Chapter 30: Ninjas Of The Glade
After a while of following Ibuki, Link and company finally came to a road in Kyoto with a large forested area nearby, Ibuki led them off the road into the forested patch and the others quickly followed suit. E. Honda and Gorko were also in tow as they wanted to see if the Glade ninjas knew anything about Ganondorf and Urien's minions attack on the Kokugikan.
"We're almost there guys, shouldn't be too long now," commented Ibuki to the others.
"Well that's good, I'm hoping we get some answers from you guys about what's going on," replied Gorko.
As the heroes continued to trek through the forest, they soon came across a clearing and from out of nowhere, a ninja dressed in attire similar to Ibuki's appeared and stood before them with arms folded in defiance.
"Ibuki, what is the meaning of this? Bringing outsiders into our village?" asked the ninja blocking the gate.
"Yuta, please listen to me, these guys were attacked at the Kokugikan where our elders sent us to investigate and I told them maybe they can find something out from Masters Enjo and Sanjou. Besides, these people are also on a quest to bring order back to this world as well," answered Ibuki.
"Hmm, very well then, follow me you guys, we'll take you to see our masters and see what they say," stated Yuta as he turned around and started walking.
"C'mon everyone, I hope Enjo and Sanjou won't be too mad at me for this," commented Ibuki.
As the heroes continued to walk, Yuta led them to a nearby building, turned around and stuck his informing them to wait.
"I'm gonna talk to Enjo and Sanjou right now, you guys wait here, I hopefully won't be too long," said Yuta.
After a few minutes of waiting outside, the door swung open and Yuta emerged with two other taller men. One was clothed in a brown ninja outfit with a mask covering his face except for his eyes. The other wore a red outift with a red bandana as well as spectacles. They were the Glade ninjas' masters, Enjo and Sanjou. Ibuki promptly kneeled down before her masters and the others quickly followed suit as to not disrespect the two lead ninjas.
"Ibuki, why do you bring outsiders to our village?" inquired Enjo a little peeved.
"Because they were present during the evil force's attack on the Kokugikan and I told them you may know some information I don't," answered Ibuki.
"Who might these people be, for all we know, they could be working for the enemy," commented Sanjou.
"Excuse me, Sanjou if not mistaken," chimed in Zelda.
"What is it?" asked Sanjou.
"My name is Zelda, I'm the princess of the land of Hyrule, I assure you that Ibuki can vouch for our character, we're all here to fight against the forces of evil plauging this world," spoke Zelda.
"She speaks the truth, my name is Link, I am a warrior of the same land, we all fight to keep Urien and Ganondorf from tainting this land," added Link looking up at the two head ninjas. Enjo walked up to Link and stared him in his eyes.
"Just by looking at you, I don't feel threatened at all. I feel a pure aura coming off of you. I feel like I can trust you. And if these are your friends, then I see no need to display any hostility towards you. Come, we will tell you all we know," answered Enjo.
Link and company got off the ground and followed Enjo and Sanjou inside their abode, they all sat down on the ground as Enjo eyed the room, he closed the door and began to speak.
"Ok, for a while now, we at the Glade have dealing with some of the surrounding monster attacks around Japan for a while. They were sporadic at first, but increasing in frequency as of late. Because of this our forces are being spread thin around this country and I may be afraid that we might not have enough forces should our village be targeted," commented Enjo.
"Do you have any clue as to where they may be coming from?" asked Alex.
"A few ninjas have reported that they've seen monster ships sailing around the ocean close to Australian waters looking for a tower that holds some type of treasure, yet I don't know why they attack here," answered Sanjou.
"Hmm, I'm guessing that's a Secret Text that they're searching for in that tower," chimed in Ryu.
"Secret Text?" asked Yuta.
"The Secret Texts of the Illuminati are scribes that will unlock a power for Ganondorf and Urien to use that will allow them to take over this world, so we're making sure they don't get their hands on these documents," informed Ken.
"I see, and so all of you have been travelling to keep these texts out of the clutches of evil," mused Sanjou.
"Well, these six have, Gorko and I just came along because we wanted to know something about the beasts that attacked us during our match," chimed in E. Honda.
"So they're coming from Australian shores, I suppose that's where we'll head next," said Chun-Li.
"I would advise not travelling anymore tonight, it is starting to get late," suggested Enjo.
"Indeed, you may rest here tonight before you set off on your journey," added Sanjou.
"We thank you for your hospitality you two," said Link.
"I'm starting to get hungry though, does anyone have food around here?" asked Ryu.
"Very well, I shall have a meal prepared for all of you shortly, please make yourselves comfortable while you're here," remarked Enjo.
After a while, Link and the others enjoyed the simple but filling meal that Enjo had provided for them. A few hours later, the heroes were assigned quarters to sleep in and soon they were all asleep. In the middle of the night however, Chun-Li awoke to a rustling, she heard the doors creak and quickly rose up to go see what the noise was. As she walked outside, she saw Ken standing outside near a tree lost in deep thought. He let out a sigh as the cool night breeze washed over his body. Chun-Li slowly walked over to him to see what was going on.
