GUNDAM WING: SHADOW ASSASSINS
NAME: Jimmy DEMON TYPE: Tiger ABILITIES: STEALTHY IN THICK JUNGLE CLIMATES. A MASTER OF THE MARTICAL ARTS, ARCHERY, AND ACROBATICS. ALSO AN ABSERVANT CHARACTER ONE HAS TO WATCH THIS ONE FOR HE CAN OUTSMART THE BEST IN WAR TACTICS. HE IS ALSO SPECIALIZED IN WATER MECHANICS.
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Fire bow and arrow HABITAT: jungles, high mountains, and deep forests
NO THIS IS NOT A CROSSOVER WITH YU-GI-OH! I JUST LIKE THE GAME THAT IS ALL THAT IS WHY THERE ARE REFERENCES TO THE CARD GAME NOT THE ANIME. OH AND THE GUY IN THE STORY JUST STOLEN YAMI'S NAME THAT IS ALL.
ENEMIES IN THE MISTS
Beijing capital of China and Justin was board as hell all the sights he had seen before when he attacked the country five hundred years in the past. Besides the new technology that plagued the place nothing changed much it is still as crowded as ever and all he wanted to do was curl up and take a nap. "Stop being lazy and keep a look out for Avengers" Wufei growled and Justin only had to comply. He knew that if he did something wrong Wufei only had to say the magic word and he would be plummeting to the ground only to eat dirt or what every crap could be found. It was three weeks since they started on their journey to find the other shadow assassins and Justin found out the hard way just how strict Wufei actually is. He wakes up early in the morning to do exercises and various forms of meditation. Then he would do a variety of kata then on to food. Justin took that time to hunt but in a crowded city such as Beijing all there was to eat was rats, birds and rotten fish which where too filthy to eat. Not only that but the fox inside of Justin did not like the closed places too much he rather preferred the forests and wide plains to the crowded cities. But he had to live with it as it was his mission to find the others. Keeping his illusion of looking like one of the natives Justin had to use his fox magic to cloak Wufei's form as well hiding his gun and other armaments. He also had to hide Altron as well turning it into a different building or a tall tree depends on who's eyes where watching. The young fox kept all complaints to him as he made is way through the smelly city. "Do you smell anything?" Wufei asked, "No all this pollution is blocking out my sense of smell as well as the smell of sewage." Justin complained. They had walked into a bar Justin being a boy quickly changed his disguise to that of a fully grown man. Wufei only admired Justin's ability to transform into something else. The fox really was a master of disguise and even fooled the cameras a few times in the past during training as well. The bar turned out to be a strip bar full of dancing girls and sluts it was not the place for a demon's senses to go. "I smell sex everywhere as well as sweaty bodies," Justin whispered to Wufei who only nodded his consent. "Can you decipher any smells in here?" he asked and Justin could not smell that well for the odors where too strong but his sense of hearing and sight proved their worth. He managed to overhear a conversation among the noises of the bar and mentioned for Wufei to follow. They walked till they where at a table surrounded by gamblers it was obvious that they where playing cards. The fox was impressed by the way the players where playing. They where playing at a rapid rate the one on the far end was a better player then most but something did not smell right to the fox. His sensitive nose could pick up anyone but this player was obviously winning. "Why are we here Justin?" Wufei inquired but the fox shushed him with a finger. Listening intently the man at the far end was declared the winner and many angry voices could be heard from his fellow players. "Fucken Yami you knew you where going to win again didn't you," said one man who was laughing that he lost again. "Yep, you know me," he said and Justin just watched him for the name seemed familiar. "Shit Motou I did not know that you could be that good in a game no wonder they called you the game king back at home." The man said he was a bristly type one that drank too much and did not bathe for weeks at a time. It was then that the man looked up and saw the new comers. He was clearly impressed by the way they where acting towards his crowd. Getting up he walked over to them.
"Hello," he said kindly in Chinese to the two men before him, "I am Yami Motou but some people call me Yami or Yugi for that is my middle name," he introduced himself. Wufei watched this man he was a man of average height with spiky black hair that was closely cropped and loved to wear leather. This man sported a leather shirt one that was obviously made by hand for it was worn down and black jeans. His jacket was also jeans but his eyes is what held Wufei's attention for they held a hardship in them that could only be described as that of either a soldier or something else. "Duel Monsters," he heard Justin whisper beside him trying to remember something. It was then that Wufei found himself staring at a deck in his hands a strange deck of cards. The man Yami looked at the deck. "Now there is a game that I have not played in a long time," he said gazing at the cards. It was then that Justin looked at Wufei's deck. His eyes went wide with the memory of the name. "YU-GI-OH!" He shouted stopping all activity in the room. Eyes turned to him and Wufei and he squirmed at the sight of all those drunken faces. Yami only smiled he was clearly Japanese for it showed in his eyes. "That is alright everyone he was just declaring something to Me." he stated and all activity had gone back to normal. Yami then turned to the pair, "So you play duel monsters eh?" he said and Justin nodded, "I do he is just holding my deck for me for I have no pockets," the fox said and showed. "I see," Yami said his voice low, "I have a deck as well, it is rare to find someone with a worth while Yu-gi-oh deck and have it in perfect condition you must really taken care of your cards." He said and sat down on one end of the game table splitting it. "Tell you what why don't we have a little game of Yu-gi-oh that is if you know how to play," he said and Justin smiled, "Of course I do," he stated and they both shook on it, "ITS TIME TO DUEL!" the two shouted and the crowds gathered to watch the strange game being played. "Tell you what," said Yami, "If I win you will tell me more about yourself since I sense there is something odd about you and if I lose you will get information out of me for I know what you are," he said smirking and Justin went white, "Do not worry I do not tattle on my opponents in or out