Grieving Spider Sword by Scrooge

Prologue

Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi (Grieving Spider Sword)

Weaker than the Dark Dragon Blade, the Japanese Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi is still one of the strongest mythical blades of our generation. A crafty designed Japanese blade cursed by a Chinese monk to slay its own Japanese warriors during an undocumented war between the two countries. Before the Black Spider Clan existed, the Dokugumo-Ureeru assisted Chinese warriors in many battles with its fierce sharpness and unseen magic against the Japanese. One important fact, the sword was greatly feared based on the rumor that the blade's power is based on the number of souls it holds after each killing.

Upon the old-age death of the Chinese monk who first cursed the blade, he revealed to his followers of the deep secret he embedded in the blade to never be released.

If the blade is to ever slay a virgin child and a man of rage in a bonding and ritual form, the blade would undergo a deceiving form, becoming even more powerful and deadly, and its magic would be visually seen. The sick and twisting spell of the Chinese monk would leave the soul of the virgin girl at the mercy with the soul of the man of rage, as he would continually rape the small child releasing an increased and elevated anger, with the help of the blade, onto the world. To be more twisted in nature, even if the man of rage were to kill the virgin child, her soul would be reborn within the sword, so the power can remain fierce and brand new as if the child never faced death. Their lives would repeat that way over and over as long as the blade was held and used.

Years after the passing of the Chinese monk, the Black Spider Clan was formed. It was formed as an evil clan and advertised themselves as an evil clan. After years of terrorizing, the Clan learned of the Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi and its dark secret that held it. After finding the blade and nearly destroying an entire monastery, they immediately performed the bonding ritual that released the dark powers of the blade and slain a young princess of no older than 8 years of age and a mentally challenged arsonist enclosing their souls into the blade for all of eternity.

After the ritual, it was learned that not any ordinary man could be named owner of the Tsurugi. Whoever was to even hold the blade could hear the cries & pleas of the little girl and angered rage the "challenged” psychotic. Whoever were to hold the blade, would feel the great amounts of pain, rage, power, lust, disgust, happy, distraught, and much more all at the very same time. The average would go into their own mental instability by just merely holding the blade, let alone using it.

The Spider Clan used this to form their leadership. The clan member emotionally strong enough to hold the blade would be immediately be dubbed leader. Though this was never easy for the clan. The very few brave enough to attempt such a feat would almost immediately fall to their knees insane from the blade's power. To the victor, immortality is blessed.

With their newfound power, the Spider Clan ruled with an Iron fist, controlling part of Japan from the underground. They rarely made their presence known, but they ruled their territory secretly. Using the Japanese government to do their every bidding and using the blade as punishment to those that defied them.

For decades, they made a strong impact with the Dokugumo-Ureeru alone. Until one day, the blade was stolen and hidden from the Clan. To this day the thief is unknown by name, but it was rumored that the thief served his punishment tragically.

Decades later, the Black Spider Clan attempted to replace the Dokugumo-Ureeru with an even more powerful blade. The clan was ordered to hunt down and bring back the Dark Dragon Blade residing on Vigoor Empire. Their leader even gave them a false reason for grinding the sword into tea leaves. With the Dark Dragon Blade's power, the Spider Clan could easily re-establish themselves as a fearful force, and relinquish their power over their rulings. When their attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the heroic efforts of Ryu Hayabusa, the sword was destroyed.

Due to their recent failures, corruption has begun within the Black Spider Clan. The leader of the Black Spider Clan, and the last person to touch the Dokugumo-Ureeru, has become so old and fragile, he is no longer able to give instructions and he is no longer a forceful threat to his followers. A new leader is needed for the clan, and if one isn't found soon, the Black Spider Clan will crumble. The Black Spider Clan is in desperate need of the Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi.

Chapter 1: Rest & Relaxation

Blurriness was all Ryu saw as he slowly tried opening his eyes for the first time. All he could tell was that he lying down. A bed? Yes, he was in a bed. But where was he? His vision still blurry he saw a figure standing over him.

“Oh my God, he's waking up. Get Hayate, quick.” It was a female's voice. It sounded familiar but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. Maybe if she was to say something else. “My sweet Ryu, I'm so glad you're alive.”

That comforting tone, soft, angelic, it was the voice of the only woman he truly loved. It had to be. “Aileen?” He said as his vision began to clear as he saw the face of his love standing over him with tears of joy slightly leaking from her eyes as she answered back with only a gleeful smile and nod.

Ryu smiled back and tried to life himself to hug her. But the pains from his battle, kept him grounded to the bed. “Be careful, my love. Your body is just beginning to heal.”

Ryu looked around his surroundings to try to gain some knowledge of his whereabouts, and immediately noticed he was home. Home at last. In the corner, he saw Ayane sitting alone, watching her Master awake from his painful slumber. He looked to Aileen. “Where are the others?” He struggled to speak.

“Don't worry. Everyone is okay. Rachael went to search for a man named, Muramasa, for Spirit Elixir. And I just sent Kasumi to get Hayate when I saw you waking up.”

“There's the great warrior.” Ryu heard a voice. He looked to the direction where it came from and saw Hayate standing alongside his sister. “You put us up for quite a scare.” He said with a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“You've been in and out of comas for the past two nights.”

“How long have I been out?”

“Just three days.”

“What?” Ryu said in surprise.

“You went unconscious right after your fight against Murai. We retrieved your body and brought you back here.”

Ryu looked at Aileen waiting to hear her side of the story. “And I was devastated.” She said with a giggle to hide her emotional pain. “My first sight of you was blood. Blood was everywhere on your body. Your face, chest, and back. I thought they brought back a dead body.” She tried to sniff back her tears, but it didn't work.

Ryu looked at his body. There where bandages all over him where a red blood stain was visible as the liquid soaked it way through. They were all over his chest and back. There were bandages on his face where Murai clawed him. There was a splint on his leg where he twisted his knee. His eyes and other parts of his body where skin could be seen were purple and bruised

Her voice began trembling as she spoke. “I thought you were dead, Ryu.” She said as more tears began to stroll down her cheek. “I thought you were dead and I cried.” She wiped what she could from her face. “I cried and I couldn't stop crying.”

The others in the room could only watch Aileen pour her heart out.

Ryu grabbed and held her hand and tried to console her even in his weak position. “It's okay, Aileen. It's all over now. He's dead and will not interfere with out lives any longer.”

“Please, Ryu, “ Aileen pleaded. “Please promise me, no more missions.”

Ryu stayed quiet and stared into his lover's eyes.

“I can't bear to see you come home this way. Please promise me.”

Ryu was quiet for a minute until one of her tears landed on his shoulder. He hated to see her cry and being the man he is, he laid there considerate of her well-being as he made his promise. “I promise, Aileen. No more missions.”

She smiled and gently hugged him, careful not to irritate his wounds. She then gave him a small kiss on his forehead, probably the only place on his face that wasn't bruised or cut.

“Thank you, Hayabusa.” She said gleefully.

“No, thank you.” He replied back.

He looked back to Hayate and smiled. “At least, I'm glad to see you two made up.”

When Hayate and Kasumi noticed he was talking about them, they made a bigger gap of distance between them, easily telling Ryu that all is not right.

Just then Rachael walked in with a small bag in her hand. “I found it!” She said with excitement. She looked and saw Ryu laying on his bed awake. “Hey, I see you're finally woke.” Then when she looked around and saw the tears in Aileen's eyes, the obvious distance between Hayate and Kasumi, and Ayane, who hasn't even said a word, holding her head down in sorrow, Rachael asked, “And that is a good thing, right?”

Aileen wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at Rachael, “Of course it is. The days shine bright as Ryu awakes.”

Rachael could perceive the smile was fake, but instead picking into the situation, she only presented the small crowd of her findings. “Well, I have the elixir.” Then she began to explain, “I spoke with Muramasa. I told him the depths of your injuries. He wants you to take two of these now and two tomorrow, and get plenty of rest.” Ryu nodded. “But, you will have to get out of the bed and re-train your body to work again.”

“But I haven't been out that long.”

She then explained. “Spirit Elixirs relaxes your body which helps it does its work in the healing process. That's one reason why you don't have to take as many. Since, you have to do a lot of relaxing, by the time you get out of the bed, you will have to work your muscles and your body again.”

Ryu nodded. “I understand.” He said as he watched Rachael hand two of the bottles to Aileen.

“And Muramasa wants to see when you're all better.” She added. “He has a shop outside of the Empire, so it won't be too long of a travel.”

Aileen opened the bottles and put it to Ryu's lips and he slowly drank the formula, one bottle, then the other. Instantly, Ryu could feel the elixir working, he was full of energy and was ready to hop out of bed that instant.

“Whoa, wait a minute, cowboy.” Rachael joking insisted. “Let it do it's healing, first. Then you can have your fun.”

Ryu forced himself to rest as he laid back, took a deep breath as his head to rest on the comfortable pillow beneath him.

Aileen then spoke. “Okay, everyone. Let's leave and give Ryu his rest he's so richly deserves.”

Everyone began to make their leave.

Aileen stood, “And I will be back to put some food into your stomach. I know your body is yearning for one seeing that it has been absent from food for over three days.”

Ryu nodded with a smile.

Aileen kissed him on the forehead before she left. “Close your eyes and rest, warrior. I will be here when they open again.”

Ryu did just that. He closed his eyes, relaxed on the bed, and soon fell into a deep sleep again.

Chapter 2 – Mission Denied

After weeks of healing and physical training, Ryu was finally healed. The bandages were removed and his wounds received a close examination from Muramasa proved that Ryu was ready for physical training. All of his scars and bruises completely vanished, thanks to the Spirit Elixir. It was as if Ryu was never in a battle at all.

Hayate assisted Ryu with his physical training with intense sparring sessions and soon enough Ryu was back to his old self once again. Rachael decided to go back to the Vigoor Empire to assist her sister, Alma, in relinquishing the last of the Fiends, but afterwards, she explained to Ryu she would not know what her purpose would be next. The two said their goodbyes as Rachael set her path back home. Their long mission together was intense, but they both knew that one day their paths would go different directions. They knew that just as much as they knew that their paths would one day cross again.

Over the past few weeks, Ryu enjoyed his life of pure serenity as he did a lot of fishing and looked after his curio shop and for once was able to spend quality time with his love, Aileen. She couldn't be any happier to have Ryu finally at home and away from the dangers that had been brought to him over the past few years. Every night, just to make sure Ryu wouldn't vanish on another quest, she would hold him tight as they slept.

Ryu kept his promise for not taking on any missions, though he was thanked by people from all over the world on his victory against Murai, more requests for more missions came forth to him than before. Ryu was looked down upon when he refused missions, but faith always had a burning light when he recommended the services from the Mugen-Tenshin clan.

Also in a turn of events, Hayate wanted to take the next step in the relationship with his sister. He informed the Mugen-Tenshin of his intents and he and Kasumi secretly set off into the mountains, to help him decide of what needed to be done as a brother and a ninja. The outcome of the journey was unknown, for even Hayate himself. But he knew he could no longer ask Ryu to protect his sister when he, himself, was unsure if he wants her dead or not. The journey was to answer questions of what needed to be done, and he vowed not to return until he had the answers.

With Kasumi gone, this left Ayane alone and nothing to do, since she was asked to leave the two alone. In result, she spent a lot of her time with Ryu. Assisting at the curio shop, training and sparring sessions, and when she wasn't around Ryu, she would most likely sit at the lake and contemplate her own life.

With all the events in place, Ryu sat in his curio shop filled with many of the rare Japanese artifacts Ryu had found on his explorations. Arts, crafts, statues, exotic weapons, they all filled his shop waiting for any lucky customers to come and bring them to their home.

An old man walked into the shop and began browsing and exploring the many gifts Ryu's shop had to offer.

“Any word from Hayate and Kasumi?” Ryu asked Ayane who was brushing off ancient dust found on a statue they found on a previous journey.

“Not as of yet, why so much concern of the past few days?” She asked.

“I'm afraid of what may happen to Kasumi. Hayate only wants to do the right thing.”

Ayane hissed. “Then he should kill her.”

Ryu frowned. “You don't mean that.”

Ayane continued her concentrating on her statue restoration as she answered. “You're right. I would prefer he leave her alive so I could kill her.”

“I thought you put all of that behind you.”

