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The clan of a new breed gathered around a dark room and bowed quietly in front of a single candle which was the only illumination that spread the little light across the space. It must have been at least 20 of the ninjas bowing quietly as if they were performing a ritual in honor of the small light.

These ninjas wore a dimmed yellow outfit. Uncommon for the normal ninja to practice or even execute stealth missions; but nonetheless, here they bowed, the clan of a new breed and still as powerful as some of the best known clans within the Japanese ninjutsu community.

A bass-like bell tone filled the area as each ninja began a chant in an unfamiliar tongue. As they continued their chants, movement was finally seen within the dim-lit darkened space, as two cloaked individuals of dimmed green cloth made their entrance. Following behind them was one man and one woman.

The man wore the same dimmed yellow outfit but what made him different from the rest of the ninjas that bowed were the many emblems and logos that were stitched to his uniform. He was a person of high importance of an unknown rank. A high stature official to this new breed clan. He wore no mask; his face exemplified his power. He was a man of age; probably around his mid-50s. His face gave a strong impression to match his physical built. He was lean, not too muscular, not too skinny, not too fat, nor too tall. He had long black hair that extended just a tad past his shoulders. He had thick eyebrows and a long trademark mustache which extended from his lips to pass his chin.

The woman alongside him wore no ninja outfit. She was also a woman of age, probably the same as the man that walked next to her. Her clothing consisted of tight leather which clung to her body, easily emphasizing her perfect curves for a woman of her age. Her hair was shorter than the man of high significance; in fact, it didn't even pass her shoulders. Rather, it was kept cut short to reveal her neck. She wore many jewels, one around her neck, some of different colors, sizes and shapes, embedded into her outfit, and even a small rope around her wrist and extended from that was an extravagant and rather large diamond. What made her standout from any individual in the room was not that she was probably the only female amongst the large number of ninjas in the room; actually it was her pale blue eyes to which she used to see. A beautiful woman she was, but a man could sense the evil that came from her by just staring into her much intimidating eyes.

"All Hail Queen Mona." A voice was heard.

While keeping their heads bowed and facing the floor, each ninja answered the call and spoke simultaneously in a chant-like gesture. "Hail to the Queen! Hail to the New Breed! Hail to Mona! Mizu Doragon!"

"Hail Queen Mona." The voice repeated.

The ninjas again repeated their chant. "Hail to the Queen! Hail to the New Breed! Hail to Mona! Mizu Doragon!"

There was a throne already in place for the woman as she took her seat in front of the clan. The single candle which illuminated the room was only inches away from the large chair. The man that walked next to her stood beside her as she sat and overlooked his students.

Then the unknown voice was heard again, "Hail Queen Mona."

The ninjas again repeated their chant. "Hail to the Queen! Hail to the New Breed! Hail to Mona! Mizu Doragon!"

The woman leaned over to the burning candle, and with a soft blow from her mouth, she disintegrated the flame. Then in an instant eyeblink as the flame was lost, many candles already stationary around the room flamed bringing more light to the darkened area.

The ninjas still kept their bow, never raising their head to meet the eyes of their queen. The woman smiled, undoubtedly pleased with her submissive and loyal subjects.

"Rise." She said in a somewhat cooing voice.

Each ninja slowly stood. All had their eyed fixed attentively to Queen Mona, leader of the Mizu Doragon Clan, the Water Dragon Clan, the Clan of the New Breed. She looked into the eyes of each and every single soldier that stood in front of her. She was pleased to see nothing but loyalty, respect, and, most importantly, fear.

"Hail Queen Mona." The voice repeated.

The ninjas again repeated their chant. "Hail to the Queen! Hail to the New Breed! Hail to Mona! Mizu Doragon!"

As much as she tried, she couldn't help holding her expression as she crossed her legs seductively before group. And just then she lost her own emotional fight as slowly an evil smile of deceit inched across her face.

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For those of you who have not heard my story as of yet, my name is Ryokai. Squad leader of the 18th Mugen-Tenshin Tenshinmon ninja clan. Do not worry, I am not the subject of my own story. The Mugen-Tenshin clan had mistakenly framed the runaway shinobi ninja, Kasumi, for murdering the female kinochi, Ayane, as she was finishing her final orders giving to her by a past and deceased Hajinmon Elder, Genra-sama. In actuality, an unknown meteor crashed onto their bodies upon their final battle, transferring Ayane's soul into the body of Kasumi.