of the game I tend to stay out of others business." He stated as he placed down his first card, "I summon Penguin Knight," he stated and Justin smirked at this and placed his own monster down. Several hours later many people gathered to watch the spectacle of Beijing's most popular game player and champion gambler going head to head with a new comer. Still the hours of the day drifted to night and Wufei made his report already to headquarters. It was not till 8:00p.m. Beijing time that Justin finally won, "I place down my most powerful card the Blue Eyes Ultimate dragon wiping out your Black Skull Dragon making me the victor," said Yami, "Not quite for I have the millennium shield protecting my monster," said Justin turning over his face down card and I summon my most powerful monster on the field I sacrifice all my monsters to bring out Exodia the Forbidden One making me the automatic victor," he said placing all five pieces down on the table before Yami and Wufei smirked at that. He expected the gambler to cry at this but instead the champion gambler stood up, "I applaud you on your victory you truly did play with honor," he said placing his deck in his holder alongside his other cards and dice. Justin smiled at that comment. Yami then declared that they followed him outside. They followed him down the streets till they came to an abandoned building where no one was said to live there they crawled down into the tunnels and out onto a boat house. Yami started the motor and headed out to sea just a few miles off shore. Checking for bugs he found several and destroyed them he turned to the young men. "Alright you can drop the disguise now fox I know who you are." He said and Justin went wide eye yet again as Yami did the same. He grew in size till he was at least seven feet tall with a long tail covered in hair at one end and his long slender body filled the void of the boat as it transformed into a bubble as it descended to the depths below. "Who are you?" Wufei said now back in his Preventers uniform and Justin back in his true form that of a boy with red hair and pointy ears with a fox tail coming out from behind also in Preventers uniform. "I am Washu from the southern Japan clan of dragon warriors. I know for your type fox demon," he said and Justin shrugged, "I also can help you for I heard about your little quest and rumor has it among other demons that Naraku has risen again after all this time." He said and Justin was now confused, "Naraku?" he asked, "Yes please explain this Naraku," said Wufei now completely confused by all this. "I see the confusion in your faces before I state anything else I must tell you more about myself," he said as they drifted to a cave about three hundred feet under the sea. The cave was massive as the bubble traveled through them with ease. "The dragon warrior clan is a clan of lizard demons devoted to serving justice in the demon world. We where the protectors of the high demon lords at a time and we still act as information gathers for organizations such as the preventers but we do not let our true selves be known." He stated, "That is till we heard about Naraku and the return of the shadow assassins." He said turning to Justin. "What is it about us that makes everyone so afraid?" he asked and Washu only laughed at that statement. "The shadow assassins where created from the most powerful of demon lords." He said as they came to the surface of the sea into the lonesome cave. The lizard demon then led them to a room that was filled with equipment fit for the best of spies. "As you see here I came alone for we where discovered some time ago and my clan was nearly wiped out of existence. Being the only survivor I had to hide here away from Naraku's influence." He stated, "Washu right? Well can you answer a few questions for us then," said Wufei being a Tao practitioner he knew to expect the unexpected, "Who is this Naraku that you speak of," he said, "Naraku is an ancient evil going as far back as 1000 years to feudal Japan. It is said that he was a human in the beginning before he gave himself up to be a demon. Then they said that he transformed into a full demon with the help of the Shikon Jewel and tried to rule the world but was stopped by the powerful demon clans. The most powerful in the world they put an end to him but paid for it with their lives. The blood of them runs through your veins now Shadow Assassin." He said pointing to Justin, "I know the part where I changed from human to demon against my will but how did you know about yu-gi-oh?" he asked, "I played the game before five hundred years ago. I still kept my deck since I have noticed that you had kept you deck as well after all this time." He said and Justin smiled, "Foxed know where to keep there stuff and keep it hidden," he said and the lizard laughed, "I know my friend but what I brought you hear for sorry to go off the subject but it is of most importance." He said, "What is it?" Wufei asked while he leaned against the wall with his hands crossed, "Ah a gundam pilot to the end, oh well, I came to tell you the location of the tiger demon Fire Stripe," he said, "Or at least his last whereabouts," he said and the other two listened in. "He was last stated in the mountains just north of hear near the great wall. Sorry did I say near I meant far for I am a demon after all. You will find it thick with jungles and Avengers that are on the constant search for him. It seems as if the Avengers are getting desperate." He said, "Do you know anymore information about the Avengers," the lizard nodded, "I do," he stated and gave them all they needed to know.
It was sometime later that Washu kindly dropped them off at the pier and headed back out to sea. Justin resumed the disguises of two Asian men and hid their Preventer's uniforms as well as his tail. Walking down the streets again the two stopped at the hotel they where staying in and Wufei giving the latest information on what was happening. "So we head for the mountains then?" Justin asked hoping it was a yes for the city was making him sick. "Sorry Justin but Trowa got that assignment we are heading for a village in the southern reaches of China and are to meet Trowa there as well as Fire Stripe," he said and Justin corrected him, "His real name is Jimmy not Fire Stripe." He said and the Chinese man had to smile at the boys scolding, he reminded the Altron pilot of a certain braided American.
"Do you understand you mission then Preventer Ice," said Lady Une as she ended communications with Trowa and the banged pilot only nodded. "Mission accepted," he sated in a Heero like tone and began to pack.
