Disclaimer: I don't own the ducks or anything like that except the characters that you don't recognised and the story itself.

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated this for along time, I've been busy with stuff lately. I'll have more up soon as possible I promise. I've noticed when I posted the last four Chapters that the lines I've used to separate paragraphs have disappeared I don't know why am still trying to figure it out. But if it really annoys you that much just tell me and I'll send ya a copy of the story. Okay on with the Fic…


Shadows

Part 5

"Mission,"

They had decided to leave the Tohakawi village after they had breakfast, they had to lose Shinjitsu's assassins, Mallory was still pretty exhausted she still hadn't recovered her full strength yet, but they couldn't stay there Shinjitsu would catch on and probably attack them. Saya turned to look down at Mallory she could see Mallory was having a hard time breathing, Mallory's ribs were all broken she could also see that Mallory was having trouble walking, she had a very bad head injury to the head, a lot of bruising on her face she stopped in her tracks as she knelt down beside Mallory who looked up at tilting her head to the side slightly.

"What's wrong Saya?" asked Mallory

"Are you sure your okay to walk we've got a long walk ahead of us Mallory…" began Saya as she rested a hand on Mallory's forehead brushing back the long red hair from the young girls eyes "…I know that broken ribs aren't the comfiest thing to walk with,"

"Am fine Saya," Mallory replied, trying to assure to Saya that she was fine, but Saya wasn't buying it. She could see right through Mallory's lies. The young girl was always trying to avoid things, she knew that she was strong but not invincible she had weakness like everyone else but she had to respect Mallory's wishes about her choice even if sometimes that it maybe wrong Mallory was a child but she showed the signs maturity in her young years but war can really do that a child. Saya had figured it was some sort of trauma that Mallory had went through when she was young its true she wasn't born into to village that they had called home she had came from a home of abuse and torture but even Mallory had never really spoken of her past Saya had figured it was too painful for the child to talk about.

"Mallory," she sighed "Fine then but if you feel tired let me know okay?" Mallory nodded slightly before she continued to walk on past her Saya carefully watched the young girl before she stood up, she looked up at the grey sky as she caught up with them she walked over to Takeshi

"What are you thinking about?" questioned Takeshi not looking at her, she looked up at him slightly before turning her head away to watch what was going on around her

"That we should probably find somewhere rest," she replied "Mallory's not doing too good and she's being too stubborn to admit it," Takeshi looked at Mallory for a millisecond before looking over to Saya "She looks awfully tired,"

"Yeah your right," he agreed "There's a village not too far from here we can rest there for a bit I think it would be a good idea to rest before we set off again," Mallory had been watching them talk she sighed lightly but she had to admit she was pretty hungry and tired.


Later that day they had arrived at a village they had went to get something to eat Mallory sat on the steps outside eating her lunch quietly she rested her back against a post as she sighed lightly.

"Mallory are you okay?" asked Kira as she walked over to the older girl, Mallory looked up at her Kira as she stood there with a concerned look on her face

"Am fine," replied Mallory, she quickly finished her lunch, Kira looked confused as Mallory walked by her, she watched as Mallory walked over to Saya putting the plate up on the table she watched as Mallory talked to Saya, Mallory then walked by her, Kira walked over to Saya.

"Where's Mallory going?" she asked

"She said she needed to be alone for awhile," replied Saya

"Oh," is all Kira said "Is she okay?"

"She say's she is," replied Saya "I'd just give her, her space for know," began Saya "Everybody needs their own space sometimes she'll come back sooner or later,".


A little later, Mallory lay on top of a roof of a building staring up at the greyish sky snow began to fall from the heavens she closed her eyes deciding to get some rest she put her hands behind her head and fell asleep.


Saya watched as the kids played she sat on the step Mallory had been sitting on earlier as they played hide and seek Shinta was hiding up a tree, Rin had slipped into the shadows, Toki was hiding up in a tree also while, Kira went off to find them. Takeshi was sitting with Tanaka talking to him about what they should do next they knew that Shinjitsu must be very pissed off about what happened in Tohakawi village.

