Tuesday, 14. April 2009, 10:37:19
It was a cold, wet night the rain fell with an intensity that seemed like a monsoon and the stars shone so brightly that there reflections could be seen in the puddles that had formed from the rain. In the distance a character could be made out as the person drew closer his figure could be made out. He was broad, muscular yet walked with a gentleness and grace that seemed to not fit him.
He approached a doorway and stood under the small porch taking a break from the constant rain and could be seen almost sighing with relief. As he removed his hood you could see the scars running down his face, this man had seen many battles but still seemed to have a calmness about him.
As he left the doorway another group of men could be seen running over a small stone bridge from the opposite direction. They were shouting something but the man was unable to make it out as the noise of the rain muffled what was said.
They approached the man and fell to they're knees...
"Sir, sir please help us a building has collapsed under the rain and we have people trapped inside we have no way to move the debris!!!"
The man stood for a moment then gently took one of the men by the arm and helped him up.
"Take me to the building" said the hooded man
"yes sir immediately" said one of the other men
"You two go find more help we may be in need of more assistance" said the hooded man
"YES SIR!!!" shouted the other men as they swiftly ran off to try and fetch more help.
As they approached the collapsed building the hooded man could see the damage that had been caused, the rain settling the dust that had been kicked up by the collapse.
"How many inside" asked the hooded man
"About 15 to 20 my lord" said the man
"No need to call me lord my friend, i am no lord" said the hooded man
"But, but the way your dressed is that of nobility sir" said the man
"What is you name?" asked the hooded man
"Rirouki Sato, sir" said the man
"Im Tetsuro Kenshin" said the hooded man
"The Tetsuro Kenshin!!" exclaimed Rirouki
"Yes the same-.. now my friend take me to the place where the people are" said Tetsuro
"Immediately sir!" said Rirouki
As they approached they could hear the screaming of the women and children inside the building. Tetsuro took a brief look at the building then began to remove his dark cloak. This gave way to the sight of a classic samurai outfit but like none Rirouki had seen before it was glinting with what seemed to be gold and had emblems of a Tiger Wolf on each side of the chest.
This was not the cloths of a standard Samurai these were something more grand, but why had he said he was not a lord if he was wearing such noble cloths pondered Rirouki.
"Move back please my friend" said Tetsuro
"Of course" answered Rirouki
Tetsuro drew a blade the likes Rirouki had never seen even in his village that was full of Samurai employed by the Emperor. Tetsuro lifted the blade high above his head, the blade seemed to glow brightly as if it was somehow drawing strength from its surroundings. Rirouki stood in amazement as Tetsuro stood so calmly blade held high in a stance that seemed to be unmovable even by the rain and wind pounding against him. He then launched a flurry of attacks blindingly fast and sheathed the blade. Rirouki stood in disbelief the building didn't seem to have moved the attacks did nothing.
Tetsuro approached Rirouki and said
"Rirouki we must get these people out with haste this will not hold long"
"But sir the building has not moved we cant get in!!!" replied Rirouki
Tetsuro just smiled and asked
"Are you ready my friend we will only have a few minutes"
"Yes but...."
Before he could finish Rirouki felt the earth rumble fiercely...
"What the...!!!!" exclaimed Rirouki
"NOW!!!!!" shouted Tetsuro as he ran toward the rubble, Rirouki paused but felt he must follow and so he did. As they neared where the people where trapped the rubble seemed to lift!
"Get them out now" said Tetsuro
"Yes sir" replied Rirouki
Rirouki couldn't believe his eyes as the rubble just seemed to split and be thrown into the air by an unbelievable power.
As they pulled the last of the people free and moved them to safety the rubble seemed to fall from the sky stacking itself as to not cause damage to the surrounding trees.
