Author's Note: Okay this one has more action in it and is a bit longer. This chapter has a bit of a surprise in it, at least I hope it comes as a surprise. Anyone enjoy and R&R

Chapter 4: Hidden in Shadow

It was several days before Ryu finally woke from his deep sleep. Subaru hadn't dared to move him during this time. He knew that going out into the open was risky enough, but doing it with Ryu completely knocked out was simply insane. Subaru would not risk leaving Ryu alone except for his short trips out to gather food. And these Subaru kept very quick and always stayed near the cave. When Ryu finally awoke he did so with a start. The sudden movement startled Subaru and he found himself on his feet very quickly.

"Oh your finally awake." Commented Subaru.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"A couple days, not long considering what happened."

"No it isn't, but it is still time I would have rather not spent here. Time is running out. I can feel the darkness already beginning to affect this land. Onime must be stopped. Have the others awakened yet?

"If they have it has only been recently. Their energy will be difficult to sense from any distance.

"The three other shrines are far to the west. We must head that way and take the most direct route. As long as we remain divided the four of us will lose this war."

"But aren't you strong enough to defeat Onime on your own?"

"At full power I can handle Onime. But not only am I not at full power I have Onime and his army to deal with. I have to reunite with the other three. And I have to do it quickly. If you can I would be honored to have you accompany me on this journey."

"And I would be honored to go with you, Kazeski Ryu."

"We leave right away. I want to get far from this cave before nightfall."

"Ryu, will you at least eat something before you leave?" Ryu suddenly became aware of a nagging pain in his stomach.

"I guess we can spare time for a short meal. Can you take care of that Subaru?"

"Not a problem." Subaru rose and left the cave pulling the cloak over him as he left. Ryu sat on the stone floor and pulled his sword, still sheathed, from his belt. He held it in front of him and gazed upon it. He pulled lightly on the blade and removed a small portion of it from the sheath. He focused his gaze onto his reflection upon the blade.

"So I must fight again." He said out loud, though to no one in particular. "I was hoping that I would never have to come back into this world. But it seems circumstances will not allow that to happen. I guess I have no choice but to fight." Ryu snapped his sword back into the sheath and returned it to his belt. By this time Subaru had returned with several small animals. He cooked them using his flame and passed one of them to Ryu before claiming one for himself. The two ate quickly and in silence. Now with stomachs full and minds set, the two set off to find the other the other three Mahouski. Ryu lead the way as they walked out of the cave.

The light flooded over them as they exited the cave. Ryu and Subaru both found themselves squinting and shielding their eyes with their arms. Ryu walked slowly until his eyes adjusted to the light. The two walked in silence as they marched up the mountain. Ryu reached the peak and paused as he looked out before him. The land showed no sign of the evil that was engulfing it. However Ryu could plainly feel it.

"There is a village a few miles past the base of this mountain. That's our first stop."

"You don't mean to go through the Akai Forest do you."

"That's the most direct route. So that's the way were going."

"But the demon shades have taken a liking to the place. The shades aren't the most powerful of the demon army, but they are still a serious threat. Especially in your current state."

"That is the path I'm taking Subaru. If you don't like it I won't force you to follow me. However I won't allow you to stop me."

Ryu left no time for Subaru to argue anymore. He walked past the summit and began making his way back down the mountain, and straight toward the Akai Forest. Subaru opened his mouth to protest some more, however he closed it without saying a word, realizing that it was useless.

"Shikatanai." Said Subaru before he followed Ryu down the mountain. Ryu wasted no time in getting down the mountain. He slid across the rocks most of the way traveling straight down the side. Subaru wouldn't have chosen that way, but he had to keep up with Ryu, and for that reason he had no choice. Ryu paused for a moment in front of the Akai Forest. He glanced back at Subaru as he slid down the mountain and stopped along side of Ryu.

"You're serious about this aren't you?" asked Subaru still hoping for Ryu to change his mind.

"Of course. This forest isn't that deep, but it is very wide. Going around it would take several days to do. However we can get through it in under a day. The shades do bother me, but we don't have a choice."

"Then let's go. If we must go through the forest, let's at least make it quick."

