Shadow within the Darkness
(Day 10 – Part 3)
By: Little Ucchan
"Are you sure you can handle it Ryo?"
"Yeah. No problem Ms. Canna. I'll make sure he gets home."
The boy sighed to himself, quietly closing the door to the infirmary. He hesitated, staring at the whiteness of the walls, before walking over to the other end of the room where his companion sat in silence. Pulling up a stool next to his friend, Ryo quietly sat down, waiting a few minutes before actually speaking.
"…You feeling any better?"
Sage didn't respond. Gazing blankly at the hard marble floor, he didn't seem like his mind was fully present. Ryo would often see that placid look when Sage would meditate. But this time, it was different. He was more troubled by something that Ryo wasn't aware of.
As much as he was concerned for his friend, Ryo was also extremely worried about the other guys. He didn't have a repeat of what happened in his sensei's room, but something was nagging at him. That feeling that something was going to happen. He needed to know what it was.
Even though it was the most inappropriate time to say it, Ryo went through with it anyway. "Sage, we have to get to the battlefield. The guys need us."
Sage slightly flinched as the very thought of battle triggered a series of flashbacks in his mind. Images that he had been trying to forget all day. He clenched his teeth as all the pain and suffering he had endured in his nightmares came back to haunt him. He tried to focus his eyes onto the floor as an attempt to block out the visions invading his mind. He needed to concentrate on anything but the battle. But his sight became blurred, constantly switching from the glossy white floor to the burning flames.
"Are you listening to me?"
He could barely make out the sound of Ryo's voice. He was almost able to overcome the images clouding his mind when a hand jerked his shoulder to grab his attention. At once the images rushed in.
The smell of ashes litters the air, choking him. Making him gag at the foul taste. The fore rages on, animating the city in a sparkling dance of death. Children are crying at the loss of their mothers. Soldiers risking their lives, shedding blood in vain. The whole kingdom is fighting a drastically losing battle.
All the while, watchful eyes are observing the events taking place. Sneering at the foolishness of mortals. Uncomprehending why the human spirit insists on fighting a meaningless battle. Laughing all the way as it watches the city burn.
***
"Lady?" Rowen uttered in bewilderment.
"Dude!!! He's a girl!!" Kento cried.
Rowen concentrated on the figure standing before him. Something about finding out that this person was a girl unnerved him. It reminded him of Kayura and the other Warlords. How all of them are human, but yet, they were his enemies at one point in his life. Enemies he wanted to kill. So what about this one? Is she really our enemy?
"Lady or not!!! You'd better give those back to us right now!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kento yelled.
There was no response.
Seething with anger, he growled menacingly, "This chick is really asking for it."
"Kento stop."
"Why should I?!?!?!?!?" he screamed at Rowen.
"She already has two of the armor orbs right now."
"…So?"
"She could have walked away with them when she had the chance. The fact that she's still here gives us the opportunity to reclaim them. If you keep yelling like that, she'll take off," he explained.
After a few moments, Kento let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine, you handle it."
"Thanks Kento."
Taking a few steps forward, Rowen thought of all the questions that were running through his mind. Like how he was going to get the orbs back. But first, he wanted to know why.
"Lady Sierra…why are you here?!" he shouted out to her. "What do you have against us? Why do you want our armors?!"
"Why is it that you seek answers to these questions?"
The way she responded to his interrogation puzzled him. Thinking quickly, Rowen replied, "I assume that you won't give the orbs back to us willingly. So in order to get them back I must fight you." He hesitated for a moment, and they continued. "But before I engage you in battle I must know. I must know the reasons to your actions, your purpose here."
"You say this and yet you attacked me only a few moments ago."
"I attacked you because you approached my friends. You being a stranger, and a warrior as well, I took it as if you were on the offense. Even if you didn't harm them, I wasn't going to take that chance."
"…I see. You think things out thoroughly, then?"
"When I can."
"You are a very noble young man. You have good intentions."
"And I don't doubt that you do too."
She didn't respond as quickly, searching for words to explain her thoughts. "My intentions can be perceived as neither good nor bad. I do what has to be done. That is all."
"But why—"
"Your battle ended a long time ago," she cut him off. "You have no use for such weapons anymore."
"You're wrong," he protested. "We have a new enemy—"
"That doesn't concern you. They are drawn to the orbs because of the power they emit. They do not want you."
"But we can't let them have the armors."
"They aren't after the armors. They're after something else, with a strong energy pattern. They look around, watching the flow on energy. Investigating strong auras in search for…"
She paused suddenly, her voice growing cold with the next sentence. "We've wasted time talking. If you want these back so badly then fight me for them."
