Late Afternoon. The sun had begun to set over the horizon. Shiro and Espio were training in the golden field at the foot of the mountain. The two young chameleons Shiro and Espio were sparring in the open landscape.

"So what were you doing up there with Mariko eh?" Shiro enquired as he struck his hand to Espio's chest. "You finally ask her out?"
Espio twitched with irritation and quickly dodged the strike. "Can't you just drop it?" He kicked out his leg towards his head. It backfired as Shiro countered with a leg sweep.

"Hey man, C'mon. I've been your best friend since you came to our village - when your old man passed away. Surely you can tell me whatever was going on." He stretched his arm to him.

Espio shut his eyes in defeat. Both from the conversation and the sparring match.

He accepted the outstretched hand. "We were just sparring for the kids."

Shiro smiled as he hauled in friend up from the floor "Oh, family planning already huh?" He laughed.

Espio shook his head, but released a light smile. "And that is why I don't tell you these things."

"Oh c'mon man, I was just playing around. So what happened – is that all?"

"Well, we made a deal that the loser of a spar, on the bridge over the pond, would do the other's chores for a week and..."

"W-w-wait. Y-You lost?!"

"Well..."

Shiro then collapsed on the floor with laughter.

"That's why you were so wet before! HAHAA!" He gasped.

Espio was not amused and just stared off towards the fading sun.

"We should probably start making our way back now." He said. "It's not good for us to be exposed out in the open here – anyone could spot us."

"Quit worrying." Shiro sighed. "No-one's gonna find us here."

"What now then?"

"You just want to get to Sakura Murasaki to swoon over her again don't you?" Shiro teased.

"Shut-up."

"Whatever." He stepped away and raised his hand above his eyes – scanning their environment, "How about a quick race?"

"Then can we-" Espio stopped himself. He knew what Shiro was going to say.

Shiro burst into laughter yet again. Espio, in turn, was growing impatient – as evidenced by the shade of red his scales were turning to.

"Are we gonna race then?" He snorted.

Shiro, desperately trying to gain back his breath, replied "Hey! No fair! You just made me laugh out everything." He got back to his feet and dusted himself off. "You can be really pathetic sometimes you know – especially around her."

"Shut Up." Espio exhaled. "Well?"

"Why? You hungry for my dust?"

Espio smiled and shook his head again. The two then rocketed off through the field - the crops nearly snapping under the pressure of their combined speed.

"Hey, you've gotten a lot faster." Shiro said as the two rivaled one another's speed.

"Heh. You haven't. I'm just jogging." Espio replied and began to pick up speed.

The blue chameleon attempted to trip him with his tail.

"HEY!" Espio yelled as he leapt over the attack.

The field had little in the way of terrain challenges. There was the occasional difference in elevation, but no ditches, rocks or fallen trees. Shiro was beginning to get bored and thus decided to spark up a new conversation.

"What did you think of master's council on our training?" he asked.

Espio thought for a moment. "I...He..." He paused.

"Puh. Our master is old – his senses are failing him."

They began to slow down as the conversation heated up.

"He may be advancing in years, but he was still able to defeat all three of us without getting struck once. And if his senses were failing him, then why were his comments so true?" Espio then replied.

Shiro came to a halt. Espio, after skidding for another six feet, walked back over to him.

"Perhaps he was right about you and Mariko, but there was no way he was right about me!" Shiro snorted. "Master doesn't see my potential. In fact the only problem I really have is having to work with people below my skill level – of course I'm gonna be distracted!"

He glanced up at Espio. "Oh. Er…no offence there buddy."

"Sometimes you have to worry about those who are lower level than you out in the field." Espio responded. "Maybe that's what master was trying to say? He just wants us all to be fully prepared for when we do go out there."

"Yeah…I know…."

Shiro's eyes then sparked with excitement.

"Hey! How's about we get ourselves into the Acrodon Army?" Shiro queried.

A sharp "What?!" was Espio's answer.

"Think about it. We get a chance to apply our skills in the real world, we gain experience from several other ninja masters and the villagers will worship us – and not just the children this time."

Espio entered deep thought. "I don't know Shiro, are we ready for that?" he asked.

"Come on Espio!" Shiro adopts a smile of disbelief. "We both know that we're wasting our potential locked up in that training dojo Mondays through Fridays. I'm sure even our old master would commemorate our boldness."

"You're right. Shiro – you're right!"

"I know – I'm saying it!" Shiro laughed. "Oh, by the way, you're going to tell master."

"Huh?! I am?! Why me?"

