I let you down"
"No, you didn't let me down. I'll find some way to save you. Trust me."
"How touching. Anyway this was to envoy a message to you from your 'friend'. Ta-Ta for now. We will most likely meet again in the future."
"Don't worry ill find you and kill you." He picks up Sakura, whose breathing has becomes shallow, and starts running towards the closest village.
Chapter 6 The Oath
S.S. is rushing down the mountain fast as he tries to reach the village of Kazan. Sakura heart has become very still for a while and he is worried. He rushes past the mass amount of pine trees and bark surrounding him. His shoes have been worn and he is starting to form blisters at the bottom of his feet. His feet are bleeding furiously as he is constantly stepping on rocks and other sharp objects. He pants heavily for he has been running for 5 hours nonstop. He promised he would help her all he could and he will keep his promise. As he crosses over the next mountain he sees lights. Could it be? Has he finally reached Kazan. He dares not hope because last time it was a fire. As he closes in on the light he sees that he has reached the city. He is filled with joy and hurries to the doctor's hut. As he starts to locate it, it starts to rain. He curses silently and hurries to find shelter for himself and Sakura. As he rushes into the closest building he is astounded by the vibrant colors inside this house. Colors of all kinds decorate the walls and paintings are everywhere. He looks at one piece and is startled to realize that it is the famous La Gaze'te Lugo. A famous painting worth hundreds of gold.
"You like that one. Got it on sale for about 50 Gold. It was a steal"
S.S. turns around sword half drawn, glinting in the brightly lighted room.
"Now, now no need for that. I will not harm you. Who might I ask is that?"
He points to Sakura who is over his shoulder.
"This is a friend who was badly hurt. I am looking for the doctor in this village. Do you happen to know his whereabouts?"
"Why yes. It is me. May I help you?"
"Please. She was badly hurt."
"Oh my! She has a fever. What happened? Crushed ribs, broken arms, AND minor concussions. Jeez what happened?"
"Let's just say that something terrible happened to her. Can you still help her?"
"Well... I don't know.."
S.S. goes up to him and grabs him by the throat. He pulls him against the wall and in a very menacing tone he says
"Help her or so help me I will kill you." He puts a knife up to his throat and smiles. "You got that?"
"Y-y-y-es I think that I do."
"Good. Now if she dies then you're as good as dead. Make sure that she is well taken care of." He sheathes his dagger and takes a small leather purse that jingles as he throws it up and down from his hand. He then throws it to the man.
"Here is an advance for the treatment. I'll triple what is in there if you can save her."
He greedily goes to the purse and picks it up jiggling it to hear how much it is.
"Yes sir right away. I'll get right on it" He goes off into a backroom laughing silently at how much he has received. S.S. turns to Sakura and looks at her with sadness in his eyes. He leans down right next to her and tears start to stream down his eyes.
"I'm so sorry Sakura. If it wasn't for me this would have never happened. If I had never gone to your village. If I hadn't accepted that deal, or if I had left you alone. It's just all my fault." Tears are streaming down is un-kept face falling down onto Sakura.
"M-m-moku-ku-ba"
"Huh!"
"Mokuba, I-it's okay. I know that you didn't mean for any of it to happen. Cough and if you had never come then I would have never met you and I think that I am starting to fall in love with you as well so please don't be sad." She moves her hand up and wipes away the tears from him. Then S.S. grabs her hand and lays his head against it.
"Oh Sakura. I think I am feeling the same way as well. I promise to you, No! An oath, that I shall personally kill who ever did this to you. They shall taste my love my sorrow, and all of my anger that I feel at this moment."
"Oh Mokuba." As she speaks she starts to cough up blood and the doctor then comes rushing into the screaming.
"Out, out, out. This will be a delicate operation and I want no one around. Shoo, shoo shoo."
S.S. looks one last at Sakura and then leaves the house. As he leaves the sky is starting to clear up even though it is still dark. The rain falls off the tiles from the roof and the soft Splish Splash is heard as he walks off the front porch. He looks into the dark colored sky and he thinks of how much has happened and how to get back at that man. As he starts walking around town he sees a man with a cloak and red hair walking towards him. S.S. thinks that this guy seems really familiar. As he walks past him the red haired man bumps into him.
"Oh, I am so sorry sir"
"It's okay. It's not a problem."
"Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex Von Charza and I am here to kill you Shadow Sword."
"WHAT!?"
"That's right now prepare to die like the dog you are" HE throws off his cloak and grabs hold of his sword and pulls it out. It glistens in the now rising sun penetrating the darkness. Rain slowly drips off from it and he goes into a crouching stance and rushes into S.S. S.S. barely pulls unsheathes his own sword and parries his blow.
"Ah. Good to see that you do have skill. And here I thought that you were another loser."
"He, he. You'll find me much then a loser." He grunts a bit and pushes up onto his sword and throws Alex off balance and slashes at him. Alex does a back flip away from him. This won't be easy S.S. thinks. He's good. Very good. I might have to use all my strength just to beat him. Very well then I shall welcome the challenge.
"Prepare you cur for your hour of judgment is upon you."
"Hopefully you said your thanks to the high ones for you picked the fight at the wrong time."
"AHHHHH!"
"ARGHHH!"
They both rush at each other with sword out stretched.
Chapter 7: Secret techniques
Slash parry thrust the sound of steel vs. steel could be heard all over the village. Both opponents are running parallel from each other with swords out stretched. The puddles do not even slow them down as water is sprayed all over their clothes. Perspiration beads down both their foreheads as they have found out they are evenly matched. Alex jumps towards S.S. with a jump overhead slash screaming his battle cry. S.S. brings up his sword in response blocking the attack while shoving Alex off balance. Alex grunts as he slides across the ground. S.S. rushes and they both pass each other with swords slashing. They both land down on the ground and stagger. Alex has a bright red slash across his chest while S.S. has a gash on his left arm.
"Well well. It looks like the might Shadow Sword just isn't what he is cracked up to be." Alex's headband has started to flay with the slight breeze that has started to appear.
"He he he he"
"What are you laughing about?"
"I was testing the extent of your skill and I find it lacking. It is true that you are a worthy opponent but I still have yet to unleash my secret techniques"
"Ha. You wish to scare me with your pathetic techniques. I Alex Von Charza am not afraid of your silly techniques"
"He we will see Alex" S.S. put together his hands and out stretches his hands. He takes his sword and throws it away. A dark glow appears to be resonating from his body. Little tiny lighting flashes appear before him and Alex starts to look nervous.
"Have you ever wondered why they call me Shadow Sword? Well you are about to find out." He stretches his hands out and out his hands into a sword style stance that no one has ever seen before.
"Prepare for a technique few have ever seen before. SHADOW SWORD APPEAR" A flash appears in between his hands a black sword appears into his hands.
"This is called the shadow sword. It is a blade that was I found after my ruin. With this blade I promised revenge. Soon you shall taste it wrath." S.S. rushes with great speed that Alex just stares. He run past Alex and doesn't even seem top move his hands.
"You missed ha ha h-"He looks down and sees that his sleeves are cut off.
"Run now while you have the chance to warrior. I do not wish to kill you."
"Ha. You think that you are the only one with secret techniques. You fool feel my wrath. LIGHTING BURST WAVE" He takes is sword and slashes down onto the ground. An electrical wave appears and rushes towards S.S. He jumps out of the way and the wave goes of and then dissipates.
"That's pretty good but can you stand against the Bizen schools ultimate technique." S.S. starts murmuring and again a black aura starts to swell over him. HE looks up and sees that Alex to is starting to murmur in the same way. In unison they then shout out
"SHADOW ILLUSION" Multiple copies appear from both of them and they both looked surprised. S.S. thinks about how he could know this technique. Only two people ever mastered it. Well now is not the time to worry about that. He rushes past each one and slashes them with his sword. They dissipate into thin air. He turns and sees Alex doing the same rushing the one that slashed the other shadows figuring out that since they could slash they were real. The shadow then parries.
