Warrior's Edge Chapter 2

The Gathering


Warning: This is my fanfiction the characters featured into this series are the property of Sammy Corp. so they shouldn't be used this way without their permission. but once again this is my fanfic.


Author's note: Let me apologize for the previous chapter I really didn't like it. and being the lazy man that I am I shall not change it. oh well on to the next chapter I hope you guys like this one more than the first.







Sounds of children's laughter filled the air, adolescence and carefree joy erupting in waves as young ones ran wildly playing whatever game they desired. a fantastic sparkle of merriment in their eyes for all they have to worry about is having fun. kids were not committed to tasks that are placed upon the shoulder's of adults. a job, paying bills, rent and other Essentials. nope all these kids have to worry about is just making sure that when they kick that soccer ball it goes into the goal.



A heavy sigh passed through Baiken's lips, peached colored iris observing a group of young kids playing what she seems to remember being called tag. a game where one kid chases other kids, the goal to touch and capture them making that person now become the hunter by saying "Tag Your It!" for which she just now heard a young black haired girl say running in glee from a boy with equal excitement on his face as he now becomes the hunter giving chase at top speed all the while laughing out loudly. memories flooding Baiken's mind, a certain aspect of time in her life.



A time when she was free spirited and happy, a moment in time when all she cared for was to be with friends playing silly games of "tag, hide n' go seek or red light green light 1,2,3" laughter, chuckles of the past take over. such a long time has passed since she was happy.



Well now Baiken's happy whenever there's a full bottle of sake all to herself but true happiness is something unattainable for her. pain and sorrow now filling the pink haired japanese woman. the lost of those close to her heart by that unknown man has shaped her into the woman she is today. there is only one thing important to her vengeance. her sole hand gripping her sheathed katana as images of past times run through her mind.



The life-less forms of her family covered in their own crimson running across the floor beneath them. her family's life ended in a hot blaze of destruction. those screams, ghastly shouts of pleading women and children for their lives in her village as that man and his army slaughtered friends and loved ones. Baiken took a moment to pray for their loss on that miserable day. a silent prayer initiated by Baiken as she closed her peached colored eye.



Baiken was so focused that she failed to sense a certain silver haired shinobi approaching her until he waved a steaming white bowl under her nose. chicken and ramen captured Baiken's senses as she opened her iris. her vision introduced to the sight of Chipp holding two bowls. one arm extended towards the samurai, Baiken looked at Chipp his face plastered with a grin. she didn't respond and just reached out taking a napkin and placed it under the bowl then rested her meal on the floor right next to her letting it cool.



Chipp joined the silent samurai sitting down beside her. the two sat at the edge of the front porch which lead directly into Baiken's room at the Inn she is staying.

Baiken leaned against the wooden railing letting her right leg dangle of the platform edge exposing her bare thigh to Chipp. her eye once again focused on the children at play. Zanuff noticed her attention on the kids and smiled.



"Ah to be young again" he said picking up his chop sticks and immediately chow down on his lunch.



Baiken soon followed turning away from the spectacle of children placing her chop sticks in her hand and started to eat her chicken and ramen with mixed vegetables.

Baiken the opposite of Chipp as she chewed her meal carefully. "Why are you here Zanuff?" Baiken asked between her bites. the silver haired American pausing his slurping of noodles scarfing down what remained in his mouth before answering.



"I'm here for the town's annual festival" he replied reaching behind his back for two bottles of sake and cups bringing them to rest beside him.



She remained quiet not saying anything to Chipp just giving the silver haired Shinobi a stare which silently said "I don't believe you" even though today was the village's celebration of O-bon a festival which celebrates the dead where people met the loved ones from the other side. basically everything is here, fine art, poetry, theatre, music, food, games and whatever else you can think of.



The poetry segment held held great significance because the poems depicted the heroics of the fallen soldiers in the Holy Knight order during the first and second gear wars. "No really I'm here for the festival" responding again holding his hands up in the air. Baiken's expression continued to be neutral as Chipp now poured himself a cup of rice wine then pass it on to her. silently Baiken accepted Chipp's offer and brought the small cup to her full lips tilting her head back slightly savoring the delicious flavor of alcohol.