"So do you like to study Martial Arts?" a monk asked Jimmy and the boy only looked at him confused while he cleaned the floor with a rag. He was dressed as one of the monks but his head remained covered in hair. For no matter how much the monks tried to cut his hair it always grows back to the same length unless the boys wishes it then it remains short. Jimmy only looked at the man confused as he performed yet another conversation and banter but only to have it shaken off by the boy as he tuned him out and continued to clean the floors. It was hard to keep the floors clean with all the monks walking on the grounds and then onto the wet floor. The head monk made it clear to them from Jimmy's point of view that all of them are to train outside till the floors are dry so to give the boy a break. Jimmy still could not understand Chinese so he was lost when it comes to conversations. He gazed out the windows to the jungles beyond and how he longed to run in them but he was only allowed to go there when it was time to eat. They know that a tiger must hunt in order to stay alive and stay sane. Jimmy could feel the wind flow through the windows into his hair. The soft mountain breeze kept the tiger content for a while, only a few more hours to go till I can hunt he thought to himself as he continued to scrub the floors humming a song to himself an old song. With this song comes the happier memories of his past life one he loves to remember. It also went to a sadder tone of his past one that was always covered in blood. He let a single tear fall but it did not stop as his mind continued to plague him with those painful memories. Qui-yon was wondering the gardens just outside the main monastery when he heard the sound of weeping coming from the temple. Turning he walked back to the temple and slowly opening the door to find Jimmy crying a bucket of water on the side as he scrubbed away at the dirt. "Why? Why did you leave me? Why did I do that? Why?" he cried out in pain and sorrow. Qui-yon not knowing any English only walked slowly up to the boy and offered a hand of comfort to him and the boy leaped into his arms and cried still. The door opened and more monks came in to see what is the matter with Jimmy only to see that the boy cried himself to sleep. Qui-yon's clothes where wet with Jimmy's tears as he slowly picked up the boy and carried him to his chambers. "Get some of the younger monks to clean the rest of this I think our young tiger has had some bad memories." He stated and walked out of the room.
It was some time later after Jimmy wakened up to disappear into the forest to hunt that Qui-yon and the elder monk gathered around a fire in the main temple. "What was all that crying about?" the elder asked of the lowly monk. "I believe that our young tiger is reliving some very terrible memories ones that only a very strong willed person could hold within and not cry unless alone." He said and the elder gave him a nod. "I see such memories are what holds us back at times but from the first time I saw that tiger I knew that my pains are nothing compared to his and what he has seen. I know that he has seen much considering what he is." Said the elder looking almost at a lost with himself, "You know I don't think he fought in the last war between Earth and Space that I know for a fact. I talked to him about mobile suits but giving the language barrier that was not possible to translate but I did show him some pictures and he was clueless." Said Qui-yon as he gazed out the door into the open night the winds where strong as a storm approached the small temple. "I know but it is if I felt that with his coming there is going to be a drastic change to the world that we know now one that will try to repeat the things of the past. A past that only our young friend knows about." He said as the storm raged outside and the winds began to howl their rage to the world.
Soft padded feet stepped through the forest as a huge beast wondered through in search of prey. His hunger was great even for a tiger and a nice size snake as well as a doe provided the necessary nourishment that he needed. Walking quietly the tiger was stopped by a force that he has never encountered before. Upon inspection he saw another tiger and immediately growled his protest but to his amazement the other tiger did not move at all but instead vanished replaced by the smell of danger. Running back he leaped over the wall that separated the forest form the monastery and changed back into human form. He hurried back towards his hiding place his chambers and climbed into some warm clothes then into bed.
Trowa had traveled far across China after having been given the mission report by Lady Une. He climbed the road that would lead him to a remote village a few miles off. Gun in hand he had to watch out for Avengers reports say that they are everywhere. They also said that the road was too remote for a normal conventional vehicle to go so that left him with horseback. The horse knew the mountains well as well as the dangers so it was not surprised when a dark figure ran in front of it. Trowa was startled but the horse stood its ground having traveled these forest roads before; it was use to all this excitement. The tiger regarded the gun in Trowa's hand before disappearing into the forest. Trowa normally a cool guy was sweating his head off. That tiger was one of the biggest he had ever seen. It was like a Siberian tiger only larger and more powerful with fangs that dripped blood from a previously killed prey. Which later he found was a large size elephant. Walking over to the corpse he examined the animal and found it to be eaten to the bone with nothing left of it for relatives except a few of the bones here and there. The foot prints where proof enough. "What is that smell?" a voice said in Chinese and Trowa leaped into the trees to avoid detection. "Hey I found some human footprints here as well it seems as if we got some visitors." Said another more dangerous voice as he finally saw the troops, "Tiger prints sir just like the last time could it be the shadow assassin sir?" a third soldier asked. The one in charge obviously was rather hard to distinguish his appearance with his large hat and face paint. "I can't be no other for no tiger not even a Siberian one can kill and elephant of this size." He said examining the kill with a practiced hand. "That demon is around here somewhere find it and report anything back to me these tracks are fresh so the tiger had not gone far." He said, "What about the other pair of human tracks," said the first soldier, "The guy is dead by now for it ends here with the carcass I guess the tiger got him eh and had to have swallowed him whole." He said and the other soldier shrugged as he turned around and left the scene. Sighing in relief Trowa waited for a few more minutes before falling back to the earth but this time hiding his tracks as he made his way back to his horse thanking the gods that it decided to hide itself in the hedges to avoid trouble. Mounting it again he headed off into the forest along the path towards the village. The winding trails led him along cliffs covered in trees as the rainforests of China held and eerie secret. That secret was watching him with glowing yellow eyes.
