The Will of Fire

27...Wounded Hearts

*Imperial Crowd Section*
Hanzo and Rashaad returned to the Imperial Crowd Section. Bodies of civilians scattered, along with Japanese soldiers and Chinese with Vietnamese soldiers were also dead in pure bloodshed. They came across Mai and Hana, who laid in pools of blood.
"My god! Mai! Hana!" Hanzo said running over to them.
Rashaad looked around for Naija, but there was no sign of her. He was relieved to see that she was not dead, but still worried of her whereabouts. Hanzo shook Mai around, begging her to wake up.
"Hanzo...Hanzo, is that you?" Mai asked.
"Shit, I thought I lost you" Hanzo said, looking down at the ground. "Who did this to you?"
"These two bitches. Taina and Sayyora. Taina is a half demon. She's ruthless...and I gave Hana the Ryōken food pill. Sayyora nearly killed her." Mai said.
"We have to take her and Hana to Kikyo and Karui." Rashaad said.
Hanzo lifted Mai from the ground and carried her, as Rashaad carried the unconscious Hana.

*Streets of Kujaku*
"That damn China boy! We almost had him!" Koshinmaru said.
"I know! I had him pinned against the tree!" Sarai said.
" My insects almost took over his body. Damn shame." Iwabe said last.
"Look on the bright side though you guys" Sarai interrupted. "We took him on! We kicked his ass! He never even touched us!"
Koshinmaru and Iwabe pounded fists.
"YOU THREE BRATS!" shouted a familiar voice.
"Oh no! Mr. Namikaze!" They shouted together.
Pakun stormed at the kids, full of anger.
"Hey, Teach! We can explain!" Koshinmaru said.
"Making Kotsu put me in a daze! Breaking out of the safe shelter! What were you three thinking!? Especially you, Sarai! You're smarter than these two boys!" He shouted.
"But, Mr. Namikaze! Koshinmaru was worried about King Tskune!" Sarai said.
"Yeah! He was getting lightning signals from him!  We couldn't let him go alone!" Iwabe said.
"Lightning signals? Forget that! You three could've seriously gotten hurt!" Pakun snapped.
"But did we?" Koshinmaru asked, sarcastically.
"Excuse me, brat!?"
"I said. But did we? Did we get hurt?" Koshinmaru asked.
Pakun bent over and looked Koshinmaru in his eyes.
"You being a smartass?" He asked him.
"I'm saying we didn't get hurt. Even up against that China boy." Koshinmaru responded, arms folded.
Pakun stood back straight and tilted his head.
"China boy? What are you talking about?" He asked.
"Ryo Lan Di. The son of Kang, the King of China. He captured Sarai. But she escaped him all on her own" said Iwabe. "Then, all three of us kicked his ass. We did pretty good too before this creepy green mist came and took him away."
"Green mist? That sounds like that sorcerer, Kuan's work. That damned king of Vietnam" Pakun said. "But, you three fought Ryo? And lived? That's incredible."
"Oh my God, look!" Sarai shouted, pointing at something.
Jin'ichi stumbled with King Tskune in his arms. Lifeless.
"King Tskune! Jin'ichi!" Pakun shouted running over.
Jin'ichi collapsed with King Tskune. Koshinmaru's eyes grew wide.
"He's dead, Pakun...He's dead." Jin'ichi said, coughing.
Koshinmaru walked up to King Tskune's lifeless body. Tears began to form in his eyes.
"Uncle..." he asked slowly. "Wake up..please.."
Sarai and Iwabe walked and stood next to Koshinmaru. Koshinmaru fell to his knees, crying tremendously over the corpse of King Tskune. Sarai and Iwabe knelt down beside him,  consoling him.
"How did this happen, Jin'ichi?" Pakun asked.
"Kang. Kuan. Kokoro... they killed him together." Jin'ichi responded.
"Bastards!" Koshinmaru shouted, running off.
"Koshinmaru, wait!" Sarai shouted, running behind him with Iwabe.
"Damn it, those kids!" Pakun shouted.

