Can finally see reviews.
evolution-500: For him not asking about her mother, I wanted it to be that he had an idea she was dead and so didn't want to bring back old memories
Guest: I'll try to balance his screen time, or is it page time?
Chapter 5
New Shirai Ryu Forest Territory 5:30pm
Rachel Roth's eyes snapped open, her heart racing as she felt the familiar surge of her demon side stirring within her. She tried to calm herself, but the darkness only grew stronger, threatening to consume her.
Just as she felt herself losing control, a calm voice suddenly spoke up. "Rachel, that's enough for today."
Finally in control of herself, she turned towards the figure of Scorpion, who had been leaning on a nearby tree, while also watching her as she trained.
"So, how did I do?" She asked dryly, already having an idea of how she did
"Besides almost losing control again" Scorpion said, as he walked towards her while holding a bottle of water. "You're making progress."
"Progress?" She asked, slightly taken aback by his reply
"Well for one, you didn't level the surrounding forest like last time." Scorpion said, offering her the water he held
"You know, when you put it like that, it does sound like progress." Rachel said, as she received the water. "But still, we've been going at it for a week now and I still can't get a hang of this."
"You can't expect yourself to master something in less than a week of training." Scorpion said.
"I seem to have gotten a hang on Hapkido in less than a week." She said
"Though your current progress in the art is impressive, you still have a long way to go, before you can consider yourself a Hapkido master." Scorpion said. "Besides, unlike Hapkido, you've actively been trying to discard your demon side."
"And now you're training me to accept it." Rachel concluded
"Change is never easy." Scorpion said, as he took off his mask, revealing his human face. "It took me years before I could successfully master switching between a flaming skull and back to my human appearance."
"Never thought I'd see you take off your mask." Rachel said. "You don't even look older than thirty."
"I'm far older than I look." He said
"Still, I'm not sure white eyes are normal for humans." She said, referring to his pale eyes
"Like I said, change is never easy." Scorpion said, before gesturing to his eyes. "Sometimes, it doesn't end up exactly as you planned, but we can't let that stop us."
"I guess you're right." Rachel said, before taking a sip from her bottle
"Now then, let's head back home." Scorpion said, as he placed his mask back on
New Shirai Ryu Temple 6:00pm
Scorpion and Rachel walked side by side, the sun setting over the horizon as they made their way back to the new Shirai Ryu temple. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming cherry blossoms, a symbol of new beginnings.
Scorpion's eyes were fixed on the path ahead, as he gazed on his new home.
The new Shirai Ryu temple rose from the earth like a phoenix, its walls gleaming with a subtle, otherworldly light. The architecture was a blend of ancient and modern, with sweeping curves and sharp angles that seemed to defy gravity. The roof was a deep, burnished red, like the embers of a fire that had burned bright and true.
As they approached, the air grew thick with an almost palpable energy, as if the very fabric of reality was woven with the threads of honor, loyalty, and courage. The entrance was flanked by the massive stone statues of the Shirai Ryu's iconic symbol - The Scorpion - it's eyes glowing with an ethereal intensity.
Inside, the temple was a marvel of minimalist elegance, with polished wooden floors and walls adorned with intricate calligraphy.
The training hall was a marvel of ancient architecture, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and its floors polished to a gleam. But it was the array of training instruments that truly made the hall come alive.
To one side, a collection of wooden dummies stood at attention. Nearby, a series of targets made of straw and bamboo hung suspended from the ceiling, awaiting the next novice to test their aim.
Against the far wall, a range of weapons lined the shelves, each one enchanted by Scorpion to better serve the clan. Staffs of ash and oak, swords with blades as thin as a whisper, and daggers with hilts shaped like the claws of a dragon - all waited patiently for the next generation of Shirai Ryu to claim them.
In the center of the hall, a massive stone pedestal supported a gleaming bronze bell, its surface etched with the symbols of the Shirai Ryu. When struck, the bell's deep tones resonated through the hall, a call to arms and a reminder of the discipline that lay ahead.
And at the very heart of the hall, a meditation chamber of serene oasis, its walls lined with candles and its air heavy with the scent of incense.
Beside's the new Fire Garden, which was being overrun with Maple Trees and Cherry Blossoms (This particular flower was added to the Fire Garden after Scorpion found out Rachel's favorite color was pink.), the new temple now held a library filled with various books, courtesy of Batman.
Rachel broke the silence, as she walked beside Scorpion into the library. "You know, it's still hard to believe you erupted an entire Temple the size of a small town, using magic, and you still don't consider yourself a Sorcerer?"
Scorpion's gaze turned to her. "I am a Ninja who just happened to possess powerful magic. Besides, a Sorcerer from my previous world was able to create an Island."
