the swordsmiths apprentice { all welcome to join anytime}

[GamerKale]

((Soul of Purity and Light...I think I might just take this one out. If you're wondering, this one will likely cause Sei to talk a lot. He feels more inclined to shed light on things. Also, I do not have, nor do I know how to use, actual tarot cards, so anything involving those will be specifically chosen not randomly drawn.))

As they arrived at cafe Blackbird the young woman behind the counter the gave Sei a hug and they kissed each other on either cheek. "Sei, how've you been? And who's your little friend? Cousin?" "I'm good Sam, I have the next few days off. And no, she's just someone I met today. She's got an interest in cards." "You still carry those?" "Of course, gramps gave them to me." "I meant the children's cards." "Oh, what? Am I not allowed to have fun?" Sam just shook her head. "So, what'll it be? The usual for you?" "Please. Have you and Beaux set a date yet?" "Don't worry, we'll let you know when we do." "Alright, Order whatever you like Idatara."

After getting the orders Sam ducked into the back room to fix them and Sei pulled out some paper and began sketching quickly. "So back to your questions. You wanted to know what I thought he might know. I'm not sure, let's see what the cards have to say. I'll use real ones this time." Sei pulled out an old battered box of tarot cards, shuffled them, and pulled one of the top. The Hermit. "He certainly keeps secrets." The High Priestess. "And he knows a lot of secrets too." The Fool. "Yet he's still in the dark about some things." The Strength. "He's strong and could be either a powerful ally or enemy." The Death. "He'll help bring about change. And I'm sorry, but I have a policy of if I draw Death that's usually the last card. And I can't really say as to just how accurate this is, I haven't practiced in a long time. But these are gramps's cards so they should be fairly accurate."

Sam arrives with their order around this time. Sei got a tea and some bird shaped sugar cookies. Sei gave Sam the money Rai had handed him earlier that day. Where did that money come from again? Oh right, rainbow.

"Now, this is entirely theory on my part but did you notice the news earlier? There was a teenager running from the scene of those buildings falling down, like this." He pushed one of his finished works forward, it looked almost exactly like the image on the tv screen. "And this is what he looks like from behind when he's swinging around a wooden sword." He pushed forward another sketch. "Now these are just drawings so my eyes may be playing tricks on me, but they are at least of similar builds. And if somebody's wielding a blade and able to do that much damage to buildings then it must be a fine one. And BB thinks that the blades at the shop are some of the finest."

Sei pushed one more sketch forward. "And don't tell me that this isn't a cute face. Admittedly that's not really something you should concern yourself with for a few years. Just be confident in yourself. And as a side note, do you think your parents would mind if I used your likeness for some ads? I'm an artist for an ad agency you see, and I was actually supposed to be looking for inspiration today."

"And another question, how did you do that disappearing reappearing trick? I can do something similar, as you saw, but its a lot more random of a phenomenon for me."

[Jxcrust]

*Rai sighed as the others left the shop, for he had nowhere to go at all other than his cold barren shelter at Tokyo Tower. The Cloud Ninja covered the Thunder Seal that had been on his forehead since birth with his ninja headband, in the alley across form dragon blades he found some unique rectangle framed black sunglasses, and then walked to his bike and stared at it*

"I don't need this bike anymore... I'm a ninja for Tao sake..."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

With that Rai got on his bike and road out to the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) in the Black Market District of New Tokyo. When he walked through the streets and main hangouts of the Yakuza, they tried to attack him until they saw his cloud ninja headband and backed off quickly and bowed he turned and said

"Take me to your master... I don't have time for this..." (Rai)

"Rrraight awwwwaay!" (Yakuza Grunt)

*The nervous grunt took him to Killer H, the current leader of the Japanese Mafia, the former leader of Hachibi dojo, master to his master, father to his master, left the dojo to persue his own passions of crime and excess, but still just a Rouge Ninja to Rai. Rai walked up to him throwing the Wooden Earth sword on the table of food infront of Killer H. Killer gave him a discusting look and then smiled and spoke in a sly sarcastic voice*

