Hello again dear reader! I bring a new chapter. Not much happens in this one, mostly just information. I apologize if the characters seem OOC. Still enjoy!
WARNING: MalexMale
Rating: T (Blood/or gore and minor swearing.)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used. All characters used belong to their respective companies and owners. HumanNomi belongs to the awesome artist NotNights on Deviantart. The Norisu nine belong to the equally as awesome Chihuahua rocks here on Fanfiction. Nomi's middle name also belongs to Chihuahua rocks as well. If you guys can, check out her stories, they inspired me to write this one! Once again I own nothing, except the OC's that are used.
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Ch. 4: Miko
Viceroy was not happy. It was bad enough he dealt with idiots on a daily bases, but to have to come halfway across the world with a bunch of brats was not his idea of fun. Not that their main objective was any better. As he sat fixing his bosses tracker he wondered how exactly he had gotten into this mess.
"VICEROY, GET IN HERE!" Yelling over the intercom, Hannibal did not sound happy. Sighing Viceroy paused before putting down his blowtorch. Great, what was he getting yelled at for now. As he entered Hannibal's office, he saw that the Sorcerer and his boss were conversing.
"-I need you to travel to Japan." The Sorcerer explained.
"What's this about Japan?" Viceroy asked.
"Viceroy listen, he's trying to tell us why!" Crossing his arms, Viceroy rolled his eyes.
Glaring the Sorcerer continued. "Over a thousand years ago, I was free to roam and terrorize villages in Japan to my hearts desire. Me along with my dearest, crushed hundreds of souls. Eventually we came across another magic user like ourselves. A women who used three powerful bells to channel her power."
"So there's three of you now?" Hannibal asked. The sorcerer rolled his eyes.
"No you imbecile, this woman used her magic for good! That was, until we showed up." Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he started laughing. "It truly was fun to crush her soul. Until she grew stronger. Since she was ruining my plans, I made a deal with the most powerful demon that she had sealed up years beforehand. Freeing him and giving it her body, he was expected to work as my minion, at least until he betrayed me!" The Sorcerer growled. Viceroy gulped as he saw red in the Sorcerers background.
"Anyways, he used magic to send me to Norisville and since then you know the rest." Waving his hand, he didn't say anything else about that matter. Of course he didn't, the poor magic user got his butt handed to him almost every day by the Ninja for how many years now. Sometimes the simple fact that this powerful evil villain has been getting nowhere for the past 800 years made Viceroy laugh a little. World domination; Viceroy would probably be long dead before the Sorcerer even managed to accomplish that.
"So what do you want us to do about it?" Hannibal asked.
"As it turns out, after I had been banished here, the demon was defeated by a great Ninja, and the bells that had once been pure were scattered. One sealed with the demon, the other lost, and the final belongs to a museum in Japan. What I need is for you to find those bells for me."
Viceroy and Hannibal both looked at each other before addressing the Sorcerer. "I don't get why you need bells. We can just buy you some new ones at the store." Viceroy facepalmed at his bosses statement. Great, now they made him mad.
The Sorcerer yelled. "They are not just any bells, you fools!" Hearing him scream, both Viceroy and Hannibal held each other. This guy was sometimes a little too evil for Viceroy's taste. "If I have them in my possession, I can use it to reverse the Tengu seal that binds me in this repugnant place! Not just that but I can have millions of Akuma at my disposal. Those bells were forged by holy priests, they can control, seal and unseal anything for whoever controls them." The Sorcerer brought his hands up and suddenly an image of three large bells appeared before them.
"I need you to go to Japan and find them. Be warned though, there is a reason I ask now. You only have one chance to grab the bell that sleeps with the demon named Akumu. Since the seal is breaking mortals can now enter his prison, but not for long. If you miss that chance, that Demon will awaken and take the bells for himself; ruining my entire plan. That fool would rather see this world burn than control it." Closing his hand the image evaporated. "From what I sense, physically, he is weak, but he has powerful allies, so be wary. They've already awakened, so they'll be a nuisance to you. They'll be looking for the same bells you are, as well as guarding the one in their possession already."
"Wait, so we're suppose to just up and leave?" Hannibal asked. Viceroy mental slapped his boss. Why couldn't his boss just keep his mouth shut for once?
