"Shin No Ippo 9" by Brandon ´Red´ Christ

Shin No Ippo IX

Two days had passed, and the ship was anchored, floating easily under the crescent moon. Jay had opted to sleep on the deck, while the others went below, as there was only room for five. He had unfurled an extra length of sail, and was sleeping in it, like a hammock. His face was turned to the sail, and he was curled up, somewhat enjoying the sea breeze. He was cold now, however, for a constant sea breeze would obviously push through his light Gi. He didn’t shiver, but it wasn’t a favorable place to be. His brow was furrowed, as if it was an attempt to give warmth to his face, and a slight frown was on his face. Jay rolled over, but simply rolled down the tough canvas, just on a different side. Suddenly, Jay’s eyes slowly opened, blinking wearily. He shook a little, and stood up, looking for a blanket. He walked downstairs and tip-toed between the bunks until he reached the closet. He picked up a sheet, and, as he walked back, he noticed that Owens had thrown his sheets off. He put them back on, and then noticed Lyn had done the same, and seemed restless. Jay put the sheets back over her as well, and smiled a little. Just like having kids, he thought, and walked out and back onto the deck. He climbed back into the sail, threw the blanket over himself, and went to sleep.

.  .  .

            “So, how long until we get to shore?” Mai asked.

            “Well, I suppose we should come to port in, oh, about an hour,” Jay smiled, turning the wheel, “We have been getting a good wind for a while. Zordos, you ok back there?” Jay turned, and Zordos hung over the stern, groaning.

            “Pretty freaking far from ok…” Zordos quickly undid the bandages, unseen to the rest, and threw up again. He quickly tied them up again, and fell backwards onto a chair.

            “Why don’t you just use your power to balance yourself?” Rayne asked.

            “When I float, it’s constantly using my power. I only have so much energy, and floating requires more energy than anything else,” Zordos turned, “and I always prefer to keep a reserve of energy, even if it means I’m a little seasick.”

            “You make no sense. I’ve seen you at work, and you have more than enough to float for at least an hour,” Owens chewed on a dried fish, “So take a break, already.”

            “Well, in all honesty,” Zordos turned, muttering, “I… can’t use my power at sea.”

            “What!?” Owens exclaimed, “Oh, this is beautiful.”

            “So, how did you propel the boat before?” Lyn asked.

            “We were close enough to land for me to tap a source,” Zordos said, “I need to be able to reach the energy at land.”

            “So, you’re an earth elemental?” Mai asked.

            “No, but I can’t use water energy, so…” Zordos trailed off, thinking. He then continued, “I can only use a certain type of energy, and it can’t be found at sea, that’s all.”

            “Makes sense. It’s like how I can’t use my running speed on ice,” Rayne nodded.

            “I guess that’s right, to an extent…” Zordos stood up, “I think I’ll be fine now. Actually, I’m feeling good. Jay, you should check the telescope.”

            “Yeah, I can see a shoreline,” Jay unfolded the telescope, looking through it, “Hmm… I think that’s Kinomori, if those are the Aringosa Mountains.”

            “Let me see,” Rayne took it, and peered through it, “My sight’s better anyway… Oh, that’s definitely Kinomori. Mai, let’s stop by your house. The students should still be training there, right? Maybe we can convince them to give their sensei a free meal.”

            “Sensei!?” Mai exclaimed, “Oh, no, I’m just an instructor…”

            “You own it, right?” Lyn asked, “And, since you’re the daughter of the sensei, before he passed, that would make you the sensei!”

            “No, that’s nonsense…’ Mai shook her head, blushing, “I can’t teach, I can barely fight as is…”

            “You’re a great fighter,” Jay turned the wheel, sending the ship on a tilt, “In fact, you can easily compete on a national level. You could be a great instructor among others.”

            “Well, let’s concentrate on the dock we’re barreling to,” Owens looked forward, “We’re going to be there soon.”

.  .  .

            “Well, home sweet home,” Mai opened the door, surprised to see about fifty students, swinging bamboo swords. There were twenty in another section, sparring with quarterstaffs. They all stopped immediately, turning to the door.