"Well Rai, It seems you and I are the only ones left of the Lightning Tribe?" (Killer H)

"Shut the hell up... I don't have time for this... You know this is the Wooden Earth Sword of Sealing... I had to find out from Dragon Blades... I need to find the other one to unseal the dojo... I know you've seen the news... I know you know what is going on with all the ninja tribes..." (Rai)

"You need not worry young one... I will tell you everything but first let's get you taken care of... I know you have no home or money right now... But I would like that motorcycle you prize so much for all my help and information" (Killer H)

*Rai tosses the key of the bike in Killer's soup* "Take it... But I expect all my questions satisfied.... A bit of an identity change... And 100,000 Yin" (Rai)

"Fine, But you will be asked for favors from me in the future." (Killer H)

*The mafia leader snaps his fingers and the keys are taken out of the soup and 100,000 Yin is put in front of him. Rai takes the money as two beautiful Yakuza girls in gold kimonos take him in the back. Rai drools at their beauty as they wash and die his hair a color doesn't yet know. The ninja's headband is taken away from him and him and he tries to get up and take them back. But one of the golden-clad girls pushes him back in the chair with her breasts. Rai takes a drool but calms himself and sits back in the chair. He can't make anymore odd weather patterns, even happy ones anymore, at least until his identity is changed.*

*Rai looks around he sees his prized blue fender strat gone and he frowns a bit. He knows it must be part of what is going on and calms himself as he looks around. Everything was gold, black, white, and red. Same as at the dojo it had been the colors of the Cloud Ninja. However Killer H had real gold and Master Hachibi used brass. When Rai was finally shown the color of his new hair it was indeed*

*Rai walks back into Killer H with the two girls on each arm while smiling. He sits back down, the girls leave him, and Killer H start talking.*

"You look well! Gold is your color! Much better than blue! Oh and now for the information* (Killer H)

*Rai nods*

"As you know the Wood/Earth alliance is back, but it is a good thing, and I will explain. The Wood Ninja and Earth Ninja have been war villages ever since the end of the middle ages trying to regain power, that the Fire, Water, Lightning, and Wind ninja gave up in pursuit of peace in solitude. The Wood/Earth alliance have now joined not only there forces but there lands. Calling their land now, The Land of Terra, they have been trying to destroy the other four ninja lands to expand the Land of Land of Terra. The other four Ninja lands have also united their lands into The Land of Force to unite each other once again and exile the Wood and Earth Ninja from Japan. Neither side cares about World Domination, only about uniting Japan and exile or destroy the other side. The two sides just have different ways of knowing. Before the Cloud Ninja were told of this, all of them but you and I were sealed underground with the Swords of Sealing. The Sword you brought me, The Wooden Earth Sword made by the Wood Ninja, and the Earthly Wood Sword, made by the Earth Ninja, is one you have yet to find and still probably in the findings of the one who used it. Leave the Wooden Earth Sword with me and I will find it's twin, also I will arrange a meeting with the Force Ninja leaders after the Hachibi Dojo is unsealed and Master Hachibi... My dear son... Can represent our clan*

*Rai nods again, not knowing what to say still taking it in* (Rai)

*KH grins and snaps his fingers Rai Cloud Ninja head band is returned with the original Cloud insignia intact, but now with a red cloth instead of black. The red cloth had gold leaf edges and was inchanted with chakra. One of the golden kimono girls puts the band on his head and he smiles. KH also smiles* (KH)

"This my now silent friend when wrapped around your Thunder Seal will hold back your power and stop your infamous color and weather changes all over the news... Simply take it off your forehead and bring it down to your neck like you do to resume your normal powers!" (KH)

*Rai touches the head band and nods* (Rai)

"The golden hair is not only a cover up. It is not going to go away. Your hair now actually died with liquid lightning gold leaf. It will increase your control over your powers when using them. It will however flash to it's emotional colors when lightning attacks are used with or without the headband* (KH)

*Rai runs his fingers through his now golden spikes and nods* (Rai)

