A/N: Before we get into the first official chapter of Arc IV, I wanted to let you all in on how Xan will be acting throughout his time in GbNF. If you've been with me since Day 1 you'll realize that this is from my very first story. Let's begin.

Eighteen months have passed since the events of Chapter 11.

Shun has become Elysium's new soldier and dedicated servant, Kalina has passed away due to Zasalamel's meddling, and Xan since then has been training hard under Edgemaster. Let's hope that it will be enough for Xan to help seal off the Swords. Where we pick up on this story, we see Xan, now called Spectre, hiding from Elysium, having a rather one-sided fight in his favor against a horde of Lizardmen. His newfound strength made short work of the beasts, who thought it would be a great idea to assault him in the forest.

When there were none left, Lizardman once again appeared.

"I thhhhhhought you were killed!"

Xan simply shrugged. "I got better."

"Dont play gamessss withhhhh me! Elysium supposedly killed you!"

He could literally hear the disbelief in Lizardman's voice, taking the opportunity to joke at the beast's expense. "You'd think getting thrown with great force into a tree would have more than enough force to end my life. But hey, the only person complaining is you."

"I sssssee that you received a new look, Xan Shio. Nonetheless, your fate is to be consumed by Soul Edge."

Xan "Spectre" Shio

Recently finishing his training, Xan has been sent back into the world with a new look, a new style of swordsmanship, and a new outlook on life. No longer wearing the Dragon Robes, with Fish Skin Boots, and the Dragon Gauntlets, he now sports a number consisting of some Hunter pants, Buckled Boots, and a Dark Green shirt doubling as a mask. He now wears regular fingerless gloves and a Black Coat to cap it off.

To replace Qing Long, Xan's partner for 3 years, he now has two Spadroons sheathed on his right hip (Think of Wrath's swords from FMA: BH) in addition to a hidden dagger on his pants.

Thanks to Edgemaster's training, he transitioned from his Mother's style to a ruthless Dual Wielding Style, a more savage interpretation. Due to the stakes at hand, Xan has transitioned into his dueling persona whenever he finds himself in a fight. Crossing this Xan will most likely end with someone or something getting severely hurt or killed.

"I find your threats to be empty as your emotions. Yet we can't have you spilling the beans on my survival now, can we?"

"What are you ta-"

Lizardman didn't finish his sentence as he was ferociously stabbed from behind by a Phantom Construct of Soul Edge.

"What the hell?"

"Nice hit, Baba."

Baba, the Barbarian Scholar

During his travels, Xan found himself back in Shanghai before paying a visit to the Shopkeepers; Hualin making his Spadroons and dagger there. Upon leaving, he visited the local bar for some food, where he met Baba.

A renowned warrior from London, Baba was one of the most savage warriors ever out of Lakeside Colosseum. After retiring from Gladiator work, she eventually became a scholar. No amount of research weakened her skill with a Zweihander or her personal weapon, the Phantom Edge, which she made from casting a weapon-construct spell on a drained Soul Edge fragment. (I.E., Soul Edge (Phantom) from SCIII)

She wears a red coat, a casual gown underneath with chainmail hidden under the gown and coat. She sports a pair of glasses and has swirly cheeks on her face while wearing traveling boots. Don't let her scholarly appearance fool you. She has inhumane strength and isn't afraid to resort to it if necessary.

She travels with Xan to gain information on the Soul Swords to write a book that details the Swords themselves. A selfless goal, or so Xan thinks.

"Thanks, Spectre! I hope I haven't been a burden to ya," she replied with a wink and smile.

He gave a thumbs up. "Not at all. I appreciate the help."

"How did you sssssneak up on me?"

"Does he hold his ss like that a lot?"

"All the fucking time, Baba. Imagine how I feel since I dealt with this crap for a whole year and a half."

"I'm deeply sorry," Baba stated before driving Phantom Edge deeper into Lizardman's chest.

"Lord Inferno will notice that I'm missing. He'll know you killed me."

"No, he won't. I'm dead, remember? Many people could've killed you - Baba, for example. A more believable person may be Siegfried, Elysium, even Zasalamel. But because Elysium killed me, he can't suspect that I'm the one who did it."

Xan then unsheathed a Spadroon and effortlessly decapitated Lizardman, a bothersome creature to him for the last year that's been finally killed off. Xan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"You never thought you'd see the day, eh Spectre?"

