Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

Chapter 6: Confrontations

The Temple of Gaia...

A year ago such a tranquil, sacred place had become a battleground. The guardians of Gaia versus the Unborn. The temple had suffered terrible damage as a result. Many sacred were items were lost in the fire that gutted huge portions of the temple and its grounds. Though through hard effort, it had been rebuilt to its former glory, but there was still an air of unease remaining. Trouble was on the horizon.

Their journey to the temple had not been without issue, though Ryoho had managed to defeat any violence consumed Zoanthropes in his way with ease to secure safe passage for himself and Mana; but since their arrival, his young companion had rarely been in his company. She had hurried off on another mission of her own, leaving him with instructions to meditate while she was gone and avoid any stressful situations where possible. Not that he could help feeling stressed knowing the young girl was wandering around in such chaotic times.

He had tried and failed to meditate that day, and had merely sat in contemplation instead. His mind was so jumbled with thoughts he could hardly make sense of anything. He was no use to anyone in this state.

In truth, he was still trying to get his head around what he'd been told. That he was a vessel for Gaia's dragon, a creature of unimaginable power. But this same creature, a supposed protector of the Earth, was also the cause of so much pain and strife. The power apparently leaking from the seal was causing the influence of violence, earthquakes and even comas.

Too much was at stake for him to waver. He needed to be strong and try to stop the power overwhelming him. Despite his resolve, he couldn't help but feel somewhat afraid.

Whatever my feelings, I must remain strong.

A loud bark echoed into the large chamber. The monk looked up as Mana in her beast form came bounding in, stopping a feet away from him. In a powerful burst of energy, the fox was a girl once more. She bowed before the monk.

"Mana," he said softly. "Tell me what is happening?"

Though tired, she knelt down to speak with him. "I wish I could say that things were improving, but they are not. But there is hope. I have located many strong Zoanthropes that could possibly assist me in the resealing process, though I cannot be certain they will be up to the task when the time comes. But I would rather not give up faith just yet." She began to smile softly. "I think you should know; Gaia has been at work herself to appoint a warrior to fight against the 'White Zoanthrope'. We can only hope that she will be successful in her mission. If so, it would remove a very deadly problem."

"I am glad that Gaia is assisting us in our plight." Ryoho ran a hand over his shaven head, wiping away the thin layer of perspiration. "I only hope it won't be too late..."

"Do not worry, Ryoho. I promise that everything will be put right again."

He nodded, trying to brush aside negative thoughts. "I trust you, Mana. I know you will do your utmost not to let this world fall into complete darkness."

She offered a nod. "I will dedicate myself to my duties to bring peace back to this world." She stood, bowing to him. "Now, I must go. There is still much to be done."

Ryoho had a soft look of concern in his eyes. "Mana, you're weary. You should rest a little while."

The girl placed a hand to her chest, her expression slightly nervous. "I fear that if I rest, something terrible may happen."

Ryoho understood her fears. He would have little sleep during these turbulent times. He wanted to be ready for whatever awaited him. Though, it worried him that his young guardian was exhausting herself.

She had the wisdom and spirit of a divine priestess, but she also had the body of a nine-year-old girl. Though, it was the case that once she knew her mind, he was unable to dissuade her from her plans.

"Do not be gone too long, okay?" He said.

"I shall return soon." And with a flash, she transformed back into the energetic little fox and scampered away into the darkness of the temple.

Ryoho sighed. He was once again left to try and find some sense of peace.

Mana yipped and descended the many steps that led to the entrance of the temple, her paws hopping from the cold stone to rest on soft, damp grass. She sniffed the night air with excitement, taking a few steps forward before coming to a complete halt. She sniffed again, circling a small patch with unease.

Strange... A little voice in the back of her head wondered. Her nose had picked up something.

Someone else was there.

The foreign scent seemed to emanate from a group of trees clustered together beside the path. She barked harshly towards the trees, letting the mystery person know that she was well aware of their presence.

A moment later, a sleek figure dropped gracefully down from their hiding place, landing before the little fox, which looked up with uncertainty. The figure was that of a tall, slender woman, with a perfect hourglass frame. Her aquatic green eyes were vivacious albeit mischievous, framed with a short crop of shimmering golden-blonde hair. Perfect pink-painted lips curled into a smile, though the little fox didn't believe that it was a completely affable expression. There was definitely a facade being put on. Lit up by the moonlight, there was an almost ethereal glow that cascaded around her, as if she was a strange spectre in the night. Not that Mana had ever seen a spectre dressed so provocatively. She was wearing a shiny white dress come jacket, unzipped and leaving nothing to the imagination. Her thigh-high purple boots clung to long, luscious legs, which somewhat sashayed as she stepped forward to learn curiously over the little fix. She rested a hand under her chin, tapping her cheek with her finger.