Jimmy watched the stranger stagger onto the horse and wondered off into the forest waiting the time before he hit the village. How can he avoid those soldiers? He did so to make it looked like I've killed him amazing. He thought as he followed the strange man but that following was soon discovered for Jimmy notice some of those men from earlier was following him. Slinking into the darkness of the bushes he hastily followed them to make sure the human was safe. The village took some getting use to as they adjusted to having a guardian spirit protecting them at the hours of darkness.
Trowa finally entered the village just as it started to rain again having already been soaked by the mists of the mountains and being further soaked by the rain made him rather uncomfortable. It was late and the village had gone to sleep already. He immediately spotted an inn where he could refresh himself and hoping for a hot bath. The horse found its own way to the stables for some shelter. Trowa walked into the inn and banged on the bell awakening the inn keeper who walked out. "Do you have a room for a single man," he said in perfect Chinese thanking Wufei for those improvement lessons. He could speak Mandarin before but not very well so had practiced it with Wufei as well as other languages that he needed brushing up on. The inn keeper gladly gave him a key and a room number. "It is not everyday that we receive visitors to this village but when we do they usually carry news of the outside." He said warmly, "I see that the tiger spirit has brought you in safely." He said and Trowa was confused, "Tiger spirit?" he asked, "Yes this village is protected by a fierce tiger that has not killed any villager but instead protected us against those soldiers out in the forest who are trying to kill it. People say it dwells in the monastery a further ways up the mountain." He said and Trowa gladly accepted the information and gone up to his room. When he entered he found that it was very tidy with everything in place and not a single mold stood out among the cracks. "These people sure know how to take care of this place," he said as he placed his stuff on the side and went to the bathing house where the inn keeper told him he could clean up and rest from the day's activities. He walked out into the bathing room. Upon opening the door he found that it was already drawn with hot steaming water coming out of a thermal spa. Trowa saw the old generator and thanked the inn keeper silently as he took off his dirty clothing and placed them on the side. Washing off all the blood from the elephant from his feet as well as the odors and scents of earlier he let his body glide into the hot steaming water and relaxed. Gazing outside the storm still ravaged but he could hear nothing in this quiet inn but to him it felt like a first class hotel. Staring up at the roof he began to let his thoughts drift to something else. A flash of stripes crossed his mind and he remembered seeing the tiger on the road. It only looked at him with curiosity before bounding off into the forest. He thought about the elephant and the size of that thing. It has got to be a shadow assassin for only a demon can reach the size of that tiger. But not many demons exist today. For only time will tell if there are others as well. He thought as he got out of the water and dried himself up with a towel. He watched as water dripped form his bangs down his face and chest as he dried himself up and got ready for bed. The morning that followed found the Preventer more then grateful for the relaxation that he had received from the inn keeper. They sat together alone as Trowa ate a hearty meal of noodles rice and vegetables as he talked to the inn keeper, "You said last night that there was a spirit roaming around in these mountains care to explain," he asked politely, "Well you see there is this wondering spirit. He came to us several weeks ago and in that time has protected our village. For this village was plagued by those soldiers you see in the forest. We have no way of getting help and all our messenger birds have been shot down. So we can't call for help even if we want to this is a strange time for all of us and we are desperate for news of the outside. All new comers are killed because of those men." He said sadly, "I see," Trowa replied, "I see that you are a Preventer and a skilled one at that." He said, "Where did you say that the tiger dwells," he said, "The tiger dwells in a monastery some three days off to the north follow the river and you will see it on a hill you can't miss it." He said and Trowa gladly accepted the offering of food and paid the bill before leaving. Turning to the mountains the Preventer was glad that he could talk some information out of the inn keeper. Now he knew that the Shadow Assassin is in the forest.
"Interested in the Martial Arts little one," the elder monk said to Jimmy catching him off guard as he watched some of the younger monks practicing. The boy only turned to him and continued to scrub the floors. A soft touch told him that the monk wanted him to stop. He then pointed to the other monks and then back to him. Jimmy then caught on to what he was saying and nodded. Smiling the monk rose as well as Jimmy. "Why don't you go and practice with them," he asked and of course Jimmy did not understand Chinese so he watched his movements to understand him. The young tiger then bounded off to join the younger ones. The teacher of the younger shaolin monks Li-Kai was more then welcoming to the young tiger and wanted to test the tigers skills but to his astonishment the tiger only crossed the field and into the forest. Shaking his head he assumed that the tiger did not want to join. But he figured that Jimmy was afraid of hurting someone for a boy with sharp claws could easily hurt someone. Shrugging he continued his teaching to his students not knowing that someone was watching from afar. Jimmy wanted to join them but he did not want to kill anyone by accident. Looking at his hands they where clawed so he had to wear gloves to make sure he did not scratch the floor. "Why are ye so afraid to test your skills?" a voice asked and Jimmy turned to find nothing but air. "Who are you," he asked, "I am one whom you blood originates young one the reason you understand me is that I learned your language a long time ago. Ye ought to test your skills against the temple students besides soldiers." The voice said again and this time jimmy bounded into the forest. The feel of the mist and the cool mountain air is all that Jimmy needed to feel at home with himself feeling the need to prowl but not hunt was the only way for the tiger to relax. He came upon a small clearing with a soft flowing stream as it sparkled down its merry way. "I see that ye are lost in your thoughts little one," the voice said again and Jimmy turned around to find himself facing another tiger like him. This one was larger then Jimmy but he held an air of grace that made the river feel like silk. Stepping out of the jungle the larger tiger approached Jimmy cautiously then settling down on his hunches and stared at the younger tiger. "Who are you?" Jimmy asked, "I am Wheng-Qi leader of the Tiger Clan of the East." He stated.