"YES, you up and leave! If he awakens before I can escape and takes those bells, than nothing can stop him. I'd do it myself, but you fools have done nothing but fail me this past year!" Hannibal looked sheepish, before turning to Viceroy.
"VICEROY! It's your fault I've failed!"
Gesturing to himself, Viceroy commented. "MY fault? Let me remind you who told you that adding flammable chemicals to the robot would cause an explosion, in our most recent failure and how many times have I just been following your orders?" Viceroy crossed his arms and leaned on one foot. Hannibal was shaking in the way that made Viceroy want to laugh. He smirked, knowing he had won the argument.
"Look closely you fools! I'm warning you, do not fail me this time or else you can kiss this world goodbye. I may be evil, but this demon is far more bloodthirsty." With that, the Sorcerer vanished. There was a moment of awkward silence before Hannibal commented.
"What exactly is an Akuma?" Viceroy face-palmed.
"Really, after the entire conversation, that's your main concern?"
Hannibal shrugged. "No, it's not a concern just a question."
"An Akuma is the Japanese term for demon. Anyway Hannibal, should I book us plane tickets to Japan then?"
"JAPAN!" Both froze as Marci emerged from the door looking smitten. "Hannibal, that's so sweet of you!" Walking over to Hannibal, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Holding on to him, she leaned into his side looking at him with a large smile.
"What?" Hannibal looked to Viceroy for help, but he just shrugged.
"I'm sure the children are going to love it!" She kissed him on the check, giggling. "At first I was a little worried you had forgotten to repay Norisville high for making them spend their 9th grade field trip money for repairs after you destroyed their entire 11th grade-wing."
"It wasn't my fault it was the Ninja's! He's the one that kicked the robot into the chemistry lab causing an explosion!" Hannibal tried to plea to his wife. "Besides, it was Viceroy that put chemicals inside the robot in the first place." Viceroy glared.
"Might I clarify, that it was on your request sir."
He gapped. "What, I never said such a thing." Yup, he knew Hannibal would try to lie. Bringing out his tape recorder, he didn't break eye contact with his boss. As the message played back when Hannibal asked for flammable chemicals to be put in, Viceroy smirked the entire time.
"You were saying, Sir?" Viceroy crossed his arms.
"Oh Hannibal, it doesn't matter who's fault it was. I'm so proud of you for making it up to them. I'm sure those children will love a trip to Japan." Marci said.
"They're not going to Japan. I was just planning on sending them a statue of something."
Marci glared. "Then why are you going to Japan?" Hannibal laughed sheepishly.
"I have important business over there. I'm looking for some music bells that are apparently important."
"Magic bells." Viceroy corrected. For a powerful business man, Viceroy wondered how it was possible his boss could be so stupid sometimes.
Marci's smile was back in place. Her arms wrapped around her husband again, this time far more tightly. "Hannibal, you do remember that when the robot destroyed half the school, Bash had to stay home for an entire month right?" Hannibal and Viceroy cringed. Having the boy sit in Viceroy's office while he was playing temporary tutor to the brat was a living hell for Viceroy. Not to mention how many pranks he pulled on everyone. Suddenly Marci's arms started squeezing him, "Hannibal those children were so kind to give up the money they saved for the trip to repair the school. You wouldn't be so cruel as to just give them a silly statue in return would you?" Marci tilted her head.
Hannibal paused. "I can give them free-"
"Sweetie, I suggest you take them to Japan with you." With that Marci squeezed her husbands' neck one last time, before letting go. Kissing her husbands' check, she started walking out of his office. "Oh, the children are going to have so much fun!" Once she left, Hannibal turned to Viceroy. Watching him smirk, Hannibal glared.
"Viceroy, don't you have a principal to inform. Tell him about this little trip of ours would you." Waving Viceroy out, he sat down in his chair, mumbling to himself the entire time.
That was how Viceroy was put in charge of everything. From all the students plane tickets to Hotel rooms. He made sure to pick the most expensive though. That would teach his boss to leave him with all the dirty work.
Arriving in Japan, they immediately began working on tracking the bells. Since the bell that resided in *Nara National Museum would not be on display for another 3 days, they were stuck as to what to do next. If they couldn't get the easiest one, how were they going to use it to track the others?