"…How about we head to Rojin Village," suggested Takeshi

"I don't know…" replied Tanaka "Won't we be putting them at risk with our presence?" he sighed lowering his head

"The Rojin's are our allies Master and Shinjitsu's men cannot follow us there its sacred land," explained Takeshi

"Yeah I guess but…" he trailed off as he tilted his head to the side

"You shouldn't think like that Master it's the only place we have left to turn too, we have nowhere else to go, and we don't have that much money to buy supplies," explained Takeshi "Think about it, if we don't find somewhere to live we won't survive, the winter is coming,"

"Fine then we'll leave as soon as tomorrow morning," sighed Tanaka "I guess we have no choice,"

Later at the entrance to village a bunch of Imperial Soldiers had just arrived searching for the survivors of the Tohakawi.

"They were spotted heading in this direction. I want everyone to spread out and find them," ordered Tohma.


Meanwhile up on the rooftops Mallory had awoken to the sound of barking orders she walked to the edge of the rooftop to see at least 10 Samurai's go in different directions while the one of them stayed in the one spot looking around.

"I've gotta warn the others!" she muttered as she jumped down to the ground below she grunted in pain as she held her ribs she then ran off trying to ignore the pain from her injuries she had gotten there just before the Samurai's got there, "SAYA!" she called

"Huh what's wrong?" she questioned as she turned to look at Mallory

"Shinjitsu's men are here they're looking for us!" replied Mallory, Saya quickly ran over to where Tanaka and Takeshi sat at the table

"We have to move Shinjitsu's men are here," she began, they both looked at her "Whatever we're going to do we'd better do it know!"

"What!" questioned Takeshi as he got up "Where about's!"

"Not far from here we've gotta get out of here!" replied Mallory as she walked up to the table.

"Go get Kira and the others!" ordered Tanaka, Saya nodded in reply and ran off quickly to get the kids. "Kurenai how many were they?"

"At least 10 as far as I could see but there's probably more on the way," replied Mallory folding her arms.

"Master Tanaka its better if you go on ahead with the kids we don't want harm to come to you," said Takeshi "Kurenai you'll go with him I'll stay and help Saya out,"

"What!" questioned Mallory "I won't let you!" Takeshi narrowed his eyes at Mallory "Fine then!" she growled lowly

"Look its better this way Mallory we can't leave Master Tanaka unguarded," explained Takeshi, Mallory knew he was right "I know your not feeling to great Kurenai but its up to you to get Master Tanaka and the others to safety,"

"Okay," replied Mallory as she turned to Master Tanaka and bowed slightly "We had better go know Master,"

"Yes come on then," he said agreeing "Takeshi you and Saya make sure you come back alive,"

"Yes sir," replied Takeshi before he ran off to help Saya just as the others ran over to them, Mallory watched him and Saya run off, she sighed before she turned to the others.

"Come on lets go," sighed Mallory, they quickly began to run out of the village.


The 10 Samurai's meet up again Tohma growled lowly when he noticed that they hadn't found them

"Why haven't you found them!" he questioned angrily clenching his hands tightly his knuckles were turning white

"We couldn't find them Sir," replied one of them

"You idiots!" he snapped "They live in shadows so look in shadows!"

"These's Ninja's are Tanaka's best they won't be easy to find," said the second one

"I don't care the Emperor getting impatient if we don't catch them know it'll be our heads," warned Tohma

"Don't you mean your head," muttered the third one quietly to one of the others

"WHAT WAS THAT!" questioned Tohma angrily

"Nothing sir we'll get those Ninja's!" replied the third one once Tohma turned away the two Samurai's grinned

"Just find them," He ordered "This time if you come back empty handed it'll be me that takes YOUR HEADS!" he lifted up his hand clenching it tightly in front of them to prove his point his other hand on the hilt of his Katana sword they quickly scattered to look for Ninja's.

Takeshi turned to Saya she nodded in reply, he pointed to one soldier then to another, then signalled for her to go the other way they both quickly split up, they both had to be careful about how they approached the situation due to the fact it was still pretty light. They had decided to watch them for awhile to see what was going on staying up on the rooftops out of sight.


