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  “In case Tatua Hasuba had us followed. We did not need the resources of the Crown Prince after us. We are already behind the eight ball being the degenerates of all the clans. We have to fight for everything we get. The Himitsu Agency just gets everything handed to them because they work for the Crown Prince.”

  “Sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder?” Hikari jested.

  “I might,” blushed Cain. “I just tired of being the lowest of the shinobis because the Crown Prince’s brother was our leader. When we bring Amun-Ra back, then everyone will recognize and respect us.”

  “So what happened with the Kagakus?”

  “Isn’t it Kagaki if it is the plural?” Cain asked in a joking manner.

  “Right, Kagaki I suppose. Good one.” chuckled Hikari.

  “We set up the customer to buy the jewelry casket down at the market. We played it off well. After the sale, they attacked the buyer who was really a clan member on the way back to our headquarters. But he wasn’t successful. We have the piece in our headquarters under heavy security.”

  “Well, that was lucky,” said Hikari putting the pieces together that the other clans were mistaken that the Kagaku Clan had the Bushido Jewelry Casket.

  Hikari realized how much time had elapsed, and aware that she had to meet the Kanga Clan. “I do have to get going,” started Hikari.

  “Well, when do I get to see you again, Mildred? I had a wonderful time with you. You’re easy to talk to.”

  Hikari was touched by the kind words that he said. She momentarily had a lapse in judgment and wanted to tell him her real name. She regained her senses and stopped herself from speaking. “I had a good time too,” replied Hikari. “But, I do have to get going.”

  “All right. I’m sad you have to go, but I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow night at the ritual? Cain asked.

  “The ritual?” Hikari asked.

  “Why don’t you know anything that is going on with our clan?” Cain said, appearing frustrated.

  “Told you, I’m busy with my dying dad,” reputed Hikari.

  “Right,” admitted Cain. “We are going to attempt to summon Amun-Ra tomorrow night. With our conjuring magic, our supply of virgin blood,” Cain looked Hikari directly in the eyes, “We have more by the way, and the Mirror of Purity, we are thinking we have a decent shot at it.”

  “Makes sense to me,” affirmed Hikari. “Where’s the ritual, so I can make sure I’m there? I’ll probably be between headquarters and my family’s house tomorrow.”

  “Oh right. It will be in the Cave of the Fallen.”

  Hikari took a large swallow that protruded in her throat. This was going to be difficult, especially since she had feelings for Cain. Looking to leave, she looked over her shoulder, eyeing the exit of the Square.

  “Thanks again,” repeated Hikari. “I got to run.”

  As Hikari turned to leave, even though she did not want to, instantly, she was met with a torrid horde. “Ahhh!” She screamed!” Cain leaped in front of her, shielding her from the three ninjas who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

  “You aren’t going anywhere!” one of the ninjas sneered. “We’ve been wanting members from the Clan of the Black Harvest, and we have two of them, right here!”

  Hikari gasped again, but decided to go along with the perception that had that she was a member of the Clan of the Black Harvest.

  “You are not going to take us!” Hikari exclaimed, coming out from under Cain’s back as he stood between the evil ninjas and her.

  “Who are you?” Can demanded. “Identify yourself!”

  Another of the ninjas chuckled as he answered, “Guess you should know which clan yearns for the power of the Black Harvest Clan.” He paused for a moment, and then continued, “We heard you have the Mirror of Purity. That is the very artifact our clan is looking for so we can have all of the power in the land.”

  “Which clan was this again?” Cain repeated.

  “We should tell them, Shubati. Then need to know which clan has them and will use them as a bargaining chip to get the Mirror of Purity,” whispered one ninja to the leader of the troop, Shubati.

  Shubati nodded and said, “Right!” He then turned to Cain and Hikari and said, “The Kagaku Clan. We need the Mirror of Purity to power our Time Machine. Then we are going to go back in time and gather all the wealth to make us the strongest and most powerful clan in all the land.”

  “Shubati!” the ninja who stood behind him screamed. “You told him too much!”