Rowen hesitated on accepting the challenge. This was what he was afraid of. He found out Lady Sierra's purpose. But instead of motivating him into battle, it only caused his fighting spirit to waver. Could he really fight her? No…. What am I thinking? Rowen couldn't just trust her, nor could he hand over the armors. But how could he fight someone who was trying to give him what he always wanted? A normal life.
***
From afar, sea green eyes observed the conversation carefully. What is she getting at? What is her true reason for fighting? Cye wondered.
Slowly getting up from the floor, he was surprised that his body did not ache. He believed, that with the armor gone, it wouldn't have sheltered him from the pain he felt. But when nothing greeted him after he came out of his dazed state, Cye concluded that he had been fully healed, testing his reflexes to make sure.
Lady Sierra…did she…? That was the only reason he could think of to explain his recovery. But then that would mean that she really wasn't their enemy. Cye's head started to spin with all of these confusing thoughts. Just whose side is she on?
"Here are the rules," she stated, pulling out a small leather pouch from underneath her long cloak. Placing both orbs inside, Sierra tied the long strap around her neck, letting the pouch hang loosely over her chest.
"If you are able to take this pouch from me, the armors are as good as yours. But, if I'm able to take your armor first, then they belong to me." With one swift movement, she moved part of her cloak over her shoulder, revealing a short sword strapped to her side.
"Weapons or none." Pulling out her sword, sheath and all, she held it out horizontally to herself. "It's up to you. If you are comfortable fighting with a shuriken that is."
Shuriken? Looking down at the weapon in his hand, Rowen realized that Lady Sierra was unaware of their 'real' armors. Rowen thought of his options. Armor…shuriken…or fists. After thinking about the situation thoroughly, he came to a conclusion.
Lady Sierra was surprised to see the shuriken fly in her direction. Catching it with her free hand, she paused before laying both weapons on the ground.
"Damn it Rowen!! What the hell do you—" Kento wasn't able to finish cursing as Rowen raised his hand to silence him. Crossing his arms, Kento decided not to interfere anymore. But he couldn't help but feel uneasy about this whole thing. I hope you know what you are doing, my friend.
Rowen, in fact, did know what he was doing. Without my armor on, I'll be able to match her speed and movements. And with my hands free, it would be easier to make a pass at that pouch.
"One last thing," Lady Sierra added. "You are able to use any natural abilities or techniques that you have in your possession. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
***
Sage steadied his breath, trying to pacify his soul. His whole body trembled under the weight of what he saw. Running a hand through his matted hair, he exhaled deeply as he tried to sort out his thoughts. His dream would always forcefully enter his mind at the thought of the battle the other guys were fighting. But it never happened during the previous battles. So why now?
"It doesn't make sense," he said to himself.
"Sage?"
He was alarmed by how shaky Ryo's voice was. Taking one look at him, Sage was automatically on his feet. Ryo's eyes were wide in shock, as if he had just been through a traumatizing experience. He was practically frozen in his place, unable to even blink.
"Wha—what was that?" he asked, his voice at barely a whisper. "The…the flames…a city burning…people dying…" Sage tensed automatically. Ryo was able to see his visions. But Sage didn't speak and instead waited for him to say more.
"So much suffering. And there were soldiers…fighting the same demons we were fighting…and they…they were dying!!! Sage, what the hell was that?!"
"…My dreams."
"…You…you can't be serious," Ryo said after a moment's pause. The intensity of those images was overwhelming. A few seconds of those visions shocked Ryo into stupefaction. And Sage experienced these nightmares every night? How could he handle it?
Sage nodded solemnly. "I don't know why, but every time I even think of that battle the others are in…" He hesitated before speaking again as an image flickered across his mind. "The visions would come back to me. And they would be more violent and intense compared to my actual dreams."
"But why was I able to see them?"
"I don't know," he replied, sitting back down on the bed. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything. I only touched your shoulder. And then…I saw all of these mixed images."
There was a short silence between them, each trying to figure out what was going on. Ryo's face wrinkled up in frustration. This whole thing was making his head hurt. Glancing over at Sage, he realized how pale he looked. He was totally drained. Even if those visions stopped right now, there was no way that he would be able to fight. He knew what he had to do.
"Let's try to figure this out another time." Ryo said. "I need to get you home."
"But Ryo, the battle." Sage protested and got up. But he had to sit back down as ha sense of dizziness washed over him.
