~Tales of Gallant Ninja~ , Chapter 1-2

[Shikamaru]

I will be starting a contest in my time off Client for those of you that wish to participate.

I will be starting a new section on the forums, a book, of the adventures of all players on the server written by Jiriyia from his view point about the tales of those around him that aren't "screw ups like him" and possibly the ones who are screw ups.

What I want to see:

• Originality - I want to see something that is not chronicled in your profiles bio or journal. I want to see a totally new side adventure you have not written about prior regardless if it was rped or not. This story can be a totally brand new story that has never been rped on the server. Mainly use your imagination.
  
  
• Format - Though many like me are not the world’s most elegant writers, I'd like to see this in a format similar to what you would read in a book. Not one giant run on or one super huge paragraph that takes up two pages. I'd like to see at the very least 700 words in your submission. And trust me I have Word and it has a word count feature I only have to copy and paste.
  
  
  
• Continuing Premise - I want to do this several times and at the moment am unsure how many "chapters" I will run this little book for. But I want this to be something you can gloat about IG and OOG from now till the end of NC in the distant future. This is a way to not only leave your stamp that you were here with your bio but to contribute to the story and world of our "not so canon" server.
  
  
  
• Fun to read - Though we all want to be "OMG UR UBERZORS!!" I want to see in these stories your characters flaws as much as how strong they may be mentally, physically, and emotionally. Though a long story of cool combat would be cool I can promise you that will not likely be the reason you win this first contest of many. "A day in the life of..." is just as likely to win as a "The battle raged on...” think of this as a mini-biography that you’re writing for your character.
  
  
  
• Title - As titles are always important it will also help in the voting later on in the contest so please title your entries.
  

So now that you have seen what I expect from you guys here is the kicker....

Every submitted story will be reviewed and judged by myself and anyone else on the staff who wishes to help. Those on the staff who do not participate are eligible to participate. Once I have received enough storied that me and the staff agree on I will hold a vote post. The Winner and the Runner up will be put into the book as Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 respectively.

You the players will decide who wins and what goes into this book because it is your tale just as is mine as a player.


The winner of the vote by the players will receive 10 tokens.
Runner up will receive 5 tokens (Second story with the most votes, in the event of a tie for 2nd DMs will vote who wins runner up.)
Everyone else will receive 2 tokens as decided by you the players.


So it is important for you guys/gals to read these stories just as much as myself.

This contest will end on November 20, 2009 all submissions must be submitted by 11:59 of that day (US Central Time). After reading all final submissions I will start the vote post for players on November 23, 2009 and it will run through November 30, 2009.
And on December 1, 2009 the book will start.

[Shikamaru]

*bumps since kelly is posting in locked threads causing my contests to be hidden* =_=

[dusk]

Ties of the Past


The cold drops of rain were a wonderful thing to Korimo, their presence bringing a sense of calm to the weary shinobi. Pulling his chill blue eyes from the sky he looked about the still busy streets of Kirigakure, of his home. The dull ache in his left shoulder was a clear reminder that even here in the city he loved there could be danger. He would remember where Uchiha Sasuke, he had already filed out his report to the Mizukage about the missing nin’s presence in Kiri. Still the special jounin felt uneasy, previously Kiri had seemed untouchable and had escaped the main portion of the Akatsuki and Orochimaru’s attentions. With a sigh that clouded in the cold evening air he made his way to the Mizukage’s office, she had been summoning him more and more these days, a clear sign of Kiri’s lack of free jounin.

Nodding to the Anbu guarding the massive doors of the Kage building the tall man entered. He’d always enjoyed the interior of this building, it had a great sense of power and the cool mist that permeated from the floor put his mind at ease. He came to a quick stop at the spear point gate leading to the meeting hall, his mind racing as he tried to think of what reason he was being called upon this time. Taking a deep breath he focused his chakra into the spears, the special device recognizing him as having been summoned slid open with the sound of metal grinding on stone.

