This tale is a work of fiction made up by me. Kim Possible and all her friends from the show belong to the Mouse Ear Company and not myself or my long suffering beta. Neither Cajun Bear nor I make a dime off this little hobby and we just do it to amuse ourselves and hopefully entertain you the reader (and give us a reason to drink too).
The Hunter will for the most part be rated 'T', but near the end the rating is intended to slip up to the 'M' side and unless I find enough innuendo to do accomplish what I want to do the story will end up there. As of now I have forty-seven chapters done and they haven't crossed the boundary yet and I will warn you when it does.
As for posting do not expect a once a week thing that I have been able to accomplish in the past, both CB and I have found our day jobs become more challenging, but I am going to try and get a chapter out about every two weeks for a few months then go to once a week. So this is the first part of Book One, there is a Book two and when you see how this ends I'm sure you will agree that a break will be needed at that point.
But we aren't going anywhere till you fasten your seatbelts and bring your seats to the upright positions. You might wanna fasten that tray up securely as well.
ST-103
The Hunter: Book One; Prologue
Chapter 0: Metatron
Yamanouchi, Japan:
Painfully straightening from the low table of ancient scrolls he had been hunched over, the younger of the two Masters, himself wizened from his many years in this life, cast his eyes to the other who had seen countless seasons more than he; and yet seemed aged, and ageless, in comparison.
Together they, with an advanced student, had been researching and discussing events that had come to pass over the last year when the student, though his fighting skills were not on par with his classmates, had once again exceeded them all with his scholarly skills in disseminating said scrolls.
From several seemingly disjointed areas of study used to examine the scrolls, a breakthrough was made. While at first exhilarating, in short order emotions quickly came crashing down over a suddenly realized, disturbing observation.
While the find was, in itself significant, that it came from a student lacking in sight made it more momentous to the elderly Masters. Again amazed at how a handicap in one so young had lead to his other senses flourishing as they had so grandly, they surmised his insights would have been blunted had their student had all his senses intact.
After the flush of discovery passed, the three sat around the low table, the scrolls laid out in an orderly fashion, for easy access in the upcoming discussion. The two Masters, calm in their demeanor, the young student quite nervous in spite of his familiarity with his Teacher and Sensei. The blue robed Teacher he had befriended in his stay at the school, the red robed Sensei, he had known for years prior to his arrival at the school.
Master Umestsu watched as Sensei prodded the student,(Meksaki-san,please repeat this again my friend so that Master Umestsu understands this. Even as old as I am and as much as Ihave witnessed with my own eyes I remain unsure.)
(You'll both think I am insane…..)
(But you have a reasonable explanation as to why it works this way. I myself feel there is a link, but it is far too complex for my old brain.) The red robed Sensei would not reveal all that he knew to the young man so as not to color his findings.
Sighing, (Very well Sensei. Now you know the blade is a tremendously powerful artifact and it has an attraction to the one who was here two years ago…)
XXX
Singapore, twelve years earlier:
(Excuse me Master, could you lend me some money? I haven't eaten in over a week.), the pitiful waif asked the short white haired man while not looking at him.
Master Sensei looked upon the filthy and obviously starved child, whose very skin was hanging off his bones, and answering in Chinese,(What is your nameboy?)
(Master I am called Lue by everyone, but I do not know if that is my real name.)
(Where are your parents or guardians child?)
(Sir, I do not know….)
(Why do you not look at me?)
(Master I am unable to see well….)
(Come with me child ,I will see to your needs.) Then noticing the wide path given around them as spoke with each other, (Why are you on the streets by yourself?)
(People stay away from me.)
(Why is that child?)
(Sometimes I see things that happen before they happen, I think it scares people…..sometimes it scares me too. Sometimes they are good things, sometimes not so good.)
(Come with me then child, I have a place where you may live. It is very calming to the spirit. I think you would like it.)
(Could I have a real name too, Sir?),the child inquired.
(I cannot see why not. I give you the name of Inturo Mekaski. It is an honorable name steeped in tradition.), Sensei replied as he offered his arm to the nearly blind child to grab on to.
(Thank you….Is this really a nice place Master?)