"What?!" He looks shocked
"HE he. All the copies become dangerous when I duplicate with the shadow sword. Now time to perish" S.S. charges and knocks down Alex. His bandanna falls off and a scar is there. S.S. pauses for a second
"That scar. Is that you Mushi?"
"Mushi? Is that you Mokuba?"
"No it can't be you it just can't be. You're supposed to be dead. I saw them kill you."
"I'm afraid not..brother."
"Nooooooo. You're supposed to be dead."
Chapter 8 Flashbacks
"Can it really be you? I thought that you had died?
"No it really is me. Your older brother."
S.S. is in tears as he grabs Mushi and hugs him tight.
"I can't believe that it is really you."
"Yeah yeah" The brothers go off to an inn to reminisce.
"Bartender. Give us a round of your best brandy"
"Hai sir"
"So Mushi what's with this name Alex?" S.S. suppresses a laugh
"What?! You think it's funny?"
"Oh yes the great Alex Von Charza" S.S. cannot hold back his laughter and bursts out.
"Like Shadow Sword is any better Mokuba" Mushi chuckles.
"Yeah yeah you always were the comedian Mushi. Even back then when we were under Lord Mifune."
"Yeah those were the good old days weren't they. Although my memory is a little foggy. Care to remind me?"
"Why not. Back then I had just met Lord Mifune" Leans back and closes his eyes. "He was just starting his clan and saw me and took me in. Of course you already know about this so let me skip ahead two years. You had just come back from a place that you went away to. You never did tell me where though."
"Oh that. Well it wouldn't do any good to know now will it?"
"I guess not. Well anyway you decided that maybe you would like to serve with him as well. So you decided to train under the style as me and so on and so on.. How you could forget I have no idea."
"Well it's coming back to me now. You know you forget things sometimes." The waiter places down the drinks in front of them.
"Here you are gentlemen."
"Thanks pops" Mushi takes his down in one swig while Mokuba savors his. Mushi seems a little different. Mokuba thinks back to when they had mastered the secret techniques of the Bizen School.
"Finally after all that training we are the two masters"
"Yeah. About time to." A young Mokuba and Mushi are breathing heavily and sweating hard. A beautiful girl walks by not even glancing at them.
"You see her. Wow she looks beautiful Mokuba."
"Yeah she does." Mokuba blushes a bit and Mushi sees it.
"Oh I see. You starting to like girls now aren't ya?" Mushi grabs his arms and goads him on. "Well aren't ya?"
"Okay okay. So maybe I am.." Mushi lets him go
"So what's her name?"
"It's Sakura."
"Oh that's a nice name. Do you like her?"
"WHAT?! How could you ask that lord Mifune might be around.
"So what? Big deal."
"Well she's his daughter." Mushi whistles
"Whoa aren't you aiming hi younger brother."
Yes those days Mushi seemed much more carefree. But now his eyes seem to have a cold stare to them. It seemed to carry hatred in them.
"Come on Mokuba we'd better find that medicine"
"Huh? How do you know that I need medicine."
"I overheard it. Now let's go"
"Very well come on then brother" The two brothers travel for the next 3days over mountains and valleys to find the legendary medicine. As they walk about Mokuba notices something different about his brother and how he seems a bit colder then usual. He just shrugs it off assuming that it is the cold wind that he to feels. As they continue they finally find the medicine that can help.
"This is it Mushi. Finally I can help her."
"I think not brother" Mushi takes out his katana and flashes it against Mokuba.
"I should have known. Looks like they hired you as well."
"Yes they did. I am sorry little brother but I to have someone I love to protect. They say that if I don't kill you then they will kill her."
"I am sorry it must come to this brother"
"So am I little brother. So am I." A flash of swords and blood is trailing down the meadow. Mokuba stands up and watches his brother fall. His last words uttered surprised Mokuba.
"To the North. You-will- gurk find your answers there. In..the land of...Mika ahhhhh"
"I am sorry Mushi but I will avenge your pointless death. It is time for the tiger to bear his claws.
Chapter 9 The Hidden
Mokuba rushes into the doctor's hut carrying the medicine that is needed to cure her. "Sakura" he yells, "I have the medicine" The doctor rushes to hear the commotion. "What's wrong boy. You're making a ruckus." "I have it." He produces a healing herb from his pouch. "Is that the legendary herb metox?" He stares at it like it is gold. "Now hurry up and heal her." "Very well the process will take some time. Also another problem is some mind pain. I think that after I give this to her then you should stay with her until she regains her strength. She seems to care very much for you. Please wait here until I come for you." He goes off into the other room leaving Mokuba sitting there worrying about what will happen. Hours pass by as Mokuba paces around the room wondering what is taking so long. He sharpens his blade time and time again looking at it. Wondering why he cannot seem to remove the blood stain that his brother left. Could it possibly be a mark of evil? Or a sign of foreboding evil about to emerge upon the world. Either way he cannot seem to remove it. He wonders how his brother became so evil and cold. He was a better man then I was. He should not have turned so cold. The doctor comes in looking grievous. "Well how was it?" Mokuba rushes at him "It was a success. Now I ask you to please stay with her for at least a week. Let her do as she will but just be with her. Right now she needs to grow strong. Also there was some physiological error that occurred before this happened. Let her be in control for awhile. Basically put do anything that she asks." "Very well doctor. I suppose that your payment is in order." Mokuba searches deep in his clothes for some more money to give him but the doctor stops him. "Please I won't ask for anything more. At first I thought that you were just some samurai without honor. One that does as he pleases for the sake of it. But no one I know would risk their life to get that medicine unless they really cared for a person. I cannot accept such a thing. Please just allow me to bask in your presence." He bows leaving Mokuba a little flush. "Now go to her. I will take care of meals and lodgings. You will have to sleep in the same room though so luckily you are lovers." He pushes him into the room with him a little red. "Mokuba...is that you?" "Yes it's me." "Thank goodness you're alright. I have to tell you something. Please I must tell you." She reaches her arm out and it falls due to exhaustion. "Sleep little one. It what you need right now." Mokuba pulls a blanket over her and sits in a corner with his sword out. Ready for any danger."
For three days this occurred. Sakura needing to tell Mokuba something but being too weak. She could now eat on her own and was doing a lot better. When Mokuba was scouting for danger a bird appeared and dropped a letter signed for Sakura. Mokuba opened it and gasped. He clenched the letter and rushed to her room. "What is this?" he threw the letter at her and she read it. She gasped and started to weep. "Mokuba I can explain." "Yes please. I would love to hear it." "Well I'm not really the daughter of a village chief. I was hired to deceive you. They sent me to kill you. The threatened my family if I didn't. Please you have to understand." "Yeah I understand all right. Send a little girl to get my guard down." He turns around and starts to leave. "Please. I'm not who you think I am. I'm not someone important. I did deceive you. But my love. That was never a lie. I wasn't supposed to fall in love with you but I did." She starts to weep as he starts leaving "I don't care. Never again will I show pity or fall in love. This only weakens your soul. It is not the road for a killer" "Please at least turn around. At least let me see you once more." Mokuba turns around and see's her start to undress. "What are you doing?" "This is the only way with which I can have you trust me completely." She finishes stripping and stand before him completely naked. "Here I am helpless. I stand before you completely stripped of everything, even my pride. Would you deny my trust now?" She starts to cry and Mokuba turns around "What you do is a serious offense to your family you know. You can only show yourself to one whom you love most dearly. For whom you would sacrifice yourself for." He takes out a knife and points it at her. "I should kill you for deceiving me. This could even be a deception." "Then do it. I have shown you my pride. I have given it to you. I am yours to do with whatever." She bends down revealing her neck. Mokuba sighs and sheathes his knife. "Then I can only do so in return." Mokuba starts to remove his clothes even his mask. "You are the only one to have seen the true me since my fall. Only you have ever gained this trust." He points to a scar on his chest. It is a slash mark obviously made by a katana, "This was hat happened when I first let my guard down. But to you I'll do it. You say you want my trust. Well here it is. Now do whatever it is you're going to do." He stands before her stripped and she goes to him and holds his face ion her hands. Together their lips clench as one. They fall down onto the bed giving each other complete control of the other that only lovers can.