Rirouki couldn't not ask
"Ive never seen anything like that... how can you do that??" said Rirouki
"Im blessed" replied Tetsuro
"My blade has many powers as-long as a just person holds it, it was created before time by the protectors, crafted from the hardest of steels the most precious of jade and bound by a magic that this world has long since lost." explained Tetsuro
"That cannot be!" said Rirouki
"That weapon is just a myth it doesn't exist!!!" exclaimed Rirouki
"But explain what you have just witnessed then?" said Tetsuro calmly
"You talk of the Jade Tiger blade that is a myth long buried by anyone" said Rirouki
"Im the keeper of the Tiger Blade. In a sense i am its protector, it protects me and anyone who is innocent" explained Tetsuro
"Your the real Tetsuro Kenshin!!!" exclaimed Rirouki as he fell to his knees again
"Yes i am, but my friends need not bow to me. I am not nobility i am a peasant, please do not bow to me my friend i do not deserve that. I was entrusted with this blade. I was asked to keep it safe as it would keep me safe. I was made to promise to help the weak and innocent. To serve justice when it was needed" explained Tetsuro
Rirouki had heard stories of this since childhood a wandering Samurai with a mystical blade capable of miracles, but for him to witness this was just beyond comprehension.
"But you are a wizard?" asked Rirouki
"No, not at all the blade endows me with the powers of the protectors it gives me abilities that surpass any mortal but it does not make me a wizard" replied Tetsuro
"Can i ask you something?" asked Rirouki
"Of-course my friend" replied Tetsuro
"Do you have a place to stay while you stay here?" asked Rirouki
"I do not" replied Tetsuro
"Well as a friend can i extend my hospitality to you while you stay in my village?, how long are you here?" asked Rirouki
"Thank-you that would be appreciated my friend, i am here until i have finished my quest here" replied Tetsuro
"Your Quest??" asked Rirouki
"Yes i have heard many unjust actions have taken part here, there are many bad people here and i have came to see this is put right, no one shall suffer as long as i am here" explained Tetsuro as he smiled.
Tetsuro was correct many bad things had plagued his village of late with non stop fighting against bandits and raiders and the Emperors Samurai doing nothing but watching and laughing as his family and friends had they-re land destroyed, they-re homes ransacked and pillaged. The two then made they-re way to Rirouki's home.
As they approached Rirouki's home Tetsuro stopped.
“What's wrong?” asked Rirouki
“Someone's inside” replied Tetsuro
“There shouldn't be i live alone!” exclaimed Rirouki
“They are looking for something..” said Tetsuro
“I own nothing of value to be robbed” replied Rirouki
Tetsuro stealthily approached the door and quietly looked inside, the sound of the rain making the faint noises of the door opening unnoticeable as Tetsuro looked he could see there were two men wearing uniforms searching the cupboards and a small chest.
“What's in the chest?” asked Tetsuro
“Nothing some of my uncles belongings” replied Rirouki
“What belongings?” asked Tetsuro
“A small book with some scripture ive never seen before, a few small trinkets and a small envelope that ive never opened” replied Rirouki
“Stay here and do not move my friend” said Tetsuro
As Tetsuro opened the door one of the men attacked him with a dagger, Tetsuro easily evaded the clumsy attack and threw the man to the floor, while holding his wrist in what seemed to be a most painful manner Tetsuro asked the other uniformed man:
“What are you looking for maybe i can help you?” said Tetsuro
“None of your concern, let my partner go before we are forced to hurt you!” shouted the Uniformed Guard
“As you wish” replied Tetsuro releasing his grip on the guard
“Now would you mind leaving my house please” said Tetsuro
“Its not here..” whispered one of the guards
“I know its not someone must have taken it!” whispered the other guard
“Are you leaving now?” asked Tetsuro
“Get out of my way peasant-!!” said the guard as he tried to push Tetsuro to one side, but Tetsuro did not budge.
“Manners are meant for even guards to use” said Tetsuro sarcastically as he stood to one side and watched the men leave.
As soon as the men were out of sight.
“Rirouki..” called Tetsuro
“Im here” replied Rirouki who had hidden behind a bush just outside in the courtyard
“Its safe now my friend” said Tetsuro
As Rirouki entered his house, he couldn't but wonder what the guards were so interested in, it puzzled him he had nothing of value.
Tetsuro walked over to the corner of the room and sat at a small table.
“Could i possibly trouble you for a cup of tea?” asked Tetsuro
“Where are my manners!” exclaimed Rirouki
“Not to worry, its been a rough evening for you” replied Tetsuro
As the pair sat to drink the tea, Tetsuro seemed to slip into a trance of sorts. Rirouki not wanting to wake his new friend quietly approached Tetsuro to move the cup away. Tetsuro swiftly grabbed at Rirouki's arm pulling his sleeve back.