He caught sight of several dark figures in the mist shrouded darkness of the room, each quickly fading as soon as he had seen them. Finally his gaze settled on the Mizukage, her back was to him as she gazed into a deep blue crystal atop a pedestal in the center of the circular room. She wasn’t an imposing woman even as she settled her cool gaze upon him, yet he couldn’t help having great respect for her. She had brought an end to the bloodshed and violence that he remembered in Kiri, the bloodshed that had killed so many of his friends.

“Milady, you called for me?” his raspy voice seemed to be absorbed in the mist around them.

“Indeed Korimo. I’m afraid there is something I need you to look into once again. It seems there is a wanted criminal taking refuge in the city of Tanzaku Kai, I want you to go deal with him in whatever way you see fit. I will leave it up to your judgment.” He caught a strange tone in her voice but he simply shook it off.

“How will I recognize him milady?”

“You will know him when you see him Korimo.”

Her words unsettled him even as the special jounin bowed to her. Taking his leave he headed to the port, if he remembered correctly Tanzaku Kai was one of the more remote cities in Fire Country. The scent of brine flooded over him as he approached the sea, yet even the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea could calm his uneasiness. Get a hold of yourself, he thought, it’s not like you to be so shaken by someone’s words. The thumping of his boots on the gangplank seemed ominous to him as he stepped aboard the ship. Captain Hitsuchi smiled as he approached, the man was well familiar with Korimo having taken him to fire country on many occasions. Korimo returned his smile with a nod and handed the man a sack of coins.

“Goin to visit the Leaf folk again Korimo?”

“Something like that Captain…something like that.”

The journey was as dull as expected, the sea treating the captain and his passenger well all the way to the land of Fire. One again he stepped upon the soil of a country that had once been Kiri’s foe, the recent days of peace had seen him with a great deal of acquaintances and a few friends in this place. His thoughts shifted a bit, images of Chance laying dead in a hospital bed filling his mind and he felt a bitter wave run through him. No matter how much I try to stay uninvolved with this place it keeps hooking me back in. A sigh escaped him once again as he bound through the forest along the road to Tanzaku Kai. Being so caught up in his own thoughts and memories he almost didn’t hear a familiar voice call out.

“Oi Korimo! What’s the rush?” Coming to a stop upon a tree branch he looked down and over, the red garbed man with one eye covered standing there had a smile upon his face as he looked up. The mist nin’s own face cracked in a smile as he shouted in return.

“You know me Jin, places to go people to see. After all I’m an important person.” With a chuckle the apple sage waved the man on and Korimo continued on his journey.

The blur of green as he sped through the forest did nothing to remove the man’s still lingering sense of doubt, the Mizukage hadn’t given him any information on the criminal. Not only that she had said he would recognize the man on sight. As the multiple walls of Tanzaku Kai came into view his hand slid up to the ornate hilt of Chishio Satou, his crystalline blade humming softly in it’s sheath as it felt his chakra flow. Pulling his black cloak tighter around himself he hopped down onto the road. Tanzaku Kai wasn’t really worthy of being called a city, it was a small place with only about six buildings. The only real landmark in the place being it’s massive tavern that served some of the best food and drink in all of the Land of Fire. The various civilians who were going about their business glanced at the nin nervously, their eyes straying to the Kiri headband tied around his neck.


Pushing open the thick oak door of the tavern he entered the entry hall, the smell of roasting meat and the dull roar of many voices all holding separate conversation assailing his senses. Turning the corner at the end of the hall he entered the main dining hall, all eyes turned his way the many civilians seeming edgy and concerned at the presence of Mist nin. Korimo ignored this and scanned the room with his cool blue eyes, his mind focusing on finishing his mission. His heart nearly stopped in his chest and the blood in his veins ran like ice water. It was him. A mix of burning fury and cold betrayal swirling in the nin’s chest held him in place, time seeming to have frozen as he locked his eyes on a man sitting in one of the back booths.

Time came rushing back in and the room returned to it’s noisy state, though the voices were quieter and more cautious. The man’s hand rose to the jagged scar on his throat and he ran one gloved finger along the mark of betrayal. Finally rage won over the pain of his betrayal and the hand at his throat move up to grip his massive blade tightly. Rushing through the crowd and leaping over one table he came crashing down upon the table the man sat at. The man was gaunt, pale, and his frightened blue eyes stared up at the nin from across the glowing red gemstone blade of Blood Drinker. Korimo’s breath came forth in enraged gasps, his blazing blue eyes locking on those of the man whom he had come here for.