"You can say that again. We won't have to deal with him anymore."

"You know he had a family before he became this creature?"

"Did he? From the conversations we had, I'm surprised he didn't have a one-track mind. Probably pursued a Soul Sword, and it turned him into that."

"To think that even the Sword of Salvation can ruin so many lives."

"Nothing is truly innocent in this world, Baba."

She simply nodded as they departed China, the duo undecided of where to head next. They eventually returned to the Ling Sheng Su Temple Ruin, Baba admiring the place's look.

"You said a Monk did this?"

"Well, he murdered everyone who lived here. I guess the destruction was collateral damage."

They heard a noise and immediately readied themselves for battle. It turned into relief upon seeing Seong Mi-Na. With her was a boy who wore an open green shirt and blue-esque shorts and sandals.

"Mi-Na. What are you doing here?"

"Xan-chan?"

"Shhhhh," he silenced her. "I'm faking my death for the time being. You never know who's watching. Call me Spectre for now."

"Oh, ok. We're on our way back to Korea. Right, Yun-Seong?"

"I'm not going back until I see Soul Edge for myself! You can go back to Korea by yourself!"

Upon hearing this, Xan's friendly demeanor instantly went away.

Baba picked up on this and asked, "Why do you wanna see the Cursed Blade?"

"That's none of your business, lady!"

"Hey, kid! Shut your mouth and learn to respect your Elders."

Yun-Seong then turned to Xan and got in his face. "Oh, yeah? What are you going to do about it?"

"Have you ever been in a life or death situation before?"

Seong Mi-Na then got in between them and pushed Yun-Seong back, Xan holding that killer stare. "Yun-Seong, don't. Xa- I mean Spectre can beat you effortlessly, even kill you if he wanted. But he's not going to that. Right?"

"I don't know, Mi-Na. If he's going after Soul Edge, he places himself as an obstacle in our paths. Tell them, Baba."

"Baba?"

"Hey." Baba waved her hand then bowed. "Soul Edge has earned quite a reputation for destroying and ruining lives. You're better off leaving it alone. Whatever reason you have for pursuing it, it's never enough. So back off!"

Yun-Seong visibly winced after Baba yelled at him. However, he regained his composure and excessive confidence. "Oh, yeah? I can fight circles around you, Spectre."

He was making fun of Xan, who was still staring at Yun-Seong. For a moment, there was silence, shattered by Xan, who landed a blow on Yun-Seong's skull, causing him to fall.

"Spectre!"

"Sorry, but I'm not going to let him disrespect me like that. You think you're good? Get up, and let's go."

Yun-Seong hastily got up and adopted his stance. Xan put his mask on and dashed at Yun-Seong, putting him on the defensive with ferocious attacks. He was holding back but already pushing Yun-Seong to the edge. Getting tired of giving him false hope, Xan's speed picked, his attacks' ferocity breaking through Yun-Seong's defense. Blow after blow was landed, Xan watching as he gave Yun-Seong countless bruises.

Mercilessly, with the momentum from the last strike, Xan turned around and gave Yun-Seong a stiff elbow to the jaw, the boy collapsing to the Temple grounds. He pulled his mask down before sheathing his sword. Baba was speechless the first time she saw him fight so viciously.

"See? That's what you get for running your mouth, Yun-Seong! Now I have to address your wounds."

And so, Seong Mi-Na and Yun-Seong (unconscious) went deeper inside the Temple Ruins.

After a moment of silence, Baba spoke up. "So, Spectre. Why are we here?"

"Because this is where we will spend our night. We can figure out where to go in the morning."

"You have a lot of blood on your coat. Want me to wash it off?"

Xan gave her a weird look. "Are you serious, Baba?"

"Yeah, I'm serious, Spectre. I saw a stream while walking down here. I can wash it off before it dries."

"That's kinda excessive."

"Give me the coat, Spectre."

Relenting, Xan gave her his coat, Baba becoming giddy as she went to clean it off. She was a perplexing woman, but Xan didn't mind because she volunteered to help him. To write a book about the dangers of the Soul Swords was a selfless thing to do. It threw him off when they first met and still did on occasion. Now, she asked to wash his coat. He came to the conclusion that Baba was indeed an odd one. Yet, doing this alone would've been unbearable.

While still in thought, Seong Mi-Na came up to him. "Spectre?"

"Oh, Mi-Na. What's up?"

