Blade of the Immortal :
Chapter Two Begging the Journey
One of the warriors made a strange gurgling sound, he had just enough time to see his companion fall into pieces beside him... literally before he fell down dead. Yanking his sword out from the dead man's spine Magatsu laughed "Stop showing off already, Manji. I don't think these Itto-Ryu can take much more." he said suddenly deadly serious.
"Magatsu! What do you think you're doing you traitorous dog?" Shouted the leader of the group of assassins. He was holding Hyakurin up by the hair with his sword at her throat.
"Step outside and perhaps you'll find out. Unless of course you prefer to hide behind the injured woman." he said with disgust.
"I'll be back for you later." The angry Itto-Ryu growled in her ear before following Manji and Magatsu outside, Magatsu raised an eyebrow inviting the bald Mugai-Ryu warrior to join them outside. Once outside he ripped off the black cloth concealing his face. "Do you recognize me now Magatsu? I've been waiting for this day for a long time." he said idly tracing a long scar on his face almost without noticing it. It was a long ragged scar that ran from above his left temple to the bridge of his nose, just barely missing his left eye.
"Haha, I thought your voice sounded familiar. But, if you expect me to remember you out of all the enemies I've made you obviously think too much of yourself."
Inside the shop
Giichi ran over to Hyakurin and helped her up she looked away in shame as she watched the four men leave the room. Giichi called back to Chökichi who hid behind the counter "Watch her..."
His fingers slid over the handle of his Mito-No-Kami underneath his darkened glasses his eyes were full of anger.
Hyakurin grabbed one of Chökichi's swords hidden under his counter, it was more of a broad sword she swung it twice realizing that it wouldn't do her much good unless she got the man with a thrust.
Back outside
Giichi Looked towards Manji then to the other man with him before he charged at the Itto-Ryu.
Magatsu had done a quick scan of the room as they left, the Mugai-Ryu had taken out two of the Itto-Ryu and he and Manji and each taken out another. Which left the Itto-Ryu with only three warriors. Still, not a bad size for an assassin squad. He'd have to watch out for their leader, he must be at least competent if they entrusted him with this much manpower.
He had lied when he said he didn't recognize the leader's face. Although he couldn't place a name to it, there was something hauntingly familiar about it... almost like he'd seen it before. Then suddenly it him like a fist in the stomach. O-Ren! Her dead face floated in his mind haunting his dreams and every waking moment. This assassin bore a striking resemblance to her, they must be related!
"Yes, I can see you realize now." the assassin said with a sneer. "I am-- was her brother, Kuro, and I had been looking for her after finally getting enough ryo to buy out her bond from her headmistress. What do I find when I get there?" He paused a faraway look came into his eyes as he was briefly lost in memory. "She was still so beautiful as she lay in the pool of blood, I could almost imagine she was still alive... the blood was still warm and wet as I knelt by her side gently touching that face to which I had sworn-- sworn that I would protect her. That was when I realized that this kill was too fresh, the killer could still be around. But I had let my guard down too far, bitter with my beloved sister's loss, and that was when he struck me from behind rendering me senseless, the coward! But, not before I had turned my head far enough to see his face. And so I was coming to kill these Mugai-Ryu and torture his location from them when you came along. How dare you show your face after having failed to protect her? I thought she was safe because you were there even though I was away. I swore vengeance then and there not only on that bastard Shira, but you as well."
"I--I..." stuttered Magatsu, there was nothing he could or would say to justify his failure in this. All she had wanted was his company, not his name, reputation or wealth, only him... Lowering his sword he was drained of will from the despair that threatened to crush him anew. That was all the opening Kuro had needed, he rushed Magatsu with sword raised high for a surely killing blow.
"Enough of this!" Giichi called out as he hit one of the men next to him with his Mito-No-Kami as he began his charge towards the leader with grate ease he though it towards the mans head only to see him deflect it.
Hyakurin searched for a lighter sword and found a short sword behind a hidden wall that she had fallen though. She laid there her legs bleeding slightly, they hurt worse now then when they were impaled. Her dark eyes filled with tears as she forced herself to stand and head back towards the other only to find Giichi fighting ... alone.