"Hey, it's obvious that you're the favorite don't even try to argue against that one. Besides, you can think of it as pay-back for leaving me with those bags of rice."

"I suppose that's fair..."

"It's late now. Let's head back so I can eat dinner – I don't want to be late and get swatted by master again." Shiro chuckled.

"Heh. Agreed." Espio smiled.

Shiro walked ahead with his arms folded behind his crest. "My uncle's making some of his famous Sushi rolls. You're welcome to come over if you like. Hey; you could even invite-"

Their trek back was then interrupted by sounds of an oncoming carriage.

"What's that?" Espio spun around in the direction of the sound.

"Clan Carriage! Quick – camouflage!" Shiro yelled.

Each cell in their body altered in their physiology – causing them to bend the light around them and becoming almost completely transparent. Their invisibility powers – known only in Mobian Chameleons and mastered by the Acrodon ninjas.

CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK

The carriage rode ever closer. The two chameleons tried to calm their breathing. They may have been invisible, but they could still be heard.

"Hey, what is it?" Shiro whispered. "Can you see what clan it is? Is it the Raiju?"

"Shhh!" Espio replied. "We can't let them know we're here! If they spot us – they'll discover the village. Our clan would be doomed!"

"Right – sorry."

"Shhh. They're coming closer."

CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK

The carriage came quickly past them and began up the mountain. The two chameleons, warily, became visible again.

"It looks like they've discovered our village anyway," Exclaimed Shiro.

"I…I think that was one of ours – the royal messenger." Espio stood up and watched. "Well he certainly looked like he was in a hurry, must've had something important to report to the Bride of Constant Vigil."

"Should we check it out?"

"I guess – but if we miss dinner; it'll be on your head!"
They followed after the carriage as Shiro's stomach growled loudly.

The carriage moved to great elevations upon the mountain; reaching the Shinobi courtroom – where discussions with the bride of Constant Vigil and her chancellors were held. It was a glorious and golden building, hidden high up within the mountain conifer forests. Golden serpentine dragon ornaments spanned over the corners of the building. Their ruby-red eyes stared down upon the entrance to the court-room like vicious guard dogs.
Espio and Shiro, again, activated their invisibility as they entered. They perched on a wall near one of the main doorways of the main discussion room.

What they had learned was that the troops were experiencing trouble out in the field where they were supposed to be studying rival clans for weaknesses. Several expert ninjas had been captured by the Raiju clan where they were being tortured in order to find out the location of the few Acrodon villages. The Bride of Conquering storms was also taunting the Constant Vigil – mocking her and 'dangling' her precious ninjas in front of her essentially.

"Well the moral thing to do is to send out a rescue troop for them. The infiltrators can get in, rough up the guards and then leave with our captured agents – barely leaving any form of evidence that we had been there." One chancellor commented.

"Are you mad?! Our numbers are very few as it is! Sending more troops will ultimately destroy us!" Another said.

"He's right. It's just what the Bride of Conquering Storms wants!"

It soon became hard to pick out what was being said as the whole room began to become filled with the arguing of the chancellors.

"She'll have us deplete our offensive numbers until we have no choice but to surrender."

"We should just leave them there – there's nothing we can do."

"Surely there is! We can't let them die out there after days of torture!"

"It's part of their mission. They knew this could've happened."

"If they do die, it'll be an honorable death."

Espio recognized that last one to be from Chancellor Katsumi. The authority in his voice quickly silenced the other chancellors and all eyes turned to him.

The chancellor stood quietly for a moment, staring straight ahead of himself. He then spoke "Whilst, yes, those are noteworthy points. We must not forget that this is not simply just a mission of espionage – this is war! And in war, the opponent [i]must[i/] be destroyed. Losing those ninjas without a battle is not an effective method of carrying out this goal. In an attempt to rescue them, we can inflict a debilitating wound into the defenses of the Raiju clan. With our gathered troops we can continue to strike their clan using the 'slash and flee' method before they can recover. The Raiju clan would be wiped off the face of the Dragon-Lands in a matter of weeks."

The other chancellors began mumbling to one another. One then spoke out; "Chancellor Katsumi, we do not have that number of troops in order to fulfill such an order. Suppose some were to fall in combat?"

"We use the training ninjas, of course." He replied with a malicious grin.

The room roared with greater mumbling.

"I guess you won't have to ask master after all." Shiro then whispered to Espio.

"Stop there Katsumi!" A voice yelled out among the chancellors.

Espio and Shiro peered closer to see who had challenged chancellor Katsumi. It was none other than their very own Master!