My squad and I were the first to find Ayane's body, and under the orders of my leader, Hayate-san, I, alone, found the body of Kasumi. When she awoke, she was afraid, frightened and remembered nothing of herself or her past and when encountered by the Mizu Doragon for the very first time, it was Ayane who mysteriously had to gain control of Kasumi's body in order to save us against the blood hungry pack of ninjas. I learned more of the events from Hiroshi, one of Ayame's followers. She claimed to have told us what she knew, but I still have my suspicions that she knows more than what she tells.

We presented the news to the Tenshinmon and Hajinmon Elders and, in return, we were asked to retrieve Ayane's body from the Garden of Resting and were to search for the Diamond of Bansai to transfer Ayane back to her original body and finish the job Ayane was set to complete, kill Kasumi-chan. When we went to retrieve her body, it was filled with rocks. Someone has stolen her body. Once again, under the orders of Hayate-sama, I was asked to accompany Ayane in her quest to find her body and retrieve the Diamond of Bansai. I was reluctant at first, but eventually faith told me to obey.

Very early in our journey we ran across a blind master ninja by the name of Koku. He had exemplary skills in an unknown ninjutsu style designed for the blind only as well as a taunting personality which almost matched Ayane's. He was also very familiar, if not friends, with Kasumi-chan. We learned that he knew the location of the body, but due to his blindness, he could not simply tell us where the body was located. So in turn, we now have a new ally next to our side.

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That's where we stand now. One week later and drawing closer to the Red Forest; we finally came to a resting point. It has been an interesting week at that. Ayane was beginning to remember much more of herself and her past and time passed on. Now she remembered why she hated Kasumi, but felt the need not to share the information. She learned completely of who Ayame was and she remembered the disclosed conversation where her mother first announced that Ayane was her daughter. We talked on many occasions, where she opened up her heart to me more than I expected. I listened, of course, and the more I listened the more I could tell she had no one in her past life to just simply open up and talk to. I, somehow, have become that person. She would keep many things she remembered discreet, for example, unknown emotions toward my leader. My conscious says it must be love, but my brain tells me to stay out of it, that's what I did; I only listened, I tried not to ask too many questions. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable sharing her stories with me, even if it meant, not knowing at all.

Aside from that, our venture came along with many adventures. We had to travel from forest to forest to reach the location we're at now. In turn, we came in battle with many clans as we had to break the trespassing rule to continue our journey. Even to this day, I am still astonished when I see Koku fight. A man without the physical sense of sight but has the ability to slay ninja after ninja with practical ease is an entertainment for any man. Sometimes, I tried to be careful not to pierce into his blindness subject too much, but it seemed as if he liked the attention.

One day, I doubted his blindness. I thought he could see even with the scarf over his eyes. There was no way a man without sight could perform such moves and such acrobatic feats without failing. In turn, he proved his blindness to Ayane and me. The sight I saw was frightening when he removed his scarf to reveal blood-dried empty eye sockets. When I saw that horrific sight, I remembered the tragic story he told us of gouging his own eyes out to learn a style. I wanted to ask about the still dried blood set just outside of his eye sockets, but I felt that information may either be too personal or was none of my concern.

I, myself, was finally able to prove myself to Ayane. The ninjas I battled were no easy task and I made sure I overcame each obstacle without the assistance of my two companions. There was even one time, I saved Ayane's life. She had just slain another ninja and she stood over his body taunting something along the lines of underestimating her. That's when I saw a ninja directly above her, poised and ready for his attack. When he jumped from his limb, I immediately took action throwing a shuriken at him. Not knowing where it would land, just hoping it would stab him to alert Ayane; mind you, I was dealing with my fair share of ninjas at the time as well. Fortunately, the shuriken dug into his eye and he let out a loud wail. Ayane was alerted and she instantly killed him before his body even touched the ground. When I was done with my handful of ninjas I glanced at Ayane to ensure her safety, and she only gave me a slight approving smile. To this day, she doesn't want to admit that a "weakling" saved her; but I feel that inside she's glad she has my help when the time is needed. Oh and by the way, she still calls me "weakling", but now I've come to terms that it's more of a nickname rather than a harsh criticism.