“Are you still referring to that mission?” Ayane dropped the brush and stared at Ryu. “Master Ryu, we put our differences aside so it would not interfere with the task at hand. As you said, there were more important matters. My mission on bringing her dead to the Mugen-Tenshin was never over.”

Ryu only sighed. He tried his hardest to reunite Ayane and Kasumi as close sisters as they were when they were children, but all of his efforts failed thanks to Ayane's obnoxious jealousy. He didn't want to argue about their quarrel any longer, so instead he only let the little girl win the potential petty argument.

Moments later, the old man made a selection from the shop and approached Ryu.

“Could you tell me what this is?” The old man asked him holding a small circular wooden plate in his hand.

Ryu smiled in remembrance as he answered the question. “This is a Saki Tray. Part of a Saki set.” He said taking the item from the man's hand. “This was given to me by an old woman out of a western Japanese village. She was greatly known for her remarkable green tea. This was her inspiration. She told me it belonged to her father and was passed down to him generation after generation, coming from the 17th Century. Her ancestors made a living off of their tea recipe.” He placed the item back in the man's hand. “Unfortunately, she never had any children to continue to pass it down to, so she gave it me as a reward for saving her village. I promised her I would give it to a responsible young man that would look after it and continue their tradition.”

“That's a touching story.”

“Thank you.” Ryu smiled.

“So I suppose you can't sell this to me, since I am no longer young?”

“Of course, you seem as if your children would enjoy the artifact for generations to come just as it has done for the woman's.”

The man gave a compassionate smile. “You are caring. But my children are…” The old man paused as his facial expression changed from the compassionate smile to a look Ryu could only detect as emotional hurt.

Ryu knew the man had most likely lost his children to an unfortunate death. “You have my condolences, sir.”

“No, that's not it.” The man kindly confirmed. “But I am afraid it may come to that.”

Ryu arched his eyebrow.

“I'm sorry Hayabusa-sama. Please forgive me.” The old man broke down. “I have come for your assistance, not to buy art.” He admitted. “My name is Jian Migu of the Migu Village .”

“What's wrong?”

“A ninja clan has come and taken over my village. They are taking all of our people slaves and making them work in caves.”

“A ninja clan?” The remark sounded irrational to Ryu. “What clan would take over a village?”

“The Black Spider Clan. They have come to our village and forced our people to work for them and kill those that object.”

“The Black Spider Clan?” Ryu thought to himself. That was the clan that interfered with his mission on the Vigoor Empire. He remembers it all too well. Very athletic, highly skilled, and were equipped with incendiary shurikens which made them a pain when in great numbers. They were after the Dark Dragon Blade to grind the blade into tea. A silly reason for a clan of that expertise to want a powerful and evil sword of great power for a tasty drink.

“Why have they chosen your village?” Ryu asked.

“None of us are sure. They just appeared and began their wrath on our villagers. I, and a few others, have managed to escape to find you. We know you have encountered with them before and your past successes would prove that you would be successful in a confrontation.”

Ayane still brushing the statue listening to their conversation replied. “Sounds like a mission.”

Ryu scoffed but knew that the female ninja was right and immediately Aileen popped into his head. He began to think about her reaction if he were to take on another mission. He promised her that he would stop, but even the small mission requests were beginning to grow more and more in numbers.

He wanted so much to take this specific matter into his own hands with the history he and the Black Spider Clan shared. But ultimately, he couldn't do it, he couldn't risk getting himself caught up in fighting for peace when his lady love needed him at home.

“I'm sorry, sir. I can't help.”

The man's eyes opened in shock. “What!” His voice trembled. “But-But y-you're our final hope.”

“I'm sorry I cannot assist you, but I do know a clan that can assist.” Ready to recommend the Mugen-Tenshin Clan.

The man's voice still trembled as he spoke. “With all due respect, we are not looking for another clan. We are looking for the ninja of the Dragon Lineage that defeated this clan alone. Are you not him?”

“I am. But at this time, I must decline your request. I am sorry.”

This began to anger the old man. “You are not ninja of the Dragon Lineage. You cannot be the same person to have rumored to travel to the underworld and back for the sole purpose of victory and vengeance. You cannot be the same person who made the Black Spider Clan taste the blade of the Dragon Sword. You cannot be the same person to destroy, Bankotsubo, Tengu of Destruction. Are they all lies?”

“Enough!” Ayane interrupted from the background as she dropped the brush and confronted the old man. “You have no idea what he has been through and what I have witnessed of his troubles.” Ryu was surprised by Ayane's interruption. “What do you expect out of this man? How many times do you expect him to put his life on the line? Can he not live a life of his own?” She roared. “Sir, if you have any common sense left in that old head of yours, you will turn and leave. I'm sorry about your village, but he cannot help you.”

The old man scoffed at Ayane. “Fine.” He looked at Ryu, “Just know this Dragon Ninja, “ the man sarcastically implied. “My assumptions stand corrected.” He pointed at Ayane. “More so, letting a woman fight your battles.”

Ryu stood with slight anger in his eyes as he was ready to confront the man on his own, but instead, the man just walked out of the shop in an angry rage.

“What a jerk.” Ayane said as she returned to her statue restoration.

But Ryu couldn't blame him, he would do the same if his village was falling helpless to a powerful force. What made the ninja curious was the purpose of the Black Spider Clan? Making the villagers work in caves? What are they searching for?

Chapter 3 – My Past

Later that night, Ryu and Ayane closed up the shop and began to head for home.

“Hey don't worry about that old man from earlier.” Ayane tried to comfort him. “He was just being a complete jerk.”

“Don't worry, he has already escaped my mind.” Which was false, the old man stayed in Ryu's head throughout the day. Primary the main intentions of the Black Spider Clan. What were they up to, now that they failed to retrieve the Dark Dragon Blade.

This is all what Ryu thought about on his night walk home. When he stepped inside his cottage he saw Aileen sitting in a corner hand washing clothes, and just then Ryu realized he made the right decision on declining the mission.

Aileen looked up and gave him a loving smile, “Welcome home.”

Ryu smiled back as he walked over to her and bent over to kiss her. “Did you miss me?” He said right after his lips parted from hers.

“Always.” She said and Ryu leaned forward for another lip embrace. “You must've had a good day at work.”

Ryu smiled and sighed, he stood straight and began walking into their small kitchen and replied. “Everyday's a good day at work when I know I'm coming home to you.”

“Uh oh, what happened?” Aileen sarcastically responded.

Ryu poured himself a small glass of water. “Well, I turned down another mission today.”

“Did it sound serious?”

Ryu nodded.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He nodded again.

She stopped washing the clothes and immediately took Ryu by his hand. She knew that something was emotionally troubling. She led him to a couch as they both sat down.

“Okay, talk to me.”

Ryu began to explain. “Do you remember the Vigoor Empire?”

“How can I forget?”

“There was another clan fighting for the same purpose as I. They called themselves the Black Spider Clan. They were searching for the Dark Dragon Blade, as was I.”

“They're up to something again, aren't they?”

Ryu nodded. “Apparently, they're making villagers slaves and have them working in caves.”

“What village?” Aileen expressed her concern.

“What was the name of that village?” Ryu asked himself trying to recall the name of the village the man mentioned only once. “Mibu or Migu Village . One of the two.”

“ Migu Village ?”

“I'm pretty sure that's it.” Ryu contemplate on the old man's conversation, then confirmed. “Yes, it was. Migu Village .”

Aileen sat next to Ryu in a wide eye shock as she became lost in her own daydream.

“Problem is, I have no idea what they could be searching for.” Ryu finished. He looked at Aileen who still had the look of daze in her eyes. “Aileen?”

She snapped out of it. “Huh?”

“Are you okay?”

She nodded in assurance. “Yes, so why did you decline it?” She asked with more question in her tone.

Ryu arched his eyebrow in confusion. Aileen should be the first to know perfectly well why he declined the mission. “I wanted to stick with my promise, remember? No more mission.”

Aileen took a deep breath. Ryu could tell she was hiding something. “You must take it.”

Ryu eyes popped open. “What?”

“You must take this mission.”

This left Ryu struck in confusion. This was the same woman that begged, pleaded, and promised him not to do any more missions at all. And yet, it was her that was insisting that he takes the mission.

“I know you haven't been taking missions for my sake, but this is one I want you to take.” She said.

There was something about her tone that she wasn't telling Ryu. What was she hiding? “Why the sudden change of heart? Why do you want me to take this mission?”

“Please Ryu, it's just important to me.”

“I don't get it, Aileen. First you beg me not to take on any missions, then you tell me that I need to take missions. Which one is it, Aileen? Am I supposed to just jump when you say so?”

“No, Ryu, it's not like that.”

“Then what is it, Aileen. What makes this mission more important than all of those other missions I've been turning down over the past few weeks?”

“Ryu, it's difficult to explain.”

“Then try. I need to understand what is it that's going on. Why do you have that look on your face? Why do you suddenly want me to take on a mission after so much pleading for me to cease?”

She gave a sigh looking down to the floor, quietly pondering to herself if she should reveal her secret to him or not. After a matter of seconds, she decided to inform him. “ Migu Village …” She paused.

“Yes?” Ryu responded with concern in his voice.

“That's where I grew up at.”

“Really?”

She nodded, “That's where my parents died, and that's why I left. It hurt too much to stay in that village without my father and mother around.” She continued. “After I left, I knew it was a mistake. I left behind everyone that I knew. Friends, relatives.” She looked at Ryu deep. “And now from your story, you tell me that their lives are in danger.”

She gave another sigh to hold back her cries. “They hated me for leaving and I can't say that I blame them. Sometimes I just want to go to the village to make amends with everyone.”

Ryu heard the seriousness in her voice.

“It was just a little time before I met you before I was able to console myself for the betrayal I did against my village.”

“What betrayal?”

“The betrayal of trust. The betrayal of consideration. When my parents passed, the entire village did all they could to console me. Then I left with no word. No goodbyes. I just made myself disappear.”

Ryu gave an innocent smile and wiped a tear away from Aileen's cheek. “That's all? I don't think an entire village can hate you for that?” Aileen stayed quiet. “They should understand that you were going through a tough time.”

Aileen only shrugged. “I could only get the impression that they hated me.” She looked up at Ryu with pleading eyes. “Please say you'll take this mission. Please, Ryu.”

Ryu's mouth dropped slightly still in surprise of Aileen request, but it then transformed into a smile and he playfully said. “Okay, fine, I'll do it.”

Aileen jumped into his arms and hugged him tight. “Oh thank you so much Ryu. You don't know how much you're helping me.”

Ryu comforted herself as well as himself with a pleasing smile. “It's okay.”

Then Aileen blurted. “Oh my, I need to get myself ready to see them again.”

She jumped up and headed for the bedroom but Ryu immediately stopped with a look of confusion on his face. “Ready to see who?”

“The people at Migu Village . It's about time I reconcile with them.”

“Wait, you're not going on this mission with me, if that's what you're thinking.”

“What? Why not?”

“First off, the Black Spider Clan. They are too dangerous for someone like you to be out there.”

“Someone like me? You taught me how to fight.”

“Yes, I taught you how to fight, not how to kill. This clan is full of professional assassins.”

Aileen pleaded. “Please Ryu, this is important to me.”

Ryu was falling victim to her innocent face, but conscious remained firm. “I understand, which is why I agreed to take on the mission. But your suggestion of accompanying me is completely out of the question.”

Aileen was persistent as she pleaded and begged more to her lover. “Please Ryu, I promise to stay out of the way, especially when danger is near.”

“You may try to stay out of the way, but this clan will do what they can to put you in the way. Absolutely not, Aileen.” Ryu demanded. “I'll do what I can to make sure your village is safe and deliver your message to them.”

“That won't be enough Ryu, I need to see them.”

“Sorry, Aileen. There is no more discussion on this. I will not risk your life nor mine in an attempt to keep you safe among the great numbers of the Black Spider Clan.”

Chapter 4 – Spider's Web

Ryu awoke the next morning and gave his body its morning stretch. He raised the curtain so the sunlight could shine through and he looked out the window.

Shadow's Temptation.

That was the first thought that came into his mind as he thought about the forest that lead directly to Migu Village . That forest was always crawling with Black Spider Clan members and other traps they would lay for trespassers. Ryu still didn't like the idea of having to travel through a forest he wasn't familiar with, but he knew that there were people counting on him and needed his help and still surprisingly, to him, he had the support of Aileen.

