"I want him my pet.  Bring him to me."
It looked questioningly at its master.
"I know he is not alone, but I have confidence in you.  If his companions follow, then my children can play with them.  Now go and do not fail me."
 

The forest fell silent after the blinding flash of light.  The animals sniffed the air and gazed curiously at the creature that now stood among them.  It stood perfectly still  and didn't make a sound.  Soon the forest came alive with sound as the animals continued on, for the creature gave off no sense of danger.  Many animals approached it for they could sense pain and sadness, yet the creature made no sound, every movement completely silent.  The wings did not even whisper as they moved.  The wind itself seemed to sigh as the creature refused the comfort nature was offering it.  The creature was heading out of the forest and to the world of humans.  Leaves rained around it as the trees wept, for all wild things knew what waits in the city, death.
 

"Ryo, she is watching you again," Kento whispered in his ear.
He turned to look and sure enough, four tables away sat a blonde with her gaze firmly fixed on him.
"You should go talk to her. She has been watching you for three days.  Every time we turn around there she is."
Ryo turned back around and stared at his cola.
"Come on man, we are not Ronins any more.  We can live normal lives and guys our age usually date.  Just look at Ro and Sage.  You do not see them sitting home on a Friday night."
Ryo glared at Kento.  "Look who's talking, I do not see you going out."
"Shows what you know" Kento replied with a smug smile.  "I have a date this weekend."
Ryo stared at him in shock.  "When did this happen?"
"In karate class," he said calmly munching on his fries.  "Heather is always talking about this rock group she likes and it turns out they have a concert in Tokyo this weekend.  So, I asked her if she would like to go."  He could not stop a pleased grin from forming.
Ryo thought he looked much too pleased with himself.
"If you want to hook somebody up, why don't you go bug Sai?"
"Already did," he said, grinning shamelessly.  "I asked him to come with me.  He is taking Heather's sister Deana with us to the concert."
"So, I am the last one, matchmaker Kento?"
"Yep. If I can find someone for me, I know I can find a girl for you."
"That's okay.  I don't need you to find me a date. I do just fine on my own."
"The only girl you ever chose was Mia and you two never really dated.  Is that it?  Are you and Mia getting back together?"
"No, we almost never see each other now that I have moved to town.  The couple times I did see her she was talking with this teacher that looks frighteningly like Anubis.  He even glared at me the same way.  It was creepy."
"Are you interested in someone else?" asked Kento.  Not letting him change the subject.
"No, but…"
"Then you have no excuse.  Go. Talk. To. Her."
"Fine. Anything to get you off my back,"said Ryo as he started to rise.
"Too late," Kento said with a sigh.  He pointed at the girl. "Looks like someone beat you to it."
Ryo turned and looked.  Sure enough another guy had approached her, trying to engage in conversation.  Ryo sat back down with a sigh of relief. Saved.
"You got lucky this time.  You will not escape so easily next time, Ryo of the Wildfire." Said Kento in his best evil villain voice.  They then began discussing other things.

 The girl blinked as something blocked her view of the one called Ryo and his friend.  In her way now stood a tall green eyed man with long blonde hair.
"You looked lonely sitting here all by yourself.  How would you like a little company?" he asked with a lopsided grin.
Silence was her only reply.
Still undaunted he continued, "Come on, a drink and some friendly conversation will make the day much more pleasant."
She was deciding how best to deal with him when she saw her prey walking away.  He had slipped from her trap.  Apparently, he was not as easily drawn like this man.  A new plan was in order.  Turning her attention back to the one who had sprung her trap, she decided he might be useful as a new plan formed in her agile mind.
The man's confidence was failing at her continued silence.  He had just made the decision to apologize and leave when she looked directly into his eyes.  He watched the eyes that had been gray deepen until they were solid black.  He felt himself being sucked into those deep depths and then he felt nothing as she took control of his mind.
Yes, a new plan was needed, she thought as she departed the café.  Followed closely by her newly acquired servant.

Disclaimer:  I do not own any rights to Ronin Warriors or any of its characters.  They are the sole property of their creators, producers, and affiliates.