A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I'm glad you liked the last chapter. This chapter will see a change in Jack as he begins travelling Japan (that's right, he's in Japan). And he's joined by a familiar character.
Chapter 24
In the ruins of the Ninja Tribunal monastery, a young boy shifted through the rubble, looking for anything that remained intact. He gathered what material he could before making his way back to the temple. His senses were dull to the world around him as he focused on the task at hand. As he made his way through the streets, Jack Darby's thoughts shifted to the past few weeks he'd spent with the Tribunal. They were certainly a serious group much like the Thirteen, but they had one thing that the Primes lacked: humanity.
For all of their abilities and weapons, the Thirteen failed to comprehend the human psyche (except maybe the Liege Maximo). It was true that humans craved power, but too much power often destroyed them. Jack could count a number of historical figures whose downfall was caused by having too much power. Perhaps that had been the reason the Liege Maximo had taken control of him so easily. Maybe the power he had was too much for him to handle.
Either way, he paid a terrible price for that power much like he did tonight. If he had known that training with the Tribunal would lead to their death, he would have refused them. He would have gladly given up any chance to become stronger if it meant bringing them back to life, bringing her back to life. Even if it meant giving any chance of a future with Chikara, he would have given all the knowledge he had to bring her back. Cliché, yes, but those were his feelings.
Jack approached the monastery's temple where the bodies of the Tribunal had been aligned, each of them lying on a pile of wood. Their helmets (what was left of them) covered their faces as Jack approached. He placed a few more pieces of wood beneath them before he started the fire. He didn't know Chiaki, Juto, or Hisomi all that well, so he couldn't say much about them other than they were excellent teachers in Spirit, Weapons, and Stealth. He set their bodies aflame and walked over to Chikara.
She was a different story. While Jack may not have known much about her past other than what she told him, he could certainly say she was more than a great instructor.
"Chikara," he began. "You were the Tribunal Master of Strength and no one else could have filled the role better than you. You were strong to have carried the guilt you held within you for so long. You were strong enough to wait for my heart to yearn for you as much as my body did. You were strong to stay alive long enough to say goodbye to me. I love you, and always will. I send you to your brothers and to your sister. Goodbye."
Having said all he needed to say and having no more tears to shed, Jack set her body aflame and turned away. He didn't want to stay here any longer than had to. He made his way toward the stairs, sparing one last look at the flaming bodies of the Tribunal before departing.
ShadowStrike Rising
The Foot Clan returned to their headquarters beneath the Prime Minister's office building in Tokyo, Japan. Their mission was a success thanks to their master, the Shredder. He personally saw to the end of the Ninja Tribunal, decimating them and their monastery and leaving their palace in ruin. He had not said a word after the ordeal, and no one dare approach him. Karai looked at her father in concern before logging onto to social networking page.
She rarely used it, evident by the friend requests that were months old. She never saw much need in contacting people that she, in all likelihood, would never meet. There was one person with whom she regularly chatted with; the same person she'd met at the medical convention months ago. Miko Nakadai. The girl proved to as spunky as Karai herself, always talking up a storm about everything.
Perhaps it was their similarities that led to immediate friendship or their mutual love for Slash Monkey. Whatever the reason, they had remained friends and talked to each other whenever they could. In a few short moments, Miko's face appeared onscreen, her usual Cheshire grin on her face.
"Karai," she smiled. "How's it going?"
"Great," she said. "We just got back from dealing with some old residential issues. You should have seen my dad. He was a wrecking machine."
"I wish I was there," Miko beamed. "I love to see stuff break!"
"Maybe next time," Karai replied. "So, any word from your friend yet." She took notice of how Miko's face fell slightly, meaning there had been none.
"He's still missing."
"I'm sorry," she said. "I guess I'm a little too optimistic."
"Nothing wrong with that," Miko grinned. "I'm around an "optimistic" guy all the time and it never bothers me! Anyway I know if we keep trying, he'll turn up soon."
ShadowStrike Rising
A portal in the middle of a forest opened, illuminating the morning sky with bright lights. ShadowStrike stepped through, scanning the area to make sure no one had witnessed something they shouldn't have. Determining that the coast was clear, he closed the portal behind him and started in a random direction. He couldn't tell where in world he was, but appeared to be a tranquil place at the moment and that was what he needed right now. ShadowStrike walked through the forest, the grass and leaves crunching beneath his feet.
He kept his mind occupied by looking over the area, trying to figure out what tree was what. He watched as the animals went about their daily routines, briefly pausing to take notice of him when he passed through. He'd heard a growl here and there, but the animals seemed to know he meant no hard and let him be. He continued walking, his legs much stronger than before. His training had provided him with a stronger physique than before.