He decided to get an early start and prepare a quick meal and prepare his weapons. He turned to wake up Aileen but…. Ryu eyes popped open. Aileen was gone. He didn't panic at first. Maybe she woke up before him, as he first headed to the kitchen to check for her. She was not there.

“Aileen?” He called out as he began searching more and more of the house.

“Maybe she went outside.” He convinced himself as he headed straight for the front door.

When he stepped outside the sun shined bright, but no light shed on the body of his love.

“Aileen?” He called out hoping to hear an answer.

But there was none.

He ran back into the house to search for any clues of her disappearance.

He completely tore the house apart looking for the slightest hint of her whereabouts. Aileen wouldn't usually just disappear like that. Even if she wanted to travel somewhere she would wake Ryu just to let him know she would be leaving. He tried his best to keep his mind positive and prayed that she wasn't kidnapped and if she was, he prayed that she stayed safe.

After close to an hour of searching, Aileen never returned and no clues came to him. Ryu was completely baffled. He decided to go look for her, just to make sure she was safe. He had to find her first, before taking on any silly mission. He headed to his closet and re-tied his ninja uniform and strapped himself in tight. He then gathered his Dragon Sword and a few other weaponries and closed his door to make an exit. Though as soon as he turned around he noticed something wasn't right.

He turned back to the closet and opened the door again. He was right, something was amidst. His second katana was missing.

“Who would steal a secondary blade when the Dragon Sword is standing next to it?” He asked himself.

It didn't take him long until he was able to put the picture together. “Aileen.” He blurted and headed for the front door.

He headed for his horse and untied it from the post where it always waited for him, just then he heard a voice behind him.

“Where are you off to?”

He looked behind him to see Ayane standing.

“I'm going off to search for Aileen.”

Ayane's eyebrows gave Ryu a puzzled look. “Where did she go?”

Ryu didn't bother with any details as he climbed on top of the horse. “I need you to stay here and look after the shop.” He said. “And also if you hear any word from Hayate and Kasumi.”

“Let me come with you.”

“No, this is just a quick search mission. I should be back before nightfall.”

“Don't tell me you think I'm useless now.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Ryu. There hasn't been anything for me to do around here. Hayate and Kasumi are gone, there's basically nothing to do in that shop of yours.”

“Ayane, this is no time for one of your arguments. I'll be back very soon, I just need to do this alone.”

“I'll understand if you can tell me why it's so important that you need to search for her all by yourself.”

Ryu had no answer to counter her argument. There was no good reason why an extra person couldn't tag along. Plus there's no telling what type of troubles and traps were ready for him in Shadow's Temptation.

“She's going to the Migu Village .” He began to explain. “And she's going through Shadow's Temptation to get there.”

“Black Spider Clan's territory?” Ryu nodded.

“Why would she do something stupid like that?”

“Go get your horse and I'll fill you in on the way.”

Ayane gave a smile and did not even hesitate to leave to retrieve her horse.

The two began to ride towards the forest where Aileen was believed to be headed to and Ryu had filled Ayane in on the entire story of Aileen wanting to make amends with the people of Migu Village .

“What I don't understand is what makes her think she can take on the entire Black Spider Clan by herself?”

“Not for sure.” Ryu said. “I did teach her how to fight.”

“So she can handle herself?”

Ryu looked at her. “I taught her how to fight. Not how to kill.”

“And she's walking into a forest full of professional assassins.”

“Exactly.”

“That sounds like something you would do.” Ayane said jokingly.

Though Ryu didn't find the humor in the joke.

Finally, they made it to Shadow's Temptation and no more than 20 feet into the forest Ayane had a chilling feeling run down her spine.

“There already watching us aren't they?” She whispered to Ryu.

“Yes. Stay on guard.” He replied as they continued to ride.

They stayed on their course searching for Aileen as they traveled even deeper into the forest.

After almost half and hour of searching, and suddenly, a shuriken from nowhere in the trees lodged itself into a log of tree adjacent to Ayane's head.

Ayane made a quick gasp and looked to the trees in anger hoping to see the slightest sign of her opposing ninja.

“They're testing you.” Ryu whispered keeping his focus straight in front of him. “They caught you off guard. Next time they won't miss. Stay on guard, Ayane.”

Ayane wanted so much to argue, but Ryu spoke when he sensed her anger.

“And don't say anything.” Ryu said still keeping his focus. “We don't want them to know they have the best of us. Trust me.”

Ayane sighed and gave a slight nod and dismissed the action of the invisible ninja out of her head as they continued their journey. Not too long after….

“AAAAHHHH! HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP!”

“What was that?” Ayane shocking asked.

Ryu did not respond but only commanded his horse to race and dash toward the sound of the screaming voice. Ayane did the same as she followed the master ninja.

The screaming continued as Ryu and Ayane dodged the trees that stood in their way to get to the sound of the helpless victim.

Finally, when they arrived both, their eyes and mouths, dropped open at the sight they saw.

Thankfully, Ryu found Aileen.

Though, she was completely naked and strapped mid-air and hovering above the ground in what appeared to be a giant spider's web.

Ryu quickly jumped off of his horse. “Aileen!” He called out to her.

Aileen looked in Ryu's direction. “RYU! Help me! This woman is crazy!” She called out.

Ryu looked around but saw no one around him. The portion of the forest he was at was nothing but trees, leaves, and his naked lover bonded to the giant spider's web.

“RYU!” Aileen called out catching Ryu's attention back to the web.

Ryu looked up and saw a figure crawling down the web as if it was a spider itself.

Before Ryu could draw his Dragon Sword, the figure leaped from the web and sent a flying kick crashing into Ryu's chest. Ryu was sent crashing to the ground as the figure landed safely on its feet.

Ryu looked in that direction while still on his back and saw a woman standing in the place of the figure that attacked him.

Long black hair, a black leather outfit with red markings with only a small knife for a weapon tucked away in a small sheath on her belt. Ryu looked at her hands and saw a silky material form around it. Then without warning, she material flying in Ayane's direction.

Rather than the web-like material landing on the female ninja, it made its on the horse's mouth and wrapped around its nose. Due to the shock, the horse jumped throwing Ayane off landing hard on her back. The horse then scurried off as it was to find its own remedy of removing the sticky web.

“Ahh more trespassers.” The figure spoke. “Master promised me an attractive visitor, but oh my, I never thought he meant three.” She looked back at Aileen. “I was just going to have my fun with her.” She then looked back at her two fallen opponents. “But seeing you two arrive have made my party a bit more pleasurable.”

Ryu stood and drew his Dragon Sword. “What have you done to Aileen?”

“Nothing yet.” The woman cunningly said. “But you are just in time to see what I was about to do to her.”

She walked over Aileen and began to stroke her naked leg.

“RYU! STOP HER!” Aileen pleaded.

“LEAVE HER ALONE!” Ryu yelled at her and ran in for a charge. He swung his Dragon Sword at the female, but she proved to be too swift and graceful for any mere attack as she dodged the blade, and performed a few backflips until she jumped and clawed onto a nearby tree.

“You are so cute when you're raged with jealousy.” She said with an intense smile on her face. “I may just have the most fun with you.”

“Who are you?”

“Widow.” She replied. “Remember that name, beautiful. I plan on having you scream it all night.” Then a frown came on her face. “One way or another.”

Quickly, the Widow jumped from the log that she clinged to just as an unknown shuriken dug into that same log. Widow looked at Ayane

who was already standing. She then gave the kunoichi a smile. “You will have to do much better than that.”

“I plan to, you crazy bitch.”

Widow gave a long exhale. “Mmmm, fiery passion. The Master has served me well.”

Ayane drew her katana. “If you want it so bad, come get it.”

Widow looked at Ayane deep, then Ryu. “So you two are going to make this difficult as Aileen did?” The two didn't respond but Widow could sense their answer by the drawn weapons in their fighting stances.

“Very well.” She said drawing her knife. “But when I'm done, you, three, will belong to me.” She finished standing in her fighting stance.

Prologue

= Widow =

Yami was dubbed into the Black Spider Clan when she was at the young age of 13. She was one of the many that was brought in by force under the family tradition. Her father and mother were both active members of the Black Spider Clan. She became orphaned at the young age of 9 when her father killed his wife in betrayal and hopes of exceeding in the ranks of the Black Spider Clan. After, the promotion was denied to her father, he committed suicide leaving his body for all to view in front where the Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi rested.

Upon Yami's arrival to the Clan, she was immediately ridiculed due to the actions of her father. It was only an old hierarch by the name of Gamja who befriended with the small girl and taught her everything she needed to know to survive within the clan. Unfortunately, Yami was a hard learner. She never excelled in the style of ninjutsu and was immediately marked as prey by the other clan ninjas for random beatings.

It was then one day, and 2 years later, Yami appeared in front of Gamja's chambers. Bloodied and bruised and tired of the treatment she was received from her own clan members. She vowed to study the ninjutsu art as long as it took until she was ready to become a full-fledged member.

Gamja knew that teaching the now 15-year old girl would only be a waste of time, especially since she was having problems understanding the basics. So instead, he performed a ritual with her and blessed her with magical powers to represent the Black Spider Clan to the fullest.

She ultimately took on a slight mutation which made her skin pale and her pupils dialect. When the ritual was over, Gamja looked at his student, as if she was a trophy of pride, as she rose from ground a new woman, per say. Yami was blessed with the powers of a black widow spider. Yami was no longer the shy little girl whose father's actions destroyed her life. She was now known as Widow. Taker of the Black Spider Magic.

Her ninjutsu skills excelled to one of the highest extent, her spider-like reflexes added much grace to the style, easily confusing her opponents while in battle. She was also blessed with special powers as of a spider. She was able to spin webs to capture her prey. Shoot webs from her hands or even spit them from her mouth; and when she was ready to deliver her final kill. She would suffocate her opponent by spinning their entire body in, nothing but, her webs. Then she would leave their encased decaying bodies out in the open for all to view of her new wrath.

The only side effect that came along with her powers was the enhanced need for sexual satisfaction. Once her prey had the inability to fight or gave in to the relentless strength of the spider, she would seductively have her way with her victims in any manner she pleased. She would scream to the world that all of her victims would die happy and in lust whether it may be a man or woman. Though at her young age of 24, she has yet to experience love from that one special person.

She was able to get revenge on those that taunted her throughout the years and because of her powers she was immediately named a hierarch of the Black Spider Clan. To her dismay, she is the weakest of all the hierarchs, but no one takes for granted that she is still very powerful for any normal man, woman, or ninja to oppose her within the Black Spider Clan.

Chapter 5 – Widow

Ryu charged first with his Dragon Sword in hand, but as he swung the Widow exemplified her excelled experience in grace as she easily ducked and dodged under the attack.

Ayane tried to finish Widow with a sneak attack, but she was too prepared for any sudden dangers as Widow back flipped over Ayane's attempted stab. Intentionally, Widow landed on her back with her knees bent. Then she quickly extended her legs, kicking Ayane hard in the back.

Ayane flew forward and landed in Ryu's arms as Widow gracefully rolled her body backwards and stood upon her feet. Once stood, she gave a precious ballet pose with her hands in the air, and the web-like material shot from her hands and it stuck to a tree branch above her. With her powerful upper body strength, she pulled herself up to the tree branch and sat on it; giving her two enemies a taunting smile.

“I'm really starting to hate her.” Ayane said aloud.

Ryu didn't reply back, but released Ayane and threw a handful of shurikens at the spider lady.

Just quick as Ryu threw his projectiles, Widow showed them to be incompetence as she shot her web at each of the shurikens, and each fell to the ground before they made their destination.

“Impressive.” Said Ryu.

Widow gave him a seductive smile. “Thank you.”

She leaped off the branch and before landing on the ground she shot more webs from her hand which stuck to another branch of a tree behind Ryu & Ayane. The material formed a rope in her hand as she swung heading in the direction of the two ninjas.

Ryu and Ayane quickly dodged the attack and Widow swung by, clung to the log of the tree, and then scurried up to the branch.

“Why do you fight it? It would be so much easier if you two let me have my way with you.” Said Widow. “Who knows, you may even enjoy it. I know I will.” She ended with another seducing smile.