“I thought so” said Tetsuro
“What are you doing and why are you looking at me like that!!!” exclaimed Rirouki
“I have searched a long time for you my friend” said Tetsuro with a smile and released Rirouki's arm.
“Please sit i think i know what those gentlemen were searching for and could not find” said Tetsuro
Rirouki returned to his seat feeling somewhat uneasy, he had a feeling that he knew what was going to be said but didn't want to believe.
“Rirouki, how well did you know your uncle?” asked Tetsuro
“Not very well, i was told he was a wondering vagabond” replied Rirouki
Tetsuro laughed
“A vagabond you say..., and who told you of your uncle being a vagabond?” asked Tetsuro
“My father told me he was and my mother said the same” replied Rirouki
“Well your father told you incorrectly.. you uncle was no vagabond” said Tetsuro
“Your uncle is one of the reasons i am here” said Tetsuro
“One of the reasons?” asked Rirouki
“Yes” said Tetsuro
As Tetsuro explained about Rirouki's uncle and how they knew of each-other Rirouki realized all he was told about his uncle was untrue. His uncle being one of the highest ranking Samurai in japan, one of the most skilled swordsman and best archers, but Rirouki's uncle was also one of the 13 men given the job of protecting the Jade Tiger. As Tetsuro explained further he told of how his uncle had been Tetsuro's mentor and also how he had trained under his uncle for many years.
“So what happened?” asked Rirouki
“Your uncle was called to the emperors palace” explained Tetsuro
“For what?” asked Rirouki
“Well that is somewhat a hard question to ask” said Tetsuro calmly, but continued to explain. Rirouki's uncle was called to the palace of the emperor and ordered to hand over the Jade Tiger in the name of the emperor or suffer the consequences. On trying to explain the emperor had no claim to the Jade Tiger he was grabbed by four Samurai loyal to the emperor and taken outside into a small courtyard the courtyard's cobble floor was covered in blood and then as they lifted Rirouki's uncle to his feet, he witnessed what had caused the blood the heads of his 12 comrades were suspended from hooks attached to a small trelace running above the courtyard.
“How do you know all this!!!” exclaimed Rirouki
“Because i was there...” said Tetsuro
“What do you mean you were there!!!” exclaimed Rirouki
“I was one of the four Samurai that held your uncle...” explained Tetsuro
As he explained further it was made clear that because of his uncles defiance of the emperors orders he was sentenced to death for treason. Tetsuro also explained what happened after Ririouki's uncle had seen the heads of his comrades. He was obviously enraged almost killing three of his captors on the spot. Then stopping at Tetsuro..., Tetsuro then explained to Ririouki what his uncle told him. Rirouki's uncle sensing the Bushido within Tetsuro and knowing him as a teacher knows a pupil confided in Tetsuro explaining the way to the Jade Tiger and made one request of the young samurai at the time.
“What was the request?” asked Ririouki
“That he be allowed a Samurai's death” replied Tetsuro
A Samurai's death is one of honor this honor had not been bestowed on his comrades but he wanted to die with honor. Tetsuro being the only guard conscious at the time gave Rirouki's uncle his Sword and Dagger to perform the seppaku (ritual death). Then left his mentor to perform the ritual but as he left Rirouki's uncle grabbed Tetsuro and made him promise on his honor to protect the Jade Tiger to never allow the weapon to fall into the hands of the emperor, as one last thing he was made to promise to find the last surviving relative and train him in the ways of the Samurai. Tetsuro agreed reluctantly and swore he would. He then performed the seppaku and Tetsuro took his head to show the emperor.
Rirouki was shocked at this but understood all to well that his uncle had died with his honor before his head was taken. Tetsuro looked upset as if he felt he had done wrong. Rirouki reassured him he had done his duty allowing his uncle to die with his honor intact. Then Tetsuro continued to explain how he left the emperor's palace and traveled west for many months until he found the place that Rirouki's uncle had spoken of. In a small cavern deep within the mountain ranges he found a small plinth resting on the plinth was the Jade Tiger. There was writing on the plinth that was hard to decipher. Tetsuro managed to decipher most of what it said about the protectors and the Jade Tiger and the power it held and then realized why he could not let this kind of power fall into the emperors hands a man only set on conquest and monetary gain.
As Tetsuro finished he also told of how he was followed to the ranges by some of the emperors spies.