He quickly poured himself a glass and drank it's contents in one shot. "The celebration of the dead, commemorating all the heroes that had fallen during the gear wars" Chipp noted as he looked out to the streets seeing the ongoers walking up and down.



Baiken watched as well as children walked hand and hand with their mothers and fathers. happy to have them in their lives, that was something for which Baiken never got to truly enjoy. hastily she turned away from the scene and wrapped her fingers around the neck of the sake bottle pouring herself another cup letting it fill to the edge. her lips savoring it's taste as she drinks the smooth liquid then runs her tongue across her lips collecting any left over residue.



"You are here for more than just seeing the celebration of O-bon Chipp-san" she spoke flatly putting her cup down looking straight at the American. his stupid grin returning as he gazed at the pink haired beauty.



"I can never get anything pass you can I huh, Baiken-san" she didn't respond just continuing to stare at the spike haired Shinobi. "Well I didn't just arrive here to see the festival, I came here to see you Baiken" he spoke keeping that smirk on his face leaning forward getting in closer to the pink haired samurai. she didn't seem fazed by Chipp's approach until she raised her sheathed katana between them and pressed the hilt of the sword to the American's throat.



"Back boy or would you prefer I stick the hilt up where the sun don't shine?" Baiken asked cooly to Chipp still holding that smile of his. "Now tell me your true reason for being here Zanuff?" she said returning to the remaining portion of her meal.



"I just did dear Baiken" was Chipp's answer as he poured himself another cup of rice wine.



"Now!" irritation marked over Baiken's voice as she took the hilt of her katana and jabbed his windpipe. he slowly pushed the sword aside from under his chin sitting back putting some distance but not that much, Baiken rested her Katana back down.



"My sources have been informing me of some recent gear activity in the neighboring area" his words solemn as he ready himself another drink. Baiken watched him just listening to what Chipp had to say carefully. "Normally I wouldn't give a damn, however sighting reports indicate that a certain guitar wielding chick in red and a big ass funny hat is on location at the time of these incidents"



Baiken's beautiful feature's grimaced for a second as she hears the mentioning of the gear named I-no. "So your here tracking her down then?"



"Yes in the hopes that I-no will lead me to my true target" Chipp replied leaning back on one arm gazing upward shielding his eyes from the suns light.



"That man" her words were a whisper across her sweet lips as Baiken said that. instantly images of her encounter with that man months ago rushed to her brain. the conversation, the pain, hatred, and sorrow all brought together on that day. rage filled Baiken's form as she closes her eye suppressing the anger that flowed through her body.



Chipp saw the pained expression plastered across the face of the pink haired Japanese woman. "Hey you okay there Baiken-san?" her sole eye snapped open as she felt Chipp's hand touching her left shoulder massaging it. a strange sensation washed over Baiken as she shot a look of murder to the silver haired shinobi which Chipp quickly caught on to and retracted his hand.



"Yes" venom in her single answer. composing her herself Baiken presented a new query. "So what is your reason for chasing him down Chipp-san?" asking the American ninja in a relaxed tone.



"That's personal beautiful" he said flatly going back to slurping on his left over noodles. "I'm assuming your here for the same reasons as well Baiken?" Chipp speaking with his mouth half fill.



Baiken gazed at Chipp with a narrow eye. "No I'm here for the festival Zanuff" she said returning to her meal as well. Zanuff just laughed and accidently choked on his noodles, coughing he quickly washed it down and continued eating his meal.



"You know I heard there gonna have fireworks this time" Baiken didn't say anything as Chipp tried to start up a new conversation. the pink haired samurai just went on finishing her meal. "How about afterwards you and I, let's take a walk up to the shrine I hear the gardens are most excellent this time of the year?" Chipp inched closer to Baiken with each word spoken softly in her left ear.



"If you desire to leave this village on your own two feet then you better back up pal" she said sucking in a noodle as she went for her sword once more.



"I can deal with the pain if it means being with you my beautiful Kochou" his voice gentle in a teasing manner as he leaned against her. Baiken sighed and got up finishing her meal the pink haired warrior left Chipp all to him lonesome. Chipp studying Baiken as she retreated from him. "It's good to see come but even better to see you go Kochou" he stated as his amber-red eyes focused on a certain part of Baiken's anatomy. knowing the meaning of Chipp's words she turned hurling her empty bowl at the sly Shinobi.