The door slides back as the doctor chuckles. "Nothing like young love." He laughs as he goes back to his work and hums.
Chapter 10 The New Legend
A lone man sits discussing with two people. They talk softly drinking tea. The man shoves a box to the person on the right revealing glittering prizes inside. "I trust that we are at an agreement." He says it like it was a demand rather then a question. "Yes except for one thing." The taller person nods to the door and the smaller one agrees. The person walks towards the door and draws a katana and pierces it through the door. A shriek is heard and the person withdraws the blade from the door wiping the blood as the blade is once again sheathed. "We said no other person's should hear about this. Do not betray us again." "Y-y-yes sir" He trembles as the two people stand up and one withdraws a kumai. "Shadow Sword" he practically snarls at the name. He throws the kumai at the picture. "Assassins guild comes for you." They leave the room with the dead body still bleeding outside of the door.
"Please don't leave me. You can't"
"Look I have no choice Sakura. I must go to the land of Mika. I must find these answers for myself. Please understand." "You can't just leave me. Not after what we just did last night. I promise I won't be a burden." "Look forgot about last night. I don't want you getting hurt. That's why you shall not go with me." He finishes packing a bag and slings it to his shoulder. "Besides I still have to visit somewhere and tell them of something." He says this in barely a whisper. "Come on please. I promise I won't get in your way." "If I let you go then you just agree to three conditions." "What are they?" "One, you shall never use my real name. I am referred to as Shadow Sword. Two, you must follow everything that I say. No questions asked. Finally three, you must accept death where I go. I travel a road with no pity and no mercy." "Fine I will." Shadow Sword sighs as he sees that Sakura is adamant in her decision. "Stubborn aren't you." He ruffles her hair as she smiles. "All right then you can come. But pack up and let's go." "Hai" She rushes off like someone who is following a man of importance. Shadow Sword look at her smiling. Perhaps it would be interesting with her. He chuckles as he finishes tying his bad and waits by the town entrance.
Sakura smiles as she is about to follow the man she loves. She feels happy all over. She gets a bag and puts in some provisions, water, some clothes, and other things of minor importance. She ties it up and gets ready to leave when the doctor stands by the door. "I knew you would go after him. It will be dangerous you know? Death around you. I know who he is. I knew from the start but it looks like he fancies you. That could be his weakness." "I don't care. I will protect him." "And how do you plan to do that now hmm?" "I-I-I don't know. But I'll find some way." "Phff" He laughs and takes a bundle from his side and tosses it to Sakura. "Here. This might be useful to you more then me. It's been handed down from generation through my family and perhaps you will find it useful." He smiles as he walks away waving goodbye to her. She unwraps the bundle and inside is a finely carved scabbard. She stares at awe at such a weapon and withdraws the sword. As she withdraws the sound of steel is silently heard as she looks at the glistening blade in the sun. She bows back to the doctor in respect for the great gift and ties it around her waist. She rushes off to meet Shadow Sword who is resting by the entrance. "I'm back" "Good. What's that around your waist?" He point to the sword at her hip. "It's a sword. The doctor gave it to me." "Well that was decent of him. It looks like a nice daikatana. Come now we are off." He points ahead of him. "We travel that way." They set of on their journey to the land of Mika.
*tching tching* the blades bounce of each other. Sakura has sweat pouring down her as she deflects the blows from her opponent. "He is good" she thinks as she deflects another blow. Her attacker jumps back throwing shurikens at her. She deflects them with her daikatana and scoots to the side. Her attacker smiles and throws his sword right where she was about to step. She freezes as he walks towards her with a menacing glare. She gulps as she knows what will happen next. "Baka. You could see that move if you were blind. Remember to never show where you're going. You need to move with stealth and without words. Never get cocky." He points to where she was just standing showing here how he could tell where she would move. "If I wanted you dead then you would be dead." She looks at him like she has lost a battle and lowers her head. Her attacker smiles and lightens up. "But you are getting better. Good job" She smiles and blushes a bit "Thanks you Shadow-sama" she blushes a bit and jumps on him hugging him. "Hey not here." He blushes a bit as she clings on to him "Come on no one is around." She smiles as she kisses him and he shrugs in agreement and returns her passion. Suddenly he feels something. "Get down" he yells and shoves her to the ground a shuriken hits his arm and he grunts and pulls it out. He looks at it and gasps. "I know this style" He hears laughter surrounding him "You ought to Shadow Sword. After all isn't it the same style used by us all?" Two people jump down and remove their masks. "Remember us?" "How could I forget my students? Blade I see." He points to the larger male who bows. "And is that little Sheena?" The smaller one winces as if it was an insult. "Don't call me little. I'm grown now. I'm not a child." "To me you always will be Sheena. Now what is it you want?" "Assassin's guild comes for you Shadow Sword. We have been hired to take you down." He holds up an official contract saying that they were allowed to do this assassination. "Still laying delivery boy to the guild I see. Why didn't you quit when you should have." "Because, unlike you, we are not deserters. We are part of a grand order." "I deserted a lifeless organization. They killed for no reason and were just the council's tool." He slowly tries to move Sakura away from the eyes of the new people. "Not so fast Shadow Sword. Who's that girl behind you?" "It's none of your Damn business." "Ahh perhaps a lover? No not even the great shadow could love someone. Not after what he has done. His past is to bloody to love anything. Or to be loved for that matter either." Blade chuckles as if he made a great joke. "Shut your mouth you bastard. If your going to kill me then try." He draws his sword and ready for the attack. "Very well then. Sheena do it." "Yes Blade." Sheena disappears leaving Shadow Sword and Blade. "Come now. We fight." Blade rushes with his katana with an overhead strike with which S.S. parries. Blade turns around trying to sweep kick him with which S.S. counters with an over head slice. Blade jumps back with which S.S. stands there in a defensive stance. "What crap is this Shadow Sword? I know you better. Coming from the top assassin I would expect this to be over now. Have you gone soft?" "What happened to the silent kill Blade? Never talk to the one who you are about to kill remember?" "Heh." He chuckles and moves his hair back. "I figured something like this would happen. SHEENA!" He snaps his fingers and Sheena is standing there with Sakura, a knife up to her throat. "Well then. Fight me. If you win she will live. But you must fight me with your all. Or else she dies." Sheena laughs and presses the blade closer drawing a drop of blood. "You bastard." "There is no honor in fighting. Only winners and losers. So let's find out what kind you are now." Blade rushes at him katana in scabbard allowing him to make a quick strike. He rushes up and pulls it out in a blinding burst of speed. Shadow Sword jumps parrying the blow and jumping behind him grabbing his arm and twisting it. "Now tell me why you are here and why you are hired for this." Sakura screams and he turns around seeing the blade even closer making more blood appear. "Sakura." "You forgot your own rule master." Blade turns around and a blade rips out of his shirt and slashes Shadow Sword across the face. "Yeiarghhh" Shadow sword lets go of Blade and puts his hand to his face, blood flowing freely. The cut is across his left cheek but it is shallow. "I see that you do not fight fair. Fine then. Neither will I." He stands still and holds his sword up in front of him. "What trick is this? It's time for death" Blade rushes at him and strikes hitting the clothes and slashing through it. "Yes" he yells. A log is cut in half. "What the?" Shadow sword yells and slices down from the air. A flash of light appears before Blade and he remembers a memory.