"Manji!" She hissed staggering slightly, it looked as if she had too much Rice wine. She held the sword with her good arm "You either fight with us or against us..." She said as she ran towards one of the remaining warriors.
Giichi looked back to the exotic blond beauty, she wouldn't stop until she was dead and he knew that, and he had to figure out away to prevent it. Yet it wasn't until she stopped dead in her tracks did he realize what had hit him, he could fell the arrow sticking out of his back as a taller thin back haired woman walked from the nearby woods. Her eyes were as dark as embers, and her voice as cold as ice. "Now hold it right there."
Manji yawned as he lay back against a nearby tree. This had all seemed easy enough for a man of Magatsu's skill. It was only 3 on 1 or 2 even, if you counted that Mugai-Ryu guy. That was before he saw Hyakurin stumble out bloodied and terrible to behold. She was shouting at him to join in, but he could hardly believe how busted she was. He'd almost never seen wounds that bad on a man that who was still living, without the benefit of blood worms that is. "Man, what'd they do to you?" he asked in return as he drew his two Shido. Twirling them idly he was about to take action when some lady stepped in and shot the baldy.
"Ouch" he said sympathetically as he subtly interposed himself between Magatsu and the assassins until Magatsu could recover his senses. "Now what?" he asked boldly. He didn't recognize the lady with the black hair, but she sure as hell wasn't friendly to their side if that was her greeting.
The woman smiled as she shot an arrow towards Manji's head,
Giichi was stunned as he fell to his knees holding the arrow in his back. Hyakurin loaded her small Burafuma with her mouth sending one of the tiny arrow straight into the woman for arm. The blond walked towards the older woman with a grin, "There's enough poison on that arrow to kill a horse." She said as she began to get light headed from the loss of blood.
Giichi took sedge of the moment were the stunned woman looked at his blond companion, to toss his Mito-No-Kami towards her head he merely watched as her once lovely face rolled towards him on the ground...
Manji only smiled in return as he whirled his Shido and twisted his arms to intercept the arrows shattering them on it's steel. Stepping in like a whirlwind he cut apart two of the assassins accepting their blows though painful with the ease of an immortal. The only enemy left was Magatsu's friend. Resheathing the two Shido, he drew out his two katana's quickly snapping them together to form a long double bladed lance. Seeing this the leader drew a second katana as well, though his remained unattached.
Closing in on the scarred ninja the blades rang loudly as Manji spun his weapon like an expert until his opponent lost first one blade and then the other. The killing blow came quickly after that rising up from the ground to disembowel quickly. He hadn't planned on a blade suddenly appearing to stop his strike. Turning his head to the side he saw Magatsu holding the sword, slowly shaking his head from side to side. "No. I already failed his sister once. I could not fail her again by allowing this man to die." he said with quiet conviction. Turning to Kuro he motioned for him to go. With quiet steps the ninja ran off as Magatsu walked into the teahouse of the Mugai-ryu and sat down and gently closed his eyes.
Meanwhile
"Fuck that" said Manji as soon as Magatsu had left. Manji turned and ran after the ninja who although running quickly wasn't fleeing for his life since he had been let go. Dashing through the trees, Manji cut ahead to a clearing through which the ninja was sure to run. He pulled the hook and chain from his sleeve and waited. Sure enough it was only moments before the ninja entered the clearing and only moment later that the hook entered his guts and lifted him to the thick branch which had hidden Manji. "That sap may have fallen for your line of Bull, but don't expect that from me." Manji said as he twisted the blade, releasing Kuro at last from his tormented life. "O-Ren..." the words rose on the man's dying breath, carrying oddly in the silent forest...
Back outside the Shop
Giichi stood and helped Hyakurin stand his eyes full of pain as he closed them for a moment.
Hyakurin could fell her knees shaking as she kept herself standing. "Hay you!" She called out to the ex-Itto-Ryu member as she looked at the ground. "Are you going to stand there and be useless?" she hissed as she and Giichi made their way back to the Inn. She stopped to look at the arrow in is back.
"How deep is it?" He asked as she hesitated to answer "It's close to your lungs," her voice was low and soft, "I should be able to get it out with out doing anymore harm to you, but it will hurt..."
"Heh." Magatsu said with a surprised grunt, this girl had a lot of guts to say what she had to him. But, judging from the shape she'd been in when she came out to the fight guts wasn't something she lacked at all.