"Well, well, well... I was right all along," the woman known as Jenny Burtory said to the little creature. "The nine-tails does exist here, though…" She chuckled at Mana teasingly. "… It seems you only have one-tail at the moment. Only a baby…"

If Mana could have scowled, she would have, but instead she let her ears fall back, showing she wasn't in the least bit pleased.

"Well, baby or not, the legend of the nine-tails mentions great power," Jenny said, still smiling. "And I must insist that you come along with me. I would certainly love to learn more about you…" The little fox started to growl, lowering herself into a defensive position. Jenny waggled her finger. "Now, now, there's no need to be like that. I don't mean you any harm. Though, I do insist that you come along with me."

Mana stayed where she was, watching Jenny gently coo at her whilst offering a hand in a sort of beckon for her to come to her. The little fox barked again in warning, ready to bite if she needed to.

"What is going on?" An angry voice cut in. "Who are you?"

Jenny looked up at the temple entrance just as Ryoho stepped out. He'd sensed a disturbance and distantly heard Mana barking in defiance. Coming across the scene, he instantly became angry at this strange woman's presence. He could tell she didn't have good intentions.

"My goodness, now I am impressed," she said with a chuckle. "Not only is the nine-tails here, but also the Water Dragon."

"Water Dragon?" Ryoho repeated with a frown.

"Oh, you can't fool me," she told him, folding her arms. "I have done my research. At first I may have scoffed at such legends, but standing here now, my senses never lie. I am surprised that I managed to find you both so quickly."

"So, you're a fool who comes to steal the power of nine-tails," Ryoho growled lowly. "It is people like you with your petulance and greed who are causing ruin for this planet."

"You are mistaken about me," Jenny brushed off. "Now, if you would give me a chance to explain my-"

"I refuse to be treated like a fool," he snapped. "There is never a good excuse for why you are trying to take such a precious power. And I will not stand for your lies." He stepped into his fighting stance, his geta clog clacking loudly in the night air. "You do not know who you are messing with."

"Now wait just a moment," Jenny said smoothly, raising a hand. Then she froze. Something about his spirit gave her cause for concern. The air around them was growing thick with power. Though it disturbed her, she found herself intrigued by this strange phenomenon.

Mana flinched and yipped quietly, turning with little eyes to Ryoho, who gave a deep battle cry that echoed in the darkness. From within him a hot energy spilled out like an invisible liquid, which rolled across Jenny's skin, causing it to prickle with goose pimples. She gasped, stepping back.

"This power... what is it?" She asked almost breathlessly.

A strange light filled Ryoho's eyes as he thrust his hands towards her, casting out his power in a crackle of electricity, which encircled them both. The core of the power struck Jenny in the gut, as if trying to boil her from the inside out. She cried out, suddenly thrown backwards hard into one of the trees, overwhelmed by the metaphysical force. The minute she sank to the ground, she felt as if she was sinking into a heavy blackness that she couldn't escape.

"No… I can't..." Her voice weakly murmured before she surcome to unconsciousness.

Ryoho sunk to a knee, crying out. A searing pain ripped through his chest, as if a claw was trying to tear its way through him from within. He tried to control his breathing, but he felt as if his chest was going to explode.

"RYOHO!" A cool hand pressed to his arm and he held his breath, his body still shaking; but then a great feeling of relief washed over him, the pain disappearing into a small place within himself. Sweat dripped from his forehead and he carefully brought up a hand to wipe it away from his eyes, slowly looking towards Mana, who had reverted back to her human form.

"Oh Ryoho! That was so foolish," the girl almost sobbed. "I thought the dragon was going to break free. If it had, there would have been no way for me to handle it."

"I'm… sorry," he said with a slight gasp, glad to be able to breathe properly again. "I don't know what came over me."

"You mustn't use that power," Mana warned. "It will only damage the seal more. It is already hard to maintain as it is."

He looked down with regret, a hand digging into the earth with anxiety. He only looked up again to check on the woman who had been overwhelmed by his powerful outburst.