“What happened?” asked Rirouki
“I was not given a choice, i had to defend myself and the sword being the last person able to protect it” replied Tetsuro
As Tetsuro explained he had to fight off the spies which is how he earned many of the scars he now possessed the battle was not an easy one even for someone as skilled as Tetsuro but as a last ditch attempt to protect the Jade Tiger, Tetsuro grabbed it by the hilt and felt the rush of power flow through him as the blade seemed to glow. He then explained how he awoke holding the blade surrounded by the body's of the emperors fallen spies who seemed to have been torn limb from limb, while others seemed scorched and were still smoldering.
“What happened to them?” asked Rirouki
“The Jade Tiger...” replied Tetsuro
“The blade once held by a rightful user will protect that person until he chooses to pass the sword on” explained Tetsuro
As they spoke late into the night with Tetsuro explaining that the mark on Rirouki's arm was the mark that he was the last of his line. The final true user of the Jade Tiger the only person able to wield its full power. This was a lot for the young man to take in.
Tetsuro then said
“Get some sleep my friend tomorrow we leave to begin your training if you are willing to undertake it.”
“Of course i am” replied Rirouki
“Im glad of that my friend, it will not be easy but as the true wielder of the Jade Tiger you will see its full power, what you have witnessed up-to now is mear parlor tricks compared to its full power i am unable to control the sword to that level.” explained Tetsuro.
Then they both went to they-re bed's Rirouki laying out a small blanket and pillow for his friend.
As the morning broke Rirouki awoke to a rustling sound and a noise that resembled a whirl wind. He got up and started to get dressed, as soon as he was dressed he went outside, outside he was amazed by what he saw Tetsuro was sat meditating with what seemed to be a tornado surrounding him. Rirouki could not believe his eyes how was this even possible, surely the Jade Tiger although a formidable weapon did not have the power to control the element's.
As he sat watching he noticed a group of Samurai approaching his village they were not there for a friendly visit as they were fully armed, swords unsheathed and held low, in a battle ready posture. This was going to be trouble thought Rirouki as he ran inside and opened a trunk under his bed, inside the trunk was his fathers sword. Nothing as powerful as the Jade Tiger but still a formidable weapon, Rirouki had watched his father since childhood undertake his morning kata and mimicked it, would he be able to remember enough to help his friend.
As Rirouki walked outside he could see the Samurai, Tetsuro was still deep in meditation and seemed oblivious to what was about to occur. Rirouki ran to the edge of the courtyard just as one of the approaching Samurai cut down Rirouki's neighbor with a powerful upward slash, almost severing the man in two. Rirouki stood firm unwilling to let his friend's come to any harm. He started to count the Samurai trying to calculate his chances, he could see seven Samurai three of which were high ranking signified by they-re armor.
As the Samurai approached Rirouki's courtyard he kept his sword sheathed, and then asked
"What can i do for you Samurai?"
"Were here to get the traitor-!!" exclaimed one of the Samurai
"Hold your tongue fool" responded one of the high ranking Samurai
"Sorry sir" said the Samurai as he backed away.
"Were have been told you are harboring a traitor?" said the high ranking Samurai
"No sir, i have no traitor here" replied Rirouki
"Do not lie to me boy-!!" exclaimed the high ranking Samurai, readying his weapon
Rirouki felt this was the time he drew the blade from its sheath
"I told you there is no traitor here no back away!!!" shouted Rirouki
The group of Samurai laughed
"You think you can take on a Samurai boy?" asked one of the Samurai from the group
"I may not be able to take you on, but i wont allow you to hurt anyone else!!!" exclaimed Rirouki
At this moment Tetsuro came from behind Rirouki
"The boy may not be able to take you all on, but i am willing to put my life that your unwilling to try with both of us" said Tetsuro seemingly unwavered by the presence of the Samurai
"Are you Tetsuro Kenshin?" inquired the high ranking Samurai
"I am" replied Tetsuro
"The emperor has given us approval to bring you in for treason traitor-!!" said the high ranking Samurai
"And the emperor sees fit that seven of you should be sent??" asked Tetsuro
"We are plenty to bring you in" scowled one of the Samurai
"Then let us see shall we" replied Tetsuro unsheathing the Jade Tiger
The battle that ensued was over in a matter of minutes Rirouki attacking the lower Samurai while Tetsuro dealt with the High Ranks. Rirouki struck at one of the Samurai severing his arm and in a fluid movement turning to behead another, then dropped to dodge a thirds swing and on turning severed both the third samurai's legs and slit his throat. The rest of the Samurai were somewhat bewildered they were being beaten easily by a mear farm boy! as they attacked Rirouki blocking each attack with an ever improving technique. Tetsuro had already dealt with the High Ranks unseen by Rirouki and watched with a smile as the young warrior took on the last of the Samurai.