"Sheena what's wrong?" "Shadow sword left us. We have no more master. And all the time we get referred to as the shadow kids. We are always compared to him." Tears stream down her eyes. "It isn't fair." "There there Sheena. It will be okay." He pats her back. "It is time we broke down from the reputation of Shadow Sword. It's time that we called ourselves the shadow blades. We shall make our own name and become respected by the guild." The flash of light returns and Shadow Swords comes down slicing Blade in half. "Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!" Sheena let's go of Blade and rushes over to him, holding him. "How could you? He was like a son to you." "He asked for this. He knew what would happen. You can only test yourself when you battle." "I don't care. He was my lover. I shall kill you for this." She picks up his katana and runs off back to the guild to report what has happened. Sakura rubs her throat and rushes over to S.S. and asks what happened. "Those were students of mine." He goes over to Blade and gets the paper from him reading it all over. "I see Blade. So this is what you wanted to tell me. The only was to try and assaniate me. If you had won then I could not do the task. I shall honor your death and will carry out your mission." He tucks the paper inside his clothes and looks at the sky. "Sakura we leave now." "Where to?" "To city of greed, corruption, and evil. Vexen. The Home of the assassins." He spends a last look upon the dead and heads of to carry out the dying request of a man no longer a boy.
Next time on Shadow Sword: I stand before you, the leader of the assassins with a request. What request is that now? To die. Next time on Shadow Sword Chapter 11 Request of a young boy
On the edge of a cliff there is a guy in a black cloak with a samurai sword on his hip. He is just standing there when a young man walks up
Youngman: Hey you there are you the one they call shadow sword?
Mysterious man: Go away if you value your life
Youngman: Hey my town was just destroyed by this so called master assassin. I have to avenge my family. *HE draws his sword* prepare to die.
The mysterious man just smiles
Young man: Wipe that grin off. DIE!!!
HE slashes at the man but misses
young man: Huh a shadow here did he go
Mysterious man: Behind you
Young man: What!?
The mysterious man slashes at him and cuts him in two. The young man doesn't even utter a word.
Mysterious man: Why must they do everything the hard way. Pitiful beings.
He walks off into the sunset that leads into the next village
Inside the town tavern rumors are spreading like crazy
Drunk man: Hey did you hear that killer dude what's his name is here, umm shadowsong or something
Bartender: No way it shadow scythe or something like that
Booming Voice: Its Shadow Sword
The whole tavern: Huh?!
Voice: My name is Alex Von Charza. I have been hunting this man for a while and I have heard he has come to this town. But for the lack of mayhem apparently he isn't here. I must continue my search If you see him tell him that I will kill him.
He leaves
Bartender: Well that sure was weird oh well back to work
the door opens and a guy in a black cloak appears
Mysterious man: Hello would you be so kind to tell me where to find the head chief of this village please.
Bartender: Yeah sure he's right down the road can't miss it.
Mysterious man: Thank you here's a tip *throws a silver coin at him*
Bartender: Thank you kind sir what is your name I might ask?
Mysterious Man: I'm called Shadow Sword
the bartender gulps as Shadow Sword leaves the inn
Chapter two: The Job
as Shadow Sword leaves the tavern with people staring at him with gawked stares, they run away. Afraid that he might kill him. As the cool breeze of the night approaching goes across the face of shadow sword he reaches his destination. AS he is looking at the colorful building with many carved stone statues he wonders why this village is so poor.
"May I help you sir?" He turns around with his blade half out of his scabbard when he sees a wrinkled old man with cane looking at him. He puts his sword away and says,
"Yes I was told to come here. Someone said that they have a job for me" "Oh yes, right away" As shadow sword enters the house he notices that inside is even more luxurious. He stares at awe as he sees the paintings that can feed this village for a year. He shoves these thoughts out of his mind for it doesn't concern him. As he enters into the leader's room he sees a knife go flying towards his face. Without even movement being detected he slices it in half.
"Ha Ha Ha Ha. That's what I would expect from the great shadow sword come, come. Sit and drink."
"I don't play games what's the target and where"
"I see that you are very blunt. Very well then the target is the next village. It's called kinetin. I want you to take out the headman. I swear it is only because he been unfair to the villagers and-"
"Stuff it. It'll cost you this much" He writes a number on a piece of paper. "WHAT! ARE YOU CRAZY! NO WAY WILL I PAY THAT MUCH" "either take it or leave it. I guarantee my jobs" He starts to leave and when he gets to the door the leader says,
"Wait. I will pay your price."
"Very well. I will collect my payment after this job is over and if you try to cheat me" He makes a slitting motion on his throat " Then your life is mine" "Very well. Here don't you want a picture of him" He flips out a picture when a knife goes through it and sticks it to the side of the wall.
"Just watch and see. By this time tomorrow he will die" He leaves leaving the village leader speechless.
Chapter Three Ambush
The town was very quiet as Shadow Sword looked down upon it from a nearby cliff. He thinks of this town and of how it reminds him of home; and of the girl he once loved. Sakura was her name he thinks. He dismisses these crazy memories. He has a job to do. The moonless night provides great cover for him as he rushes down the hill with the wind moving across the grass. The chilly night reminds him of that time. That time when he was under the great lord Mifune. He was a commander of the order of Bizen, an elite stealth team serving only one purpose; to defend the lord and protect the great lord Mifune. But one of his closest friends in the order betrayed him. He killed everyone in the order and his lord but he spared him. Just so he could go on living everyday knowing that he had failed. He pushed these thoughts out of his mind and starts moving on the rooftops. The tiny *click clack* of the tiles could not be heard over the night orchestra. He finally reached his destination. He silently slips through the window and creeps into the Magistrate's room. Shadow Sword takes out a dagger when he hears the door slide open. His daughter comes in looking shocked. He rushes over to her and covers her mouth
"Don't scream little one" he said, "I won't hurt you" Suddenly the town bells start ringing.
"Ambush, it's an ambush! The neighboring village is attacking. Defend yourselves." All hell is broken loose as the town explodes with movement. A rain of burning arrows appears out of nowhere striking everything. The town is set ablaze. The Magistrate leaps out of bed and sees Shadow Sword with his daughter.
"Get your hands off my daughter you bastard" He rushes at him when an arrow is fired through him.
"Damn" Shadow Sword thinks, "This is not what is supposed to be happening. He turns to the girl and says, "Come. I will take you to safety."
"No leave me alone" She struggles and tries to get free of his grip but he is to strong. He rushes out to find the guy who had hired him.
"What the hell do you think you are doing!? This was supposed to be an assassination mission. Not a massacre. Only the Magistrate was supposed to die. No one else."
" Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. What are you an honorable assassin? Well no matter. To tell you the truth I was sent to kill you. I was hoping you would die in the arrow crossfire but I guess that you are just to good."
"Who did it?! Who sent you?!"
"Well now I can't tell you that. But I can tell you it was someone you know. Beware for the last of the the Bizen is to fall. Mwa ha ha ha. Run little assassin for soon doom shall come to you. Ha ha ha ha."
As Shadow sword rushes into the moonless night, lit by the burning of the village and with the girl in his arms, all that can be heard is laughter for miles.
Chapter 4 Memories
Shadow Sword pants as he reaches a cave with a running stream nearby. He sits down upon a huge rock and sets the girl down next to him. She fell asleep about 6 hours ago. He remembers about how the heat of the flames and the smoke covered the skies for hours. He leans next to the girl and whispers into her ear
"Hey. Wake up. We are out safely. Come on."
"Huh, what?" She lets out a big *Yawn*
"Its okay we are safe from them now don't' worry"
"Oh, okay" She scoots a little away from him.