Quick reaction time saw Chipp grabbing the bowl in his hand. he gave the woman a devilish smile as he spun the bowl on his finger. Baiken rolled her eye not really giving a damn and turned away from the wide grinning Zanuff walking back inside her room. "Why me?" asking herself silently as she slid her door shut.





******




High above what was once called the Liaoning province in China a large jet black air craft soared over the desolate land. a machine designed with highly state of the art technology flew un-detected by radar due to advanced cloaking technology installed. so advance you wouldn't be able to notice it hovering right above you. inside on the bridge jade eyes looked into a monitor scanning it's contents. "Status" a feminine voice called out to no one as she turned away from the monitor focusing her jade orbs on another screen.



"Trace energy signature detected in sector 31" a computerized voice echoed across the bridge.



"Verify energy signature with target" the sole occupant aboard the vessel commanded while typing away on a nearby computer console. as this task went under way a high pitched beep suddenly reverberated through the bridge capturing the woman's attention. strands of blonde was separated from her vision as fingers tapped over a series of keys located on the arm rest of her chair. behind her a small platform lowered from the ceiling while another had risen from the floor. pressing another button a holographic picture appeared between both platforms.



A hooded figure encased in black robes stood before her. she turned her chair around standing at attention regarding the holographic form with authority. "My lord"



"What do you have to report?" the unknown voice boomed across the room.



Elsewhere below the airship on the surface. crimson orbs narrowed as a black clawed hand dug into the Earth picking up dry soil and crushing it between it's massive fingers. wind blowing against it's large black frame sniffing the brittle mineral a growl came from the beast's mouth as it identified it's target. "She definitely went through this area". the beast thought growling again as it rised from it's crouched position opening his paw letting the wind carry the crumbled soil. dusting it's paws of any left over soil residue the beast took a moment to gaze up at the sky.



"She could be anywhere by now her scent is faint regardless of what is left behind from the child's energy signature it won't be enough" the beast thinking. as it continued to examine for further clues a voice called out in it's mind



"What do you have for me this time big boy?" a sensual voice spoke to him. the beast paused for a minute closing it's crimson orbs connecting with the female through a telepathic link established between them.



"Our target surely passed through this area" it 's voice dark yet calm as it' red eyes gazed at the grey skies. "But unfortunately I'm unable to get a strong lock on her scent, blasted wind" the sound of thunder grabbing the beast's attention. "Plus with the upcoming storm it shall be more difficult to track her down if the rain washes away her scent"



"Okay then return to the airship at once, good job Zero" the female said with some approval in her tone.



"Understood I'm returning back to the ship now, Ten" Zero groaned as he killed the telepathic connection from his side.



"Acknowledged" blonde hair flared as Ten severed her telepathic link with Zero from her side bringing her focus back to the holographic console before her. she attached cybernetic exoskeleton gloves over her fingers. curling her digit's she began typing against the green screen. "Even though we may not be able to track her down employing Zero's good ol nose there are other alternative sensors we can use" jade eyes moving up and down in line. pressing one point to another on the screen a second holographic monitor popped up. moving the old screen aside she began typing again. jade irises scanning the new information appearing in front of her.



"What is it that your proposing we do to locate the target Ten?" the hooded figure asked behind the blonde remaining still watching the same information.



"Since the weather is affecting our search for the girl, I propose we use our system in wide global search for the child's distinct energy pattern" she answered not tearing her eyes away from the holographic screen. inputting a new command the main screen on the bridge activated displaying a map of the planet. a smile crossed the lips of Ten as a red blip became a visual on the large center screen. however that smile would soon fade. another red dot appeared followed by a third then another and another. "Damn it" Ten remarked with annoyance as a total of seven filled the screen.



A lock mechanism hissed opening a door behind the blonde haired beauty. cautiously the beast known as Zero entered the bridge. if Ten noticed she didn't show it as her fingers typed away furiously on this sudden new development. "What do you have Ten?" Zero inquired. a slender finger just pointed out to the large screen ahead of him.



"The idea was to track our target by the means of her energy signature" Ten replied in a uncool voice. the blonde multi-tasking as she typed on two holo-keyboards.



"So exactly what am I looking at then, which one is the girl?" a deep tone of voice flowed from Zero's teeth.