"What's he doing here do you suppose?" Shiro asked Espio.

"He's a close friend of the Constant Vigil." Espio replied quietly.

"Wow, you certainly know a lot about Acrodon royalty Espio. Do you like study the stuff before bed?"

Espio ignored him, choosing instead to focus on what was being said.

"Our training ninjas are far from combat ready. If you send them out into the main village of the Raiju clan, they will surely be killed before they get over the great wall." Their master continued.

"It is of no concern to you. This is the decision coming from the Chancellors of the great Bride of Constant Vigil!" Katsumi hissed. "You have no power or worth in here with your views. You lack our wisdom and experience in battle plans."

"I am telling you that from a strategic point of view, that this is unwise Katsumi!" Master yelled. "They have none of the experience to deal with the real world of battle!"

"Hmph. With an extra push through intensified and more disciplined training, they'll easily be ready."
The room roared with discourse once again.

"Hey Espio." Shiro whispered. "Didn't I call it or what? Maybe when we mention it to master, he'll forget this and see that we really are ready."

"Yeah" Espio responded," Looks like this is it."

"Let's head back then. We need to get some stuff for my uncle's sushi rolls and I am starved!"

"Roger that." Espio smiled.

The pair, still invisible, sprinted off out of the Court-house. Whilst they had left, the conversation in the court-room was still active.

"I think there is something clouding your judgement over the matter, old master chameleon." Katsumi spoke with malevolence. "Isn't there?"

Master replied "It is your judgement that has been blinded Katsumi. Blinded by your thoughts of great prosperity should your plan succeed. It will ultimately fail and destroy us all!"

"But it is your judgement, that is clouded by the thought of losing your three ninjas!"

Master froze, a drop of sweat trickling down his face.

Katsumi had won. He gave out a short maleficent laugh, "Old master. Should your ninjas die; they would die in great honor." He smirked. "It would be you that brought them to that point. You should be proud!" He chuckled lightly. "Your previous students have all had different fates; some well-respected to this day, some who had also fallen and a few kept in the clutches of the Raiju at this very moment! The honorable death of these three would be your greatest achievement!"

Master's anger began to boil. "Katsumi..."

"MOU-II!" The Constant Vigil yelled out for order.
All became silent in accordance. The constant vigil was a violet-colored chameleon, sporting a small crest with three false horns. The false horns were customary for Brides of the Acrodon clans as horns symbolize authority within the clan but only the males sported such horns. She wore a long white dress that would've dragged along the floor a long ways behind her if she were to walk.

"Your quarreling has become akin to a pair of sea birds struggling over but a scrap of refuse." She scowled the two chameleons from atop her golden throne. "This is a serious matter that must be dealt with honorably. Not in a manner comparable to that of schoolchildren."

The two chameleons were quick to apologize – bowing lower to display their greater respect.

"Please accept our humble apologies O Constant Vigil." They said.

"All have made exceptional points, whether clouded by personal emotions or not." Her voice was gentle, yet firm. "It unquestionably would be desirable to rescue our troops from the torment that they endure. However, we should not endanger the young ninjas – they are the future of our clan after all."

Master smiled at the Constant Vigil's words, accompanied by Katsumi's grumbles.

"However..." She continued, everyone in the hall focusing intently on her speech. "Chancellor Katsumi does raise some valid strategic points; as well as informing us of your possible emotional ties to this discussion Master Chameleon."

"But Constant Vigil, I-" Master attempted to combat the charge that Katsumi had made upon him.
The constant Vigil patiently raised a finger in order to stop Master. "I will have to take this into further, careful consideration. Our clan is too small to risk large-scale battles with clans as powerful as the Raiju. However; the Raiju are the sworn adversaries of the land and so every opportunity should be taken when supplied to us. I shall return with the final instruction tomorrow morning."

Light muttering began again as Master looked up at the Constant Vigil in near shock and disbelief. Chancellor Katsumi chuckled lightly to himself.

"You are dismissed." She announced.

The chancellors then left the court-room. Master, now with his head down in disbelief, was then approached by Katsumi; "Let it go old master. We all die someday. It will be an honorable death."

The chancellor then patted him on the shoulder and began to snigger. Master closed his eyes as he attempted to dismiss his anger and frustration.

Just as Katsumi began to go on his way, Master spun around, grasping Katsumi by his shoulders and shoving him into a nearby wall to gain his attention. His scales glowed red and he snarled. Katsumi returned the gesture but not nearly to the same level of intimidation.
Master regained his usual level of control and began speaking to Katsumi "I tell you now Katsumi, I will first die before allowing my students to enter such a battle that they are not ready for."