"Look I know you don't trust6 but please. I didn't mean for any of this to happen at all. Trust me on this. I did not want this to happen at all. If it means anything to you I am sorry."
"So you saying sorry will fix everything just like that! I don't even know you. And what were you trying to do to my father?"
"I was hired to kill him. But that's all in the past right now. Look we have to work together or else they will come back and kill us. Come on we should search for food or else we will never survive."
"Okay" As they are searching for food in the forest they find a bunch of logs and mushrooms. They find some good supplies and go back to the cave. As they are going back the girl starts asking about Shadow Sword.
"Umm. I was wondering? Where exactly are you from and why did you decide to become an assassin?"
"Are you sure that you want to ask me that?
"Yes I do please tell. How can I ever trust you if I never know who you are?"
"Very well then it all started back with lord Mifune. It was a long time ago, I would say about 8 years ago. I lived in the city of the Koto. I was about 16 at the time when I decided that I wished to become a samurai. I came upon a lone traveler being attacked by bandits. I rushed over to him and splayed the bandits. He thanked me and was impressed by my skills. He asked whether I was thinking of becoming a retainer. I said that I was and then he said that he was called lord Mifune and that he wanted me to become his personal guard. I would be ranked among the highest of people. How could I refuse? About three years later we formed the order of Bizen. It was meant to protect the lord. But it was so long ago."
"Why are you stopping?"
"Well I am telling you all about me yet I don't even know who you are."
"Oh well my name is Sakura."
"Sakura?!"
"What? Is something the matter?"
"No, no you just reminded me of an old friend. Her name was Sakura to. She would go out when the blossoms bloomed and looked lovely. She had long flowing brown and hair and was very beautiful. She was the daughter of my lord and we were to be married before the. incident."
"What incident?"
"Well when we were to get married my best friend Alex of the Hamogori family was secretly in love with Sakura. He was enraged to find out about our marriage and plotted my downfall. Later on someone deep within the Bizen destroyed the whole entire order while I was away. When I came back everyone was killed. The order, Lord Mifune, and even my lovely Sakura" Tears are streaming down his face as he talks about his past and the wind blows them off into the distant horizon.
"There it's okay. I am here for you know."
'Thanks. You know I never noticed before but you are very beautiful. You look just like Sakura"
She blushes; "Oh thank you" There is a slight pause between them when she finally asks, and "You still haven't told me of your name just yet. What is it?"
"It's Mokuba. Mokuba Shima. Come on now we must get going. It will be night soon and we must set up camp"
"Oh; okay" As they get a fire started and start eating the mushrooms and cooking some fish that they caught they start looking up at the stars. Sakura starts moving up next to Mokuba.
"I'm scared. I'm afraid that I will be alone again. My family is gone and I have no one left to go to."
"Don't worry I know exactly what's going on."
"Please stay with me. I don't want to be alone. Just sit here with me and don't go." She starts to snuggle up to him and starts to fall asleep when the fire starts to dim and the night becomes darker.
He whispers softly to her, "Don't worry little one. I won't leave you."
Nothing else is heard as the night goes and they just sleep right next to each other.
Chapter 5 Sorrow
As the cool morning breeze goes across S.S face he think about what had happened last night and how he had felt about Sakura. Maybe he was starting to go soft. He had never felt this way before. Only towards the other Sakura has he ever felt this complete. This content.
"Good morning Mokuba" Shadow Sword turns around to see that Sakura has finally awaken.
"Good morning little one. How are you feeling this morning?" He bends down and grabs another log and throws it into the fire "Feeling well?" He turns his head away from the soot which has been getting into his eyes.
"Fine. I slept well knowing that you were there to protect me." She smiles as she sits next to him and leans close to him.
"Well I hope you are hungry. I just started the fish right now and they should be done soon." As he looks into her beautiful eyes he noticed how much she has become to mean to him. He is starting to fall for her. She smiles at him and he starts to blush.
"What's wrong Mokuba?"
"It's nothing Sakura. Here the fish is done." They eat for a little while in silence when Sakura starts to speak
"So, how long do you think we have been out here?"
"About a week I would say."
"Oh. What do you think happened to my village? My family?"
"Well the village is probably burned down by now. Your family is dead... I'm very sorry for your loss."
'Yeah. I was wondering, since I have nowhere to go. can I stay with you?"
'What!?"
"Yeah I mean we both are alone. We could look out for each other."
"Well I don't know.."
"Pleaseeeeeee"
"Oh I guess so."
"Great we could build a home and live together. Yay. Thank you."
"Don't mention it. You've started to grow on me. In a low whisper and in more ways then one."
"What?"
"Nothing. Would you mind if I went to sleep. I've been up all night and am really tired."
"Sure."
"Thank you; good night." As he walks back into the cave which they have furnished as a sleeping quarter he starts to think. Could I really spend the rest of my life with her? Could I? Is she really starting to grow on me so much? Oh well what is done is done. I wonder if she feels the same thing about me. He starts to go into a makeshift mat that they had put together with leaves and some twigs. It was simple and a little uncomfortable but better then nothing. As he closed his eyes he thought of just how much he was starting to like her.
"Ahhhhhhh" He wakes up with a start and looks around. He grabs his sword and rushes out. HE sees Sakura and that man who had set him up. Sakura is whimpering as she is tied up and being held by the man.
"Just who the heck are you?"
"He he. I knew I would see you again soon. My name is Kojiro. I work for someone you know. Someone who is dying to meet you."
'Help me Mokuba, please help Me."
'Shut up you wench. Now as I was saying, if you want to meet her again and don't want top see her die, come to the Shoaling temple by midnight tomorrow or she will die. Come for I await you. Ha, ha, ha." As he jumps of into the night he leaves S.S. thinking about what to do.
As S.S is standing in front of the temple he sees Kojiro and Sakura standing on top of the roof.
"I see you showed up."
"Let her go you bastard. I don't know what it is you want but leave her out of It."
"Such emotions. Here I thought you were a serious assassin. Do you have feelings for her? Well then by all means, take her." He throws her at him and as S.S. rushes to catch her a Kojiro throws a knife into her back.
"Oops slipped. I'm sorry, did I hurt her. I'm so sorry."
He grabs Sakura who is bleeding furiously from her back. S.S. sets her down softly tears start to stream down Sakura's eyes.
"I'm so sorry She coughs up blood as she talks I let you down"
"No, you didn't let me down. I'll find some way to save you. Trust me."
"How touching. Anyway this was to envoy a message to you from your 'friend'. Ta-Ta for now. We will most likely meet again in the future."
"Don't worry ill find you and kill you." He picks up Sakura, whose breathing has becomes shallow, and starts running towards the closest village.
Chapter 6 The Oath
S.S. is rushing down the mountain fast as he tries to reach the village of Kazan. Sakura heart has become very still for a while and he is worried. He rushes past the mass amount of pine trees and bark surrounding him. His shoes have been worn and he is starting to form blisters at the bottom of his feet. His feet are bleeding furiously as he is constantly stepping on rocks and other sharp objects. He pants heavily for he has been running for 5 hours nonstop. He promised he would help her all he could and he will keep his promise. As he crosses over the next mountain he sees lights. Could it be? Has he finally reached Kazan. He dares not hope because last time it was a fire. As he closes in on the light he sees that he has reached the city. He is filled with joy and hurries to the doctor's hut. As he starts to locate it, it starts to rain. He curses silently and hurries to find shelter for himself and Sakura. As he rushes into the closest building he is astounded by the vibrant colors inside this house. Colors of all kinds decorate the walls and paintings are everywhere. He looks at one piece and is startled to realize that it is the famous La Gaze'te Lugo. A famous painting worth hundreds of gold.
"You like that one. Got it on sale for about 50 Gold. It was a steal"
S.S. turns around sword half drawn, glinting in the brightly lighted room.