"All of them is hers Zero" the hooded figure announced. Zero just looked on in disbelief. "Perhaps there is a malfunction in the Equipment Ten?" our mysterious man presenting a reason to the dilemma.



"No my lord, I've just run a diagnostic test on the system no problems" Ten replied. frustration marked over her voice as her typing increased to a faster pace looking for answers.



"So what does this mean then?" a minute of silence filled the bridge before either of the three spoke out.



"You know what this mean don't you Zero?" Ten said turning to the black beast. "Our little girl is trans-hopping, I mean that is the only reasonable answer she knows how to manipulate her energy to transport her body to far distances" the blonde replied as she pointed out to the main screen. "Just look at the locations she's been to China, South Korea, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan all within a two hour time window"



"Damn that means that the child could be half way around the planet by now" Zero mumbled as it approached the main screen touching one of the signature points where the girl transported herself to. the screen zooming in on that one point giving detailed information on that specific location.



"Not Necessarily she just learning to use her abilities that's why Ten didn't say she was fully capable of manipulating her energy to transport herself" their master said pointing out to the screen. "Take a look at the locations for which our little girl has traveled to majority of them are located in southeast Asia" he pointed out. "Her skill at quickly adapting to her newfound powers is quite remarkable" fascination etched in the hooded figure's tone. "But still limited"



"That may be all good sir but it makes our search for her all the more difficult" Ten stated as she addressed her superior face to face.



"Well then were going to have to refine our search incorporate more of our people to aid us in this search and recovery" Ten nodded in acknowledgment and went back to work trying to formulate a new strategy in tracking her target down. "We may have to also update our strategy in how we shall capture her, if she's learned how to use her energy for transportation then she may have also learned to use it as a weapon"



"I agree sir" Zero expressed. "Though they are random transports she's stationed herself in Asia it would be best to monitor the activity of the Holy Knights stationed in this area" the beast folding his arms as he turned to the hard at work Ten. "I don't believe that she can immerse herself into the populace without being noticed"



"Speaking of our Holy Knights an incoming communication from Raven sir" Ten said as she read a report scrolling across her small holo-screen. "Mission accomplished sir, Raven and I-no are awaiting new orders"



"Excellent inform them Ten to standby for further orders"



"Yes my lord" the beautiful blonde responded as she typed a new communication relaying back to Raven.



"And what of my orders my master?" Zero asked in a kneeling position beside the holographic image.



"Prepare yourself for when the time comes Zero I wish for you to rendezvous with both Raven and I-no, we shall need their assistance in capturing the girl" his words soft yet powerful. "I shall make contact with you at 22:00 hours for a progress report Ten"



"Yes my lord" standing straight as the green light dissipated and the holographic image disappeared. "Right then Zero baby let's get started shall we, there's a little girl to be found"





******




Night slowly replaced day as star after star appeared in the clear evening sky. candle lights and lanterns providing illumination for villagers and guests as they crowded the streets immersing themselves in the village's celebration of O-bon. waves of joy and good hearted laughter filled the night air as people looked on with amazement to the wonders that surround them.



Everyone adorned in their most finest attire, as women walked around with their finest silk kimono and men with their formal haori and hakama. the atmosphere electric

as performances were acting out on the streets. hands clapping in amusement as dancers dressed in finely woven clothing moved their bodies rhythmically to the beat of drums. young female dancers fully opening their maiougi(dancer fans) giving viewers a glimpse of the unique design marked on them. the fluidity of their movements across the floor left onlookers in total amazement to the craft of dancing.



Okay well not everyone was left in awe of the dancers moves. Baiken gazed at the scene before her with a stoic expression, though the dance number was entertaining she didn't think it was that amazing. not really caring to stay and watching the entire dance routine Baiken started to walk again. she traversed amongst the large crowd observing numerous events taking place around her.



She never truly understood the meaning of having all this warm hearted celebration when the actual festival is supposed to observe the passing and reunion of loved ones on the other side. Baiken didn't really see the need for a little puppet theater show which happened to her left. or vendors selling finely crafted dolls to her right as a necessity for this moment. continuing her walk she searched for a place to find a drink, despite what she thought the pink haired japanese woman found herself getting into the spirit just like the villagers as she donned a expensive white and red kimono.