TBC
NAME: Jimmy DEMON TYPE: Tiger ABILITIES: STEALTHY IN THICK JUNGLE CLIMATES. A MASTER OF THE MARTICAL ARTS, ARCHERY, AND ACROBATICS. ALSO AN ABSERVANT CHARACTER ONE HAS TO WATCH THIS ONE FOR HE CAN OUTSMART THE BEST IN WAR TACTICS. HE IS ALSO SPECIALIZED IN WATER MECHANICS.
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Fire bow and arrow HABITAT: jungles, high mountains, and deep forests
NO THIS IS NOT A CROSSOVER WITH YU-GI-OH! I JUST LIKE THE GAME THAT IS ALL THAT IS WHY THERE ARE REFERENCES TO THE CARD GAME NOT THE ANIME. OH AND THE GUY IN THE STORY JUST STOLEN YAMI'S NAME THAT IS ALL.
ENEMIES IN THE MISTS
Beijing capital of China and Justin was board as hell all the sights he had seen before when he attacked the country five hundred years in the past. Besides the new technology that plagued the place nothing changed much it is still as crowded as ever and all he wanted to do was curl up and take a nap. "Stop being lazy and keep a look out for Avengers" Wufei growled and Justin only had to comply. He knew that if he did something wrong Wufei only had to say the magic word and he would be plummeting to the ground only to eat dirt or what every crap could be found. It was three weeks since they started on their journey to find the other shadow assassins and Justin found out the hard way just how strict Wufei actually is. He wakes up early in the morning to do exercises and various forms of meditation. Then he would do a variety of kata then on to food. Justin took that time to hunt but in a crowded city such as Beijing all there was to eat was rats, birds and rotten fish which where too filthy to eat. Not only that but the fox inside of Justin did not like the closed places too much he rather preferred the forests and wide plains to the crowded cities. But he had to live with it as it was his mission to find the others. Keeping his illusion of looking like one of the natives Justin had to use his fox magic to cloak Wufei's form as well hiding his gun and other armaments. He also had to hide Altron as well turning it into a different building or a tall tree depends on who's eyes where watching. The young fox kept all complaints to him as he made is way through the smelly city. "Do you smell anything?" Wufei asked, "No all this pollution is blocking out my sense of smell as well as the smell of sewage." Justin complained. They had walked into a bar Justin being a boy quickly changed his disguise to that of a fully grown man. Wufei only admired Justin's ability to transform into something else. The fox really was a master of disguise and even fooled the cameras a few times in the past during training as well. The bar turned out to be a strip bar full of dancing girls and sluts it was not the place for a demon's senses to go. "I smell sex everywhere as well as sweaty bodies," Justin whispered to Wufei who only nodded his consent. "Can you decipher any smells in here?" he asked and Justin could not smell that well for the odors where too strong but his sense of hearing and sight proved their worth. He managed to overhear a conversation among the noises of the bar and mentioned for Wufei to follow. They walked till they where at a table surrounded by gamblers it was obvious that they where playing cards. The fox was impressed by the way the players where playing. They where playing at a rapid rate the one on the far end was a better player then most but something did not smell right to the fox. His sensitive nose could pick up anyone but this player was obviously winning. "Why are we here Justin?" Wufei inquired but the fox shushed him with a finger. Listening intently the man at the far end was declared the winner and many angry voices could be heard from his fellow players. "Fucken Yami you knew you where going to win again didn't you," said one man who was laughing that he lost again. "Yep, you know me," he said and Justin just watched him for the name seemed familiar. "Shit Motou I did not know that you could be that good in a game no wonder they called you the game king back at home." The man said he was a bristly type one that drank too much and did not bathe for weeks at a time. It was then that the man looked up and saw the new comers. He was clearly impressed by the way they where acting towards his crowd. Getting up he walked over to them.
"Hello," he said kindly in Chinese to the two men before him, "I am Yami Motou but some people call me Yami or Yugi for that is my middle name," he introduced himself. Wufei watched this man he was a man of average height with spiky black hair that was closely cropped and loved to wear leather. This man sported a leather shirt one that was obviously made by hand for it was worn down and black jeans. His jacket was also jeans but his eyes is what held Wufei's attention for they held a hardship in them that could only be described as that of either a soldier or something else. "Duel Monsters," he heard Justin whisper beside him trying to remember something. It was then that Wufei found himself staring at a deck in his hands a strange deck of cards. The man Yami looked at the deck. "Now there is a game that I have not played in a long time," he said gazing at the cards. It was then that Justin looked at Wufei's deck. His eyes went wide with the memory of the name. "YU-GI-OH!" He shouted stopping all activity in the room. Eyes turned to him and Wufei and he squirmed at the sight of all those drunken faces. Yami only smiled he was clearly Japanese for it showed in his eyes. "That is alright everyone he was just declaring something to Me." he stated and all activity had gone back to normal. Yami then turned to the pair, "So you play duel monsters eh?" he said and Justin nodded, "I do he is just holding my deck for me for I have no pockets," the fox said and showed. "I see," Yami said his voice low, "I have a deck as well, it is rare to find someone with a worth while Yu-gi-oh deck and have it in perfect condition you must really taken care of your cards." He said and sat down on one end of the game table splitting it. "Tell you what why don't we have a little game of Yu-gi-oh that is if you know how to play," he said and Justin smiled, "Of course I do," he stated and they both shook on it, "ITS TIME TO DUEL!" the two shouted and the crowds gathered to watch the strange game being played. "Tell you what," said Yami, "If I win you will tell me more about yourself since I sense there is something odd about you and if I lose you will get information out of me for I know what you are," he said smirking and Justin went white, "Do not worry I do not tattle on my opponents in or out of the game