(Yes people have lived there for many years; there you will be treated with honor. If you wish you may live your life out there among friends.)
Suddenly the small ragged form stopped and there was a flash of gold from his almost unseeing eyes,(They come very soon.)
(Who comes child there is no need to be afraid.)
(The Chosen One and his Mate come in great purpose for good or ill.)
(How?)
The child ignored the short white haired man as he continued with his golden stare continuing,(And you have met them many years ago as man tells time.)
(How do you know of this?)
(He will be one with the Blade that is honored before all. She ismeant to be with him forever.), the child finished as his eyes returned to their unfocused 'normal', not seeming to hear the white haired man.
(Come with me child, we will protect and care for you.)
(Will I find love there?)
(I do not know child, I suppose we must wait to find out.)
As he was led away there was a soft voice in the breeze that gently accompanied them, "So the adventure continues."
XX
Yamanouchi, back to present:
(So you feel there is danger my friend, why?)
Sigh,(Master you are not making this any easier….)
The Sword Master knew this shy young man was always reluctant to bring up anything new, but the young student was right about Ronald Dean Stoppable when he suggested him as the Chosen One not that long ago….and the Blade confirmed it as the small trial proved.
(I have never ridiculed you, so you should have no fear of that from me as I ask you to explain this: Why does the Lotus Bade change shape like it can for Lord Fiske and Ron Stoppable? We know it does, but not why it does so?)
(The MMP enhances both men and 'another' as we all know, but remember the Blade can only be called by one of pure heart so that rules out the insane Englishman….It is my belief that the Lotus Blade belongs to the Archangel Michael and it was given…..well the Lotus Blade is as hard of the sword that Metatron gave to Michael….), the young man tried to explain and had to clarify his explanation,(this has much to do with Jewish and Christian mysticism…from what I can discover of it. I have not studied their religion…)
Sensei looked on trying to make sense of what the young man was saying, (I have heard the name Archangel Michael before but who or what is this Metatron?)
Inturo Meksaki didn't want to get into this knowing that it might confuse the two older men even more but reluctantly continued, (According to what I have 'read' (referring to braille) Metatron was created, according to the Jewish and Christian and, might I add, the Muslim God, when the god created the universe according to the Jewish teachings. I believe tha teither he,she or it was able to give part of itself to this in the form of a sword to Michael to be a force of good and since Metatron was second to their God according to some sources. Some how part of that one became the sword that Lord Toshimuru found in that cave all those years ago. Thisunder-spiritual deity was immensely powerful, enough so that he could easily destroy this planet with a wave of his hand….but his goodness was so deep that he could never do that. I think this sword is a very small embodiment of this Metatron. Metatron is supposedly the one in charge of death and acts as a medium between their main god and mankind.) The young man paused having gotten their attention.
(Some have said that is Metatron is the equal of their God, but others say no…it still confuses me. I would say that he listens to them and speaks with their God on the people's behalf. Others say that he was human first….At this point I almost wish I could converse with their god to get the story straight.)
Sensei could see this young man was confused and frustrated so asked,(What do you think is right my friend?)
(I think the Lotus Blade is what it is…..there is a link between Stoppable-san and the blade on more than one level. Together with the MMP and the blade they are very powerful for a reason. They have a great underlying task, which could be corrupted and turned evil if care is not taken.),Meksaki revealed after pausing and getting to the point.
Umestsu looked hard at the young man not hearing the last part,(But the blade is metallic….)
(At this point…yes, but has it always been so?),the student inquired.
Sighing in resignation, (It has not; Ihave seen it change when needed to from a sword to a vessel for carrying water. It was leather at that time.) Sensei informed the two, the younger man sat there calmly as the older two hashed this out, the Sword Master just nodded as another piece of the puzzle clicked into place inside his mind.
(There is one more thing that you have to consider….),the nearly blind one continued knowing now they had to be prodded into action.
(What is that my friend?), Sensei inquired.
Inturo sighed,(The Chosen One is not complete with the power, to calm and complete him so that he can be what he isd estined… he must be spiritually bonded with someone closer to him than himself….this person must be good for the Chosen One to remain a force for good. The two must be more than the one. Somehow this must happen, but this goes deeper than just the way it looks on the surface. Without this bonding he could easily be the force which I fear and have had nightmares about.)
