Tangled Up in You—THE REWRITE!
A/N: See previous disclaimer from Chapter 01. A special thank you goes out to bStormhands for incredible help in writing this multi-chapter sub-plot. In this chapter, and several to follow, I leave the traditional 'Tangled' storyline and go off on a well thought out, and vital to the story, tangent. This path is vital to the development of my future plot as it allows me to introduce more OCs in a controlled manner, as well as flowing into both my re-write and the soon to be published 'Dark Force Rising' on fictionpress . com. I hope you enjoy this and what follows and can patiently wait until I return to Gothel and her protagonists… I promise you that you will not be disappointed. When I promise something, I 'Rapunzel Promise…' In this chapter we begin our introductions of the amazing Shark Hunters…
Chapter Twenty: The Team Assembles, Part 1
King William, pausing as he lightly chuckled at the sight of the two impatient young lovebirds, continued to tell Amanda and Rupert of his adventure twenty years previous…
As William, Lord Marcus and Lady Annabella surveyed the team, the Coronian prince quickly noted its unusual composition. First, the team did not seem to be made up of current Royal Guard members. The individuals of this team, rather than wearing the normal insignia that Prince William had become accustomed to in the members of the Royal Guard, each instead wearing one of several non-descript uniforms. He also noted that each member also seemed to be graced with the most unusual of rank insignia. These unusual insignia seemed to more accurately indicate a specialty, rather than a rank. Second, the team consisted of only thirteen men and twelve women. The size of the team only momentarily surprised the crown prince before he remembered the words of his father concerning the amazing individuals that called Corona home. Third, the women seemed more heavily armed than the men; as each woman had twin fighting knives worn at their hip, unusual swords in scabbards worn at the waist, and the latest double quill Mark XVII crossbows held at the ready. Finally, the majority of these team members, with ten of them in particular, seemed not to be from his home continent of Io. He looked very forward to learning all he could from this amazing composition of people of obviously great skills.
William stood there a moment, savoring the aromas of the forest clearing and listening to the shrill cry of baby birds as they called out for their evening feedings. He heard numerous other nocturnal animals, from a wide variety of hooting owls to many singing crickets in the grass of the forest clearing they were currently standing in. In the distance he could hear wolves howling at the moon; full and high in the night sky; the constellations Rigel, Taurus, Ursa Major, and Vega clearly visible in the cloudless sky. He took a quick opportunity to look more closely at the team's composition.
The team consisted of twenty-three individuals; both male and female; some apparently from Io and others lands unknown to him. He counted five archers among those he recognized as Ioian. Among the foreign born, he counted six swords-men and -women as two of the women also wore apparently beautiful curved swords at their waist. Finally, he could see that some of them apparently preferred knives; scabbards adorning each side of their waists.
He then continued his brief inspection of the team his father assembled for this mission, continuing his analysis of both the personnel and their chosen weapons. He could not determine the home kingdom for five women and five men. He did, however, commit the varied weapons carried to memory; knowing that such knowledge would be instrumental in the success of this operation. He finally noted the insignia worn by one member of the team denoted the special status enjoyed by the wearer.
"What do you think of my father's team, Marcus, Annabella?" The young prince asked his companions from Avandell.
"They seem, at first glance, very capable. I am most impressed with the varied weaponry, and cannot wait to learn more." Marcus replied.
"I feel their determination and strong yearning to prove themselves in battle. I am sure we will prevail." Annabella remarked.
"I concur fully. Let's begin with introductions; then, we can brief our plan."
"That would be very good, your highness." The two, Annabella and Marcus, replied in turn.
Seeing Prince William; and his well-dressed yet, as of now, unknown companions turning towards him, and noting the look of recognition, Stephan, the man wearing the special insignia, quickly stepped towards him and asked, "Your highness, what are your orders?"
"Greetings; this is the brave warrior princess Lady Annabella of Avandell and my liaison, Lord Marcus, also of Avandell, who are here to assist us. Lady Annabella is to accompany us as she is on a quest of her own that is but a means to an end. Lord Marcus' skills are too varied to describe, so I believe it will be much better that he demonstrates them prior to our departure for the Midlands; sure they are to complement the abilities of this team. I will let him demonstrate them for the team's benefit after we conduct a brief introduction. May I have your name and specialty as well as the names and specialties of your team?"
"Of course, sire. My name is Sir Stephan, Knight Plenipotentiary of the Realm, and I am an expert jouster and archer as well as the nominal team leader; although I have been granted full authority to use the team as required in support of King Jonathan's directives."
"The nominal team leader; forgive my ignorance of such an unusual term, but please indulge me; what is that?"