Ayane was still brutal as ever. Quick killings, clever winning taunts and remarks. She was not only an entertainer through her skills, but she was also an entertainer almost every time she won a battle. She always expressed her overconfidence and cockiness in some smart comment over a dead victim. Watching her taunt and taking her stories into consideration, I've come to realize that it must be a shell that she keeps up to keep herself maintained. While I may not know the details to her past, I can tell she's filled with emotional trauma. Fighting was only one of the many ways to release her anger, and her taunting, I could only guess, is just another to put a smile on her own face.

Sorry for the long story, but as you can see, this week has been one of my most memorable weeks in my life. Usually, I'm training my squad or under some tutelage of Hayate-sama along with the other squad leaders. Yet, lately, I have been able to follow one of my dreams. While she still may be in Kasumi's body, I have fought side by side next to the purple-hair female Tengu. The story I tell you can be passed on through many of my generations. Which brings me to one last point, when I see Ayane fight, taunt, or even simply talking to me, it's like I don't see Kasumi fighting, taunting, or talking; I actually see the purple hair shinobi. Her physical appearance may show Kasumi, but lately, I can only see the spiritual.

This in turn made me think about Kasumi. Where is she now? Is her soul lost? Has Ayane controlled the body for too long? When will I get to see Kasumi again? I can't say I miss Kasumi, well maybe I did, but it did make me wonder. That's when I noticed I concerned about the well-being of the Mugen-Tenshin traitor. The same female that took my brothers away from me. Even though, I haven't forgotten her actions toward my family members, for some reason, it was becoming less and less of a concern to me. I feel as if I'm betraying them and my family's name; but after fighting side by side to a woman in the form of someone you hate, you soon begin to feel remorse for that person, especially when you begin to learn more about their past.

So finally, here I sit, continuing to ponder my thoughts in the middle of the night in a forest next to a burning camp fire, just miles away from the Red Forest. It was my turn to keep watch for the night. We all took turns. Yes, Koku does an excellent job. Ayane and I doubted him at first, but he warned us of an approaching attack even before it happened which saved us for our survival. At the time I was surprised, but now I just find it typical. Every night it was my turn, I usually just sit out here, looking at the stars and asking the gods why was I selected to be amongst legends such as Ayane and Koku. What is in store for me?

Then my concentration was broken when I heard a voice.

"Ryokai."

My split second instinct told me it was too late to alarm for help; I immediately turned drawing my sword ready to slay any nearby intruder.

Yet, the intruder was our somewhat allied, Hiroshi.

"Always on guard, I see." She said with her same pleasant smile.

"What are you doing here?" I asked with a straight face returning my sword to its sheath.

"Checking to see how much mess I have to clean."

"Hayate sent you again, didn't he?"

She shook her, "No, this was all my doing with the permission of Ayame."

Fortunately, she didn't have to get permission from the Elders as did I and the other ninjas. If she wanted to leave the territory all she had to do was ask Ayame, which was usually an almost guaranteed approval.

"Well, as you can see there is no mess for you." Then I tauntingly said, "I'll be sure to call for your janitorial services if things begin to get too dirty for me to handle."

I expected her to react angrily, but she only stood there with her calm and pleasant smile which etched into my nerves even more than an emotional outburst.

"I must say I am impressed." She said.

"With what?"

"With the progress you have been making with Ayane. I would have never thought a simple squad leader would be able to connect with her the way you have."

Then it struck me. "Exactly how long have you been following me?"

She looked at me with lazy eyes, "Long enough." Then she sat across from the fire, opening her hands so her palms could feel the warmth. "What's really important is the matter of your mission."

"What do you mean?"

"The Red Forest is waiting for your arrival. Traps are laid in various locations and the Mizu Doragon are waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

She tauntingly looked at me. "To rid of any interferences with their plan."

"Do you know what their plan is?"

She shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. I wish I did so I could provide you with more information, but all I can say is 'Be careful.'"

Something wasn't right. "So that's why you followed me for so long? To tell me to be careful?"