"Ken, is everything ok?" asked Chun-Li.
"I just couldn't sleep, got a lot on my mind," answered Ken.
"Still thinking about Eliza?" inquired Chun-Li
"It's hard to swallow the fact that she's gone. All these years and Mel and I have had her ripped from us unceremoniously. I can never forgive Urien and Ganondorf for what they have done to my son and I," responded Ken in a low tone. Chun-Li placed a hand on his shoulder causing Ken to look over at her.
"You still have that gift she gave you right, and she lives on within the two of you. We need you, all of us, Eliza loved both you and Mel dearly and she would hate to see you in a clouded state of mind that may hinder your full potential," commented Chun-Li.
"I know, I have to continue to be strong for both her and Mel, everyone's counting on us to be successful, I wonder when the power locked in this charm will unveil itself though," pondered Ken.
"I'm sure when we need it, it will make itself known. You should try to get some sleep though, we need to be rested for tomorrow," suggested Chun-Li.
"Yeah, do you mind if we talk a little bit more though? It's really helping me and it might help me finally get to sleep," asked Ken.
"I don't mind at all, but let's go inside though, it's kind of cold out here," answered Chun-Li.
With that, Ken and Chun-Li walked back inside and continued to talk with one another until they both fell asleep. The next morning, Alex opened the doors to wake them and stood wide eyed.
"Whoa, did I walk in on something I shouldn't have," gasped Alex.
"Hey hey, it's nothing like that we can assure you. All we did last night was talk," answered Chun-Li as she stirred.
"Yeah, as you can see, we both still have our clothes on, shouldn't that be an indicator nothing happened," grumbled Ken.
"You know, I may have been hearing things, but I could've sworn I heard Ibuki calling out for you, Alex, and I last night in her sleep, but never mind that, we've got business to handle," chimed in Link as he walked over to check on the others.
As they all got up and walked outside, they heard the sounds of crashing and a few explosions and wondered what could've been going on. At that moment, Yuta ran up to the others sweating heavily.
"Monsters have found the Glade, we're under attack!" exclaimed Yuta.
"We better help these guys out, they were so kind to us, it's only fair we repay them," stated Link to the others.
"As if you had to tell us, of course we'll help," responded Ryu.
"Hey, don't you forget us, we're gonna help out as well!" shouted Gorko as him and E. Honda ran alongside the heroes to were the attacks were taking place. A squad of Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos were attacking the Glade and running about causing chaos.
"Everyone split up and protect this village, we must minimize damage at all costs!" ordered Link to the others.
The others nodded and proceeded to head off in different directions to stop the damage Ganondorf and Urien's minions were causing.
"I'll stay with you and cover your rear! Watch yourself Link!" exclaimed Zelda as she transformed into Shiek and threw out a series of needles at some of the Bokoblins charging at her. Link threw out his Gale Boomerang disorienting some of them as Ibuki threw a series of kunai into some of their necks making them keel over dead. A Lizalfos charged at Link and whipped his tail at the Hylian hero who quickly back flipped away and retaliated with a quick sword slash making the Lizalfos stagger back. Alex and Ryu along with E. Honda charged towards some Moblins. Alex struck one with a Slash Elbow as E. Honda slammed into one with his Sumo Head Butt making two of the Moblins lose their balance as Ryu's body glowed yellow and he hit them both with an EX Tatsumakisenpuukyaku knocking them down. Alex and E. Honda then stomped on the Moblins sending them up in a puff of smoke. Ken and Chun-Li attacked a group of Bokoblins, dodging their sword slashes, Ken and Chun-Li kicked a pair of Bokoblins into Gorko who picked both of them up and smashed their heads together leaving them dizzy. Ken then finished one of with a Shoryuken while Chun-Li did her Hyakuretsu Kyaku to finish off the other.
"Damn, this squad is large! We've got our work cut out for us!" exclaimed Ibuki as she snapped the neck of a Bokoblin.
Link flew back from the strike of a Lizalfos who stuck its tongue out at the Hylian hero, Link got up and swung the Lizalfos and dodged it while covering its head with its gauntlet clad arm. Link swung at the Lizalfos' stomach striking it and used a few quick slashes to finish it off. For a while, the fighting went on until a series of bombs rained down blowing up all of the minions and sending the other fighters flying back.
"Where did all that come from?" asked Enjo.
"I've had enough of these beasts getting to have all the fun, I want to fight now!" exclaimed a voice.
"If you want a fight, show yourself!" exclaimed Ryu.
At that moment, a muscular man with blue hair tied in a ponytail jumped down from the trees. He was wearing a green mask that covered his nose and mouth as well as a brown sleeveless shirt with a gear design near the armpits and beige colored pants with a similar gear design as well as brown boots. On his right hand was a heavily armored gauntlet and he taunted the others with that hand.
