Love is Deception

Chapter 16- Encouragement

Ryu and Shigemi went up the Statue. He knew that if she kept using up her ninpo on him, she'd grow tired. But she insisted on continuing to use the clairvoyant flames. They were useful, and Ryu liked it when something was useful.
As they made it to the stairwell, Shigemi stopped and made a ring of fire. A circle of Spider ninja fell dead. Shigemi's eyes darkened once she knew what was going on. "What is the meaning of this?"
Other ninja appeared then, their swords unsheathed, aiming them at Shigemi. "You were seen talking with Hayabusa. You're a traitor... you brought your mask down to him.... you have killed your group and your own husband for the enemy."
"Kohaku..."
"Yes your husband! Why did you..."
"He never understood true glory and true purpose and justice. You know nothing of that"
Ryu, as he was still hidden, took out his sword and stabbed the man. The other ninja charged at Shigemi, who already had her talons out. With two swift slashes, she killed the 3 others.
She wiped her talons on her pants and pointed upward. "Up the stairs. I've seen who's up there... a fiend named Alexei... he's powerful."
"So am I... are you not coming?"
"When I regain my strength. I'll slow down anything that tries to come up through here." She took out a scythe. Ryu stared at it. It was the same scythe Kaida used to kill herself.
"That is..."
"I was there during her resurrection. When they were gone, I took her scythe... cared for it. I want to give it to her, when the time is right..."
She stared at Ryu, her eyes burning with anger. "Kill them all, Ryu."
Ryu ran up the steps to the balcony of the torch. He broke a window and climbed out, heading to the top. He heard a laugh and looked up. A fiend was there towering over him.
No... there were two of them.
Rin... and the other, Alexei.