*Hachibi snaps his fingers and nods with a smile. The second golden kimono girl comes out with a different guitar case from his own and opens the case. The black case with it's red plush is containing a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul.* (KH)

*Rai's jaw drops and he drolls almost as much as he did when he was being played around by the kimono girls* (Rai)

"In a young man's mind it's a simple world. There's a little room for music, and the rest is girls! Ha! So this is a gift, you can't stay here, but this is what i can give you. I will not hire my son's prized Gennin either, once you pay back the 100,000 Yin you owe me through tasks and favors I may ask from you. I will send a message to you when that time comes." (KH)

*Rai nods and bows in thanks as he takes his new guitar case and straps it to his back. The Cloud Ninja now free of his motorcycle flash steps via rooftops back to Dragon Blades and jumps back in front of the store front* (Rai)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"I can never say that much in that place... He makes me sick.... But at least I got the info I needed... And a lot of nice prizes..." Rai says with a grin as turns and spots the young Oracle in the tree nearby. He does a flash step to jump to the tree branch above hers and says with his jaded way, "Hey I never got your name... I think I already said I'm Rai... It's kinda rude to not introduce yourself... Ah... Whatever" Rai said took out his guitar and started strumming. No colors were produced no amplified affects from his vocal chords just a normal unplugged guitar. It was simple and he was happy, he looked fairly like a regular jPunk, playing a great guitar, enough money to live for a while, and in a tree with a cute girl that he was trying hard not to drool around and play it cool like a jerk. He had heard somewhere that girls liked jerks.

[kai the pkk]

Kakeru: { opens the window and sees the 2 in a tree}.......... { grins evily}

{ 5 minutes later the store rai and Yuko are cleaning the inside of his shop}

Kakeru: { sitting at the counter} if you 2 have a leisurely stay in a tree thats on my property then you 2 can work { he starts cleaning also} but it doesnt mean I can't help { he sees them stop for a minute} HEY GET BACK TO WORK! { after the shop is clean} allright good job { he sharpens the edge of blades that have dulled} okay perfect

[Tuna]

After ordering a cup of hot chocolate, Idatara looked over the picture on the table. " If you ask me, the person looks very familar.If by the shop, you mean that sword shop from earlier, then I would say the sword looks familiar as well. The other blades are ok, but I'm just not very interested in them." Idatara took a sip of her drink before continuing.

Idatara looked away after she saw the next picture. "Thanks, but I don't think my parents would really care, since I don't know where they are. I live with my older brother, and I don't think he'll be happy if I asked him. I would agree, but he would scold me for it later." She scowled a bit before taking another sip. "As for my form change, it happens when I use this dagger. I found it in this stuffed animal that I've had with me since I was a a baby. My brother said that my mom gave it to me when I was little."

Looking at her watch, she handed money to Sei and stood up. "I'm sorry, I have to go for now but I'll be at Kakeru's shop tomorrow. I need to apoligize to him, and return his pen." She blushed a bit, then waved goodbye and left.

[Helbaworshipper]

Eyes opened without an expression or voice. "Good evening, Kanon." Nodding like usual, getting up without hesitation. "I'll need something important from you tonight." Nodding again, form becoming two. Aella merely smiled, sheathing the swords without hesitation. "Time for some fun."

[kai the pkk]

Kakeru: { he streches} allright { he looks in a barrel of swords} wow this is full of junk { he takes the swords in the back and polishes them up and then fixes them up to look good as new and then puts them back and he clicks the open sign and it says closed for the day} allright all done man I need sleep

[GamerKale]

((Shadow Spell))
"Alright, Ida-chan, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Looks like you'll be doing good tonight, Sam. Tell Beaux I said hi. The two of you should drop in some time." "Thanks Sei, we will. And remember, don't be a stranger. The nest is always open."

