Let's just say this is a chapter you've all been waiting for. Enjoy :3
~*Reunion*~
"I never thought I'd see the day when the great Goemon would be outsmarted in his own game of wits." Sasuke snickered as Goemon shot a glare in his direction.
"If Yagyu hadn't taken a liking to that damn girl things would've played out differently." Goemon growled. He knew Sasuke would never let him live this down.
Goemon still couldn't see what Munenori and Musashi saw in the girl. What made them flock to her? To want to make them protect her? As far as he was concerned she was a stubborn girl who didn't know how to follow orders. He hadn't counted on her making such powerful friends in such a short time. It annoyed him to no end to have his carefully laid out plan ruined all because she had somehow won over Munenori who had purposefully made it to where they now had to take Tonya with them if they wished to locate the scroll. He glanced over at the girl who had remained silent throughout their entire trip.
'Maybe I should've brought Fang after all.' Tonya though to herself as she glanced over at the four masters riding along with her.
Goemon was still pouting, while Sasuke just kept rubbing salt in his wound. Kotaro was sitting there silently with his eyes closed. Probably focusing on the task to come. And Saizo? He was watching the girl like a hawk. There was once a time when she would've been happy to be alone with the four masters. There were so many things she wished to ask them, so many things she wanted to learn from them, but that would have to wait. Hopefully not much longer though as she thought about how close they were to obtaining the scroll.
"Care to share what is on your mind?" Saizo asked as the bus rolled on. They were all dressed in normal clothing right now, not wishing to stand out as they headed down to the coast where the summer home they were heading to was located.
"I hope you know I didn't mean to disrespect any of you when I decided to go after the scroll." Tonya said softly as she looked away from Saizo's sharp gaze.
"You were thinking with your heart. Not your head. If you are to become a master you must learn to distinguish between the two." Saizo replied coldly as Tonya nodded in response. "But, it would seem that your reckless actions have actually helped us in a way. Maybe you're not as dumb as you appear."
Tonya wasn't sure if that was a comment or not. Again she wished she wasn't alone with the masters. While she was glad that Yuuri and Cosset had stayed behind, she missed having Fang beside her. But she figured she'd be safe enough with four ninjas. But the comforting presence of her wolf would've been nice.
The bus slowly rolls to a stop as Tonya rose and stepped off. The others following her lead as she waited for them. Once they were all out, the bus rolled away as they stood in silence. She walked wordlessly as the others follow behind her. Leading them down the street for a while before ducking off on to a walking path. They soon diverted from the path and headed closer to the shoreline. Tonya stopped on the cliff as the others wondered how much farther they had to go.
"There it is. That's the place." Tonya said as she pointed to a huge house in the distance. "According to what Munenori had been able to find out, it's not that heavily guarded. They didn't want to draw too much attention to it. There's a light security system, but nothing too hard to disable. It's more for show than anything else. Supposedly Nobunaga believes in the old ways of doing things and doesn't rely too much on modern technology."
"Good, that plays to our strengths." Kotaro nodded as the four masters all shared a look.
"Do you know which floor the scroll is being held on?" Saizo asked as Tonya shook her head.
"No. There are about three floors in total though. The main floor, the top floor, and the basement. I'd say splitting up and searching each floor in small groups would be the best option." Tonya suggested as the others nodded.
"Cute and smart." Sasuke praised as Saizo rolled his eyes.
"Well, we better get going. The guards shift change happens soon and that'll be the best time to sneak in." Tonya sighed as she started to walk along the edge of the cliff line.
"True, but you'll be staying here." Goemon chuckled as Tonya froze. Before she could do anything, Goemon hit the pressure point on her neck just right in order to knock her out. Her body went limp and everything went black.
_._._
"Ow…that sorry bastard." Tonya grunted as she tried to sit up.
She soon found that a hard task to do. Rope bound her wrists and legs as Tonya wondered where they'd put her. As she managed to roll over, she felt sand touch her cheek. They'd put her in one of the small caves along the coastline so that she'd remain out of sight. She rolled her neck a bit as she finally managed to get herself into a sitting position. Tonya was suddenly glad she'd had that last minute chat with Munenori before she'd left.
"Hey, Tonya." Tonya stopped what she was doing to see Munenori leaning on the wall inside her room. She wondered what he wanted as she finished gathering things up for her departure.
