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Before the End.
Sanada Yukimura the name brought sadness to Kuro's thoughts even as he lay on an altar where he was chained. As he was waiting to be killed in the name of some god that held no meaning to him he thought of the odd samurai. Rain drops hit him one at a time not yet a down pour they slid down his face like the tears he refused to shed. The fire warrior was most likely going to battle not a worry on his mind, while Kuro's thoughts turned bleak and terrifying. In a detached way he wondered if it would hurt when they slit his throat to drain his blood. The sound of many heavy footsteps walking toward him registered in his ears, he closed his eyes and waited for the killing blow. "Good-bye…"
Before...
"Oyakata Sama!" Came the enthusiastic yell followed by a slam as said Lord slammed his fist into his followers face. "Yukimura!" Was the only reply, standing near-by and watching was the ever faithful ninja Sasuke whose only actions were a shake of the head and the words "My…My." Soon both men were punching each other non-stop shouting each other's names. A typical day, none of them knew what was heading toward them or rather who.
...
Drip…drip…drip… the monotonous sound rang over and over in his ears as he lay against cold unyielding stone. A slight shiver ran down his back as the cold seeped through the thin silk against his skin, but he made no protest as it would worry his companion who also lay with him in this empty cave. Drip…drip…drip… slowly his eyes closed as sleep tugged at his senses drip…drip…CRASH!
Jerking Kuro sat up searching for his sister who was sitting across from him looking frightened. Outside the cave he heard the clang of metal on metal, a strike of lightning happening every now and then which was what startled him from sleep. Moving slowly he stood and walked toward the light coming from the entrance sliding along he kept his back to the cave wall. His heart sped up as he noticed two small armies battling in the forest outside the cave he and his sister hid in. Green and red clashed in the trees as thunder rolled and rain became an unforgiving down pour.
Pulling away he moved back sighing in relief, for a moment he feared that they had come. Somehow he was always found no matter where he went or what he did. But this time he had to protect his sister Kura, a powerful water elemental from their clan. As an elemental she would be hunted and captured for power, even now he was sure that many powerful families were searching far and wide for her. That was why he had to find the dragon, the warrior element of Thunder and Lightning. If she was with him that would be the end of the search, and the beginning of a normal life for her.
Unfortunately this land was full of feuding warlords and his task to care for his sister would be near impossible. Already he was aware that the dragon was one of the warlords seeking to gain power over the land. A man known for his rushed decisions and foolish actions as well as his frightening strength with the sword or swords in this case. It was his right hand that Kuro sought to convince and that would be half the battle if there was any way to speak with him. The army that he led was full of rough and roguish characters that he didn't want his sister anywhere near. Indeed Kenshin seemed like a noble man but his element of ice would only suffocate and imprison Kura's.
Breathing slowly he sat exhausted from the rushed escape that took more out of him than he cared to admit. His younger sister Kuri was already well protected in her element of earth and he had been forced to leave her behind in the care of her husband a warrior of good standing and the head of his clan. Knowing this he was not overly worried, for a clan head had the whole clan to protect a precious elemental. Kura on the other hand was not so safe not on their island.
The island that elementals inhabited had in the last two hundred years been plundered by men whose only desire was to possess. Usually they could be handled with a marriage or two but there was one group that was persistent in capturing the most powerful and making them slaves. All one had to do was rape an elemental and they were bonded by exchange of fluids. These men had no qualms in doing so going so far as to slaughter entire villages for one elemental. It was fear of this that caused betrayal among the people and soon only few villages could be trusted. A group of elementals was sent out every month to villages to search for their brothers and sisters and take them to safety. For the most part it worked, until one man's desire became an obsession of frightening proportions.
The look in those teal eyes as they scanned his sister as though she was a piece of meat to be devoured had been his first warning and the only one he needed. The moment the group left the clan he had packed her up sent a short message to Kuri and left. It had been the right decision for not an hour later they had men on their trail. They barely made it across the sea and then only because of Kura's elemental abilities. "Brother when can we leave? I…I don't like it here it's so dark and cold." The soft voice of his sister broke him from his reverie and he nodded feeling the aches and pains flare slightly. The cold was getting to him not to mention some of the injuries he had sustained during their escape.