"Who is that you're traveling with?"

"Oh, Baba? I met her in Shanghai. She's a renowned Gladiator before retiring and becoming a scholar."

"A Gladiator? She appears to be harmless."

"I can assure you, Mi-Na, that Baba is anything but."

"Where did she go?"

"Out to wash my coat."

Mi-Na gave Xan a confused expression as if he didn't say what he just said. "I know, I found it weird too. But she insisted. Long story short, Baba may have a strange character. Still, she's pretty reliable and more knowledgeable about the Soul Swords than me. Plus, she can hold her own if we ever get into a fight."

That's what Xan thought of Baba - or what he thought until she decided to go to Japan.

"No. Freaking. Way!"

"Why, not? If Elysium thinks you're dead, then what's the problem?"

"Because I'm still wanted in half the country! If Duelists or Ronin figure out that I'm here, they'll be hell-bent on killing me, and I refuse to give the government ammunition to fire!"

"We can go to a city where you're not wanted. Where aren't you wanted?"

"Tokyo."

"That's the only one?"

Xan nodded.

"Then we'll go to Tokyo and figure out what to do when we get there."

"Fine. Luckily, I've done them favors, and they'll offer me shelter if needed. Let's go."

"Sounds like a plan!"

As Xan opened the door, he heard a thwack and, upon further inspection, saw Yun-Seong on the floor holding his head.

"Yun-Seong! What the Hell!"

"You... you're the Black Dragon of Osaka!"

That same stare came back with a vengeance as from last night! Yun-Seong's life was in serious danger!

Luckily, Baba intervened. "Look, kid. Don't tell a Soul, ok? Otherwise, you might've put an invisible timer on yourself. When that runs out, Spectre will kill ya."

"Ok! Ok! I won't tell anyone! Just don't hurt me anymore!"

Xan relaxed his face as he went to retrieve his coat, Yun-Seong scurrying away. Baba then caught up with Xan, and upon seeing the coat bloodless and dry, she dusted it with her hand.

"You didn't have to wash it, you know?"

"I know, but I saw an opportunity and took it. We'll be traveling together for a while, so I'd like to carry my weight. Expect it to happen often."

Xan had a word that would perfectly describe Baba but couldn't figure out what.

Catching him in thought, Baba inquired what was up.

"Oh, nothing. I was thinking of a word that would best describe you."

"Besides beautiful?"

Xan gave her a sick look, and Baba couldn't help but laugh. "I was going to say motherly, but that last comment revoked my opinion."

"I'm not Motherly! I'm only a year older than you!"

Baba is 21 for those of you that are curious.

"No travel partner asks to wash the blood of someone else's coat, Baba."

"But it's not healthy! You could contract a disease!"

"I'm practically a dead man. I've grown used to the fact that I may die any day now for a year and a half."

"Still, it's not healthy for you to think like that."

"Yes, mother."

In response, Baba hit him in his shoulder. "Quiet, you. Let's get going."

"Yes, ma'am."

After hitting Xan in the same spot, they began their journey again, reaching the Ports before asking for passage. Within a few days, they were in Tokyo. Baba was astounded at how different it looked from Shanghai. Xan, however, was paranoid at his first time back in Japan in over a year. They immediately made for the Daimyo of Tokyo. Upon arriving at the castle, they were stopped by the guards.

"Who dares walk uninvited into the Daimyo's castle?"

"I'm a friend of his. I cleared the city of the Moon Pheasants a year and a half ago."

The guard on the right called his bluff. "Really? And who do you think you are?"

"Spectre, I think you have to reveal yourself."

Xan sighed. He didn't want to give himself away but didn't want to kill the guardsmen. Reluctantly, he pulled his mask down, the guards immediately recognizing him. They politely told him to wait while they alerted the Daimyo.

"That was easy. Wait, I thought Shoguns were the highest rank in Japanese society?"

"They are, but Daimyos hold power and make decisions for the state of the city. If he has our back, he can hide us somewhere. Let's hope because if not, so many people are going to die today."

Baba found the last comment unnerving. There was no doubt she and Xan could take on the entire city, but she knew he didn't want that to happen. To be fair, when the two met, he had to reveal who he was to her and the risks of traveling with him. She completely understood them and decided to help anyway but prayed things didn't have to get bloody soon.

