Scroll Nine, Evasion into Enemy Hands

A monsterous roar filled the evening air.

His eyes opened with a start. Before he had a chance to focus, the man jumped out the tree he was resting in and bolted through the dark forest. That monster was too close.

Sage cursed at his lack of awareness. He kept running, careful not to get into a ticket that might tear his sandles from his feet. There had to be a away for him to move fast with out leaving a trail behind.

It was the second night he had gone with out sleep. The Ronin Warrior of light knew he was running a very serious risk escaping from people that were keeping him safe from those hordes of demons that demanded for him. Why? What was so important about him? Sage could only reason that it was his armor.

He leaped over a small creek and kept running.

There must be a village or shelter around here somewhere! Sage thought as he slowed down just a little bit. He winced a little at the painful stitch in his side. He then stopped in a clearing, looking around as he rubbed his bare arms.

At this rate, he was going to die from exposure.

I shouldn't have left my shirt behind. But the blood would have been too strong a smell for those hounds of hers. Sage shivered as he tried to see in the moon light clearing. Where on earth did he go that was as far away from Jassaya? He looked up to the small gap in the canopy above. He could make out a few constellations…he wasn't totally lost.

Maybe I should head east to the region of Toyko. Sage thought as he looked in that direction. He had been running southward for a day and two nights.

No Sage…that's not going to work you idiot! If that woman knows anything, its that she sucked me threw a well in that same area. She knows I know it too. She'll have something up there to cut me off. Sage turned a little and glanced south.

He started walking carefully through the woods, keeping his eyes trained to the shadows as he walked. A mouse would scurry across his path and an owl hooted distantly. All he needed was to hear that vampire moster's wail and he would start running.

Sage kept reaching into his pocket for his armor crystal. But much to the Ronin Warrior's dislike, it was there. He would have donned the armor of Halo by now and taken out every monster in his path back to the Toyko region to find that well he was pulled into.

Sage froze for a second, taking another sniff at the air.

Smoke…

From a camp fire…and laced with insence.

Sage started running again, careful as he finally saw the trees thin around him. He slowed down to a stealthy walk as he saw the first signs of civilization in a week.

There was people, samurai…houses and fire. Sage breathed a sigh of sweet relief. He looked farther across the small village to see the walls of a fedual castle just beyond it. Sage swore his luck was starting to run out. He was at a militray post with a Daiymo present. This was better than he hoped for.

Slowly, Sage walked from the forest, apporching a pair of Samurai that stood on the main road. They turned to him and stood ready for their weapons as the stange man with yellow hair neared them.

Halo held up his hands, not only to show he was weaponless and meant no harm, but the red welts and cuts around his wrist from the rusty shackles.

"Who apporches, state your name and your business."

Sage bowed a little. "I'm Date Seiji. I'm a member of the Date clan in the capital and in desperte need of help. I'm being prusuded by people who kidnapped me a week ago. I have no weapons, horse, anything of value and this is all I still have left for clothing." He held out his hands to the samurai. "I beg for sancturay."

The two gaurds inspected Sage's wrists. "Harsh." One of them whispered. He took a good look at Sage's neek at the bite mark in his skin. "What did that?" the other asked.

"One of my kidnappers, had a snake that bit me. I was rendered unable to move for three days." Sage explained.

The lead Samurai reached for his cloak and pulled it off. "Here," He offered it to Sage. "Before you catch something. I'll send for an escort to bring you to the palace."

"Captain Toruoko," A calm voice called. "He can return with me at once."

The three men turned to see a regal looking young man on a horse and surrounded by guards. His long black hair rolled down his back and voliet robes were traced in gold.

The two samurai bowed. "My lord." They said together. Sage instantly bowed in respect to the young man who rode his horse closer. Halo kept his head down as the lord studied him closely.

"He says he was kidnapped a week ago and just escaped." The captain explained. "He requests sancutary from his prusuers."

The lord smiled warmly at Sage. "Please, come, stay with me in the palace until your captors have been apprehended. I'll send a messanger ahead to prepare food and fresh clothing for you."