Walking to the corner he noticed a slight shiver in Kura despite the added warmth of Kuro's own clothes the reason he only had a single layer of warmth. Smiling sardonically he whispered softly to her, "If I never see rain again I'll be happy for the rest of my life." The gentle laughter relieved the fear in his heart that this was too much for her. Holding out his hand he helped her up grabbing their packs on the way. The battle was over for now and it was a good opportunity to leave and search for the dragon to implement his plan.
...
Date Masamune stood looking out on his land his injuries still aching from his last fight. Despite winning his muscles had nearly given out immediately after, now he stood in a thin yukata looking over his land. His right hand Kojuro was in the fields working his land like he usually did, something in the wind was changing, he felt it. Something was coming…he would never know how right he was.
...
Kuro sat quietly in the small dining area of the inn that he and his sister had inhabited for the night. He needed rest and healing if his plan was to go anywhere near smoothly. Not that he had the hope of smoothness seeing as how the past few months had been harried by one problem after another. Sighing he looked around noticing several others who seemed to have had hard lives. The food in front of him was simple and nearly tasteless but better than the small amounts that he had been forced to ration on their journey. Picking up his chopsticks he ate slowly his eyes scanning the room for anyone suspicious, a cough next to him caused him to turn as the proprietor stood at their table. He was a friendly older man who was hunched over from hard work, his skin weathered and dark from the sun, his hands scarred and worn, hair speckled with white and brown eyes gentle and kind. He seemed a bit anxious about something which worried Kuro he didn't need another problem. "Is everything alright?" The elder sighed softly his eyes going to the door. "Forgive me for disturbing you, but I thought I'd warn you, the local soldiers like to come in at night to drink. It wouldn't be wise for your sister to be here when they do." Here the man frowned but his eyes revealed more frustration than anger. "They mean no harm but they can turn rowdy." Nodding he set some money down and motioned for his sister to stand. "We will head toward our room, thank you for the warning."
With this the man left to attend his other patrons his smile warm for each of them. Turning he headed back to their room Kura behind him silent as she had been since they entered this territory. Once again the fear that this was too much for her gripped his heart but he pushed that aside. He suddenly stopped as his eyes lost focus voices whirling in his head. 'Master they come, he comes for her…the other…the other comes for you!' This the cool voice of the sea soft and frantic. 'Run master! RUN!'Spoke the voice of the wind shrieking in protest and fear. Stumbling I caught myself on the wall breathing rapidly.
It had been months since the last warning which had come to him by way of earth, now they grew more fearful and more violent. Shaking my head I slid open the door to our room and walked to the small water basin under the mirror. Splashing the now cold water on my face I tried to clear my mind of the frightened voices that were still echoing there.
Looking into the mirror I winced, there reflecting back at me was my own image, straight long black hair pulled back into a low pony tail at the nape of my neck and down to the middle of my back a few strands having fallen out to lay around my face. I had pale skin that had no blemishes, cheek bones high making me look arrogant and eyes sharp and observant the color of refined silver.
It was his eyes that he had always despised they marked him a neutral element. Unlike his sister whose power was clearly defined and confined to one area he had no definitions. He was proficient in all elements knowing each element deep within his core. His personality reflected none of them and so he was caught in the middle with no color and no responding other half. He was the black sheep the one with no future, he was the one meant to steal an element. All elementals feared that he would take theirs feared that he would force them. He had been beaten and scorned his entire life despite protests from his family, he was a mongrel. His eyes made him stand out no matter where he was no matter how much he wanted to be invisible. He would forever be alone and once his sister was safe his future held nothing but bleakness and hurt.
Muttering softly under his breath he groaned, looking back on his life always brought out depressing thoughts. But in truth he was not completely without a future, his medical abilities were astounding even for an elemental, with all elements he was the perfect healer. This was how he channeled his uselessness and morose thoughts into helping others. But there was a darker side as well; being a warrior he knew how to kill all too easily. A single puncture could kill in seconds the right poison could make the enemy vulnerable and easily killed. The human body was easily injured and this knowledge frightened him at times, if he was a perfect healer then he was an invincible warrior. Thus his sword lay rarely used at his side and most of the time not even on him. He didn't need a sword to kill but having one was almost too much of a temptation.