Apparently Hannibal didn't care. So now, Viceroy was stuck working on a tracking device that wasn't going to work without the bell. Sighing he made to get up; he needed a break. Completely ignored by his boss,(who was watching some stupid show on television) he stepped out their hotel room and headed down to the lobby. The Vending machines were by the back and surprisingly, they were pretty good. He had no idea what they were, but that didn't stop him.
After picking something at random, he heard a noise come from the laundry room. At first he ignored it, but then two more crashes were heard. Jumping a little, he froze. What was that? He stuffed his snack in his pocket before taking a peek inside. At first he didn't see anything, but then 2 heads popped out of the laundry basket.
"Owww! Really Julian, you just had to land on me? You couldn't have landed on Bucky." Howard's breathe was finally coming back to him. He was now regretting going first. The ride down was not as smooth or cool as it was on TV. Julian shifted off of him, knocking Bucky down.
"In my defense, Bucky DID land on top of me." Dusting off his clothes, he grabbed his hat before jumping out of the basket. He made to help Bucky.
"Besides, we jumped from the seventh floor! We're lucky this basket was even here." Bucky commented, landing wobbly on his feet. Both watched Howard sit up, before they made to help him out.
He pouted as they pulled. "Yeah, well I'd thought it'd be cooler." On last tug and Howard was face first on the floor in front of them. "For the love of-…you guys are shoobs!" Groaning, Howard stood up. Great, now his stomach, back, and face hurt. When Cunningham was alright, Howard was totally going to make him pay for putting him through all this mess.
"Sorry…" Bucky apologized after helping him up. Together, they walked over to Julian by the back door.
"Gentlemen, it appears we have a problem. Other than the fact that your screaming coming down the shoot probably alerted someone, it appears the door has a security system to it." All three looked up. A glowing red light was proudly presented above the door. Great. This was just perfect, now how were they going to get out of here?
"Well, you kids seem to be having fun." All three jumped at the new voice. Out of the shadows Viceroy walked briskly towards them. "You guys have a lot of guts sneaking out after one of your classmates is missing." He crossed his arms and leaned in close to them. "So, tell me, where are you guys going?" The blonde was cowering behind the goth kid. He, in turn was slowly inching back towards the red-head. Wait, he recognized that red-head.
"Viceroy! Hey, how's it going?" The red-head asked. What was his name again, Howard? Yup, it was Howard Weinerman. "Enjoying the evening?" Viceroy hmmed at the question.
"I was, until I found you three trying to sneak out. Where are you three going anyways?" The goth spoke up.
"Japanese culture is just so beautiful that it should be experienced with others? That's why we figured we'd go for a small stroll around the hotel area. Wouldn't you agree?" Viceroy smirked. He knew they were lying.
"Really, a stroll? So using the hotel's entrance didn't even cross your minds?" He pointed to the door he entered through.
"Well, it is as you said. The police are there looking for a student, so do you really think they'd allow three other students to go for a stroll?" Viceroy had to admit, he was starting to like the goth kid. He was quick on comebacks, but Viceroy knew he'd catch him.
"So going for a stroll requires a first aid kit?" Viceroy pointed to the bag the blonde was holding. At this the goth wasn't sure what to say. Hah, he caught them! Just before the goth could say anymore, Howard put his arms in front of him.
"There's no point in lying anymore man. We have to come clean." Howard sighed.
Bucky suddenly spoke up. "But if he knows then-"
"-he'll make fun of us. Yeah, I know." Howard finished. Viceroy raised an eyebrow. Where could they be going that would be so embarrassing?
Sighing Howard rubbed his neck before looking straight in Viceroy's eyes. "Well, you see, when we were in Shibuya earlier we ran into these girls." Oh. Oh, Viceroy knew where this was going. Well, it made sense, they were teenage boys after all. Of course their minds would be on girls. "We sort of lied and told them we were studying to be doctors in America so they invited us to this party." Viceroy laughed.
"What about the first aid kit?" Howard paused before sighing. The girls he could understand, but the first aid kit, not so much. The goth kid spoke up this time.
"Earlier I gave one of them my number and a few minutes ago they called and said one of their friends was hurt."