"You can leave and i will not harm you" said Rirouki
"For the emperor!!!" shouted the last of the group launching a blinding flurry of attacks at Rirouki
"I tried to show you mercy" said Rirouki, blocking and deflecting each attack in the flurry, then parrying the last attack and in one swift move severing the Samurai's arm at shoulder level and slicing downwards along his chest, as the Samurai span from the shear force of the blow Rirouki finished him by slashing upward along the spine and through the Samurai's skull the wound leaving the Samurai brain exposed.
"You are truly the last of your line!" exclaimed Tetsuro clapping
"Why did you not help?" asked Rirouki
"You didn't need my help, even with your technique as low as it is you are more than a match for these types" replied Tetsuro
"I think we should leave as quickly as possible grab what you can and prepare yourself" said Tetsuro
"Yes Master" replied Rirouki
Tetsuro smiled as that is what he had been waiting to hear, the boy had now accepted him as his Master. He could begin training him in the arts and styles of the Samurai, the way of the Bushido and the path of the Jade Tiger.
They left as soon as they were ready buying horses from a local townsman. They rode as fast as they could out of the emperors province and headed towards the mountain range.
Months passed with the two camping where the could and getting food from local villages on the way, until they finally arrived at the mountain range. Rirouki was astounded at its beauty the mountains seemed to have been carved by a skilled artist.
"This is a beautiful area" said Rirouki
"This will be your home from now on my young friend, this is where we will train your body and mind to think and fight as one, where you will learn of the powers you posses without the Jade Tiger. We will hone your skills here until you are unbeatable by any Samurai." replied Tetsuro
"But i possess no powers" said Rirouki
"Yes you do they are dormant at the moment" replied Tetsuro
"I can sense them even in they-re dormant state, you will be a very powerful protector" said Tetsuro
As the training began Rirouki improved without limits even Tetsuro could not believe his young pupils progress within a matter of months he had mastered techniques that took most Samurai they-re whole lives. He had learnt to read the scripture and even managed to decipher more than Tetsuro had on his stay in the cavern. Tetsuro asked Rirouki to explain to him the symbols that he was unable to read.
The young pupil always wanting to please his friend and master did so.
"The plinth that you read is only one side of the story, what you made out helped me learn how to read the rest" said Rirouki
"It tells of the great protector's being of nature itself wind, water, fire, earth and metal and how they infused they-re powers into the Jade Tiger to form the ultimate protection for the innocent, it also tells of the previous wielders of the sword and how the last of the wielders betrayed the protectors and tried to use the blade to conquer" explained Rirouki
Then as Tetsuro sat and intently listened to his student, Rirouki asked a very good question.
"Where is the rest of the plinth Master?"
"The rest of the plinth? thats all that has ever been here?" replied Tetsuro
"No Master the scripture end's abruptly and the markings on the right hand side of the plinth indicate it was separated" said Rirouki
"I have no idea, i never noticed that before" said Tetsuro
"Maybe there's something in your uncles notebook?" said Tetsuro
Rirouki went to the small worn leather holdall he had been carrying and removed a small leather bound book, he opened the book and began to read the scripture.
"It was moved for safety" said Rirouki
"Safety from what i wonder?" replied Tetsuro
"The notes do not say Master but the do indicate to its whereabouts as being in the furthest mountain to the east, hidden inside the Cavern of the guardians" said Rirouki
"Hmm ii know that place" replied Tetsuro
"We will train you a little more then we shall investigate the cavern i get a feeling you will need to know your true strengths to find whatever is hidden there" explained Tetsuro uneasily
As the training continued Rirouki mastered many styles of both armed and unarmed combat, he was truly to be the most formidable combatant. The training continued for many months until almost 2 years had passed, Rirouki had the skills he needed but was nowhere near his full potential, Tetsuro wondered if he would ever find his limit's. Rirouki was now ready to learn of his bloodline and why he would be the one who could truly control the Jade Tiger.