Sage bowed again slowly. "Thank you your highness." He whispered. He was suddenly startled to see the lord climb off his horse and offer it to the Ronin Warrior.

"Please, you may ride on my horse. If you've been running all day, you must want to be off your feet."

Sage gulped a little before saddling up. He nervously held the saddle horn in his cold hands as the escort and the lord marched back to the palace. He couldn't believe the odd luck he was having with these people. But he was safe from Jassaya and her demons.

******

Sango leaned in. "What happened!?" She demanded.

"Well, after Ryo was captured and I was left for dead in the bottom of the canon…I had broken my leg in the fall and almost cracked my head open if it hadn't been for my helmet."

"And then?" Kagome whispered in horror.

"I almost died." Rowen explained, he smiled a little and waved to Lea. "It was pure luck Lea and our friend Anubis turned around and road out across the desert and found me."

Lea nodded slowly. "Had we been another hour, Rowen would have died." She added.

Miroku frowned. "What about Ryo. He had been captured by that shape shifting demon by then hadn't he?"

Cye cleared his throat. "Once we had regrouped and made sure Rowen would make it, Sage and Kento when into the fort nearby to see if Ryo was locked away in the dungeons."

Kento interupted. "We found out Ryo had been taken to the Palace of Rahilko, meaning we now had to fight the princess of Limbo to get him back. We also made a new ally that night with a warlord that tried to kill Lea the year before."

Kagome and Sango turned to each other in surprise. Shippo gasped in amusment and leaped into Lea's lap. "I want to hear that one!" He declared. "Was he an evil man."

The Ronins suddenly became quiet. Cye, Kento, and Rowen looked over to the Guardian as she blinked in unmistakeable horror at the demand.

Lea's stiffened a little. "Uh…I really um…"

Rowen laughed and picked Shippo up. "Hey, I'll tell you a cool story about how I saved Sage and Lea from falling off the highest tower of the Limbian Palance."

Kagome glanced at Sango in surprise. That was a quick change of subject. Inuyasha growled a little as Rowen started to tell Shippo about his story, with Kento and Cye interupted with jokes. The half demon spoke up, bringing a hush to the group around the fire.

"I want to hear about that warlord." He said.

Lea glared at him. "Why would it matter to you?" She asked darkly.

"How close did he come to killing you."

Kento scratched his head and sighed a little. "Look, I exagerated a little on that. He didn't try to kill her…as much as he made it look like he did." Hardrock thought for a moment before speaking when Rowen said something harshly in a dialect of japanese that was directed at Inuyasha.

The demon flashed a toothy smile. "Really? You don't seemed to tickled about that."

"None of us were you idiot!" Cye barked, apparently he understood what Rowen had said. "We treat each other like family. And when stuff like that happens, it really ticks us off."

Inuyasha looked over to Lea. "And how did Sanada take to it."

Lea glared at him. "The same way everyone else did." She hissed.

The dog knight laughed. "Yeah right. I bet he wanted to tear that guy to pieces. Wouldn't want anything to happen to his presious guardian angel."

Lea shot up, her eyes darkening. "Don't you ever call me that again!" She snarled. "I'm not some damn angel! I'm a fighter like everyone else here."

Miroku blinked a little in surprise. He leaned into Cye. "She doesn't take well to that…does she."

Cye turned a little to reply. "Lea hates it when people refer to her as some angel. It makes her feel weaker…needed to be protected. It's the warrior in her." He looked up as Lea said something to Rowen and then walked away from the fire.

"Where is she going?"

"She's gone to take the rest of Ryo's watch and hers." Rowen answered as he looked down at Shippo, still sitting on his knee. "You want to hear the rest of that story?"

"Yeah!" Shippo cried.

Miroku stood up. "I'm going to the stream for a few minutes." He was answered by Cye jumping to his feet. "I'm coming too." He declared, and followed the monk away from the camp fire.

Sango frowned a little. "Well…since everyone is busying themselves…I think I'm going to join Lea for a while." She picked up her boomerang and walked off the trail that the Guardian had taken a minute ago.