            “Welcome, Sensei Mai!” They all bowed, and Owens couldn’t help but laugh a little.

            “When did I become sensei?” Mai asked, embarrassed.

            “When you defeated the legendary Crazy Jay, that’s when!” one of the students stepped forward, “Imagine, crushing an ogre like that!”

            “Ogre?” Jay muttered, and Lyn giggled.

            “Mai, can I have a word with you?” Owens asked, and he pulled Mai close, “Stefan decided he wanted Jay out of the public eye, so he announced that Jay was defeated by a kenjutsu instructor in Kinomori. He figured Selena would take the credit, but I guess they all assumed it was you.”

            “And what the hell do I tell them?” Mai asked, mad.

            “Just leave it to me,” Jay smiled, “I’ll weave a story of unparalleled wonder.”

            “Hello, and who might you be?” one of the students asked.

            “A drifting minstrel, traveling with your sensei to sing her praises, although she may be humble,” Jay winked, heading for the dojo, “Come, students, let me tell you the tale of Crazy Jay, and how he was soundly beaten by Mai Takenawa, the greatest warrior to grace the world with her footsteps!”

            “Oh, sweet mother of God, please stop him,” Mai turned to Lyn.

            “No way, this is getting fun,” Zordos followed, as well as the others, and Mai, sighing, followed.

            “...and so, with one fell swing, Crazy Jay fell, never to rise again,” Jay finished, nodding solemnly. The student’s were transfixed, and there hadn’t been a sound during the entire tale. Jay had spoken for hours, and the sun had set.

            “Sensei,” Rayne turned, smiling, “It’s looking to be around dinner time.”

            “Yeah, I’ll start cooking, Sensei,” Jay stood up, and walked towards the kitchen. Slowly, but surely, the students bowed to Mai, and left.

            “Before this, only twenty students, now, seventy,” Mai sighed, “I doubt they’ll last six months.”

            “Oh, what’s the difference? Let them learn, and understand what kenjutsu is about,” Owens stood up, and paced back and forth, “Then, they’ll either give up, or, who knows, maybe you’ll snag a few good ones. Either way, it’s a win-win situation, and the money won’t hurt.”

            “I suppose…” Mai shook her head, “But I don’t want to teach father’s last gift to just anyone. I want to make sure that it stays pure, untainted by the weak and unwilling.”

            “Hmm…” Lyn smiled, “You make sense, but, isn’t it best to give everyone a chance? I mean, we were all weak, once, but look how far we’ve come,” she motioned around, “especially Jay. He didn’t catch his first fish until he was eight, but now he’ll spear one in a matter of minutes.”

            “I’m assuming eight is an old age, right?” Zordos asked.

            “I caught mine when I was six,” Lyn replied, “that’s the average age, for the most part. But Jay made up for his lateness. He caught a fish about twice the size of him! I remember that day clearly, him carrying it over his back, smiling madly… everyone had a good childhood there. Well, almost everyone.”

            “Come on, I need a hand here!” Jay called from the kitchen and, at this, they five walked into the kitchen. They cooked, and began to eat.

            “Mai, I just remembered something,” Rayne turned, looking her in the eye, “Didn’t Selena say something to you, before she disappeared?”

            “What… oh, yeah…” Mai’s eyes went wide, and she stood up, dashing out of the room.

            “What?” Owens asked, following with the others.

            “Selena said something about something hidden here…” Rayne dashed along. They caught up with Mai, and she stood at the door.

            “Father’s room…” Mai said, looking at the door. She quietly opened the door, and the five stood, almost afraid to follow. Mai walked further into the room, and sat down, looking at a floorboard with a knot in it.

            “Father always said, it’s our differences that make us better than the others,” Mai smiled slightly, “I suppose that’s why he was always willing to teach different students different ways… He always saw potential, even when no one else could.” Mai slipped her nail under the board, and began to pry it open. It lifted easily, and, behind the board, was a mohagony box, polished and waxed, with intricate patterns set in silver. She picked up a note, which was tied to it. She saw her name, and read it.