"If it looks like a Sorcerer, it is a Sorcerer." Rachel said, as she browsed through various books
"I'm quite certain I look like a Ninja." Scorpion pointed out. "It's not too late to try out your Shirai Ryu vest you know."
"I'll try it out when you make it completely black." Rachel said
"What if I make it pink?" Scorpion asked jokingly
"You better not tell anyone my favorite color is pink." Rachel warned
"I really don't see what is wrong with you liking pink." Scorpion said
"Have you seen me before?" She asked, referring to her dark and goth like personality
"I literally live with you." Scorpion said, while crossing his arm
"People will definitely think it's weird that I like pink." Rachel said
"Fine then, your secret is safe with me…for now." Scorpion said
"What do you mean for now?" Rachel asked in a threatening tone
"I'm heading to Gotham." Scorpion said, ignoring her question
"Huh, what for?" She asked
"It's concerning potential Shirai Ryu recruits." Scorpion said.
"In Gotham?" Rachel asked
"Batman." Scorpion simply said
"He still doesn't know about me right?" She asked
"Would you prefer he does?" Scorpion asked
"Nah, that man has issues emotionally." Rachel said. "Plus he's paranoid. Remember the tracker he placed on your communicator?"
"He's just looking out for the Earth." Scorpion said. "Regardless of my intentions, I am still a potential threat to the Planet."
"Whatever." She said, after picking a book. "Guess this place is about to get crowded."
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Scorpion said. "Get some rest when you're done." He added before teleporting away.
Gotham City 7:15pm
The darkness of the Gotham City rooftop was a fitting backdrop for the unlikely meeting. Batman stood tall, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of his expected guest.
Suddenly, a flash of flame illuminated the night, and Scorpion materialized before him. "Batman." Scorpion greeted, appearing beside the Dark Knight
"Good you're here. I'll get straight to business." Batman's eyes gleamed in the darkness, his voice low and intense. "Are you familiar with the League of Assassin's?"
Scorpion's mask tilted slightly, his interest piqued. "I've only heard you mention them once, but I'm assuming they're a Clan of Assassin's?"
Batman's gaze never wavered. "They're more than a clan of Assassin's, Scorpion. They're a cult, driven by a twisted sense of purpose. They believe that by eliminating certain individuals, they're shaping the world into a better place. The League is led by Ra's al Ghul."
"Ra's al Ghul?" Scorpion asked
Batman's voice dripped with disdain. "A madman, driven by a lust for power and a belief in his own superiority. He sees himself as a visionary, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals."
"I see." Scorpion said, remembering how the Lin Kuei was, before Sub Zero took over.
"But there's more." Batman said, as he brought up the hologram of a Man Scorpion had never seen. "This is Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke."
Scorpion's mask gleamed in the dim light. "Where does he fit into this?"
Batman's jaw clenched. "Slade is a former member of the League. Two years ago, he challenged Ra's al Ghul's leadership, seeking to overthrow him and take control of the League for himself."
"And what happened?" Scorpion asked
"The League was torn apart, Scorpion." Batman said. "Some members remained loyal to Ra's, while others defected to Slade's side. The conflict was brutal, with many lives lost on both sides."
Scorpion's eyes narrowed. "And what of those who didn't choose a side?"
Batman's voice was grim. "They went into hiding. Fearing for their lives, they abandoned the League and disappeared into the shadows. But Slade and Ra's al Ghul still hunt them, seeking to eliminate any potential threats to their power. That's where you come in."
"You want me to accept them into the Shirai Ryu." Scorpion concluded
"Yes." Batman answered. "The former League members possess skills and knowledge that can aid you in rebuilding the Shirai Ryu. Their expertise in stealth, strategy, and combat can help you create a stronger, more formidable clan."
"And what of their loyalty, Batman?" Scorpion asked. "Can we trust them to abandon their old ways?"
Batman's gaze never wavered. "I believe in redemption, Scorpion. These individuals have a chance to make amends for their past wrongs. You can show them a new path."
Scorpion's eyes narrowed. "This Slade and Ra's al Ghul won't let them go easily." He said, while walking towards the roof's edge. "Still, I will do all I can to protect them."
"Thank you." Batman said. "I'll make preparations to send them to you in two weeks. Then hopefully-"
Scorpion reaching the edge of the roof, suddenly held up his hand. Batman stopped talking and looked down over the edge. In the alley below, the black and sleek Batmobile was resting on three piles of cinderblocks, each one holding the tire-less wheels. In front of the last wheel, a young boy was crouched down, sounds of squeaking metal ringing from his fingers as he slowly and carefully removed the wheel, quickly sliding a final pile of cinderblocks under the wheel before the car could fall to the ground.
"You have got to be kidding me." breathed Batman.