  “Oh.” Shubati paused for a moment, and then said, “But I wanted them to know how sophisticated our clan was. We have everything we could ever want, including a Time Machine. Wanted them to be jealous. We could even have that Amun-Ra, the Crown Prince’s evil brother and get him to join our clan so we would have all the riches of the royal family.”

  Cain closed his eyes, and appeared to be summoning. Since Hikari and him and an emotional bond and were facing the same opposition, she saw updates from him as well.

  Cain Himuro

  Cain successfully completed Summoning

  Hikari was not familiar with the Dark Arts since her player character from the game, Kunoichi Online had always focused on Combat since she would try to get into the Kanga Clan, and not become a member of the Clan of the Dark Harvest.

  She waiting with anticipation to find out what Summoning did.

  While she waited, she glassed to the left of her vision to find the glossary. There it was:

  Summoning

  Specifically, summon demons and evildoers from other planes and realms to assist with tasks and missions.

  Looking at the sky and behind the three ninjas who stood before her, fascinated by Cain and his closed, meditative eyes, she wondered if he did the action right.

  She wanted to ask, but saw Cain was still meditating. Worried that the action did not work and she would need to take matters into her own hands, she reached into her pouch and put her hand on one of her shuriken. Armed in case the Kagaku Clan came any closer, she was ready.

  The two groups stood off in a stand still, and Hikari ready for the attack, Cain still meditating. Before Hikari could realize, the sky light up, and glowed purple and light cyan. The clouds accumulated and swirled and from the middle of their swirls emerged blue comets. They fell from the sky, hitting the last of the three ninjas.

  Lightening bolts rained down, hitting the second ninja who spoke to Shubati. The ground shook as the supernatural plane thundered and shook as they came to the defense of Cain and Hikari. Finally, a large meteor barreled down from the center of the spiraling clouds, landing directly on Shubati. The ground shook as though there was an earthquake, and Cain woke from his meditative state to shield Hikari from the blast.

  They both landed on a patch of grass several feet from where the large rock hit Shubati. Lifting her head, Hikari asked, “What in the world was that?”

  Cain, whose arm was around Hikari, protecting her head said, “It was not from this world.”

  “So that was Summoning?” Hikari asked that, and realized that she had to pretend she knew something of the Dark Arts rather than nothing at all since she was masquerading as being a member of that clan.

  “Yeah, that was Summoning. I know you’re a new recruit, so I’m not surprised you’ve never seen it before. It’s reserved for the Jonins or the Jonin-Gashiras,” Cain answered nonchalantly.

  “Oh, you’re a Jonin?” Hikari asked.

  “A Jonin-Gashira. You were at the last meeting, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, when they summoned Amun-Ra’s familiar?” Hikari hastily replied.

  “Right. I was one of the men standing to the side of our Kage. I know it’s hard to recognize people with the hood. I even have a hard time with it.”

  Hikari giggled as she rose to her feet. “Well, guess you took care of them, didn’t you.”

  “Guess so. When can I see you again?” Cain asked.

  “Soon,” Hikari replied, with the intention of being
vague. She truly liked Cain and found him to be interesting and protective, but she had to get to the Kanga Clan and fulfill her mission.

  “I do, got to go,” she said. “But, I had a great time.”

  “Be safe. Should I walk you back?” Cain asked.

  “Oh no. I’m going to stop by my parents’ house before heading to headquarters. Thanks for the offer though.” Hikari said while she backed away. She was glad when she noticed Cain heed the reluctance of having him walk her to her next destination.

  As soon as she was out of sight from Cain, Hikari ran, heading to where she met Sho earlier in the day.

  8 Chapter Eight

  As Hikari ran, she discovered it painful to get Cain out of her mind. The way he smelled, his eyes glistening in the moonlight, the way he chuckled at her jokes, they made her melt just thinking about him as she made her way through the city. He was also quite powerful and a Jonin-Gashira no doubt. Accomplished as well.