“W-who are you!? W-what do you want from me!?” the frail looking man cried out, sweat pouring down his face as he eyed the massive blade a hairsbreadth from his face.

“I’m wounded…-father-,” the last word was spat out with accusatory venom, “don’t you recognize your own blue eyes? Or this jagged scar you left me?”

With a right hook Korimo sent Haniki Kaikuro flying back into the wall with a crash, the room having fallen silent once more the thump of flesh striking wood was audible. Korimo stalked over to the man and gripped him tightly by the front of his dull clothes, the man wailed in fear screaming that a ghost had come to claim his life. The nin’s face was a mask of rage as he dragged the man kicking and shrieking from the tavern. Roughly he tossed the frail older man to the cobbled street, his massive blade pointing at the source of all of his hatred.

“You can’t imagine how long I’ve waited for this…I’ve grown stronger day by day always waiting for the time when I could return the favor and leave you dying in the gutter.”

“Mercy! Please mercy Korimo! I’m your father!”

“I have no father! A man who can slit his own son’s throat and leave him to die has -no- right to be called a father!”

The glowing red blade flashed through the air, blood spattering the cobblestones as a red line appeared across Haniki’s chest. The man cried out in pain and whimpered piteously, tears flowed from his eyes as he curled up into the fetal position blood pooling beneath him. Korimo could feel his heart clenching in his chest, he could feel himself wavering at the sight of this pathetic man. No, I cannot let myself be turned from this path. He is the cause of all of my pain…of all of my rage. He must be punished.

The dark red crystal of his blade absorbed the man’s blood with a happy sounding hum as the panting nin stood over his father like a beast over it’s prey. Korimo’s free hand opened and shut as emotion tore through the normally calm man’s body. In the back of his mind he could feel his arms raise as a dull sensation, the blade in his hands gripped tightly. Chishio Satou hummed with a wild anticipation of a greater feast, the weapon seeming to pulsate with baleful red light. Shutting his eyes he let the blade fall, the hot splatter upon his face and the sudden silence letting him know that his vengeance had finally come to an end. Reaching down he pulled a small silver locket from round the man’s neck, a gift from Korimo’s mother that the man had stolen when he was younger. Yet there was no sense of warmth within, he could feel a great hollow in his chest as he turned away leaving the two halves of his father where they lay.

Let no one say revenge is sweet.

[Shikamaru]

THIS CONTEST WILL BE HANDLED BY ANOTHER DM AT A LATER TIME. THE DEADLINE AND CONTEST IS STILL THE SAME BUT ANOTHER DM WILL BE HANDLING THE MATTER.

SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENCE.

[Tsunade]

“An Angel, Fallen from Grace”

10 Years from now… In a possible future.

In the Valley of the Dead several loud explosions shake the cliff walls, as two shinobi face off. There, a performance worthy of puppetmasters was being performed between a Legend and his apprentice. Akykyo Alakir the great Puppetmaster of Sunagakure looks ageless in his features but his eyes still show great maturity, experience, as of late… disdain as they gaze along a cloaked figure in black before him. His challenger looks to be a man of harsh intent as violent as the sandstorms of Wind Country, his eyes burn almost as brightly as the sun over the golden dunes, and his technique equally as flawless as his master.

Aky’kyo Alakir: “It is unfortunate it has come to this, I had great hopes for you… Mithrajin.”