Walking over to the two injured Mugai-Ryu members he said looking at the blonde girl, "Here, let me. I can pull it out more surely, and quicker than you can." Laying his hand on the shaft of the arrow he looked at the man wearing the round dark glasses, "Ready?". He also looked at the girl again, questioning whether he could go ahead.
Only slightly interested Manji wandered over to the others, the info he needed from the Mugai-Ryu could wait 'till they were finished at least. Though he should probably rush it, from all the damage they'd taken, before this attack even, it was doubtful they'd live for much longer if this continued.
Hyakurin nodded as Giichi gritted his teeth. The arrow was removed swiftly, yet that didn't mean that it wasn't hurting like hell. He could fell Hyakurin's small hand putting pressure on the now fully exposed wound. He sat there knelling with his eyes shut for he didn't know how long, before her heard a voice speak up.
Hyakurin's hand quivered slightly, "We need a doctor..." she said as her dark brown eyes rested on the blood that flowed past her hand. She slowly put her bandaged hand on it as well.
"Nah", says Magatsu, "stop overreacting woman." Walking over to one of the dead men he ripped up pieces of cloth from their robes. Rolling up tightly a small bit of cloth he plugged up the hole leaving the end trailing out so it could be removed later. Taking a larger swath he wrapped it around Giichi's torso to keep the plug in and restrict movement. "Now don't accept any duels in the near-future." said Magatsu laughing loudly.
As Hyakurin went to it the man but was quickly restrained by Giichi's grip in her arm. He shook his head as the blond woman looked at the arrogant man her eyes burned as if they were fire themselves.
The "arrogant man" smiled as he spoke, "Yeah, after saving your friend's life you sure have good reason to be pissed at me. Y'know, lady you oughta--"
"Enough." said Manji with quiet authority. "We have more important things to deal with than your petty disputes." he softened his tone towards the end as he looked at Hyakurin, to remove the sting from his words. It wasn't long ago that he had looked to be in pretty much the same shape she was in right now, and she had had taken care of him then. He would try to discharge some of that debt before he left... coming back from his thoughts he said, "So... do you guys have any idea where Rin might be right now? I mean you are supposed to be government agents or something."
"I thought you were her body guard. Shouldn't you know?" Hyakurin asked as she looked at Giichi and sighed, "Shall we head towards the Inn, then we'll talk." she said walking over to the man and looked at them trying to study his eyes though his dark glasses. Though it proved useless she a waited the men's answer.
"pfft. Bitch..." Magatsu mumbled under his breath. "Let's go" said Manji. "Wait", said Magatsu, "I'm not done with them." Catching Hyakurin's sleeve, he said "Where's Shira now? You have to know he's the one that ratted you out. You gonna do something about it? 'cause I plan to."
Hyakurin's hand flew across his face "How the hell should I know!" she hissed as she glared at him. His head reeled back from the impact turning his face forcibly away and down. He didn't say one word as he raised his hand toward his lips and slowly wiped the blood away. Turning his head back towards her, he raised his chin. "So... you gonna come with us or what? Your man isn't that injured, and lying around may just prove worse for his health than hunting down that one-armed bastard right about now." Totally calm he waited for her response.
"Fine, but we still need our things from the inn." The woman said as she walked to their room as she entered as looking at Giichi. "Your not coming are you?" She asked as he shook his head "Can you find out were Miss Rin is as well?" she asked as he nodded walking towards the door. "Hyakurin..." He said with a pause as she looked towards him "Be careful." he said as he walked away.
A small smile crossed her lips as she gathered her things. She held everything she could as she walked out to the other two men. "My guess is that Shira knows were Rin is, and that were he's heading." She said quietly, "That or he waiting for Giichi." her voice trailed off as she looked at her arm.
Authors Note
Okay this is the Second chapter what do you think? . I DO NOT OWN Blade of the Immortal, Hiroaki Samura and Dark Horse comics own it I'm just barrowing it. This is also based after the 11th book Beasts. Please leave a review and let me know what you think, and Please also note that I am not the only writer of this story, a friend (Joel) also helps write it. He writes for Manji and Magatsu, and I write for Hyakurin and Giichi. Anyone else we've both used. Thanks for reading
Chapter Two Begging the Journey
One of the warriors made a strange gurgling sound, he had just enough time to see his companion fall into pieces beside him... literally before he fell down dead. Yanking his sword out from the dead man's spine Magatsu laughed "Stop showing off already, Manji. I don't think these Itto-Ryu can take much more." he said suddenly deadly serious.