Meanwhile in the Mallory was busy trying to get the others to safety

"Toki!" snapped Mallory "Keep up come on!" Mallory glanced over her shoulder as she jumped over a fallen log

"Am coming hang on!" she called as she quickened her pace suddenly barking in the distance could be heard Mallory stopped

"They're hunting us down!" she growled lowly as she closed one of her eyes the pain was getting worse she felt as if she was going collapse at any second, but she knew she couldn't leave the others alone Heriko stood by her he was growling lowly in the directions of the barking "I know…" she trailed off in thought '…But what am I suppose to do I can't leave them I know I should stay with them but I can't just let them follow us to the Rojin Village," she turned around she looked up at Heriko "What should I do Heriko?" Heriko turned to look at Mallory he began to growl again as he turned away "You want me to leave!" she questioned, Heriko snorted a growl "Heriko I can't leave you!" he pushed her away she stumbled slightly she looked up at him confused he barked at her, she growled lowly before she ran off "COME ON MOVE IT!" she called Kira stumbled slightly Mallory quickly stopped grabbing Kira's hand "Come on we've gotta keep moving!"


One of the Samurai's ran up to Tohma, Tohma looked at him as he put his hand on the hilt of his Katana

"Sir they're heading towards the Rojin Village the others are headed that way after them," reported the soldier

"Is Tanaka with them?" questioned Tohma

"Yes but the Kunoichi is missing?" he replied

"Find her," he ordered "I'll go after the others with the rest of the men,"

"Yes sir," replied the soldier

Takeshi sat on the edge of the roof listening to the conversation he quickly jumped over to another rooftop

"Saya they're looking for you," he whispered loud enough for her to hear

"Yeah… but why?" she replied scratching the back of her neck

"Look he's one guy we can take him the other Samurai's went after Kurenai and others," explained Takeshi

"I'll kill him quickly," she replied "Its me he's after, you should go and help Kurenai,"

"Okay," he nodded in reply before he disappeared into the shadows Saya quickly stood up, she jumped down from the rooftop she looked around before stepping out of the shadows.

'If I kill him out in the open it could cause a lot of trouble so its probably better if I lure him to me then…' she thought to herself as she walked amongst the crowds of people.

The Samurai was searching amongst crowds, he sighed he then glanced over his shoulder he grinned seeing Saya glance over at him he pushed his way through the crowds one of his hands on the hilt of the Katana Saya ducked into an alley then jumped from roof to roof. She watched as he followed like cat chasing and mouse except this Samurai didn't know he was the mouse chasing the cat that would soon have his head she jumped down from the rooftops to a clearing not too far from the village she jumped up into a tree she made sure she was out of his site just as the Samurai ran up to the clearing

"Show yourself Kunoichi!" he called "I know you're here!" he quickly turned around when he thought he heard something behind him "You can't hide forever when I find you I'll kill you!" he declared "Your head is mine do you hear me you coward!"

"You'll have to find me first Samurai!" she replied her voice sounded as if it was coming from every direction around him "I could kill you before you could kill me," she stated

"That a fact Kunoichi?" he questioned

"Am the one that has the advantage… I can see you but you can't see me," she replied, he then heard a rustle from bush he then slashed the bush "You seem jumpy Samurai do I scare you?"

"SHUT UP!" he roared angrily

"Why did Shinjitsu attack the Togokadaki Village!" she growled lowly, he spun around when he thought she was behind him

"Why should I tell you its none of your business!" he retorted

"IT IS MY BUSINESS!" she snapped "THAT WAS MY FAMILY YOU SLAUGHTERED!" she crouched down on the tree branch clenching her hands tightly "How would you like it if it was your family that I slaughtered!"