"Okay." Ryu stepped forward and into the darkness of the Akai Forest. The woods were very thick and making sure they followed a straight path was important. Subaru and Ryu had only been walking a short time before most of the light around them was gone. A minor amount of sunlight provided them with barely enough light to see by. Ryu and Subaru continued to walk carefully through the forest. Trying not to attract any unwanted attention. Ryu came to a stop in the middle of the forest and reached his hand across his chest and gripped his sword.

"Subaru, time for some light."

"Ryokai." Subaru starting running through the hand seals as quickly as he could. Then he quickly summoned a bright flame on the ground. He broke the seal, and this time the flame stayed. Subaru reached his hand behind him and pulled his sword from its sheath. Ryu looked around at the shades in the trees that now surrounded them. They had the same demonic look as the ghouls that had attacked Souske, however they didn't wield blades. Instead they had claws attached to each of their hands. They were dressed in all black and were clearly much faster and more skilled than the ghouls were. Ryu shifted his front leg forward and leaned forward as he tightened his grip on the blade and gasped the neck of the sheath with the other. He pushed his thumb forward and sprung the blade from the notch that kept it secure. For a moment everyone stood still, none of them wanting to make the first move. One of the shades must have shifted its weight because one of the branches snapped and fell to the ground. This noise triggered the two groups to move.

Ryu ran at one of the shades as it jumped from this tree. He unsheathed the blade and swung it through the demon in one motion and then turned to find another. The shades moved quickly and they were very agile. However speed and agility was Ryu's specialty. He moved with lightning speed through the forest. Rebounding off trees and taking out demons in the air. The fight was going well for Ryu and Subaru. Until something unexpected happened. Ryu heard a faint whirling coming from in front of him. He heard it move along side him and then it began to turn. It was moving very fast and coming around from behind them.

"Subaru abunai!" Ryu shouted as he dropped to the ground. Subaru followed Ryu's lead and fell onto the ground just in time. Something came flying overtop of them and sliced through several trees as it went by. Ryu watched it as it flew off into the woods.

"What the hell was that?" Yelled Subaru as he dodged a shade.

"Someone threw a boomerang at us. It's coming again. Subaru watch my back." Subaru moved close to Ryu defending him from the attacks of the shades. Ryu closed his eyes focusing on the sound. He heard it turn and come at them. Ryu faced it and held his sword to his side. He listened as it got closer and closer to him. Suddenly Ryu swung his katana upward with great force. He sliced the boomerang in half and the pieces stuck in the trees around them.

"Whatever threw that is coming our way. Subaru we need to take care of these shades now. Ryu and Subaru both started fighting as hard as they could. Once the last shade had fallen Subaru put out the flame and the two warriors leaped into the trees. They spread out and listened as the footsteps came closer. Ryu was right. Someone was coming after them. Ryu strained his eyes to see what had thrown that boomerang. A large figure began to come into view. Subaru pulled his cloak around him and Ryu made sure that he was hidden from view. The warrior was big and he wore heavy armor. A large sword hung by his side. He looked human except for the demonic eyes. He looked around and noticed the two halves of his boomerang embedded in trees.

"Only one of the Mahouski has enough skill to slice my boomerang in mid flight. They must not be allowed to leave this forest alive." The warrior looked around trying to find a trace of where Ryu had gone. As he moved Ryu noticed something on his shoulder, a small red mark on his armor. It was a circle with a skull in it. The mark was one that Ryu recognized at once. It was a mark worn by Onime's top demons. His generals. They lead were incredibly powerful and Onime had used them before as his special forces. He would send them into battle alone against entire villages. And they would always return victorious. This man was incredibly powerful and Ryu would not dare fight him now.

"You can't hide from me Mahouski." Stated the general. He looked around and then he starred right at Ryu. "You're right there!" The demon drew his sword and jumped up after Ryu. Ryu quickly leapt from that tree and into another. The general ran after him Ryu leapt from tree to tree as quickly as he could. The general followed him slashing down trees as he chased Ryu. This wouldn't have been a problem for Ryu except the demon had another boomerang. He let it fly and in all the commotion, Ryu didn't notice it. It turned and started heading right for Ryu. He barely had enough to dodge it and found himself falling to the ground as the branch supporting him was sliced from the tree. Ryu quickly drew his sword and blocked the demons attack. He landed safely on his feet, but now he had no choice but to fight the general.

"So it was you Kazeski Ryu. Just as I thought."