Eventually, the Daimyo came out to greet his guest. "Well, if it isn't Xan. I never thought you'd return to Tokyo after slaying the Moon Pheasants. How may I help you?"

"Good afternoon, Daimyo. Baba and I need a place to lay low for a few days. Don't bother asking why; we just need a spot. Do that, and I'll be out of your hair."

"Straight to business, I see. Very well, you have done the city and the country a big favor for chasing the Moon Pheasants out of Tokyo. Before you left, I was going to offer you a new home in Kyoto, a beautiful Villa near Hideyoshi Toyotomi's Castle. He had received word of you and wanted you to move in as soon as possible. However, you upped and left before I had the opportunity to make the offer. Now that you're back, I can finally offer the Villa to you. Will you take it?"

It seemed too good to be true. Plus, Kyoto was right next to Osaka. Heading there would put the two at high risk of getting caught by local officials. But they had nowhere to go, and a few days couldn't hurt.

"Fantastic! I'll send a bird to Hideyoshi-sama right away! You two should head there right now, as the bird will make it to Kyoto before you two do."

"Alright, we'll be off. Thanks, Daimyo."

And they were off to Kyoto. During the long trek, Baba asked about the Moon Pheasants.

"A clan of escaped convicts that terrorized Tokyo for three years. They committed many horrendous crimes: burglary, murder, rape, genocide, trafficking, adultery. They're the lowest of society. When I started wandering, I was caught in one of their toll roads. I didn't pay, and the members there tried to kill me before failing miserably. Soon after, I became a target. Every day I would be attacked by a few members. After getting rid of a healthy amount of members, the Daimyo and Shogun both paid me hefty sums of money to get rid of the rest, around 200 members. They were unrefined and sloppy, so doing so wasn't difficult. I found their HQ and assaulted the keep at night before walking away with nothing more than an injured right arm. Some members are still alive and still commit felonies underground. After I did so, the Shogun offered me a home free of rent. And you just saw what happened earlier."

"That must be good if Hideyoshi Toyotomi is offering you a place to live for free. Even if there must definitely be some sort of catch. You don't need to be a scholar to know that."

"Makes me wonder what he wants. I can only hope that he doesn't want anything of me, but life hasn't been kind to me lately, so I doubt it."

When they arrived in Kyoto, a young lady stood at the entrance as if waiting for someone.

Before the two could enter, she stopped them. "Excuse me, but are you Xan and Baba?"

"Who's asking?"

"Oh, my! I forgot to introduce myself." She then bowed. "My name is Nene, Hideyoshi's wife."

Xan then bowed in response as Baba curtsied. To think that Toyotomi would send his wife to greet them was shocking, to say the least. "Yes, I am Xan, and this is Baba. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nene-san."

"Oh! So respectful, I would think you to be cold-blooded and ruthless."

"Only if the situation calls for it. Ask Baba. I can be a kind man." Baba only nodded in agreement.

Nene then clasped her hands together. "Wonderful! I will show you to your new home. Please follow me. We will take the back roads to help conceal your identity, Xan-kun."

"Thank you, Nene. Lead the way."

Nene's knowledge of the roads served the group well on their way to the Villa. They saw few people on their trek through the roads. Xan inquired of Nene on her knowledge of the area.

"Toyotomi-sama grew up in the slums and knows the area well. After our wedding, he showed me the roads in case a battle started, so I had a place to defend."

"You fight, Nene?"

"Appearances can be deceiving, Baba. I am a master of the Wave Swords. But you wouldn't think so by just looking at me?"

Baba shook her head in disbelief but quickly understood that she was practically the same - in a sense. She looked well-spoken and intelligent but could lift a knight in armor with ease. Baba then identified Nene in that case. Nene, in return, inquired Xan on his experience with the guard.

"Well, I was an assassin under the Japanese royal guard. However, the Shogun of Osaka was murdering members, and I opted to leave before I was next. Turns out, he wanted me to work under him as his personal guard, a slimeball if I ever saw one. He killed my mentor, and in response, I... killed him."

"That's horrible! You should tell Toyotomi-sama that, and he'll defend your case for sure!"

"Please, Ne-san. He's doing so much for us, I rather not owe the man more than what I already have."

"Spectre, did you kill anyone during your time?"

"Just the double agents. The thing was, I couldn't kill anyone unless I had proof of their treachery. So, I only killed a few."

"Double agents? For what country?"