"Hurt how?" Viceroy asked.
"Apparently at the party someone thought it would be fun to swing from the chandelier, and ended up on the dining room table with a bleeding cut on their heads."
"So let me guess. They called the American students studying to be doctors?" Viceroy found it hilarious how their lie was backfiring on them.
"He's a rich boy that doesn't want Daddy to find out what happened." Howard finished off. Yup, these guys were screwed. "So now you understand why we can't go out the front?" Howard crossed his arms, daring Viceroy to say anything. It was bad enough he had to lie about something embarrassing like that, but he prayed it was not how they got caught. He could just imagine what the student body would say about that.
Viceroy paused for a second before taking out something from his pocket. He started typing something and immediately Howard though they were caught, but then Viceroy pushed pass them and opened the door.
Freaking out they were about to yell when they noticed that the alarm didn't go off. Pocketing the device, Viceroy admired his nails. "I turned off the security system for the back door. They won't be able to turn it back on for another 6 hours. They won't even notice it's off with the way I set it up." He turned to see all three boys looking wide-eyed at him. He frowned a little. He swore high schoolers were a little slow. "That means if someone wanted to, they could leave and come back without getting caught." Viceroy saw their eyes light up knowingly. Now they were getting somewhere.
"Not that I'm complaining, but why would you help us, again?" Howard asked.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not being nice. It's just that I feel sorry for the way you guys will be made fun of when they realize you aren't doctors in training. Seriously though, take a picture for me. I'd love to see it." Walking away, Viceroy didn't look back. Maybe he was being nice. It wasn't like he was invited to parties at their age, so he'd figure he'd help them out. No one said you have to be evil all the time, right? Getting on the elevator, he took a bite out of his snack. Hmm, strawberry flavor.
Howard honestly couldn't believe that had worked! After Viceroy had walked away, they stood there for a few seconds before taking off. The only problem now was to look for where the store was located. With Bucky's language skills, they managed to ask a few people on the street that knew the area. From what one guy had said, they were close by. After about 30 minutes of running, they managed to get to the stores one guy had said Yukistop was around.
"Found it!" Bucky called out. Howard looked to where he was pointing at. The store stood among many. Immediately, Howard set out to enter the one across from it. Luckily it was crowded so the chance someone saw them sneaking onto the roof was slim; hopefully.
Reaching the top, Howard thanked God that it wasn't locked. "Cunningham!" Looking around, Howard tried to spot his best friend. Not seeing anything, his worry started to get worse.
"Howard?" Not recognizing the voice Howard turned around. It was coming from behind the door. Running, he saw a figure sitting against the balcony with his legs crossed; another figure was laid on his lap against his chest. Howard froze, his blood running cold. He briefly heard Bucky and Julian gasp, but he didn't care. The figure leaning on the stranger was unconscious. His chest was covered in dried blood, and his face was pale. What struck Howard the most was the image of the arrow sticking out from his best friends shoulder. It wouldn't matter how many year went by, Howard was sure he would never get this image of his best friend covered in blood out of his head.
"CUNNINGHAM!" Howard ran towards them. Coming to a stop and falling to his knees, he held out his hands, but he was of afraid to touch his best friend. He looked…..dead, and that's what scared Howard the most right now. This was his fault, he should have gone after him. He shouldn't have let Cunningham go alone. Now his best friend could die right in front of him and it would be his fault!
Julian pushed passed him. "Let me see him." Breaking out of his trance, Howard looked to the stranger. He had red hair and dark brown eyes; his clothing looked like Randy's Ninja suit, with only a cap covering his mouth that indicated a difference. He looked pale too, but Howard noticed he was glaring at Julian.
"I'll take care of his wounds." His accent was noticeable. Was he Japanese? The stranger held Cunningham closer, with his cap draped over them like a blanket.
Julian glared back. "I'm sorry to say but he needs to be treated immediately. Unless you have medical knowledge, you should let me look at him."
The stranger just glare back, refusing to let go of Randy. Instead he turned to Howard. "Why did you bring these strangers? You know why they can't be here."