On his way back to his apartment several men surrounded Sei, the leader pulled out a large knife. "Ready to have some fun, girl?" "I'm a guy." "What?" "I'm a guy, not a girl. I mean seriously, how do you people make this mistake all the time?" "Eh, uh, well don't blame us because of the way you dress. Now give us all your valuables." "Whatever, here's my wallet." Sei tossed his wallet to the ground at the man's feet. "Can I go now?" "Just one last thing." The man reached out for Sei's cross and as the man's finger's touched it he found his body bound by chains. "Gha-ah, what?" "I gave you my money, but you had to go and try to take my cross. I won't forgive you. As there are six of you I'll use three." Sei activated the next three cards in his deck without moving, in that instant two men dropped to the ground, blue claws of fire clutching their hearts out in front of their chests. The winds picked up three others and threw them. One fell onto a fire hydrant, another hit a brick wall, and the last got skewered on a sign. Sei picked the last man up, the leader, and threw him into the closest wall. "Opticlops it seems." Sei picked the man back up and began pummeling him until he stopped breathing. The man who had been thrown by the winds before had gotten back up and started running. "No, nobody escapes my shadow spell." The chains binding the corpse of the leader appeared on the runner and crushed the life out of him.

Sei finished his walk home in relative peace, however he realized he had forgotten his wallet and keys back at the alley. Fortunately his roommate was still up and let him in. He turned on his computer and worked until he fell asleep.

[Jxcrust]

Rai was cleaning the shop like the swordsmith ordered and after he was satisfied with his work he asked, "Hey Swordsmith... Do you have a place I can stay? I have some money but I kinda need to save it... I can give you a bit and earn my keep around here? I don't have anywhere to go... Sorry to be a burden..."

[Tuna]

After going home and sleeping for an hour or so, Idatara woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. Sighing, she checked the time and groaned when it read :4:30am. Getting out of bed, she left her room to get something to drink from the kitchen. When she walked past her brother's room, she paused as she heard the sound of his voice.

"Everything's fine here. Idatara is still adjusting to the move, but she seems to like it." Her brother, Neru, said into the phone. "If anything happens, I'll tell you. Listen, I'll call you later today, so don't worry too much." He said a quick goodbye on the phone and hung up.

Idatara moved away from the door and walked towards the kitchen. Who would he be talking to this early in the morning? It sounded like whoever was on the phone was concerened about me.. Putting on her shoes, she grabbed a coat and decided to go for a walk. Taking the pen she stole out of her pocket she wrote a small not for her brother. {Went out for a walk, be back soon-Idatara} After setting it down on the table she left, locking the door behind her.

She shivered as she walked down the stairs, ignoring the fact that it was too cold to be walking. Turning the corner, she heard a loud scream and jumped a someone almost ran into her. A lady ran by her, screaming and nearly tripped as she continued to run. What's wrong with her, is something chasing her? She got her answer, when a something hit her hard across the face. She fell down and hit the pavement hard, when the dark figure that attacked her moved again. She went to grab her dagger but gasped when she realized she forgot her bear. The figure hit her hard again as she was knocked down again. Pulling out the onlything in her pocket, which was a pen, she slashed at the figure, trying to beat it back. Out of all the days to decide to go for a walk in the morning, I had to pick this one!

[kai the pkk]

Kakeru: yeah you 2 follow { he walks out of the shop and into the forest down a path and after awhile they arrive at a big house like it's huge} welcome this is my house take any of the open rooms { he opens the door and walks inside and he puts the lights on and he goes to his room and then he senses something} CRAAPPP!!!! I WANT SLEEP! { he runs to where idatara is with his hood ip and he tackles trhe figure causing it to run away and then he runs off so fast that hes gone before idtara can react and he arrives back at the house 5 min later and he runs up to bed} FINNNALLY { he throws his pajamas on and he jumps into his bed and he passes out immediatly}

[Helbaworshipper]

Three people lay dead in front of the store. Two were swordsman, capable of fighting on par with even the sages. Far away by that time was Aella, a sleeping Kanon in his arms. "We did well today, Kanon. Soon we'll get the path to make you whole again. A sword worth fighting with without limits."

[GamerKale]

((Magic Jammer, so much for uninterrupted sleep.))

