Chapter 4
In which more questions are raised
"I don't understand, Shukaku-sama. He's not responding to any of our treatments," the medic said.
The sun was high in the sky, and sunlight streamed through the window.
"Do you have any idea what's causing this? Any at all?" Shukaku replied worriedly. He didn't like feeling so helpless.
The light made the room and everything in it glow.
"No, sir. None. He seemed like he was going to recover yesterday." The medics couldn't understand what had caused the sudden deterioration in Shinta's condition.
A soft breeze fluttered the curtains, and a decision was made.
"I see. Captain Akira, please bring Sakura-san to the hospital. She'll want to hear this," Shukaku said. He was worried about how Sakura would take the news; he was upset and he didn't even know the boy.
The Captain's eyes were drawn to the table where Shinta rested.
Akira closed her eyes and replied, "Hai, Shukaku-sama."
The door opened and closed on the room where Shinta was dying.
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The sun set and darkness fell. A figure hid itself in the shadows of an alley before pulling out a mirror.
"Master," the figure said to the mirror.
"It has been long since you spoke to me," the mirror growled. The voice caused the stars to dim and the wind to hold its breath.
"Forgive me," the figure mumbled. "There were survivors."
On the other side of the mirror, a low rumble was heard.
"Enough of that. What have you found?" the voice demanded.
A gust blew through the alley and tugged at the figure's cloak before it answered, "I am in the village, Master. Their leader appears a prime target."
"Excellent. Continue your study and report any interesting findings," the voice said as it slowly faded.
"Hai," the figure replied as it put the mirror away.
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Far away, in the darkness that has no name, a great bulk stirred. "Finally, finally, I will have the last laugh," smirked the Master.
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AN: I edited this a little bit. Just enough so that it flows better. :)