by JK Ensley
“And did she just enlighten you with this little revelation, wisest of my brethren?” Varick snipped.
“Nae, Brother. It’s nae within her tae speak ill of ye. I only speak what’s obvious tae us all.”
Varick ignored him. “How were you gifted with such precise knowledge, Milady?”
Jenevier struggled to rise. Vittorio tenderly helped her back into a seated position and began plucking dried leaves from her colorful tresses.
“I’m not sure. I just… know. The same way I knew Vittorio would find me here today. The same way I know Vareen is now writing out a summons for him to go to layer two. I just know.”
Both warriors stared at her in amazement.
“Do not seek further, your questions will only be met with silence, for I’ve answered all that I can,” she added.
“Can you tell me when you developed this power of sight?” Varick inquired further.
“Not the very day, no. It was more of a gradual thing. Weeks ago I knew who was knocking at my door without asking. Later, I knew them as they approached my home. Eventually, I began to know when even the thought of me entered one’s mind. Today’s the first day I was able to know something not pertaining to me personally. Like… Vareen receiving a summons for Vittorio.”
“Aye, Lass. It’s due tae the great love ye hold for me an’ me alone.”
Vittorio yanked one of her curls. Jenevier just smiled and bumped him playfully with her shoulder.
“I’m ready to go back home now, sweet warrior, and the messenger is already seeking you.”
She held out her arms, Vittorio gently lifted her back to her feet and held her protectively until she regained the unsteady type of balance she now lived with.
She respectively inclined her head toward Varick as they passed by him on their way back to the city proper. He fell in step beside her, gently taking her hand in his.
“Why do you torture yourself so, my love? I wish to walk with you daily, yet you deny me. What if something happened while you were all alone? You could slip and fall, or your days could wax full and labor set in upon you. Have you regained any of your angelic powers? Can you fly or transport or don your mask in any way?”
“No, Varick, I cannot do any of those things. I’ve been reduced to a mere human once more. I cannot even tell you if Vashti lies dormant within me, or has been removed completely. Perhaps I’m becoming a seer.”
“No, Princess, this is all from the babe. Remember what I told you?” He whispered in her ear, “Being what you are, you can tap into any Angel near you.” Varick smiled and placed a tender kiss upon the back of her hand. “Your child now strengthens your mind.”
Chapter 7
Mika
(MEE-kah)
“Why has no one from Iga challenged me?”
“Sire?” Hanzo responded.
“The awesome powers hidden within such a tiny village are a blessed rarity indeed. Why has one of your number not come before me in battle?”
Saizo answered for them all. “Our people have been used as weapons throughout history, Milord. The last Great War on Jinn was many hundred years ago… our race was all but annihilated. The few who survived to see Nobunaga fall are our noble ancestors.”
“We were once of two clans—Koga and Iga. The handful of Shinobi left standing to see Ieyasu’s rule joined lives and were then known only as the Iga clan.” Orochimaru filled him in on their rich history. “We have remained at peace within our forest home from that day until this.”
“So in answer to your question, Emperor Musashi, we seek not the ways of our past. We look only to the sunrise of a new day. We leave war and counsel to other, more tactical men. Our village provides all we need. We are blessed.” Hanzo graciously bowed with his words.
“Besides, we are Shinobi and wield magical talents from birth.” Goemon beamed with pride as he took it upon himself to help the elders out in their explanation. “But even one with rare gifts such as ours could never stand before the mighty Musashi and his powerful blades. Only a fool would attempt such a thing. And those with the blood of the Shinobi… are no fools.”
“You are exceedingly wise for one so young of years, Goemon,” Musashi said with a smile. “I like you. I won’t ask your mother to part with you at such an age. But one day, I will call for you to lend me the use of your noble abilities.”
“When you need to talk to the animals?” Goemon asked.
“Yes, my son, when I need to talk to the animals.” Musashi smiled at the proud lad. “Are your talents in perception as well?”