Turning away from the mirror he noticed his sister laying on the futon already fast asleep. Her hair, lighter than his but longer, lay spread out over the pillow. She had a full form for a woman though she was a good six inches shorter than him, her skin was cream colored, but it was her eyes that were the most beautiful. The color of amethysts they sparkled and warmed even the most stubborn of men. He noticed her breathing was easy and she had a warm smile on her face, smiling at the picture he walked over to his bag and pulled out fresh ointment. Pulling off his kimono he slid it down his shoulders and rubbed the salve on a slightly painful bruise near his shoulder. Usually he would just bear it but he needed all his strength if he was going to win. There was no point going into battle with any disadvantage especially if he was going into the dragon's lair.
...
Sanada Yukimura looked at the stars excitement running through his veins, tomorrow Lord Oyakata would launch an attack. He might meet Date Masamune then he would see if the One-eyed-dragon was stronger. Smiling in pleasure he looked toward the fires of his men knowing Sasuke was near-by watching over him. He couldn't wait!
...
Morning arrived too early for Kura who was usually a morning person; today her brother had told her that they would meet her protector. She had been nervous about it, usually her element paired up with earth one supporting and helping the other grow, but she was also compatible with lightning able to conduct and amplify it to higher levels. Her brother said this man was the warrior lightning element and that it would be hard for him to accept her. She could only hope her brother knew what he was doing.
Blinking she turned and noticed her brother asleep next to her his face set in a frown. He hadn't smiled a real smile in a long time, she could barely remember what he looked like when he did. While her brother may seem gruff at times his physique suggested that of a woman slender and lithe with curving hips. Long lean arms and legs and a strong gaze that had leveled many men; but his eyes were always cold like he never found any warmth in his life. Almost as if being who he was nearly crushed him every day, like a weight had settled on his spirit and he had no hope of it ever lifting. Reaching over she gently smoothed his brow noticing how he relaxed slightly at the touch. Then his eyes opened and the bright silver focused on her, his eyes had always fascinated her. The color bright and sharp always intent on its purpose and unaffected by anything.
Calmly he sat up shaking his head and pulling his hair back into a messy pony tail. Sighing she moved his hands away finger combing through his hair and pulling it into a presentable appearance. Tying the black ribbon at the nape of his neck like she knew he wanted. Then she turned to her pack and pulled out fresh clothing then she went behind the shoji screen to change. When she came out she was surprised to see her brother also changed, he looked completely different. His cloths were more suited to a ninja than the healer she knew her brother to be. Somehow this change scared her despite seeing those rare silver eyes; she still couldn't believe she was looking at her brother. Wearing black from head to toe, his top was one she had never seen, going all the way up his neck with no sleeves and barely covering his midriff, his pants could barely be called that with slits ridding all the way up his legs and causing the material to part revealing white bandages. Cuffs covered his wrists and a mask was pulled over the bottom half of his face showing only his eyes. At his side was something she had never thought she would see on her brother, a katana resting as though it had always been there. "Brother…why do you look like that!" Afraid now she backed up slightly when he walked towards her, heart beating fast she froze as he simply walked past his hand catching hers. That's when she noticed his hands were covered with black finger-less gloves. "Come." The warmth of his voice comforted her and so she followed her brother, as they walked several of the men in the inn looked afraid of her brother and parted ways so they could pass.
In the dining area they passed the tables her brother not bothering to stop to eat. Several soldiers dressed in blue looked suspiciously at her brother and rose to stop him. "Oi, where are you taking that lady?" The man was dressed in blue with an outrageous hairstyle that would have made her laugh but for the sudden tenseness in her brother. "I'll take her where I please, out of my way." The cold statement was met with the drawing of swords from all the soldier's present opening her mouth she was about to protest that she was fine when she heard her brother in her mind his voice a soothing balm. 'Shh Kura this is part of the plan, I intend to draw out the dragon from his lair. I'll heal the wounded afterward.' 'I hope this works.' Was the only reply to her brother. 'Me too Kura, me too.'
...
Date Masamune was usually a pretty cool headed guy and his right hand helped him if he got perhaps a little carried away. But this was a matter of pride, several of his men had run to him and Kojuro minutes before and reported several of his men severely wounded by a single man. This man seemed to be holding a young woman hostage, now usually he didn't bother with such things and let Kojuro handle them seeing as he was the diplomatic one. But it was unacceptable that anyone would think of making such a ruckus so close to his home. "Let's go Kojuro!" The other man nodded his face neutral. Mounting his horse he headed toward the small inn the reports told him this mysterious warrior was. As he approached he noticed a group of his soldiers surrounding a single man dressed in black his grip firm around a young woman's arm. But, what his men had failed to notice was that the woman was not struggling and was edging closer to the young man.