As she passed one vendor station after another not finding one place she could buy a drink of sake, the one arm Baiken felt something tugging on her kimono. she stopped instantly turning her attention to her right looking down to an old man's hand clutched around the sleeve of her kimono.



"Konnichi wa" thin grey mustache and beard marked the old man's fragile face, anything else noticeable about him is concealed by a straw hat on his head. Baiken turned to fully face him as he released his digit's from her silk sleeve. "Please allow me to properly introduce myself, my name is Kazuhiro would you care to purchase some of these lovely items?" the old man sat behind a medium sized table, he waved a hand over the table and it's contents. Baiken closely examining the items laid out before her.



Decked across the dilapidated surface are various trinkets and other assortment. mini-statues, souvenirs, jewelry(cheap) silverware, and origami figures all stationed there. her digit's gliding on the open spaces between items stopping to pay close attention to the origami figures. "They are nice aren't they, each were created by my daughter and grand-daughter" he expressed with much joyous comfort as he reached out pointing at one figure. "The gods bless their souls with the gift to create such fine, magnifcent designs"



"Yes they truly are" Baiken remarked as she held a paper crane in her hand given by the elderly man. peached colored iris watching over it carefully bringing it to eye level noting every little piece of detail in it's design. marvelous is what she thought of it.



"Try as they may to instill their skills onto me I can never get the hang of it" a wide smile crossed his lips. "I shall never be a fine origami craftsman as my two wonderful little girls are"



"It takes practice, practice, a swordsmen doesn't excel at becoming a master over night, he must train and hone his or her ability to achieve mastery, the same is said for here as well" Baiken inputted as she put back the crane and looked at other items. she wrapped her slender fingers around a small statue this time. it is a model statue of samurai in full body armor and dual katanas in it's hand.



"Ah that was acquired two years ago on my visit through Kyushu" he commented while Baiken handed the item back to him. "I retrieved it from a merchant who he himself purchased years ago from an auction, legends tell that it came from a family who possessed a long history in Japan dating back to the 19th century" brickle digit's smoothing out the thin hairs from his beard. "It seems that the family was very wealthy and great political influence in the government up until the first gear war"



Baiken stood listening with interest to the man's tale. "Tell me Kazuhiro-sama do you know what happened to that family?" the admirable pink haired woman inquired.



"Well, unfortunately their blood line was cut on the day of the first gear war the last living relative was killed defending the family's estate"



"Interesting, I'll take the crane and samurai please" she slipped her hand inside her expensive silk kimono searching a small pocket that rested on her right breast. "Will two hundred world dollars be enough Kazuhiro-sama?" asking she revealed the amount spoke of.



"Why yes dear that is more than enough your very generous young lady" he jubilantly replied taking the money in aged hands. Baiken watched as Kazuhiro hastily took both items and wrapped the statue in a white cloth putting a small cord around it to insure it doesn't fall out. he then took a pin needle and inserted a hole to the neck of the paper crane putting a tiny thread through asking for the lady's hand he tied the thread around her wrists. "A sort of origami charm bracelet" he beamed at her lifting his hat up to fully look at her. ecstatic azul eyes captured Baiken's vision. "Arigato child may the gods bless you"



"Arigato Kazuhiro-sama, sayonora" placing her acquisition in her bag Baiken continued her journey. peach iris scanning the area and crowd the thought of purchasing alcohol all but passed her mind, she isn't searching for something now but for someone. the loud roar of men cheering caught Baiken's attention as she noted the spiky silver haired shinobi Chipp amongst a crowd of jovial men. he was in a crouched position holding up his right hand in the air shaking it as if he held something then bringing it down releasing two items. upon closer inspection she noticed that they were dice. "Gambling, che!" Baiken mumbled as she rolled her eye walking over to the crowd of men.




******




Raven eyes sparkled with great intrigue as he stepped into the village. upon arrival he was surrounded by little children welcoming him to their town on this special day. as part of the kids greeting they offered a complementary meat bun from the local Inn one for which he gratefully accepted and relished as he walked down the bustling pathway taking in the sights. For Mito Anji he felt elated, this is the life for which the four eyed Japanese scholar loved. learning and integrating into a culture expressing the different values and beliefs that people have, even if the culture is your own.