Too focused on his best friend, he almost didn't catch what the stranger had said. When he registered the words his anger boiled. How dare this guy get mad at him for bringing help! "I know you are not getting mad at me for trying to get help for my best friend! I don't even know who you are, you could be responsible for this for all I know! My best friend could be dying BECAUSE OF YOU!" Catching his breathe, Howard hadn't realized he had yelled. All eyes stared at him. Never before had they seen him so angry. They've never seen such a blaze of fury in his eyes, and that was a little frightening.
Before anymore words could be thrown around, they heard a groan coming from the injured boy. All eyes snapped to Randy, his eyes trying to open. Howards' fury was instantly replaced by worry and relief. "Cunningham!" He was by his side instantly. Honestly, Howard had never been so happy to see those sapphire eyes open. Even if they were having trouble focusing on him. Slowly his eyes landed on Howard.
"….Howard?" Randy mentally cringed. His head was pounding and his throat felt like it was on fire. Where was he anyway, and why was Howard towering over him like he had just died?
He made to move but suddenly blinding hot pain shot up from his left shoulder causing him to cry out. He closed his eyes and tried to take deep breathes but it hurt to do that too. His chest felt just as bad as his shoulder. Why did it hurt so bad? He heard someones' voice other than Howards above him. "Easy. Just breathe slowly." The voice was soft and kind. Randy followed the instructions and slowly he opened his eyes when he felt he could breathe again. They were outside was the first thing he noticed around him. The second was that his roommates were surrounding him looking at him with a bit of relief but mostly worry. The last thing he noticed was that he wasn't on the floor, but held against someones chest; warm body and arms holding him with care.
Looking up at the person who spoke, he saw the face of his red-headed savior. Savior? Suddenly realizing what had happened Randy made to move. Scaring everyone around him, he started struggling in the arms holding him, but to no avail. They wouldn't let him go.
He remembered everything! The sudden attack, the two figures; he remembered being slashed in the chest by the tall ones fans and the arrow that pierced his shoulder. He remembered being saved by the person the girls called young Norisu. That's right! They were escaping only for him to fall out of Norisu's arms and land hard on the ground, blacking out. Shit! The guys were here; they could get hurt! "It's not safe, Howard, guys, you have to go!"
Howard and the others tried to get him to stop. "Cunningham, relax! We're fine okay, just relax." How could Howard tell him to relax? If he was hurt then he couldn't protect them. Those girls could still be here. He had to get them out of the forest before-
Looking around, Randy noticed there were buildings instead of trees. Huh? As if sensing his confusion, Norisu spoke. "Stop moving!" He felt the world spin as the pain intensified, Randy ceased struggling and slumped toward Norisu's body. Okay, trying to move was a bad idea. Not doing that again. Trying not to focus on the pain, he closed his eyes and heard Norisu speak again. "Calm yourself. For now you don't have to worry about those Kitsunes."
"Kitsune?" He heard Bucky state. "Aren't those Japanese fox spirits?"
Howard questioned him next. "Is that what attacked you guys?"
Without even seeing, he felt Norisu nod his head. "Yes, it appears that these Kitsune were sent to retrieve…" he paused, "they were sent to retrieve the Nomicon. They managed to injure Randy as you can see, but I arrived just in time to save him from further harm. Still, those Kitsune were stronger than I'd thought, and I ended up injured as well." He was hurt? Thinking back, it must have been when Norisu had dropped him. He had moved to protect Randy. Immediately feeling guilty, he thought about something else that he had yet to mention.
Mustering the ability to speak, he relayed his guilt to his friends. "I'm sorry….they got the mask because of me." Groaning from the pain, he buried his head deeper into Norisu's chest. Any other time Randy would have been embarrassed to even think about laying on someone in the way he was currently, but right now he was in too much pain to care. Randy was cold and Norisu provided the warmth he wanted. Crap, if only he had actually paid more attention in health class. Then he could actually tell if he was dying or not. It sure felt like he was.
He felt someone gently grab his arm, but he didn't care. If Norisu really was the guardian and teacher of the Ninja's, then Randy had to apologize. "..I'm sorry…I let the mask get stolen. They were just too strong, but…." He didn't know what to say to make this better. He just kept repeating the same thing. From what the Nomicon had said about this Akumu, then he had just sealed the fate of the entire world. Without the mask, he couldn't fight against the Kitsune(then again, even with it he still lost) and more importantly he couldn't find the gate either. Without it, thinking back to his dream Randy started panicking. Without the gate, how could he stop the death of everything, including Norisu?