Mai,

            If you’re reading this, I can only assume I’m not of this world, or you’re still as curious as ever. I’ve been leading a dangerous life, defending Kinomori from bandits, protesting the government… I’ve put you at risk. So, to make sure you’d always have a safety net, I’ve left this pike. It’s worth a large sum of money, and should be more than enough to buy a nice house in a safe, quiet town. However, should you decide to become a fighter, with the basics I’ve already given you, this spear will never fail you, as it hasn’t failed me. Your own spear is actually a replica, and this is lighter and stronger, so you should get used to it quickly. I leave you and your sister all of my love.

Father.

PS: make sure to take it easy when you can.

            “Father…” Mai folded the letter, and put it in her pocket, “So… your greatest weapon was here, all along…” Mai opened the box, and found what she always searched for.

            The pike was almost exactly the same, save it had a redwood shaft and a silver blade. When she lifted it, she felt it to be very light, and saw how it seemed to glow in the moonlight. A burgundy tassel hung from the top of the hilt, and it waved lightly in the little wind. She closed the box, and stood up, admiring her father’s favorite weapon.

            “Ah… the moonlight lance...” Jay smiled serenely, “Once created to be used by the Grand Generals in the werewolf wars, many of them have disappeared from the world… It’s said that only five or six exist now… This is the third I’ve seen, myself.”

            “Only five or six…” Mai said, tying it to her back.

            “Yes, and that one was wielded by a very famous general, Nibuhiro Takenawa, the legendary halberdier,” Jay nodded, “It’s considered the most powerful, and many believe it to be indestructible. Look how the red tassel flows lightly on the wind,” Jay pointed to it, “all the others are green, but that one is red, meaning he wielded it.”

            “So, my family was one in the Grand Army?” Mai asked.

            “Sort of,” Owens cut in, “Nibuhiro was more of a mercenary. He was very loyal, and only joined causes he believed in, such as making sure that Katgasme Kiraga wouldn’t control the werewolves with the Moonstone anymore, but, nonetheless, he was a mercenary, a teacher of a powerful spear technique, that few were allowed to learn, for he was always on the move…”

            “Those were dark days for us,” Rayne shook her head, “But, thanks to Nibuhiro, my people were set free from the Moonstone’s power.”

            “It sounds like he was a great man, my great grandfather…” Mai sat down, for they were outside of her father’s room, and were now sitting on the walkway outside.

            “He was. Damn shame I couldn’t meet him,” Jay shook his head slowly, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to counter a spear, and, if anyone, he was fit for the job…” Jay trailed off, and then Lyn sat up.

            “Some on, let’s go to bed,” she said, and, at this, they all went to find sheets.

            “Night,” Owens grunted, as he threw his bed together.

            “See you tomorrow,” Rayne jumped on the roof, carrying a sleeping bag.

            “Sweet dreams,” Mai went into her room.

            “Sleep tight,” Zordos lifted himself in the air, rolled himself up in the blankets, and set himself down.

            “Goodnight, Jay,” Lyn crawled into bed, setting her sword next to the sleeping bag.

            “Goodnight, Lyn,” Jay did the same thing, rolling onto his stomach and going to sleep.

.  .  .

            Mmm… morning, so soon? Jay thought. He slowly opened his eyes, and blinked several times, bleary eyed. However, his eyes snapped open as he realized he had rolled into Lyn. They had set their beds up next to each other, since it was a small room they were sleeping in, but he hadn’t realized he was that close. She had rolled onto his arm, and they were facing each other, except Jay was about a head or two lower. Jay realized immediately that he was stuck, and, since his arm was pinned, he couldn’t escape this awkward situation. He tried to figure out what to do, but realized that she was waking up, as well. Jay immediately tried to close his eyes, and feign sleeping, but it was too late. Lyn jumped up, pulling her Kimono tight, and Jay snapped to his feet, running for the bathhouse. He quickly slid in and locked the door, more out of fear than embarrassment. He had grabbed his sword while running, and decided it was now the time to tie it on. He did so, and peeked out the door. He saw no one, and stuck his head out, to look around. A wooden sword came down on his head, and he dropped like a rock, falling face-first onto the ground. He scrambled on all fours, jumping onto the roof.