"Korea. Japan has been locked in a war with them for a few years now. I didn't know who started what, and personally, I don't care as we've bigger fish to fry."

"Fair enough. At any rate, we're here!"

"Holy hell."

The Villa was gargantuan in size. The duo wondered how the people could fit the building in the city! And this wasn't the Toyotomi residence, which from what the Daimyo of Tokyo said was bigger than the Villa!

"Spectre, Baba. Welcome to the Jyarukudai Villa, your new home, I hope. Come, let me show you inside."

The place was practically a maze, a beautifully designed maze. The Villa was enough to house a small town! Now, the place was Xan's as a reward for exterminating a criminal supergroup. He couldn't help but feel suspicious of all this. He disappeared from Japan for a year and a half, and soon after his return, was rewarded a place right next to a top Daimyo in the country?

It felt too good to be true.

He hoped he wouldn't have to make use of it in the coming months yet couldn't deny the beauty of the place to call home from now on. Then he'd definitely come back. But that would be for later. After being shown the living quarters (Extravagant, to say the least), Nene took Baba sightseeing, for the time being, leaving Xan with relatively nothing to do.

An idea sprung on him.

Turning to one of the guards, he simply asked, "Anybody want to spar?"

Meanwhile, Nene showed Baba the finer side of Kyoto, specifically the Fushimi Inari-taisha, the shrine for one of many Japanese deities, Inari. The walk to the top of the shrine did not take too long, or so that's how Baba felt. Perhaps working as a Gladiator for so long was once again bearing fruit. Upon reaching the top, Nene told Baba about the shrine as she inquired.

"This is a shrine. If you leave a little bit of currency and make a prayer, you'll receive good fortune for the day. Most natives make the trek every day to leave a prayer."

"What about the fox statues? I saw a few of them as we ventured up."

"Foxes are depicted as Inari's animalistic symbol."

"What was Inari the god of?"

"The God of Rice and Business."

"Rice and business?"

What an interesting combination, but Baba decided to keep the thought to herself, lest she risks disrespecting the country's culture. Nene proceeded to pray at the shrine after leaving a small amount of yen in the offering box while Baba kept a lookout, feeling something was wrong. She hoped it would be nothing more than a gut feeling. Her feeling was correct as a minute after she decided to watch over the immediate area, Shura, of all people, dropped from the top gate and attacked her! Baba barely had time to react as she summoned Phantom Edge to block her strike.

"You bitch! Xan is mine!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me! I know you travel with him! Zasalamel told me so!"

This was a problem. Zasalamel knew Xan is alive! If that got out, it would spell trouble in a heartbeat. However, Baba kept a cool head regardless of all this.

"So you're Shura then? Spectre told me stories about your crazy ass. Working with Soul Edge so that you can best him. You must be stupid, oblivious, or both somehow."

"Quiet you! Xan belongs to me, and there are no exceptions. Leave him be or die!"

Baba then licked her lips, a normal thing for her to do whenever an idea came on. She decided to do nothing but goad Shura into attacking. Baba had insane stamina, so she'd simply took the attack, allowing her to swing Phantom Edge without an accuracy penalty. Shura ran and stabbed Baba in the chest. Her plan worked as Baba then thrust Phantom Edge into Shura's chest, therefore brushing off the attack.

Using her strength, Baba lifted her sword skyward, and with tremendous force, she slammed Shura back first on the cold hard ground. After pulling Phantom Edge out of her gaping chest, Baba confiscated her weapons and broke them both. Nene just stood there in awe as Baba shrugged off what would appear to be serious blows. Jokes on her, Baba's dress and coat already colored red beforehand. Putting Phantom Edge away, she simply brushed herself off as Nene ran up to her.

"Baba, are you alright?"

"Don't worry, Nene. I've dealt with worse in my Colosseum days. But we have to warn Spectre right away! We're all in possible danger!"

Nene simply nodded as they both started for the Villa. When they got there, they saw Xan surrounded by a swarm of dead Lizardmen!

"Spectre!"

"Baba, we have to get out of here!"

"Oh, come on! I just washed your coat, and you got blood on it again!"

"Would stop being motherly for two seconds!? I was sparring with the guards, and the next thing I knew, a bunch of Lizardmen just assaulted the room!"

"You think that Inferno knows you're alive?"

"It's a possibility. Regardless, we need to get out of here."

"If I may interlude."