"Calm down. The mask is safe." Eyes shooting open, Randy looked to the face of his guardian. Not believing a word they said. Norisu let his arm travel to his back before he pulled out the Ninja mask. Immediately Randy felt relief, if only for a short moment, before the hand that had grabbed him had moved his arm. "I told you not to touch him." He heard Norisu reprimand.
Eyes landing on Julian, he didn't think he could hold such a serious face with someone like Norisu. If Julian only knew what Randy's savior could do to him without even trying. "I'm sorry, but he needs to be treated. Wasting time isn't going to help him."
He heard Howard speak up next. "Julians' right. Let him go so he can patch him up." Feeling his guardian tense, Randy stayed silent.
"Do you even know how to treat the injuries he has?" Norisu asked.
Julian paused, before deflating. "Of this caliber, no, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let his wounds get infected. Besides, do you know how to deal with it?" Julian gestured to his shoulder. Randy did not follow his hand, fearing to see what it looked like. He already saw it once, he didn't need to see it again or else he knew he'd be sick.
"I appreciate your concern, but my knowledge on these injuries is better than yours. Trust me when I say I can help him better than you." Norisu responded.
Howard suddenly spoke up. "Dude, we don't even know who you are. Just let Julian take care of him." Randy noticed something in Howards' voice. There was a certain edge to it that Randy couldn't pinpoint.
"Kitsune wounds are different than if a normal person would have caused them. They have to be handled with caution." Norisu stated.
"Dude seriously, just let Julian take care of him. I trust him more than I trust you." All was silent. That was kind of harsh. The man just saved his life, how bad could he be. Randy was kind of surprised. He'd never seen Howard act like this before. Trying to tell Howard that he was saved because of said stranger was not easy. His voice was weak and his friends wouldn't shut up long enough to hear him.
"It doesn't matter if you trust me or not, but I will not let someone who doesn't know anything about Kitsune's treat him."
"As much as your anger impresses me. I'm sure my medical knowledge far exceeds yours. Not only that, but the arrow could have caused some nerve damage. I would send him to a hospital..."
Howard and Norisu both responded. "No hospitals!"
Julian crossed his arms, a rare glare settling on his face. "He's going to need a proper doctor to treat him, there are many things that could go wrong if the arrow is not extracted properly, but until then I'll treat him as best I can."
"As best you can! His injuries aren't just simple cuts!" Norisu looked like he was getting mad. He sure sounded like it. If he wasn't in so much pain, Randy would have rolled his eyes. Seriously, could they not just hurry up. Randy looked to Bucky for help, but he was useless. The blonde was timidly watching the exchange with fear.
Groaning Randy had enough. "Seriously, can someone just help me. My shoulder is killing me!" Slumping against Norisu, Randy closed his eyes. He hated how he sounded so desperate, but there was an arrow in his shoulder. That was more than enough of a reason to whine. Now was not the time to fight. There was a pause before Howard spoke up.
"He's right. We have to help him." Thank you, Howard. Howards hand reached out to touch Randy's arm. "Which is why Julian should seriously get to work." Randy groaned again. Were his friends seriously going to let him die because they couldn't decide who would patch him up?
"Enough, I said I'll take care of his wounds." Norisu reached out his hand to Bucky. The poor boy was responsible for holding the medical kit. "Give me the kit." He more demanded than asked. Before Bucky could hand it over Howard spoke up with as much intensity as Norisu.
"Bucky no, give the kit to Julian."
"No, give it to me. As I have said, I know what I'm doing." Norisu wouldn't back down.
"Bucky, give Julian the kit."
"Give it to me!"
"Bucky, give it here!"
The poor blonde just didn't know who to give it too. Having enough he shouted. "I don't know!"
"Then maybe I could be of assistance." All five heads turned to see an elderly woman on the opposite side of the roof. Her sudden arrival shocked everyone and immediately Randy saw Norisu draw his sword, ignoring the panicked and surprised shouts from Julian and Bucky. She held up a hand, slowly coming closer. "There is no need for that Nomi Conikos Norisu." She was hunched over due to age but her eyes clearly stated she was not to be messed with. She was dressed as a *Miko with a wooden cane to help her walk.