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “What was unfortunate was the death of my parents and how they were treated in their life and in death. What was unfortunate was the death of Sasori before I could even get my revenge. What was unfortunate was that over the years I was constantly held back by you… Kanya-sama… and Tongu-sensei… but no longer. Sasori of the Red Sands may have died, but his work did not. I found his hidden texts which detailed everything there was to the Puppet Technique, and now I will illustrate that for you in a performance of a life time.”
* He reaches over for his blades and latches them together to form a double-sided sword. Then he tugs on a scroll canister located at the center of the hilt, unraveling it to the point it touches the ground with 13 seals marked along it. 10 of the seals then float from the parchment and take form of individual puppets as he utilizes Jikki Chikamatsu no Shuu (Ten Puppet Collection) *

Aky’kyo Alakir: “ You learned Monzaemon’s secret technique – congratulations. It wont save you no matter how many puppets you have. You fail to see the hidden potential found in each puppet… so now I will show you it is not the quantity of work that matters but the quality.” * He reaches over to obtain a beautifully ornate scroll case as he unwravels it to summon his signature puppets, “The Twins”. They appear floating along from the sun’s rays as their shadows are cast along the cliff walls preparing to fight a band of puppets * “ Let us see how far you have grown, apprentice. ” * Gives Mithrajin the first move. *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “ This will be the end of you my master. ” * He flaps his arms towards “The Twins” as all 10 of his puppets fly into the air lunging towards them. In a swift display he twists his wrists, twiddles his fingers, and elegantly thrusts his hands *

Aky’kyo Alakir: * He swipes the air while flicker his fingers causing both the Angel of Memory and the Angel of Vengeance to block and parry the incoming attacks while countering with their own. The battle between the master and the apprentice would wage for a couple of hours while Aky’kyo reminisces about his past times with Mithrajin trying to figure out where he went wrong with his teachings. A memory came to mind when he met Mithrajin for the first time and acknowledged his skillset in Puppetry, to the point he was willing to overlook the splitting of jutsu focus between Puppet and Medical techniques. He was reminded of a young boy who had his hood covering his eyes and was overly high spirited about Aky’kyo looking up to him like some sort of idol, although he himself never knew why. In his first training Aky’kyo wanted Mithrajin to get intimately acquainted with his puppets, and was visited by Tongu with Akane present – it was a moment of when past meets future expecting Mithrajin to one day take up where Aky’kyo left off…*

One by one Mithrajin’s puppets fell and its puppet master was panting heavily due to the fatigue of using 10 puppets at once, while Aky’kyo seemed like he barely took a second breathe – his puppets however seen better days. They stare down at each other measuring their skills, anticipating their movements and preparing a counter measure, and lastly ready to pull out all the stops.

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: * huffs softly * “ Your puppets barely seem to be keeping themselves stable… Aky’kyo-sensei.” * gives his former teacher a former grin *

Aky’kyo Alakir: *Looks down at mithrajin with a bland expression * “At least my puppets still stand. Do not call me your sensei any longer, you are not my stu-“ * but gets cut off *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “Tell me Aky’kyo-sama, how are Tongu and Kanya doing these days?”

Aky’kyo Alakir: “I have not seen them recently, but I imagine they are alright.”

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: * he shakes his head with a smile on his face before chewing on a military ration pill* “You were always devoted to your work, locking yourself from the world… Aky’kyo-sama. There is someone I would like you to meet.” * He takes out his double-sided sword once more and summons the last of his 3 puppets, their faces are covered by a helmet of some sort of animal creature* “For all your glory… the legend that you are – you fail to see it yet. Why don’t you take a second look at the 10 puppets you just broke?”

Aky’kyo Alakir: *Isnt quite certain what to make of his comment he enters a defensive stance with his puppets preparing for a stealthy attack while he re-examines the fallen puppets. His eyes then widen in utter shock to the lengths his student was capable of in his devotion to the Puppet Technique, to the point it turned his stomach. The 10 fallen puppets had an eerily resemblance to people Mithrajin used to call friends… (Ares) Sasaki Zenmetsu/ (Taurus) Korimo Arimatsu/ (Gemini) Shieo Ariho & Blake Ikaze / (Cancer) Koi Fukachi / (Leo) Akane Arata / (Libra) / (Sagittarious) Sousuke Nara/ (Capricorn) Jenku / (Aquarius) Lilly Hyouten / (Pices) Rarda Yana… 2 of the zodiac signs seemed to be missing as he looks at 3 newly summoned puppets. (Virgo) / (Scorpio) / (Ophiuchus)* “… How could you do this…? These people were your friends and you – killed them?!”