“No, at least… I don’t think so,” Goemon said. “I’ve always been able to read people, though. I can see in your eyes you’re a good man. I’ve heard the horrible stories of your bloody deeds, Sire. After meeting you, I find them extremely hard to believe.”
“Your Grace, please forgive him.” Hanzo bowed low as he pleaded with the Emperor. “He has not yet learned the value of holding one’s tongue. He meant no disrespect to you. Apologies.”
“Take it not upon your heart, Elder. I enjoy the openness of youth… so free, so pure of heart. We are nothing without our curiosity. When our wonders and questions cease, so too does our growth. I never want to be stagnant in this world. Which is why I’m here with you now.” Musashi smiled and waved his hand, indicating the whole of those present. “Please, continue with your fabulous demonstration.”
The Shinobi proved to be even more amazing than the stories whispered about them. Musashi witnessed feats of fire-producing ninja, poison-eating ninja, and Shinobi who could turn themselves into animals. One man could kill with his thoughts while his twin could reanimate the dead body and control it like a doll, a precariously lethal puppet.
There was a woman who could manipulate all plant forms, use them as weapons. She made the roots of a small bush shoot up from the ground and wrap around the neck of a rabbit, squeezing until the animal went limp.
One young man could command his extremely long hair to act as many whips. Even when cut, the hair immediately grew back—lashing out at his opponent, knocking them down, restraining them, choking out their very life. Multiple adversaries felled simultaneously, beaten by a single young man’s magical raven hair. It was simply astounding.
A female Shinobi ninja, lovely and timid, grew knifelike claws and assumed the ferocious demeanor of a wild beast. Once locked in her sights, she would be swayed by nothing. Death was imminent, unstoppable. One man healed instantaneously, proving impossible to kill. No matter the injury, his body remade itself, reconstructed the missing parts. Another set of twins controlled the wind and the water. Not only was their power amazingly lethal, it was graceful, hypnotic to watch.
The elders witnessed the proceedings with nodding approval. Flanking the Emperor, he could hear their admiring endorsement for each performing clan member. So, when the five ruling Shinobi tensed up, it was infectious. Musashi watched as an elegant woman, as lovely a maid as he had ever seen, slowly approached them. None of her brethren, all bowing in her wake, made eye contact, not even Hanzo. But the Emperor did. How could he not? Everything about this charming creature was pure enchantment. When she looked at him, Musashi could only smile. Roses bloomed forth on her cheeks. She was the one who shied away from his admiring gaze.
Why do they turn from her? She is exquisite and captivating, he thought, until she demonstrated her rare gift.
This lovely woman had but to look through your eyes. If she could hold your gaze for a fraction of a second, you were ensnared, hopelessly. She could literally destroy you from within by mentally squeezing and twisting each body part she saw. Her vision went into your physical body, her mind broke your bones, squeezed your heart, ripped open your lungs. She was as glorious to behold as she was dangerous to look upon. The ox, now lying dead before her, was proof of that.
Goemon could talk to animals, see clearly for miles and miles, produce an oddly colored dancing fire from his fingertips, and jump like a monkey. Standing flat, he easily jum
ped back onto the same rooftop where he’d been sitting when Musashi first arrived. He could jump to the first limb of any tree, then straight on up to the top.
The Emperor chuckled. “I fear that boy to be more than a handful.”
“You have no idea,” Hanzo mumbled.
Sasuke could clone himself indefinitely and each clone could fight as well as the original.
How could you ever defeat one such as that? Musashi thought, uneasily.
Orochimaru, among other things, could change his face to an identical mirror image of any person he chose, male or female. It was uncanny, fascinating and eerie at the same time.
So that’s why his face seems as a canvas, Musashi thought. Because that’s exactly what it is, a canvas… or a mirror. Amazing.
Mika was invisible and her voice was a magical enchantment. She was beautiful and innocent and trusting. But the Emperor knew those were weaknesses, not strengths.
The marvels in this village just went on and on.