"How do you know that name?" Her heard Norisu ask.
Howard turned to Norisu. "Is she a friend of yours?"
"No." He glared at the women but she just chuckled.
"Actually, I am a friend. This just happens to be our first meeting." Her voice held that raspy edge that came with age, but still managed to sound strong. She stopped a few feet away, but still close enough to have Nomi on guard. How did this woman know his name? He hasn't revealed himself in over 50 years. Unless she was somehow connected to Norisville, there couldn't be any possible way she could know his identity. Then again, those two kitsune's knew who he was as well. Who could possible know such information and give it away? As if sensing his inner turmoil the women spoke. "I knew you were coming from a friend of mine back in Norisville. I apologize for not coming to you sooner, but there were some things that I had to take care of first."
"What friend is this?" Nomi asked.
"You and young Randy, I'm sure, have met him. He works as a teacher in Norisville high. His name is S. Ward Smith." Howard, Randy, and Nomi's eyes lit up.
"Wait, you know Smith, as in the crafter of the Ninja's swords?" Howard asked a little skeptically.
She just nodded. "Indeed. When I was young we grew up together in Norisville before I moved here to inherit my family's shrine. We've kept in touch since, and when I heard that the Norisville Ninja himself would be arriving I knew I had to help him in anyway possible." Nomi wasn't buying her story. It could be a trap for all he knew. If it really was then they were all in trouble. She spoke up again.
"Its fine if you don't believe me. After your encounter with the Kitsune sisters, I'd expect nothing but caution from you." She dropped her cane to the floor and raised her hands in surrender. Slowly she made her way over to Randy. She gently pushed aside Julian to kneel next to Randy. Nomi thought it was strange. He didn't feel any danger coming from her. "Your caution is understandable, but it is not needed. Put your sword down." She asked. Both her eyes and Nomi's stared into each others. He didn't see anything to warrant suspicion from her. In fact she gave off the impression of Nomi's grandfather; wise, calm and most importantly, warmth.
Nomi felt sadness begin to rise in his chest. Things were bad right now, but some help….wouldn't hurt. Sighing, Nomi put down his weapon. Noticing Nomi's posture relax, she began looking at Randy.
The elderly woman gently touched Randy's shoulder. Trying her best not to cause him too much pain. Even so she could tell it was badly damaged. "The arrow seems to have pierced through very important nerves. Without them you could lose mobility in that arm of yours." She spoke to Randy gently. Nomi saw Randy's eyes begin to panic.
"What are you trying to say?" Howard asked impatiently. Julian looked sadly at him.
"It means that he might not be able to move his arm ever again depending on the extent of the arrows damage."
Nomi spoke up. "True, but you can fix him can't you? That's why you're here." He asked the elderly Miko. She touched Randy's forehead.
"Normally, injuries like this couldn't be healed even with proper medical attention…" slowly she smiled, "That's why I prefer to use Chinese medicine." Reaching into her kimono sleeve she pulled out a paper manikin. "Chou." She threw it to the floor. The paper began to morph into something bigger, until finally, a human figure was crouching in its place.
Bucky squeaked. "W-what is that?" The crouched figure stood, revealing to have a face that was very familiar to all of them. "It looks like Randy." Yes, as Bucky stated, the paper figure had morphed into a complete image of Randy.
"It is called a Shikigami; spirits I can call on to help me." She turned to Howard. "For now he will take Randy's place in your group until the real one heals."
Howards' eyes widened before frowning. "Wait, so you're saying you want us to take this imposter back with us to the hotel. What about the real Cunningham?"
"The real one along with Norisu will come with me back to my temple. There I'll be able to help them."
"So after coming all this way, you just want us to leave?" Howard asked. He didn't come all this way to do nothing for his best friend.
"The police force is out looking for your friend. It's best if we stop this search before anything more happens. My temple also contains medicinal herbs I can use to treat their injuries. The Shikigami will not stay with you long, I promise you that. He is only there to fill in until the real Randy is better." She gently placed a hand on Howards shoulder.
He grunted in response. How was he suppose to just leave his best friend after finding him injured? What kind of friend would he really be if he did that?