"What is it?" She asked as Munenori moved towards the bed, motioning for her to join him.
"There is a bit of information I left off of that note just in case that ninja had happened to get his hands on to it. There is another way into the mansion other than what was listed. There is an underground passage. The entrance is on the beach and leads all the way up to the mansion. I'm sure there will be store rooms down there somewhere. I'd be willing to be that's where your scroll is." Munenori explained as Tonya tilted her head.
"Why are you just now telling me this?" She asked as Munenori flicked her head hard. "Ow!"
"Idiot. Surely you know they don't intend to let you complete this mission don't you? They'll use you to find the mansion and then find some way to get you out of the way. They have orders to keep you safe and they will carry them out no matter what." Munenori said as Tonya rubbed her head.
"So what do you suggest I do?" Tonya griped as the stinging sensation finally went away.
"Simple, that bit of information I just shared with you is your trump car. Keep that bit of knowledge to yourself. That way you still have a leg up on them." Munenori smirked as Tonya nodded. "Oh and one other thing, don't forget these."
Munenori handed her the kodachis as Tonya took them from him. She noticed a string around the top of the casing of either one. She looked from the kodachis to Munenori who quickly took one and tied it around the top part of his arm. He just as easily unwound it and handed it back as Tonya caught on to what he wanted her to do.
"They're going to try and convince me to not take weapons either huh?" She muttered as Munenori nodded. "Well then, we'll just see about that."
"I hope you find what you're seeking. I really want to see you best these masters." Munenori grinned, a bit of warmth reaching his usually cold eyes.
"Munenori?" The samurai stopped, wondering what she wanted now as he turned. He was caught off guard as Tonya flung herself at him. Hugging him hard as she looked up at him with an ear splitting grin. "Thanks for your help. I won't let you down."
Remembering those words, Tonya arched her back and lowered her wrists to her tightly bound ankles. After a little maneuvering she managed to pull her pants leg up and undo the string on the kodachi she had tied to her leg. She easily unsheathed the blade and cut her bonds. Tonya rubbed her sore wrists and ankles before undoing the other kodachi from her other leg and retying it to her waist. She repeated the process and sheathed the kodachi as she pushed herself up out of the sand.
"Good thing I wore tight pants tonight." Tonya muttered to herself, knowing that the ninja wouldn't be suspicious of her if she wore the right clothing. Of course, the jeans had only been tight on her thighs, not her calves.
A smirk graced her lips as she quickly headed along the shore, sticking to the shadows as she headed for the cliff that the mansion was situated on. Recalling what Munenori said, she began looking for the cave that would lead up to the mansion. She knew it wouldn't be exactly easy to find. It would have to blend in with the natural landscape in order to fool the locals. She stopped near the water, gazing at the reflection of the moon in the water. Something strayed near her feet as she glanced down to see that it was seaweed. A big clump of it too.
"This much seaweed shouldn't be gathered here at this time." Tonya muttered as she picked up.
Inspiration struck as she walked towards the cliff. Hoping over a few rocks and landing on the beach once again, she found a small grouping of rocks and seaweed. She tapped one of the rocks with her knuckles and was greeted with a hollow sound. Tonya grinned as she moved the rocks aside and knocked the seaweed away. Revealing a small entrance.
"Smart using fake rocks." She muttered to herself before entering the cave.
Tonya drew her kodachis and kept them at the ready. Listening intently to everything thing around her since she couldn't see a thing. It was pitch black in the tunnel she was walking in. She had to rely on her other senses as she kept moving forward. Tonya vaguely wondered how the others were doing. Had they found the scroll yet? Were they on their way back to get her? She hoped so. It would do them some good to find out that she was missing. She fought back a snicker as she kept on. Eventually she was greeted with a soft light. Sticking to the shadows, Tonya snuck up to the corner and saw that lanterns were lighting the way. There was no hiding once she stepped into the light. She checked the tunnel once more before stepping out.
"Looks like there's a few different ways around down here." Tonya noted as she picked a direction and started walking.
She suddenly wished that she had a map or something, but she couldn't complain too much. She'd already had so much help getting to where she was now. It was now her job to do the rest. Tonya was surprised to find that the tunnels were so empty. Probably because the guards had been called for backup or something. It made her job easier as she finally came upon other carved out caverns that acted as makeshift store rooms. She didn't have to linger long in the rooms. They were organized very neatly. One held gold, another weapons, another fine silk and such other materials. From the looks of it she knew she wouldn't have much longer till she stumbled upon the room that held the scroll.