"Enough Master Chameleon." Constant Vigil called down to him.

Master then released his hold on Katsumi and his colors cooled down to their usual brown.
Katsumi dusted off his robes in disgust. "Die you say?" He snarled. "Careful Master Chameleon, you may never know what the future may hold." Without another sound, Katsumi departed.

Master remained for a moment, attempting to recall his usual cool and collected nature. His eyes tightly closed again.

A hand rested upon his shoulder. "Shen." A voice said.

He turned and slowly opened his eyes.

"Constant Vigil...Constant Vigil I am so confused." He spoke softly, looking back down to the floor.
With no-one else around but her maid-servants, she seemed to discard her royal tone from before. "Shen…I must ask you, what is going on?"

"I cannot let this happen. Those three are not ready at all – they will surely lose their lives." He responded. "After my last two were killed in battle, I was devastated. I stopped teaching completely for three months – it was those three that brought me back. And now two other students have been captured by the Raiju, am I now to lose them and my last three students?"

"Shen, you know that you are not the only master who will go through this tomorrow. Many of the other Ninja Masters will also let their students go into battle."

"Many of them are ready though – these three are not."

"That's not the point though Shen. Many will still go through the same emotions as you. Sadness. Anger. But would they not also feel the same if they were ready?"

"Constant Vigil…your wisdom is as vast as the dragon kingdom itself."

"You don't need to talk like that here Shen, there's no-one ar-"

"But it is not just that, it is also who they are."

"Shen…"

"Mariko is such a polite and fine young girl – she is modest, good-hearted and wise beyond her years. She could be a valuable one within the council." As he spoke, his smile grew in size. "And Shiro – that boy has some impressive skills. He could make a fine young warrior in the future – leading us into many victories!"

"Shen…"The constant Vigil attempted to stop him again.

"Espio…oh, he reminds me so much of his father. He's skilled, courageous, intelligent…and a fine young chameleon all in all." He turned towards her again with a smile. "You must be so proud."
In response, she simply lowered her head, an air of sadness about her.

"I'm sorry Shen, but I-"

"You're sorry?" Shen interrupted. A puzzled expression fastened to his face. "Sumiko…"
Her eyes widened slightly and she slowly looked back up towards him. The Bride of Constant Vigil's real name, Sumiko. Only those closest to her ever dared use her real name. She hadn't heard Shen use it in a long time.

"Sumiko, I hold high regard for all of my students. But I see so much of my friend…your husband…his father within him. Losing Espio would be that fateful day all over again. He is your son Sumiko! You have already lost Lord Masao to the Raiju's Lord of the Cyclones – are you also going to let-"

He stopped, realizing the pain in her eyes. She had pulled away and began trembling. Her eyes widened, as if she was reliving the event.

Shen dropped to the floor in a bow. "Sumi…Bride of Constant Vigil. Forgive me, I did not mean to go so far."

He remained in the position as she snapped out of her trance-like state.

"There is still chance that Espio may not fall in battle." He spoke, his face still pinned to the floor. "He is a bright young man."
She raised him back up to his feet and smiled.

"In this world...there is no paradise without sacrifice. It pained me greatly to watch him…"

"Sumiko…"

"Of course I do not like the thought of it. But as the Bride of Constant Vigil, I must uphold the entire clan's well-being and the quite possibly the world's rather than of my son. I would rather keep him safe here – but my duty is to our people."

"I understand."

"Do you remember when I brought Espio to your care?"

"Of course. You wanted me to train him to be like his father – to finish what Masao had started."

"Espio had always wanted to be like his father – a ninja warrior. A hero, just like our beloved Masao."

"And it carries on even to this day." He chuckled.

"I also knew that if anyone could train him to be ready for this day that it was you, Shen."

"I have done my best. But I fear that I may still fail the two of you. I need more time."

"I wish we still had that luxury Shen. However, my decision is not yet finalized. I may be able to allow for a few more days…"

"Thank y-"

"But it is not certain yet, please do all that you can tonight."

"Of course I will. But know that my efforts will also be focused into making sure that my three students will not go out into battle – as long as I live and breathe; they will not die."

She smiled in return. "I know you will."

Little did they know, Chancellor Katsumi was still in the building and had been listening into the conversation.

"Sayonara, Sumiko," Master Shen bowed.