"It's out of the question," Ryo declared as he helped Sage to his feet. "There's no way in hell you'll be able to fight now. You'll be killed."
"Ryo," he pleaded, but the boy shook his head.
"No way. Besides, maybe those dreams are telling you to stay away from the fight. I mean, it never happened before right?"
"Well yeah…"
"And it only happens when you think of the battle right?"
"Yes but…"
"So that settles it then. I'm taking you home," Ryo cried with good cheer.
Sage sighed. He was really set on getting him home. And in his current state, there really was no way to go against Ryo's decision. Still, he tried. "Okay, I'll go home. But you go to the battle."
"Nope."
"I'll be fine."
"I'd hate to tell you this Sage, but you won't make it home without my help."
"But what about the guys?"
"They'll be fine."
"Ryo!"
"Don't worry about it," he smiled. "I've got to admit though. I'm a bit worried. I have a feeling that something's going to happen."
"So then why—"
"They'll be fine," Ryo cut him off for a second time. "It's hard to explain. But I know that no matter what…they'll turn out okay. Just trust me."
Sage quieted down. After throwing every possible thing that he could think of at the moment, he finally gave in to Ryo, especially after hearing that last sentence. His renewed confidence and faith in the other Ronins was totally contradictory to how Ryo usually acts when involving his friend's safety. I thought he'd be a bit more paranoid than this.
But maybe Ryo was on to something. A lot of things had been holding them back today. He might be right about staying out of the battle this time.
***
His body tensed in anticipation, his hands shaking in readiness. Stepping back a notch, Rowen adopted a fighting stance, arms raised parallel to his chest for defense. Each second seemed to loiter in a suspended sense of time as he waited for Sierra to make her move. The tension in the air was oppressive. He took in a deep breath, trying to maintain his focus. Okay, all I have to do is take the orbs.
In an instant, he charged forward with a straight punch. Moving swiftly, Lady Sierra dodged the blow to the side and did the same thing with the next punch. Rowen followed up with a reverse roundhouse and then aimed for her abdomen with a side kick. He continued his assault, trying to find ways to force Sierra to drop her guard. But each time she would dodge the attack with ease.
The boy drew back after less than a minute of fighting. Slightly panting, he watched his opponent warily incase she took this opportunity to strike. She did not, and just stood there, waiting. Even behind the mask, Rowen could tell that she was smiling to herself.
Damn it—What's up with this? I can't even touch her. Sierra had dodged every single blow that the Ronin had dished out. But not once did she block any of his attacks. Is she reading my moves?? She can't be that good.
Straightening his position, he got ready for another bout. Leaping into the air towards his opponent, Rowen executed a flying kick. She dodged it, stepping back. Just as he had expected. He landed on the ground, but sprung forward with another roundhouse. She evaded it, moving to Rowen's side. He saw how close she was to him. She won't be able to dodge it. Using the same leg, he did a reverse roundhouse. He felt his leg connect with her arm. She blocked it.
Immediately he disengaged, jumping away from her. Confusion filled his eyes as his brain tried to comprehend just what happened. She was right behind me. But the way she blocked…it should has hit me at the back of my shin. But… Rowen remembered clearly that the block had struck him at practically the edge of his heel. It was an unnatural block. He couldn't see why Lady Sierra would go out of her way to do that…unless…
Realization dawned on him as he finally figured out the reason why she had been able to easily dodge his attacks. He prepared himself again for another round. A look of determination crossed his face. Okay, let's see if I'm right about this.
Rowen continued the battle, charging aggressively with an elbow jab. The attack passed by the side of her face. Reversing his movement, he tried a backhand. He missed again, but this time he was ready. He was so close to her. It was time to put it to the test.
Making a fist with his free hand, he drove it forcefully against the side of her face. He blinked in astonishment. Sometimes, he hated it when he was right. His fist went right through her face, destroying the fake image of the woman. The real Lady Sierra was a good six inches past the imposter, narrowly escaping Rowen's punch by a hair.
"No way!!" Kento exclaimed, hardly believing it himself. "He should have hit her!!!! Can she teleport or something?!"
Cye frowned at how the battle was turning out. So that's what she meant when she said that you could use any natural abilities or techniques. Rowen was at a disadvantage.
Stepping out of the battle again for a quick break, Rowen decided to contemplate what he had learned thus far. He should have noticed it earlier. How she was always able to sneak up on her opponents. How she always had the upper hand in a battle. Her technique allows her to project her image half a foot away from her body in any direction that she desires. It gives her opponent a false sense of where she really is. The projection is close enough to deceive people from noticing anything wrong, but far enough to cause her opponents to miscalculate the distance. I've never seen someone with this kind of ability before. Just who is she?