"Magatsu! What do you think you're doing you traitorous dog?" Shouted the leader of the group of assassins. He was holding Hyakurin up by the hair with his sword at her throat.
"Step outside and perhaps you'll find out. Unless of course you prefer to hide behind the injured woman." he said with disgust.
"I'll be back for you later." The angry Itto-Ryu growled in her ear before following Manji and Magatsu outside, Magatsu raised an eyebrow inviting the bald Mugai-Ryu warrior to join them outside. Once outside he ripped off the black cloth concealing his face. "Do you recognize me now Magatsu? I've been waiting for this day for a long time." he said idly tracing a long scar on his face almost without noticing it. It was a long ragged scar that ran from above his left temple to the bridge of his nose, just barely missing his left eye.
"Haha, I thought your voice sounded familiar. But, if you expect me to remember you out of all the enemies I've made you obviously think too much of yourself."
Inside the shop
Giichi ran over to Hyakurin and helped her up she looked away in shame as she watched the four men leave the room. Giichi called back to Chökichi who hid behind the counter "Watch her..."
His fingers slid over the handle of his Mito-No-Kami underneath his darkened glasses his eyes were full of anger.
Hyakurin grabbed one of Chökichi's swords hidden under his counter, it was more of a broad sword she swung it twice realizing that it wouldn't do her much good unless she got the man with a thrust.
Back outside
Giichi Looked towards Manji then to the other man with him before he charged at the Itto-Ryu.
Magatsu had done a quick scan of the room as they left, the Mugai-Ryu had taken out two of the Itto-Ryu and he and Manji and each taken out another. Which left the Itto-Ryu with only three warriors. Still, not a bad size for an assassin squad. He'd have to watch out for their leader, he must be at least competent if they entrusted him with this much manpower.
He had lied when he said he didn't recognize the leader's face. Although he couldn't place a name to it, there was something hauntingly familiar about it... almost like he'd seen it before. Then suddenly it him like a fist in the stomach. O-Ren! Her dead face floated in his mind haunting his dreams and every waking moment. This assassin bore a striking resemblance to her, they must be related!
"Yes, I can see you realize now." the assassin said with a sneer. "I am-- was her brother, Kuro, and I had been looking for her after finally getting enough ryo to buy out her bond from her headmistress. What do I find when I get there?" He paused a faraway look came into his eyes as he was briefly lost in memory. "She was still so beautiful as she lay in the pool of blood, I could almost imagine she was still alive... the blood was still warm and wet as I knelt by her side gently touching that face to which I had sworn-- sworn that I would protect her. That was when I realized that this kill was too fresh, the killer could still be around. But I had let my guard down too far, bitter with my beloved sister's loss, and that was when he struck me from behind rendering me senseless, the coward! But, not before I had turned my head far enough to see his face. And so I was coming to kill these Mugai-Ryu and torture his location from them when you came along. How dare you show your face after having failed to protect her? I thought she was safe because you were there even though I was away. I swore vengeance then and there not only on that bastard Shira, but you as well."
"I--I..." stuttered Magatsu, there was nothing he could or would say to justify his failure in this. All she had wanted was his company, not his name, reputation or wealth, only him... Lowering his sword he was drained of will from the despair that threatened to crush him anew. That was all the opening Kuro had needed, he rushed Magatsu with sword raised high for a surely killing blow.
"Enough of this!" Giichi called out as he hit one of the men next to him with his Mito-No-Kami as he began his charge towards the leader with grate ease he though it towards the mans head only to see him deflect it.
Hyakurin searched for a lighter sword and found a short sword behind a hidden wall that she had fallen though. She laid there her legs bleeding slightly, they hurt worse now then when they were impaled. Her dark eyes filled with tears as she forced herself to stand and head back towards the other only to find Giichi fighting ... alone.
"Manji!" She hissed staggering slightly, it looked as if she had too much Rice wine. She held the sword with her good arm "You either fight with us or against us..." She said as she ran towards one of the remaining warriors.