Kagome glared at Inuyasha. "You mister, fallow me!" She hissed.

Inuyasha blinked in surprise and followed just out of earshot of Rowen, Kento, and Shippo. She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Can you try and not get on anyone's nerves!?" She hissed.

"It was a harmless question!" Inuyasha protested.

"Lea didn't want to talk about and neither did the others! What did they tell you!?" Kagome demanded.

Inuyasha scoffed. "Some warlord captured Lea, made her trust him while she was in prison and then used that trust to break her will. Something along the lines of a rape scare."

Kagome blinked in horror. "Oh my god." She whispered. "Rrraa—" She looked up at Inuyasha in shock. "Why in the world did you kid about that!? You were laughing at her the whole time why you asked how Ryo took it! How could you be so cruel!"

Inuyasha sighed in dismay. "Look, Kagome, I'm trying not to like these guys!"

The young woman took a step back in surprise. "What?"

The dog demon growled. "I'm sorta warming up to them…but I still hate Ryo." He hissed. "And I'm not ready to trust Lea with my life yet."

"Why on earth do you hate him so much?" Kagome asked. "He's done nothing mean to you besides protect his friends and his own honor."

Inuyasha crouched down and growled. "He is just too much of a hero." He stuck his tounge out in distaste. "I like good guys, but he is way too good."

Kagome sighed a little. "I talked to Lea eailier. She told me that Ryo and her have more powers than the other Ronins." She explained. "They had a much more powerful armor that is made when they combine theirs with four more. This whole rescue mission is not only to save a friend but Sage is a vital part to the guy's team."

Inuyasha looked up. "So…with out Sage…Ryo can't make this other armor?"

Kagome nodded. "He can't call it at will like Lea can." She informed. "There are other armors the Ronin Warriors can work with…but Sage and everyone here are a close knit family."

She frowned a little and then said. "You hate Ryo because he has the same authority as you."

Inuyasha scoffed.

Kagoem kneeled down by the dog knight and smiled. "I'm right!" she declared.

Inuyasha turned a little, starting to growl at her when he realized she was so close. He blinked at Kagome, studying her face, the way the fire light cast a gentle gleam on her hair and face as she smiled at him.

He really liked that smile.

The dog knight started to lean forward when a shout interupted them.

"Inuyasha!" Ryo called. "We've got a demon pinned down in the swamp!"

The half demon looked up and huffed in frustration. "I'm coming!" He snapped, getting up from his crouch and starting back to the camp fire when he looked back at Kagome. "You coming?"

Kagome came out of her shock. "Uh…yeah."

******

Sage sighed a little in relief, having finally dressed in warm clothes and a hot meal in front of him. The young lord that had invited him was sitting on a raised platform smiling warmly at Halo as he ate in silence.

"You are very strange, but very formal." The lord informed.

Sage nodded. "Thank you." He said, setting down his tea. "My grandfather was strict in teaching us the old ways."

The lord bowed his head a little in agreement. "Very good to hear that Seiji." He smiled. "That is a rather nice name…but why do I feel there are people who call you by another?"

Sage folded his hands in his lap. "My friends, way up north call me Sage. I'm sorry my lord, but I haven't learned your name yet."

The lord smiled. "Most people here are very formal. But since you had the courtacy of sharing your second name, I shall share mine…I'm Naruko."

Halo was starting to reach for his tea again when he stopped.

His mind was shot back into the cave…hours before her escaped.

My lady, what of the demon lord? He is rumored to have shards of the Shikon jewel…won't he come for the man?

If Naruko wants to challenge me for the warrior, I'll fight him even if it will cost me my soul. Until then, our guest is safe from that cad Naruko.

Naruko…

Naruko…

Naruko!

Sage dropped the tea cup in his hand. It landed with a clatter on the wooden floor, hot tea spilling into a wet brown puddle and clay pieces from the cup shattering into it's placid face.

Sage jumped to his feet. "Naruko the demon lord!?"