Widow jumped down from her branch and Ryu and Ayane wasted no time in attacking the spider-like female. The both swung their weapons in various manners, but Widow was able to swiftly dodge and sway from each attack. Ryu and Ayane was swing at dead air where the body of the spider lady stood.

Widow ended the blank attacks after an attempted stab by Ayane. She grabbed Ayane's wrist and twisted forcing the female ninja to drop her blade. During their commotion, Ryu attempted a slice of his own, but Widow took Ayane's body captive and used her as a shield putting her in front of Ryu's swinging blade which caused Ryu to stop his attack with the blade only inches from Ayane's neck.

Widow then grabbed Ayane's own free hand and threw it upwards hitting Ryu hard across his jaw. Angered, Ayane reached behind her and grabbed Widow by the back of her head and flipped her over as the spider lady landed on her back. Widow had quick cunning skills as from the she saw Ryu composing himself, she quickly gave him a kick to his stomach, then threw a kick above her to land to Ayane's face just as the female ninja was about to attempt an attack of her own. The two ninjas stumbled away from the fallen spider.

Then for tease, Widow shot a web-like rope from her hands which clinged to Ryu's feet. She pulled hard forcing the ninja to fall on his back. Suddenly, the tightly clad dressed spider-like woman quickly leaped to her feet then on top of Ryu.

“You two are more fun than I expected.” She whispered into his ear. “Oh my, I can't wait to watch you take that stamina out on me.” She said seductively as her tongue extended from her mouth and began licking and teasing Ryu's earlobe.

“Hey!” Ayane yelled out. Widow snapped her neck to look behind her. “You haven't forgotten about me, have you?”

Widow gave another seducing smile. “Oh of course not, beautiful.”

The woman stood and immediately went after Ayane and two began a bout of their own.

Ryu stood and went after the still naked and strapped Aileen. He quickly cut her down from the spider's web and wrapped her body with a large nearby cloth.

“Follow me.” He whispered to her.

“I'm sorry, Ryu. I just wanted to help.” She pleadingly whispered back.

“Not now, let's just find a safe spot for you for now.”

During the battle, Ayane put up a good fight against the Widow. Ayane proved herself to be quick and resourceful and Widow easily exemplified her grace, random, and seduction all at the same time. There was no weapons used, just pure hand-to-hand combat, as the two battled in the forest.

BAM! Ayane struck a good hard uppercut against her opponent sending her flying across a small distance of the forest and her back hitting hard against the log of the tree. Ayane proceeded into her fighting stance with a taunting smile on her face.

“Did you like that, sweetie?” Ayane sarcastically and rhetorically asked.

Widow's horrific frown slowly turned into a devious smile, never taking her eyes off of Ayane, she began to crawl up the tree which stopped her impact. Soon she was no longer visible; hidden within the dark forest.

Ayane immediately retrieved her katana and stood on alert aware of the potential tricks her spider opponent.

“Come on, you little winch.” Ayane said to herself. “I'm ready for you this time.”

Suddenly, two small web shots darted heading for Ayane's head. The kinochi quickly used her ninja reflexes to slice the web projectiles with her katana. Quickly afterwards, another spurt of shots came at her from another direction as if there were more than one of the cunning Widows in the forest with her. Ayane, again, sliced the projectiles, but was becoming a bit nervous on Widow's whereabouts.

She scanned the forest as all was quiet. She tried to at least get a glimpse of her opponent, but to no avail Widow was clearly successful at blending in with her surrounding. From behind Ayane, a web-rope was shot at her. Gratefully, Ayane's sixth sense warned her as she quickly turned and grabbed the rope.

“There you are.” Ayane said as the two pulled on the strong webbed rope.

It was a small fight in strength, but Ayane easily prevailed as she tugged on the rope hard enough to get her opponent to fall to the ground. Widow fell on her back and immediately, trying using her web shots at Ayane. The female ninja easily sliced them away and quickly threw two shurikens at fallen woman. The shurikens were quick as they stuck into her legs. Widow gave a scream in agony and Ayane slowly began making her ways towards her taunting the spider-like opponent with an evil smile.

“That won't work anymore, bitch. I know how to beat you.” Ayane said tauntingly.

Widow became wide-eyed as scurried against the ground trying to keep her distance between her and Ayane.

“You're tricky, but repetitive. Once I learned that one thing about you…” Widow tried to stop Ayane from her talking with another web shot projectile. Ayane, again, quickly sliced it with her katana and finished her sentence. “…the rest of the battle is easy.”

“Ayane.” Widow began to plead. “My precious, I wasn't going to do anything to you. It was Aileen the one I wanted, maybe Ryu. But you,” She continued. “I was going to set you free.”

Ayane only kept her smile as she knelt down beside the woman and caressed her hand against her face. “Now you know better for me to believe that.” Ayane shouted angrily placing her katana against her neck. “GIVE ME ONE GOOD REASON WHY I SHOULDN'T KILL YOU!!”

“Ayane, my dear,” Widow began to plead. “I was only wanting to have a little girl fun.” Widow's eyes became glassy. “Please it is not me you want to kill.”

“Then tell me who is it that I want to kill?”

“Master Mitsuri.” Widow spoke as if she wanted to give the precious information away. “He is the leader of the clan, I'm just a hierarch. I'm of no importance.”

“Mitsuri?”

“Yes, he is so old; he wouldn't be a match for a ninja of your caliber anyhow.” She said proudly trying to hid her nervous streak.

Ayane removed her katana away from the neck of Widow. “I'm impressed. You actually gave me a good reason not to kill you.”

“I did?” Widow asked as a smile grew across her face.

“Yeah, I mean, you're a pain, but remember, I wasn't the one, you truly disrespected in the first place.” Ayane said as she began to walk away.

At first, Widow gave her a puzzled look as she propped herself body on her elbows watching the kinochi taking her steps further away, but the same frightened face came back when she looked up and saw Ryu sitting on a tree branch just above her. Before she even had time yelp for mercy, Ryu jumped from the tree branch and the blade of the Dragon Sword entered her chest as Ryu delivered the final blow. He struck his blow in the name of his darling, Aileen, whom Widow had strapped and humiliated upon their arrival.

Blood spurt from the opened wound as Widow's eyes and mouth popped open in shock. Ryu removed his sword and watched Widow struggle for her next breath. As Ryu calmly wiped the blood from his blade, Widow's breathing was becoming shorter; and by the time he placed it in its sheath, widow's breathing had stopped. The Black Spider Clan's Hierarch died.

Chapter 6 – The Black Spider Clan

Aileen emerged from the forest wrapped in a blanket and saw the Hierarch lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

She immediately spoke in shock and fright. “Is she…?” The young woman couldn't finish her sentence.

Ryu turned and saw her frightened face. “I told you to stay hidden.”

“Did you kill her?” She asked again with pleading eyes at Ryu.

“What's her problem?” Ayane asked.

“She has never seen a dead person before.” Ryu replied with a low tone. He quickly walked over to Aileen and grabbed her and held her tight, he felt Aileen releasing her frightful emotions onto Ryu. “Shhh, it's okay.” He said trying to calm her.

Aileen only sniffed at the shock and surprise to see her love murder another human being. She heard the stories of Ryu doing whatever it took to not only be successful in his missions, as well as save his own life, but she never actually witnessed Ryu take the life of another.

Ryu led her to a nearby tree and had her sit against its log and he knelt to her.

“Well, I guess it's obvious she can't come along with us.” Ayane snickered.

Ryu warned, “Not now, Ayane.”

“Why not, Ryu? You said it yourself, this forest is covered with Black Spiders. If she stays with us, she'll get killed, or she'll just be watching more killings.”

Ryu stood and turned to her. “I know that, Ayane. I know she can't stay. What I do not need right now is your arrogance.”

“My arrogance? It's her fault we're out here anyway.”

“If anyone's to blame for you being out here right now, point the finger at yourself. You wanted to come when I told you to stay at the village.”

The ninjas' argument began to flare even more as Aileen continued to stare at the dead body. She never saw Ryu as a murderer or a killer. She always viewed him as a peaceful, sweet, loving man. She wouldn't have even expected it out of Ayane. She was like Ryu, she always saw the pure golden heart in Ayane, and rather than the tough-girl act she portrays and is known for. Sure, she has heard the female ninja blab about wanting to kill Kasumi time and time again, but now she wondered if Ayane was vicious enough to actually kill her own half-sister.

Many thoughts ran through her mind as she continued to stare at Widow's dead body. She even hissed in disgust at Ryu and Ayane, they actually had the audacity to have an argument around a deceased body. Though Widow was evil and Aileen despised her actions upon her capture, she still felt that this evil hierarch still deserved the proper respect.

A leaf fell from the tree above and landed on Aileen's shoulder. Aileen ignored it and wrapped herself tighter with her cloth as the winds began to blow causing a slight chill. She went back to her thoughts as she found herself studying and contemplating on Widow's dead body. Then another leaf fell and landed on the same shoulder. She brushed it off but almost instantly came another leaf. Puzzled, Aileen looked up to see the cause of the falling leaves and saw a ninja of the Black Spider Clan squatting on the tree branch just above her. His eyes were locked on to her. She gasped in fright and when she began looking around the forest, she saw more and more ninjas hiding within the nature around them.

“Uh, guys?” Aileen nervously spoke out, but Ryu and Ayane were too caught up in their own argument to where they both either ignored her or just didn't hear her call out. “GUYS!” She said louder this time catching the attention of her comrades.

Ayane hissed. “What is it?!”

Ryu saw Aileen looking up at the sky. He looked in the same direction and immediately noticed that his love was not looking at the sky, but rather the environment covered with Black Spider Clan's ninjas sitting stationary watching them.

Ryu and Ayane retrieved their respective weapons. Ryu then heard a clapping noise. Alerted he turned to the sound and saw a woman standing and applauding to an invisible audience.

She didn't dress anywhere near the same fashion as the Black Spider Clan, instead she wore a short white tank-top exposing her torso covered with a long sleeve faded light blue jean jacket. Her pants matched her jacket as they were light blue and somewhat like slacks. Her white boots were heeled to add to her height. Her hair was long and completely white as laid against her back and her pale light blue eyes added even more mystery to her persona.

“Congratulations, Hayabusa-chan.” The woman ended her applauding.

Ryu readied his sword. “Let me guess, another hierarch?” He said coldly.

The woman gave a smile and a nod. “So you are the ninja that gave us so much trouble at the Vigoor Empire?”

“Who are you?”

“Please call me Aisu.” She spoke her name.

“Okay, Aisu. What are we standing here for?” Ryu readied himself for his fight.

“Oh please, Ryu, you have me all wrong. I'm here to thank you.” Aisu walked over towards the dead body of Widow. Then she spat on the dead body that laid in front of her. “Thank you for killing this hyper bitch.”

Ryu gave a puzzled look as Aisu continued. “Don't get me wrong, she was fun at first.” A reminiscent smile formed on her face as she emphasized. “A whole lot of fun!” Aisu then threw her long white hair back. “But after a while she was just becoming simply annoying.” She began walking away from Widow's lifeless body never taking her eyes off of Ryu. “Due to the rules of the Black Spider Clan, I cannot kill a hierarch without a good reason. Highly ventilated sex drive isn't a big enough crime for a death sentence.” She remarked with a snickered smile. “So that is why I'm glad you got rid of that annoyance for me. Finally, I can start getting a good night's rest.”

“Glad to help.” Ryu sarcastically and coldly replied.

Aisu smiled and gave another nod. “But our only problem is that, now that a hierarch has been murdered, someone must pay for the crime of dishonoring the rules of the Black Spider Clan.”

“There's always a catch isn't there?” Ayane interrupted.

Aisu smiled at Ayane's comment and threw two fingers in the air. Just then, the hiding ninjas in the trees jumped down from their branches and began to surround Ayane and Ryu leaving Aileen out of the circle. Ryu knew a battle was about to begin, but he was fearful for Aileen's safety.

“Do not worry about your little girlfriend. My orders are to kill you and have her watch. Don't fret, she'll join your grave shortly afterwards.” Aisu spoke.

Ryu was a bit relieved as he readied himself in his fighting stance; but he was still in doubt as to how much he could trust Aisu for Aileen's safety.