"Bingo." Tonya grinned as she came upon the biggest room yet.
Treasure filled up the back part of the room as she spied the scroll sitting right on top of a valuable jade vase. Picking up the scroll, she could see that it'd been opened. The usually immaculate parchment had creases in it. She headed back to the silk room and tore off a small piece to wrap the scroll in before tying it to her leg with some string she brought with her.
"Mission accomplished." She nodded as she headed out of the room and made to leave back down the tunnel she'd come up.
"Hold it right there." A voice commanded as Tonya froze. "I knew those four up top were nothing but a distraction. So, came here to reclaim that precious scroll did you?"
"It's of no use to you since none of you can read it. Figured I'd take it off your hands." Tonya shrugged as she tightened her grip on her kodachis.
"We'll see about that." She could sense that the person was smirking at her.
What happened next was a blur. Tonya heard the man push off hard and head towards her. She whirled around quickly and blocked his attack with her kodachis and got ready to counter attack. That is, until she saw who it was. Shock crossed her face as she stared up into two very familiar yellow orbs as the person above her stared back. They pushed apart and studied each other carefully. A tall, lean yet muscular man stood before her with familiar shoulder length wavy blue hair and pale skin. A scar ran straight over his right eye, making him seem more dangerous than what he really was. Dressed in a spandex top and loose ninja pants that hung just right on his hips.
"Ryu?" Tonya whispered as she couldn't believe he was standing before her.
"Tonya?" he said just as softly as he just stared at her.
She couldn't help herself as she flung herself at her long lost friend. Dropping her weapons in the process as she wrapped her arms around her friend. Ryu drew her towards him, holding on tightly as he buried his face in her hair as tears began to fall. Ryu spun the girl a couple times before putting her down and looking at her. Tonya looked up at the two feelings were mirrored in each other's eyes. Ryu gently wiped away her tears as Tonya couldn't help but giggle like an idiot.
"I knew you weren't dead. I knew the others had been wrong." Tonya smiled before hugging Ryu hard once more.
"I'm sorry about that Little One." Ryu said warmly as a pleasant sensation ran through Tonya upon hearing his pet name for her. "I've missed you so much."
"Me too. But Ryu, why are you here? And why are you working for the enemy?" Tonya asked as a commotion could be heard above.
"Let's get you out of here first. If they find you here…" Ryu just shook his head as Tonya nodded and quickly grabbed her weapons. Sheathing them once more as she headed back to the tunnel.
The two ran in silence. Despite the darkness that surrounded them, they could still sense each other perfectly. It was almost like no time had passed between them. Tonya felt herself grinning like an idiot as she ran alongside Ryu. She was sure he was grinning just like her as they came to the end of the tunnel. They finally exited and headed out into the moonlight. The two only stopped briefly as Ryu motioned to the cliff where Tonya had first spied the mansion. Arching a brow as he did as Tonya got what he wanted.
"Race?" He asked as Tonya nodded, pushing off the sand hard and up on to the rocks.
She ran along them easily as Ryu quickly caught up to her. The two raced around the small cliff until they were facing the beach Tonya had first started out on. They pushed off at the same time, flipping in perfect synchronicity. They hit the ground and that's when the real race began. Just like in old times they pushed themselves hard. And just like old times, Tonya leapt towards Ryu meaning to slow him down. He easily blocked her attack and countered easily as the two kept up the pace while lightly sparring.
"Not bad Tonya. You've improved." Ryu called out as he dove towards her. "But not good enough!"
Tonya reacted in time to avoid his punch and grab on to his shoulder. She pushed off the ground, flipped over Ryu and put her feet on his shoulder. She easily pushed off of him and into the air. Grabbing on to the side of the cliff in the process as she looked down at him.
"Sure about that?" She called back playfully as she pulled herself up the cliff and on to level ground. Ryu was right behind her as he looked over her, his eyes appraising her as he did so.
"It seems you have improved a lot since we last saw each other. I can't believe I've missed so much." Ryu whispered as he moved to brush a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"Why have you been in hiding? Why didn't you ever come back?" Tonya asked as she held on to his hand.