The group looked around to see who said that. Nene looked ecstatic as her husband, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, walked into the main room. Sporting an all-white robe that heavily contrasted Xan's black garments.

"I presume that you are Xan, correct?"

"Yeah. You're Toyotomi?"

"Yes, I am."

He bowed, and Xan did the same.

"I see that you have dealt with most of the intruders." He looked at Xan's hands, noticing he held two wooden katanas. His Spadroons were sheathed! "With wooden weaponry no less!"

"I was in the heat of the moment." Xan shrugged. "Call it an extended adrenaline rush."

Flabbergasted, Nene approached her husband and kissed his cheek, still confused at Xan's strength.

"At any rate, I think that Inferno sent them to ravage whomever they deemed strong enough for Soul Edge. They were probably looking for me. But unfortunately for them, they ran into you, who I assume easily handled them."

"If I can kill 15 Lizardmen with two wooden katanas, it'd definitely be considered easily handled."

"Spectre, give me your coat."

"Not right now, Baba. Plus, you are still on the coat?"

"I take pride in my needlework. Now give. Me. The. Coat."

Xan conceded (again) and gave the Baba his coat so that she may wash it once more.

"I hope she doesn't get lost. The place is huge!"

"I would be surprised if she remembered where the stream is."

"Ne-chan, make sure you lead her there."

"Right, dear! Nice meeting you, Xan-chan."

And she was off; Nene with the energy of a bunny on a sugar high.

"That's your wife, huh?"

"Actually, I'm a polygamist and have multiple wives. Nene, however, is my favorite. Would you like a few?"

Xan merely chuckled at the thought. "No, thanks. You can keep your wives."

"Fair enough. The offer will stand by the way."

"Alright, let's cut the crap. Why are you giving me all this stuff? I feel like exterminating the Moon Pheasants wasn't the only reason."

"Perceptive, aren't you? Come, we'll discuss it over tea."

After cleaning the room and bathing, Toyotomi and Xan returned to the main room, with two cups of tea waiting.

"Xan or Spectre, whichever you prefer. I've heard rumors about you. Your position in the Japanese guard and your career as a duelist and a nomad. You and your companions' quest to find the Cursed Sword."

Xan put his now fifth cup of tea on the table and shot Toyotomi a glare.

"Relax, I will not tell anyone as I know why you went after it. I had taken note of everything you and your group have done to this point. Half of the European continent have now heard of you and now think you're no longer among the living. But when the Daimyo of Tokyo sent me that message, I wanted to know what you were doing back in Japan. So, why are you here?"

"I'm in temporary hiding, tasked by an unidentified person to weaken the swords so that an acquaintance could seal them off. A few days prior, I killed the leader of the Lizardmen horde with Baba's help. I don't want to stay here too long as my job is far from finished."

"Is Baba that acquaintance?"

"No, we met in Shanghai. She volunteered to help me and hasn't proven to be a burden. She's nice to have around despite the motherly tendencies."

"I may be able to help you with that. I know of a few people who have tangled with the Cursed Blade and lived to tell the tale. Would you like to know their whereabouts?"

"What's the catch?"

"No catch. If anything, I want the swords gone too if it means a peaceful world and Japan. You would be doing the world a favor if you were to pull this off. I only wish to help."

Toyotomi had all good intentions in mind. By doing this, he felt the need to help carry on his former superior's wish of creating a united Japan. The opportunity was too good to pass up.

"If you are so sure, then I'll take all the help I can get."

"Fantastic. I'll tell you anything you need to know. But first, more tea. Yodo-dono! Bring more tea leaves for myself and our guest!"

"Yes, Lord Toyotomi."

After having around 10 more cups of tea, Toyotomi told him of a Japanese woman who, with help from a European sealed Soul Edge off - or so the story went. No one believed the myth, but considering what Xan's going through, it could lead somewhere.

After getting his clothes back from Baba, who washed them (getting annoyed yet?), the duo left the Jyarukudai Villa, knowing it was reliable to stay in if they ever found themselves in Kyoto once more. They set up camp in a nearby forest. (Well, as much of a camp for two people) Baba inquired Xan for the information.

"Toyotomi-kun told me of a native who defeated Soul Edge a couple of years ago. A Kunoichi, as we like to call them. But the stories from which spawned of this was very obscure and highly exaggerated."

"You think she'll help us?"

"To be honest, I doubt it. I may believe that she exists, but for us to find her now? The chances are slim at best."