"Is she…?" He asked.

"She's alive," Mana assured. "The power was just too much for her to take. She'll be out for a while."

Though he wavered at first, Ryoho finally managed to stand. He gave the watchful Mana a comforting smile and went over to Jenny's limp form. "I shall place her somewhere to rest while she recovers."

"You know…" Mana said with hesitance. "… Though she appeared to have selfish intentions, I actually don't believe she was here to cause any harm…"

Ryoho didn't really know what to think as he picked up the unconscious woman. "You could be right. But for now, let's not concern ourselves on such thoughts."

"Okay," Mana said with a nod. "Place her down to rest in one of the guest rooms and then return to your chambers. Please don't try to use your powers again."

"I won't, I promise," he assured her as he carried Jenny back to the temple.

Mana quickly reverted back to her fox form and took off running out into the night. With her she carried the very real worry that the seal break much sooner than she had anticipated. Time really was growing short.

A shrine maiden had shown Nagi to a spare room with a comfortable looking futon bed, but however much her body welcomed the idea of sleeping her brain was much too overactive to consider such a thing. Instead, she left her backpack in a corner and returned to the main room to sit with Uriko and Long. Besides, she had yet to eat and food had been promised to be brought up to them.

She sat leant against a pillar, eyes staring at the engravings and paintings decorating the room, though she was mostly absorbed her own thoughts.

Inside her head, words and pictures twisted around a dark image of the 'White Zoanthrope', stirring her resolve to finally find him and get some pay back for his heartless attack. Trying not to dwell while she rested, she half listened to Long and Uriko talking idly, but she eventually gave up concentrating on the words, which seemed to become a cluster of mumbles as she focused on the sounds outside the room. The wind whistled through the room lowly, sending a gentle breeze to brush across her shoulder from the open shutters. She closed her eyes, absorbing herself in some much needed calm, despite her spirit being somewhat on edge.

When she heard footsteps cross the room, she opened one eye to watch Uriko leave. She could hear her mumbling about checking on food as she disappeared into the hall leading towards the stairs. She closed her eye again and went back to relaxing. That was until she heard Long move to sit next to her. She didn't open her eyes nor offer a greeting, trying to pretend she was half asleep, but she got the feeling he wasn't going to leave her in peace.

"You are not too angry with me I hope?" Long asked.

Nagi sighed softly. "No... Not really. You were right. I do need to rest."

Long nodded, and began to talk again, with no intention of dancing around the point. "I know I was ready to wait until you had rested before asking, but I hoped while we have a moment you would tell me more about this 'White Zoanthrope' you are pursuing. You said 'it' has been here?"

She opened her eyes and looked over to him. She decided if she got it out the way, she wouldn't have to face his questioning tomorrow. "He was here, right in this room."

The Chinese man was intrigued. "What does he look like?"

"Uh… well, he's tall, thin, and pale skinned; definitely not a Japanese native…" Nagi recalled, eyes narrowing as she pictured him. "… And, he has the strangest silver hair."

Long's expression stiffened. "Him."

Nagi snapped her eyes on him. "Him?" This was something unexpected. Had this man met the 'White Zoanthrope'? "Do you know him?" She asked, her chest tightening with anxiety.

"That man you seek, he is the Unborn." Nagi gaped, mouth dropping open. This was definitely the guy. "His name is Xion. He is a man trapped by power. I do not truly believe that he is himself."

"Xion…" Nagi lingered on his name, her lips becoming dry. It was truly unbelievable. Now she had a name to a face. What a turn of events…

"HEEEYYYYYYAAAAHHHH!" A violent crash echoed in the hallway and a deep cry of shock rang out, so loud that the whole shrine would have heard it. Nagi sat up slightly, but moved no further. She let Long stand instead, his attention turned onto this sudden commotion.

Uriko hopped back into the room, her blazing eyes still locked on something in the hall. She clutched protectively to a small cluster of food packages tucked under one arm, leaving the other free and at the ready to engage whatever may come.

"HA! You pervert! Trying to sneak about in a place like this!" She snapped. "I should kick you out on your butt!"

"Wait just one second, girlie," a voice replied, suddenly taking the form of a man as he stumbled into the room, rubbing his head irritably.

Nagi gawked at him, eyes widening with surprise. "ShenLong?"

Upon hearing his name spoken, the Chinese man looked towards Nagi and smirked. "Oh, hey there, fancy meeting you in a place like this."