Sei woke in a cold sweat, something felt wrong. He flipped on the light and grabbed his tarot deck from the pocket of the pants he wore yesterday. A card fell to the ground out of the pocket, The Devil. "I guess that explains last night." He quickly shuffled the cards and did a reading. Someone's in trouble, someone I know, but they're new. But where?" Trust in luck, I'll do four. He pulled only his pants back on back on and pocketed the tarot cards. He might need them and he didn't have much time.

He pulled the first four cards off the top of his deck to find. Magic Jammer, Beckoning Light, Heavy Storm, and Opticlops. Tch, first one's useless. He used Magic Jammer on one of his lightbulbs to minimize the damage. Beckoning Light he asked to find whoever was in trouble and guide him and it seemed to work. He jumped out his window and carried himself with the winds of Heavy Storm, and used Opticlops to enhance his own body's strength and endurance, allowing him to run much faster. As he arrives he sees Idatara, surrounded by Beckoning Light's aura, on the ground and a figure running off. "No, no escape for you." He pulled the top card off his deck to find Pot of Greed and he smiled almost as much as the pot did. It appeared around the man who was trying to run off.

Sei first put a hand on Idatara to reassure her, and spoke in a wrathful voice. "Don't worry, I'll get him. I'm still feeling some of the devil inside me." Sei pulled off the next two cards. La Jinn and Soul Reversal. He used the former to wish the man trapped in a lamp. Which then appeared in Sei's hands, and the latter to undo any damage that Idatara had suffered. However, he himself nearly collapsed from using so many cards so quickly. He slumped on the ground next to Idatara, resting his bare back on the cold brick behind him. "Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?" The wrath from before was now replaced only with concern, and mild exhaustion.

[Jxcrust]

Rai followed the Swordsmith into the woods and at the house he picked an empty room and had his new guitar in cased and in hand. The ninja was disturbed a bit of how the young clerk left and returned within five minutes saying nothing about what happened.

Rai sat down the guitar case and got his ninja gear ready. With his golden spikes sparking he jumped out the window of his room and flash steeped through the trees and once he got to the city through the rooftops. He was following the trail the Swordsmith had left out of pure curiosity of where he had been, out of worry he brought his ninja gear, now that he didn't have his sword.

Rai sees Sei and the young girl that was without her bear this time and Sei on the ground. The elemental notices that there was an altercation her and does a flash step and appears before Sei. He uses some ninja hand signs and says, "Ninja Art! Lightning Style! Healing Static Tens!" The gold spikes on his head produce sparks that run down his body to his hands as he puts his hands on Sei's chest. "Ah that may have hurt but you start should feeling normal... Well normal for you anyway..." He looks at the young girl that had the bear, "Hey... Are you okay... I never caught your name?"

[grave robbing adept rogue]

Asder rudely awakened from sleeping in the alley is cornered by thugs one with an iron pipe the other with a gun The thug with the pipe walks towards Asder "Give us your money street rat." Asder stands up "You think a simple street rat would have money?" Asder glares coldly at the man with the pipe "Even if i had some money i wouldn't give it to you thugs." the man with a pipe looks into Asder's eyes, the man's legs tremble with fear "SHOOT EM' THIS GUY IS TRICKY I CANT TELL FROM HIS EYES! HE HAS DEVIL EYES!" "Devil eyes? I've been called many things but i haven't heard anything like that." the other thug with the gun shoots at Asder, Asder disappears where'd he go?" both men are baffled by the trick "Is noise all that your gun has to offer?" Asder appears behind the man with the pipe holding murumasa to the back of his head in the form of the other man's gun "Now, i'll be taking your wallets." Asder takes the other thugs gun and wallet and sends both off with a warning "Next time just ask nicely for some cash." Asder unable to sleep strolls through the town

[kai the pkk]

Kakeru: ZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! { his alarm goes off and he wacks it and it shuts it self off} damn 5 in the morning { he gets changed and throws a different sweat shirt on and his pants on and he walks down the stairs to be quiet just incase yuko and rai are sleeping and he then throws his sneakers on and he grabs his katana and walks out the door with his hood up} DAMN! its freezing! { he starts walking but he starts running}........................... { he starts walking and looking around} damn time for work { he starts delivering papers} * I hate this its freezing swhy do i have to get the morning route* { he finishes} allright done thank god { he sees the 3 gathered and he just walks the other direction} weirdos

[KiteXX]

((quick qustion can i join?))

