Blue Equinox I

Continued from....Engagement

The Demon delegation has arrived at the UR tournament. Gen. Hiroto leads this delegation which includes his sons Erisu and Edosu. Gen. Hiroto immediately goes to the main conference building to meet UR President Tokimowa, Zando Yokomoto, and Royal Dragon. As he enters he is greeted by the group. Hiroto has known Zando from his days in the CM. President Tokimowa is angered at the news that Zuki Wu has been stabbed by Yamada. Royal Dragon has issued a request for a apology from the CM for this. Zando in turn asks the Kogasuma to apologies for assaulting Gina Nackiomi. Royal Dragon is shocked at this news, "I never knew Gina was hurt. Did Zuki do this?" Zando says, "It is to my understanding young man that Zuki Wu ordered her beaten. Your own brother Jamesu rescued her after she was viscously kicked and punched. She is now being sent home." Royal Dragon thinks to himself with great disbelief, he can't understand why Zuki ordered her attack and why his brother didn't mention this to him. An aide to Royal Dragon informs Zando, Tokimowa, and Hiroto that Zuki had to have emergency surgery after being pulled from the river and had a broken foot, one collapsed lung, severe internal bleeding, and a dislocated shoulder. Zando says, "I will sent Yamada home if that would please everyone?" Royal Dragon says, "That may be a good idea, but if Zuki was behind this attack then he will have to answer for it in the emperors court." For an hour the four men would discuss the events on the region and have lunch together.

As the meeting is going on Erisu and Edosu run into Yamada, Pee Wee, and Yakenzo. Yamada shouts, "I see (Demon) Keyoto wasn't able to attend this meeting, is it his fear or his injuries?" Erisu says in a stern voice, "Or master is just fine. He would never have any fear of you." Yakenzo shouts, "Then why did he send the only known survivors. Is you daddy trying to save your skins?" Edosu yells, "It seems you don't know the facts, we are here to demonstrate or skills. If you want to see our skills, I invite you to a contest of your choosing." Yakenzo says, "Sure thing, I'm eager to see your skills." Yamada says, "We'll see you two tonight at the first round of Ukita's sword fighting contest. I hope you, "looking at Erisu", use have a better weapon that that sorry excuse of a sword." Erisu laughs and says, "You will see why they call me the 'Jagged Master'" Yamada laughs and says, "Who calls you that, your daddy, your brother, Demon Keyoto? Go home and save yourself any embarrassment." Erisu simmers and walks way with Edosu.

Later that day Royal Dragon meets Juki Wu and they decide to watch the sword fighting contest together. Juki sees Gen. Hiroto and she runs to him and gives him a hug. Juki says, "It's so good to see you master Hiroto. I have missed all of you so much." Hiroto says, "I am so sorry about Yellow Demon. He died saving our clan, he wanted you to have this." Hiroto hand Juki YD's ring, Juki falls to her feet and says, "My God I miss him. I can't believe it's been two months since we last saw each other. I can't believe he's dead. He said he wanted to be buried in his village. Do you think Keyoto can arrange that?" Hiroto says, "I really don't want to talk about that. Yellow Demon was a good friend of mine for many years. The horrors of the battle ad his death are very deep. I am shocked, frankly, that you were engaged just after getting the news of his death." Juki says, "Juno Kamihoto has helped me through the difficulties of YD's death and the illness of my father. My brother arranged the marriage behind my back only a week after YD's death. I had little choice. I'm just relieved it was to Juno. I do want to rejoin the Demons but now I don't know if I can. I hope, maybe the Kogasuma would allow me to visit the island and Keyoto. How is Keyoto?" Hiroto says, "He's fine. We have a lot to do to rebuild the island. We took heavy losses. I think you should reconsider your marriage too. I have nothing against Juno Kamihoto but we know you and a life as a court girl would not fit you well." Juki says, "Then you may not know me as well as you may think." Juki storms back to Juno.