I tend to stay out of others business." He stated as he placed down his first card, "I summon Penguin Knight," he stated and Justin smirked at this and placed his own monster down. Several hours later many people gathered to watch the spectacle of Beijing's most popular game player and champion gambler going head to head with a new comer. Still the hours of the day drifted to night and Wufei made his report already to headquarters. It was not till 8:00p.m. Beijing time that Justin finally won, "I place down my most powerful card the Blue Eyes Ultimate dragon wiping out your Black Skull Dragon making me the victor," said Yami, "Not quite for I have the millennium shield protecting my monster," said Justin turning over his face down card and I summon my most powerful monster on the field I sacrifice all my monsters to bring out Exodia the Forbidden One making me the automatic victor," he said placing all five pieces down on the table before Yami and Wufei smirked at that. He expected the gambler to cry at this but instead the champion gambler stood up, "I applaud you on your victory you truly did play with honor," he said placing his deck in his holder alongside his other cards and dice. Justin smiled at that comment. Yami then declared that they followed him outside. They followed him down the streets till they came to an abandoned building where no one was said to live there they crawled down into the tunnels and out onto a boat house. Yami started the motor and headed out to sea just a few miles off shore. Checking for bugs he found several and destroyed them he turned to the young men. "Alright you can drop the disguise now fox I know who you are." He said and Justin went wide eye yet again as Yami did the same. He grew in size till he was at least seven feet tall with a long tail covered in hair at one end and his long slender body filled the void of the boat as it transformed into a bubble as it descended to the depths below. "Who are you?" Wufei said now back in his Preventers uniform and Justin back in his true form that of a boy with red hair and pointy ears with a fox tail coming out from behind also in Preventers uniform. "I am Washu from the southern Japan clan of dragon warriors. I know for your type fox demon," he said and Justin shrugged, "I also can help you for I heard about your little quest and rumor has it among other demons that Naraku has risen again after all this time." He said and Justin was now confused, "Naraku?" he asked, "Yes please explain this Naraku," said Wufei now completely confused by all this. "I see the confusion in your faces before I state anything else I must tell you more about myself," he said as they drifted to a cave about three hundred feet under the sea. The cave was massive as the bubble traveled through them with ease. "The dragon warrior clan is a clan of lizard demons devoted to serving justice in the demon world. We where the protectors of the high demon lords at a time and we still act as information gathers for organizations such as the preventers but we do not let our true selves be known." He stated, "That is till we heard about Naraku and the return of the shadow assassins." He said turning to Justin. "What is it about us that makes everyone so afraid?" he asked and Washu only laughed at that statement. "The shadow assassins where created from the most powerful of demon lords." He said as they came to the surface of the sea into the lonesome cave. The lizard demon then led them to a room that was filled with equipment fit for the best of spies. "As you see here I came alone for we where discovered some time ago and my clan was nearly wiped out of existence. Being the only survivor I had to hide here away from Naraku's influence." He stated, "Washu right? Well can you answer a few questions for us then," said Wufei being a Tao practitioner he knew to expect the unexpected, "Who is this Naraku that you speak of," he said, "Naraku is an ancient evil going as far back as 1000 years to feudal Japan. It is said that he was a human in the beginning before he gave himself up to be a demon. Then they said that he transformed into a full demon with the help of the Shikon Jewel and tried to rule the world but was stopped by the powerful demon clans. The most powerful in the world they put an end to him but paid for it with their lives. The blood of them runs through your veins now Shadow Assassin." He said pointing to Justin, "I know the part where I changed from human to demon against my will but how did you know about yu-gi-oh?" he asked, "I played the game before five hundred years ago. I still kept my deck since I have noticed that you had kept you deck as well after all this time." He said and Justin smiled, "Foxed know where to keep there stuff and keep it hidden," he said and the lizard laughed, "I know my friend but what I brought you hear for sorry to go off the subject but it is of most importance." He said, "What is it?" Wufei asked while he leaned against the wall with his hands crossed, "Ah a gundam pilot to the end, oh well, I came to tell you the location of the tiger demon Fire Stripe," he said, "Or at least his last whereabouts," he said and the other two listened in. "He was last stated in the mountains just north of hear near the great wall. Sorry did I say near I meant far for I am a demon after all. You will find it thick with jungles and Avengers that are on the constant search for him. It seems as if the Avengers are getting desperate." He said, "Do you know anymore information about the Avengers," the lizard nodded, "I do," he stated and gave them all they needed to know.
It was sometime later that Washu kindly dropped them off at the pier and headed back out to sea. Justin resumed the disguises of two Asian men and hid their Preventer's uniforms as well as his tail. Walking down the streets again the two stopped at the hotel they where staying in and Wufei giving the latest information on what was happening. "So we head for the mountains then?" Justin asked hoping it was a yes for the city was making him sick. "Sorry Justin but Trowa got that assignment we are heading for a village in the southern reaches of China and are to meet Trowa there as well as Fire Stripe," he said and Justin corrected him, "His real name is Jimmy not Fire Stripe." He said and the Chinese man had to smile at the boys scolding, he reminded the Altron pilot of a certain braided American.
"Do you understand you mission then Preventer Ice," said Lady Une as she ended communications with Trowa and the banged pilot only nodded. "Mission accepted," he sated in a Heero like tone and began to pack.