"Ahh, you're perceptive." She said resoundly. "I hope that helps you in your battles, squad leader."

She still didn't answer my question. Why was she really here? I know, Ayame's followers and they usually have something up their sleeves more than 90 percent of the time. So, with that, I only stared at her, waiting on her to answer.

She finally did. "As I said, Ryokai, I am impressed with your connection with Ayane. I cannot tell you the last time she has trusted someone."

"And?"

"You may die. She may die. If one of you were to die on this mission, it just may crush the other." Then she stood. "First off, don't get too close to her." She said. "Being that you're the one that's most likely to die, I don't want to see Ayane go through any more pain than she's already dealing with when she regains her full memory."

Was she talking about….? Me and Ayane…? Sure we talked a lot, but I never looked at her as even a friend. Just a battle companion that needed emotional relaxation. Did I give the impression that I was falling for Ayane? Well, if I did, she wouldn't take me, a squad leader, anyway. Come on, the top Hajinmon ninja strolling around the parks with a squad leader? This was just a mission I just wanted to be over so I can tend back to my squad and follow the orders of my leader and the Elders, nothing more. I think…

"You have nothing to worry about, Hiroshi." I ultimately said.

"Good." She replied. "Then come take a walk with me."

What is she up to now? "Sorry I can't."

"And your reason?"

"I'm on watch."

She only gave a giggle. "After you're last actions, do you believe that there are still ninjas of the clan you attacked even alive?"

"I'm on watch." This time I said sternly.

"Believe me, no other living souls are in this forest except for you, me, and your sleeping associates."

What is she up to? I couldn't figure it out. "Why don't you just tell me what's going on here?"

She hesitated, but eventually answered. "Since you and Ayane are going to be on this connected level, I wouldn't want you to see her die before your eyes without having to know exactly who she is."

I stayed quiet.

"If you want to know Ayane and you want to know her past and who she is, follow me. Otherwise, stay on watch." She said as she turned to leave.

She made her exit and there I still sat at the campfire with a rage. How can one woman be so knowledgeable and so despicable at the same time? That question made me think of Ayane. She's definitely more powerful than me, there would be no way I would watch her die. As Hiroshi said before that comment, Ayane would more likely see me die by the sword. So I sat there, caught between the decisions of wanting to get up and charge Hiroshi to find out the information about Ayane or sit here waiting for something to happen to which maybe true about the clan we fought earlier in the day. In the end, my curiosity of Ayane won the battle of decisions as I stood to follow Hiroshi.

I didn't even have to travel ten feet to see her leaning against a tree log as if she was waiting for me to arrive.

"So you do want to know the truth about Ayane's life?" Hiroshi asked me.

I gave her a strange and taunting look. Of course I was curious, every ninja in the clan, both Hajinmon and Tenshinmon would be curious as to why Ayane has such a cocky demeanor to her. I nodded.

"What I tell you must never leave this forest."

I nodded again swearing myself to secrecy; then Hiroshi smiled and turned and walked.

I knew she wasn't retreating from me, rather she just decided to walk and talk at the same time.

"Ayame first revealed the truth to Ayane about her birth when she was still very young."

"What truth?"

Hiroshi looked back at me with eyes of sadness. This shocked me as to not seeing that annoying pleasant smile on her face, as well as her answer. "Ayame, at one time was raped, by a former Tenshinmon clan member which brought forth Ayane." She spoke those words slow as if she didn't want to say them. She then closed her eyes as if she was trying to hold back her own tears. "The same father in which Kasumi killed." She began to walk continuing her story. "It was probably a mistake to reveal such information to a child, but each rainy night, all Ayame could do was think about that horrific night. She only blamed herself."

I was beginning to see the pattern of Ayame's acceptance of guilt. She blamed herself for the rape, she blamed herself for what was believed to be Ayane's death, and she even blamed herself for the interlock of her daughters' souls.

"Ayame hated herself more to where she couldn't hold the secret any longer." Hiroshi continued. "Even after the secret was revealed, Ayame still wasn't at peace with herself, and in turn, she may have, only in accident, taken out her hatred by excluding Ayane from her life."

I guess I was wrong, maybe Ayame didn't love her daughters equally.