Then the beautiful smile on Aisu's face cringed up into a frown as she yelled. “ATTACK!”

The circle of ninjas obeyed their commands as they attacked their prey. Two of the ninjas attempted to slay Ryu at the same time, but the resourcefulness of the “super ninja” saved him as he swayed away from one of the ninjas' attacks causing him to accidentally strike his own partner. Then with his opening, Ryu retrieved his secondary blade shoving it into the spine of the ninja. Then without hesitation, he removed the small blade from the dying ninja and quickly threw it behind him as the traveling blade drove itself into the skull of another ninja preparing an unsuccessful sneak attack.

As Ryu battled on against the overly athletic and agile ninjas, Ayane was successfully holding her own ground as well.

Surrounded by three of the Black Spider Clan ninjas, Ayane readied her katana as she watched the ninjas circle her slowly. She was familiar with their style after watching Ryu taking out so many during his adventure on the Vigoor Empire. They were known for attacking from behind. Fortunately, she mastered her blind spot defenses, as the ninja behind her made the first attack.

He raised sword and launched at Ayane, but before he could lower it for the kill, he felt a strong kick hit under his chin as he was sent flying to ground. Without hesitation, Ayane quickly swung her foot, kicking the ninja in front of her, and then she perfectly executed a side kick, landing on the stomach of her adversary adjacent to her. She quickly leaped into the air, landing on her adjacent opponent, slaying him deep in his heart with her katana. Once dead, she quickly removed the katana and threw it at the attacker that once stood behind her. The blade lodged deep into his skull as he dropped his sword and fell lifeless to the ground.

Finally, Ayane stood off of her lifeless opponent as the last ninja composed himself and readied his sword. Ayane was beginning to think it was a mistake getting rid of her weapon to battle a Black Spider ninja with an expertise in sword fighting. She readied herself in her fighting stance, unarmed. They circled for awhile, until the ninja made the first move. Unfortunately for him, his first move was his final move as when he swung his sword; Ayane caught him by the wrists. Quickly, she twisted his wrists, breaking them at the same time, until the blade was pointing at his stomach. Then fiercely, she used the ninja's own sword and shoved it into his stomach. The ninja fell but was not completely dead, but was now ineffective in battle. She removed the sword and claimed it as her own as more ninjas began to surround her.

“Now the odds are even.” She said readying her new sword as her new victims surrounded her.

The slaying continued as Aileen slowly stood and watched her lover murder the attacking ninjas one by one, sometimes two by two. She wanted to run, but she couldn't take her eyes off of the fight. She couldn't take her eyes off of the killings. She felt as if she wanted to vomit if she another man's throat sliced open.

She looked to her side and saw a clear view, where there was no violence of any kind. She just wanted to get herself to safety and away from these dangers. She decided to make a run for it, but as soon as she turned in the direction, Aisu stood in front of her.

“Where do you think you're going?” She said in a soft tone with a pleasant smile. “I promised Ryu your safety. I can't go back on my word now can I?”

“Please, just let me go.”

“You're so innocent.” She said caressing Aileen's face with the back of her hand. Aileen could feel an uncomfortable shiver travel down her spine. “No wonder Widow wanted you all to herself.” She then grabbed Aileen by her arm and forced her body to turn and face more of Ryu's slaying while pressing her own body up against Aileen. “Now watch your lover die by the swords of the Black Spider Ninja Clan.” She spoke fiercely.

Ryu had slain another ninja as more began appearing out of the woods to join in on the battle. Ryu was able to catch a glimpse of Aisu holding tightly to Aileen; but he forced himself to keep his attention to the activity surrounding him.

“Ayane!” He yelled out. “Split up!”

Almost immediately, Ayane flipped out of the circle and the ninjas followed. A bit relieved, Ryu could now focus on a lesser amount of the ninjas, and confident enough that Ayane could take care of herself, for the time being.

Ryu continued on with his battle, while highly on the offensive he always stayed cautious and alert not to become a victim of a swinging blade. The Clan worked too well in numbers, just as they did on the Vigoor Empire. Ryu was familiar with their style, but the larger they were in numbers; the more difficult they proved to be.

Surrounded by four of the swift ninjas, Ryu readied his sword as the four slowly circled him. As expected, a ninja from behind tried to attack first, but Ryu was ready as he flipped over the ninja throwing shurikens at the attacker before his feet even touched the ground. The shurikens injured the ninja's shoulder, but he still stayed in the fight as the other three began their attacks. Two of them flipped at Ryu with their swords flying in mid-air. Ryu quickly blocked their attempts and as they landed he smashed one guy in the back with the handle of his sword while kicking the other away from him. The remaining tried to end the life of Hayabusa with a quick incendiary shuriken, Ryu caught the projectile with his own hand and threw it at and threw it at a stumbling ninja who was just making his way back to his feet.

The ninja felt the sting on his back and his eyes grew as he knew what was coming next as a loud explosion let off and the ninja fell dead with his entire backside bloody and burnt from the deadly explosion. Afterwards, the injured and the stumbled ninja recomposed themselves and quickly launched after Ryu. The two ninjas proved to be a small match for our hero, until Ryu managed to find his opening when he brutally slammed the head of one ninja into the shurikens embedded in the shoulder of the injured ninja. The sharp metal viciously pierced his temple and instantly penetrated into his brain as he instantly died stuck to the injured ninja.

The injured ninja's gave his last scream of agony due to pressure of the buried shurikens digging deeper into his arm and Ryu used his opportunity to slide his blade into his stomach, then pushed him off, letting one of the remaining ninjas fall dead to the ground.

Ryu then turned his focus to the last remaining ninja who only readied his sword. Ryu began the attack as their swords clanged against each other. Surprisingly, the other ninja was relentless. He was able to catch every surprise attack Ryu attempted to strike with, and he was also surprised that his foe had a few tricks of his own up his sleeve. Finally, their swords clung together as they stood in their pose and Ryu stared deep into the ninja's fiery red eyes.

“It really is you.” The ninja spoke as he used his might to shove Ryu away from him, they stared at each other for a quick second. The ninja looked at him as if he was supposed to know him. Eventually, the last Black Spider Clan ninja tore his eyes away from Ryu and made a surprising retreated back into the forest.

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” Aisu yelled out.

But the fleeing ninja gave no answer, he only disappeared within the forest as even more ninjas emerged and surrounded Hayabusa, in the exact same fashion. Ryu readied his sword, but he knew there were too many. He didn't know how much longer he could keep up such an intense battle.

Just then Ryu heard Aisu yell, “TEIRYUU!!”

All the battling and fighting stopped suddenly. The ninjas stopped their attacks and focused their attention to Aisu. Ryu panting from the long battle and heavy adrenaline looked at Aisu, as well, puzzled as to why she stopped the battle. Aisu only flicked her head to the side. The Black Spider ninjas obeyed the silent command and retreated back to the woods. Aisu turned her focus back to Ryu.

“You're good. Better than I expected.”

“I was only getting started.” Ryu said gathering his breath.

Aisu giggled at the obnoxious ninja. “Oh really? I could kill you so easily right now.”

“Try me.” Ryu taunted with his Dragon Sword ready for another bout.

Aisu released Aileen as the woman fell to the ground. She slowly walked towards Ryu stepping over the dead bodies of the many slain Black Spider ninjas. Then she stood in place with still a great distance between the two. She raised her hand to meet her face to reveal to Ryu a small amount a frost air surrounding it.

“Do you really want to know why I was promoted to a Black Spider Hierarch?” She asked.

Then, not waiting for an answer, from her hand she shot something, unknown, at Ryu. The blast was extremely quick, but Ryu proved to be quicker as he sliced the blasted projectile with his Dragon Sword before it made contact with his body. The fragments landed on the ground as Ryu witnessed remains of an ice shard laying in the dirt.

Aisu witnessed the same, but did not show any impression of shock. She only kept her same pleasant smile. “I stand corrected. Even as exhausted as you are, you still prove to be strong and quick. Now I understand the interest Widow had in you, as well. You don't see that type of hunger for success out of most ninjas.”

“I'm not like most ninjas.”

“Correct, you are, but neither am I. Please note, that though you may have stopped a simple ice shard, you still cannot defeat me in the condition you are in.”

Ryu readied his sword again. “Then come kill me.”

Aisu giggled. “I'd rather not. Don't worry, we will soon enough have our encounter; but I think with my report, Master Mitsuri will have something much more interesting in mind for you.”

“Who is this, Mitsuri?”

Aisu smiled. “Don't worry little ninja. You will learn everything you need to know soon enough.”

She turned to leave but was stopped when she saw a small squirrel running up a tree. She spoke over her back, loud enough for Ryu to hear. “Oh and by the way…” She said as she raised her hand with the same frost air surrounding it. An ice blast left her hand and hit the stand-by squirrel. The blast wasn't nearly the same projectile thrown at Ryu. The small animal was instantly covered and frozen in a small block of ice as it fell from the tree, hit the ground and, like glass, shattered into hundreds of pieces.

Aisu finished her sentence. “That is how I would've easily killed you.”

Without saying another word, she turned her head in front of her and proceeding her walk back into the dark woods.

Ryu stood at wide-eye shock at the shattered dead animal. He knew that Aisu's use of the black magic would become a great obstacle for him in the latter future.

Chapter 7 – Deja Vu

“Who do you think Mitsuri is?” Ryu asked Ayane.

Nightfall, Ryu, Ayane, and Aileen had fled the scene leaving the many dead bodies of the Black Spider Clan ninjas behind. The three sat by a fire discussing their day's events. Ryu finally was able to enjoy the cool breeze of the after, removing his mask for the night.

“Obviously, the leader of their little clan.” Ayane answered Ryu's question.

“Something's not right. Why would Widow tell you that you would be able to defeat him in the condition he's in?”

Ayane only shrugged. “She was probably just saying anything to save her own life.” She looked up at the dark sky. “Aisu is the one I'm worried about. Did you see what she did to that squirrel?”

“All part of their black magic. Which proves to me that their clan is not composed of true ninjas.”

“True ninjas or not, she looks like she could give us a good fight.”

Ryu nodded in agreement. He looked over to Aileen who only stood staring into the fire, lost in her own thoughts. “Are you okay?”

Aileen snapped out of her daydream and gave a slight nod with no expression on her face. “I think I'm going to turn in for the night.”

She stood and Ryu commented. “Okay, I'll be in there in a bit.”

Aileen gave another silent nod as she went inside of a nearby tent. Ryu let out of loud sigh.

“So what are we going to do about her? We can't send her back now.” Ayane said making sure Aileen was out of sight.

Ryu nodded. “I know, these forests are crawling with those ninjas; and we can't waste backtracking out of Shadow's Temptation. She'll have to come with us.”

Ayane nodded. “She may run into a lot of dangers on this mission. Plus, she has a hard time coping with the killings that we must do.”

“Hopefully, it'll only take some time. Who knows, we may need her help one day.”

Ayane gave a laugh. “From her? She needs a lot more training before I'll feel safe with her guarding my back.”

“She would surprise you with how much I taught her.”

“That is not what I'm doubting. What I am doubting, is her inability to kill and also how she would react if she were to slay someone just to keep herself alive.”

Ryu nodded in agreement as they sat by the fire in silence for only a matter of seconds until Ayane broke the silence.

“I'm sorry about earlier.”

“About what?”

“The argument we had. It could've gotten us killed.”

Ryu smiled. “You're not the only one at fault.” He said as his apology. “You handled yourself very well out there today. I'm proud of you.”

Ayane blushed. “Thank you.”

“One day, you'll show the world of the angel I see in you.”

The fire was beginning to get low as Ayane used that as the perfect time to steer away from the subject.

“Looks like we need some wood.” Ayane said.

Ryu stood to take on the responsibility. “I'll get it.”

“No,” Ayane stopped him. “You go take care of Aileen. I'll get the wood.”

“You sure?”

Ayane then exposed part of the blade of her brand new sword from its sheath. The same blade she stole in battle from the Black Spider Clan ninja. “I'm sure.”

Ryu snickered as he nodded in agreement. “Just be careful.” He said as the two parted their ways.

Ryu made his way inside the tent to join Aileen. Aileen was sitting on her sleeping bag staring at the ground lost in her thoughts just as she was when she was sitting next to the fire.

“Talk to me.”