"I don't have any choice in the matter! I kill cause I am ordered too I have my duty and you have yours," he stated as he lowered his head

"Well its my duty to kill you and anybody that's a threat me or my family will pay with their blood!" she stated lowly she jumped down from the tree "But in just the same am not a coward I'll fight you to the death if that's the way you want it, but understand this I will take revenge for all those innocents killed I'll kill you all!" she said looking up at him he tilted his head slightly to the side as he chuckled lightly

"Honour is cheap, Ninja's don't know the meaning of Honour!" he mocked

"I live by my honour as a Ninja I don't know what you call honour," she drew her twin Katana swords "Am a Ninja I live in the shadows and by any chance I do die it will be in the shadows and not by your sword,"

"Are you finished I've got things to do," he sighed as he stood ready to attack

"Are you really that eager to die?" she questioned "How sad," she sighed as she stood in a defensive stance "Okay then lets get this over with…" he then attacked her bringing the sword down on her she step to the side she stabbed him with one of the Katana's through his stomach she then kicked him off of the sword's blade then as he stood stunned holding his stomach she brought the other one down across his neck slicing his head off his blood covered her she then with the flick of her wrists flicked the blood of the Samurai off of the blades before she sheathed them once again.


Mallory blocked off a sword that was brought down on her she stumbled backward over a log her eyes widened as she rolled out of the way as the sword smashed into the ground where she had just been not long ago. She jumped to her feet she then stabbed the attacker in the stomach she pulled the sword from his gut she fell to her knees the pain was getting extremely agonisingly unbearable, she groaned lightly as she pushed herself to her feet. Tanaka and the others had made it to the Rojin Village all that was left was to take care of the Samurai's that had followed them she leaned against a tree trunk, she rested her head back against the trunk her eyes widened as she quickly drew one of the Kodachi swords, she stopped the blade just as it was mere inches away from her face

"Are you okay?" said Takeshi, she sheathed the Kodachi she slowly slumped to the ground

"I'll be fine," she replied "Where's Saya? She's not hurt is she?" asked Mallory

"Hey!" they both looked over to see Saya running over to them "What happened here?" she asked looking at the eight bodies scattered around the field as Mallory sighed lightly

"I couldn't let them go any further," replied Mallory as she used the trunk of the tree to steady herself as she stood up.

"Did Tanaka and the others escape okay?" asked Takeshi

"Yeah they're fine they got to the village fine…" she replied "We've gotta get rid of these bodies or they'll figure we're around here,"

"Yeah you're right," sighed Takeshi

"There's one more left I only count eight here plus the one I killed that's nine Tohma where is he?" questioned Saya

"Tohma so that's who was barking orders," thought Mallory out loud as she rubbed her head

"You don't look too good," began Saya as she knelt down in front of Mallory, "You should go to the village and get some rest," Mallory looked at her she rolled her eyes "Mallory am serious you've got broken ribs you shouldn't even be standing you should be resting,"

"Am fine!" she stated firmly before she walked off "I'll hunt down Tohma go to the village!" she felt something strike her in the back of the neck she fell to the ground unconsciousness

"Takeshi why'd you do that?" questioned Saya as she knelt down beside Mallory picking her up in her arms.

"Your right she needs rest take her to the village I'll go after Tohma before he gives us away," he explained simply, Saya picked her up she then began to walk to the village Takeshi watched as she walked off, then turned around and went in search of Tohma, he ran at least a mile before he caught up to him he quickly flung a throwing knife at him striking him in the back of head, he fell to the ground Takeshi ran up to him being careful not to get to close he knelt down and pulled the knife from the back of his head

"You bast…ard…" Tohma groaned weakly before he died, Takeshi began to walk back to the Rojin Village


Shinjitsu was sitting in eating his dinner he took a big bite out of slab of meat then one of his messengers came running into the room the Messenger knelt down.

"Sir Tohma and his men are dead," he reported, Shinjitsu slammed his fist down on the table

"This Ninja is beginning to piss me off," he growled "How is it one Ninja can kill so many men!"

"It would seem there was another two with Tanaka," said the Messenger

"What!" he growled lowly

"A Ninja and a Kunoichi," began the Messenger bowing his head slightly "There also from the Togokadaki Clan,"

"Tell me was the other Kunoichi a child?" he questioned as he folded his arms

"Yes she was," replied the Messenger "The child fought well but her form was a bit off, she look as if she had been injured pretty badly,"

'So she survived after all…' he thought to himself 'She's something I'll give her that...'