"That's what led her to the Mugen-Tenshin Hajinmon Elder, Genra-Sama. He took care of her through her growing days. And you already know the story of Ayane and Genra, right?"

Everyone heard these stories. Genra was kidnapped and transformed, or something along that nature, and Ayane had to kill the only father-figure, let alone family figure, in her life. I only nodded

"Ayane likes to look at herself as a bastard child and sees Kasumi as princess. Kasumi had it all while Ayane was still following Genra around."

"So why is it that you hate Kasumi?"

"Because I do not feel Ayane did anything wrong to receive the life she had. She didn't ask to be born that way; and she didn't commit any crime for her to receive that punishment. Kasumi, on the other hand, was well aware of her punishment long before she committed her crime and abandoned her clan." She looked at me. "I believe the roles should be reversed. Then we would be hunting a bastard shinobi while Ayane would be 19th leader of the Mugen-Tenshin clan."

It's been awhile since I heard words of wisdom spoke in such manner in such a time. Hiroshi was right. Ayane did nothing to receive the life she's had. If all that Hiroshi was saying was true, I find it hard to believe that Ayane has yet to slit her own wrist.

We talked more on Ayane's past and I soaked in all the information Hiroshi was giving to me. It's a feeling that you can't describe to learn all the things of Ayane's own personality. Overwhelming, excitement…I could go on and on trying to express this one feeling. All of my questions about the female kunoichi as well as our traitor were answered. Hiroshi willingly answered any question I had. Again, she warned me not to tell Ayane of our discussions. She still felt it wasn't necessary to reveal too much information all at once.

We talked until the sun rose, and we began to make our way back to camp before the others awoke. Unfortunately, Ayane and Koku were already awake.

"Where have you been?" She asked me then she saw Hiroshi by my side. "And what is she doing here?"

"It's okay, Ayane. We just took a little stroll."

"A little stroll?" She rhetorically asked, then stated. "I've been up for hours."

"Typical Ayane." Hiroshi said with her usual taunting smile.

But before Ayane could burst with anger towards her mother's follower, Koku interrupted. "Hiroshi?"

My eyebrows instantly arched up as Koku recognized the voice. He knows her?

"Yes," Hiroshi confirmed with an even bigger grin on her face. "It is me."

"My dearest!" Koku gleefully blurted.

Then I was taken by surprise when I saw Koku walked over to Hiroshi and they both embraced along with a lover's kiss. Wait, of all the time we strolled through the forest, never once did she even mention Koku. Now they are here kissing in front of my face. What in the world is going on?

"My darling, I have missed you so."

"And I, you, Koku." She replied.

Okay, so Koku and Hiroshi are lovers. Past lovers? Current lovers? I mean, what is the status of this sudden twist of events. Should I be worried? Should I be happy for them? I'm too confused to make anything out of this.

Ayane asked one of the questions, probably the most important, that swirled through my mind so many times within a matter of seconds. "You, two, know each other?"

Hiroshi looked at her. "It's a long story." She said with a smile releasing her companion. Then she looked at him. "You are still as dashing as always." She said playfully moving small strands of hair that rested on his blinding scarf.

"And you stayed beautiful for me, I see, my precious."

Hiroshi blushed. Yes, that's it. She was actually blushing.

It took Hiroshi a long sigh to realize she stood in the presence of her Mugen-Tenshin allies before she completely released him and gained composure.

"We have other matters at hand." She said as she turned to Ayane. "If you want your body back, then I suggest we leave now. The Red Forest isn't exactly waiting for us."

"'We'? You're coming with us now?" Ayane asked.

Hiroshi nodded. Even I was taken into shock. Sure, Hiroshi surprised me in the middle of the night during my watch. Sure, she surprisingly gave me all the information to Ayane's past; but to learn she was going to travel with us from this point, I was astonished. As I said, Ayame's followers are supposed to be the most powerful kinochis of the Mugen-Tenshin, specifically assigned to her protection. Will I actually get to have a chance to watch her battle?

"Yes, I am." She confirmed. "I hope it isn't a problem."

"Actually, it is." Ayane said with determination. "As you can see, I'm already surrounded by enough weaklings."

Hiroshi giggled. "Then I expect to surprise you as we make our way to the Red Forest."