Dismounting he walked closer and suddenly he was drowning in a sea of violet, those eyes captured him and made his blood turn hot. "What's this?" As suddenly as he saw the color it disappeared behind a black shoulder. Slightly annoyed but somewhat enjoying the attention he turned to the man in black. Black hair stirred in the wind and when he looked at the face he was met with a shock, sharp silver eyes studied him intently. Then the gaze turned toward Kojuro, the next moment was a blur as suddenly all his soldiers were laying flat on the ground various wounds covering their bodies. Reaching for his sword he was surprised when Kojuro stopped him. Looking over he noticed the young woman looking frightened her words suddenly reaching him. "Stop please! My brother was only protecting me!" His hand dropped for a second from his sword then the boy laughed softly.
"This is the one-eyed-dragon? What a waste of time…" The cold arrogance in those words stirred his own, "Oi boy let's get this party started!" Pulling his sword he rushed forward electricity coursing down the blade from his palm. The silver in the boy's eyes glinted and quicker than he had expected a blade met his own with a force surprised him. "Party you say? Well well, how about making this a little more interesting?" Smiling he parried and quickly thrust in reply, "If you win I might listen. You see?" The silver sharpened and suddenly disappeared, he barely made it in time to stop the next attack to his left. "Very well you will make an oath to me if I lose I will do the same for you." Smiling he attacked again this time with all of his swords, the boy was good. His speed was enough to compete and even surpass his own Date wondered idly if he should use that attack when suddenly he blacked out.
...
Kuro breathed in relief when the other went down from the blow, he caught the Warlord before he hit the ground. The weight was too much and he ended up sinking to the ground with him. The sound of running footsteps alerted him to his sister and the other swordsman. The man pulled the lord from his grasp and suddenly he found a sword to his throat. "Who are you?" Looking calmly at the other then at his sister he knew it was time. "The only thing you need to know is that I won, remind your Lord of that, his oath will be to protect my sister. Tell him to come back tomorrow and collect her if he fails his honor will be tarnished." In a flash he moved disappearing from the other's sight. Good-bye Kura. She looked at him in panic her mental voice frantic, Wait!
Ignoring the fear in her mental voice he kept moving. He barely made it out of the town when the voices assaulted him; all at once shrieks, roars, and hisses. Stumbling he fell jerking the mask off his face so he could breathe. His lungs felt constricted as he leaned forward on hands and knees struggling for breath. Flashes of white crossed his vision at the lack of oxygen, soon turning to black dots that warned him that he was about to faint. Pain stabbed his mind like daggers causing him to use what little breath he had to scream. Soon it became unbearable and clutching his head in agony he collapsed unaware that he had an audience.
...
Sarutobi Sasuke had seen many things in his lifetime as a ninja and spy, but not once had he seen such pain. Men fought and were injured in war, it was a known fact, but this wasn't war. Lying lifeless on the ground was someone who had yet to be touched by the dark entity called war. Lifting the other up in his arms he noticed tears streaking down pale cheeks. Jumping into the trees he decided to report to Lord Oyakata before he started his attack.
...
Yukimura noticed Sasuke as he jumped down next to Lord Oyakata with someone in his arms. All he could see of the person was long legs clad in black, his master seemed surprised at something. The slight nod of approval and Sasuke disappeared into his lord's home with the person. Still unable to see but knowing his master would tell him when ready Yukimura concentrated on his own men. His excitement banked by his curiousness.
...
Kuro woke up warm and achy, despite this he was more comfortable than he had been in weeks. The cold had finally left his bones, a cold which had settled there for more years than he cared to admit. Not daring to open his eyes he listened as a person on light feet, probably a woman, approached and merely passed him by. No one was with him and finally he opened his eyes, shock slid through his system. He had rarely seen such fine homes, the warmth seemed to permeate the air making him feel drowsy. The room he was in was at least as large as the inn he had stayed at furnished only with the futon he lay on and a large suit of armor. I'm in the lord's room! Panic settled in and he struggled out of the now too heavy blankets, legs getting tangled he fell over and then noticed something he hadn't before. He was completely naked!