Juno soon spots his brother Jamesu walking near the event stadium. Juno leaves Juki and runs to him. Juno yells, "Brother, brother!" Jamesu turns and greets Juno. Juno says, "I was informed this morning that you rescued Gina Nackiomi on the rivers edge after being attacked from Zuki Wu." Jamesu says quietly, "Yes, I helped her from her binds and brought her back to her hotel." Juno says, "Why didn't you tell me?" Jamesu says, "It was nothing special. Zuki Wu is causing trouble and ordered a girl beaten. I heard he got stabbed and is badly injured. I know Yamada did it but I'm actually glad someone did something. He does this sort of thing all the time. Just ask our sister. Zuki has no place in the royal house. Your impending marriage to Juki Wu will cause only more trouble. I wish you could back out on that." Juno says, "I can't, Juki is the best possible maiden that could be had. I know Zuki is corrupt but he has our empire in his heart." Jamesu yells, "Nonsense, he has Zuki in his heart only. I just don't want you to make a bad decision with Juki. Her Demon Ninja ties are a major problem. Many within the Kogasuma are very upset by her presence anyway." Juno says, "Who?" Jamesu says, "Do you think Dark O Fu is happy, Gen. Fuji, even your sister has reservations." Juno says, "Meiko will have no choice but to accept this. She pushed that crazy girl on me last year so her track record isn't all that good." Jamesu says, "Just don't rush it brother. When you get married, it will be for life, so says the emperor." Jamesu walks off.

Zando Yokomoto meets with Yamada and scolds him for the assault on Zuki Wu. Yamada leaves the hotel and sees Valerie Fox , Tang Fu Li, and Blood Moon. Yamada yells, "I'm glad you three have arrived, the Kogasuma delegation beat Gina and no one had the balls to retaliate, especially Yamashidi!" Tang says, "What are you talking about? We did hear that Gina was beaten and was sent back to the base. We heard she had a few bruised ribs and some sore muscles, nothing more than that." Yamada barks, "I guess that's okay in your book, to let even Gina get beaten?" Tang replies, "Why are you so defensive about Gina all of a sudden?" Yamada yells, "Because nothing would have been done without my actions. I knifed that weasel and tossed him into the river. Old Zando yells at me but I'm still here." Tang and Blood Moon walk away but Yamada asks Valerie to stay back, he asks, "Didn't Melinda or JC come with you?" Valerie says, "No, you know them, they hate being around a lot of people." Yamada says, "Just be on the lookout, Kogasuma and Demon agents are at work." Valerie says, "I'll keep my eyes peeled, thanks!"

Many of the guest watch the first round of the sword fighting contest and watch as Yakenzo is beaten by Erisu. Many newcomers are seen and make impressive results. As the event ends Juki is informed that Valerie Fox is with the CM delegation. Juki tells Juno she needs to see Valerie at once. Juki leaps to her feet and runs from the Kogasuma viewing stands. Juno is shocked and runs after her. Juki spots Valerie near a glass sculpture merchant fifteen minutes later. Juno stops Juki and asks, "What is you troubles with the Blue Arrow?" Juki shouts, "She captured me when I went to kill Yamada. She could have helped me escape but she chose to leave me in the laboratory with Dr. Jang. I have vowed to kill her if I ever saw her again. Keyoto too wants her sister dead too for tearing his arm. You will see the full Demon released within me soon honey." Juno is greatly puzzled as Juki runs at full speed toward Valerie. Juno takes off after Juki, he hears her pant with a inner rage as she runs. Valerie sees Juki running at full speed toward her and braces for the impact. Juki collides with Valerie, sending her to the ground with force. Only a few people see this and they run as Juki roars with rage. Juno is astonished Juki's rage and the speed at which she ran. Juki roars to Valerie, "I'm here to avenge my captivity you inflicted onto me. The horrors I had to endure will be only a footnote to the horrors you will see as I destroy you." Juno tries to calm Juki but she knocks his hands away as she becomes possessed with anger as her "Demon" is showing itself. Valerie crawls to her knees and shakes her head to get her bearings. Juki yells, "I am a Demon now, you will face the full wrath of my power!" Valerie stands and says, "You're craze. Be on your way and let me pass." Juki says, "Keyoto has a place for your sister's head and I will place yours next to that!" Valerie becomes angry and says, "If you want to fight me, it will be a fight you will never forget. You now have my curiosity with all this 'Inner Demon' bravado. Choose what style you wish to fight in." Juki growls, "Anything is fine with me. Just make sure you have informed your next of kin." Juno says, "Ladies, can't we discuss this like adults?" Valerie says, "I didn't make the challenge but I'll accept it gladly. Be forewarned Juno Kamihoto, this fight will not be pretty." Juki face is contorted with rage as she roars with anger as Valerie walks away. Valerie says, "Meet me at the pit near the old gallows, at midnight." As Valerie exits, Juno pleads to Juki, "I hope you know what you are up against. Please forget the past, you are my wife-to-be. I can't have my wife getting into fights." Juki hisses, "Just remember your wife-to-be is a powerful Demon who can defend herself. I spend many months training in Keyoto's camps. I became very strong and my skills are top notch. You will be impressed."

 

by Jesse Nightingale ©2005