"Maybe you didn't hear me." Ayane said. "You're not invited."

Usually, I would agree with Ayane. So far Hiroshi has been nothing more than a taunting pain in the ass. It did make me wonder, why did she really want to come with us. Was it to help find Ayane's body or to be back next to Koku? Was it to fight for the Mugen-Tenshin or was it something for her own personal gain?

I couldn't answer those questions instantly, but there was something I did know. Hiroshi was on our side. She has helped us more than I realized until I took everything into consideration. She found us in the forest and updated us with information. She helped keep Ayane from losing her sanity by not revealing precious information. She, in a way, safely brought us back to the Mugen-Tenshin village. She gave me all the intel on Ayane. And regardless if this is for her personal gain, or wants to be next to Koku, or even doing it for the better of the Mugen-Tenshin, one thing's for certain, she was on our side, and whether if we wanted to admit it or not, we just might need her help.

My thoughts may have seemed like it lasted for minutes, but I, actually, instantly replied. "I'm for it."

"Of course you would be." Ayane spoke. "You're the weakest of all of us. You would need someone to watch your back."

Okay, that may be true, but did she have to be so…truthful?

"Fine." I said. "Then she'll watch my back."

"What are you saying?" Ayane looked intrigued.

"I'll be held responsible for her."

Then she giggled and looked to Koku, "You hear that? A squad leader is taking a well-care responsibility of a follower."

Wow, she was right. Who did I think I was? Here stood a powerful blind shinobi, a legendary kunoichi, and probably one of the strongest kunoichis serving the wife of a Mugen Tenshin elder, and I, I'm just a squad leader. I'm the guy on the front lines that loses his life first before others arrive.

Ayane looked to me. "Very well. If the follower wishes to be under your care."

Hiroshi, surprisingly, actually very surprisingly, agree. "I think Ryokai has the appropriate leadership for the task."

"Good, she is under your care, Ryokai." Then Ayane gave me a cold stare. "But if she gets in my way, you will suffer her consequences."

Then with a flip of her long brown hair she turned and walked away.

I had a feeling I had just gotten myself into a tighter situation. Hiroshi was now under my care and the only reason I even suggested it was so that Hiroshi could travel with us. You would expect for her to say 'Thank You' or show some type of gratitude for putting myself on the line as I have done, but when I looked at Hiroshi, her and Koku where cuddled with hugs and kisses. When you think about it, we were supposed to find the Red Forest. We were supposed to find answers to so many questions which involved Ayane's transferring into Kasumi's body. But as the mission continued to progress, not only were our questions not yet answered, but even more questions began to arise.

We camped for another hour or two and for the first time I was alone. Hiroshi and Koku spent their time together and Ayane went on a stroll of her own. I offer her my company, but she insisted that she wanted to be alone. Something was going on with her that she didn't want to tell me. Rather than fighting the issue, I let her take her leave. If I know Ayane, like I have gotten to know her this past week, she will come to me when she's ready to let me know what was on her mind. As for myself, I fished. It's my favorite hobby to pass time. I didn't catch anything, nor did I care to. I only contemplated on my thoughts. It's those same thoughts I told you about earlier. You know, with the whole Kasumi vs. Ayane ordeal. I guess it's just been something that has been stuck in my mind.

Soon enough almost two hours passed when Ayane made her return and announce that she was ready to approach the Red Forest. Meditating, that's what she must've been doing all alone. But then again, she has meditated in front of us before. Anyways, I'll put that out of my mind for now. We gathered all of our necessities and began the trip to the location where Ayane's body was held.

One day and one night was all it took to finally approach the forest's borderlines. We stood outside and Ayane took the lead. She scanned to the forest and every tree in visible sight.

"See anything?" I asked her.

"No," She said. "I'm not looking for our enemies."

"What are you looking for?"

"Nothing," Then she turned to me and was smiling with her innocent and beautiful red eyes. "Just glad we're here. We can finally get this over with." She said and turned back at the forest.

Ayane wasn't scouting for enemies. She was enjoying the forest's beauty. She took in the exhilaration off the trees' green leaves and inhaled the sweet and pure forest air.

She looked back to us. "You, guys, ready?"

We nodded.

She confirmed with a nod of her own and then said, "Let's go."