His muscles were bigger, stronger, and more noticeable if he wore regular clothing. Beneath his suit, he retained the same look, hidden beneath a hooded cape. He didn't want to return to be seen and scare people, but he didn't to see his human face either. He couldn't bear to meet the eyes that had were so full of sadness, guilt, and despair. It would only send him into a state of maddening emotions.
He didn't want to be caught up in the past and just wanted to move forward and, hopefully, one day forget. He'd hoped to forget that this nightmare ever happened and the people who suffered because of him. He'd hoped they'd forgotten him as well so he would have no regrets when his life ended. Of course, he wouldn't take the coward's way out and commit suicide but maybe the Angel of Mercy would see his suffering and end it by ending him. 'Til then, he would wander the world awaiting his fate.
His thoughts were stirred when he heard the rustling of a town up ahead. It wasn't loud, so he figured it was a small town, like Jasper. He'd hoped he was right; he'd always hated big cities and their noise. He walked to the top of the hill he was climbing and came across a small village, sitting in the middle of a grassy plain. He made his way into the village, ignoring the strange looks he got from people.
From the terrain and the looks of the people, ShadowStrike garnered he was in the countryside of Japan, meaning he was far removed any city. For that, he was glad. Maybe he could have a small life here, away from the dangers of war and all other things. After all, these people seemed to be free from those burdens. Firstly, he would have to find some work in this small village in order to earn some money.
"Excuse me," a man called. ShadowStrike turned to find a Japanese man heading toward him. He was surprised that he could understand the man, given he knew nothing about Japanese language. He glanced at his sword, figuring there must have been some sort of universal translator.
The man held up a large sack for the ninja to take, "Here you go."
"Why are you giving this to me?" he asked as he took the sack.
"It's our custom. New guy comes into town and we give him a few supplies. Sorry it's not much, but we've been having some trouble lately."
"It's fine," he replied, taking the sack and leaving. He was grateful for any good fortune that befell him, considering all that happened. He walked deeper into the small town, observing how everyone interacted. Considering the size, everyone must've known each other.
"Hey," a voice called from a hut. "Can I help you with that?" ShadowStrike turned and saw a man step outside. He was slightly built up, had silver hair, and looked surprisingly American.
"I'm fine," he replied. The man looked surprised.
"You speak English?"
"I guess so," he replied. "What's an American man doing in a Japanese village?"
"Trying to escape the world," he smiled. "Just living life along with my wife and little girl. Also American. In my spare time, I run this little shop here." He was about to say more when he and the rest of the town stopped what they were doing. The ninja turned to where they were looking and saw dust being kicked up in the distance. Focusing his eyes, ShadowStrike made out the form of horses galloping toward the town. He looked around and caught the people's expressions; they were worry, anger, and fear.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Trouble," the American man snorted. "They call themselves the Freedom Riders. They're your typical rebels. Says the government's wack and do whatever they want. They've been terrorizing the town for years, just around the time I got here."
"Why doesn't anyone do anything?"
"Word is their leader used to be part of Japanses Defense Ministry as a top notch soldier. He's got skills no one wants to mess with. And he carries and old Japanese katana with him." The men rode up to him just as he finished explaining.
"Well, well," the leader sneered. "It's been a while Bryan. Who's your friend here?" The leader was dressed like a cross between a biker and a cowboy. The aforementioned katana hung lazily at his side.
"No one in particular," the ninja asked while keeping his masked face hidden. The gang of twenty or so men looked at him in amused suspicion. He could tell their mentality; they thought because they rode together and outnumbered, that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it.
"Then you wouldn't mind handing over that sack," he gestured to one of his men. He dismounted his horse and walked up to ShadowStrike, strutting like a tough guy as he snatched the sack away from him. He strode back and handed to his leader, slapping his friends high fives and making comments about how he would make the ninja his "bitch". "After all, 'no one in particular' doesn't need to ear, right?"
"That's enough, Chen," Bryan stepped forward. The man in question hopped off his horse and placed a hand on his sword menacingly.
"What'd you say, punk bitch?"
"He said that's enough," ShadowStrike stepped between them. Chen got a good look at his masked face. The ninja caught a glimpse of confusion (and fear) in his eyes. He removed his had from his blade and stepped away, a confidant smirk on his face, no doubt a show for his friends.
"Let's get out here," he ordered, hopping back on his horse. They rode off and, leaving dust in their wake.
"Assholes," Bryan growled before looking to ShadowStrike. "That was real impressive. Come on, let me take you to my home."
"No thanks," he replied.
"I insist," he smiled. "Anyone who stands up to those punks is a good guy in my book."
ShadowStrike Rising
A/N: I hoped you enjoyed. The surprising character will be revealed next chapter. It's not Jack's father in case you were wondering. Next time: As ShadowStrike meets Bryan's family. Chen and his gang continue to ransack the town.