Blushing bright red he scrambled back under the covers, there was absolutely no way he was leaving without some sort of covering. Hair brushing his shoulders he sighed heavily, wondering whose house he was in. It wasn't Date's seeing as the man had a thing for blue, he doubted his quarters would be decorated red. Looking intently at the armor which was huge and also decorated red he felt worry niggle in the back of his mind. Red…red…armor…huge room…NO! Jumping at the sound of someone opening the door he lowered his head not wanting to reveal his eye color. Heart racing he heard the person near, quietly the slide of cloth as the person knelt, dainty feet met his limited view. A woman probably a servant of the house. Clothes were set next to him and the woman spoke softly. "Lord Oyakata has asked that you stay and rest until he can come back. Please feel free to walk the grounds, if you need anything your guard will help you." Nodding but staying silent he winced inwardly, to be in the land of Kai with the two tigers was nearly frightening. Fire elements could consume others with their passion and spirit, but they could also burn them until there was nothing left. It is good master…we approve of this…they can help… Suddenly angry at the elements knowing they purposely made him faint for this purpose.
Grabbing his clothes he put them on quickly not wanting to be walked in on. The clothes were his own washed clean, his bandages lying next to them, but no mask. Smiling in irony he stretched once he was dressed not really worried about leaving the room. "A guard to escort me, really subtle of you my lord." The murmured words were responded to by a deep voice making him shiver. "Indeed I couldn't let a stranger just roam my lands." Keeping his hair over his eyes he turned and bowed politely. "True. Forgive my rudeness, but why am I here?" A broad chest with many battle scars was all he saw from beneath his bangs, arms huge as tree trunks, red armor. Deep laughter rumbled, "My spy found you unconscious and brought you here for medical attention. But I can't let you leave, it is unsafe in this world you will be safer here." Before he could protest at being forced to stay shrieking words forced him to grit his teeth in pain. Stay…you will stay…we will not let you leave! Nodding and clutching at his head he stumbled to the bed and lay down arm flung over his eyes. The warmth of the place seeped into his body and he fell asleep.
...
Sasuke looked at his lord as he left the room closing the door softly putting a finger to his lips. Bowing he followed behind him to the meeting hall. There Yukimura stood at attention his eyes sparkling from the fight. It was a victory for their side but there was something wrong, today they had visitors, several men dressed in black robes. None of them spoke but the one who seemed to be the leader; with his long silver pendant in the shape of a snake. "My lord we have come seeking two fugitives from our island." The slick voice made Sasuke want to just kill the man right then and there. "Fugitives? You sure have come a long way for two criminals," was the warlords reply deep and suspicious. The man shifted causing his hood to fall down red eyes glowed wickedly underneath short black hair. "They are special, a boy no older than 21 with distinct silver eyes. A girl only a year older with violet eyes." Blinking but staying silent he wondered if the boy he had brought here had silver eyes. "I've seen no such persons nor do they live here. We are at war many others would not find your inquiries so welcome. You may leave." At this the men bowed the leader followed after staring at Lord Oyakata for several moments his eyes glinting. Once they were gone Yukimura looked at him a frown on his face.
"What was that about?" Before he could say anything Lord Oyakata snorted; a clear dismissal. "They were lying Yukimura, they had ulterior motives." Yukimura's eyes widened a second before he bowed deeply. "Forgive me my lord! In my ignorance I didn't notice…slam!" The sound of Yukimura flying back through the shoji screen was so familiar that Sasuke just sighed. "My Lord I believe we should be careful about those men, I have reports of large groups of men dressed in black massing at the shores searching for something." The Warlord nodded before he was once more engaged with Yukimura who had bounced back quickly. "My…my…"
...
Kojuro looked at the young woman now staying in his Lord's house her eyes were an amazing color of purple. She had well-bred manners and treated all politely and with respect, she was to be a permanent resident due to his master having lost the duel. She was given the position of Lady of the House and was to be his master's bride in the next few days. He was actually happier about that than he would admit to Date, the younger man needed to settle down with a woman before he conquered. This woman seemed to be as good if not better than any. She was kind and considerate of all around her and willing to work hard at any task appointed to her.
Smiling slightly he continued his work on his little plot of land pleased that the crop would be good this year. Date was now arranging to have the ceremony his soon to be bride helping him with it. He was glad to know that at least the young warlord was interested in her. They would marry before the next attack then Date would leave having his wife stay behind and care for his land while he was gone. He almost wished that mysterious young man with the silver eyes were here so he could thank him properly.
...