            “It was an accident!” Jay tripped, falling onto Rayne, “Oh, for the love of God…” He watched as she woke up.

            “What’re you doing!?” Rayne exclaimed, entering the pursuit.

            “Sweet mother of god, someone help me!” Jay jumped off the roof, and was closely followed. Jay ran about the compound, and, soon, the rest awoke.

            “What’s going on?” Owens asked, rubbing his eyes.

            “Help!” Jay jumped over Owens, vaulting the compound wall and out of the building.

            “GET BACK HERE!!!” the two girls yelled, angry.

            “What did he do, exactly?” Zordos asked, and stepped between the door and the two. He closed his eyes and began to think,” Well, it’s obvious that it’s an accident. Even Jay knows that, you know.

            “Still…” Lyn shook her head, “Oh, forget it. There’s no point in bothering.”

            “Well, call Jay and tell him to get some shopping done,” Mai walked forward, “Miso, salt, and some bread.”

            “Ok, I’m on it,” Jay was on the roof again, and made a running jump over the fence again.

“When’d he get back here!?” Rayne exclaimed.

“He didn’t leave,” Owens smiled, “He just wanted you to think he did, so he could come up with an apology. That’s what I think, leastways.”

“Well, it’s not such a big deal,” Rayne shrugged, “I suppose I can deal with it, for now.”

“Yeah,” Zordos nodded, “But, for now, let’s clean up this place. You students will be here any minute,” Zordos winked at Mai, who became annoyed.

“I’m not the sensei!” she exclaimed, but was unnoticed by the others, who had begun to work. She sighed, and followed the rest.

“I tell you what, I’ll pay you six for a gallon, if you give me two extra,” Jay bargained with the shopkeeper, watching the vat of soy sauce.

“Hmm… one and a half, and I’ll call it a deal,” the shopkeeper began to fill a few barrels.

“Sounds good to me,” Jay said as he placed a few of Owens’ bills on the table, and hefted the big barrels, hanging them on a pole, like a large scale. He lifted it, carrying about eight gallons, and began to move down the road.

“Well, what’s this?” He thought aloud, seeing a crowd of people.

“That will teach you!” A feral woman stood above several men, all on the ground, “Now, get your drunken asses out of here, and stop causing trouble!” She was tall and slinky, and had a feminine air about her. She wore a long, red dress, with slits up the side, almost to the hip. Over that, she wore a black vest, with the collar turned up, the buttons undone, since it was more like a jacket. Her short, blond hair revealed two cat-like ears, poking out from it, which had a blond fuzz as well. Her shin was tanned, even bronze, by some standards, and she turned, to look at the crowd. Her brown, sharp eyes caught Jay, and she stepped towards him, her black, heeled boots making a soft thud.

“Well, hello, handsome,” She put her hand to his face. Attached to it was a metal claw, with sharp, curved blades, like Katanas that had double edges. They were about a foot long, and were attached to a piece of metal, polished, and, in turn, were bound to her arm with leather. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around here before,” She smiled, and, being quite attractive, gained the attention of most of the men.

“Hmm… Pantera claws…” Jay glanced at the blades against his cheek, “You must have a decent amount of skill.” Jay immediately took a stance, and drew his sword. The feral vanished, and Jay noticed exactly eighteen rips on his Gi.

“Spiral blade dance, six successions,” the Feral reappeared, behind Jay, but not facing him, “surely you’ve heard of it?”

“I’m more used to defending five, or seven,” Jay nodded, sheathing his sword, “But six… It seems oddly appropriate…”

“I tell you what,” the feral turned, smiling, “Let’s go get something to eat. I think I could enjoy your presence.”

.  .  .

“Crazy Jay himself, huh?” the feral asked, smiling. They had entered a restaurant, and were eating a nice meal, “I thought I recognized you. I saw your work at the Assault on Astana Ridge.”

