DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN RONIN WARRIORS! IF I DID, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING FANFICTION!

I'm super proud of myself for NOT screaming. I'm sitting on a rock, Buddo's sitting next to me, and we're waiting for the armored guy to come back. Yes, he left, and we're still sitting here. Just as I realize this, he comes back, but with the black tiger that attacked me at the house. The tiger wears white armor, and has two long katana attached to it. I'd bet my zappy-hands that those are the swords Mia was JUST looking at on her computer.

I glance with a stoic expression from the tiger swords to the armored man.

He seems to be staring at me, although I can't be sure since he has this facemask that covers him up; even his eyes.

"Do you fear me?" He asks.

I squint. "Not really." True, too – I've seen too much to be afraid of one guy, wearing armor, who has a tiger, and twin katana. "You remind me of someone I know."

"So it is." He walks past me.

"Are you after the Ronin Warriors?" I watch him walk past me.

He pauses but doesn't look at me. "What do you know of it?"

I shrug. "Armors, demons, and you're not the first to come after Ryo's new super-armor."

He chuckles ever so slightly; like a bad guy would. "So it is true then. There is a legend in the human world, of the armors of Talpa."

"Yeaaah, about that." I shift around on the rock so I'm sitting facing his back. "I'm not sure I buy the whole gig that the Ronins armor is the same as the Warlords they were fighting."

"Believe it, child of light. For denial will only bring you pain upon the truth revealing itself." He barely glances over his shoulder at me.

I glance at Buddo, the demon horse shrugs, and I look back at the armored guy. "So, what's YOUR big interest in it?"

He points to the tiger. "That is Black Blaze. He carries that which your Ronins seek."

I look at the tiger. The tiger looks at me. I look at the armored guy. "And you are?"

"My name is of no consequence, child."

I shake my head. "Not what I asked. What's your name?"

He doesn't answer for a moment and then replies. "You may call me Kenbukyo."

"Kenbukyo." I nod. "My name is Emma."

"Emma." My name is said softly, maybe even tenderly.

A short silence falls between us.

"I'm curious." I say. "What's the big deal with these swords? And why do YOU have them?"

"I have possessed these swords for four centuries." Kenbukyo says. "The swords of Fervor are attracted to power, and will only let it be wielded by such a warrior."

"I guess power begets power." I glance at the swords. "So you have the swords, why are you here?"

"So many questions you have." Kenbukyo chuckles in an almost tender way.

I nod. "I may have mentioned I'm curious."

Kenbukyo turns his faceless helm to me. "You may have."

] "I guess since I'm a captive I'll be quiet. I mean, I don't want you to kill me, so…" I shrug and looks down at the ground.

"I mean you no harm, Emma." He says softly. "And you are not a captive, child. You are bait."

"That…sounds…worse." I glance up at him.

He stands for a moment then says. "There are legends in the demon world as there are in the human world. Where such legends have fallen into myth in the eyes of humans, demons know these legends to be true."

Ooh, story time. I turn and face him, nodding. "I'm listening."

Kenbukyo nods. "So you are." He kneels down. "There are three sacred objects of the demon world, passed from warrior-to-warrior." He points to Blackblaze. "The swords of Fervor are one such object."

"And you're looking for the other two?" I ask.

"Only to return them to the demon world, and right the wrongs that have been left behind by Talpa's insane tyranny." Kenbukyo stands.

"So, where does Ryo come into play in all this?" I Ask.

"Ryo of Wildfire possess the ability to summon the great White Armor of the Sun. Once worn by the benevolent and powerful warlord Hariel." Kenbukyo sounds in awe of this person. "The armor chose Wildfire for his strength; it gives him the right to rule. I will challenge him for this right."

"Wait, what?" I start. "Ryo is the ruler of the demon world, because of the white armor?"

"He may, if he wishes." Kenbukyo nods.

"And you want to take the armor?" I ask – gears turning.

Kenbukyo nods. "By my right, as bearer of these Fervor Swords, I can challenge the bearer of the White Armor."

"Then for sake of Ryo, and don't tell him I told you this, I hope you win." I say.

"The battle will have only one victor." Kenbukyo says with a dark tone.