"So…you've figured it out. Have you?" Lady Sierra asked. "My technique?"
"Somewhat," Rowen replied, not wanting to reveal what he knew.
"It's based on shadow magic. A specialty of mine."
"Shadow magic?"
"Yes. Most of the techniques I know are for espionage. And also the ability to manipulate energy," she explained, and then added, "I am a ninja. Incase you weren't aware of it."
That would explain a lot of things. Rowen thought. A ninja, huh? Gotta be more careful.
"I must admit, I'm impressed by your skills," he told her. "But…"
Charging straight at her, he cried out, "How good are you without your tricks?!"
Now that Rowen knew the skill she was using, it was easy to adjust to the fighting. Lady Sierra was forced to actually pay more attention to Rowen's movements, blocking the hits that he threw at her. He's…good.
She quickly stopped his arm from hitting her with an upper block. Rowen smiled inwardly to himself as he eyed the prize around her neck. This is it!
"You're wide open!" He reached out with his free hand and grabbed the pouch. He almost chocked on air when he saw his hand pass right through it. It's another illusion!! But…how?!
Rowen blinked in shock when he felt Lady Sierra's presence right behind him. He could feel her words breathing down his neck.
"I'll show you…how good I am…" she teased in a low whisper. And then grabbed both his extended arm and his shoulder. "…Once you're good enough to see through my 'tricks.'"
With that, she forcefully pulled him back past her side, throwing him off balance. He tripped over her outstretched foot and slammed hard into the wall behind him. Rowen pushed himself off the ground as quickly as he could, but it was too late. His mind froze, seeing the open palm in front of his face and the deep purple aura surrounding Lady Sierra.
"Game over," she spoke in a low tone. "I win."
***
"Rowen!!!"
"Kento!! Wait!!" But he was off speeding towards his friend before Cye's voice was able to reach him.
"Uncle Cye?" He looked down, startled. Cye had almost forgot that Sammy was still with them.
"What's gonna happen to Uncle Ro-chan?" she inquired, looking up at him from where she stood, clutching his leg.
Cye ran his fingers through her hair affectionately, trying to assure her that everything was going to be all right. But the fact was that he had no idea what was going to happen next. What will become of us?
***
"That's it you damn broad!! I've had it with you!!!" Kento attacked her head on. But his punch only sliced through air as Lady Sierra had already taken Rowen's armor orb and jumped out of his reach. She landed deftly besides where she had set down her weapons.
"Damn it!!! Come back here!!!" he cried.
Ignoring him, she took out the 'real' pouch, which was concealed under her cloak, and placed the new orb inside with the others.
When did she put it there? Cye mused as he and Sammy joined the others. Walking right up to Rowen, who was leaning against the wall, he tried to snap him out of his daze.
"Rowen!!!! C'mon!!!" Cye cried, shaking him until he blinked.
"Wha?" he murmured, a bit drowsy. And then he remembered what happened. "Sierra!!"
By that time, she had already gathered up her things and was ready to go. But before leaving, she had one last thing to say to the Ronins.
"If your two other friends wish to challenge me, I'd gladly accept. I'll be waiting here at 6:00 PM, this Saturday. Until then."
"Hey!!! Wait!!! I ain't through with you yet Sierra!!!!" Kento yelled, pursuing her. But she was already gone. Stopping in the middle of the street, Kento growled angrily until he couldn't take it anymore.
"SHIT!!!!!!!" he screamed, furiously driving his fist forward, slicing at the air to try and let loose his frustration.
Cye watched his friend lose control, unsure of what he should do next. Everything happened too fast. And that woman. He still wasn't sure of her. Friend or enemy? He couldn't choose. There was still too much mystery surrounding Lady Sierra and their new enemies. It was hard to decide anything at this point. But…what will we do now?
He turned to Rowen, hoping that the blue-haired genius would provide him with some kind of answer. But, his companion never replied to the unspoken question.
Cye stood there as Rowen sank down to his knees, eyes closed tight in fury. He should have done something. That's what his brain kept telling him. Repeating it over and over. You should have stopped her!!! But he didn't. He…couldn't.
Slamming his fist onto the concrete, he let out an aggravated scream. Damn it!! This can't be happening!!! But it was…real. From the pain he felt in his hand to the heat pounding down his back. All of it was really happening. And the truth was undeniable. Their armors were gone.