"Sir what should we do?" questioned the Messenger

"Leave them for know," he replied "We should take this time to think about our next move before we attack them again,"

"Of course sir," he said before he walked out of the room


Mallory groaned lightly as she woke up she rubbed the back of her neck as she sat up she stood up she walked out of the room opening the door then closing it behind her she went to find Saya and the others she walked through gardens of the Village passing by the Monks that lived there in the village she soon found Saya training out on one the fields she ran up to her begin careful not to get to close.

"Saya!" she called, Saya turned to look at the young girl she grinned

"So you're up?" she teased as she put the twin Katana back in their sheaths she sat down on the grass "Are you feeling any better?"

"A bit," replied Mallory "Look am sorry for being stubborn earlier," she said looking down at the grassy meadow, "Out of curiosity… who knocked me out?"

"Takeshi!" she quickly said, Mallory rolled her eyes "Fine it was me, there happy!" she sighed heavily

"Know was that so hard?" said Mallory in a antagonising tone as she patted Saya on the head

"Please… don't antagonise me kid!" she muttered lowly

"There, there it's okay," grinned Mallory in the same antagonising voice, Saya rolled her eyes.

"I wouldn't push your luck kid," she warned as she pulled the younger girl down as she began to tickle the young girl squealed with laughter as she squirmed.

"Stop… it!" she pleaded, Takeshi watched them from a tree branch he smiled down at them as Saya tickled torture the younger girl it had been such a long time since he heard the young Kunoichi laugh like that, he closed his eyes resting his head back against the tree trunk


A month had went by all had been too quiet Tanaka had been worried about this he hated it when it was too quiet, he looked out the window hearing laughter he saw Kira, Shinta, Toki and Rin playing out in the fields he then noticed sitting up on a Cherry Blossom Tree branch Mallory was leaning her head against the trunk of the tree not too faraway Saya and Takeshi were training he walked over to the tree Mallory was sitting up on.

"Kurenai!" he snapped her eyes suddenly snapped open she nearly fell off of the tree branch when she regained her balance she jumped down from the branch she knelt down before him she looked down at the ground.

"Yes Master?" she questioned

"Are you fully healed yet?" he replied questioningly

"I guess my ribs are still a bit swore," she replied "But I guess am better,"

"I've got a job for you," he began

"A Job?" she questioned "What kind of job?"

"I want you too go to Palace up at the top of the mountain and see what you can find out about what their up too," he explained "Are you up too it Kurenai?" he questioned, she looked up at him "I will not lie to you Kurenai this mission is a dangerous one,"

"I understand Master I'll do it," replied Mallory bowing her head she stood up, "I'll leave now I will be back in a few days,"

"Okay then and here take this its not much but you'll some money to get something to eat," he said handing a pouch over to her she tied the pouch to her belt.

"Thank you Master," she said before she walked off down the path, he watched as she disappeared into the distance


Later that night they where sitting around having their dinner Saya looked around frowning slightly

"Where's Mallory?" asked Saya

"She went on errand for me she'll be back in a few days," replied Tanaka

"Why did you send her out on her own?" questioned Takeshi "She's only a kid!"

"She is more grown up than you realise Takeshi," said Tanaka as he eat some of his dinner

"Why didn't you tell me?" questioned Saya "I could of helped her out,"

"She needs to be tested on her skill on field missions it wasn't exactly a hard mission to complete," he explained "It was just a scouting mission nothing more,"


Mallory walked through the forest looking around her she looked up at the bamboo trees they seemed too stretch on forever as she looked up to see if she could see the top of them she looked on ahead of her she sighed lightly sensing Heriko behind her.

"Heriko you shouldn't really be following me I was supposed to do this by myself you should go back to the Rojin Village," she said not looking at him "You should protect Kira I'll be fine," he stood there watching her walk on "Thanks Heriko don't worry about me!" she called over her shoulder before she ran off quickly Heriko ran back to the Rojin Village.

