Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
The group walked (and occasionally rode) for a few days until they reached the outskirts of Kyoto. Hundreds of houses and stores covered the city. As usual Horohoro was the first to overreact. "How in the world are we going to find that house?" he yelled at the others as they stared at the city in awe. This was their first time in Kyoto.
"Our house is along the river," Ari said. "It should be very easy to find, considering the fact that it might have been destroyed over the years." They hiked down the grassy hill and soon came upon many old homes. "We're close," Ari said, "but I can't seem to find it. This land has changed too much."
They searched for half and hour and came up with nothing. Fortunately, they met an old woman sitting in front of one of the ancient homes. Ari went up to her. "Ma'am, do you know of the house where Shiro Kitsune once dwelled?"
The woman looked at Ari, studying the young girl. She pointed to the left, next to the river.
"Thank you," said Ari as she started walking in the direction the woman pointed.
As she walked away, the woman spoke. "It has been said that the house is haunted. No one lives there anymore." Ari nodded. "Take care," the woman said. They walked until they came to a mansion covered with vines.
"Whoa! You were that rich?" Horohoro said with envy. "I wonder if there's still food."
"Let's make this quick," Ren mumbled. Ari led the group inside and they finally found her room. It was covered with a thick layer of dust and broken furniture. The gem was gone.
"Oh, no! Someone must have taken it!" Ari cried. Ren went to the table and took out a piece of paper wedged between the cracks. He handed it to Ari. "It says, 'If you ever want your little gem back, come and see me by the river.' Who is this person?"
At the lake, they met a man in a black robe. "So you're foolish enough to come meet me."
"Who are you?" Ari said.
He chuckled. "I am a shaman assassin, sent by nobles from the court of Kyoto. They promised me a great reward if I follow you here and end your life," he said casually. He took out a sword. "You will die here. Goodbye…" He sprang at Ari.
Ren jumped in front of Ari and blocked with his spear that he brought along. They exchanged a couple of blows and both jumped back, unscathed. Ari and the others joined the battle and the man dodged all of their blows. He knocked Horohoro to the ground and prepared to finish him off. Ari hit the shaman at that moment. He lost his balance and fell, the gem flying out from one of his pockets. Ren caught it.
The man got up and attempted to throw Ari into the river. "You will meet the same fate as your father!" he yelled. She moved aside as he ran for her and Ari chucked the shaman into the rushing river with her staff. She watched as the man sunk out of sight. Ren ran to Ari.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine…" she whispered as she looked at the river, in shock. "He… he's… gone…"