Honor of the Rising Sun

Chapter 6

Secret Organization

Each passing day brings the clan further into danger. They've already found these "wrinkles in space" twice in the past month as they now hone the powers of two of the Totemas. They figured that there may be more of these Totemas, but that can't be proven for now.

Clan Nutsy finally came back from a mission that involved a great deal of their resources to be able to defeat the enemies in Koringwood. A hard fought battle has turned to their victory. If it hadn't been for the two new recruits, the battle wouldn't have gone in their favor. Marche sat down in a chair, taking a break after nearly losing to those mages. Lita's sniping, Theodore's healing, Montblanc's counter-magic, and such came from the strategical standpoint that they took. Even Marche, being the indecisive leader, managed to defeat the leader of the clan. Thankfully, Rain was there to give strategic advice at the time. If not, then they would've lost. However, something puzzled him about that.

"Even if he does know such tactics, how can he figure such a thing out so quickly? Theodore told me that even the most skilled tacticians are much older than Rain, and even they can't figure out such a tactic within a few seconds."

He remembered that Theodore has told him about how many tacticians are generally older than Rain, and that they take quite some time to plan ahead. Rain didn't plan ahead at all. He does notice, however, that Rain's behaviors are much different from Nat's behaviors. Comparing Nat, who is a full-bred bangaa, to Rain, it makes a great difference physically and mentally. Rain always seems to disappear on the clan on multiple occasions during their off-time when everything is quiet. He would be asking Rain what he's doing, but Rain isn't around at this point. Marche can see Becile sitting off in a corner; apparently waiting for Rain. Marche does know that asking her would be useless as Rain is really the only person she trusts.

Marche began to think about this world and the way he played through it. He can obviously tell that things here are different from how it was played through, and he still doesn't understand why what he's seeing is different from how he played it. Before he pondered anymore, he can hear the doors to the pub open up.

"Rain is back. I'll have to ask him now when I have the chance."

Marche got up to see Rain at the door. He did find Rain there, but he also can see two others who aren't a part of the clan. One appears to be a high ranking Defender just by looking at the medals that hang on his suit of armor. He does, however, appear to be old. The other member appears to be a young Ninja. Two swords, one on each side, hang from the Ninja's belt. Marche went up to Rain, questioning his motives.

"Rain, who are they?"

Rain took a step forward and began to speak to Marche. "These two have asked me for admittance into our clan. I'll introduce them to you."

Marche stood there, watching as Rain turned to the Ninja first. "The Ninja you see to my left is Nikolai Lunkrev. He is an expert in the ways of stealth and the use of Chakra. He comes from a line of Ninjas as he uses an ancient technique that has been passed down in his family for generations. His parents were a part of Clan Delta, who died during Clan Delta's last stand."

Nikolai stepped forward, giving a slight bow to Marche. "I'm very much obliged to meet you."

Rain then looked to his left, introducing the bangaa Defender. "And this is Shultz Razher. He is one of the few members of Clan Delta who survived the last stand. He's a well trained Defender; probably the best Defender on Clan Delta's team. If anything, he is currently the eldest member of the former Clan Delta."

Shultz stood in militaristic form, just like what he was taught during his time with Clan Delta. "It'ss an honor to meet you, Clan Nutssy Leader Marche Radiuju.

Marche stood there, puzzled as to why Rain brought these two in. The common ground is that they all have some connection to Clan Delta. However, this can benefit his clan as this would add more strength to the clan. Something does bother Marche.

"Why did he only choose those that have connections to Clan Delta to join our clan?"

Marche only stood there, letting Rain walk to him. Rain stood there, waiting for his answer. "What is your decision? Are they allowed or no?"

It took a few seconds for Marche to snap out of his trance, noticing Rain's impatience. "Uh…well…I guess so. We can use a Ninja and a Defender."

Montblanc came up to see the situation himself, examining the newcomers. He may not know enough about judging someone just from first looks, but he already can tell in their eyes that they're determined. Finally, he said, "Well, kupo, welcome to the team."

Shultz and Nikolai gave a nod of approval to the young moogle and stepped down into the break area to speak with the others and get to know the team better. Rain stepped down as well, but went to his quarters instead. This gave Marche an opportunity to talk to Rain.

"I need to know more about this. But…I don't know if I should. What if he attacks me if I ask?"

Marche didn't notice the hand on his shoulder until he snapped back from his trance. He turned to his left to see Bernardo standing there with his hand on his shoulder.

"Marche, if you want to talk to Rain, then you'll have to talk to him. You are the clan leader, and you have the right to enter someone's room if there's a purpose."

That comment gave more confidence to Marche, which he decided to enter Rain's room to gain more information. However, upon entering, he found the room to be extremely unorganized as documents and books are on the floor. Marche stood there, and called over. "Rain, I need to talk to you for a moment."

Rain looked up from some documents that he's been looking over and answered, "Come in and shut that door while you're at it."

Marche still notices Rain's usual behavior. He found a spot on Rain's bunk and sat down. "Rain, I need to ask you-"

"You're asking me why I'm not around with the clan, right?" Rain interrupted.

Marche looked at Rain questionably, not knowing how he could've guessed that. "Uh, yeah."

Rain sat there, knowing that his cover will be blown one of these times. Now would probably be the best time to talk. "Marche, I need to tell you something very impor-"

Before Rain could finish what he's trying to say, they heard a loud noise coming from outside the room. The sound is very familiar as rocks piled on top of each other as if something collapsed. Rain knew the familiar sounds as he can remember it from his life in the past.

"Someone broke in…and at this hour?"

Marche and Rain left the room, seeing that the dust is beginning to clear to reveal people standing in the entryway. Most of them are Gladiators, Warriors, Fighters, Assassins, or even Illusionists. However, the front line consisted of some other group. They appeared to be in the garbs of a Templar, but the problem is that their garbs are blood red.

Concerned for the team, Marche had to ask, "Rain, who are these people?"

Rain didn't even look at Marche. He only has a grin on his face, seeing that this is something that he should've expected. "This has been a well conceived plan. I wouldn't have expected you to break in like that. And it's because of the likes of you that my family and clan have all been either killed or dispersed."

One of the Templar in the blood red garbs stepped forward and spoke boldly. "You sseem to have a great deal of confidence in yoursself. I would like to have the honor of sslaying you! We of the Dark Templar ssect will not lose to a half-breed like you!"