About 4 hours later it was getting late the sun was beginning to go down she stopped hearing a sound she rubbing her stomach she looked around but couldn't see anything she could eat she sighed

'I guess I can wait till I get to the Shijokawi Village isn't far from here…' she thought to herself as she ran as fast as she could through the bamboo forest, she soon arrived at the Shijokawi Village she walked through the streets she looked around the stalls were beginning to close then something caught her attention she could smell something she quickly made her way over to find out what the smell was she stopped suddenly hearing a girl scream she thought about what to do before she decided to help out she ran in the direction of where the scream came from she stopped suddenly she quietly sneaked into the alley behind a building she pressed herself against the wall she peeked around the corner then jumped into the shadows behind the large burly Drake who was standing over two kids a girl and a boy the boy was standing in a protective stance, the large burly Drake chuckled lightly

"Outta ma way kid!" he snorted swatting the boy aside Mallory she slowly crept up behind the large drake drawing the two Kodachi swords slowly she then jumped up into the air the boy ran over to the girl

"No don't look!" he cried, as Mallory landed on the Drakes shoulders she stabbed the two Kodachi's into the Drake's throat he didn't have time to cry out as she quickly finished the job she jumped off of the Drakes shoulders somersaulting backwards onto the ground into the shadows once again blood sprayed over her, she closed her eyes letting his blood cover her she smeared the blood over her face when she wiped the blood off with the back of her hand.

"Hey wait who are!" called the boy Mallory stood in the shadows, the two of them wondering if she was even there they saw a glint in the shadows blood was flicked off the two Kodachi's before she sheathed them again "Please who are you?" asked the boy again "I know your there!"

"Are you okay he didn't hurt you did he?" replied Mallory from the shadows

"No he didn't thanks too you," replied the boy, "Who are you?"

"My name is of no importance am nothing more than a shadow," replied Mallory, she then without them realising she had disappeared from the shadows to the rooftops, the girl ran over to her brother looking up at him.

"Who was that Shun?" asked the girl

"A shadow…" he replied confused "She said she was a shadow,"

"A Ninja?" questioned the girl

"Most likely," replied the boy "Hey are you still there?" he questioned he looked into the shadows but she had long since left them, the boy looked at the dead body before quickly turning away before he decided it was better they left the alley and headed home, once there their parents were just closing the stall they owned a cloaked figure suddenly appeared not faraway the hood covered their face from sight they looked at the cloaked figure

"Hey Shun who do you think that is?" asked the girl

"Don't know," he replied he looked at the cloaked figure he then noticed blood on the cloak "Its her…!" he whispered "Kimi,"

"Really?" she asked

"Yeah look the cloak is covered in blood, that's when the cloaked figure ran off

"Shun! Kimi!" called their Mother as she watched them run off after the cloaked figure, Mallory jumped up onto a roof she sat on the rooftop of a house watching them run by her

"Where'd she go!" questioned Kimi

"Don't know," he replied he then caught sight of the cloaked figure sitting there looking as if she wasn't paying attention they quickly ran over to the house

"Hey no fair!" cried Kimi

"Why did you chase me!" questioned Mallory

"You ran!" stated Shun

"I don't need any kids running around after me!" said Mallory in a firm tone

"Are you a Ninja?" asked Kimi

"What do you think!" replied Mallory sarcastically lowering her head slightly "Just tell me something where's the nearest inn from here?"

"Not too far from here just about ten minutes from here," replied Kimi pointing northward, Mallory stood up she jumped down from the rooftop

"Thanks," said Mallory before she walked off in the direction


Early the next morning Mallory had decided she would go and get something to eat before she would leave the Village, Mallory sat up on a rooftop eating the food she had bought from one of the stalls she had just finished when she heard a crowd of people fighting she watched them fight she closed her eyes then jumped down from the rooftop then walked through the village.

