Chapter 9- Raicho's Truth and a New Ronin Revealed

Authors Note: Rated for language!

While the new Titan and Poseidon were on their way to the Manor, Seiji was having a hard time dealing with the fact that his grandfather was a legend. So much so that he abruptly left the manor to confront him.

At the same time though a girl was busy fending off Nether Realm footsoldiers on her own and doing a rather good job of it. No one knew who she was, but the ice blue eyes and violet streaked black hair gave a semblance of an amazon of Greek Mythology. A pair of custom made sais flicked in and out, as the soldiers went down. After the maelstrom, she left without a word to the stunned residents that were watching. Nearby a red haired figure watching smiled approvingly.

"Good, my Oni, soon you will answer the call of destiny."

Now in Kyoto, Seiji calmed himself down then entered the house. Satsuki was helping mother with dinner and both saw the young warrior enter.

"Seiji, whats wrong?" Satsuki asked, looking concerned.

In response, Seiji said nothing but this: "The Guardians are awake. If I am truly the heir then where is Raicho? Poseidon and Titan are awake. Ashura has given the death challenge to my friend Ryo. I will not stand idly by and watch as Ashura destroys every last vestige of hope we have."

"Well said, for if you truly wish to become Raicho, you must not be the idle one. You must be the one to face death and smile. That is the legacy that you are inheriting. Not this land, the dojo or this house...but the sacred responsibility of the clan. If you truly wish to take the path of absolute truth, then stand before me." Masamune said standing at the doorway of the dojo. "Pledge the same thing I did to the Ancient and you will have taken the first step."

Seiji glared. "The first step? Great-Grandfather, first off, how did you know, secondly what pledge?"

Masamune smiled gently. "Swear that you are the life giver, and that taking life is a necessary evil."

"I do so swear." Seiji replied flatly.

"You are the light and peace of this world, and the call that unites five souls. When necessary, will you make the call to save humanity?"

Seiji gave a 'no shit' look and sighed. "What do you think?"

Masamune chuckled. "I take that as you meaning yes?"

"Of course. I am a Ronin."

"That means nothing. You are on your way to becoming a Guardian. Korin will pass to a new Generation. Now, finally, do you swear that when the time comes you will faithfully record all the events of history, be the first to waken, last to sleep and the one to make the call to arms?"

"Eh?"

"I am the keeper of knowledge for the Guardians. What I know they know as well. They also know that I am the first to waken, last to sleep. Thus I make the call to arms to waken the other four from their dormancy. Do you swear to do all that?"

"Yes."

With that simple reply Masa smiled and walked away. "Then we will see if Raicho accepts you for who you are. He is the truthsayer, the one that sees through falsehood and lies, not to mention illusions and deceptions. I will say this now. Your friend is walking into a death trap. Only you can save him...but first you must be tested. Go to the Caves of Halo, discard Korin and go up further. There a is a place called The Nest of Lightning. Meditate and pray that Raicho appears before you. This is your test. Go."

"Yes Grandfather." Seiji bowed and left to do as he was bid.

The girl meanwhile was resting focusing her thoughts and thinking about the day. The red head appeared before her.

"Tell me...what was the meaning of those tincans poping up out of the darkness?"

"The Death Challenge for the White Knight...possibly a distraction."

"Go on." the red head said softly.

"A trap. The White Knight is in danger?"

"What will the Oni do?"

"Go help. Offer assistance."

"Anything else?"

The girl gave the red head an odd look. He just smiled blandly. "Remember the locket." He said gently as he faded away. The girl stared at where he was for a while then it dawned on her. The locket was the last thing in the world she had of her past...would her past come back to haunt her? If so, how?

Seiji had been meditating for about an hour when the skies broke with a heavy storm. Clouds had built up to that point. Lightning flashed and the wind howled. Still Seiji sat there focusing his mind. (And his hair did not move. /evil grin/) A bolt of lighting struck nearby charging the area. Seiji focused and channeled it away from him. Just then a soft voice reached his ears.

"You have passed the test. I imagined you would get struck, but you went on focusing on yourself and life other than death. I admire that. For that I have chosen you as my bearer...Seiji, he who was of Korin, rise and become the thunder bird Raicho!"

Seiji arose and looked up. "Busso Raicho!" he cried. Immediately the metal started forming on him and Wings appeared, folding flat on his back. They too were made of the same metal. A new no-datchi rested hi his hand and he looked at it sharply. Finely crafted and made by the gods it seemed. Whoever made it he trusted. He approached the edge of the nest and willed the wings to come out. he then took a chance. While they were not like wings, they carried him to the ground easily. When he landed they folded back mysteriously. Seiji smiled.

'So this is how it is to be a guardian...I am properly chastened Grandfather."

The girl approached the steps of the manor and cautiously knocked. Ryo went to answer and stared...

"Ryo..."

"Angel! I thought--"

Authors note: HAHAHAHAHAHA! AGAIN I LEAVE A CLIFFHANGER! What now? Will the truth be revealed? Why does Ryo know this mysterious girl? Angel...her name is Angel...odd...coincedence? Maybe, then again I could be an ass and not tell ya. Keh..I'll be an ass. Find out next chapter as the Angelic Guardian wakens!

Thanks to readers:

Angel Sanada

Queen Meep

Hikaru1617

And others I have forgotten. Please continue to review.