[shugo_lover]

"zzzZZZZ"
Falls out of the tree again.
"Oh my head" rubbing the back of her head she notices some one sneek out of the shop and run off.
"Was that...?"

[GamerKale]

((Sangan, a dark little fiend.))

Sei cringed, "I was just t-t-t-tired, but thankssssss." Sei's entire body was jittering. "And what's that about, "n-n-n-normal for me"? Honestly-ly-ly-ly, you've just met me, goldiel-l-l-locks." Sei stood up, his entire body shaking. "I'm p-p-p-perfectly normal." Sei looked at Rai and blinked. "Rainbow?" Sei shook his head, and picked up Idatara. "C-c-c-come on, let's get her off the s-s-s-street. We can crash at m-m-m-my place."

Sei was relieved to find his door was still unlocked and set Idatara down on his bed. "H-here, it was my f-favorite." He places a Blue Chinese dragon plushie next to Idatara and tucked her in. "Try to get some rest, the shock will wear off soon enough. I'll bring you some hot chocolate in a bit, k-kay?"

After shutting the door Sei gestured for Rai to sit on the couch while he prepared some tea, bitter tea. "So, you keep running into me. Are you planning on killing me, cute little Kakeru, or my dear Ita-chan?" Unlike five minutes ago, and much unlike how he was the day before, Sei's eyes had narrowed and his voice had an edge to it, both wary and untrusting. "If so I warn you, I can guarantee that I will not go down alone." he said and it wasn't the idle threat of someone who's putting up a lot of bravado strictly out of fear it was absolute certainty.

Sei set a cup of tea down in front of Rai nonetoogently and pulled the top card off his deck. "A dark fiend, this does not bode well for your case, but don't worry the tea's just fine. I'm not a coward who would make an attempt on somebody's life unprovoked after I've invited them into my home. So long as you remain an honest guest I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and healthy." Sei began making hot chocolate.

"Talk, what's with the hair? It looks terrible. And what were you doing there earlier? Both at the street just now, and why were you really at Kakeru's shop?" Sei set the lamp containing the person who attacked Idatara in one of his cupboards while rummaging for marshmallows.

[Jxcrust]

Rai nodded and followed them to Sei's house and sat down with Sei to drink tea that Sei had made, "Ha you got it all wrong... I'm not following you all... I'm kind of working for Kakeru and staying there for now... I was just seeing where he went in a hurry tonight... When he got back... I followed his trail and I thought you were passed out... So I used a healing jutsu on you... Ninja that are moraly straight... Don't kill unless it is a mission... Since I have no leader to give mission's right now... I'm not killing... Only looking for the truth, helping people I feel need it, and whatnot... Your cards might be off Sei... I'm not a dark fiend by any means... I work mostly with light and I'm noble... The hair really wasn't my choice... But it is growing on me... Oh that was a bad pun... Ha! Ha!", Rai said to Sei taking many sips of tea during his pauses.

[kai the pkk]

Kakeru: { he throws paper at seis house and it hits the door hard} ohhh crap I'm out of here { he runs off and then he stops} crap { he draws his katana and he then throws his bag off and he looks around as Ninjas surround him} so you wat do you guys want now

Ninja: hey we figured we get rid of you know you wont be able to interfere with our masters plans

Kakeru: look buddy I dont even know who you are or what your talking about

Ninjas: { draw strange looking katana}

Kakeru: { he gets ready}

Ninja: I'll go ahead and tell you then our master wishes to Restore Eternia to it's former glory but to do that he needs the 7 muramasa demon blades...................the holy blaade known as Excalibur

Kakeru: wh-what the hell those tings are just a myth theres no such thing as demon blades and excalibur

Ninja: you think so heh fine then go and die

all kakeru and ninjas: { rushes at each other} AHHHH