Author's Note: Once again I am back with more story. It's taking me longer then expected to get these out but they come eventually. But you don't want to hear me blab on, you want to know what's going happen next. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn, and enjoy to your heart's content!! (and then review when your done, I'm asking you nicely).
Chapter 4 – The Quest Begins or (Legends Still Live)
They gripped their weapons as the man stepped closer. He stopped in front of them. Hiro and Steph stood ready to attack.
"Quickly," he said, "Grab Kamui and get out of here."
"Huh?" Steph and Hiro stood shocked.
"You heard me," he replied, "Hurry!"
This time they responded. Hiro grabbed Kamui's limp arms while Steph took his legs.
"Now," the mysterious man said, "Follow me to get out of here."
The group of ninjas was getting tired of waiting and they started to come after them again. The man threw down a small smoke bomb that exploded and then quickly escorted the teens out. Steph and Hiro followed him as they took many twisted paths till they reached the edge of the forest.
"I'm sure we lost them." the man said, "Now follow and I'll treat Kamui."
"How do you know us?" Hiro asked, "Who are you? Why are we here?"
They had arrived in front of the master's house.
"We're here because…" the man said as he took off the cloth covering his face, "this is my house."
The master's face became revealed now.
"But…but…but…" Steph stuttered.
"I'll explain everything but let's get Kamui some help." The master answered.
They all walked inside and Steph and Hiro laid Kamui on a bed. The master put some cloths on Kamui's head and made a herb medicine that he gave to Kamui.
"He'll be okay." The master said, "Looks like all he got was a concussion and some cuts and bruises. He should wake up in a few mintues. Now then, you two have a lot of explaining to do. What were you doing in there at this time of night? And are those my weapons!?"
Steph started, "Yes these are your weapons. We were only borrowing them! We needed to protect our selves for whatever was in the forest. We were only looking for something."
"Well, if it is trouble you were looking for, you three sure found it. If I hadn't found you, both of you could have ended up like Kamui here."
"Why were you in the forest?" questioned Hiro.
"I guess I have some explaining as well then don't I?" the master started, "As well as being the martial arts trainer for this village, I am also the guardian of the forest. There is a mysterious dark force in there and I was given the task of keeping people out. I made up rumors about the forest so people would stay away. Tonight, I was on my regular patrol of the forest when I saw the band of ninjas. I followed them until they split up. I followed one group who searched for something but couldn't find it. They went back to join the other group who happened to be fighting you. You know the rest. Now what were you looking for?"
"Well," Hiro started, "It all started today when I found this."
He pulled up his sleeve to reveal Meta. The master nearly jumped out of his chair.
"It can't be!" he said in amazement, "That's…that's Meta isn't it?"
"Yes!" Hiro said equally shocked, "How did you know?"
"Because he and I once had to team together to save this world."
"You mean!?" Steph and Hiro's jaws dropped as they pointed and exclaimed, "You're the legendary fighter Vahn?"
"Yes," Vahn said, "I am. Noa, Gala and I were chosen to go fight against Cort and Juggernaut. After it was all over the ra-serus were to have disappeared and died off but…but how?"
"It seems that they had only used it as an excuse so that no one would be able to abuse their powers wrongfully again like with Songi and Cort. They have been waiting patiently for the next time they would have to bond together to save the world." Hiro explained. He paused as he started to talk to Meta then said, "Meta says it is good to see his old friend again and is sorry that he cannot join with you again for this adventure."
Vahn smiled and then answered, "It is good to see you as well my good friend and although I will miss this adventure, I wish you luck on your quest."
As Vahn remembered the adventures that he and Meta once had, a groan sounded beside them.
"Ohhh," Kamui groaned, "my head. Where am I?"
"Kamui!" Steph exclaimed, "You're awake! Are you okay? You were attacked but Vahn, I mean, the master saved you."
"See," Hiro said, "This is why you guys can't come. Kamui could have been seriously hurt or worse. We didn't even find anything in that stupid forest."
"I wouldn't go that far." Steph said.
She rolled up her sleeve to show Jedo attached to her arm.
"This is Jedo," Steph continued, "He's the ra-seru of darkness. He was the one calling to me when I touched the Genesis Tree and I found him in the forest tonight."
"Greetings Meta," Jedo said while the others talked.
"Hello again Jedo," Meta replied.
"I understand how you feel about the last time we met. Please understand that it was not my choice to ac that way. Songi had an evil heart and wanted to bond with me for the wrong reasons, so I became corrupt as well. Please forgive me. Steph has a pure heart and a great bond with her friends. Let's work together on this mission."
"I guess it was not your fault. Yes, we will have to work together for this."
"Thank you. I will try my hardest to redeem myself."
The ra-serus finished talking just as soon as Steph and Hiro had finished explaining everything to Vahn and Kamui.
"So," Hiro said, "You see that's why we must go."
"Yes," Vahn replied, "I understand, once being in your position. You will have to leave soon, no one knows how much time you have left. Wait here."
Vahn walked out of the room and came back with a hand full of weapons.
"You'll need these," he continued, "the weapons you took won't be sufficient enough. Hiro, here is a new swallow for you. Its blades are a lot sharper and more durable. The middle has more weight to it giving it more momentum and stronger."
He passed the weapon to Hiro who stood up and put his hands in the holds. It had been made with a lot more care then his old swallow. He could feel the new weight and the power it contained.
"Steph," Vahn continued, "Here is a new type of staff for you. It's a metal staff made with a new alloy to increase its flexibility. It's also a lot stronger then your old staff. I think you'll enjoy using it."
He handed the staff to Steph. The cool coldness of the metal felt good in her hands. She felt along the shaft where a design of a tiger and dragon in battle had been etched into it. She nodded in approval.
"Even though only you two have ra-serus, I believe that you should bring Kamui along with you. He is as skilled as you two are in battle and can still help. Who knows, maybe he'll find his own ra-seru. You three are my best students and are great friends to each other. You cannot break that bond. So Kamui, you may keep the two swords you have now and take this third one as well, just in case."
He handed Kamui another katana. He unsheathed it and looked it over and then attached it to his belt.
"Now I suggest you should all get a good night sleep. You will have a lot of traveling to do." Vahn said, he then truned to Meta and said, "Good-bye old friend, and good luck."
Hiro was about to answer back when he saw that Vahn nodding. He already knew what Meta had said.
Next Chapter – Dante's Grove