Chapter II

Shadow slowly walked deeper into the fortress. The path was like a maze, with many forks in the paths. He quickened his pace, hoping that he would be able to get to the center, where the Clan Master's throne is. Splitting up was Tien's idea as they were unsure of the enemies' strength. It was better to face the dangers of seperation than to be caught together. Shadow suddenly felt a presence behind him, he turned and saw a figure dressed in ninja robes.

"What business do you have here?" The ninja said, taking out his katana and pointed it at Shadow. Shadow smiled and appeared unmoved. The ninja ask again, but Shadow didn't reply.
"So, i guess u are an enemy." The ninja charged towards Shadow but immediately stopped. He had notice black mist hovering above Shadow. "What are you planning?" The ninja questioned. Shadow smiled, but gave no reply. The mist then suddenly took shape, forming into a huge buster sword. It dropped heavily and Shadow quickly snatched it out of the air and swung it forcefully, creating cracks on the ground with the shockwave produced by the swing.

The ninja hesitated, carefully observing Shadow. "If you are not going to be on the offensive i will..." Shadow threatened. The ninja quickly threw a few shurikens at Shadow and charged towards him. The shurikens hit its target, Shadow was taken back. The ninja seized the chance and stab Shadow right in the heart. The ninja was shocked when the body his katana had stab into turned into a huge mass of darkness that was quickly swallowing him in. He quickly released his kanata and jumped backwards escaping the dark mass. Just then, he felt himself hit someone behind him and turned. It was Shadow, who mercilessly swung his gigantic sword, severing the ninja neatly in half. Shadow then supported the sword on his shoulder and continued his journey.

Meanwhile, Virgil was busying fending off guards who had spotted him. "Drat, why don't they let up!" Virgil shouted as he fought. A guard sneaked behind Virgil and charged towards him. Just as he was about to strike Virgil with his sword, Virgil turned and grabbed the blade of the sword with his bare hands. Blood started to drip unto the floor as Virgil's wound bled. The guard was stunned, but quickly recovered and pulled the sword out of Virgil's grasp. Virgil's wound then gushed out blood, spattering all over the ground. The guard called to his comrades and together they charged towards Virgil, preparing to deal the final blow. In that instant, Virgil's wound healed. With a wave of his hand, the blood splattered onto the ground suddenly floated up. Drops of blood were then surrounding Virgil. The guards paid no attention and attacked Virgil. The drops of blood suddenly formed into spikes, speeding towards the guards. One by one, the guards fell as the blood spikes penetrated their bodies, leaving they seriously injured or dead. Virgil then looked around his surroundings, finding nobody in sight. He then continued walking, carefully stepping on the fallen body of the guard that injured his hand. "Whew... well, guess i'm warmed up." Virgil said, before he broke into a run.

Tien walked around the path searching for the best path towards the center. Having beaten up a guard and dressed in the guards clothings, Tien was enjoying his time slowly walking around.
"Hey! You there! The sector is out of your bounds to the likes of you!" someone said behind Tien. Tien turned and saw a huge and muscular guard walked towards him. "You are a junior guard, what are you doing so far away from your post?" the guard questioned. Tien quickly tried to think of a explanation but before he could explain, the guard spoke again. "There are rumors that there are intruders in the base. Maybe i should take you to the guards office for questioning." Tien pondered for a moment before replying. "Guess i have no choice but to defeat you..."

"Me? Defeated by the likes of you?" The guard laughed. "I'm known as one of the strongest warrior here." Tien silently sigh, wishing that the guard would not laugh so loud, he was getting irritated. The guard then threw a punch at Tien. Tien blocked the punch effortlessly, and with a slight push, dislocated the guard's arm. "MY...!" the guard screamed, but before he could finish, a soft pat of the chest by Tien sent him flying. He crashed into a far off wall and fainted.
"Me? Defeated by the likes of you? Har har har..." Tien said copying the guard. "Look who is laughing now."

Tien looked up into the sky. Night was soon approaching, he sighed and closed his eyes. He stood there for a moment before he continued walking towards the center of the fortress.
xo/- 1:05 AM
the tranquility ;