My Editor's Response
Goal: Simplicity itself. Write a moment of inspiration
Pairing: None (Implied Jade x OC)
Verse: Crossover - Mortal Kombat x Tenchu
Type of Scene: Training
Kyoto, Japan:
Sunrise rose in the land of the far east. The fall season had just begun, various colors of red, brown, and gold gracing the leaves of nearby trees. Many citizens were seen starting their day early throughout a small but robust village on the outskirts of Kyoto. The men in town were either setting up shop or working hard under the sun, harvesting the next crop of food in the fields. Children of all ages roamed through the streets to catch the flock of chickens running rampant through the town. While the husbands were away, their wives would begin doing chores and prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In the middle of the village stood an enormous castle consisting of five levels, easily dwarfing the many surrounding huts. A senior man swept the front steps before stopping to gaze at the beautiful sight of his home with a gentle smile.
"Ah, another beautiful day," he mused. "Such a blessing to wake up to a welcoming sight."
"I couldn't agree more, Shujinko," an angelic voice concurred.
Turning around, the man known as Shujinko found himself looking at his Lord. Even in her advanced age, the person in question was lovely - ghost-white hair with black highlights adorned her natural locks. The Lord of this sacred province wore a light purple kimono with white flower designs and a red sash around her waist. She wasn't alone either. Coming behind her was a thirteen-year-old brunette girl dressed in a similar kimono but in hot pink and a white sash.
Smiling, Shujinko bowed. "Good Morning, Lord Sindel and Princess Mileena."
"Thank you so kindly, my dear," the older woman gently said. "You may rise."
He followed the command. "I trust you had a pleasant rest last night?"
Sindel nodded. "Yes. These old bones of mine won't get any better as the years pass. Thank goodness I keep in tune with my meditation."
"But of course," her closest advisor agreed.
Mileena came upon Sindel's side. "Mother?"
"Yes, my daughter?"
"Do you know where my sister is?" the young girl inquired.
A soft sigh escaped past the older woman's lips at the mention of her eldest daughter: Kitana, the next heir in line to succeed Lord Sindel.
"I believe she's training with Jade," Sindel told her daughter. "Today, they will take the final steps in being able to go on covert missions."
That instantly caught Mileena's attention. "Can I know about them?"
Her mother sadly shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mileena. What they'll be doing is dangerous and cannot pass through this village. Their safety depends on it."
Shujinko stepped forward and knelt in front of Sindel's youngest child. Despite being in her adolescence, Mileena possessed the moxy of a warrior. However, her mother did not wish for her to partake in any training. For now, the young woman will enjoy her youth and not worry about the outside world.
"I promise you, Mileena." Shujinko began. "When the time comes, your mother and I will make sure to train you in the same way as Jade and your sister."
Mileena's eyes instantly lit up. "Really?"
The old man nodded. "I'll personally see to it."
"Come, let us see how our two defenders are faring. No doubt they both want to impress us today," Sindel added.
Forest:
Determined were on the faces of two slender, beautiful women. Inside the woods close to their native village, leaves and cherry blossoms floated, gently pushed by a soft wind before landing on the barren ground around their feet.
On one side was the leader of the Edenian Ninja Clan. Dark raven hair tied into a ponytail and a few bangs before her face stood Jade, clad in a revealing green and black silk top covering her chest. A pair of green and gold armbands clothed the upper arms with green fingerless gloves. Her waist was wrapped by a golden chain holding together a black and green sash. Settled at the lower back was her secondary weapon, a razor-edged boomerang with her primary weapon currently in hand, the legendary Izayoi sword. Only a black thong covered her nether regions and backside while black high heeled, knee-high boots adorned her shapely legs.
Across from Jade was her best friend and de facto sister, Kitana. Kyoto's Princess wore her traditional sleeveless blue leotard along with blue and black, thigh-high boots. She also was well versed in weaponry - two seemingly ordinary but deadly steel fans in hand.
Through the years, nothing could separate Jade and Kitana, quickly becoming friends after Sindel adopted Jade into the family at a very young age. Though neither knew why their mother wanted them to train hard in their discipline until now, it never stopped the two ladies from engaging in some witty banter.
"Here we are again, Jade." Kitana began, her fans glistening in the sunlight. "Just like old times."
Jade readied her sword with a challenging smile. "Couldn't agree more. You ready for this?"
They held firm, waiting for the slightest inclination. Without warning, a tree branch splintered, prompting the gear Kitana to charge forward with tremendous speed. Jade was no slouch herself when it came to foot speed and met her sister halfway.
For more than fifteen minutes, the two ninjas traded relentless attacks. Most of their mornings consisted of grueling training sessions, but today felt different as both ninjas would find out shortly. Metal clashed for over half an hour before Kitana and Jade backed off, sweat noticeable on their foreheads.
Clapping then sounded.
Both ninjas turned to find an audience consisting of Lord Sindel, Mileena, and Shujinko watching the entire scene.