From his seat Master Sensei bowed to the student, (Thank you very much my friend. You have opened my eyes and enlightened me, now the council will know which way to proceed. I will mediate, but I think you may have saved the world…again.)
Still sitting the unseeing one just nodded as he had done before already slipping into a higher meditative state as he was prone to do and became very quiet almost enough to be eerie. The two ninja masters got up to take their leave. Both bowed to the young woman who suddenly slipped up to them and sank to her knees next to the sightless young man. They both watched her slip her tiny hand into his without saying a word.
Once they were alone Master Umestsu inquired as they entered Sensei's study,(Are you sure Stoppable-san is the right one?)
(He can make the blade change forms and call it to him; he has proven himself to be the next Master. I feel events are unfolding to where he will have much need of the mystical weapon.)
(Fiske can make it change forms…..)
(But because of his black heart he cannot call the blade, and do we want him to attempt to turn it evil?), Sensei sat down and pulled a weathered scroll out of a protective tube and unrolled it, (Please sit with me and tell me what you think of this my friend.)
(But you heard the 'seer'….)
(Do not underestimate evil my friend, nor should we overestimate good.),Master Sensei reminded Umestsu.
Nodding, Namoto Unestsu slipped down to his knees and then to a sitting position as he looked upon the scroll.(How?),he croaked seeing an image of the blond on the scroll in front of him.
(There is much to reveal that we have kept secret. Would you care for some tea?)
(I think sake will be a better choice Sensei.),the very pale weapons master replied.
Sensei smiled,(You are a wise man and I will need a wise man to guide him and her. I think my time of being actively engaged in fighting evil is nearly complete.)
(Her?)
(Yes this is a package deal, if we get one of them weget the other.),Sensei didn't reveal the original conversation that he had with the 'seer' when they first met.
(I will do my best.)
(I am sure you will. It is time for you to know all, or at least as much as I do….)
X
The Sword Master sat back with wide eyes as he heard the stories and the history. Finally he asked,(What can we do ancient one?)
(He must bring himself into harmony with the power and the blade. This is how I propose that we do this….)
X
Master Umestsu smiled after hearing the plan, (He will not be happy with this news.)
(He mus tattain the level needed to accomplish the task before him and make every one safe.), Sensei countered,(She will not like thes eparation, but it will make their hearts grow stronger.)
(When are you going to tell him?)
At this Sensei snickered,(There is no time like the present. Do you wish to listen in?)
(No, but I feel that the Earth may crack under us if you stress him too much.)
XXXXX
Everywhere and Nowhere:
"It is done Father, I have given of myself as you asked. The tale is to begin, let us hope that it is enough.", the light intoned to the force he really could not comprehend but had created him in the 'Beginning'.
"Good my child though in truth the tale will continue, the spirits will meet with my Agent and the adventure will begin in earnest. I am confident in their ultimate success.",the deep and serine voice echoed in everything that surrounded them.
"We could have inspired them more…."
"You know we do not want to directly interfere with their lives, it is not our way. We have given insight to them and a little of divine assistance, now it is upon their shoulders to accomplish the tasks set before them. It is very important for the two. It is their time. They have waited long enough and yearn for each other so they can return to me after completing the tasks that have been set before them. Do not be overly concerned by the initial outcome, the race is not over until the finish line."
"What do you mean Great One?"
"Never underestimate Evil, the lesser beings must show me what they are made of….have I ever not won out in the end?"
"There is the matter of Lucifer, he is not finished yet. What if they lose?"
A deep laugh shook reality, "He is of me as are you, he will return in the end. As for the others, I trust them, so should you. One carries part of you with him soon, with that aid how may he fail in the task I have given him and the other? Love will conquer all obstacles. When it is darkest will the true light shine forth, though the path may be fraught with dangers to mortal beings. I tell you it will be beautiful. I trust you will be at my side as my scribe to record this wondrous journey of our two friends."
"I trust you in all things Father."
XXX
Welcome to 'The Hunter'.
ST-103