"I've wanted to. But you uncle...if he'd known I was still alive well then we never would've seen each other. I was waiting for the right time. Who knew you'd find me?" Ryu smiled as Tonya tilted her head. "You want to know why I'm working for the enemy huh?"
"That would be nice yes." Tonya muttered, sarcasm coating her tone as Ryu moved to sit down on the edge of the cliff. He motioned for Tonya to join him as she sat beside him.
"Well, when I faked my death and left you I had to start over. I became a ninja for hire. I would steal, act as a body guard, you know just take on jobs to earn cash. All while thinking of a way to try and get back to you. You don't know how much I've missed you Tonya." Ryu sighed as he wrapped an arm around her.
"Feels like a piece of you is missing huh?" She said as Ryu nodded.
"Well, this was just my latest job. I'd heard that they were going after some valuable scroll. I figured it was some museum piece so I didn't think much of it. But I recognized the scroll and knew I had to return it. Who knew that I'd run into you in the process?" Ryu said as Tonya couldn't suppress her giggles. "What?"
"Actually, I was hoping to find you. See when the scroll was stolen I had intended to retrieve it on my own. Uncle didn't think I could do it." Her voice grew soft as Ryu could only guess what had happened. "So I took off on my own. Yuuri came with me too, but I left her behind somewhere safe. She's the one who actually told me that I may find you again."
"Let me guess, a vision?" Ryu arched a brow as Tonya nodded. "I see."
The two glanced over towards the mansion to see lights snap on as yelling could be heard in the distance. Ryu sighed as he stood up with Tonya following him. He glanced back down at her and Tonya knew what that look meant. She immediately wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him tightly as Ryu held her gently.
"You can't go back. Not yet. We just found each other." Tonya whined as Ryu rubbed her hair soothingly.
"I have to. At least to throw them off your trail. But since I know you haven't started your training yet, I'll come find you. Give me three days. Our spot ok?" Ryu said as Tonya reluctantly nodded and let him go. "Don't worry. I won't disappear again. I promise."
"I'm holding you to that." Tonya grinned, determined not to shed tears again as Ryu leaned towards her and planted a kiss on her forehead. Causing Tonya to tense up as a blush crossed her cheeks.
"I'll come for you. Just wait for me." Ryu smiled before flipping off the cliff and disappearing.
Tonya held her forehead as she sunk to the ground. She sat there like an idiot as she recalled what had happened. The shock quickly faded as happiness took its place. Her friend was alive and ok. Now all she had to do was wait. Speaking of waiting, the other four should be back before long, especially now since the mansion was on high alert. Sure enough she only had to wait a few minutes before they appeared behind her. Tonya quickly composed herself as she turned to see the four staring at her in surprise.
"Hi guys." She smirked as she pushed herself up.
"I told you we should've checked her for weapons!" Goemon snapped as Saizo rolled his eyes.
"Seems you're smarter than we gave you credit for." Kotaro noted as Tonya arched a brow at him.
"Don't take offense, Kotaro meant that as a compliment." Sasuke laughed as he walked towards her. "Hey, what's that?"
"Oh this?" Tonya pointed to the scroll on her leg as the others all turned to look at her.
"Where did you find that?" Saizo asked as Tonya grinned, walking past him as she did so.
"In an underground stash house. You guys didn't honestly think I'd be stupid enough to tell you everything if you intended to leave me behind did you?" She smarted off as she led the way back to the bus stop.
"And to think, we have to train that." Goemon muttered as he shook his head. "Master Hanzo was right, she'll definitely make one hell of a ninja."
"Don't worry Tonya, I will come for you." Ryu promised as he watched from the shadows as the five made their way back to the bus station.
I don't know about you guys, but my favorite part of ch 6 was when Munenori and Tonya got the better of Goemon. I love how scenes like that just write themselves. Ah they're so much fun to go back and read. Kinda surprised as to how I even came up with the idea in the first place lol.
As for ch 7...Ryu's back! I'm sure many of you have been waiting for this long awaited mystery figure's appearance. And for anyone whose read my Prince Love yes it is the same guy but not quite as psychotic and controlling. I liked the idea from Prince Love that the two were friends since they were little and ran with it in this story. He's one of those OC's you end up with a love/hate relationship with. Anyways enough rambling let me know what you all thought!