“I just never pictured your sword entering into another human's body.” She spoke low, saddened, still staring at the ground.

Ryu sat next to her. “But I told you of all of my missions.”

“Yes, I know, but I just never pictured it.”

“I understand. I'm sorry.”

Aileen looked at Ryu and a smile came across her face. “You have nothing to be sorry about, Ryu.” She gave a little snicker. “After what happened today, I understand the lengths you must've went through to protect your own life.”

Ryu returned the smile. “You would be surprised.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Aileen said with a bit more liveliness in her voice.

“Sure.”

“Have you ever thought to yourself? ‘This is too many'?”

Ryu hesitated before answering and gave her a silent stare. Then he nodded. “The day I killed my very first enemy.”

Just then something caught Ryu's attention. It wasn't a sound or noise, just part of the ninja's instincts kicked in and gave him a warning.

“What's wrong?” Aileen noticed Ryu's stern look as the ninja tried to look beyond the tent folds to see who was intruding outside.

Ryu grabbed his sheath which held the Dragon Sword. “Stay here.” He said as he made his way outside of the tent.

Ryu stood outside, looking around the trees and the darkness of the night in hopes of seeing a possible adversary.

“Ayane?” He yelled, but to his dismay he did not hear the voice of the female kinochi return to him.

With that he pulled out his Dragon Sword, readying himself for any surprise attack.

“I do not mean any harm.” Ryu heard a male voice call out from within the woods. “I have only come to speak with you. I have the information you desire.”

“Who are you? Where are you?”

“I'm right behind you.”

Ryu quickly turned around and saw a dark figure hiding himself in the darkness of the woods.

“Please, I mean no harm.” The man said.

“Show yourself if your words are true.”

“Very well.” The same responded as he slowly walked into the dim light of the embellished fire. The resemblance of the figure showed to be a Black Spider Clan ninja, fully dressed in his attire.

Ryu's eyes popped open when he saw the same fiery red eyes of the ninja that fled into the woods earlier in their battle.

“Trickster!” Ryu yelled as he began his attack. Ryu swung the sword, but the ninja easily ducked and dodged under the blade and flipped a few times giving himself distance between himself and the angry ninja.

“Please, you must listen to me. I'm here to help.”

“I don't need any help from your kind.” Ryu made another attack, but the ninja was relentless on keeping his distance.

“This is silly. I can do this all night.”

“So can I.” Ryu responded again with another attack.

But the Black Spider ninja continued his ducking and dodging techniques and this time when Ryu came a little too close, the ninja performed a backflip kick, hitting Hayabusa in his chin.

“Attacking me will not help you throughout this mission.”

Ryu stopped his attacks and gave a sigh looking at his enemy.

“Very well.” He said returning his sword back to its sheath. “Have it your way. I won't attack you any longer.”

“Thank you.”

But the ninja spoke too soon as he felt a strong force hit behind his legs and he fell to his knees. Before he could even look back to see his attacker, he felt a blade against his neck.

“Please tell me I can kill him.” It was Ayane.

Ryu kept a stern face at his adversary as he turned and began to head back inside the tent. “Make it quick, we have a long day tomorrow.”

“Wait, Wait, Ryu. Listen to me.” The ninja pleaded.

“Shut up!” Ayane commanded.

Ryu turned. “Ayane, wait.” He calmly said. “How do you know my name?”

“Please. If you just look in my pocket, it'll help me start to explain everything.”

“What's this? A trap?” Ayane asked pushing the blade harder against the man's throat. “What's in there?”

“It's my badge.” The man said now nervous. “My name is Mishu Nguyen. I work for the Tokyo International Intelligence Agency. I have been working undercover in the Black Spider Clan for the past 20 years.”

“Oh my goodness, of all the silly stories…” Ayane said becoming more annoyed with the man's plea attempts.

He interrupted. “Please, just get my badge.”

“No way.”

Then Ryu interrupted. “Get it, Ayane. Let's see how truthful he is.”

Ayane wanted to argue, but instead she only shook her head at how easily Ryu was getting tricked into the ninja's deception. She slowly, reached into his ninja uniform and slowly pulled out a small wallet. Ayane gave a puzzled look as she thought to herself. “Since when do ninjas carry wallets.” She opened it and saw a badge and identification card for a Mishu Nguyen with the header of bold font “Tokyo International Intelligence Ageny” marked on top. She threw the badge to Ryu, still playing it careful, holding the blade to the neck of the ninja.

Ryu retrieved the badge and viewed it. “Remove his mask. I want to see if his face matches this picture.”

Ayane obeyed removing the mask off the ninja and revealed a young man with long shoulder-length silky red hair to match his eyes. He had a strong stern face even in his time of nervousness.

“20 years? According to this you're only 23.”

“Exactly. If you give me the time, I can explain everything to you.”

Prologue

= Mishu Nguyen =

There isn't too much history to be found on Mishu. All except that one day, at the young age of 4, he appeared on at one of the main Black Spider Clan fortress's doorsteps. Mitsuri, leader of the Black Spider Clan, immediately claimed it as his own child. Foretelling to the world of their new leader-to-be. Though while Mitsuri claimed and named Mishu, it was Gamja who spent the young boy's entire life training him at his early age and played the true father to the young boy.

Before Mishu reached the age of 10, he was already an expert at the ninjitsu art style. It surprised both Gamja and Mitsuri of his excellent learning ability; both believed he may have learned martial arts before his arrival. Gamja decided to take his teaching further and taught the young student more advanced styles of their martial art. Gamja found himself taking a strong liking to the boy which would sometimes brought on controlled jealousy whenever he saw Mishu next to Mitsuri when instructions were made.

To keep his loyalty, Gamja would force himself to keep his relationship with Mishu purely for training rather than the strong male bonding they were developing.

As the years passed and persistent training, Mishu grew up to be the strongest fighter Black Spider Clan. Throughout his youth, Mishu was secretly ridiculed for being Mitsuri's favorite, but no one never personally brought it to his attention due to his excelled skills in the ninjitsu art.

Once he was claimed as the strongest, Mitsuri was named a clan leader. He wanted to be a hierarch, but it was Gamja who convinced Mitsuri that he was not yet ready. Mishu felt that this was Gamja's way of expressing his jealousy for not being the father figure in his life.

Chapter 8 – Mishu Nguyen

Ayane objected when Ryu wanted to allow Aileen to join in and listen to what the Black Spider Clan member had to say; the words and persuasion of Ryu changed her mind when she mentioned that if Aileen was going to be part of the mission she would have to know every detail as the others. She may not be a ninja, but it did not exclude her from the mission as they had no choice but to include her.

Also, the ninjas didn't take a chance with their intruder. They tied his hands and feet and then bonded them together to ensure that he would pull no surprise attacks or escape. Then they placed his bonded body close to the fire, close enough to where he could feel the burn from the radiant heat. Then the three sat around the campfire and listened in on the Black Spider ninja's story.

“Is all of this really necessary?” Mishu said referring to the ropes.

“Yes it is.” Ryu replied as he took out a small blade and began sharpening it against a small rock.

“Could you at least pull me a bit away from the fire? It's starting to burn.”

“The quicker you speak, then I'll think about it.”

“I don't even know where to begin.”

“Begin with one of your lies. I know, how can you be undercover for 20 years when your badge here says you're only 23.”

“Fine.” Mishu said. “The day I learned to walk was the day I began my training. I was born to be an officer of the TIIA.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“The Black Spider Clan runs their own underground government; and their government governs the Japanese government. They like to be kept out of the public's eye making other politicians and senators do their dirty work.”

Ayane sarcastically laughed. “Ninjas going into politics. This is too funny.”

Mishu then asked. “What's a better way to successfully rule a country than that?”

The woman then had no answer for that question.

“The Black Spider Clan isn't into politics, but they are the secretive type that will go through any means to make sure that their mission is successful; and that's where I come in. I arrived at one of the main fortresses of the Black Spider Clan when I was only a child at three years of age. I was employed by the TIIA on my 2 nd birthday. I was taught ninjitsu by Gamja, the head hierarch of the Black Spider Clan.”

“Wait.” Ryu interrupted. “Tell me more about Gamja.”

“Gamja is a man of old age. He is the head of hierarch promotions. Widow and Aisu, both, had to go through him to become hierarchs. He is the one that blesses special black magic to the Black Spider Clan members. He is 1 st in command and operated directly under the Black Spider Clan's leader, Mitsuri.” He spoke and continued. “Gamja trained me to be one of the best of the Black Spider Clan ninjas. That is why you had such a hard time fighting me earlier.”

“Don't boast on yourself.” Ryu said coldly.

“And you shouldn't either. I know how powerful you are, you're name is known around our fortress as the one who thwarted our mission on taking the Dark Dragon Blade. That is how I know your name.”

Ryu pointed the blade at Mishu. “Just keep talking.”

“I was meant to be a hierarch under the command of Mitsuri. But it was Gamja who denied the request and convinced Mitsuri to make me a Clan Leader.”

“You wanted to become a hierarch?”

“Of course. If I became a hierarch, I would be able to get all the intel needed for the agency. That was the whole purpose of my mission 20 years ago.”

Ayane interrupted. “How about you tell us why you have come to us?”

“I have been doing this mission for 20 years. All of my life, the Black Spider Clan and their histories are all I know. 20 years is long enough. I'm ready for this mission to end and I know I cannot do it by myself. If I could, the Black Spider Clan would've been brought down a long time ago.”

“What do you need us for?”

“I need you to help me stop them at their attempts. The reason why they have come here and taken over Shadow's Temptation and the Migu Village .”

Then Aileen interrupted, “Why did they take over the village? Why are they making them work in caves?”

Mishu gave a sigh, “The story I have to tell you is troubling. By the time I finish you will either not believe me or will think that the Black Spider Clan's true intentions are further than you could imagine.”

“It's too late for both.” Ryu said. “You just keep talking.”

Before Mishu could begin his story an echoed voice was heard. “That will not be necessary.”

Ryu stood, dropping the small blade and once again pulling the Dragon Sword from its sheath. “Who's there?”

Mishu recognized the echoing voice. “That's Gamja! Please untie me.”

Ryu ignored Mishu's plea. “Come on out, Gamja.”

“Pathetic little ninja. You pull out your despicable sword as if you could harm me with your antics.” The voice continued to speak with an echo.

Then from within the woods emerged three figures, the one in the front of the three wore a heavily armored samurai uniform topped of a solid gold mask and headwear to hide the identity of the warrior, not a single molecule of the stranger's skin was visible with the suit he was wearing. Ryu could tell the armor was designed for protection against blades and projectiles.

Behind the armored solider stood two ninjas, one man and one woman, they both wore jet black ninja attire with no mask to hide their face. Both had jet black hair flowing down to their shoulders; and the male ninja had a goatee and mustache to show off his masculinity.

All three intruders had their own primary weapon to which Ryu could see. Gamja possessed a samurai sword held inside its scabbard. The male ninja had his sword wrapped around his body in a sheath. Lastly, the female ninja had a long whip, rolled and tucked away in her sash.

Ayane immediately blurted. “He brought friends! I knew we couldn't trust him.”

The two ninjas stood ready for battle, but rather engaging, Gamja looked at his bonded fellow companion and spoke in his echoing voice. “It is a shame to see that you would give up everything that I have provided to you, to assist these pathetic, lowly ninjas in an attempt to bring down an entire clan.”

Mishu looked to Aileen. “Get in the tent now!”

Aileen didn't hesitate to obey as she ran into the tent.

“Tell me, traitor,” Gamja continued. “What did they offer you?”

“A chance to kill you.” Mishu harshly replied.

Then an echoed laughter filled the woods. “Do you feel you can do any damage to me in the state you are in?”

“Shut up, all of you!” Ryu commanded pointing his sword at Gamja.

“Calm yourself, young ninja. We have not come for battle...” He said with a pause and then finished. “…Yet.”

“I am really getting sick of all of your ninjas right now.”

“What do you expect when you come on Black Spider territory?” He said with a snickered tone. “The Mugen-Tenshin?” He paused then mockingly stated. “I know you couldn't have expected your clan to show since they are all dead.”

Ryu stayed quiet keeping his cold stare at his armored enemy.