"Now, now no need for that. I will not harm you. Who might I ask is that?"
He points to Sakura who is over his shoulder.
"This is a friend who was badly hurt. I am looking for the doctor in this village. Do you happen to know his whereabouts?"
"Why yes. It is me. May I help you?"
"Please. She was badly hurt."
"Oh my! She has a fever. What happened? Crushed ribs, broken arms, AND minor concussions. Jeez what happened?"
"Let's just say that something terrible happened to her. Can you still help her?"
"Well... I don't know.."
S.S. goes up to him and grabs him by the throat. He pulls him against the wall and in a very menacing tone he says
"Help her or so help me I will kill you." He puts a knife up to his throat and smiles. "You got that?"
"Y-y-y-es I think that I do."
"Good. Now if she dies then you're as good as dead. Make sure that she is well taken care of." He sheathes his dagger and takes a small leather purse that jingles as he throws it up and down from his hand. He then throws it to the man.
"Here is an advance for the treatment. I'll triple what is in there if you can save her."
He greedily goes to the purse and picks it up jiggling it to hear how much it is.
"Yes sir right away. I'll get right on it" He goes off into a backroom laughing silently at how much he has received. S.S. turns to Sakura and looks at her with sadness in his eyes. He leans down right next to her and tears start to stream down his eyes.
"I'm so sorry Sakura. If it wasn't for me this would have never happened. If I had never gone to your village. If I hadn't accepted that deal, or if I had left you alone. It's just all my fault." Tears are streaming down is un-kept face falling down onto Sakura.
"M-m-moku-ku-ba"
"Huh!"
"Mokuba, I-it's okay. I know that you didn't mean for any of it to happen. Cough and if you had never come then I would have never met you and I think that I am starting to fall in love with you as well so please don't be sad." She moves her hand up and wipes away the tears from him. Then S.S. grabs her hand and lays his head against it.
"Oh Sakura. I think I am feeling the same way as well. I promise to you, No! An oath, that I shall personally kill who ever did this to you. They shall taste my love my sorrow, and all of my anger that I feel at this moment."
"Oh Mokuba." As she speaks she starts to cough up blood and the doctor then comes rushing into the screaming.
"Out, out, out. This will be a delicate operation and I want no one around. Shoo, shoo shoo."
S.S. looks one last at Sakura and then leaves the house. As he leaves the sky is starting to clear up even though it is still dark. The rain falls off the tiles from the roof and the soft Splish Splash is heard as he walks off the front porch. He looks into the dark colored sky and he thinks of how much has happened and how to get back at that man. As he starts walking around town he sees a man with a cloak and red hair walking towards him. S.S. thinks that this guy seems really familiar. As he walks past him the red haired man bumps into him.
"Oh, I am so sorry sir"
"It's okay. It's not a problem."
"Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex Von Charza and I am here to kill you Shadow Sword."
"WHAT!?"
"That's right now prepare to die like the dog you are" HE throws off his cloak and grabs hold of his sword and pulls it out. It glistens in the now rising sun penetrating the darkness. Rain slowly drips off from it and he goes into a crouching stance and rushes into S.S. S.S. barely pulls unsheathes his own sword and parries his blow.
"Ah. Good to see that you do have skill. And here I thought that you were another loser."
"He, he. You'll find me much then a loser." He grunts a bit and pushes up onto his sword and throws Alex off balance and slashes at him. Alex does a back flip away from him. This won't be easy S.S. thinks. He's good. Very good. I might have to use all my strength just to beat him. Very well then I shall welcome the challenge.
"Prepare you cur for your hour of judgment is upon you."
"Hopefully you said your thanks to the high ones for you picked the fight at the wrong time."
"AHHHHH!"
"ARGHHH!"
They both rush at each other with sword out stretched.
Chapter 7: Secret techniques
Slash parry thrust the sound of steel vs. steel could be heard all over the village. Both opponents are running parallel from each other with swords out stretched. The puddles do not even slow them down as water is sprayed all over their clothes. Perspiration beads down both their foreheads as they have found out they are evenly matched. Alex jumps towards S.S. with a jump overhead slash screaming his battle cry. S.S. brings up his sword in response blocking the attack while shoving Alex off balance. Alex grunts as he slides across the ground. S.S. rushes and they both pass each other with swords slashing. They both land down on the ground and stagger. Alex has a bright red slash across his chest while S.S. has a gash on his left arm.
"Well well. It looks like the might Shadow Sword just isn't what he is cracked up to be." Alex's headband has started to flay with the slight breeze that has started to appear.
"He he he he"
"What are you laughing about?"
"I was testing the extent of your skill and I find it lacking. It is true that you are a worthy opponent but I still have yet to unleash my secret techniques"
"Ha. You wish to scare me with your pathetic techniques. I Alex Von Charza am not afraid of your silly techniques"
"He we will see Alex" S.S. put together his hands and out stretches his hands. He takes his sword and throws it away. A dark glow appears to be resonating from his body. Little tiny lighting flashes appear before him and Alex starts to look nervous.
"Have you ever wondered why they call me Shadow Sword? Well you are about to find out." He stretches his hands out and out his hands into a sword style stance that no one has ever seen before.
"Prepare for a technique few have ever seen before. SHADOW SWORD APPEAR" A flash appears in between his hands a black sword appears into his hands.
"This is called the shadow sword. It is a blade that was I found after my ruin. With this blade I promised revenge. Soon you shall taste it wrath." S.S. rushes with great speed that Alex just stares. He run past Alex and doesn't even seem top move his hands.
"You missed ha ha h-"He looks down and sees that his sleeves are cut off.
"Run now while you have the chance to warrior. I do not wish to kill you."
"Ha. You think that you are the only one with secret techniques. You fool feel my wrath. LIGHTING BURST WAVE" He takes is sword and slashes down onto the ground. An electrical wave appears and rushes towards S.S. He jumps out of the way and the wave goes of and then dissipates.
"That's pretty good but can you stand against the Bizen schools ultimate technique." S.S. starts murmuring and again a black aura starts to swell over him. HE looks up and sees that Alex to is starting to murmur in the same way. In unison they then shout out
"SHADOW ILLUSION" Multiple copies appear from both of them and they both looked surprised. S.S. thinks about how he could know this technique. Only two people ever mastered it. Well now is not the time to worry about that. He rushes past each one and slashes them with his sword. They dissipate into thin air. He turns and sees Alex doing the same rushing the one that slashed the other shadows figuring out that since they could slash they were real. The shadow then parries.
"What?!" He looks shocked
"HE he. All the copies become dangerous when I duplicate with the shadow sword. Now time to perish" S.S. charges and knocks down Alex. His bandanna falls off and a scar is there. S.S. pauses for a second
"That scar. Is that you Mushi?"
"Mushi? Is that you Mokuba?"
"No it can't be you it just can't be. You're supposed to be dead. I saw them kill you."
"I'm afraid not..brother."
"Nooooooo. You're supposed to be dead."
Chapter 8 Flashbacks
"Can it really be you? I thought that you had died?
"No it really is me. Your older brother."
S.S. is in tears as he grabs Mushi and hugs him tight.
"I can't believe that it is really you."
"Yeah yeah" The brothers go off to an inn to reminisce.
"Bartender. Give us a round of your best brandy"
"Hai sir"
"So Mushi what's with this name Alex?" S.S. suppresses a laugh
"What?! You think it's funny?"
"Oh yes the great Alex Von Charza" S.S. cannot hold back his laughter and bursts out.
"Like Shadow Sword is any better Mokuba" Mushi chuckles.
"Yeah yeah you always were the comedian Mushi. Even back then when we were under Lord Mifune."
"Yeah those were the good old days weren't they. Although my memory is a little foggy. Care to remind me?"