"You have to defeat Ryo." I say.

Kenbukyo nods. "Yes. Completely."

"It's not that I want Ryo dead, but…would you leave the human world if you had all three of these sacred objects?"

"The human world is of no concern to me. Talpa was insane in his ambition; the human world is of no use to demons." Kenbukyo replies.

"You have your problems, I take it?"

"Indeed." Kenbukyo stands.

The full moon is coming up big and beautiful behind him, over the horizon of the forested mountain where we stand.

"I'll help you." I say. "This seems important, and not just for you; the white armor draws the energy of the other four ronins to power it. Maybe it would help everyone if you had it instead."

Kenbukyo nods. "I accept your help, child of light." He holds out his hand. "May the full moon smile upon us both on this eve of battle."

Well, I guess I'm helping the would-be bad guy now. But, if it means it could maybe save the human world from ever seeing another demon again? I'll take it.

Morning comes. I find a couple energy bars tucked in the pocket of Buddo's saddle, and he and I share them.

Kenbukyo went to check something out, so I'm here again, with Buddo – not running away.

Kenbukyo comes back with Blackblaze. "The Ronins have set on their search for the swords of Fervor."

"But you have them, so what will they find in the cave?" I ask.

"A facsimile." Kenbukyo says.

"A fake, guarded by a spirit shield, underground?" I arch an eyebrow at him.

Kenbukyo nods. "A test of strength for Wildfire."

I take a breath and slowly let it out, and then nod. "Okay…? So if they've set out, and are about to fall for your fake-sword-trick, why keep me?"

"The test is not yet over, child of light." Kenbukyo isn't all that menacing, I guess I'm just really nervous for the guys; I wanna warn them that the sword is fake, but this whole test-of-honor thing seems to be really important to Kenbukyo. "You have a strange power in you. It is not the same as the Ronin Warrriors."

I shrug. "Not everyone can be the same, I guess."

Kenbukyo kneels in front of me. "You have no mastered the power you hold. This I can teach you."

Before I can answer that I think that would be nice of him, the trees rustle, and a person comes flying out of the brush, swinging twin scimitar-like swords. It's the guy in the pink shawl! He was with Ukitake in Talpa's castle, he-! I'm swept up and am suddenly several yards away from Kenbukyo.

Ukitake fusses over me, checking me over like only a father would. "Are you injured, Emiko? Who is that man, did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine…dad." I say with a smile.

Ukitake looks up and gives me this entirely startled look. "How…did you know?"

I shrug. "I have a smart boyfriend who reads kanji."

Ukitake sighs, and after a moment of quick contemplations, he nods. "Alright then. As it happens, I have time right this moment, and I'm sure you have questions."

I glance at the fight happening below us, but it's stopped. The man in the shawl is talking to Kenbukyo like they're buddies.

"Shunsui has it under control." Ukitake tucks his arms into his sleeves in a very relaxed posture.

I nod at the men below. "So, why didn't YOU raise me after my mother died?" I look at Ukitake.

The white-haired man's face slumps sadly as he glances down at me. "I could tell you all the mitigating circumstances, but I'm afraid not much would make sense."

I shrug. "Tell me anyway."

"Alright." Ukitake's face smiles a bit. "I'm a Shinigami – a soul reaper – from a place called Soul Society."

"So you're, like, the grim reaper?" I ask.

"I suppose, yes." Ukitake nods.

"Where's your cloak and scythe?" I arch an eyebrow.

"At dry cleaners." Ukitake winks.

I smile. "So, what's in Soul Society?" I ask. "Besides the obvious?"

"The 13 Court-guard squads. I am captain of squad 13." Ukitake bows his head.

"Woah." I grin. "That is so entirely perfect. I love this. Tell me more." I pull my knees up to my chest and sit on a rock.

"I met your mother, Emiliana, during the Shinigami-Quincy war, she –"

"War? Woah, time out! WAR war? As in, FIGHTING?"

Ukitake nods calmly.

I lean my chin on my knees and don't say anything.