“We have only come to warn you and the traitor.” He rolled his fist and a light air of smoke exited from the mouth opening of the mask. “Stay away from me and the other hierarchs. Take this time to leave Shadow's Temptation. We will find the Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi and we will stop at nothing to get it. This time, young Hayabusa, I promise that you will not be so lucky in stopping our clan as you did on Vigoor Empire. If you interfere, I will personally take matters into my own hands.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

“I see you are as hard-headed as your father.” He said. “If you will not heave to my warnings through words, then maybe you will heave to them by action.”

He turned his back to Ryu and faced the two unmasked ninjas behind. “I will leave it to you two to warn them.” He told them and instantly he walked into the darkness of the forest.

First, it was the male ninja to smile, then the female ninja followed with a smile of her own quickly afterwards.

“You should be considerably lucky, that Gamja would even show his presence to such a pathetic soul as yourself.” The male ninja said with a smile.

“That only tells me he's scared.” Ryu answered.

“Of who? You?” The male ninja laughed. “It seems as if Gamja simply just doesn't take a particular liking to you, Ryu.”

Ayane yelled over her shoulder to Mishu. “Who are they?”

Mishu answered. “Yung and Xia. They are the 1 st hierarchs. Ryu don't do it. You can't beat them. Release me and I can help you.”

“No way.” He said keeping his attention back to the duo. “It's bad enough I have to deal with two of you.”

The female ninja spoke. “A very obnoxious and confident ninja, you are.” She said with a smile. “But take note to the words of the traitor, you cannot beat us.”

“A lot has changed since the Empire.”

Yung snickered. “Very well then.” He said wielding his sword from his sheath as he looked to Xia. “Let's give him the warning Gamja requested of us, shall we?”

Xia pulled out her whip and gave it a loud snap which echoed throughout the forest. “Very well, will you let me handle the ninja?”

Yung kept a strong eye on Ryu. “No, you take the kinoichi.” He said. “I've been very interested to see the talents which kept an entire clan from succeeding their mission.”

Prologue

= Yung & Xia =

Here stand the most powerful of all hierarchs excluding the existence of Gamja. They are both the blood children of Gamja himself. Before their birth, Gamja wanted to develop a new generation to continue his legacy when his time had passed. Unfortunately, he had no female companion at the time. As a result, he forced a previous hierarch by the name of Kemuri, a smoke goddess, into submission. Nine months after her forced submission, she gave birth to twins, one boy, Yung, and one girl, Xia. The mother, Kemuri, was then executed by Gamja himself, in his eyes, her work was done.

Psychology states that every child is born innocent. That statement does not apply with these two. Together, they both killed their first victim at the youngest age of 2. From there Gamja began to train his children, having them learn the deepest secrets that he taught no one else of the ninjitsu style. He vowed to make them the greatest ninjas in the clan. Unfortunately, it was Mishu that detoured Gamja's plans of making Yung & Xia the best. When Mishu was at the age of 13, Yung and Xia reached their age of 16. Mitsuri put the three in a handicap non-fatal match with Mishu at the bad end of the stick. Mitsuri had confidence in Mishu that even at his young age; his experience would win the sparring battle against his older opponents. Mitsuri was right. Even with the known secrets, Yung and Xia failed to win the battle against their sole enemy.

This devastated Gamja. He wanted victory and he wanted it so bad that he blessed his children with a skill-enhancing form of black magic. After his special ritual with his children, Yung and Xia, did not possess mythical and magical powers; instead their entire knowledge of ninjitsu was excelled and on their 20 th birthday, they were immediately named 1 st hierarchs. Through the years of their training, Gamja begged and pleaded Mitsuri for a rematch against Mishu, but each time, Mitsuri would deny Gamja's request knowing that his children were now possessed with the skill-enhancing black magic.

Since Yung & Xia did not have special powers like the other hierarchs, he wanted to make sure that his children would never fall victim to the corruption of the other hierarchs so he blessed them with the black magic of Immunity. Now his children would never fall victim to the power of Aisu's ice, Widow's web, or any other mythical means. If anyone wanted victory over the twins, they would have to use their pure skill to defeat the strongest hierarchs in the clan.

What makes Yung & Xia so strong, not including the fact of their black magic blessings, is how great they work together. Secluded from the rest, Gamja gave the two special training in hopes to be better than the rest. He taught them well in single fights, but he especially focused his training in team battle. He always taught them to count on each other at all time. Even when they are not in battle. Yung & Xia heaved the old man's great words. They heaved them to the point at the time they were 16, they began to fall in love with each other.

Their intimate love for each other is probably the only innocence found out of the two and it made them that much stronger. When in battle, they never fought in honor of the Black Spider Clan, nor for the protection of it. They always fought for the undying love they have for each other. At the age of 25, they had their first love child, whom which has been under great care by the Clan. Their son, Fei, is expected to be one of the greatest hierarchs of the Black Spider Clan within the years to come. In the meantime, he is cared for until he is old enough to begin his training.

Chapter 9 – Yung & Xia

The fighters paired off as Yung stood in his stance waiting for Ryu and Xia stood in her stance waiting for Ayane.

After a bit of tension stare, the fight began with Ryu attacking his opponent first. Ryu swung his sword wildly, driving Yung further back into the forest forcing him to defend; but all seemed well in his eyes as he only taunted Ryu with a challenging smile as he blocked each one of Ryu's attacks.

Ryu quickly tried to change his pace and attempted to surprise Yung with a low leg sweep. He was unsuccessful as the ninja simply jumped over Ryu's sweeping foot. Ryu then attempted a gut kick as soon as the ninja landed, but Yung easily slapped it out of the way.

Yung then stood back taunting Ryu with the same smile allowing Ryu to recompose himself.

**********************

Already, Ayane was dodging the attacks from the snapping whip of Xia. During Ryu's and Yung's confrontation, Xia had already managed to use the skill of the whip to snap against Ayane's hand forcing her to drop her acquired sword.

“Give it up little girl, this is a grown woman's game.” Xia said to Ayane with the length of the whip wrapped around the owner's body.

Ayane only replied with a face of rage as she prepared herself into a fighting stance.

“Silly little girl, don't you realized when you've been out matched?” Xia added.

Again, Ayane did not speak with words but instead charged in as the two battled out in their own combated fashion.

**********************

Ryu stood ready and composed for the fight. To be sure, he flicked his head to the side allowing the bones in neck to pop loudly. Yung kept his smile as Ryu drove in with his sword attacks.

Yung was easily showing that he was a formidable opponent for Ryu to battle against. Every attack swung was easily blocked with the light sword of our hero's adversary. Though, Ryu was beginning to wonder if he was truly a force to be reckoned with in the eyes of his enemy. All the while of their battle, Yung taunted Ryu with his smiles and chuckles as they fought. Ryu wasn't giving his best, but he was used to more ninjas, supposedly of lesser caliber, cowering from the tactics he used. Regretfully, Yung didn't fall victim to any of Ryu's tricks.

Eventually through the battle, Yung shocked Ryu as our hero attempted for another blow and instead of blocking Yung kicked the handle of the sword to which Ryu held tightly. Unfortunately, the blade flew into air, leaving Ryu weaponless against his foe. Then he felt a hard knee ram into his gut; suddenly, the instant Ryu bent over to grab his pain, the same knee smashed into his face sending him falling backwards to the ground.

Ryu's vision was a little blurry, but when it cleared, his eyes immediately popped open in shock as he saw his own blade, still mid-air, descending from its height falling towards the ground with the seemingly intent to slay its own owner. Ryu's own heart skipped a beat or two, resulting in him wasting time to react. By then it was too late, the blade was too close for anyone to react. All except for Yung, as his own enemy caught the sword by its handle with the point of the blade almost kissing Ryu's nose. Yung had saved Ryu's life.

“That's one.” Yung said in reference to sparring the ninja's life.

Ryu panted as he watched Yung stand over him with his sword in hand. Partially shocked at the ninja's action. Eventually, Yung released the sword, letting its blade dig into the ground just next to Ryu's head. Yung then turned and walked away from his adversary. He then let out a long stretch and yawn, then with his back still towards his fallen opponent he stated. “Come now and let's finish this. I do not have all day.”

**********************

Ayane and Xia were still heavily into their own battle with Xia dominating most of it. Ayane was able to land a few punches here and there, but it was Xia who ultimately had Ayane pinned to a defeat. Relentlessly, Ayane never fell to the female warrior.

After their battling, not to mention a nice punch to the chin by Xia, Ayane had to perform a few back flips to gain some distance between her and her opponent. She rubbed her chin, staring down Xia with hate in her eyes.

“Very good.” Xia said with a smile. “You are a worthy ninja, but you still lack the skills to defeat me.” She giggled. “There is no way a mere ninja can defeat a hierarch.”

Ayane returned back to her fighting stance ready to have another round with the powerful Black Spider Clan kunoichi.

Before she allowed Ayane to attack, Xia pulled out her whip and gave it a loud crack which echoed throughout the woods. She raised her arm of her free hand and signaling Ayane to attack her.

**********************

Ryu and Yung kept at their attacks, Ryu obviously began putting more effort into his battle, but to Yung, Ryu still wasn't a strong enough adversary to match his skills. In fact, Yung spared Ryu's life once again after the young ninja performed a wild swing in which Yung reacted to tripping Ryu onto his back. Without any subtlety, Yung slashed down on the fallen ninja only stopping with his blade just inches from his opponent's neck.

“That's two.” He stated. He stood there for a second or two, letting the words soak into Ryu's mind. Then he removed the sword walked away from Ryu and with his back turned to his foe, he stated. “Get up. We're not done yet.”

This truly angered Ryu at the obnoxiousness Yung was toying with him. If this Spider Clan hierarch wanted to play games, then Ryu had a few tricks up his sleeve. Without even standing to his feet, Ryu quickly threw a shuriken at the turned back of his enemy. The sixth sense of his opponent warned him of the incoming projectile as Yung quickly turned and sliced the flying metal in half with his blade. He wanted to then give a smirk to his fallen victim, but he noticed Ryu had vanished when he looked at the ground where Ryu once laid. Yung readied himself observing the forest awaiting any surprise attack Ryu may have conceived.

Shurikens then darted at Yung from every corner of the forest and Yung used his blade and his cunning dodging skills to defend his flesh from any damage from the sharp projectiles. Endlessly, Ryu then appeared behind Yung unsuspectingly with a quick slash. Yet, his attempt was futile as Yung suspected Ryu's attack as he turned with a quick block as the two swords clanged against each other.

A new battle was then a brew and in the end, Ryu gained a small measure of revenge as he managed to work his enemy down to the ground with his blade now facing his enemy with murderous intent.

“That's one.” Ryu said coldly and mockingly and for the first time, Yung frowned at the young ninja.

The two never exchanged words. Instead, Ryu relieved his blade from its kill and turned imitating his opponent while adding more insult by returning his sword to his sheath. “Again!” Ryu called out.

**********************

Ayane and Xia still fought relentlessly on the Black Spider Clan's forest grounds. During Ryu & Yung's fight, Ayane was still suffering the effects of Xia whip skills and mastery. With no weapon of her own, Ayane was practically left vulnerable to almost all of Xia's attacks. The purple haired kinoichi had no defense of her own to withstand the torment Xia intended on putting on the young female.

Instead of injuring the ninja, and on several occasions, Xia only concentrated on cracking her whip just inches before her face, which caused the female shinobi to pause her movements in fear of getting spiked by the lethal rope.

Several instances, Xia had the life of the female shinobi in her grasps, as she would skillfully wrap the whip around Ayane's neck, even during mid fight. She chocked Ayane demanding that she begged for mercy. Ayane never succumbed to her requests but rather successfully fought out of the holds even when she knew Xia had ample amount of time to easily end her life.

There were small instances where Ayane would have the battle in her favor, but the end result, would always conclude to some maneuverable trick Xia would conceive to switch the fight back into her grasp.

Now they stood panting, both were exhausted, but Xia may have been more exhausted at toying with the female on her leisure.

“Forget Gamja,” Xia said aloud. “I've had enough of you.” She cracked her whip into the silent air to put the emphasis on her frustration. Then she gave a deceitful smile as she wrapped the long whip around her own curvy body and stood in an unknown fight stance. “Now you will see my true colors.”

Ayane didn't show her fright, but to know she had done all of this fighting and the female hadn't even given her all did disturb her to wonder just exactly how strong her adversary was. She tried examining Xia's fighting stance in the quick second that she was allowed.