"I'll take that. Things eventually will go our way."

What an interesting take on the matter. Perhaps spending so much time in Lakeside shifted her mind in that way. Xan realized that even though he had his problems, there are still numerous other world problems, sexism one of them. Before he could ponder other problems, he heard a noise.

Baba heard it too. "What was that?"

"Do you think that Lizardmen would assault at this late hour?"

"Please. I think you give them too much credit, Spectre. Remember, we killed the head. They wouldn't act so strategically all of a sudden. For all we know, it could be one of Zasalamel's cronies."

"Ah, shit. Well, I refuse to let them get the jump on us. Stay still."

Xan then grabbed his knife and, with his free hand, held the handle on of his Spadroons. He threw the knife in the direction he was facing with celerity. A few seconds later, the knife was thrown back at him! He drew his sword and parried, and as quick as he can, he unsheathed the other Spadroon and swung in front of him.

What did he hit?

The legendary Kunoichi herself, Taki. But she wore blue instead of her famed red and wore a demonic-looking faceguard.

"Very good. As expected from the Black Dragon of Osaka. But you missed one thing."

Xan looked down to see that Taki had already wounded his chest.

"Holy shit. She's fast, alright."

Taki, the exiled Fu-Ma Ninja

Everyone's favorite Kunoichi, it's Taki!

After patching things up with Ivy (Meaning, not trying to kill each other on sight), she briefly returned to slaying demons while still being on the run from the Fu-Ma Ninja clan. She heard of Wolfkrone's battle against Nightmare and Xan and co.'s adventures. Upon hearing rumors that Xan was alive, she strove to find him. A gut feeling told her that he would return to Japan, so she bided her time until he indeed returned.

But what are her intentions for doing so?

Xan resheathed his swords as Taki found a seat at the campfire before speaking. "I hear you two have gotten yourselves on Inferno's hitlist."

"How long have you been following us?"

"Since your arrival in Tokyo. I was planning on revealing myself as you two were walking to Kyoto. But I was interrupted by someone who takes pleasure meddling in my business. Then you split off, and once again, I planned to reveal myself to Black Dragon. Yet, the Lizardmen attacked the Villa. That was when I knew that the legend hadn't died."

"What gave me away?"

"I know of few who can kill so many Lizardmen with Wooden weaponry. You don't use the style you're known for, but the aggression was still there. Even I had to kill a few. After Toyotomi told you of me, and you two headed off, I continued to follow you until."

She then made a U with her hands. "Here we are. So, Black Dragon. Where to now?"

"We were going to make a half-assed attempt at finding you, but you found us instead. We were going to ask you for your information on Soul Edge as we need all the help we can get if we wish to take it down."

"Aha. Ask, and you shall receive."

Taki relayed all the information she felt the duo needed, including the whereabouts of the woman she fought alongside. With that, their next destination was set: Athens, Greece.

"What of you, Taki? You found us and gave us the information we need. What's next on your bucket list?"

"Since you asked, Black Dragon, I may as well travel with you. The three of us all have the same agenda, so it would seem like a smart idea for us to stick together, is it not? Besides, I have a feeling the woman I mentioned will be hostile if I'm not there. Of course, you two don't have a choice in the matter. I planned on joining as soon as I found you."

That was certainly a twist of fate. Taki wished to join them on their journey? The duo couldn't find anything wrong with allowing her to come with them.

"Well, Taki. Welcome to our little group. Oh, and stop calling me Black Dragon. It would lead to suspicion. If anything, call me Spectre."

Taki simply nodded at the revelation. It was common sense for him to give himself a code name. He would want his enemies to believe he was still dead.

"Fair enough. It's getting late. I'll take first watch. Spectre, I will wake you when it is your turn. Try to get some sleep."

Why did he have to take second watch? But he knew better than to argue with Taki. For all he knew, she can kill them each with ease. Spectre accepted the fact and tried his hardest to get some sleep as he felt that something bad would happen soon. Casting his thoughts aside, Xan eventually drifted to sleep.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the recollection. I also hope that this will give you insight on who Xan is or if you've been with me for a while it'll be a nice reminder. As for where in the original story this was, this was just past the halfway point. And for a while this was the story that made it the farthest in terms of chapters. Until I started GbNF anyway.

With that being said, let me know what you think of the introduction of Xan with a review or a PM and I'll see you all soon. Later!