"Its none of my business…" she muttered softly as she walked on, later on she came to a lake she knelt down took a cloth from the arm guards around her arms she put it into the water and squeezed out the excess water as she cleaned off the blood stains off of the steal of the blades, with the damp cloth she then quickly dried them then sheathed them she sighed as she removed the hood of the cloak she then took a handful of water and splashed it over her face the water was crystal clear fresh from the mountains she took another handful and splashed it over her face.


Saya sigh was sitting up on a tree branch staring off into space Mallory had been only gone a day she knew that Mallory would be okay but for some reason she didn't want Mallory being out there by herself she looked over to the three kids were training she watched Takeshi train them showing them how handle weapons she turned her head to see Kira sitting on the roof of a small house she knew that Kira was worried about Mallory she hadn't seen Heriko around since Mallory had went on the mission assigned to her, she sighed closing her eyes.

'Mallory's old enough to take care of herself,' she thought to herself as she rested her head against the tree trunk. Takeshi looked at the three kids he grinned slightly as he folded his arms he looked over to where Saya was sitting he then turned back to the kids

"Okay guys take a break," he said the three then ran off as Takeshi walked over to where Saya was he jumped up onto the tree branch next to her "Are you okay?" he asked

"Yeah am fine," replied Saya "I heard that some of the others that managed to get away from the Village are headed this way,"

"Yeah I heard they'll be arriving later," he said folding his arms "Saya are you worried about the kid?" he asked seeing the worried look on her face, she looked up at him before she turned away again "I wouldn't worry about the kid she can take care of herself,"

"Yeah I know," replied Saya, she sighed lightly "I think I could of trained her a bit more for field missions,"

"You should stop worrying about her and help me train these kids or look out for Kira she looks as if she needs someone too talk too," said Takeshi, Saya looked up at him then sighed she jumped down from the tree he looked at her "Hey where you going?" he questioned

"To talk to Kira," she replied simply "Like you said," he sighed as he jumped down from the tree he walked back over to where the kids were playing

"All right guys back too work!" he called to them they quickly ran back to the training area


Mallory meanwhile put the cloak on before she began to walk through the forest of bamboo trees she pulled the cloak's hood over her head as she walked for a few hours before she decided to have a bit of a rest she jumped into a tree she leaned her head back against the trunk of the tree she closed her eyes as she removed the hood of the cloak a light breeze blew in her face

'That feels good,' she smiled slightly as she put her hands behind her head she was about dosing off when she heard something she opened one of her eyes

"Hey where'd that cloaked figure go?" questioned someone, she looked down to ground below she sighed lightly as she crouched on the branch of the tree watching the two below her

'It's those kids!' she growled to herself 'What are you doing?' she wondered to herself she turned around when she sensed several Ki's coming from another direction she growled lowly 'Its coming from over there!' she looked back down at the two kids 'I should lead them away from those kids but their too close to get too far!' she closed her eyes cursing the situation she pulled the hood over her face "I have no choice!" she growled lowly she jumped down to the ground silently "Why are you following me!" questioned Mallory coldly, the two kids spun around as they jumped "Its not safe to be around me you must leave KNOW!" she stated "They are coming they will not be merciful,"

"Wait we only…" began Shun

"LEAVE!" snapped Mallory, the little girl gasped lightly as she hid behind her brother, suddenly a light chuckle was heard Mallory turned around she narrowed her eyes

"Sorry but no one's leaving here!" grinned one of them

'They're the Shogi Ryu Ninja Clan!' she drew her Kodachi swords quickly, 'What are they doing out here!'

"Who are you child!" questioned the one from before who was obviously the leader referring to Mallory "Are you sure you want to throw your life away a fight with the Shogi means certain death!" he boosted as he chuckled lightly

"There's no use in telling you my name you won't live long enough to remember it," replied Mallory in a low cold tone

"Listen child your on Shogi territory you'll answer to us right know!" he ordered as he drew his Katana

"I don't intend in fighting you but I will if I must," stated Mallory tightly holding the hilts of the Kodachi's "The blood of the innocent has been spilled far too much don't you agree?" the drake raised an eyebrow slightly he sighed as he put away the Katana, Mallory looked up at him "Am a Ninja just like you… Ninja's should never spill blood unless necessary,"

"Your wise beyond your year's kid," he smiled as he knelt down in front of her "Okay kid just answer me this then why are you on our land?"