An amused smile, grew under Scorpion's mask. "What do we have here." he called out, "You do know who's car that is, right?" The boy looked up and his face paled.
He was older than Scorpion had thought, fifteen or sixteen, just a few years older than Rachel. He took one look at the silhouettes of Scorpion and the dark knight and he bolted for the end of the alley.
Teleporting off the roof, Scorpion appeared in front of him. "What is your name child?" he asked, while leaning down to the boy's height."
"Jason." whispered the young man as he backed off, "Please don't kill me."
He backed into the imposing and solid chest of Batman. "No promises," snarled the dark knight.
"Ignore him, he's always like that." Scorpion said, slightly calming the boy. "Tell me Jason, what do you think about Ninjas?"
"Well, Ninjas are kinda badass." Jason answered
"Would you like to be one?" Scorpion asked, causing the Boy's eyes to widen slightly
"If it means I don't get to eat scraps anymore, why not." Jason said, sounding a little too eager for Batman's liking
"Are you sure about this?" Batman asked the Spectre
"I see potential in him." Scorpion said. "I know you see it as well."
"If that's what he wants, then fine." Batman said, as he walked towards his car. "But make sure he never comes close to my Batmobile ever again."
"Batmobile?" Scorpion asked, with a raised brow. "Does everything related to you start with the word, Bat?"
Jason couldn't help but snicker at Scorpion's question. But the young man's snickering stopped, once he noticed Batman turn to face him
"Got a problem with it?" Batman asked, gracing Jason with his infamous Bat glare
"No Sir." Jason yelped, causing Scorpion to chuckle lightly into the night.
Next Day, Shirai Ryu Training Grounds 8:00am
Having been treated to a meal the previous night, Jason slept like a log in Scorpion's hand, before he was taken to the Shirai Ryu Temple. Waking up in an unfamiliar room, Jason noticed that the old clothes he usually wore were replaced by a yellow Ninja attire, which had a hood attached to it.
Right now, Jason is gawking at the site of the training hall, with Scorpion and Rachel a few meters behind him.
"He actually tried to steal the tires?" Rachel asked, while studying Jason. "The one night I didn't go with you, something major happens."
"You should have seen the look on Batman's face." Scorpion chuckled
"Too bad you don't have a camera. I would have really wanted a picture of his face when it happened." Rachel said
"Maybe next time." Scorpion said, causing Rachel to look at him suspiciously
"This place is huge!" Jason's voice echoed through the hall, as he turned to face the duo
"From now on, this is your home." Scorpion said
"Where're the other Ninjas?" Jason asked
"You're looking at the sum total." Rachel said
"Just the two of you?" He asked
"For now." Scorpion said. "You are basically our first initiate, besides Rachel that is."
"Though we're getting more recruits in two weeks." Rachel said. "So try not to slack off."
"What the heck does that mean?" Jason said, glaring at Rachel
"Rachel." Scorpion signed, before addressing Jason. "What she's trying to say is this. The new members we're getting are already trained fighters, so in order for you not to get left behind, I'll be personally training you, starting from today."
"Ohh…okay then." Jason said. "When do we start?"
"Before we begin, I need to ask you something." Scorpion said, walking towards the wooden weapon section of the dojo. "Have you ever been in a fight?"
"A few street fights." Jason answered
"I see." Scorpion said thoughtfully. "Rachel, do you mind sparring with Jason?"
"Sure." She answered, as she walked towards him
"Hold on, I'm not fighting a girl." Jason protested
"Chicken." Rachel teased, causing Jason to frown
"Oh you did not just say that." Jason growled
"What're you gonna do about it?" She asked
"That's it." Jason said, while adopting a sloppy Boxing stance. "You're on."
"Was angering him necessary?" Scorpion asked Rachel
"No." Was her only reply as got into her own stance
"Refrain from using your powers." Scorpion said, causing Jason to look at him
"Hold on, she has powers." He asked. "How is that fair?"
"He literally just told me not to use them." Rachel groaned in annoyance. "Besides, I'm the one at a disadvantage here."
"How?" Jason asked
"The armour you're putting on is enchanted to enhance your speed and strength." Scorpion said
"For real?" Jason asked, observing his Shirai Ryu attire
"Can we start already?" Rachel asked
"Very well then," Scorpion said. "Round 1, Fight!"
Scorpion watched as the two teens sprung into action. Jason first rushed in for a punch, but Rachel easily evaded his attack before tossing him to the ground. Rolling back up, he intended to attack again, but was met with an elbow to the nose, which caused him to bleed
"Sorry," Rachel apologised.
"Are you alright, Jason?" Scorpion asked.
"Agh," he groaned. "I'm fine, guys."
"You sure?" Rachel asked
"Yeah." Jason said, while rising to his feet. "Let's go again."