"Impressive work," Shujinko remarked before approaching them.
In respect for their elder and mentor in the ninja arts, Jade and Kitana bowed. "We're ready."
Shujinko's simple nod was his response as he left to prepare the compound for their final test. Putting away her weapons, Kitana was then tackled to the ground in a hug by her younger sister. Mileena was ecstatic about the performance she just witnessed and knew at that moment; a ninja was what she wanted to be. What better way to learn than from her own sibling?
"Kitana!" Mileena's huge smile nearly sawed her face in half. "That was amazing!"
The older sister rolled her eyes but couldn't help returning the gesture. "Silly as always, sister."
"Nothing was silly about that! You can teach me how to fight!"
Picking herself up from the ground, the Princess replied, "You know I would, but I can't. Mother says you aren't allowed to until you're sixteen."
Mileena's face wrought with dejection. "Aww! Not even a little?"
Kitana could only shrug her shoulders. "Sorry, don't make the rules."
As the sisters continued their chat, Jade felt a presence behind her. It was none other than Lord Sindel, the same woman who rescued her from staying in an orphanage and end up in a life of crime. Jade was forever indebted in her Lord's favor.
Respectfully, Jade got on one knee and bowed. "Lord Sindel, good morning."
A smile graced Sindel's mouth. "Good Morning, Jade. You may rise."
Jade obeyed, allowing for her master to take mental notes. In truth, Sindel harbored more concern over Jade rather than her two biological children because of the emerald-eyed woman's distant personality. Amongst friends, she was very social. Other times, Jade was very reserved and quiet, which often worried Sindel.
"How are you today, my dear?" Sindel tried to make conversation.
"Quite well, my Lord," Jade replied. "It's a beautiful day."
Sindel nodded. "That it is. Something troubles you?"
Her ninja master averted eye contact for a moment. "It's... personal."
"How so?" Sindel's frown then turned into a smirk. "It's about that boy, isn't it?"
In an instant, Jade looked at Sindel in shock. One person besides her family could manage to get the Edenian Ninja leader to show more of her personality - a young man around her age.
Jai, the son of Sindel's trusted adviser.
They met at the village festival a few years ago in honor of the new year. Everyone celebrated the event, Kitana constantly goading Jade into coming until she finally relented. While viewing the fireworks displaying, Jade went into town to buy a gift for Mileena when she ran into Jai, both falling to the ground. He offered an immediate apology for the misstep and helped the emerald-eyed woman to her feet.
In Jade's eyes, Jai was incredibly handsome, his skin tone similar to her own. The young boy's thought process mirrored hers. They spent the rest of the night together, and when Jade returned home, she was grilled by Kitana with Sindel smiling in amusement, watching from afar.
Embarrassed, Jade tried her best to dismiss it. "N... no."
"You're not very convincing, my daughter," Sindel told her, seeing past the façade. "You don't have to lie to me."
There was no fooling Sindel, who was too smart to deceive. Jade tried diligently to keep her budding emotions for Jai hidden from everyone. Even her family could tell she was infatuated with him, the feeling mutual on his end. However, the code of the Edenian Ninja sect clearly stated that following in love was forbidden. Yet, Sindel overruled the clan in that regard.
Jade regained her composure. "I... I do think about him." Her serious expression returned. "But he's not my main concern."
"Of course, I understand," Sindel relented. "However, remember what I've always taught you."
With a nod, Jade recited what Sindel taught her long ago. "Always maintain a healthy balance in all phases of life."
Her master placed a hand on Jade's shoulder. "Correct. Go and prepare for tonight. Shujinko and I will be expecting you two at sundown."
After another quick bow of respect, Jade departed the forest to return to her room. The walk back to the village was quiet yet peaceful. Solitude never bothered Jade, giving her time alone to think.
Numerous thoughts occupied her mind, but none more scathing than the death of her entire family in a house fire at three years old. Some nights, Jade couldn't go to sleep, waking up in cold sweats after reliving that nightmare. Her parents' harrowing screams echoed in her mind; the sight of a wooden beam falling on her infant brother haunted the ninja every day.
That horrid memory only strengthened Jade's resolve to defend her home.
Sundown: Training Compound
"The time has come," Shujinko announced into the autumn air.
His two students walked toward his position in front of the compound. Both felt anxious but determined to show their mettle in this final exercise. Pass, and they'll be rewarded their black belts of a Master Ninja. If either failed, they would be subject to even harsher training. Failure was not an option as Jade and Kitana reached the lower steps and bowed before Shujinko as he spoke.
"Lord Sindel expects much of you two. The enemy will be skillful and ruthless. You must be prepared physically and spiritually. Focus your minds, train hard, and train well. Your last training session will begin tonight. Should you pass, you'll be awarded the rank of Master Ninja to protect Lord Sindel's land," he stated. "Do you accept this task?"