Anji traveled down the open wide path eagerly munching down his steamy meat bun looking at numerous banners that lined over rails on upper levels of buildings. eating he passed through the village's Inn. "Why hello there handsome" a sweet voice called out to the spiky haired Mito causing him to halt in his tracks. turning in the direction for which he heard the melodious voice originate Mito's vision were introduced to two women hanging by the entrance of the village Inn. a short haired brunette stared at Anji with soft jade eyes and full lips, she wore a red kimono. legs exposed for anyone to see as she pulled her dress back showing up to mid-thigh.



"Hey there mister are you alone, looking for a friend or two?" a lady with short black hair in a light blue kimono asked. her dress hanging loosely over one shoulder. blushing red the scholar closed his mouth addressing the two women.



"Uh, oh ummm are you are you refering to me?" pointing at himself.



"Your the only half naked man around right now standing here" the brunette declared as she placed her body in a provocative pose. black eyes wide as he scanned the woman from her smooth legs, curved hips, up to her slightly exposed chest. Anji could feel an increase in body temperature which caused him to rub the back of his neck in a state of unease. he could see a smile forming on the lips of the brunette, walking over to Mito swaying her hips in the process. "Hmmm you must be a traveler here for the festival" her fingers lightly running over his chiseled pectorals. the Japanese scholar frozen registering her nails scraping across his skin.



The young Mito Anji sweating as he is placed in a awkward position with both women surrounding him. "You know mister that there planning on having a fireworks display this year" the raven haired woman now speaking standing behind Mito resting her chin on his broad shoulders running her hands up and down his muscled arms joining her brunette friend in exploration of Anji's body. the brunette smiling as she ran her fingers through his hair. a tingling sensation crawling in Mito's body as he closed his eyes trying to fight this warm impression.



"Rea....Really?" he mouthed in weak voice as he fought to stand up on wobbly legs doing all he can to stay calm. but he found it all to difficult.



"Uh-huh, right after the poetry ceremony there going to have a spectacular visual of lights at the temple" gentle fingers of the brunette touching the side of Mito's face.



"Oh!...." he barely uttered as he felt a hand shift from his chest to his abdomen.



"Yep, a big bang of bright colors in the air" the raven haired lady leaning in to Anji's left ear presenting soft words.



"Sou...sound....sounds interesting" fumbling with the sentence due to the close contact and attention given to his body.



"Yeah it is but me and my girlfriend here can give you a bigger and better boom" lips from the brunette talked erotically as she sucked on his ear lobe pulling it gently. Anji's eyes sank into slits as the impression of the woman's lips on his ear hit Anji's senses full on hard. words becoming impossible for Mito to form as he tried to fight dual sensations caused by both ladies. digit's exploring his partially exposed body.



"So what do you say mister, we'll love you long time" with her words and tone Anji found himself slipping. but for some reason finding or tapping into some hidden strength Mito broke free of the two harlots. the young Japanese scholar placing distance between him and the ladies.



"As...tempting...as it may sound" Mito pausing. "I must decline on your offer" his skill to speak clear or for that matter anyway returning to him slowly.



"Are you sure mister we can definitely make it worth your while?" the brunette asking one more time trying to convince Mito to reconsider.



"Ummm no thanks I'm certain. I must be leaving now sayonora" he quickly retreated from the two women not turning back to see if they might follow him.



"Hmmm he was kinda cute, he must have a girlfriend or something turning us down" the brown haired hooker spoke lightly.



"Yeah that or the dude is just gay, you know he looked like a monk. monks are gay you know spending time alone with other men in a temple on a snowy top mountain, really think about"



"What, that he looks like a monk?" the brunette inquired.



"No that he's gay" the short raven haired woman said crossing her arms watching as Mito rushed back to the main street.



"Come on you let's go back to the Inn maybe we'll have a better chance inside" the low cut brunette stated as she grabbed the arm of her friend walking back inside.



Mito wiping the sweat from his brow sighed heavily. "Well now that was a close one" taking a deep breath brushing his fingers through his spiky hair. Anji continued to walk heading back to the main area of the village where it is more crowded and where the festival takes place. hopefully he could immerse himself in the excitement of the festival and put behind him the events of a few minutes ago.