"Its time for me to explain to you why you were searched for Rirouki" said Tetsuro
Rirouki stopped his training and turnout intently to his Master.
"Please be seated i need to explain this fully now your physical training is nearing its end" said Tetsuro
As Rirouki sat on a small stone bench across from his master, Tetsuro started to explain why it was so important to find the last of his bloodline.
The Jade Tiger has had many wielders but none have been a direct descendent of a Great Protector. Rirouki was a direct descendent of the fire guardian one of the most feared but also most respected guardians. Tetsuro told of how the fire guardian had learnt directly from the protectors themselves and as such was given the skills to control all the elements. He went on to explain how Rirouki and his uncle were both descendants of this guardian but how his uncle did not trust himself to wield he Jade Tiger only for good. This is why Rirouki as so important he was the last of the line and the only one who could set straight the unjust actions of the emperor, return honour to the fallen guardians and with the Jade Tiger bring peace to the province.
Rirouki listened to his master but wondered if he could truly be trusted with this type of power. Tetsuro seeing the doubt in the young mans eyes turnout to him and asked
"Why when you defeated the other Samurai in the village did you stop at the last and offer him mercy?"
"Because there was no reason for any of them to die, they gave me no choice, they threatened my friends. I had already seen my father and mother slain by them and was unable to do anything i was not going to stand by and watch that again!!" exclaimed Rirouki
"But surely that is more reason for you to want revenge on the Samurai and wipe them out?" asked Tetsuro
"No i do not want revenge, revenge is a path that leads to only one end. I know the Samurai were following they-re orders and i cannot blame them for they-re loyalty" explained Rirouki
Tetsuro smiled and then gave his answer
"That is why you will truly wield the Jade Tiger and why all that was spoken of will happen, the Jade Tiger will bring peace but only in the hands of its true Master not a guardian like myself"
Rirouki had said himself why he was the true wielder and master of the Jade Tiger, even in a situation that should spark hatred in the young man it was not evident and he still offered mercy and showed compassion. Tetsuro felt it was now the time to continue and find the second half of the plinth and possibly re-unite the two parts.
They travelled to where the second half should be and upon entering the cavern were greeted with a cold chill as if death itself resided there. As they continued they came to a small room that looked to be carved from the mountain it was not a natural cavern in the centre of the room was the second half of the plinth but there was nothing on it.
Rirouki walked over the the plinth and began to read the scriptures written on the side, he then noticed something that looked familiar it was the mark on his arm. The symbol had the exact same design he pulled back his sleeve to be sure and the pushed his forearm against the plinth, as soon as they made contact a bright light shone focusing its energy on top of the plinth within this light the a shimmering object could be seen it was a reflection. Rirouki looked up to see what the object was and at the top of a small recess towards the top of the cavern was what seemed to be armour without the light it would have never been seen. Rirouki stood and tried to think of a way to get to it. At this point Tetsuro came over and put his hand on Rirouki's shoulder then said.
"This is the first test of your powers, i can feel them waking already"
"How can i reach that, its too high for any mortal to reach" replied Rirouki
"For a mortal maybe but for a guardian nothing is impossible" said Tetsuro
"Now concentrate on the earth around you feel the wind within this cave, now mould the too and let they-re energy flow through you" continued Tetsuro as he backed away
Rirouki closed his eyes and focused on what his Master had told him, was this really possible did he really have this kind of power as the thoughts ran through his mind he suddenly felt the energy and was lifted as if by a giant. He opened his eyes and reached for the armour that was now within arms length of him. He took hold of the armour and started to descend. As he reached the floor the armour could be seen in all its glory it was made of something that looked like gold but it was too light to be gold it shimmered with streaks of blue and red as-though it was infused with the powers of water and fire directly. As he looked over he couldn't see Tetsuro, where had his Master gone
"Tetsuro!!!" shouted Rirouki
But there was no answer, he tried again and again but with the same response nothing but an empty echo. As he began to leave the cavern he felt a weird presence as if something was watching his every move. Without any weapons if there was an attack how could he defend himself. He would have to rely on unarmed combat and try to make the fight as short as possible. Then he felt another sensation this one emanating from the armour itself . He went to strap on the armour but something was amiss there were no straps as he slipped the armour over his forearm he felt a burning sensation as if the armour was melding to his body he wanted to scream in pain but found he could not. The armour had seemed to expand and start to cover his whole body in the material moulding itself to the contours of his muscles and infusing them with a power Rirouki had never felt before. As time passed the sensation of burning was replaced by a sudden rush of energy like none Rirouki had felt the armour had now covered all but his head, but it felt good it was warm as if his body had been touched by sunlight. He had a sense of calmness about him as if in a Samurai meditation. The the armour seemed to expand again slowly creeping towards his head. Rirouki just cleared his mind and calmed himself he knew something was happening that would make him stronger. A few minutes passed and Rirouki opened his eyes nothing had changed he didn't seem to be looking through a visor of any sort. He looked around the room it was suddenly bright as if something had lit the cavern, but he could see no source for the light as he looked up he saw a figure.