"So do you like to study Martial Arts?" a monk asked Jimmy and the boy only looked at him confused while he cleaned the floor with a rag. He was dressed as one of the monks but his head remained covered in hair. For no matter how much the monks tried to cut his hair it always grows back to the same length unless the boys wishes it then it remains short. Jimmy only looked at the man confused as he performed yet another conversation and banter but only to have it shaken off by the boy as he tuned him out and continued to clean the floors. It was hard to keep the floors clean with all the monks walking on the grounds and then onto the wet floor. The head monk made it clear to them from Jimmy's point of view that all of them are to train outside till the floors are dry so to give the boy a break. Jimmy still could not understand Chinese so he was lost when it comes to conversations. He gazed out the windows to the jungles beyond and how he longed to run in them but he was only allowed to go there when it was time to eat. They know that a tiger must hunt in order to stay alive and stay sane. Jimmy could feel the wind flow through the windows into his hair. The soft mountain breeze kept the tiger content for a while, only a few more hours to go till I can hunt he thought to himself as he continued to scrub the floors humming a song to himself an old song. With this song comes the happier memories of his past life one he loves to remember. It also went to a sadder tone of his past one that was always covered in blood. He let a single tear fall but it did not stop as his mind continued to plague him with those painful memories. Qui-yon was wondering the gardens just outside the main monastery when he heard the sound of weeping coming from the temple. Turning he walked back to the temple and slowly opening the door to find Jimmy crying a bucket of water on the side as he scrubbed away at the dirt. "Why? Why did you leave me? Why did I do that? Why?" he cried out in pain and sorrow. Qui-yon not knowing any English only walked slowly up to the boy and offered a hand of comfort to him and the boy leaped into his arms and cried still. The door opened and more monks came in to see what is the matter with Jimmy only to see that the boy cried himself to sleep. Qui-yon's clothes where wet with Jimmy's tears as he slowly picked up the boy and carried him to his chambers. "Get some of the younger monks to clean the rest of this I think our young tiger has had some bad memories." He stated and walked out of the room.
It was some time later after Jimmy wakened up to disappear into the forest to hunt that Qui-yon and the elder monk gathered around a fire in the main temple. "What was all that crying about?" the elder asked of the lowly monk. "I believe that our young tiger is reliving some very terrible memories ones that only a very strong willed person could hold within and not cry unless alone." He said and the elder gave him a nod. "I see such memories are what holds us back at times but from the first time I saw that tiger I knew that my pains are nothing compared to his and what he has seen. I know that he has seen much considering what he is." Said the elder looking almost at a lost with himself, "You know I don't think he fought in the last war between Earth and Space that I know for a fact. I talked to him about mobile suits but giving the language barrier that was not possible to translate but I did show him some pictures and he was clueless." Said Qui-yon as he gazed out the door into the open night the winds where strong as a storm approached the small temple. "I know but it is if I felt that with his coming there is going to be a drastic change to the world that we know now one that will try to repeat the things of the past. A past that only our young friend knows about." He said as the storm raged outside and the winds began to howl their rage to the world.
Soft padded feet stepped through the forest as a huge beast wondered through in search of prey. His hunger was great even for a tiger and a nice size snake as well as a doe provided the necessary nourishment that he needed. Walking quietly the tiger was stopped by a force that he has never encountered before. Upon inspection he saw another tiger and immediately growled his protest but to his amazement the other tiger did not move at all but instead vanished replaced by the smell of danger. Running back he leaped over the wall that separated the forest form the monastery and changed back into human form. He hurried back towards his hiding place his chambers and climbed into some warm clothes then into bed.
Trowa had traveled far across China after having been given the mission report by Lady Une. He climbed the road that would lead him to a remote village a few miles off. Gun in hand he had to watch out for Avengers reports say that they are everywhere. They also said that the road was too remote for a normal conventional vehicle to go so that left him with horseback. The horse knew the mountains well as well as the dangers so it was not surprised when a dark figure ran in front of it. Trowa was startled but the horse stood its ground having traveled these forest roads before; it was use to all this excitement. The tiger regarded the gun in Trowa's hand before disappearing into the forest. Trowa normally a cool guy was sweating his head off. That tiger was one of the biggest he had ever seen. It was like a Siberian tiger only larger and more powerful with fangs that dripped blood from a previously killed prey. Which later he found was a large size elephant. Walking over to the corpse he examined the animal and found it to be eaten to the bone with nothing left of it for relatives except a few of the bones here and there. The foot prints where proof enough. "What is that smell?" a voice said in Chinese and Trowa leaped into the trees to avoid detection. "Hey I found some human footprints here as well it seems as if we got some visitors." Said another more dangerous voice as he finally saw the troops, "Tiger prints sir just like the last time could it be the shadow assassin sir?" a third soldier asked. The one in charge obviously was rather hard to distinguish his appearance with his large hat and face paint. "I can't be no other for no tiger not even a Siberian one can kill and elephant of this size." He said examining the kill with a practiced hand. "That demon is around here somewhere find it and report anything back to me these tracks are fresh so the tiger had not gone far." He said, "What about the other pair of human tracks," said the first soldier, "The guy is dead by now for it ends here with the carcass I guess the tiger got him eh and had to have swallowed him whole." He said and the other soldier shrugged as he turned around and left the scene. Sighing in relief Trowa waited for a few more minutes before falling back to the earth but this time hiding his tracks as he made his way back to his horse thanking the gods that it decided to hide itself in the hedges to avoid trouble. Mounting it again he headed off into the forest along the path towards the village. The winding trails led him along cliffs covered in trees as the rainforests of China held and eerie secret. That secret was watching him with glowing yellow eyes.