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “I remade them Aky’kyo-sama… But you haven’t seen my 2 favorite ones yet. They both hold a special… place in my heart.” * he gives a sly smirk as he flicks his pointer finger upward, and the helmets slowly slide over the heads revealing the identities of… Kanya & Tongu Ezramaku. *

Aky’kyo Alakir: “ You fool!!! What have you done!!!? ” *He looks on at his former teacher and his best friend who he could call brother now having been turned to puppets. Tears of pain mixed with fury trickle down his face as he tries to remain control – but for once Aky’kyo Alakir was not in control of his feelings and launched a full assault blindly at Mithrajin to perform a final blow *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: * his grin never leaves his face as he looks on at his master attack blindly getting the upper hand, he twists his wrists then thrusts his hands forward while flickering his fingers. The puppets Virgo and Scorpio both hold onto the Angels of Memory and Vengence, before Ophiuchus unlatches a scythe from it’s back and cuts both puppets apart as Virgo and Scorpio leap away to safety *

Aky’kyo Alakir: * kneels on the sand as his body trembles in rage, and seemed like a broken man unable to clearly focus, he looks up at Mithrajin with eyes that blaze fiercly no longer willing to give the man he once called student any mercy. *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: *Innocently shrugs * “I did say they were my favorite – isn’t that a compliment?”

Aky’kyo Alakir: “Shut your face right now! Before I tear it from you…” * he growls softly *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “Is it anyway that obscene? It was a long time coming… Tongu-sensei always held me back from my potential, he was the biggest hypocrite I have ever met – banishing me from Konoha, insulting me time and time again especially in our training… Whose laughing now Tongu-sensei?” * he smiles faintly at the puppet who remains still. Aky’kyo’s fist tightens only listening to more of Mithrajin’s taunting.* “Let us not forget Kanya-sama… You know how she was, very bull headed – never seeking reason, thinking she knew best… I did give her an honorable death though, something worthy of her skills. Poisoning her with mercury, it was a true test of her abilities but not even she could withdraw the metallic poison from her blood stream and she was the greatest medical shinobi in Sunagakure after all.”

Aky’kyo Alakir: * he grits his teeth unable to take anymore of Mithrajin, finding him to be utterly repulsive and no longer recognizing his student in his smug demeanor*

Mithrajin Ovanjiri: “Do you know who this person is here Aky’kyo-sama?” * motions to the Ophiuchus with a serpentine helmet covering his face. Mithrajin then slowly tilts his finger upward as the helmet slides over its head, revealing a blank face but with reflective eyes looking down at Aky’kyo* “Do you not see it? Take a closer look…” *Aky’kyo refuses to turn his gaze from Mithrajin, who sighs softly and twiddles his fingers* “I said take a look…” * The puppet slowly leans forward to Aky’kyo’s face as its eyes reflect his inner rage that slowly dims, Aky’kyo looks back at the puppet’s reflective eyes almost not recognizing who he has turned to become as well * “You will be my last and final master piece Aky’kyo-sama… Isnt that an honor?”

Aky’kyo Alakir: *Bends his head downward as his beautiful purple lockes cover his face and then he slowly rises, regaining full composure of himself* “That won’t happen Mithrajin-kun… We both will die here this day.” * he reaches into his bag and retrieves another ornate scroll with beautiful etchings along its cover – but before he could unravel it a sound is heard from behind, whimpering of some sort.*

Kenta: *He looks on at the sight of his parents standing infront of him having turned to puppets. Tears stream down his face unable to coop with the harsh reality and looks at who the person is that killed them* “…E..-Em why? Why did you kill my mom and dad…? Why…?” * sniffles trying to gain some understanding but knows there is no reason that would ever make things right again.*

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: *He looks down at kenta with a grin* “Because I can? I suppose now we are brothers now Kenta-kun… We both lost our parents in a tragic way – but do not worry, you won’t live on alone like I have… I will be your new father.”

Kenta: *looks up at his parents slowly walking towards them and slowly past Aky’kyo who places a hand on his shoulder*

Aky’kyo Alakir: *looks down at Kenta with sorrowful eyes* “Do not get close Kenta, they may look like your parents – but they aren’t… Let me fix my mistake.”