"Yes. There was war. I wasn't a captain back then, you see, but I was 3rd seat of squad 13. I was assigned to take a smalls squadron to infiltrate a known Quincy encampment. They had a trap waiting for us, and many of my fellow officers died." He has this heartbreaking pout for a second.

I move my legs cross-legged, and am SO into this story.

"I have a diabling lung disease. It causes me to have coughing fits when I exert myself too much, and that day had been a particularly stressful, as you can imagine."

I nod.

"I knew I was flanked, and had one chance to get out, but…I threw into a violent fit and couldn't make my escape."

I bite my lip, completely entranced by the story.

"Your mother found me. Emiliana Colasanti." He pauses and smiles with this heartwarming reverence. "She was so beautiful – the same red hair you have, my dear, as well as your emerald eyes. She could have killed me; I would be easy prey, but she didn't."

I shrug. "I'm proof of that, I guess."

Ukitake chuckles. "Yes, I suppose you are. She took me to a shelter, hidden away from both sides. Ana was so vibrant; I knew my orders, but I couldn't hurt her. She confided in me that she detested the war." Ukitake smiles.

I'm biting my lip. This is so frikkin' romantic, I could puke rainbows.

Ukitake frowns. "It was difficult to part ways with Ana. Staying was, of course, forbidden by Shinigami law, but I found myself thinking more and more of her as time went on. I stole away to see her just as I've been coming to see you."

I get all tingly and happy.

Ukitake's face sulks again. "I come from a well-to-do family; Soul Society royalty of sorts. As it turned out, your mother was in a similar way in Quincy society."

"Romeo and Juliet." I whisper.

Ukitake nods once. "The last time I saw your mother, was here – in this world." He removes a polaroid from inside his coat and passes it to me.

"That's the same trees as in my picture of mom." I bite back the urge to cry and look at Ukitake. "You were there with her?"

Ukitake nods. "Yes. With your mother, and Shunsui."

I glance at the photo again then make to hand the photo back to him.

"No, it's for you, Emiko." Ukitake says.

"Emma." I say. "My name is Emma."

Ukitake has this 'oh, right' sad look on his face.

"Isn't it?" I ask. "I mean, it's what everyone calls me."

Ukitake shakes his head. "No. I mean, it isn't the name your mother and I gave you."

I move closer, and put my hands on his sitting knees without thinking about it. "What did YOU name me? I can't read the kanji on the birth certificate."

Ukitake smiles wide. "You are name for your mother, Emiliana, and for your Japanese heritage; Emiko Ukitake."

SOLD! And all I wanna do is grin.

"I gave as much of our family records as I could find to the lawyer in Oregon. It was all I could do to help you, Emiko." Ukitake touches my hands.

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders.

"As to why I did not return for you. That …is…" Ukitake sighs.

"It's okay. I understand now, a little more anyway." I lean my cheek on his hands.

"You are so like your mother. You have a kind heart and warm understanding." Ukitake touches my head, and it's just like ZING.

"That makes me happy to hear." I say against his hand.

"Know that I loved your mother, and still do now, but if the shnigami found out, I would have been killed for my treason." Ukitake says.

"Good LORD!" I lift my head and look up at him in disgust. "Are you SHITTING me?"

Ukitake shakes his head. "No, it's the truth, my dear. I would have been strung up and executed in Shinigami fashion."

"Whooh." I clutch my throat. "Yeesh."

Ukitake takes my chin and lifts it to face him. "But I'm here because I'm making leeway." Ukitake says. "I seem to be the only family you have, so the powers-that-be have decided you can come stay with me for a time."

My heart tries to jump out of my chest and hug Ukitake. "OMIGAWD! That's fantastic!" I jump up. "I can't go right now!" I grin.

Ukitake laughs. "Yes, I know. We can leave any time."

"Can we? That's fabulous. How long can I stay?" I grin.

Ukitake shrugs. "I guess you should stay until I'm told you should leave."

"Yay!" I clap my hands together. "Because I wanna help Kenbukyo first. It's…" I calm down a bit. "Important." I turn and look down to where Shunsui (shawl guy) and Kenbukyo are still conversing. "Kenbukyo is trying to save the world from some demon weapons, or something like that. I figure it's probably a good idea."