"Yes, the nominal team leader; this term was designated by your father in order to quell some hard feelings among some of the team members; members who take pride in their independence of action. Each group, more often than not, conducts their operations singly and clandestinely as the need requires. Thus, while it may seem that I am leading these other members, in reality, I am simply the face of the organization; ensuring each segment of the force is unified in its course of action. Each subset of individuals; however, specializing in a different warrior art; reports their activities directly to your father. I maintain a semblance of order by ensuring each sub-set's mission objectives meet the needs of the operation."
"Yes. I see. Please continue."
"Your highness, I am sure you quickly noted the cosmopolitan make up of this task force; its members originating from many varied kingdoms on diverse continents. A significant portion of the force actually calls the continent of Europa home. Your father made this choice consciously; more concerned for utility than form."
"I fully concur with his reasoning; you may begin your introductions."
"Of course, your highness; thank you. These first ten individuals, all member of what King Jonathan calls the Alpha-One strike team; five women who are distantly related to one another, and five men; all hail from Nihon Koku. They are practitioners and masters of the art of Ninjutsu."
"Nihon Koku; I take it that that is a country of some sort? Hmm; I cannot seem to remember learning about it during my tutoring. Please tell me its location as well as its characteristics."
"Sire, Nihon Koku is actually an island empire on the east coast of the continent of Europa; its name refers to the prevalence of the sun in their culture; the emperor God like. Some people refer to it as the "Land of the Rising Sun;" thus, like our kingdom, they closely identify with the sun."
"Geographically, it is made up of four large islands, which contain most of the population; and many hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller islands. These islands are volcanic in origin, with a masterfully beautiful extinct volcano called Mount Fuji, a most beautiful landmark, near the capital city of Edo. According to Kuribashi-Naomika, the name Edo is loosely translated as 'estuary;' its name relating to its location along the shore of the Sumida river. This river fueled the initial industry of the city; fishing. Thus, just as is the case with our own capital city; Edo also originates with maritime activities."
Stephan paused for a moment to allow the Crown Prince to absorb his initial description. The Crown Prince, hiding his amazement of such a land, nodded for Stephan to continue.
"As for traveling to this amazing empire; it is an approximate, if the winds are favorable, six to eight week voyage from our Kingdom of Corona. We occasionally see their beautifully decorated ships proceeding down our coast as they make their way to the Kingdom of Estrella, our kingdom not really having had too many contacts with them."
"Thank you for the overview of their homeland; what is ninjutsu, a war art?"
"Yes, sire. Ninjutsu is the term used to denote the practitioners of the skill set of martial arts, strategy, and tactics of unconventional and guerilla warfare. It also encompasses the art of espionage. These individuals are known as ninja, outside of Nihon Koku. Within the greater ninjutsu term are the subsets Kunoichi, and Shinobi; the former refers to the female practitioners and the latter to the male. Finally, there are eighteen disciplines that can be mastered. Rather than explain them all, I will only describe those as they apply to the various team members."
"I concur, Sir Stephan."
"These ten, as I am sure you noted, eight of whom are dressed in the traditional garb of their profession of stealth, are the first of what we hope will be many visitors to our lands who will hopefully decide to remain and pass on their arts to us. As mentioned previously, there are eighteen disciplines that relate directly to the art of Ninjutsu. These amazing people of that empire of the sun; ever capable sword makers and swordsmen, knife and other unusual weapons use in close quarters combat, and being able to appear seemingly out of thin air; are remarkable warriors. We greatly hope that they will continue to help train select citizens in their disciplines."
Seeing the look of awe on Prince William's face, Stephan concluded the first phase of his briefing by continuing, "I wish to begin by introducing you to the five most amazing women I have had the privilege of meeting and closely working with; Kuribashi-Naomika, and the two sets of twin sisters; Fukumitsu-Natsuki and Fukumitsu-Natsumi, and Fuschida-Saika and Fuschida-Misaki. They are directly linked, through the paternal side, to the masterful Koga clan; the clan that actually led the recent renaissance of the art of ninjutsu."
"Amazing. Please continue."
"As mentioned, they are distantly related to each other, sharing a common ancestor about three generations in the past; a Great-great grandfather. Fukumitsu-Natsuki and Fukumitsu-Natsumi, and Fuschida-Saika and Fuschida-Misaki trace their ancestry back to the offspring from the first wife of their Great-great Grandfather. Kuribashi-Naomika, on the other hand, shares the same Great-great Grandfather, but is descended from the offspring of his second wife; the first having died in combat with a bitter rival clan. The ferocity of this battle so hardened him to the realities of the new Nihon Koku that he decreed that all subsequent generations of his family were to be trained in the various arts of ninjutsu, regardless of gender. A practice still carried out today."
"Wow. I am very impressed with your research into the team members."
"Thank you, sire. I spent many hours discussing their amazing stories; and, I still feel that there is so much more to learn and know. Without further ado, it is my great privilege to introduce you first to Kuribashi-Naomika;" Stephan stated, gesturing to a raven haired oriental woman; whose dark eyes seemed much more mature then her young body and immaculate complexion foretold; who gracefully approached and deeply bowed to her Crown Prince.