"So it is. You seem to have an unfair advantage. You know me, but I don't know you."

"I am one of Onime's four generals, Hachigeki."

"I don't have time to fool around with you. So I'm going to make this quick." Ryu sheathed his sword and crossed his arms above his head. He uncrossed them and then pulled them both down and thrust them out together. "Midorino Zenphun!" he yelled and unleashed wave after wave of wind blades. Hachigeki crossed his arms and shielded himself from the attack. The blades bashed into his armor and broke apart. Ryu stared in shock as his attack failed to inflict any real damage.

"Don't tell me that's all the power a Mahouski has." Hachigeki said as he chuckled. He rushed toward Ryu with his sword in front of him. Ryu quickly drew his katana and blocked the attack as he jumped back into the trees. He leaped quickly from tree to tree jumping all around Hachigeki. He then quickly rebounded off a tree and dove straight at Hachigeki. However the demon general ducked and Ryu flew over top of him. Ryu hit the ground and flipped backward sheathing his sword in mid air. He held his hands in front of his chest with the right hand above the left and turned down, his left was turned upward and both were curved in slightly. Wind began to flow around him and gather in between his hands forming a small ball.

"Let's see how you handle this attack." Ryu flipped his right hand up and pulled it back. The ball stayed in the palm of his hand. "Kazadama!" he yelled and swung his hand forward and the ball of wind was sent spinning toward Hachigeki. It moved quickly toward Hachigeki and struck him in the chest. The initial blow was not much, however the spinning wore down the armor and broke through it. Hachigeki was thrown to the ground by the attack. Ryu took this opportunity to run. He bounded through the trees and ran. Hachigeki was slow to get up from the attack and when he did Ryu was gone. Ryu stopped on a branch and waited for Subaru to join him. However Subaru did not appear.

"Subaru." Ryu called quietly, however no response came. Ryu called again this time a bit louder. However it was the same response. Ryu had no choice but to go back to where he had fought Hachigeki. That was most likely where Subaru was. Ryu was careful to keep quiet as he made his way back. Ryu paused as he heard footsteps in the distance. He crouched down on his branch and listened closely. He heard voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying. Ryu moved closer until he could make out what was being said

"Which one are you?" asked a gruff voice. Ryu recognized it as Hachigeki. "Kenji, Hikaru, or is it possible you aren't a Mahouski."

"Like I would tell you." Came the reply. Ryu recognized this voice also. It was Subaru. Ryu dropped to the ground fearing that approaching from the trees would make too much noise. He crept slowly closer and closer to Hachigeki and Subaru. Slowly the figures became visible. Subaru was on the ground with his back against a tree. His face and robes were bloody and a few dead shades where on the ground near him. Subaru must have been fighting when Hachigeki showed up. Ryu crouched down low, keeping himself concealed in the shadows. He gripped his sword and slowly drew it from its sheath.

"What should I do?" Ryu thought to himself. I've already used up most of my noryoku. Midorino Zenphun might kill Subaru, and it won't work against Hachigeki. Kazadama takes too long to charge and Hachigeki has seen it already. He'll undoubtedly dodge it. The move I need is Juk Drive. But the only reason I could use that before was because Sylphreed was giving me her power. I can't even use that at all with my current power, much less now, when my energy is so low. There's only one hope. It uses minimal noryoku, and has a great power output. But it takes a long time to use. Hachigeki will have plenty of time to kill me if he wants. But it's my only chance." Ryu tensed his muscles and watched for a chance when he could hit Hachigeki and not hurt Subaru.

"Won't talk will you. In that case I guess I'll have to kill you." Hachigeki stepped to the side and drew his sword. And that was the moment Ryu had been waiting for. Just when Hachigeki raised his sword to deliver the blow Ryu jumped out from behind the tree.

"I'm the one you want. Leave him be." With those words Ryu raised his sword and swung it straight down creating an arc of wind. However it didn't move. The wind spiraled in that thin arc. Hachigeki charged toward Ryu with his sword out in front of him. However just before he reached Ryu his sword was knocked aside as Subaru flew across and struck his sword hard.

"Imana Ryu!" yelled Subaru.

"Right, Kurai, Kaze Souga!" Ryu swung his sword horizontally creating a second arc of wind that overlapped the first one. The two blades merged together and created a massive spiral. It surged forward colliding with Hachigeki. It threw him from his feet and sent him flying through several trees.