Naruko looked up in surprise. "You've heard of me?"

Sage backed up slowly, noting quickly he had to find some shoes before he started running. "My kidnappers…they said that you might come to fight them for me…what the hell do they mean by that!?"

Naruko rose up and smiled. "I've heard of the Lady Jassaya…bandit of the western hills. It was rumored she caught a young man from the future with powers of the Shikon jewel."

"Shikon? You mean…the Jewel of Four souls they wrote in legends!?" Sage blinked in surprise. "That's impossible! I'm a Ronin Warrior! I have nothing of the such."

Naruko smiled, a cold and dark smile. "Your arua speaks other wise."

Sage wanted a weapon…he reached for his pocket…but there was no chance his armor crystal would be there. Jassaya had it. And Sage already needed to return and get it back.

"Now…I also heard from a singing little bird that there are now five more people and a white tiger in this age with such powers like yours." Naruko explained. "They are traveling from the village in the Edo region with the half demon Inuyasha and the presitess's reincarnation looking for their lost friend…a sun colored hair man with voliet eyes."

Sage almost smiled with relief. Ryo was coming with the guys, Lea, and Whiteblaze.

"You are a wanted man, Date Sage." Naruko neared, drawing his sword carefully. "Every demon from here to Edo wants your hide…we are all puzzled as to why you emmit the powers of the Shikon jewel."

"The only people I'm going to come willingly with are my friends." Sage informed. "And you just said they are looking for me!"

"They might never find you." Naruko smiled. "You seem to keep changing hands…"

Sage growled as he stanced. "I'm not going to be anyone's pawn! If I have to let myself be captured to to get closer to them I will!"

Naruko studied his blade. "Tell me, Sage, just how well did Jassaya treat you? Shackled down to a cold hard cave floor for three days and under the effects of some demon's venom. I heard she was looking for a mate four months ago…" He looked up at Sage. "You seem to be a rather decent pick if you asked me."

Sage glared at the demon lord. "I probably owe you my life. But I'm not going to became your slave next!"

Naruko shook his head. "I'm afraid, I couldn't keep you very long." He whispered. "There is a demonic power radiating from the south. Forces are gathering behind the shield of some monk to stop it.

"Things would not be as deserprate as they are now." The demon lord explained. "If this power becomes stronger and intends to take us over…you may be the only force we have to stop it."

Sage shook his head. "The legend says the jewel of Four souls grant wishes and power to those who want it." He growled. "I can't do either!"

Naruko smiled devilously. "But you would make a wonderful soldier to save us if needed."

Halo growled. "I can't do that without my armor…and Jassaya has that!"

Naruko nodded. "Then I will remdey the situtation…and I think it would be in my interest to allow Jassaya to come stay in the palace."

"You do that and I will run away again, even if she has my armor!"

Naruko smiled. "You ran away and forgot it once. I don't think you could do it twice. I saw the look in your eyes when I offered to fix that problem. This armor she has of yours must has some speical meaning to you."

Sage felt the tension leave his arms. He couldn't turn down this only chance to get his armor back. At least Naruko didn't lock him up at first sight. But to invite Jassaya here to share in the profit of his slavery…Sage's slavery…

"Alright…" Sage whispered in defeat, lowering his hands to his side and straitening. "You have to promise one thing."

"Name it and I shall think about it." Naruko informed.

Sage sighed. "I can't get sick again…I'm using all my power to prevent it from happening since I was locked in a cold cave for three days. I would be completely healed of these." Halo showed his wrists. "Whatever you do…you must consider how it is going to effect my health."

Naruko nodded. "Very well then. But you are forbidin to live the palace walls."

Sage lowered his head slowly. I'll stay and get my armor back…but once I do, there is nothing stopping me from finding the guys and getting the hell out of here.

~~~~

AN: Here is the long awaited for chapter about Sage. Pretty mild…sorry bout that. But things will get back to the whole mess with Jassaya soon enough. How many of you think getting sage's armor back is going to be easy? Hehe…there wouldn't be a story to go on if he escape now! Right? J