Composing himself Anji moved in a casual pace for the crowd. as he traversed amongst the busy streets sounds of a bells ringing captured the scholar's attention. he gazed upwards to the roof of one hut atop he could see a boy in a small tower pulling on a rope causing the bell to sway. in that instant everyone in the streets started to move in one direction, heading for the temple that is located on the northeast of the town. pushing his glasses all the way up to rest on the bridge of his nose the Japanese scholar followed everyone. even though he is just a visitor to this town even Anji knows that the main proportion of this festival is about to commence.




******




"Holy Zen!" an exuberant Chipp Zanuff exclaimed as he counted his latest earnings from the wonderful game of street craps. a sum total of 1500 world dollars filled Zanuff's hands as he motioned through a busy crowd counting his prize winnings. Baiken walked not that far behind from the silver maned shinobi white bag over her shoulder. a common expression drawn on the pink haired lulu's face as she observed Chipp counting away his money in a somewhat child like glee.



"Unbelievable, gambling at a time such as this Chipp-san" Baiken said moving to be closer to Chipp as she talked.



"Hey what can I say Baiken, a shinobi's gotta make that money one way or the other assassinations, stealing or gambling in a nearby corner" delight coursing in Chipp's voice slipping his cash into his left gauntlet gripping it making sure his prize winnings are safe.



"Whatever Zanuff" she said not really caring to respond walking ahead of the American.



"Don't be like that beautiful it's just plain ol fun that's all" the duo warriors passing under a Torii which lead to a series of stone steps. "And it seems that I wasn't the only one having a good time too" Chipp making reference to the gift bag in Baiken's possession. she remained silent slowly walking up the steps. "If you don't mind me asking Baiken what did you buy?"



She didn't say a word. as they reached the top a large audience were already gathered surrounding the main hall. the gate however is closed guarded by two priest. Baiken even from this distance could hear one priest say to another person in the crowd that the main festivities will begin in twenty minutes. "Twenty minutes until they let people into the main hall" gentle words from Baiken as she informed Chipp.



Zanuff took a deep breathe then scratched the back of his head. "Well then shall we go to the garden then Baiken-san?" like a gentlemen Zanuff pointed in it's direction bowing slightly. a peach iris watched over Chipp at first but soon relented giving a sigh.



"Fine let's go then, I have no desire to stand here" she said walking to the garden entrance. Chipp quickly followed the lovely Baiken strolling through one of many paths used to lead people through different sections of the garden. upon entering the pink haired stunner was left in awe, it seems that Chipp is correct about the gardens being excellent this time of year.



Baiken walking down the pathway following the trump stones, she paused taking her time studying multiple floral designs that are presented. elegant roses to lilies and various flowers capturing Seishino's attention. reaching out to one set running a finger over a rose petal. amazing how something so simple such as a flower can be such a magnificent thing. leaning closer to the collection of flowers she examined every detail. "Exquisite aren't they I heard that caretakers of the garden spend hours and hours working their butts off here" Chipp informed the pink haired Seishino from behind gazing at the same set of flowers. "Amazing how flowers can have such an affect on people" a plain expression on Chipp. "We could be in the most depressed state possible but if you just hand someone a boutique of roses you've made their day"



"But that happiness is but for a brief moment" Baiken jumped in bending down to look at the set of red blooms. "A flower isn't forever eventually it's petals will change color wither and fall" her touch moved to the underside of a rose petal she then released it standing up.



"It doesn't have to be forever, sometimes just for that moment of joy it's good enough" Chipp's tone of voice filled with emotion. "And if a group of roses isn't enough to lift your spirit's well then there's always silver and diamond" Zanuff moved in closer to Baiken holding his right hand out in front of her. she cocked her head to the side as she saw a small white box in Chipp's hand. Baiken's peach eye motioned over to look at the silver haired Gaijin.



"What's this Chipp?" her words soft as she looked at Chipp in a surprised manner with this sudden event.