"Howard, she's right." Randy finally spoke up for the first time since her arrival. "Just go, I promise you I'll come back."
"What, no way! I'm not leaving you again." Howard crossed his arms and refused to look at his best friend. Stupid shoob! Didn't Cunningham realize how worried Howard was for him.
"Howard please. I'll come back; just trust me." Cunningham never sounded so desperate. Slowly Howards resolve began to crumble. His eyes met Randy's before he sighed, turning to the elderly woman.
"You promise you'll help him?" She gently smiled.
"Yes. I give you my word."
He glared turning back to Randy. "Fine, I'll take the stupid paper doll back with us, but you better make it back in one piece. Don't forget we're moving to the second Hotel in *Kyoto in 3 days. You better be back by then." Randy nodded. Looking to the said stranger holding his best friend Howard was surprised by the words that came out of his own mouth. "Make sure he doesn't die."
Nomi bowed his head. "I don't plan on letting that happen." Satisfied Howard stood up.
"Well, other than the fact that I came here for nothing, I'd say you're in good hands. So, guys lets go back."
Bucky spoke up. "So we're just going to leave them here?"
"Yeah, besides if Cunningham says he'll be okay, then he'll be okay."
Suddenly the elderly Miko remembered something. "Ah, before I forget, the Shikigami will stay in Randy's form until the real one comes back. His name is Chou, so if you want him to do something it is best if you call him by his name. Although it's best if Chou arrives back at the hotel by himself. As far as I'm concerned the police are looking for one person, not four." Chou walked to stand by Howard and the others side.
"Well thanks for the information, so now we'll be leaving. Since, you know, it's a pretty far walk back." Howard beckoned to the direction of the hotel.
"Yes, but no need for that; Chou." Suddenly Chou raised a hand and a black circle formed in front of the three. Before Howard could comment on it, he felt himself, Julian, and Bucky get pushed into the strange hole.
Nomi's eyes widened. "No need to be alarmed. I simply had Chou teleport them into their hotel room." He saw Chou close the portal before nodding towards his master. "Chou, you know what to do." Without another word he took off towards the direction of the hotel.
As he left, Nomi felt like he could finally ask some of the most secretive questions. "How did you know about our encounter with the Kitsune sisters?" She hmmed before pulling out another paper. This time it morphed to form a bigger Shikigami. This one had a monstrous form, nothing like the other that had left. It had one eye and arms with bulging muscles. With its hooved feet it knelt down before them.
"First we need to get back to my temple. We are too vulnerable right now." She stood up before the giant ogre like Shikigami picked her up in one arm. With his other he took hold of both Randy and Nomi. As carefully as he could, he moved them to his chest. Once settled, the Miko spoke again. "Once you are better, I will tell you everything I know." With a wave of her hand, the ogre like creature began to move from building to building. With impressive silence, the creature moved faster towards the outskirts of the town. Nomi hated to admit it, but from the exhaustion of today, and the gentle movement of the Shikigami, he felt himself lull off to sleep; too tired to stay alert. A short rest wouldn't hurt. After all, things are going to be painful the next time he wakes.
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So I hope you enjoyed. Once again correct me if I'm wrong on my references and explanations, I wouldn't mind it.
Nara National Museum-a art museum located in Nara Park. Primarily displays Japanese Buddhism art.
Kyoto- Japan's capital from 794 until 1868, its a city filled with rich Japanese culture. There are a variety of temples, shrines, and other historic structures that hold hundreds of years worth of Japanese history. (A place I'd love to visit someday.)
Miko- temple shrine maiden.
As for the field trip schedule in general, where I live some private schools have field trips similar to the one in the story. Someone I know is actually going overseas for her Junior year field trip(only seniors and juniors allowed.) They usually go to more than one area. The girl I know is heading to Spain, then Italy, then France I think is the last stop before they come back. It last about two weeks. I just wanted to explain that for anyone wondering why they're going to another city.(I didn't know schools really did this until three months ago.)
Anyway, has anyone gotten the new Fire Emblem game? I don't know which one to pick; Conquest or Birthright? I'm leaning more towards Conquest, but then my morals lean towards Birthright. Only have money for one, and I can't decide :P What would you recommend?