“Really?” Jay became intrigued, and leaned forward, his chin resting on his hand.

“Why, yes. I wasn’t too high in the ranks, back when,” she smiled, “but I remember that swift dance you could do… it’s why I’m who I am today… I wanted to be just like the man who could dance with a blade so well, making swordplay like art…”

“Hm. I have some friends I think you’d like to meet,” Jay smiled, and stood up, “Come on, it’s only a short way.”

“Well, this is a nice night,” the feral smiled again, a serene, easy smile, and looked up into the sky, “hard to believe we’re in Kitohasu… the stars are much prettier in Silfortha…”

“Especially near the Southeastern region…” Jay smiled, “shooting stars, almost every night,” Jay became interested for a moment, and asked, “Say, are you feline, or canine descent?”

“Feline,” she nodded, the same smile on her face, “I hate to raise a stereotype, but we’re much more skilled than our canine brethren. Faster, more agile… the one thing they have on us is Magic, and, of course, brute force, but It’s useless if you can’t connect.”

“Hm. I know a werefox who’s pretty fast. In fact, she’s faster than me,” Jay turned, and opened the door, “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

Suddenly, the feral stopped, setting her heel down quietly. She had caught a scent on the wind, and had become alert. “Jay, we’ll have to do this some other time,” she said, her smile faded away, “I’ve been looking for someone, and I think I’ve caught a trail.”

“I know the feeling,” Jay nodded, “Well, you can get going. We’ll see each other again, I’m sure.”

I don’t believe it… the feral shook her head, I thought I smelled her on him, but to think she was here…And it was so faint, she could have been long gone… no, that’s her scent, I’m sure of it… well, I’m not prepared to fight…

“Jay, you’re back!” Lyn smiled, “What took you so long?”

“I made a new friend, but she had to go,” Jay set the barrels down, and walked over to Rayne, “I think you two would’ve gotten along nicely.”

Rayne turned to Jay, and, almost immediately, her ears pricked up. She jumped up, and grabbed Jay by the shirt. “Where is she!?” She exclaimed.

“What?” Jay asked, confused.

“Where’s Kitsune!? You’re covered in her scent!” Rayne exclaimed, “Where is she!? Tell me!” Jay stared, wide-eyed, as he put together what had just happened.

.  .  .

“So, blond hair, brown eyes, and a smell of flowers?” Jay asked, sitting down. Everyone had gone inside, and Rayne and Jay went back and forth with facts.

“Absolutely,” Rayne nodded slightly, her eyes closed, “Her slinky movements, your description, and that unmistakable scent she has, no matter how many flower petals she’s bathed in… It had to be her…”

“Hmm…” Owens sat down, looking at the two, “Pantera claws, am I right? Yeah, I met her once. Brilliant, really. Quick wit, cool demeanor, and speed of no equal. It’s said that, when she moves at full speed, the eye can’t even perceive her.”

“And quite a beauty, too,” Zordos opened his eyes, done with Jay’s memories, “Even I have to admit that, and I’m certainly no feral.”

“…” Jay’s eyes went wide, “I think I know why you two dislike each other…”

“Well?” Mai asked.

“Cats and Dogs,” Jay said, smiling, and was immediately met by a kick to the head, from Rayne.

“Stop that, this is serious!” Rayne sat down again, and looked at Jay, who was still dazed and wobbling.

“And so am I,” Jay rubbed his head, “You both don’t have an… attraction to your genetic cousins, do you?” Rayne shook her head.

“But there are exceptions,” Rayne said, “I mean, my best friend is Moegi, and she’s a feral.”

“Well, there are always exceptions,” Jay stood up, “But, hey, that’s just me going with a hunch. If you got a past, well then, that’s the reason.” Jay turned, and headed for the bedroom, “I’m tired. I’m going to bed, now.”

“Jay,” Rayne called, as Jay opened the door.

“Yes?” he asked, turning his face.

“Did you enjoy being with her?” Rayne asked, a little shy, since she didn’t want to ask the question.