"I'll bet," she said, clearly suspicious. There was no way this was a co-incidental meeting.

"You know him?" Uriko clamoured, almost falling over with surprise.

"Yeah, we've met before. It was the night before I met you actually," she said, her eyes never leaving the newcomer. "I would say small world, but I very much doubt this is a preordained meeting."

"You got me!" ShenLong raised his hands, chuckling. "I was interested to know where you were going during this whole mess. So, I followed your trail. I've got to say, this is some place you've end up in..." He trailed off, finally looking over to the other man in the room, a flash of something fierce passing over his crimson eyes, though his expression never changed. "… Well, isn't this an interesting meeting…"

Nagi looked over to Long and noticed he seemed tense. Though his expression was calm, his eyes had become cold.

Wow, everybody seems to know each other… that's pretty weird, she thought. I wonder why they seem so hostile towards each other?

Uriko moved away from ShenLong, bouncing over to stand beside her master. "Just go away why don't you!"

"Hey, it's a free country, and I can damn well be where I want," he said with an even tone, stepping into the room further to make his point.

"You're just a pervert!" Uriko scolded. "How dare you follow a girl like some weird old creep! I bet you were hiding in any bush you could find just to ogle her! And then you break into a shrine! You're such a criminal!"

ShenLong just laughed at her. Her squeaky albeit angry caw was just too funny for him to endure. "Man, I'd forgotten how irritating your voice could be." Uriko flushed with anger, sticking her tongue out at him. "But you've got it all wrong, girlie. I just wanted to make sure she didn't get beaten to a pulp. And besides, did you have an invite to come here?"

Uriko tilted her head to the side, frowning with slight embarrassment. "Well... not really."

"See! And besides, where's the damn doorbell in this place? It wasn't as if there was anyone around who I could have announced myself to. Oh, and one thing... THE DOOR WAS WIDE OPEN! That sounds like an open invite to me."

"You, have consideration for another person?" Long said stiffly. "Now I've heard everything."

"And he finally speaks!" ShenLong mocked, clapping his hands sarcastically.

Long clearly bristled at the mocking, so Nagi decided – just to avoid any fisticuffs – that she should step in-between the three. "Hey, hey, hey! Let's keep this civil guys! Why does everyone have to get nasty all of a sudden?"

"You remember when I mentioned the Liberation Front?" Uriko asked Nagi, who thought for a moment before nodding. "Well, that's the dirty rat who led them!"

ShenLong snorted, looking away. Nagi pinched the bridge of her nose tiredly. This was just what she needed, everyone getting sore over historical spats.

"I am not sure how you passed the wards without triggering them, but you are not welcome here, ShenLong. You are an evil, malicious force who can only bring danger to all those who dwell here." Long's voice was cold and emotionless. He was trying to not let his disdain get the better of him, but any time he was in the other man's presence, he was never guaranteed to keep himself in check.

ShenLong's eyes narrowed darkly. "Watch your mouth. I'm not here to cause trouble, but I might just make an exception for you."

Long sighed, removing his glasses to rub his tired eyes. "You truly are childish."

Nagi was glancing between the two when she suddenly paused. She thought she was going crazy at first; that her mind was playing some trick due to her fatigue. She was suddenly looking back and forth between them until the two men finally noticed her confusion, after which she stepped back, hands on her hips.

"Whoa, this is weird…"

"What's wrong?" Uriko asked Nagi with intrigue.

Nagi pointed her thumbs towards the two men. "Please tell me if I'm going crazy here, but I don't think I'm the only one to notice the similarities between these two. I mean, look at their faces! I couldn't tell at first when Long had his glasses on. And then there's ShenLong with those red eyes and the scars... But, I can see it now. Are you guys twins?"

ShenLong scoffed with disgust. "As if!"

Long replaced his glasses. "I assure you, we are not brothers."

"ShenLong's just a stupid clone of my master!" Uriko blurted out, which took Nagi aback greatly. Long gave Uriko a disapproving look and the girl sunk back apologetically.

ShenLong stiffened, fury etched into his face. "You brat! I'm much more than a fucking copy of this bastard!"

Long didn't react to the insult, already exhausted engaging in such a fruitless conversation.

"You're just a nobody! A drunken bum!" Uriko snubbed, sticking her nose up at him.