Raising their heads, Jade and Kitana answered the call. "We accept."
Shujinko nodded. "Very well."
The doors to the compound opened.
"Avoid any detection from the enemies within and reach the end of the training course to pass. Lord Sindel will be awaiting your arrival. Good luck to you both."
Final Training Session
Ninjas live by stealth and cunning
Never let the enemy see your face
Fade into your surroundings
The session began as both ninjas entered, hearts pounding against their chests. Being the rational one, Jade took charge of the mission though Kitana was of the same skill and age.
The two sisters took off in lightning speed, avoiding any detection from Lord Sindel's guards who protect the main castle. In a great showing of agility, Kitana and Jade scaled the high walls in utter silence. A total of twenty men couldn't find the girls, completely unaware of their presence.
Stopping behind a wall, Jade halted their travel and used her enhanced instincts to sense another presence nearby. Sure enough, two guards were right at the finish line door.
Kitana inched closer to her ally, opting to use her telepathy. "What do we do?"
Jade gave it some thought. There was no way they could charge them head-on. If they were spotted, the door guards would alert everyone else, leaving them no choice but to fight for their lives. Quietly, Jade put her sword away, instructing Kitana to do the same with her fans.
"We'll disguise ourselves."
Using ninja hand gestures, Jade's uniform matched what the guards had. Kitana quickly got the idea and mimicked her sister's action. They were both now under disguise and came from around the corner to approach the two men.
"Intruder alert! The two ninjas are here!" Kitana exclaimed, her voice changing to that of a male.
The guards moved quickly to confront the supposed intruders. However, they were fooled, and by the time they figured it out, it was too late. Jade and Kitana reached the finish line where Lord Sindel and Mileena sat cross-legged, smiles on their faces.
"Excellent!" Sindel praised. "You will both bring me great honor and have now risen to the rank of Master Ninja."
Later that night:
After celebrating for most of the night, Jade wandered into town, observing the villagers in a green summer dress, her hair tied in pigtails. Most of the townspeople knew who she was but not what she did in the dark. It was probably for the best they didn't know as many would not understand her line of work.
"Hi there," a friendly voice called out to the ninja.
Jade failed to keep her noticeable blush down.
Standing by his house entrance, clad in a dark gray robe with wooden sandals, was Jai. Jade saw that he had grown a full goatee and stood about the same height as her. Being cautious yet curious, Jade approached him with a sincere smile, understanding why Lord Sindel said to keep a balance over one's life.
"Hello, Jai." Jade brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. "A pleasant evening tonight."
He straightened his posture. "Likewise. It's been a while since I've seen you."
"My apologies. Lord Sindel has kept me busy for the past few months."
Smiling, Jai approached her. "Not to worry, I completely understand your devotion to your master." He stopped short of only a few feet from Jade. "My only wish is to see you more often."
Butterflies ran amok in Jade's stomach. Not only was this man handsome, but Jai also displayed courtesy and politeness in his words and actions. Something told the ninja she should seriously consider giving him more of her time. He seemed like a good-hearted person who didn't hold lustful intentions or anything of the like.
"Like you, I wish to know more about you, Jai," Jade admitted, holding one arm around her back. "But... I'm unsure if you would want to know more about me. I feel as though... things would change between us if you knew what I do."
Confusion racked the boy's face. Jade held many secrets and wasn't sure if telling Jai would be a wise thing to do. It's not that she didn't trust him. The ninja didn't know how to express her thoughts adequately, the void left behind by her parents catching up.
Noticing the somber mood overtaking his guest, Jai stepped up and gently took both her hands. That startled the assassin, but she didn't move away, nor did she want to. She could see nothing but compassion in his dark brown eyes as they bore straight into her dark green irises.
"Don't feel sad. A woman such as yourself is not befitting of it," Jai encouraged, caressing her slender hands. "Take as much time as you see fit. Just know that I'll be here whenever you wish to speak."
His words touched Jade. Never has anyone other than Lord Sindel or Kitana shown such gentleness towards her. Moreover, hearing him say those things made the ninja feel better about what laid ahead.
Maybe this man could be the light in the darkness for her.
Taking a great chance, Jai leaned forward and softly pecked Jade's cheek, letting his lips linger for what seemed like hours for the stunning woman. He pulled back to look deep into her eyes again.
"See you tomorrow?" Jai asked.
Knowing she shouldn't turn him down, Jade smiled. "Yes, I promise to see you tomorrow."
He returned her smile before letting her hands go and proceeded to turn in for the night. Jade felt like she was on cloud nine at that moment, touching the left side of her face with her hand. The boy she secretly harbored feelings for the past five years had wanted to see her more often, along with learning of her past. There was risk involved with letting him know everything, but Jade didn't care. Jai gave her a feeling she'd never thought would manifest in her soul.
Love.
Feeling better, Jade walked back to the main castle to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow would be a different day with new challenges - and Jade was ready to take them on.