"Who are you!!" exclaimed Rirouki
But there was no answer, then suddenly from nowhere he was surrounded by what looked like demon Samurai armed with weapons that seemed to pulse with energy. Behind the demons that had appeared Rirouki caught sight of his Master Tetsuro!.
"What have you done to my Master!!" he shouted
Again no answer came , the demons seemed to be readying for an attack Rirouki slipped into a battle stance and prepared himself . As he lifted his arm he felt a sudden wave of energy the armour on his forearm began to glow with a bright red emblem. The same emblem he had seen on Tetsuro's clothing. The Tiger Wolf . He felt a sudden rush focused towards his hand and a blade seemed to form from the armour itself glowing with a bright red tint, but pulsing with a blue inset. Was this the power Tetsuro had explained was this the dormant power he possessed amplified by the armour itself.
While these thoughts raced in his mind the demons attacked slashing at Rirouki viciously but they seemed unable to harm him the blows from the weapons they held dissipating on the armour not leaving a trace. He then decided to attack back and try to save his master. He started to attack with a flurry of moves that seemed different to him than what he had been practising they were more intense, more focused and he felt the armour improving the speed and technique they were flawless, each move hitting its intended target, until only one demon was left. Rirouki attempted to speak to the demon.
"What do you want here?" asked Rirouki
"Were here to guard what you now wear, we thought you were attempting to steal our gift from the protectors" explained the demon
"I was not trying to steal it, i am sorry if my actions made you think that" said Rirouki
"I can see now you are one of the protectors" replied the demon dropping to his knees in-front of Rirouki
"I am no protector..." answered Rirouki
"You may not think you are but only a protector can wear and control this armour a guardian cannot. It will kill all who try" replied the demon
"Then if i am a protector and you knew this, why did your brethren try to defeat me?" asked Rirouki
"We knew we didn't stand a chance against you but we have always been told of the one who will return to claim what was rightfully his. We were told aeons ago of this and we were ordered by our master to test the individual any true protector would not attack without us attacking first, we were also told that he would ask about us as he reached the last and you have.." explained the demon
Rirouki was shocked by this but for some reason understood.
"Why are you holding my friend and master?" asked Rirouki
"Your Master?" asked the demon
"Yes, my master and my friend the person you hold there..." replied Rirouki
"We thought he was a thief like you" explained the demon
"I hope you have not harmed him" said Rirouki
"We have not but the blade he uses is not his.. the blade belongs to the protectors" explained the demon
"Yes it does, but the man you hold is the last guardian of that blade and is the reason for me being here, he is the only one that stopped the blade being used wrongly" said Rirouki
"Wrongly?, that blade is evil, always has been the protectors placed it under guard by mere mortals we pleaded to them not to as mortal's are so corruptible" explained the demon.
"Evil? what do you mean evil with that sword and this armour i was told i would bring peace to my province" said Rirouki
"No!, you cannot and must not wield that sword it is evil and will turn anyone who uses it eventually, that is why the guardians were told never to let it into the hands of a mortal. The book you carry and read from to attain the armour tells you this." explained the demon
Rirouki was shocked at this revelation was the Jade Tiger really a weapon for evil.. he had to ask.
"So the Jade Tiger Blade is evil?"