"Subaru, Let's go." Ryu grabbed Subaru by the waist and jumped into the trees. Ryu ran from tree to tree holding Subaru under his arm. "This better be the right way, or we're in big trouble." Ryu moved quickly not sure if Hachigeki was following them or not. Ryu noticed that the light around was slowly increasing.

"Hang on Subaru, we're almost out of the forest." Subaru didn't respond and Ryu didn't want to stop and see why not. He continued to jump through the trees toward the growing light. Then the light grew so bright that Ryu had to shield his eyes from it. And just then he reached the edge of the forest. Ryu leapt down the last tree and landed on the ground. The area was wide open except for a few scattered rocks. Ryu ran toward one and got himself out of view from the Akai Forest. There he laid Subaru on his back and tore his robes apart to find the wound. Subaru's chest was covered with blood and he was unconscious. Ryu quickly spotted the slash mark across his chest. It was a single wound, most likely delivered by Hachigeki. Ryu looked around, but there was nothing he could use to clean the wound. Ryu took off his shirt and rapped it around the wound tightly.

"Hang on Subaru, We're going to that village. Maybe they can treat you there." Ryu picked up Subaru and put him over his shoulder. He tightened his grip and took of running. "I've got no other choice. Sei's the only one with healing powers, and I don't have anything to treat the wound with. Maybe this village can do something. At least keep you alive. If it had been one of the shades this won't be a problem, but if it was Hachigeki this will be very difficult. The generals carry tainted weapons. To a Mahouski they are no different than any other weapon. However to any one else, they are extremely deadly. Even the slightest scratch from them can kill. They are imbued with darkness. Not only will the wound not heal, but it will slowly kill the person, like a poison. A poison only the Mizuski can cure. Only Sei can do it. Please, this wound better not have been caused by Hachigeki." Ryu ran as fast as he could. Soon he saw the village appear over the horizon.

"Hold on Subaru, were almost there." He ran faster, and faster. Ryu entered the village just before the sun went down.

"Where's the doctor around here?" he asked loudly so everyone could here him. However rather than respond, they all just stared at him. "Why are you all staring, just tell me where he is." This time a single woman pointed to a building just off to the right. Ryu stormed in and searched for someone. There where a few beds in the back along with a few shelves full of various herbs and odd colored liquids. In the front was a small table with several books stacked on it. However no one was in the room. A door opened off to the side and a middle-aged man stepped out. He began to walk over to the books, but he stopped suddenly when he noticed Ryu standing in front of him with Subaru draped over his shoulder.

"What's going on?" asked the doctor

"Please, this man has a terrible wound on his chest. Please help him."

"Alright, set him on the bed over there." Replied the doctor indicating to the bed in the far corner. "What kind of wound is it?"

"A blade wound, and a bad one."

"Alright, let me work." The doctor opened a small cabinet on the wall and removed several roles of bandages from one of the shelves. He placed them on a small table by Subaru's bed. Then he reached onto the shelves on the back and pulled down various herbs and solutions. He also placed these on the bedside table. Then he moved next to Subaru. He removed Ryu's bloody shirt from his body and examined the wound

"This is a terrible wound. How did he receive it?"

"That is not your concern. Just help him." Replied Ryu in a more forceful tone then he had intended. "I'm sorry, but I don't have time to explain everything. After you've helped him I promise I will explain everything."

"Alright then. I'll hold you to that." With those words the doctor set to work. He pulled a cloth out from the cabinet on the wall and dunked it in a small barrel of water. He squeezed out most of the water and used it to wipe the blood from Subaru's chest. The wound was now very clear. It wasn't deep, but it ran all the way across his chest. The doctor reached to the table and picked up one of the solutions he had set there earlier. He splashed a bit of it on the cloth and whipped this over the wound. He then wrapped Subaru's entire chest in bandages. The blood continued to flow onto the bandages soaking them in blood. The doctor then added a second and third layer of bandage to the wound and made them rather tight. The blood did eventually stop seeping through. The doctor sighed and leaned back against the wall.

"There. That should take care of it. He will take a long time to recover mind you. But he will live."

"Arigatou, arigatou gozaimas."

"Now, tell me how this happened."