Giichi looked back to the exotic blond beauty, she wouldn't stop until she was dead and he knew that, and he had to figure out away to prevent it. Yet it wasn't until she stopped dead in her tracks did he realize what had hit him, he could fell the arrow sticking out of his back as a taller thin back haired woman walked from the nearby woods. Her eyes were as dark as embers, and her voice as cold as ice. "Now hold it right there."
Manji yawned as he lay back against a nearby tree. This had all seemed easy enough for a man of Magatsu's skill. It was only 3 on 1 or 2 even, if you counted that Mugai-Ryu guy. That was before he saw Hyakurin stumble out bloodied and terrible to behold. She was shouting at him to join in, but he could hardly believe how busted she was. He'd almost never seen wounds that bad on a man that who was still living, without the benefit of blood worms that is. "Man, what'd they do to you?" he asked in return as he drew his two Shido. Twirling them idly he was about to take action when some lady stepped in and shot the baldy.
"Ouch" he said sympathetically as he subtly interposed himself between Magatsu and the assassins until Magatsu could recover his senses. "Now what?" he asked boldly. He didn't recognize the lady with the black hair, but she sure as hell wasn't friendly to their side if that was her greeting.
The woman smiled as she shot an arrow towards Manji's head,
Giichi was stunned as he fell to his knees holding the arrow in his back. Hyakurin loaded her small Burafuma with her mouth sending one of the tiny arrow straight into the woman for arm. The blond walked towards the older woman with a grin, "There's enough poison on that arrow to kill a horse." She said as she began to get light headed from the loss of blood.
Giichi took sedge of the moment were the stunned woman looked at his blond companion, to toss his Mito-No-Kami towards her head he merely watched as her once lovely face rolled towards him on the ground...
Manji only smiled in return as he whirled his Shido and twisted his arms to intercept the arrows shattering them on it's steel. Stepping in like a whirlwind he cut apart two of the assassins accepting their blows though painful with the ease of an immortal. The only enemy left was Magatsu's friend. Resheathing the two Shido, he drew out his two katana's quickly snapping them together to form a long double bladed lance. Seeing this the leader drew a second katana as well, though his remained unattached.
Closing in on the scarred ninja the blades rang loudly as Manji spun his weapon like an expert until his opponent lost first one blade and then the other. The killing blow came quickly after that rising up from the ground to disembowel quickly. He hadn't planned on a blade suddenly appearing to stop his strike. Turning his head to the side he saw Magatsu holding the sword, slowly shaking his head from side to side. "No. I already failed his sister once. I could not fail her again by allowing this man to die." he said with quiet conviction. Turning to Kuro he motioned for him to go. With quiet steps the ninja ran off as Magatsu walked into the teahouse of the Mugai-ryu and sat down and gently closed his eyes.
Meanwhile
"Fuck that" said Manji as soon as Magatsu had left. Manji turned and ran after the ninja who although running quickly wasn't fleeing for his life since he had been let go. Dashing through the trees, Manji cut ahead to a clearing through which the ninja was sure to run. He pulled the hook and chain from his sleeve and waited. Sure enough it was only moments before the ninja entered the clearing and only moment later that the hook entered his guts and lifted him to the thick branch which had hidden Manji. "That sap may have fallen for your line of Bull, but don't expect that from me." Manji said as he twisted the blade, releasing Kuro at last from his tormented life. "O-Ren..." the words rose on the man's dying breath, carrying oddly in the silent forest...
Back outside the Shop
Giichi stood and helped Hyakurin stand his eyes full of pain as he closed them for a moment.
Hyakurin could fell her knees shaking as she kept herself standing. "Hay you!" She called out to the ex-Itto-Ryu member as she looked at the ground. "Are you going to stand there and be useless?" she hissed as she and Giichi made their way back to the Inn. She stopped to look at the arrow in is back.
"How deep is it?" He asked as she hesitated to answer "It's close to your lungs," her voice was low and soft, "I should be able to get it out with out doing anymore harm to you, but it will hurt..."
"Heh." Magatsu said with a surprised grunt, this girl had a lot of guts to say what she had to him. But, judging from the shape she'd been in when she came out to the fight guts wasn't something she lacked at all.
