Sekmet stood before Talpa and Shyamal, trembling with fear as Talpa shouted dire threats at the warlord. He had lost a battle to a child, one of the Ronin Warrior's children at that. But Talpa had no idea the power this child held. The burn mark from her dagger still stung on his cheek where the flesh had been hit. Shyamal, on the other hand, seemed to have expected this outcome. But like Sekmet, the spirit was staying quiet for the time being. Only when Talpa was done did Shyamal speak.

"Great Lord, I think I know of a way we could use the child instead of destroying her," Shyamal said.

"And what would that be?"

"Make her our fourth warlord, Great Talpa. Flood her with negative energy, the same way you did with the others. Then we can use her to destroy the Ronin Warriors. It will be something they do not expect."

Talpa pondered this suggestion for a moment, then gave a wicked laugh. It made both Sekmet and Shyamal shudder.

"This idea pleases me, Shyamal. I shall send Dais to bring the child to me. Then we shall see how the Ronins fair against one of their own."



Ryo and Kye-Ren had spent most of the night explaining abut what had happened during the time Ryo had been missing, as well as telling them about DawnFire's unique gifts. It was DawnFire that the Dynasty was after, and that concerned everyone. DawnFire, on the other hand, was more concerned about how she was going to climb onto WhiteBlaze's back when the tiger kept walking around in circles around her. Kayura watched them both while the Ronins talked with each other.

She was very worried about what Talpa would try to do to the little girl. This child was so different from everyone else, even her. Had the Ancient One still been around he would have found this little child a mystery. Such great power resided in her, and yet she went around as if she didn't notice it, or, if she did, she acted like it was nothing. But Talpa... He would either try to destroy her or try to use that power against the Ronin Warriors. And Kayura feared he would try the latter of the two first. She couldn't allow that to happen.

DawnFire, noticing Kayura for the first time, smiled and waved to the tall woman. Kayura smiled back, hiding a laugh as WhiteBlaze knocked DawnFire over. The little child made no sound, but instead hugged the tiger, her blue eyes sparkling with laughter. That was another thing Kayura didn't understand. DawnFire didn't talk, not out loud anyway, unless she was mimicking some sort of sound or attack. When she did speak it was with telepathy. That in itself was strange, for although both Ryo and Kye-Ren could do the same, it wasn't how they normally talked. It was as if this child was the opposite of them in some aspects, but more like them in others. Or, more like Ryo anyway. Already Kayura was sensing that this child had Ryo's personality, and that would get her into trouble later if Talpa did catch her.

'No,' Kayura thought to herself. 'I mustn't think like that. Talpa will not catch her.'

::Who is Talpa?:: DawnFire asked Kayura, shielding herself from everyone else so that they wouldn't hear.

::Talpa is a demon,:: Kayura replied in the same manner. ::A very powerful one. We fear he may try to use you to hurt others.::

::No! I won't hurt others. Only hurt those who hurt us. Protect other people!::

::I am glad you feel that way, little one. You are very much like your father.::

DawnFire beamed at this statement and gave WhiteBlaze another hug. The giant tiger licked DawnFire's face, causing the little girl to giggle. A minute later she was chasing WhiteBlaze around in a large circle, this time laughing out loud. Ryo looked over at them briefly, a smile flashing across his worried face before turning back to his friends. Kayura prayed for both their sakes that whatever Talpa was planning didn't succeed.


Dais stood in a tree on the other side of the yard, watching the Ronins as the talked. He could see the little brat that Talpa was after standing near the window, with Kayura and WhiteBlaze nearby. This wasn't going to be an easy attack, but he had it perfectly planned. On his signal a troop of Dynasty soldiers attacked the house, startling everyone. To his delight only Kayura and WhiteBlaze stayed with the brat, as did the annoying woman named Mia. This would be easier than he had thought. Shyamal had given him something that would knock that trio of protectors out for hours, and there would be no way the Ronin brats could stop him.

With the speed of lightning Dais crashed through the window, easily knocking Mia out of the way. DawnFire, faced with this new warrior, ran and hid behind Kayura. Both WhiteBlaze and Kayura stood ready to fight, both ready to attack.

"There's no way I am letting you take this child, Dais," Kayura growled. "You already know what happened to Sekmet."

"I don't plan on using an attack the brat can mimick, Kayura. This time, she is coming with us."

Dais tossed the little ball onto the floor, covering his mouth as the green-grey smoke began to pour out of it. Withing seconds the three were coughing and gagging, then fell to the floor. DawnFire began kicking as Dais picked her up, but WhiteBlaze and Kayura were already unconsious.

::DADDY! HELP!:: DawnFire shouted as Dais carried her out the window.