"Well then let's open it up a see beautiful" the shinobi relinquishing the white box to Baiken's care. taking her bag Chipp placed it in her hand and removed the lid. the surprised reaction never wavered from Baiken's face, she remained quiet as Chipp opened the box. Seishino held her breathe for a second as she gazed at the item inside the white box. a silver necklace with a diamond shaped in the fashion of a butterfly laid encased. Baiken was left speechless looking at the piece of jewelry. "Nice isn't, a butterfly for my Kochou"



He removed the fine piece adornment from it's box taking the silver chain in his hand. she never took her eyes away from it as it was lifted before her eye. knowing how Baiken likes to voice her disapproval over anything. Chipp smiled at her silent reaction. she looked down as Chipp rested it on her chest tying the chain around her slender neck. "Why...?" she asked in a whisper holding the butterfly in her hand.



"I found it at a nice little shop and I instantly thought of you" he continued to stay close to the pink haired knockout watching her expression carefully. "You seemed to be a little depressed early in the day so I figured a gift would put a smile on your face" being silent was all Baiken could do at this time. she had to admit it was a lovely gift. "So Kochou what do you think of it do you like it?" he asked with a smile on his face anxiously waiting for a answer from Baiken.



She didn't move nor speak her back to Chipp staring at the necklace. a finger ran lightly over the surface, she's never received a gift such as this before in her life. she didn't know how to approach the situation. Baiken turned to face Chipp catching the smirk that is presented on his lips. Seishino found herself stuck caught in the moment, peach iris gazed at the American. he was waiting for her to respond to his kind gesture, she held his present firmly in her grasp close to her chest. with him giving her this she needs to, no has to respond. it would be disrespectfully not too even for a knuckle head like Zanuff here.



Her soft peach eye never left Chipp's face as her full lips parted, she was going to respond. "Chipp, I........."



"Is that you Baiken-san?" the moment interrupted by a voice calling out. a deep sigh of relief filled Baiken as she closed her eye and inhaled. however she quickly reopened her sole iris. she looked over Chipp's shoulder to the person that called her name, strands of pink hair were parted from her vision to view spiky brown hair and a white bandana tied around his head. he wore blue loose fitting hakama secured by a black martial arts belt. blue boots lined with black were his footwear. his upper body exposed for all to see expect his arms which are draped in a blue......well I don't know what the hell you call it but it looks like a scarf designed with sleeves to put his arms inside of it, white trimmed on the edges. a set of white arm guards graced his wrists. in the man's possession is a open black fan.



"Mito Anji" Baiken uttered in mild bewilderment as the Japanese drifter approached the scene.



"It's good to see you Baiken-san" Mito's voice lined with rejoice as he smiled at the woman standing before him. "Man it's been a while a since I've last saw you, I thought it would be ages before we crossed paths" his heart beating faster just like before with the harlots. Anji is always like this when he's around the pink haired Baiken. raven eyes stared into her single peach colored iris. Anji losing himself in her gaze.



"Well now, hello there Mito-san" the now annoyed tone of one silver haired shinobi Chipp Zanuff spoke as he stood next to the two. he didn't receive a response as both Mito and Baiken continued to stare at one another. seven months had passed since they meet each other at the colony. Anji took his time to enjoy the vision of Baiken as she stood here in her silk white and red kimono. lengthy pink hair at this time not held up in a ponytail as normal but just tied in a red ribbon running down her back.


"It is really good to see you again Baiken, you look beautiful" he commented taking a step back to get the full view of the stunning Japanese woman.



"Thank you" A shade of red graced Baiken's cheeks as she bowed her head in respect.



"Ummm excuse me I hate to interrupt this reunion and all" Chipp jumping in not liking to be left out crossed his arms over his chest. damn this Mito dude has got some real bad timing.



"Oh sorry about that Chipp-san" Anji finding it hard to change his line of sight from the lovely Baiken to Chipp. "What are you doing here?"



"That's a question I was looking to ask you Mito-san" Chipp said as he rested his arms to the side staring at Anji with razor sharp amber-red eyes. the same was returned back to him by Mito as raven eyes gave off a glare of death. Baiken regarded both men as they looked to one another burning holes in the other's eyes. a heavy sigh overcame Baiken as she shook her head.



"Here we go again, why me?"



To Be Continued.





Author's Note: Okay when I write stories I like to do unique things. elements that others might not do. unique pairings is one of them. setting up characters that people would never give a chance. or may have been discussed but never been touched on. so if you have an idea for anything that could be considered unique by all means write it. don't be afraid to make it happen despite what others might think. til next time you folks know what to do read and review.