Ch.2: Fox Fire
Far away, deep in the ancient forests of Japan, spirits were said to live and dance throughout the fields, peace being the primary cornerstone of their lives. This was the land of the guardians, home to a powerful tribe known as the Kitsune.
The Kitsune were mystical, fox-like beings whose sole purpose was to protect all of Japan's ancestry and magic, whatever the means. Last year was almost a disaster when the Red Comet amulet, containing the very essence of the Phoenix's soul, was put into evil's hands, nearly bringing the wrath of the Yomi upon the modern world.
If it wasn't for the bravery of Ninjara, and few fateful new allies, all surely would have lost that tragic day. Now, the King Yomi lay safely sealed back in the Underworld, and Ninjara returned to her home in japan. The golden kistune was seen as a hero to her kind, but passed off the cheer with a modest wave.
The sweet scents of the flowers greeted Ninjara's senses as she sat deep in her meditation pose at the base of the temple steps. Her heart beamed with pride at the thoughts of her adventure just a few weeks before, but her soul sung with a bit of sadness. She missed the friends she had left behind.
Snapping out of her meditation, Ninjara slowly opened up her deep, blue eyes and gazed up at the colorful sky, her mind reflecting back to the memories;
A fierce protector, whose eyes burned with fire, and was now joined with the Phoenix's soul. The calm leader, always making sure to keep watch with those under his care. The scientist, seeking knowledge through skeptical means. And the restless spirit, longing for a purpose he had yet to fulfill.
Yes it was the spirited one, Michaelanglo, that intrigued Ninjara the most. Filled with child-like joy and a strong spirit, Mikey reminded Ninjara a bit of herself, before the job of being a guardian took presence in her life.
Living for a time with Mikey and his brothers was definitely the high point of her trip to America. She even left a little memento behind to show that their friendship would always be forever.
"I wonder what's happening over there now?" said Ninjara, when a sudden jolt shook her from her thoughts.
Hair bristling on end with alarm, Ninjara quickly stood and dashed into the evening shadows, the rising sun beginning to dawn, sparkling like a gem as it flew up upon the eastern horizon.
Pulling out her katana blade, Ninjara stood poised and ready to fight, along with the rest of the warrior kistune who were alerted from the disturbance in the air. All weapons were drawn out, daring any foe to try and cross the land's borders.
A sudden flash of white sped by, dashing out of what remained of the evening shadows, striking quick and precise. Black shadows jumped out to join the white flash, their bulbous, red eyes all to familiar with Ninjara's sight; the Foot Clan.
She had encountered this clan only once before, during her visit to New York, and was not all to shocked when she realized they had a japanese sanction as well. These were deadly assassins, and though they did put a good fight, they no match for the warriors of the Kistune tribe.
Swords slashed fiercely as the battle ensued. Clawed hands dove down from above to strike a slashing blow against the enemies face. Kicks and punches soared through the air, and blood rained down upon the battlefield.
Taking on a small army of six, Ninjara quickly utilized her vast training and knowledge to bring a quick end to those around her. Six bodies soon splattered on the ground, groaning in pools of blood.
Before she could take off and help the other warriors, the white streak appeared again, catching Ninjara's eye, disappearing inside the temple Ninjara had recently meditated before.
Sensing trouble, Ninjara followed after the white streak, running down to the temple's basement, where all of Japan's finest treasures where safely stored. A shadowy figure stood above one of the treasures, her white fur shining dimly in the torchlight, and her face turned away from the kitsune behind her.
Slowly sneaking behind her unknown opponent, Ninjara directed her eyes straight to where this unknown figure was staring. A table adorned with golden-inlay jewels stood firm witha small, white poduim standing ontop its surface. Upon this poduim, a fox shaped, golden charm lay pristine with a sterling, silver chain, ready to worn on the neck.
Of all the charms belonging to the Kitsune Tribe, this cursed necklace was among the powerful and revered of all. No one possessed the right to wear it, unless they were a born leader to the clan.
"Finally" whispered the unknown figure, reaching her white-furred down to pick up the charm "after all these years, the power is mine again,"
"Stop!" called Ninjara, instantly bringing her katana out to deal with the theif.
However, before her attack could even make contact, the unknown figure turned around to face Ninjara, her lips blowing forth a cloud of purple dust that, for a moment, made her opponent blind. Darkness came over Ninjara's senses, as she felt herself collasping towards the ground.
"Sleeping potion!" she thought angrilly, and then muttered wearily aloud " Who are you?"
A white, fox-like face, sporting a purple mask, and glowing, yellow eyes, bent down to give Ninjara her answer.
"I" she said " am Alopex,"