“I have seen and heard many wonders in my day, not even the half has been told of the treasure hiding amongst these ancient trees. Your blood is powerful and you would do well to keep it pure, my friends. When I depart your honored company, I will strike these secrets from my mind, leaving them in your safe hands. I’m a hard man to impress, but you have accomplished that and so much more. As long as blood still flows through my veins, I give you my word, you will never be used as weapons against your will again,” Musashi promised.
“This noble vow is a treasure without equal, Sire. In return, we will do what we can to ensure your days are many.” Hanzo, once again, bowed low before the Emperor.
“Gratitude, my friend. But I live by the sword alone. My blades will ensure my longevity.”
Mika hummed quietly, visualizing for Musashi before she spoke. Her action revealed to all present… the mighty Ronin still held fast to her delicate little hand.
“Steel will ensure life from injury, but what of disease and illness?” she asked.
“Is there one among you who can heal my every need?” He chuckled softly.
“Nay, Sire. We have knowledge in medicine the same as is common throughout the land. We are aware of no ninjitzu that can fulfill your request, Milord,” she answered.
“Then entreat your gods to extend my days and leave my health to Fate.” He smiled gently at the young girl and tenderly touched her cheek before he turned back to the village elders. “I must now take my leave of your fine company and return to the capital before my retainers fear me lost. Your generous hospitality will not be forgotten. Ask of me anything and see desires sated.”
Saizo stood. “Do you seek nothing more, Your Grace? We are many days ride from your palace home. Surely you didn’t travel this far simply to witness a few short hours of play? Is your curiosity so great a thing?”
Musashi laughed. “Yes, it is. Boredom started my feet upon your path; curiosity saw the journey to its end. When I am idle, my mind dwells on many things. I set my heart upon Dragons and magic, curious as to why the two things had never been used together. Ultimately, this line of thinking saw to my knock upon your noble door.”
“Is that all, Milord?” Mika hummed.
“There was one thing more, little vanishing flower.” He smiled at her.
She smiled back. “I wish to know it, if it’s proper that I should.”
“It was but a fleeting thought, though I will share it with you now. As your wise elder, Saizo, has already mentioned. My home is many days’ journey from here. During my travels, I pondered if there was such a thing that could instantly take my body to where my mind wished to go.”
“You mean, like wings?” Goemon asked.
“No, not wings exactly.” He laughed at the curious look the boy gave him. “I’m not so foolish as to believe I could sprout wings from my back like an eagle.”
The entire village fell silent until the fluttering hum of Mika drew their eyes to the Emperor’s side, and the maiden who materialized there.
“Orochimaru? Do you not believe our good Emperor could benefit from the magical creations of your brother, Mikage Abe?”
All eyes now fell upon the stoic elder.
He didn’t turn toward the girl or Musashi when he spoke. “I cannot answer for my absent brother. We have not broken words in many years. This you all know.”
“Yui?” Mika now addressed the young man with the whip-like hair. “Do you not visit with Mikage near your name day?”
“I do,” he answered.
“And does he have magic our good Emperor may be interested in?” she pressed.
“I know not,” Yui answered dryly.
“Well, it seems to me we’ll just have to go visit Master Mikage and ask him for ourselves, Sire,” she hummed.
“Is he not among you?” Musashi asked.
“Mikage keeps to himself,” Mika continued. “I would take you to him, but I don’t know the way.”
“Is he not Shinobi?”
“He is,” she chirped.
The Emperor raised a single brow. “Yet, you know not where he lives?”
“I am a maiden, Your Grace.” Mika smiled warmly up at him. “Mikage has not wed and lives alone. It is not proper that I should visit his home.”
“Yes, a-apologies,” he stammered. “I’m not used to the ways of women, and the accompanying restraints caused by your maidenhead. Forgive me.”
She blushed. “Nothing to forgive, Milord.”
Musashi quickly released the tiny hand he’d held captive since his arrival and cleared his throat.