The constant Vigil then smiled and bowed in return. "Sayonara Master Shen."
Shen then left the Court-house, soon followed by Katsumi. The Constant Vigil was then left alone in the room to reminisce about the past. That fateful day…

It was a beautiful summer's noon. The sky was blue; planted with white, fluffy clouds. The dark green evergreen trees showed the pinnacle of their health as they swayed rigidly with the cool summer breeze. Blossoms from the pink sakura trees from further up the mountain danced down around the cheering crowd as they awaited the return of Lord Masao. He had been battling the leader of the Raijju clan, the Lord of Cyclones, a mile away from the village. He had nearly discovered their village, however, reports have said that Masao had slayed the Lord of Cyclones and was set to return to the village within that very hour.

The Bride of Constant Vigil stood proud at the arched entrance to their village. A great smile was on her face. Her ceremonial dress waved with the wind. Her hands clasped in front of her as she awaited the return of her victorious mate.

A young Espio was within the crowd, atop the shoulders of a younger Master Shen. The young Chameleon's keen, innocent eyes scanned the entrance to the village. He looked down to the Chameleon holding him.

"Uncle Shen?" He yelled as he tried to get his attention against the celebrating crowd.

"Yes young Espio?" He chuckled.

"When's daddy gonna be here?" The young chameleon asked.

Shen laughed, "Aha, soon young one, Soon."

"I want to be just like him when I grow up. A great big ninja and save the world all the time!"

"Maybe you will someday."

The village bustled with festival activities. There was food, games and performances everywhere that the eye could see.
A horn sounded – silencing everyone.

"HE'S HERE! LORD MASAO HAS ARRIVED!"

The crowd roared with joyous cries. They gathered closer to the entrance to see their leader and hero. The Constant Vigil smiled with anticipation.

A dark blue Chameleon rose up to the top step. Simply four footsteps away from the constant Vigil. He sported a long, slightly curved nose horn and two small horns on his brows. He wore a battle damaged black trench coat that blew in the wind.

"Honey, I'm home." He smiled warmly to her.

"DADDY!" The young Espio yelled, the crowd still cheering in the background.

"Welcome home my love." The constant Vigil said to him. She took a step towards him.
He took a step forward in return. "Sumiko…" He whispered, every letter wrapping around her. He pulled down his straw hat from his head.

She frowned. Something was wrong. Masao's scales slowly began to wash out of colour.

"Masao?" She said.

Suddenly, Masao's eyes rolled back. He coughed out a spray of blood. The crowd silenced immediately their lord dropped on the steps in front of her. Sumiko's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't move.

Villagers rushed to and fro – trying to get to where Lord Masao lay. Shen placed Espio to his chest, covering him with his arms as he ran him back to the palace.

"WAIT!" He screamed "What about daddy?!"

The Constant Vigil snapped out of her paralysed state and dropped down to him.

"Sum…ii…ko…" He murmured as his body violently convulsed. "Sum…ii…ko…"

"Please…" She begged. The tears were flooding down her face.

"I…I'm…..sorry….." He uttered as his wife laid her head against his chest. His heart rate was dropping.

"You….were….right…." He continued. Each word harder than the last. "Should've…*cough*…taken more….men…."

"Masao no. Please!" She begged, now rocking his head in her arms. His trembling had slowed. "Espio's been waiting – your son's been waiting for his hero to come home….don't do this….please…."

"I…I…Lo….Lov…." His eyes sealed shut.

"M-Masao…" She uttered to him, shaking his limp body.

No response. No trembling. No breathing. No heart rate. He was gone.

"Masao! MASAO!" She cried out, her hands stained with blood from the previously hidden wounds.

Two doctors were finally able to push past the crowd to reach Masao. It was too late. He was gone.

Sumiko fell against the side of the path, screaming in pain, her cries echoing throughout the entire mountain.

She uttered the words now as she did then. "Masao…please…please don't leave us…Espio's been waiting for so long…"

Tears from the memory returned.

She remembered breaking the news to Espio, gently handing him his father's straw hat.
She remembered how she held the heart-broken chameleon close as he wailed. How he didn't stop crying for days – how his nightmares didn't stop for weeks.

She remembered the ceremony. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered to the winds atop Rurouni Mountain.
Days where she would sit by the windowsill, hoping for him to come home or waking up in the middle of the night, wishing it was just a nightmare.

Silence dominated her home; the same silence that had taken occupancy in their hearts. No more room for joy. No more room for anger, just the silence and the emptiness.

Her maidservants saw how she was becoming more and more distressed and rushed to her aid. Their snow-white shrouds completely hiding their faces.

"Are you alright O Bride?" One asked.

"I just need to lie down." She replied as they lead her back to her palace.

And the sun had finally disappeared over the horizon.