“I’ll take my strong, tom-boy Werefox over a pretty, quick-witted Feral any day,” Jay smiled, and closed the door.

“Good, since you’re such a good friend,” Rayne said quietly, “I’d have guessed you would say that.”

“Jay wouldn’t let us follow if he didn’t want us to,” Owens stood up, heading for what had been decided to be the boy’s bedroom, “He’s had how many years to practice sneaking around and evasion? Seven or so? The only reason we’re here is because he really likes us enough.”

“Yeah,” Mai smiled, and began to walk to their bedroom, “He does like us, no matter what he shows.”

“True,” Lyn followed, thinking, Jay… you really do care about us, don’t you? I suppose with all you’ve been through, showing your true feelings, not your emotions, is much harder than it should be…

.  .  .

“We leaving, or are we going to stay another week?” Jay asked, annoyed. He had picked up a bag of supplies, “I really do wish we could just leave this…”

“You can’t be just self sufficient, Jay,” Zordos took the bag, “We’ve got other people to feed. I’m sure some of us could be fine without supplies, but others,” he twitched his head in Owens’ direction, “Wouldn’t have it as easy without supplies.”

“True enough,” Jay nodded, “We all ready?”

“Yeah, but first, where are we going?” Mai asked, and Jay opened the scroll he had received from the priest.

Where the moon never sleeps

Where one drinks from the sea

Where man’s hand reaches for god’s fire

Where the red peaks stand in a crescent

Where the trees meet the sand

Where thunder always rumbles

Where homes are made from ice

And between earth and heaven

Are where mana flows.

“Ok… what?” Owens asked.

“Before I face Stefan, I must cast this blade to the element’s true sources. These are clues as to where to look. The closest one,” Jay rolled out a map, “Is the Southern Archipelago.”

“There’s a closer one,” Rayne said, and pointed North, “the Aringosa mountains, which hide the source of the Wind Element.”

“What?” Jay asked, rolling up the map and looking at the paper, “Ah… Red peaks in a crescent… The Aringosa mountains are made of red earth, and they are arranged in a crescent… But how did you know?”

“My people, the Shinobi of the Wind, protect that sacred shrine,” Rayne said, shocking the others, “We have kept it hidden for hundreds of years, and, in return, it has granted us much power. My speed is augmented by the wind power, thanks to this ring,” She raised her hand, with a Jade, set in silver, resting on her index finger, “Jay… I will take you there. But you must do as I say, when I say it.”

“Of course,” Jay nodded, “I’d never try and find it myself, and I’ll certainly follow customs.”

“Good, then leave the supplies here,” Rayne dropped her bag, “We won’t need them, and we can get them later.”

“Alright, let’s go,” Zordos opened the door, and they left.

.  .  .

“Well, one day’s good journey is enough,” Jay said, looking forward, down the path. The mountains were steep, and, with cliffs over them, they could barely see ahead, despite a full moon.

“Hold on, we’re almost there,” Rayne turned, and began to feel the rocks on the cliff. She pressed a round, black stone, and the rusty cliff opened, making a small, metal door visible.

“Nice thinking, hiding a door in here,” Owens said, “No one would expect a passage here.”

“Come on, we’re almost there,” Rayne said, turning, “but first,” she opened her bag, “You need to put these on,” Rayne lifted up several blindfolds.

“Well, sounds fine to me,” Jay began to tie his on, “but you better be a good shepherd, or we’ll get lost in there,”

“I’ll take you, one at a time,” Rayne began to lead Jay, “Come on, it isn’t far.” Rayne disappeared into the dark cavern, and came back alone. One by one, she led them through the honeycomb of caves. While Zordos had put his blindfold on, he was carefully scanning the cave, and staying very alert. Even though he trusted Rayne, he didn’t trust strangers, especially ones with such elaborate defenses.

“We’re here, take them off,” Rayne said, and they took off the blindfolds. They were surprised to find themselves outside again, in a small grotto, surrounded by tall cliffs. They were standing on a stone Dias, and Rayne had begun to walk the circumference, pointing her ring at certain symbols. When she walked to the center, she began to mutter ancient words, and the circle glowed to life. The group was lifted by a strange force, and vanished, like leaves on a wind.