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “Mistake? … The only mistake you made you old fool – was you underestimated my passion. You and Kanya believed I wasn’t ready, and she refused to ever accept me as a medical shinobi despite the countless lives I saved at Suna’s Hospital. That was my mother’s legacy bestowed onto me… like you and those in the brigade who hesitated on teaching me more advanced puppet techniques, which were my father’s legacy. I proved you both wrong though didn’t I? My passion for those two fields grew even after Sasori’s death, and that hate… slowly aimed towards the three of you. If anything, you, Kanya, and Tongu are the reason to blame for all of th-“ * but gets cut off *

Aky’kyo Alakir: “WAKE UP!!! Don’t you see that we hesitated in teaching you because you were not ready – it was out of love we tried not too! You expected to become someone our level in a matter of a couple of years, you needed time to grow mentally in both medical and puppet techniques… You are right that perhaps I have been buried in my work and lost sight of you and the others… that was MY mistake. There was no reason to kill all of them!!!” * motions to the fallen puppets *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “You continue to think that teaching me these techniques is a mistake…? Rather what little techniques you did teach me – I found a close friend in my parent’s killer. He proved to be more of a teacher than any of you ever were, it is just shame I did not get a chance to use it on him.”

Aky’kyo Alakir: * sighs heavily as he continues to unravel his scroll summoning 1 puppet * “I see now there is no reasoning with you Mithrajin, you are beyond lost… your passion has taken hold of you to the point of no return. But the least I can do is stop you from harming anyone else. Kanya-sensei… Tongu-san… I am sorry to have to do this.” * bows head respectfully to both of them* “Kenta I want you to stay out of this, is that clear?” * gazes down at the boy with stern eyes * “Let me make it right for you.”

Kenta: *trembles with tears streaming down his face*

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: * He enters a defensive stance as his puppets stand at the ready, and looks on at Aky’kyo who prepares to summon one of his never before seen puppets. *

Aky’kyo Alakir: * he extends his hand outwards as the parchment flutters along in the wind, summoning the “Angel of Love” it holds an odd resemblance to Kenta who stands with a sword in hand and 2 angelic wings*

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “Isn’t that sentimental… It isn’t like you Aky’kyo-sama… Shall we end this?”

Aky’kyo Alakir: *He flickers his fingers causing the “Angel of Love” to raise its hand at Mithrajin and motion him to come at them with its pointer finger *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: * smiles faintly under the hood and then sends all 3 of his puppets at the “Angel of Love”. It proved to be difficult to even strike the petite angel as it was both small and fast – although it had those two advantages it lacked in power like its attackers. The battle would wage to a point where there is and Aky’kyo decided to take it by striking Mithrajin in the chest with his puppet’s sword, Mithrajin found a similar opening and motioned for the puppets Virgo and Scorpio would lunge at Kenta *

Aky’kyo Alakir: * his gaze turns to the sneak attack being performed on Kenta who had just become Chunin and had no chance of escaping both strikes – he tries to pull back in time giving Mithrajin a chance to bring his Ophiuchus in for defense. Great concern fills his eyes worried he would have to see another person he cares for die infront of him * “No! Kenta Run!”

Kenta: *He looks on with intimidated eyes at Kanya and Tongu lunging on their own son with a katana in hand. He stumbles back abit only to fall on his bum and raises his arm up with eyes shut to protect himself from the blow… He anticipated his death right there and then but felt no pain. Slowly opening his eyes Kenta sees Tongu and Kanya frozen in time an inch away from harming their son as he looks up at them with teary eyes.*

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: *Grimaces unsure what just happened he flickers his hands once more but the two puppets refuse to budge – as he glances at Aky’kyo noticing his hands are not influencing the puppets either. *

Kenta: *As he gazes into his parent’s eyes the puppets Virgo and Scorpio begin to cry being frozen into place – before the Angel of Love flutters in and smashes the two puppets saving Kenta, their heads were completely shattered but their bodies remained in tact.*

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “… That was unexpected… Even as puppets they defy my progress… those fools.” * He grows more agitated that he lost 2 puppets when he should have won the fight by now. * “This isn’t over I still have one puppet left…”

Aky’kyo Alakir: “Tongu and Kanya live on even after death… their love over their son cannot be controlled by you or myself. Give up Mithrajin while you still can.”