"The Jade Tiger Blade...." replied the demon
"That is not the Jade Tiger, who has told you this?" asked the demon
"Tetsuro, he told me of the blade and why he has it.." replied Rirouki
"You've seen him use this blade!!!" exclaimed the demon
"Yes to help free innocents in my village from a collapsed building and also to defeat some Samurai that tried attacking us" replied Rirouki
This seemed to bother the demon very much, he began to look extremely worried.
"You have not touched this blade have you?" asked the demon
"No i was to be given it at the end of my training" replied Rirouki
"Good this blade is to be destroyed, but no mere mortal can do it the only person who can shatter this blade is a protector" said the demon
"But why would a protector want to destroy such a blade??" asked Rirouki
"So the Jade Tiger can be formed...." replied the demon
"So how will destroying this blade bring the Jade Tiger into existence?" asked Rirouki
"Take the blade while in this armour concentrate on the blade itself all you energy all your power, everything you have and the blade will shatter" said the demon
"But why should i believe you and not my friend?" asked Rirouki
"Your friends name is Tetsuro Kenshin.. he betrayed your uncle and took the blade for his own purposes, you were the last of the bloodline the last who could attain the armour" explained the demon
"With the blade and the armour in his possession he would be unbeatable, unstoppable and would have no equal" said the demon
"But why has he trained me if this is the truth" asked a now puzzled Rirouki
"Only a trained Samurai of the same bloodline as the original guardian would be able to become the protector and attain this armour, you have more in this armour than you comprehend, this armour gives you the abilities and powers of all 5 of the protectors in one being, it makes the being almost invincible. explained the demon
"Quickly take the blade and shatter it before it can do anymore damage, i beg of you my master please destroy it!!" exclaimed the demon
Rirouki took the blade in his hands and felt the power within the blade but paying attention to what the demon had said he-began to channel his energy through the blade. He felt the blade crack, at that moment Tetsuro lunged at Rirouki screaming
"You fool with this power we could have ruled this world!!!, you cannot betray me!" shouted Tetsuro
At this moment the blade shattered and seemed to fall into a small pile of dust on the floor.
Rirouki turnout to Tetsuro and asked
"All you told me, all you said was a lie?"
"Of course it was you imbecile i wanted to have the armour and blade for myself the Jade Tiger does not exist it never did!!!" exclaimed Tetsuro
Rirouki then turnout to the demon and asked
"You said the Jade Tiger would appear once the blade had been shattered?"
"Pick up the dust my master, hold it tightly and concentrate you energy into the dust" replied the demon
Rirouki picked up the pile of dust in his hands and began to concentrate on it, he felt the dust becoming liquid, what was happening it seemed to be moulding itself with the armour.., then the dust was gone but they-re was no sign of the Jade Tiger..
Rirouki turn's to the demon and said
"It didn't work maybe i did something wrong?"
The demon smiled, but it wasn't evil like a demon should be the demon began to change, its features, its build, its look all drastically changing
"What's happening to you!!" exclaimed Rirouki
"I am becoming myself again Master.." said the demon
"Becoming yourself?" asked Rirouki
"Yes my lord, i am your companion, your friend, your trusted ally in all you are yet to face" replied the demon
Rirouki was amazed at what he saw, was he really seeing this....
The demon changed into a Tiger but not one like Rirouki had ever seen, he was White but his markings were that of Jade rather than black. Was this the Jade Tiger? was it not a weapon at all but a friend, then as the transformation was completed, Rirouki noticed the Tiger was armoured the same armour he now wore.
As he stood in amazement the Tiger came to his side.
"Your my companion from here on out then?" asked Rirouki
"Yes my lord, i do as you command, my name is Jade" replied the Tiger
"Jade... what a coincidence" joked Rirouki as he began to giggle
"I know my lord, i am the Jade Tiger i am not a blade at all" replied Jade
"But if you are not my blade then what am i to fight evil with?" questioned Rirouki
"You fight evil with what you have" answered Jade
"But i have nothing?" replied Rirouki
"Then what is that strapped to your armour my lord?" asked Jade
Rirouki reached around and felt the hilt of a blade, he drew the blade from its scabbard and couldn't believe his eyes, the blade was constructed of the same material his armour was the hilt was made of a blue stone that seemed to be moving like water, the hilt moulded to Rirouki's hand and feeling like it was part of him.
WIDGETIZE