Her feet were well planted, both hands gripped each end of the whip firmly with the long rope wrapped around her body. Her elbows low to provide excellent defense, and her smile could only tell her of the powerful attacks that laid within the stance.

Xia was seconds away from pouncing on Ayane until she was saved by her co-enemy, Yung.

“Xia,” He said just as he emerged from the woods. “Let us leave. The ninjas have received their warning.”

Xia looked to her love with pleading eyes. “Please, just a few more seconds.”

He walked to her and smiled, letting his hand slightly caress her face. Ayane noticed the whip that was wrapped so tightly around the woman was beginning to loosen. The lethal end which she gripped so tightly fell to the dirt floor.

“We have our orders, my love.” He said ensuring. “Let us be off and allow them to take heave to our warning. If they refuse, we shall not have mercy on them any longer.”

She gave a slight nod as her head rested upon the chest of her affection.

Ayane arched an eyebrow, confused at the public affection they displayed even in front of their enemy. They showed no worries of an attack; she noticed that all that mattered were them and their love for each other.

Xia looked at Ayane with her face still buried in her love's chest. “Consider yourself lucky, kunoichi.” She said. “I pray you do not take heave to my warnings. I, so much, want to finish the business we've started.”

Ayane's lip curled in anger. “Where's Ryu?”

Yung only shrugged. “Probably still in the forest cowering in tears of his defeat.”

The two lovers laughed and snickered from Yung's statement. Then he said, “We shall be off. Let us not see you in these forests any longer. We will not be so generous on our next meeting.”

With that said the two turned and began to make their exit with the same laughter and snickers amongst themselves.

Ayane was then left alone in the area of the forest where she stood. She had to force herself not to attack the duo; even with their backs turned to them, she knew the two were excellent fighters. Especially if she, herself, lost to Xia and Ryu lost to Yung. Just then Ryu crossed her mind. She immediately darted into the forest to search of her ally. It wasn't long until she found him sitting against a tree, looking at the ground lost in his own thoughts, his Dragon Sword laid directly beside.

“Ryu?” She almost whispering called to him.

Ryu looked up at Ayane with a blank face. “I lost.” He said as if his world had crumbled and he was the only survivor. “I lost to him.” He looked down at the Dragon Sword, picked up it up and drove the blade into the dirt ground beside him. And he ended his sentence by repeating the last.

“I lost to Yung.”

Chapter 10 – Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi

Ryu and Ayane walked quietly back to their campsite, neither of the two saying a word to each other about their lost fights, but it could easily be seen with the faces that it was a hard pain to endure. Especially for Ryu, all he could picture on his walk back to camp was Yung's foot on his forehead as he once again stared at the blade of the Black Spider hierarch and hearing the haunting words. “And that's three.” Then Ryu remembered Yung removing his foot and proceeded out of the forest without even giving a second glance back to his opponent.

Those images haunted him until he made it back to the campsite, then new images began to fill his head when he saw Mishu gone and the knots of the ropes that tied him were burnt and laid on the ground next to the roaring first. His first thought was Aileen.

“Where's Mishu?” He blankly asked Ayane.

Ayane too realized their sudden situation. “I don't know.” She said in shock. “I wastoo busy with Xia to pay attention.”

“Aileen!” He called out as he ran across the campsite looking for his love and the so-called betraying ninja of the Black Spider Clan.

All that went through Ryu's mind was the head of Mishu Nguyen if anything were to happen to his lady love.

His panic was quickly put to ease when he finally heard her voice, “In here.”

He quickly ran to the direction of the voice which came from inside the tent. When he entered, there he saw Aileen and Mishu sitting not too far away from her. Suspicions immediately began to fill his mind.

“What are you doing in here?” He coldly as Mishu.

“It's okay, Ryu.” Aileen tried to confirm, but Ryu wanted his question answered.

“What are you doing in here?” He repeated.

“I came here to protect Aileen, there were other ninjas crawling the forest watching your battles.”

“It's true.” Aileen interrupted. “I saw them, myself, when I peeked to make sure you were okay.”

“The fight is over. You are free to make your leave from my tent.” Ryu replied to Mishu.

Mishu only stood as high as the tent would allow. “Very well.” He said as he made his exit. Just as he stood outside he warned Ryu. “There are still very important matters that we must discuss.”

“I have nothing to discuss with you.”

“Oh really?” He sarcastically said. “What about Yung and Xia? What about Gamja and Mitsuri? What about the Migu Village ? What about the Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi?”

Dokugumo-Ureeru Tsurugi. Ryu remembered the gold-plated masked man speak those words, and yet he didn't know of what it was that the Clan was searching for. As much as he wanted to know the information, Ryu was too tired to listen to any more nonsense concerning the Black Spider Clan, he had his own thoughts he had to ponder, particularly his lost against Yung.

“Very well,” Ryu replied. “We will commence with a meeting in the morning.”

“Understood.” Mishu gave a bow then suggested. “But we mustn't stay here. We will be attacked each day by ninjas and hierarchs until we flee or are killed.”

“What do you suggest?”

“We leave Shadow's Temptation. I know of a hotel with luxurious living accommodations just outside of the Clan's territory.” He said. “We could head there and commence with our meeting in the morning.”

Luxurious living? Ryu contemplated against the idea, but he couldn't turn it down when he saw the sparkle in Aileen's eyes. He remembered the stories of how Aileen always wanted to live a fancy life, but the life of Ryu prevented her from living out her dreams. With the fact that Mishu was right about the dangers of staying in the forest, he agreed to Mishu's request with Aileen in mind, giving her a sample of the life she wanted while taking her away from the dangers of the Black Spider Clan, simultaneously.

When the morning sun rose, the four ventured off to the location as described by Mishu. Ryu and Ayane still kept a very watchful eye on their new “ally” Mishu Nguyen. Due to the actions of Yung, Xia, and Gamja, they were still unable to completely learn about his past, and were unable to complete their interrogation to learn if what he spoke was true or not.

It didn't take them as long as they expected to reach their destination. Unfortunately, the hotel Mishu spoke of wasn't as luxurious as Ryu may have hoped. In fact, the hotel lied at the shore of a small nearby lake. Aside from the mossy exterior, even the hotel itself was small, the entire business may have had at most, six to ten one-bedroom rooms for their customers. This was definitely a lodge for travelers. To add some taste of luxury to the run-down building, there was a lovely Jacuzzi and a special exhibit of painted arts supplied by the owner of the building.

Mishu took the liberty of paying for the rooms, since the others did not carry currency on them. They purchased two rooms, one for the women and one for the men, and before they even settled, Ryu was ready to have his questions answered as he called a meeting to order in his room.

“First off tell me about Yung & Xia.” Ryu was still enraged to their lose against his former opponent while in Shadow's Temptation.

“Yung and Xia are the 1 st hierarchs. They work directly under Gamja and they have received this special treatment all of their lives.”

“Why is that?” Ayane asked.

“Because they are his children.” He blatantly stated. “They do not converse with the rest of the Black Spider Clan, only amongst themselves. Yung is all Xia knows and Xia is all Yung knows. Everything else inside and outside of the clan does not matter as long as they are with each other.”

“Something doesn't sound right.” Ayane spoke. “You say they are Gamja's children, but they gave me the impression that they are lovers.”

Mishu stared at her. “They are. They have beared their first love child soon to undergo Gamja's tutelage.”

Ayane gave Ryu a slightly shocked looked. “It does explain how they are so strong.”

Mishu continued. “And what makes them even stronger is the Black Magic Gamja has blessed them with.”

“What type of Black Magic?” Ryu then spoke.

“For one, they are immune to other Black Magic attacks. This is what puts them as first hierarchs. Aisu cannot beat them, nor Widow.” He stated. “There are no fancy projectiles with their magic and there are no special tricks, either. Only their skill has been enhanced considerably, giving them an overall advantage upon any enemy that faces them.” Mishu then said. “That is how he beat you. I told you that you would not win.”

Ryu heard enough. It was bad enough that he sulked in the misery of his own lost, but to have another individual rub it in his face, only made his emotions worse.

“What of the Dokugumo-Ureeru?”

“That is the story of ages and legends. Give me your ears, each word I speak is vital.” He said as he commenced into telling the story of the evil powerful blade The blade that enslaved the souls of many armies of the past Japanese wars. The blade that enslaved the young girl and an evil man, elevated criminal emotions, and fed off of the many mixed and elevated emotions of the two. The blade that granted immortality to the beholder only while the blade stays in possession. He told Ryu of the many lives the blade has taken with his own eyes. He told him of the results of their leader, Mitsuri, who now lies as an eldery paralyzed man who cannot die, but only suffer the tortures of an immortal life. His story lasted to what may have seemed forever, when he was done, he already predicted the petrified faces he viewed before him.

“Oh my,” Aileen was the first to spoke in utter shock in almost of a whisper.

“They have been wreaking havoc with the sword since their existence.” Mishu concluded.

Then Ryu. “I, now, understand the true meaning for the lust of the Dark Dragon Blade.”

“The Black Spider Clan desired to attack your clan to steal the blade, Ryu; but the number of the powerful ninjas in your clan scared them from doing so. Since the loss of the Dokugumo-Ureeru, much of the confidence and pride within the rest of the ninja, slipped away along with the sword.”

Ryu then realized, “That is why they went after it when they learned of the massacre.”

Mishu nodded.

Ryu then thought quietly upon his own thoughts as the conversation progressed around the other three. Doku, Murai, and now Mitsuri. All of, whom which, played a part in the massacre of his clan only to retrieve the evil Dark Dragon Blade. Ryu broke from his thoughts when he saw Ayane stand from the table.

“Well this has been fun, but I'm going to retire for the night.”

Ryu arched his eyebrow at her. “We're still in a meeting, Ayane.”

“What else is left to be said? We, now, know our mission. I, myself, have grown tired of depressing horror stories.” Ryu was beginning to grow annoyed of Ayane's obnoxiousness. Fortunately, Mishu saw Ryu's expression and took the liberty of interrupting before emotions flared too brightly.

“Have a good night, young Ayane.”

“She isn't going anywhere.” Ryu demanded.

Mishu then whispered, “Let her go and rest. We may need her energy in our upcoming battles.”

Ryu stared at Mishu. There was something about him that he admired, as well as something about him he despised. The despise came from Mishu's long-time involvement with the Black Spider Clan, or course; but the amicable? Mishu expressed leadership while at the same time respecting Ryu. It was hard for the ninja to trust the Black Spider traitor. Yet, his words are true.

He kept his eyes on Mishu, still trying to study him. “Very well.”

Mishu gave a smile. “Thanks.” He looked to Ayane. “I would suggest the Jacuzzi, it is very relaxing for your muscles.”

Ayane looked at Mishu with disgust in her eyes, she, in contrast to Ryu, didn't not trust Mishu at all and made no attempt in finding the good out of him. “Whatever.” She told him. Then gave Ryu a slight head bow. “I'll see you in the morning.” She then gave Mishu one last look of disgust before she made her leave.

In the dark night, a ninja of the Black Spider Clan darted through the forest at an extremely quick pace. His black ninja outfit perfectly matched and camouflaged him with the darkness of the night scenery. He was definitely heading for a location with urgency at his extreme speed, nothing slowed his pace, until he saw the mark of his destination. A small campfire within Shadow's Temptation.

He jumped down from his tree branch and landed in front of five individuals who stood around the campfire awaiting his arrival. His head stayed bowed not daring to look up at the hierarchs in his presence.

“Raise your head, ninja. Announce your news.” He heard a voice stare at him.

The ninja looked up and in front of him, he saw Gamja, Yung, Xia, Aisu, and a samurai heavily coated in armor of warriors of Japanese ancient times. Even the face of the man looked ancient, actually, more dead than ancient. His skin was bluish pale, and parts of his flesh was holy as if something was eating on his face or probably decaying. The green radiant glow from the mysterious figure's eyes haunted the ninja as his voice trembled when he announced. “I-I have spotted the trespassers and the traitor.”

“Where are they?” The ninja then recognized the voice before was Gamja's when he spoke.

“Outside of Shadow's Temptation, beyond our boundaries, at a traveller's lodge, possibly resting for the night.”

“Father,” Yung spoke. “Please let me finish o