ShenLong was ready to snap a comeback, when a soft voice interrupted. "Are you really a clone?" He looked at Nagi, whom met his eyes with nothing but intrigue, no harshness or disgust. He hesitated and looked away from her, towards the other two. "Well? Are you?" He licked suddenly dry lips and finally looked back at her.

"Yes! All right! I'm a clone! Happy now?" He snapped at her, turning to cast a hellish glance at the others before storming passed them towards the balcony.

Nagi fell silent, eyes staying firmly fixed on the spot he'd previously occupied. She felt guilty for suddenly pressing the question, sympathy starting to well up in her heart for him. She inwardly scolded herself for getting caught up in all this emotional crap. She needed to keep her mind focused on her mission and not get sucked into a soap opera.

"Hey, Nagi?" Uriko's soft voice drew the young woman's attention to her. "Don't let him make you feel bad."

"I don't feel bad," she insisted. "But I don't see why everyone is getting so bent out of shape." She sighed, looking towards the balcony, her voice softening slightly. "A clone... I didn't think such things existed. He seems nothing like Long. Shouldn't that mean something?"

"I admit, everyone deserves existence," Long said, his voice calm, no hostility visible now. "But he has lived a life that has seen cruelty and anger inflicted on others so casually. He does not deserve your pity."

"You're right, he needs something else…" Nagi chose not to feel sorry for him for his past, but she didn't like him being isolated for what he was. It seemed a sore subject to have brought up so nonchalantly. It must have been a challenge to step out of the shadow of the person he was created from to find his own individuality.

"Anyone hungry?" Uriko piped up, holding out her food packages.

"Maybe later," Nagi said, heading towards the balcony.

Uriko looked to her master and then back after Nagi, not sure what to say or do. Long remained silent, watching the young woman leave, curious by her sudden compassion.

Nagi stepped out into the cool night air, spotting ShenLong leaning on the banister a few metres away. She slowly made her way over to him.

"What do you want?" He acknowledged, eyes not meeting hers.

"I just wanted to see if you were okay," she said.

"Why, just peachy; especially when everyone attacks me the minute I step into the room! I can't do right for doing wrong!" He almost wanted to spit over the side of the balcony but refrained. "I'm supposedly cursed, you know? Haunted by an evil spirit! Some fortune teller said I needed to come a shrine to be blessed, otherwise I will attract evil and violence. Yeah well, I don't think this is the right place for that it seems. But who knows, I bet he was talking shit anyway." He shook his head before looking at her. "Don't even think of pitying me."

"I don't do pity... okay, that's not true, I just don't give it out very often. You'll be getting no tissues or ice cream from me." She moved to stand next to him. "You know, I'll tell you straight off, I don't agree with them. I don't think you're just a simple clone. You are who you are. You're an individual."

ShenLong grumbled to himself, slumping forward slightly onto the banister. "I need a drink…"

"Come on, stop acting like a little bitch and start acting like a pervert again. I like you better that way," she said, turning to look out at the dark sky.

There was a heavy silence between them which seemed to drag out for quite some time; that was until it was broken moments later when she heard him chuckle. She was actually quite glad to hear the sound.

He leered at her. "Who are you calling a bitch?"

"As they say, takes one to know one," she said, chuckling to herself.

"So we're both bitches? Now that I don't mind at all!" He stood up straight, giving her a friendly slap on the shoulder.

Unfortunately her tired body didn't take too kindly to it and she almost stumbled over. "Hey, watch it! I'm exhausted," she said, rubbing the sore area.

He leaned closer to her. "That's a shame. I hoped to have a bit more fun with you." She gave him a sharp glare and he burst out laughing. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." He cocked his head to the side. "You're a strange kind of girl, Nagi; probably why I followed you. I like strange."

"Strange?" Nagi huffed. "Thanks."

He just grinned at her, the red in his eyes seeming to glow with subtle emotions – ones that seemed to appear rather tender and curious. She averted her gaze, feeling awkward about the way he was looking at her.

"ShenLong?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't stand so close, you're giving me the creeps," she said with a half smile, turning to mouth the word 'pervert' at him.

"Is that so?" He said, almost chuckling.

"Yeah, just might wet myself," she joked.

He gave her a kinky look, and he leaned back, his teasing expression coaxing for a deeper insinuation. "Oh…?"

"Hey!" She snapped, blushing. "Get your head out of the gutter!"

He laughed, watching her turn on her heel and walk away. He saw fit to follow. "Come on, you love me really…"

"Don't count on it!"