  Not to mention, how considerate he was. He would defy his clan to help her. She thought about how Lady Rose had dated Cain years ago. Jealousy raged through her body with the mere notion.

  This was also a time of peace for Nara as the Crown Prince had ended the Thirteen Year War two years ago. He choreographed the Royal Court where Hikari and Cain met for their first date.

  For a moment, Hikari regretted what she felt toward Cain. She could not get her mind off of him, yet knew with all sense of logic that it would never work. She was getting what she wanted out of life. Her progress toward her dreams and ambitions was coming to fruition, and she did not have to cheat to get there. That was gratifying for Hikari, who knew hard work paid off?

  The Royal Court was the main quad of Nara, lined with monasteries, temples, and the castle and temple of the Crown Prince. While Hikari made her way out of the Royal Court, busy streets crowded with pedestrians made it difficult for Hikari to make her way to where she and Sho would be meeting. Nara had an economic increase because many of the families were out shopping and enjoying the evening. This is unlike the wartime.

  The evening was serene and many of the families took advantage of the nighttime air. The nightlife had turned to be dazzling and vibrant as the sun went down. Hikari ran by a lively outdoor theater performance where several families had stood to check out the shenanigans of the jesters, the feats of the acrobats and whimsy of the entertainers.

  Hikari ran as fast as she could, well aware that the hour was near when she would meet Sho and she would take Hikari to the meeting place of the Kanga Clan. She momentarily remembered the proceedings of the night. Meeting with Kanga Clan, Erito Prep mission, and then to get to Shinobu before sun up. Oh yeah, and there was something that Cain said about a little summoning ritual the Clan of the Black Harvest were going to do as well. Hikari thought that she might want to let the Kanga know about that.

  Hikari picked up her pace, entering almost a full sprint.

  * * *

  Running down the corridor where she met Sho, Hikari saw the lady in the geisha outfit waiting for her outside a shop.

  “Oh good, you made it. I was afraid that you were not going to show,” admonished Sho as Hikari slowed down as she neared her.

  “Stand up the Kangas?” Hikari mused. “Uh, never! This is like a once in a lifetime invitation.” Hikari’s eyes rolled to the back of her sockets as she said those words.

  “Right. It is a once in a lifetime invitation, never to be repeated once offered.” Sho took Hikari by the forearm. “Now, let’s get in there, we are late and you’re my personal recruit. You’re making us look bad and they haven’t even met you yet. Now get in there!”

  Sho pushed open the door to the tea room. There, several geishas sat on the floor at low tables, serving what appeared to be royal and wealthy men. These men appeared to be wealthy based on their girth and size, most of them were overweight, an indication that they had money. Not to mention the fine and elaborate clothing they wore.

  Sho guided Hikari through the tea room at a swift pace. Hikari wanted to take all of this in since she hadn’t seen a tea room yet, but Sho was insistent on her guidance as she gripped the girl’s forearm and moved her along.

  Through the back room, where geishas were preparing the tea and noodles, Sho hustled Hikari through the kitchen.

  “Come on!” Sho prodded and pushed Hikari through the kitchen where there was a back door. Hikari assumed they were going outside, but instead, they landed in a dark room.

  Flames of the candles flickered and glowed amber and orange, which lit up several geisha-dressed women. Women were dressed in other clothing as well, some wore silk kimonos, and others wore simple tunics. They appeared to be of all different walks of life, but sat, stoic on the floor with a candle held at their chest.

  The room looked at Hikari and Sho as they stood at the entrance of this meeting room. At the front of the room, where the ladies address their attention since the sat in rows facing each other, was an older woman. She did not have a candle, and she sat on a large silk pillow that elevated her. She was opposite from where Sho and Hikari entered.

  She spoke, “Sho Yuuki, who do you have to present to us?”

  “I have Hikari Himukai, the girl I have scouted as having the qualities of our clan. I request that we begin the recruitment process with her,” answered Sho.

  Both Hikari and Sho stood in the middle of the two rows of ladies facing them. “Proceed,” said the woman at the front.