"Very well. May we sit? It is a long story." The doctor gestured over to the door from which he had first emerged. The two went through it and into a small room with a table and four chairs on one end, a bed on the other, and a fireplace in the wall between the two. Ryu sat at one of the chairs at the table. The doctor sat across from him.

"Now, the story."

"Alright. Where should I start? Might as well just be blunt about it. I am the Mahouski of Wind, Kazeski Ryu, and the man you helped is named Subaru. He is descendant of the Sumeregi bloodline. His job was to find and awaken the Mahouski from their long sleep. You see the Mahouski of legend have always been alive. Only sleeping in the bodies of normal people. Subaru's job was to find me and help me reach Sylphreed, where I could be awakened. Obviously he succeeded. However he also decided to help me find the others. Because my power is nothing compared to what it used to be. It will return in time, but until then I need Subaru's help. To shorten our time we traveled through the Akai Forest. We had no trouble with the shades, however one of Onime's generals, Hachigeki, was there as well. I managed to escape from him, but something happened to Subaru. When I found him again Hachigeki had captured him and he was badly wounded. I managed to buy enough time to get him and get out. Then I came here to try and save him." The doctor looked at Ryu for a moment and then grinned slightly.

"Excellent story, now for the truth." Said the doctor.

"That was the truth."

"You expect me to believe you are the Kazeski. Why you don't look a day older than 18."

"I'm 16 and I do expect you to believe I'm the Kazeski, because it's true."

"How can someone who defeated Onime several hundred years ago be 16?"

"I already told you, I have been living inside other people's bodies the whole time. This time I just happened to be 16 when I awoke."

"I have to give you credit, you are consistent."

"I guess this is the only way to make you believe." Ryu held his hand out to the side and summoned the wind to gather around it. The air whipped around it at incredible speeds, however the air elsewhere in the room was unaffected.

"You, you really are Ryu."

"Didn't I already tell you that." Replied Ryu closing his hand and stopping the wind. "Now will you believe me?"

"Forgive me Ryu. I had no idea." Begged the man.

"That is not an issue. All you have to do is take care of Subaru."

"Of course. I'll go check on him right now." The doctor left the room and went back with Subaru. Ryu leaned back in the chair and allowed himself to slide forward. He closed his eyes and was about to fall asleep when the door into the room burst open. Ryu opened his eyes and sat up with a start. The doctor was standing in front of him in a state of shear panic.

"Ryu-sama something's wrong with Subaru." Ryu practically jumped out of his seat and followed the doctor to the bed where Subaru was. The doctor began to undo the bandages and get back to the wound. When he removed the bandages Ryu stared at the wound. All around it was black. The wound had reopened and was bleeding heavily. The doctor looked over to Ryu.

"The wound reopened, and I've never seen anything like this mark around the cut." Ryu closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.

"No you wouldn't have seen this before. It's a cursed wound. I was hoping that one of the shades had done this, but it was Hachigeki."

"How can I cure it, Ryu-sama?"

"You can't, only Sei can."

"Sei? You mean Mizuski Sei-sama."

"Yes, only she has the ability to remove the demon taint from Subaru."

"Then what should I do, Ryu-sama?"

"Keep that blood in him. Do whatever you can, I have to find Sei." Ryu grabbed his bloody shirt from the bed next to Subaru. He pulled it on and crossed it over before tucking it under the waist of his pants. Ryu walked to the door and opened it. However he didn't leave right away. He paused in the doorway.

"Don't let him die doctor. If you can keep him alive I will be forever grateful"

"Hai, Ryu-sama."

"Then I'll be off." With that Ryu ran from the door and through the village. Night had fallen and Ryu felt sleep and hunger creeping in on him. Ryu was just a short ways outside of the village when he stopped and realized he had no idea of where to go. He looked out and tried to find someplace that might be a place where she would be. However he saw nothing. Ryu hung his head and began to wonder if he would find Sei in time. Then without warning Ryu snapped his head back up. He starred off into the distance.

"This feeling, it's Sei. She's not far." Ryu looked up and saw a large mountain not far from where he stood. "Over that mountain. She's over that mountain. Wait for me Subaru; I'll find Sei.

Well what did you think, a bit better I hope. I can't wait to get eh next chapter done. Any questions about the story or anything please let me know and please review.