"Why not. Back then I had just met Lord Mifune" Leans back and closes his eyes. "He was just starting his clan and saw me and took me in. Of course you already know about this so let me skip ahead two years. You had just come back from a place that you went away to. You never did tell me where though."
"Oh that. Well it wouldn't do any good to know now will it?"
"I guess not. Well anyway you decided that maybe you would like to serve with him as well. So you decided to train under the style as me and so on and so on.. How you could forget I have no idea."
"Well it's coming back to me now. You know you forget things sometimes." The waiter places down the drinks in front of them.
"Here you are gentlemen."
"Thanks pops" Mushi takes his down in one swig while Mokuba savors his. Mushi seems a little different. Mokuba thinks back to when they had mastered the secret techniques of the Bizen School.
"Finally after all that training we are the two masters"
"Yeah. About time to." A young Mokuba and Mushi are breathing heavily and sweating hard. A beautiful girl walks by not even glancing at them.
"You see her. Wow she looks beautiful Mokuba."
"Yeah she does." Mokuba blushes a bit and Mushi sees it.
"Oh I see. You starting to like girls now aren't ya?" Mushi grabs his arms and goads him on. "Well aren't ya?"
"Okay okay. So maybe I am.." Mushi lets him go
"So what's her name?"
"It's Sakura."
"Oh that's a nice name. Do you like her?"
"WHAT?! How could you ask that lord Mifune might be around.
"So what? Big deal."
"Well she's his daughter." Mushi whistles
"Whoa aren't you aiming hi younger brother."
Yes those days Mushi seemed much more carefree. But now his eyes seem to have a cold stare to them. It seemed to carry hatred in them.
"Come on Mokuba we'd better find that medicine"
"Huh? How do you know that I need medicine."
"I overheard it. Now let's go"
"Very well come on then brother" The two brothers travel for the next 3days over mountains and valleys to find the legendary medicine. As they walk about Mokuba notices something different about his brother and how he seems a bit colder then usual. He just shrugs it off assuming that it is the cold wind that he to feels. As they continue they finally find the medicine that can help.
"This is it Mushi. Finally I can help her."
"I think not brother" Mushi takes out his katana and flashes it against Mokuba.
"I should have known. Looks like they hired you as well."
"Yes they did. I am sorry little brother but I to have someone I love to protect. They say that if I don't kill you then they will kill her."
"I am sorry it must come to this brother"
"So am I little brother. So am I." A flash of swords and blood is trailing down the meadow. Mokuba stands up and watches his brother fall. His last words uttered surprised Mokuba.
"To the North. You-will- gurk find your answers there. In..the land of...Mika ahhhhh"
"I am sorry Mushi but I will avenge your pointless death. It is time for the tiger to bear his claws.
Chapter 9 The Hidden
Mokuba rushes into the doctor's hut carrying the medicine that is needed to cure her. "Sakura" he yells, "I have the medicine" The doctor rushes to hear the commotion. "What's wrong boy. You're making a ruckus." "I have it." He produces a healing herb from his pouch. "Is that the legendary herb metox?" He stares at it like it is gold. "Now hurry up and heal her." "Very well the process will take some time. Also another problem is some mind pain. I think that after I give this to her then you should stay with her until she regains her strength. She seems to care very much for you. Please wait here until I come for you." He goes off into the other room leaving Mokuba sitting there worrying about what will happen. Hours pass by as Mokuba paces around the room wondering what is taking so long. He sharpens his blade time and time again looking at it. Wondering why he cannot seem to remove the blood stain that his brother left. Could it possibly be a mark of evil? Or a sign of foreboding evil about to emerge upon the world. Either way he cannot seem to remove it. He wonders how his brother became so evil and cold. He was a better man then I was. He should not have turned so cold. The doctor comes in looking grievous. "Well how was it?" Mokuba rushes at him "It was a success. Now I ask you to please stay with her for at least a week. Let her do as she will but just be with her. Right now she needs to grow strong. Also there was some physiological error that occurred before this happened. Let her be in control for awhile. Basically put do anything that she asks." "Very well doctor. I suppose that your payment is in order." Mokuba searches deep in his clothes for some more money to give him but the doctor stops him. "Please I won't ask for anything more. At first I thought that you were just some samurai without honor. One that does as he pleases for the sake of it. But no one I know would risk their life to get that medicine unless they really cared for a person. I cannot accept such a thing. Please just allow me to bask in your presence." He bows leaving Mokuba a little flush. "Now go to her. I will take care of meals and lodgings. You will have to sleep in the same room though so luckily you are lovers." He pushes him into the room with him a little red. "Mokuba...is that you?" "Yes it's me." "Thank goodness you're alright. I have to tell you something. Please I must tell you." She reaches her arm out and it falls due to exhaustion. "Sleep little one. It what you need right now." Mokuba pulls a blanket over her and sits in a corner with his sword out. Ready for any danger."
For three days this occurred. Sakura needing to tell Mokuba something but being too weak. She could now eat on her own and was doing a lot better. When Mokuba was scouting for danger a bird appeared and dropped a letter signed for Sakura. Mokuba opened it and gasped. He clenched the letter and rushed to her room. "What is this?" he threw the letter at her and she read it. She gasped and started to weep. "Mokuba I can explain." "Yes please. I would love to hear it." "Well I'm not really the daughter of a village chief. I was hired to deceive you. They sent me to kill you. The threatened my family if I didn't. Please you have to understand." "Yeah I understand all right. Send a little girl to get my guard down." He turns around and starts to leave. "Please. I'm not who you think I am. I'm not someone important. I did deceive you. But my love. That was never a lie. I wasn't supposed to fall in love with you but I did." She starts to weep as he starts leaving "I don't care. Never again will I show pity or fall in love. This only weakens your soul. It is not the road for a killer" "Please at least turn around. At least let me see you once more." Mokuba turns around and see's her start to undress. "What are you doing?" "This is the only way with which I can have you trust me completely." She finishes stripping and stand before him completely naked. "Here I am helpless. I stand before you completely stripped of everything, even my pride. Would you deny my trust now?" She starts to cry and Mokuba turns around "What you do is a serious offense to your family you know. You can only show yourself to one whom you love most dearly. For whom you would sacrifice yourself for." He takes out a knife and points it at her. "I should kill you for deceiving me. This could even be a deception." "Then do it. I have shown you my pride. I have given it to you. I am yours to do with whatever." She bends down revealing her neck. Mokuba sighs and sheathes his knife. "Then I can only do so in return." Mokuba starts to remove his clothes even his mask. "You are the only one to have seen the true me since my fall. Only you have ever gained this trust." He points to a scar on his chest. It is a slash mark obviously made by a katana, "This was hat happened when I first let my guard down. But to you I'll do it. You say you want my trust. Well here it is. Now do whatever it is you're going to do." He stands before her stripped and she goes to him and holds his face ion her hands. Together their lips clench as one. They fall down onto the bed giving each other complete control of the other that only lovers can.
The door slides back as the doctor chuckles. "Nothing like young love." He laughs as he goes back to his work and hums.
Chapter 10 The New Legend
A lone man sits discussing with two people. They talk softly drinking tea. The man shoves a box to the person on the right revealing glittering prizes inside. "I trust that we are at an agreement." He says it like it was a demand rather then a question. "Yes except for one thing." The taller person nods to the door and the smaller one agrees. The person walks towards the door and draws a katana and pierces it through the door. A shriek is heard and the person withdraws the blade from the door wiping the blood as the blade is once again sheathed. "We said no other person's should hear about this. Do not betray us again." "Y-y-yes sir" He trembles as the two people stand up and one withdraws a kumai. "Shadow Sword" he practically snarls at the name. He throws the kumai at the picture. "Assassins guild comes for you." They leave the room with the dead body still bleeding outside of the door.