Jimmy watched the stranger stagger onto the horse and wondered off into the forest waiting the time before he hit the village. How can he avoid those soldiers? He did so to make it looked like I've killed him amazing. He thought as he followed the strange man but that following was soon discovered for Jimmy notice some of those men from earlier was following him. Slinking into the darkness of the bushes he hastily followed them to make sure the human was safe. The village took some getting use to as they adjusted to having a guardian spirit protecting them at the hours of darkness.
Trowa finally entered the village just as it started to rain again having already been soaked by the mists of the mountains and being further soaked by the rain made him rather uncomfortable. It was late and the village had gone to sleep already. He immediately spotted an inn where he could refresh himself and hoping for a hot bath. The horse found its own way to the stables for some shelter. Trowa walked into the inn and banged on the bell awakening the inn keeper who walked out. "Do you have a room for a single man," he said in perfect Chinese thanking Wufei for those improvement lessons. He could speak Mandarin before but not very well so had practiced it with Wufei as well as other languages that he needed brushing up on. The inn keeper gladly gave him a key and a room number. "It is not everyday that we receive visitors to this village but when we do they usually carry news of the outside." He said warmly, "I see that the tiger spirit has brought you in safely." He said and Trowa was confused, "Tiger spirit?" he asked, "Yes this village is protected by a fierce tiger that has not killed any villager but instead protected us against those soldiers out in the forest who are trying to kill it. People say it dwells in the monastery a further ways up the mountain." He said and Trowa gladly accepted the information and gone up to his room. When he entered he found that it was very tidy with everything in place and not a single mold stood out among the cracks. "These people sure know how to take care of this place," he said as he placed his stuff on the side and went to the bathing house where the inn keeper told him he could clean up and rest from the day's activities. He walked out into the bathing room. Upon opening the door he found that it was already drawn with hot steaming water coming out of a thermal spa. Trowa saw the old generator and thanked the inn keeper silently as he took off his dirty clothing and placed them on the side. Washing off all the blood from the elephant from his feet as well as the odors and scents of earlier he let his body glide into the hot steaming water and relaxed. Gazing outside the storm still ravaged but he could hear nothing in this quiet inn but to him it felt like a first class hotel. Staring up at the roof he began to let his thoughts drift to something else. A flash of stripes crossed his mind and he remembered seeing the tiger on the road. It only looked at him with curiosity before bounding off into the forest. He thought about the elephant and the size of that thing. It has got to be a shadow assassin for only a demon can reach the size of that tiger. But not many demons exist today. For only time will tell if there are others as well. He thought as he got out of the water and dried himself up with a towel. He watched as water dripped form his bangs down his face and chest as he dried himself up and got ready for bed. The morning that followed found the Preventer more then grateful for the relaxation that he had received from the inn keeper. They sat together alone as Trowa ate a hearty meal of noodles rice and vegetables as he talked to the inn keeper, "You said last night that there was a spirit roaming around in these mountains care to explain," he asked politely, "Well you see there is this wondering spirit. He came to us several weeks ago and in that time has protected our village. For this village was plagued by those soldiers you see in the forest. We have no way of getting help and all our messenger birds have been shot down. So we can't call for help even if we want to this is a strange time for all of us and we are desperate for news of the outside. All new comers are killed because of those men." He said sadly, "I see," Trowa replied, "I see that you are a Preventer and a skilled one at that." He said, "Where did you say that the tiger dwells," he said, "The tiger dwells in a monastery some three days off to the north follow the river and you will see it on a hill you can't miss it." He said and Trowa gladly accepted the offering of food and paid the bill before leaving. Turning to the mountains the Preventer was glad that he could talk some information out of the inn keeper. Now he knew that the Shadow Assassin is in the forest.
"Interested in the Martial Arts little one," the elder monk said to Jimmy catching him off guard as he watched some of the younger monks practicing. The boy only turned to him and continued to scrub the floors. A soft touch told him that the monk wanted him to stop. He then pointed to the other monks and then back to him. Jimmy then caught on to what he was saying and nodded. Smiling the monk rose as well as Jimmy. "Why don't you go and practice with them," he asked and of course Jimmy did not understand Chinese so he watched his movements to understand him. The young tiger then bounded off to join the younger ones. The teacher of the younger shaolin monks Li-Kai was more then welcoming to the young tiger and wanted to test the tigers skills but to his astonishment the tiger only crossed the field and into the forest. Shaking his head he assumed that the tiger did not want to join. But he figured that Jimmy was afraid of hurting someone for a boy with sharp claws could easily hurt someone. Shrugging he continued his teaching to his students not knowing that someone was watching from afar. Jimmy wanted to join them but he did not want to kill anyone by accident. Looking at his hands they where clawed so he had to wear gloves to make sure he did not scratch the floor. "Why are ye so afraid to test your skills?" a voice asked and Jimmy turned to find nothing but air. "Who are you," he asked, "I am one whom you blood originates young one the reason you understand me is that I learned your language a long time ago. Ye ought to test your skills against the temple students besides soldiers." The voice said again and this time jimmy bounded into the forest. The feel of the mist and the cool mountain air is all that Jimmy needed to feel at home with himself feeling the need to prowl but not hunt was the only way for the tiger to relax. He came upon a small clearing with a soft flowing stream as it sparkled down its merry way. "I see that ye are lost in your thoughts little one," the voice said again and Jimmy turned around to find himself facing another tiger like him. This one was larger then Jimmy but he held an air of grace that made the river feel like silk. Stepping out of the jungle the larger tiger approached Jimmy cautiously then settling down on his hunches and stared at the younger tiger. "Who are you?" Jimmy asked, "I am Wheng-Qi leader of the Tiger Clan of the East." He stated.
TBC