"I am only passing through that's all I'll be out of here by the end of the day," replied Mallory simply as she put away the two Kodachi's

"And who are these kids they are obviously not Ninja,"

"I don't know them," replied Mallory simply folding her arms

"I see so they are but lost puppies?" he questioned

"No they have a home, they just followed me. Why? I don't know," she explained closing her eyes with a heavy sigh.

"We only wanted too thank you!" exclaimed Kimi, Mallory looked over at her

"I see you saved them know they won't leave you alone," sighed the Drake "If ya want we'll take them back to their village out of your hands,"

"If its alright with you I have a mission to fulfil and I can't have kids slowing me down," explained Mallory "You should watch out Shinjitsu has been attacking Ninja Clan's across the land, the Clan am with barely anyone survived I know that the Shogi Clan has never really seen eye to eye with the Clan am from but I would say it would call us even, you do me a favour I do you a favour if you get what I mean…" explained Mallory lowering her head she was about to walk off

"Wait what Clan are you from?" he questioned

"The Togokadaki Shinobi Ryu Ninja Clan… I must go," Mallory walked off leaving them behind Mallory stopped suddenly sensing several Ki's, she slowly put a hand on one of the Kodachi swords slowly pulling it out from the sheath as she looked around for the owner's of the Ki's she quickly jumped back out of the way a shuriken struck the ground where she had been standing she turned around quickly as she blocked off a sword she clenched her teeth as she pushed back against the strength of the enemy Ninja she narrowed her eyes she quickly rolled out of the way the Ninja looked over to where she stood Mallory removed the hood of the cloak so that she could see everything around her, the Ninja grinned at her

"Ah Master Shinjitsu's been looking for you," said the Ninja "He want's your head," Mallory removed the cloak and threw it aside she took the other Kodachi from the other sheath he chuckled lightly they both ran at each other they swiftly slashed each other Mallory fell to her knees holding her side she removed her hand from her side to find it covered in blood she looked over to the enemy Ninja to find him also on his knees "Hey good job kid you actually got me with that one,"

"Hmm you think," she grinned slightly "Well I have to give you some credit you actually got me too," she stood up

"Are you ready to die?" he asked as he stood with the sword at the ready Mallory tilted her head to the side slightly as she grinned

"It's you I should be saying that too," she replied

"Just shut up and fight kid," he snorted, they then both attacked this time so fast that not even the naked eye could see it happened Mallory skidded to a stop as did the other Ninja both of them fell to their knees once again Mallory held her arm tightly to her side the Ninja began to laugh but it turned into a strangled scream as his blood sprayed from the wound, Mallory slowly walked over to him she picked up his Katana still holding her arm tightly she took the sword "Kill me!" Mallory with one swift move decapitated him with his own sword his blood sprayed like a fountain over her she sighed lightly as she wiped the blood from eyes before she collapsed to the ground holding her arm she looked down at the wound it was pretty deep blood was pouring from the wound. She took a cloth from the pouch and tied it around the wound to stop it bleeding, Mallory looked down at her side blood was pouring from it she groaned lightly

"Its only a flesh wound," she sighed she walked over to where she had thrown her cloak she picked it up and put it back on she began to walk on once again her feet crunching in the snow.


Saya and Kira sat on the roof of one of the houses they had been talking for a bit, Saya closed her eyes as she sighed lightly

"Is something the matter Saya?" asked Kira looking up at Saya she saw the concerned look in the older Duck's eye's she frowned slightly "Saya?"

"No nothings wrong Kira am just tired," she replied but Kira didn't by it she just nodded

"Yeah we're all tired just then they heard several people heading their way

"Hey look it's the others!" exclaimed Kira happily as she jumped off the roof and ran over to them Saya watched her before she closed her eyes once again

'What's wrong with Mallory her Ki's is weakening,' wondered Saya silently as she watched the snow fall from the greyish sky.

To Be Continued…