As she straightened up, Prince William was better able to take in her appearance. She was approximately five feet four inches tall; of an average weight and build; with a beautifully flawless complexion. Her long hair, reaching three quarters of the way down her back, was neatly French braided in such a way to be no hindrance in combat. She wore a very unusual all black outfit; tunic with flaps covering the back of the hand and looped through the longest finger; pants that seemed to flow into her black boots. She was also well armed; twin knifes at her waist; round steel stars strategically located in easily accessible pockets on both the tunic and pants.
"I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Prince William-sama;" she said, in heavily accented, yet very easily understandable English.
"As am I, Kuribashi-Naomika."
Stephan continued his briefing; "She is a refugee from a shipwrecked vessel that floundered off our coast and decided to make Corona her home as, sadly, her parents did not survive the wreck and she had no other family to go home to. She was warmly welcomed into the home of the Royal Blacksmith; soon becoming their adoptive daughter. He saw to her education both in English and in the subjects usually reserved for the nobility. She has many other amazing talents that have served us well in the two short years that she has been a part of our kingdom."
"She has become, in the last year, a master metal work craftswoman, having first been taught by her birth father beginning when she was but eleven while still in Nihon Koku. Her adoptive father was suitably and thoroughly impressed with both her workmanship and metallurgy skill, especially her knowledge of various steel alloys; such as he had ever even thought of. He allowed her to continue honing her skills. She has thus stepped up and taken responsibility for making all of our steel blade weapons, to include swords, knives, hira shuriken throwing weapons, and crossbow quill arrowheads for the past year. Her work ethic and quality are second to none; as are her skills."
"She is a third level, Topaz Moon, Kunoichi. Her prime specialty, besides being quite the knife fighter, is Shurikenjutsu or, the 'sword hidden in the hand technique.' This is one of the eighteen disciplines of ninjutsu, and refers to the use of small circular pieces of steel with sharp points milled into them. These objects, when properly thrown, can incapacitate or even kill an opponent; silently, without warning. Most often, however, she prefers to use her custom made knives as needed based on the threat. There is no task too difficult or mundane for her. She is simply the most amazing young woman who has, in a word, become quite indispensable to our task force."
Prince William was very impressed with this woman, especially given her apparent young age, stating, "I could not help but notice how young you appear, Kuribashi-Naomika. How old are you?"
"Prince William-sama," she answered, "I am 16. My birthday is in two months."
"I look forward to seeing you in action, Kuribashi-Naomika."
"Thank you, your highness;" Kuribashi-Naomika replied, smiling broadly, her white teeth as immaculate as her uniform and neatly braided hair.
Stephan gestured to the first of what appeared to be two sets of identical twins. These two women, each twenty-one and about five feet six inches tall and of a moderate build, were indistinguishable from the other from a distance. Not only did each wear the same outfit as Kuribashi-Naomika, but they also both wore their hair exactly the same and had the same flawless complexion as their distant cousin. They were, in a word, quite stunning; with a beauty sure to distract their opponent at the most inopportune time. They were, however, dissimilarly armed from Kuribashi-Naomika. Rather than twin knifes at the waist, these two wore, at their left hip, beautiful scabbards with ornate, slightly curved swords. Prince William, eying each one carefully, soon saw that the best way to tell them apart was through eye color.
"First, let me introduce the slightly older twin, Fukumitsu-Saika, who is a second level, Emerald Moon, Kunoichi. You will note that she has the most stunning, yet quite rare, eye color; green. She, like her sister, has become expert at the art of sword in combat."
"I am pleased to meet you, Prince William-sama;" Fukumitsu-Saika said, bowing deeply.
"As I am; I cannot wait to see you in action."
"This," Stephan added, while gently pulling the shy and quiet, slightly younger sister, Fukumitsu-Misaki from her hiding place behind her slightly elder sister; "is Fukumitsu-Misaki, who is a fourth level, Sapphire Moon, Kunoichi. You have most probably noted that she can be quite shy and quiet. Do not let that quiet calm fool you. She is one of our most determined fighters. You will note that her eyes are yellow dominated hazel. She, like her sister, arrived aboard the ship sent to recover the survivors of the wrecked ship and decided to remain. They are both wonderful fighters, and are referred to, within the Kunoichi, as Kenjutsu. This reflects their familiarity with sword fighting; this being their favorite weapon."
"I am pleased to meet you, Prince William-sama;" Fukumitsu-Saika said, bowing deeply.
"As am I, Prince William-sama;" Fukumitsu-Misaki shyly mumbled, echoing her sister.
"I am also going to enjoy telling you apart;" William said with a broad smile.