“Apologies once more for my thoughtless actions. I meant no ill and was careless in restraining you to my side.” He glanced at Hanzo. “I wish no one to hold our actions in disdain. I will make amends to your parents.”
The woman who had gathered the elders at Musashi’s command walked toward Hanzo and took his hand.
“Mika’s parents are no longer of this world,” Hanzo said. “Her mother, Kira, was my wife’s sister. Hinata and I have raised Mika from a babe. We take no offense to your actions, Sire. Having a conversation with one you cannot see is unnerving, especially if you’re not Shinobi. I know not if Mikage can or will help in your quest, but Yui will take you to him if that is the Emperor’s wish.”
Hanzo nodded to the young man, who obediently took a place beside Musashi.
“Can I go, too, Father?” Goemon pleaded.
“I would ask for the company of both my welcoming new friends,” Musashi said. “I also invite the desired companionship of Hanzo and Hinata, so that minds are at ease concerning the well-being of young kin.”
“That won’t be necessary, Emperor,” Hanzo said. “Mika and Goemon could be placed in no safer hands.”
“The journey is long, Emperor Yomika,” Hinata said. “Please, share our home this night and sit at our humble table. See yourselves off with the dawn, rested and well fed.”
Musashi inclined his head toward her. “Your gracious invitation is a blessing I could never deny.”
*****
Something is amiss… Musashi mused. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Alas, all is not as it seems.
The Emperor of Jinn glanced around at the feasting Shinobi. He was smiling, yes, yet his brow was furrowed. The meal was delicious and the conversation had been pleasant, but tension now hung in the air where none had been before.
Mikage Abe’s name wasn’t spoken aloud, yet Musashi could almost read it painted across their foreheads. The same could not be said of the younger among them. Their laughter wasn’t weighted with the fear their parents were so desperately trying to suppress. All this strange behavior and obviously unspoken secrets only served to fuel the mighty Ronin’s insatiable curiosity.
This Mikage has been parted from these people for quite some time. The younger ones know him not. For one as great as a Shinobi elder, fear could not come easily.
“It’s not fear, Sire.”
The tiny whisper came from the young girl whos
e nose was now buried in Musashi’s thick hair, touching the back of his neck.
What is this? Another gift you were hiding from me? Wise girl. Being able to read the thoughts of the Emperor, is not a thing one should let be known.
Mika remained silent, invisibly huddled behind the Ronin’s broad back. She’d been curled up against him like a little kitten most of the evening.
Why would an invisible maiden feel the need to hide? Is there one among them who can see you?
“Saizo,” she whispered.
Ahhhh, so those pale eyes of his aren’t only beautiful to behold, they are magical as well. Very interesting.
“They’re not beautiful,” she hissed.
Come now, child. Saizo’s eyes are the rarest I’ve ever seen. Even I can admit to their breathtaking beauty.
“They’re cold, minus all warmth.”
Sooo, now we have it, then. Does Saizo desire you, little lady?
She didn’t answer him.
Or, was it you who once looked to him for favor?
“I would never,” she snapped.
Hmm, a maiden who isn’t afraid to bare her teeth to the Emperor? How interesting. So, let me see if I have this straight. You do not, and never have, desired the favored attention of good Lord Saizo?
“Correct.”
I will admit to you now, Mika. If I were a woman, even I would have a hard time resisting those enchanting eyes of his.
Musashi’s thoughts were met only with silence.
Does he favor you, little one?
She didn’t speak, but he took note of the fact she was now holding her breath.
Has he claimed your maidenhead?
He felt her body go stiff against his back. Still, she didn’t speak.
Mika, my dear, I take your silence to all my questions to be an unspoken answer of yes.
“No,” she whispered.
No, what? Favoring you, asking for you, or claiming you?
“He favors me. He asked for me. Yet, he has not claimed me.”
Now, that’s better. See how much clearer things are when I know the answers? Has Hanzo agreed to your union?