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: *With a swift swipe of his arm he motions for Ophiuchus to lunge at Aky’kyo, and hurls its scythe at Kenta.*

Aky’kyo Alakir: *Is now given a choice of defending himself or Kenta as he only has 1 puppet left to block the attack. He flicks his wrist and swipes 2 fingers upwards causing the “Angel of Love” to raise its sword against the scythe and deflect it protecting Kenta – while Aky’kyo gets stabbed in the chest by Ophiuchus. His attacker leans forward only digging a serrated blade deeper into Aky’kyo’s torso leaning over as the reflection of the puppet’s eyes catch hold of Aky’kyo’s.* “Guh…” * he coughs up blood as it litters his lungs. *

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: *smiles faintly seeing his master fell for his trap and did the noble thing by defending Kenta and sacrificing his life in the process.* “ I win…” * he pulls a hand back and makes a diagonal swoosh with two of his fingers. Ophiuchus withdraws its blade from Aky’kyo and prepares to cut off his head – only to feel 2 hands placed on each of his shoulders and he freezes not sensing them reach him.

He turns his head slowly to either side of him and sees a visage of he could presume to be his parents… He forgotten about how they looked like but he knew deep down it was them by the resemblance he had to his mother and father, it was unmistakable. They smile faintly towards Mithrajin and shake their head in disapproval of what he has done and what he is committing. He looks down at the fallen puppets of those people he viewed as friends until he turned them into hollow shells that they are, and is stricken with fear realizing that all 12 puppets are looking at him blankly with judging eyes. Suddenly a sharp pain is felt coming from his stomach as he looks down, not realizing he left himself open as Kenta pierces Mithrajin’s chest breaking the genjutsu*

Kenta: “Distortion…” * His eyes are as black as the abyss as he twists the blade held by “Angel of Love” inside Mithrajin’s gut, causing him to wrenche in pain. A soft green aura emits from the wound * “ You took everything away from me – Die!!! “

Mithrajin Ovanjiru: “Ghnnn…” *He smiles faintly as blood trickles from the corner of his lips, seeing Kenta has exacted his revenge – glad that one of them did at least. He closes his eyes and then keels over dead *

Aky’kyo Alakir: * gasps for air knowing his lungs were punctured and whispers Kenta’s name, beckoning him over * “Kenta-kun, I need you to return to the village and tell them what happened…” *he also falls over after kneeling on the ground looking up at the sky, only to be caught in Kenta’s arms with tears falling on Aky’kyo’s face.* “It is alright, I prefer to have it be this way…” *Wipes Kenta’s eyes from rolling tears* “Your parents would be proud of how brave you have become.” * smiles faintly towards him* “I need you to do me one last favor. I want to be buried with Mithrajin – and the others if their respective villages permit it.” * he grimaces in a heavy wince as his heart slows down and the pain feels unbareable* “That man wasn’t the man we knew. He shouldn’t have to die alone after living a life alone – Kenta please promise.” * he twinges before exhaling softly *

Kenta: *sniffles and embraces his uncle Aky’kyo for the last time, then heads back to Sunagakure. The trauma the young boy experienced in the last couple of hours were enough to disorient his senses and he feints in the dunes of Wind Country. It would seem like he would also have died that day as he dazes off looking at the pounding of the sun. A man walks beside Kenta before he passes out, and eventually he would be found at the Sunagakure Hospital. He turns his head to the side sensing someone was there only to find a window open and a soft flutter of the drapes against the wind. A nurse then comes in to inspect his recovery * “Nurse… what happened?”

Nurse: “Kenta-kun what were you doing out in the desert dunes by yourself? Don’t you know it is dangerous? Your mother and father wouldn’t want you to behave so recklessly… Lucky for you M brought you in.”

Kenta: “What!?”

~Le Fin.