"Your highness," Fukumitsu-Saika flatly stated, barely hiding her exasperation of yet another person seemingly unable to discern something as obvious as eye color; "that is relatively simple. My eyes are green, while my sister's eyes are a yellow dominated hazel."
"Thank you Fukumitsu-Saika;" Prince William remarked, slowly realizing that his raw Ioian humor might go unappreciated.
"You are most welcome, Prince William-sama."
Stephan continued his briefing; "they actually have been credited with the rescue of several nobles who were accosted during a recent carriage ride from the kingdom of Constella. The nobles, held at knife point felt sure that their end was near when quite suddenly a black blur zoomed through their peripheral vision, leaving three of the four criminals, well, headless; the fourth cowering in fear. The nobles were quickly returned to their carriage and the horses so startled that they took off running; the grateful occupants unaware of their close call or the ultimate fate of their attackers. Due to this foresight, the nobles escaped with mind and body mostly unscathed."
Stephan concluded the tale; "The fierceness of their counter attack so terrified that surviving outlaw that, when he was found by Royal Guardsmen, he was in such a state of shock as to be shaking uncontrollably and mumbling something about an evil vapor; sure that he had become somehow possessed by evil spirits. It is a gross understatement to say that he was slightly terrified. Had it not been for these two remarkable women, though, who can say what the end result would have been?"
"I remember reading a report about this incident and was both suitably impressed with their actions and surprised that the report my father received did not include any information concerning the identity of the rescuers. I guess I can see why, now."
"Actually, sire; the Kunoichi take fierce pride in remaining safely hidden and quite anonymous; Shinobi-iri, the art of stealth and entering is perhaps the one art that all practitioners of Ninjutsu master. It consists of five methodologies, which are also being taught to the other team members: first, Nyukyo no jutsu, the correct use of timing to enter an area; second, Monomi no jutsu, the discovery and exploitation of the weak point in the area's defenses; third, Nyudaki no jutsu, using a psychological weakness in the guard to gain entry; fourth, Yoji-gakure, the use of any means available to distract guard personnel, such as throwing a small rock. Finally, Joei-on jutsu, which is the use of light to camouflage movement; such as keeping a light between themselves and a guard in order to distract and blind them, as this would also make it harder to be seen."
"Wow. I am becoming even more thoroughly impressed with your research results."
"Thank you, your highness; the difference between a great and a good ruler is knowing the strength and weaknesses of those under them."
"That is so true, Sir Stephan."
"This desire to remain in the shadows is one of the many hallmarks of wonderful fighters such as the Kunoichi. This yearning for secrecy also extends to the techniques and weapons used. It would be unfortunate if the general populace were to get wind of these amazing warriors, or their weapons and techniques."
"Ah; of course. I see now. Please continue."
"Of course, sire. The twenty-year old, twin sisters, Fukumitsu-Natsuki and Fukumitsu-Natsumi; who, like Fuschida-Saika, and Fuschida-Misaki are related through the paternal side, are very adept knife fighters and fourth level, Sapphire Moon, Kunoichi. They are also known as Kukushi Bukijutsu. This is the art of the use of hidden weapons; such as knives and other easily concealable weapons. They are, in a word, unstoppable. They have also served the kingdom well in the time since they made Corona home."
Stephan then gestured to one of the two remaining Nippon Koku women; the second set of identical twins. These two women, the tallest of the five; each stood about five feet eight inches tall and also of a moderate build. They were, Prince William quickly observed, more easily recognizable from a distance, as they wore their hair in different styles.
"Fukumitsu-Natsuki," Stephan continued as she approached and bowed in greeting to Prince William; "is easily identified through the small mole above the right side of her lips; dark brown, bordering on black eyes; and, she wears her hair in a single French braid halfway down her back."
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Prince William;" Fukumitsu-Natsuki respectfully said, while shyly smiling at the young royal.
"I am likewise pleased to meet you, Fukumitsu-Natsuki. Stephan, please tell me about her sister."
"Of course, your highness; Fukumitsu-Natsumi, on the other hand, has remarkably blue eyes, and wears her hair a little longer than shoulder length; usually worn in dual pony tails."
"Remarkably blue eyes; please forgive my ignorance, but what is remarkable about it?"
"Well, sire, in the empire of Nippon Koku, blue eyes are an extreme rarity. It is said; as eye color comes from the father's side of the family, usually; that her eye color was a gift from the Gods."
"Wow; Stephan, you continue to impress me. It is obvious that after this operation, we will need to go to school."
"It would be my pleasure, sire."
"Very good, Stephan; we are indeed quite lucky to have such high caliber individuals. If the women are this capable I cannot wait to learn more about the men. You may continue."
"What an amazing group of young women." Amanda and Rupert both remarked, briefly interrupting yet again, King William's tale. They shyly noticed how closely they were sitting, but made no effort to change positions as the eagerly awaited the rest of the amazing tale.