“Now we are here,” Rayne said, pointing. They looked up a steep hillside, dotted with log cabins, and, in the moonlight, saw several figures, speeding towards them.

“A welcoming committee?” Jay asked, unlatching his sword, with the same defensive caution he used at the beginning of every battle.

“It’s only natural,” Rayne said, “They wont be pleased, me bringing you all here.”

“Rayne!” a werewolf stood up, landing in front of them. There were several others, of varied complexion, and all wore dark robes. They held rapiers, and had formed a circle of twelve around them.

“What is the meaning of this?” An old man carefully picked his steps down the slope, placing his weight on a cane. He was a feral, with his short ears lowered, not in anger, but in age. He wore a green robe, much like the color of Jade, and his cane was studded with the stones.

“Rayne has brought strangers into our midst, and Humans, no less!” A guard exclaimed.

“This ‘human’ is getting a little annoyed,” Jay clicked his sword shut, “So I’d suggest you either put that blade away, or I’ll show you mine.”

“Rayne, bring your guests with me. We’ll talk. But first some sleep. I’m sure it’s been a long day,” the old man proceeded up the hill, and Rayne followed, along with the others. Several of the werewolves weren’t quick about putting their blades away, and Jay, annoyed, flicked them away with his hand, as if they were flies.

.  .  .

“So, that’s everything?” the old man asked. He had decided, about halfway up the slope, that they might as well tell everything now, lest the villagers become restless.

“Yes, sir,” Jay bowed, “And thank you for your hospitality.”

“Well, by the sounds of things, my granddaughter owes you a bit,” the old man, named Echapa, said. They had already been over this fact, and had eaten a good meal.

“It’s nothing, really,” Jay smiled. He had taken a liking to the old man; whose quick wit and reminiscing were quite entertaining.

“Well, I must insist that you at least stay the night. Even if you did come her in vain,” Echapa said, shocking the others.

“In vain?” Jay asked, confused.

“When Kitsune came here, four months ago, she brought a human, with two different colored eyes,” Echapa shook his head, “They entered the shrine, and, when they exited, left a demon, to guard the sanctuary mercilessly. No one can defeat it.”

“A demon, you say?” Jay leaned forward, “that sounds odd to me…”

“There’s no other way of describing it. It isn’t human, and it certainly isn’t one of my brethren,” the old man sighed, “That, and a person went missing the day before that. He hasn’t turned up yet, either.”

“Who went missing?” Rayne asked.

“The boy you used to train with, Shinto,” the old man said, scaring Rayne.

“Shinto? That’s a gentle name,” Jay said, “What was he like? Maybe I saw him.”

“He was a tall, strong werewolf, with a gray-bluish fur. It was just the slightest tinge of blue, but he was… striking, to say the least. And you’re right, he was gentle. He was always watching the children, and with those kind eyes, they always trusted him. He probably heard more confessions than a priest,” Echapa smiled, a serene smile. “I bet he would have made a great leader, with his gentle, motherly heart. He always protected everyone he cared about with full force, and treated those he cared about quite well, and helped to raise them right.”

“Sounds like a good man,” Owens said, sitting down.

“Well, tomorrow I’ll have a look at this ‘demon’ of yours, and see if I can do anything to help,” Jay said. He stood up, walked to the next room, and went to sleep.

.  .  .

            “Well, old man, let’s get moving. I want to see this thing firsthand,” Jay stood up, looking up the mountain peak. He hadn’t realized it before, but they were pretty high up, and, instead of having a peak, there was a plateau on top of the mountain.

            “Sounds good to me,” Echapa shuffled over, looking up at Jay, who was about a head taller, due to the old man’s stoop. The two had risen early, and were ready to leave. The others were waking, and soon, they were all dressed and fed.

            “Well, are we all ready?” Jay asked.

            “Yeah. Let’s get moving,” Mai walked to the door.

            “Alright, everyone, be ready,” Jay said, and they walked through the door.