"Please don't leave me. You can't"
"Look I have no choice Sakura. I must go to the land of Mika. I must find these answers for myself. Please understand." "You can't just leave me. Not after what we just did last night. I promise I won't be a burden." "Look forgot about last night. I don't want you getting hurt. That's why you shall not go with me." He finishes packing a bag and slings it to his shoulder. "Besides I still have to visit somewhere and tell them of something." He says this in barely a whisper. "Come on please. I promise I won't get in your way." "If I let you go then you just agree to three conditions." "What are they?" "One, you shall never use my real name. I am referred to as Shadow Sword. Two, you must follow everything that I say. No questions asked. Finally three, you must accept death where I go. I travel a road with no pity and no mercy." "Fine I will." Shadow Sword sighs as he sees that Sakura is adamant in her decision. "Stubborn aren't you." He ruffles her hair as she smiles. "All right then you can come. But pack up and let's go." "Hai" She rushes off like someone who is following a man of importance. Shadow Sword look at her smiling. Perhaps it would be interesting with her. He chuckles as he finishes tying his bad and waits by the town entrance.
Sakura smiles as she is about to follow the man she loves. She feels happy all over. She gets a bag and puts in some provisions, water, some clothes, and other things of minor importance. She ties it up and gets ready to leave when the doctor stands by the door. "I knew you would go after him. It will be dangerous you know? Death around you. I know who he is. I knew from the start but it looks like he fancies you. That could be his weakness." "I don't care. I will protect him." "And how do you plan to do that now hmm?" "I-I-I don't know. But I'll find some way." "Phff" He laughs and takes a bundle from his side and tosses it to Sakura. "Here. This might be useful to you more then me. It's been handed down from generation through my family and perhaps you will find it useful." He smiles as he walks away waving goodbye to her. She unwraps the bundle and inside is a finely carved scabbard. She stares at awe at such a weapon and withdraws the sword. As she withdraws the sound of steel is silently heard as she looks at the glistening blade in the sun. She bows back to the doctor in respect for the great gift and ties it around her waist. She rushes off to meet Shadow Sword who is resting by the entrance. "I'm back" "Good. What's that around your waist?" He point to the sword at her hip. "It's a sword. The doctor gave it to me." "Well that was decent of him. It looks like a nice daikatana. Come now we are off." He points ahead of him. "We travel that way." They set of on their journey to the land of Mika.
*tching tching* the blades bounce of each other. Sakura has sweat pouring down her as she deflects the blows from her opponent. "He is good" she thinks as she deflects another blow. Her attacker jumps back throwing shurikens at her. She deflects them with her daikatana and scoots to the side. Her attacker smiles and throws his sword right where she was about to step. She freezes as he walks towards her with a menacing glare. She gulps as she knows what will happen next. "Baka. You could see that move if you were blind. Remember to never show where you're going. You need to move with stealth and without words. Never get cocky." He points to where she was just standing showing here how he could tell where she would move. "If I wanted you dead then you would be dead." She looks at him like she has lost a battle and lowers her head. Her attacker smiles and lightens up. "But you are getting better. Good job" She smiles and blushes a bit "Thanks you Shadow-sama" she blushes a bit and jumps on him hugging him. "Hey not here." He blushes a bit as she clings on to him "Come on no one is around." She smiles as she kisses him and he shrugs in agreement and returns her passion. Suddenly he feels something. "Get down" he yells and shoves her to the ground a shuriken hits his arm and he grunts and pulls it out. He looks at it and gasps. "I know this style" He hears laughter surrounding him "You ought to Shadow Sword. After all isn't it the same style used by us all?" Two people jump down and remove their masks. "Remember us?" "How could I forget my students? Blade I see." He points to the larger male who bows. "And is that little Sheena?" The smaller one winces as if it was an insult. "Don't call me little. I'm grown now. I'm not a child." "To me you always will be Sheena. Now what is it you want?" "Assassin's guild comes for you Shadow Sword. We have been hired to take you down." He holds up an official contract saying that they were allowed to do this assassination. "Still laying delivery boy to the guild I see. Why didn't you quit when you should have." "Because, unlike you, we are not deserters. We are part of a grand order." "I deserted a lifeless organization. They killed for no reason and were just the council's tool." He slowly tries to move Sakura away from the eyes of the new people. "Not so fast Shadow Sword. Who's that girl behind you?" "It's none of your Damn business." "Ahh perhaps a lover? No not even the great shadow could love someone. Not after what he has done. His past is to bloody to love anything. Or to be loved for that matter either." Blade chuckles as if he made a great joke. "Shut your mouth you bastard. If your going to kill me then try." He draws his sword and ready for the attack. "Very well then. Sheena do it." "Yes Blade." Sheena disappears leaving Shadow Sword and Blade. "Come now. We fight." Blade rushes with his katana with an overhead strike with which S.S. parries. Blade turns around trying to sweep kick him with which S.S. counters with an over head slice. Blade jumps back with which S.S. stands there in a defensive stance. "What crap is this Shadow Sword? I know you better. Coming from the top assassin I would expect this to be over now. Have you gone soft?" "What happened to the silent kill Blade? Never talk to the one who you are about to kill remember?" "Heh." He chuckles and moves his hair back. "I figured something like this would happen. SHEENA!" He snaps his fingers and Sheena is standing there with Sakura, a knife up to her throat. "Well then. Fight me. If you win she will live. But you must fight me with your all. Or else she dies." Sheena laughs and presses the blade closer drawing a drop of blood. "You bastard." "There is no honor in fighting. Only winners and losers. So let's find out what kind you are now." Blade rushes at him katana in scabbard allowing him to make a quick strike. He rushes up and pulls it out in a blinding burst of speed. Shadow Sword jumps parrying the blow and jumping behind him grabbing his arm and twisting it. "Now tell me why you are here and why you are hired for this." Sakura screams and he turns around seeing the blade even closer making more blood appear. "Sakura." "You forgot your own rule master." Blade turns around and a blade rips out of his shirt and slashes Shadow Sword across the face. "Yeiarghhh" Shadow sword lets go of Blade and puts his hand to his face, blood flowing freely. The cut is across his left cheek but it is shallow. "I see that you do not fight fair. Fine then. Neither will I." He stands still and holds his sword up in front of him. "What trick is this? It's time for death" Blade rushes at him and strikes hitting the clothes and slashing through it. "Yes" he yells. A log is cut in half. "What the?" Shadow sword yells and slices down from the air. A flash of light appears before Blade and he remembers a memory.
"Sheena what's wrong?" "Shadow sword left us. We have no more master. And all the time we get referred to as the shadow kids. We are always compared to him." Tears stream down her eyes. "It isn't fair." "There there Sheena. It will be okay." He pats her back. "It is time we broke down from the reputation of Shadow Sword. It's time that we called ourselves the shadow blades. We shall make our own name and become respected by the guild." The flash of light returns and Shadow Swords comes down slicing Blade in half. "Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!" Sheena let's go of Blade and rushes over to him, holding him. "How could you? He was like a son to you." "He asked for this. He knew what would happen. You can only test yourself when you battle." "I don't care. He was my lover. I shall kill you for this." She picks up his katana and runs off back to the guild to report what has happened. Sakura rubs her throat and rushes over to S.S. and asks what happened. "Those were students of mine." He goes over to Blade and gets the paper from him reading it all over. "I see Blade. So this is what you wanted to tell me. The only was to try and assaniate me. If you had won then I could not do the task. I shall honor your death and will carry out your mission." He tucks the paper inside his clothes and looks at the sky. "Sakura we leave now." "Where to?" "To city of greed, corruption, and evil. Vexen. The Home of the assassins." He spends a last look upon the dead and heads of to carry out the dying request of a man no longer a boy.
Next time on Shadow Sword: I stand before you, the leader of the assassins with a request. What request is that now? To die. Next time on Shadow Sword Chapter 11 Request of a young boy