Walking over to the two injured Mugai-Ryu members he said looking at the blonde girl, "Here, let me. I can pull it out more surely, and quicker than you can." Laying his hand on the shaft of the arrow he looked at the man wearing the round dark glasses, "Ready?". He also looked at the girl again, questioning whether he could go ahead.
Only slightly interested Manji wandered over to the others, the info he needed from the Mugai-Ryu could wait 'till they were finished at least. Though he should probably rush it, from all the damage they'd taken, before this attack even, it was doubtful they'd live for much longer if this continued.
Hyakurin nodded as Giichi gritted his teeth. The arrow was removed swiftly, yet that didn't mean that it wasn't hurting like hell. He could fell Hyakurin's small hand putting pressure on the now fully exposed wound. He sat there knelling with his eyes shut for he didn't know how long, before her heard a voice speak up.
Hyakurin's hand quivered slightly, "We need a doctor..." she said as her dark brown eyes rested on the blood that flowed past her hand. She slowly put her bandaged hand on it as well.
"Nah", says Magatsu, "stop overreacting woman." Walking over to one of the dead men he ripped up pieces of cloth from their robes. Rolling up tightly a small bit of cloth he plugged up the hole leaving the end trailing out so it could be removed later. Taking a larger swath he wrapped it around Giichi's torso to keep the plug in and restrict movement. "Now don't accept any duels in the near-future." said Magatsu laughing loudly.
As Hyakurin went to it the man but was quickly restrained by Giichi's grip in her arm. He shook his head as the blond woman looked at the arrogant man her eyes burned as if they were fire themselves.
The "arrogant man" smiled as he spoke, "Yeah, after saving your friend's life you sure have good reason to be pissed at me. Y'know, lady you oughta--"
"Enough." said Manji with quiet authority. "We have more important things to deal with than your petty disputes." he softened his tone towards the end as he looked at Hyakurin, to remove the sting from his words. It wasn't long ago that he had looked to be in pretty much the same shape she was in right now, and she had had taken care of him then. He would try to discharge some of that debt before he left... coming back from his thoughts he said, "So... do you guys have any idea where Rin might be right now? I mean you are supposed to be government agents or something."
"I thought you were her body guard. Shouldn't you know?" Hyakurin asked as she looked at Giichi and sighed, "Shall we head towards the Inn, then we'll talk." she said walking over to the man and looked at them trying to study his eyes though his dark glasses. Though it proved useless she a waited the men's answer.
"pfft. Bitch..." Magatsu mumbled under his breath. "Let's go" said Manji. "Wait", said Magatsu, "I'm not done with them." Catching Hyakurin's sleeve, he said "Where's Shira now? You have to know he's the one that ratted you out. You gonna do something about it? 'cause I plan to."
Hyakurin's hand flew across his face "How the hell should I know!" she hissed as she glared at him. His head reeled back from the impact turning his face forcibly away and down. He didn't say one word as he raised his hand toward his lips and slowly wiped the blood away. Turning his head back towards her, he raised his chin. "So... you gonna come with us or what? Your man isn't that injured, and lying around may just prove worse for his health than hunting down that one-armed bastard right about now." Totally calm he waited for her response.
"Fine, but we still need our things from the inn." The woman said as she walked to their room as she entered as looking at Giichi. "Your not coming are you?" She asked as he shook his head "Can you find out were Miss Rin is as well?" she asked as he nodded walking towards the door. "Hyakurin..." He said with a pause as she looked towards him "Be careful." he said as he walked away.
A small smile crossed her lips as she gathered her things. She held everything she could as she walked out to the other two men. "My guess is that Shira knows were Rin is, and that were he's heading." She said quietly, "That or he waiting for Giichi." her voice trailed off as she looked at her arm.
Authors Note
Okay this is the Second chapter what do you think? . I DO NOT OWN Blade of the Immortal, Hiroaki Samura and Dark Horse comics own it I'm just barrowing it. This is also based after the 11th book Beasts. Please leave a review and let me know what you think, and Please also note that I am not the only writer of this story, a friend (Joel) also helps write it. He writes for Manji and Magatsu, and I write for Hyakurin and Giichi. Anyone else we've both used. Thanks for reading