"I think I hit him too hard." Rachel said, as she faced Scorpion
"Very resilient of you, Jason," Scorpion praised. "You have the spirit of a true Shirai Ryu."
"Really?" Jason asked
"As Shirai Ryu we do not run, rather we fight." Scorpion said
"I guess that's our motto huh?" Jason smiled
"You guessed right." Scorpion said
"I'll heal your nose when we're done." Rachel said
"Why not now?" Jason asked
"It needs more punching." She said
"Oh come on." Jason groaned.
"Round 2!" Scorpion called…
…Two weeks later 10:25am
"Fight!" Scorpion said as both Jason and Rachel leapt into the air as they lunged at each other. Jason held a whip, while Rachel held two wooden swords.
Rachel had her blades pointed at Jason who cracked his whips forth, wrapping around Rachel's weapons as he began to tug at them.
Rachel suddenly released her weapons, letting them fling at Jason who was pulling backwards with all his might. He ducked the incoming blades that were still wrapped around his whips, but this was still enough of a diversion for Rachel to charge forth and kick Jason on the chest, knocking him back a few feet away from her.
Getting his bearings, Jason began spinning his whips in the air as he approached Rachel, who had to dodge both the spinning whips and her own weapons attached to them. Rachel hopped over and ducked over several incoming attacks before feeling her wooden knife scratch her back.
Rachel soon found herself backed against the wall of the dojo. On the sides of the room were pillars that stood in a straight line. As Jason launched another attack at Rachel, she used her agility to kick back and forth off the two pillars she was standing beside, before reaching high enough to jump off, taking Jason of his feet with a flying clothesline. Making sure Jason couldn't retrieve his weapons, Rachel immediately climbed on top of Jason and got him into a guillotine chokehold, hoping to make Jason submit.
After about a minute of being trapped in the submission hold and slowly becoming more and more dizzier as time went on, Jason suddenly found a reversal. Jason rolled through and now he was on top of Rachel where he began unloading a flurry of punches to the head which Rachel covered her face up to block. Rachel eventually kicked Jason off of her, before leaping up, only to be tripped up by Jason's whip as he had picked them up on his way to his feet and pulled it from behind Rachel. Jason then grabbed Rachel's weapons which were still tied tightly around his whips and held them near her neck after jumping onto her.
"Got you." Jason smirked, as he quickly got himself off her and offered a hand up. "I win."
"Finally got me back for your nose huh" Rachel said as she took his hand.
"Well done, you both did well." Scorpion spoke up as he began applauding the two. "Especially you Jason. In just two weeks, you've been able to match Rachel."
"Thank you, Grandmaster Hasashi." Jason replied. "But she still never used her powers."
"You wouldn't last a second if I used them." Rachel said
"Wanna bet?" Jason asked cockily
"That's enough, both of you." Scorpion said. "You'll face Rachel at full strength, but not today."
"Right, the new recruits are coming today." Jason said
"They're already here." Rachel said, having sensed multiple emotions close to the temple
"Indeed." Scorpion confirmed. "The both of you should head towards the main hall, I'll lead our new members to it's location."
"Sure thing." Jason said, as he started heading out
"Rachel, I have something for you." Scorpion said, as he manifested a black version of the Shirai Ryu vest. "You should try it on."
"You even added a Cape." Rachel said, as she took the armour. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Scorpion said, before heading out to meet the initiates
Shirai Ryu Meeting Hall 11:00am
As the former League members waited patiently for Scorpion to address them, Rachel is seen standing besides Jason, clad in her new armour
"You should ditch the cape." Jason said to her
"Zip it, he's about to start." Rachel said, as all eyes turned to Scorpion, as he entered the hall.
The hall then fell silent as Scorpion's voice echoed through the chamber, his mask gleaming with intensity. "You stand at the crossroads, my friends. Behind you, a legacy of blood and shadows. Before you, a path of redemption and honor."
He paused, his eyes burning with conviction. "The League of Assassins taught you to kill, to eliminate without mercy. But I offer you a new way, a way that values life, that protects the innocent, and that fights against evil."
He paced before them, his eyes burning with passion. "As Shirai Ryu, we are not just assassins, we are not just ninjas. We are family and together, we will forge a new destiny." The former League of Assassins members stood tall, their faces set with determination at Scorpion's words
"Never thought your dad was one for speeches." Jason whispered
"He's…" Rachel paused for a moment, before choosing not to correct Jason. "I guess you're right."
"As Shirai Ryu, We Do Not Run!" Scorpion as drew out hi sword. "We Fight!"
Author's Note: And done. So now I'm looking for a good Shirai Ryu codename for Jason. Or you guys would prefer he still goes by Red Hood?