Ukitake starts. "What a thing to do." He smiles. "I'll help any way I can."

"Really?" I grab his hands. "That's fantastic! Especially since I have NO idea how this is going to play out, and I really just seem to be morality-bait for the Ronins."

Shunsui appears next to us with nothing to herald his arrival but a shuffling sound. "Jushirou, you sure you wanna leave those two jokers in charge so long?" He's smiling, like it's not ACTUALLY a big deal.

"They'll be just fine. I'm going to stay with my daughter a bit, and help her and her friend." Ukitake smiles.

"Alright then. Hey kid, you were just an itty-bitty thing last time I saw ya this close. Man, you really grew; look just like your mom, too." Shunsui winks.

I smile. "Thanks."

"Just call me 'Uncle Shunsui'. I'll see you two later." Shunsui disappears with that shuffling sound.

I gasp and look at Ukitake. "How did he do that?"

"It's called Flash-Step." Ukitake says.

"Can you do that?" I grin.

Ukitake pulls me up to him and then we're on the ground with Kenbukyo. "You mean like that?"

I glance up where we were before then nod at Ukitake.

"Will you go with them?" Kenbukyo asks.

I shake my head. "Nope. This is my father, he's going to stay and help you too."

Kenbukyo turns to Ukitake then me.

Kenbukyo sure moves fast. He keeps us heading North, and parts ways with us suddenly; Black Blaze following suit. Ukitake and I follow Buddo, who trots along (The horse KNOWS), until we get to a grassy, wooded area. A nice open space at the top of a long incline.

"Wow, what a pretty place. I wish we had a picnic lunch." I walk out then turn to Ukitake. "Dad, are you okay?"

Ukitake smiles. "Yes, I'm fine. It was just a long walk."

"I think this is as north as we can get here; I wonder were Kenbukyo's got off to?" Shading my eyes doesn't do much for what I can see in the late afternoon sun.

"I'm sure Kenbukyo has his wits about him." Ukitake sits down somewhat shakily on a log worn and weathered by the elements and time. I forgot he was sickly; he's so energetic and walked all the way up here with me, an onlooker would know he has trouble at all.

Buddo sniffs his way across the grass, like a bloodhound, to a shadow jutting across the landscape. When he shoves his muzzle INTO the shadow, I realize it's a rift in the ground, and not just a shadow at all.

"Is that an entrance to a cave?" Ukitake stands up and walks over to peer down into the rift. "Emiko, come see. I think your friends are down there. There is tremendous spiritual pressure here." He looks at me.

I sit on the grass where I am. AWAY from the cave entrance. "No, nope, uh-uh, no more caves. No." I fold my arms and shake my head. "I am very UNCOMFROTABLE in closed spaces."

Ukitake comes to sit across from me on the grass. "You're claustrophobic?"

I shrug. "Not…exactly. Maybe. I mean, I don't mind closed spaces like cars, trains, airplanes…closets. It's just…" I twiddle my fingers, thinking of a very specific room. "10-by-ten basement rooms with cold cement floors, peeling dirty wallpaper, ugly fluorescent light, and padlocks on the outside of the doors…and caves. Caves are dark."

Ukitake stares at me in stark guilt and horror. "Is that…where you live now?"

I shake my head and smile. "No. My room is in the attic, and has huge bay windows that let in all the light, and a big bed, and my own dresser, and no door, so no one can keep me in. But there's stairs so no one can just look in and see in my underthings either." I say. "Not that I sit around in my underthings." All the time…I add in my head. I smile.

Ukitake laughs.

The ground shakes – signs something BAD is about to happen. Crackling sounds, like electricity are coming out of the chasm.

"Buddo, back up!" I hurry over, and pull the reins of the demon horse so he moves back.

"WHITE BLAZE!" Someone screams below.

A gasp is all my voice allows for.

Kenbukyo appears near Buddo and I. "The die has been cast. Come, child of light – there is much to do and so very little time to do it in." He turns and walks away with his armored black tiger.

I nod then look at Buddo. "Let dad ride you, okay? I'm gonna walk with Kenbukyo."

I'm not defecting…I'm just…helping…