  “Follow me,” Sho said as she looked at Hikari.

  Sho walked up the aisle of the ladies and sat on the ground in the middle still facing the lady in the front. Hikari looked around and followed.

  The lady continued, “Greetings Hikari.”

  “Greetings,” replied Hikari.

  “It appears Sho has identified you as a potential member of our clan. We welcome new members if they are found to be worthy. Would you like to proceed with the recruitment and initiation process?”

  “I would,” answered Hikari.

  “Very well. My name is Kikyo Minamoto, and I am the Kage here at the Kanga Clan. We have one mission in this world, and that is to stop the return of Amun-Ra. We have a vested interest in recovering all of the ancient artifacts that were lost during the summoning ceremony several years ago, and we believe one of them has surfaced. The Mirror of Purity.”

  Hikari nodded as she knew what Kikyo was referring to.

  Kikyo continued, “We understand it is with the Clan of the Dark Harvest as they speak as they are anxious to try out their newly acquired treasure. Your single task to gain admittance in our clan is to get that mirror and bring it to us.”

  Hikari nodded more emphatically as she knew where the mirror was going to be.

  “Prepared or not, that is your charge. Get the mirror, became an exalted Kanga. Fail, you will pay with your life…”

  Hikari was not aware that part of the recruitment and initiation process had her paying with her life. She spoke up, “Why must I die if I fail?”

  “Because you already know too much. There is a reason why none of the other people even the other clans don't know about us. We kill anyone who knows about us and is not one of us,” answered Kikyo in a sardonic tone.

  “Oh, right,” Hikari said, not truly believing what she had just heard. “Makes sense,” she said as she went along with this. Then she rebutted, “So if I had run out of here before I even sat down, you guys would kill me?”

  “That is correct.”

  “Wow! I wish I knew what I was getting myself into before I showed up,” replied Hikari her eyes rolling in the back of her head.

  “That should have been explained to you when you met Sho earlier today,” Kikyo said, evenly.

  Sho nodded at her Kage. “She probably misunderstood me,” answered Sho. Hikari gave Sho a side-eye after hearing that.

  Realizing the damage was already done, and Hikari was clearly outnumbered and outclassed by those who sat in the room, she said, “Fair enough. If I do not bring back
the Mirror of Purity, I will suffer the consequences…I guess.”

  “Good. Now go, you have your work cut out for you. And I’m sure that this goes without saying, do not utter a word about this to anyone,” warned Kikyo. “See you back in this spot in twenty-four hours.”

  Hikari nodded and rose to her feet. The slight feeling of being overwhelmed came over her, but she had to soldier on. Her life was now at stake. She ran through the door, through the kitchen, and through the tea room to come out the other side.

  With the cold air hitting her face, she had no other choice but to sprint back to Erito just in time for the meeting.

  9 Chapter Nine

  Hikari made it to the monastery where Erito Preparatory Academy was located in no time. Heading up the stairs, at an inhuman speed, she reached the top in no time. Higashi was waiting for her at the top of the stairs.

  “Hikari, you’re late. You were just promoted and getting your own troop on a A Ranking mission, and you’re late?” Higashi admonished the tardy Hikari as he put his arm to her back and ushered her to the meeting room.

  They walked down the hall where the meeting room took place. As they approached the door, he opened it and pushed her through, shutting it behind her. There she stood among the other Chunin-Gashiras in line on the side of where Shizue Jonin, Yamato Jonin-Gashira, and Hashi Jonin stood at the front of the ninja soldiers explaining the mission that laid ahead.

  “We have reason to believe that the members of the Band of Tsuiho have the mirror. Not liking authority, they figured if they got the mirror, they could use its powers to propel them to the forefront of the War of the Shadows and make them a formidable opponent for the other clans,” explained Shizue Jonin.

  Hashi Jonin interjected, “It makes sense. They are the lowest in the War of Shadows and by capturing such an artifact, they would become the pinnacle tribe if they ever officially united.”