"You wish to face Byrne, that's cute kid, but I'm not interested in facing you," sneered Byrne to Ryu.
"This guy is a real jackass," grumbled Alex.
"You can talk all you want, but I wish to challenge one of you. And from what I've seen during the fight, I want the one you call Link to fight me!" shouted Byrne.
"You're quite popular with everyone that wants to start trouble," remarked Ken.
"I'm well aware of that one, but very well, if it's a fight he wants, I will oblige," said Link as he walked towards Byrne.
"Well then, show me what you're capable of fearless leader," said Byrne in a snide tone. Byrne then hopped up onto the tree branch above him and started to fire energy blasts from his gauntlet, Link stuck out his shield quickly to block them. Byrne then hopped to another nearby tree and repeated the process. Link blocked those strikes as well, Byrne then hopped to another tree and then shot his gauntlet at the hero which came down on a long chain knocking Link back. Link quickly sprang back up as Byrne leapt back to another tree and shot his gauntlet down again, this time Link dodged at the gauntlet got stuck in the ground near Alex.
"Why don't you come down from your perch you little monkey!" exclaimed Alex as he grabbed the gauntlet and yanked on it hard causing Byrne to fall forward and the ground with a loud thud making him dazed.
"Thanks Alex, I don't know if I would've had the raw strength to pull him down!" exclaimed Link as he ran toward Byrne and started slashing him. Byrne quickly got up and shrugged off his dizzyness.
"Hmph, I suppose I'll fight you on your own terms then, let's go!" shouted Byrne.
Byrne rushed towards Link and threw out another energy blast making Link block with his shield, Link threw another slash which Byrne ducked under and receive a punch to the face knocking Link backwards. Byrne shot his gauntlet forward as Link rolled out of the way and slashed Byrne in the chest making the mysterious warrior stagger backwards. Link quickly rushed forward with another slash which Byrne blocked with his gauntlet. The two warriors clashed with one another for a long while, Byrne threw out another punch to Link who rolled under Byrne and hit him with an upwards slash sending him crashing to the ground, Link then rushed and pointed his sword at Byrne's throat while he was on the ground.
"That's enough, what are you attacking this village for?" asked Link in an angry tone.
"It's an order from Ganondorf and Urien," answered Byrne.
"You serve them, for what purpose, I'm sure they would destroy you too without a thought if they thought you've outlived your usefulness," commented Link.
"I have no choice, they kidnapped my master Anjean and are holding her captive in that tower you guys are attempting to head over to," retorted Byrne.
"You're working for them against your will, what a tragic situation," gasped Zelda.
"If I promised you that we could save Anjean, would you not cause any more trouble for us?" asked Link.
"I would gladly leave you be if that was the case, are you saying you would do this for me?" inquired Byrne.
"Of course, if it meant keeping the peace around here I gladly would," replied Link.
"Very well then, I won't cause trouble, so long as you can return Anjean safely," stated Byrne as Link withdrew his sword allowing Byrne to rise.
"I suggest you allow us to treat your wounds," said Enjo.
"I would appreciate that, Link you are a strong fighter, I have faith that you can do this," gasped Byrne as Enjo and Sanjou took him for treatment.
"I suggest we get going ourselves, we must make our way to Australia," commented Chun-Li.
"Is everyone here gonna be ok?" asked Zelda.
"Hey, if need be, we'll stay and provide back up for the people here," piped up E. Honda.
"Yeah, it's kinda peaceful here, and I like these people you call ninjas," added Gorko.
"Good to know that the Glade is in good hands then," remarked Ken.
"Be safe out there all of you," stated Ibuki.
"You don't have to worry about a thing," replied Alex giving her a thumbs up and a wink making the kunoichi blush.
"Sahasrala!" exclaimed Link.
At that moment, Sahasrala's spirit materialized in front of Link and the others.
"Where do you need me to take you this time?" asked Sahasrala.
"To...what's a major city in Australia?" asked Link to the others.
"I suggest we try Sydney," chimed in Ken.
"Very well then, to Sydney, Australia. I think we may be able to find more information about the Secret Text there," stated Link.
"Then let's be on our way," said Sahasrala.
And without any more hesitation, the heroes were whisked off towards the land down under to go and find out about the tower in the Australian waters that potentially had a Secret Text, as well as Byrne's master Anjean.
Author's Note: Yeah, been going through a lot of life changes as of late. New job, and hopefully some new experiences. Been busy with cosplay as well. I still have yet to get the Hyrule Historia art book though, but that's still on my itinerary. I'm also excited for the Wind Waker remake on the Wii U, that will be a must buy title for me as I loved Wind Waker. Anyways, I'll make sure not to take too long for the next update which I will head off to go work on. Until then, please read and review.