*Kujaku Ramen Shop, Outside*
Kikyo and Karui had spent an hour healing Natsu and Fukushima. Natsu and Fukushima had fallen asleep during this.
"Karui? Sweetie? You okay?" Kikyo asked.
Karui sat with her head hanging low.
"You're thinking about Tristin, aren't you?" Kikyo asked.
"I just know he's innocent mom" Karui responded. "I mean, I know I just met him and all, but I'm no fool. If he was associated with the Sîwáng, he wouldn't have protected me the way he did. His heart is pure, mom."
"You like him, don't you?" Kikyo asked, smiling a bit.
Karui nodded her head slowly.
"So much already." she responded.
"The boy is a looker" Kikyo laughed. "He's the son of two good old friends of mine. If there's any guy I'd tell you to go for, it's a Dorahatō. But tell me honey. Why do you like him so much?"
"For starters, when I met him he was crying. He almost died in his fight in he tournament. They roomed me with him. I healed his wounds, his injuries. You can't tell but, he has half of a tongue right now" Karui explained. "I like him because a man who cries, is a man who has a heart. I like him because I know he'd die for those he cares about. I like him because of the way he looked at me when I first met him...even when my hair-I mean, my wig, was messed up. I like him because of how he looked at me when you  snatched the wig off of my head. I like him because he's appreciative of others. I can tell he's just a really sweet guy. But what do I have to offer? Nothing. He at least called you beautiful earlier..."
"Karui, honey." Kikyo said lifting Karui's head up.
She looked her mother directly in the eyes.
"He called me beautiful, sure. But listen to what you just said" Kikyo said. "The way he looks at you. Sweetheart, he doesn't have to say you're beautiful. His heart was saying it for him. Actions always speak louder than words. You understand?"
Karui nodded her head as Kikyo wiped a single tear from Karui's face.
"Mom...I've been thinking" Karui said. "You know, I'm getting older. I eventually want children. But I want to be married first. But a girl's father is supposed to walk her down the aisle and give her away to her husband. How come-"
"How come your father isn't around to do that when it's time. right? That's what you were going to ask." Kikyo interrupted.
"Mom...He's been away since I was born. You've told me he's on a long quest but damn, I'm twenty years old. I'm still a virgin. I'm scared to get accidentally pregnant. I'm scared to create a life without knowing my entire background." Karui said.
Kikyo sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Squinting her eyes closed tight in stress.
"Karui. I have to be honest with you. Your father is-"
"Help us, please!" shouted a voice.
It was Hanzo and Rashaad, carrying Mai and Hana.
"Oh my god, look at them!" Kikyo yelled.
Karui rolled her eyes and inhaled deeply, letting out a long exhale.
"Mom, what were you going to say about my dad?" she asked.
"Honey, not now okay? I need you to heal the dog. I'll heal Mai. Get to it! Stat!" Kikyo demanded.
Karui sighed and rolled her eyes.
"So much for taking me serious, mom." She thought to herself as she began healing Hana.
Natsu sat up and tried to get up from the ground.
"Woah, buddy, what're you doing?" Hanzo said running over to him.
Hanzo put Natsu's arm around his shoulders for support, helping him walk.
"Hanzo. We've got to talk." Natsu said.
"What about? The Sîwáng? Trust me, they'll all pay for this shit."
"No, Hanzo" Natsu replied. "It's about Kikyo."
Hanzo stopped walking with Natsu and hesitated.
"What about her?" Hanzo asked.
"I want you to think twenty-one years ago" Natsu said. "A year before you, Mai and I saved Japan from Koga Inoichi. You and Kikyo hung tight. Like everyday."
"Yeah. We did. Never missed a day...why are you saying this?" Hanzo asked.
"Listen. Karui is twenty. I heard them talking while they thought I was sleep" Natsu said gripping Hanzo's shoulder in seriousness. "You and Kikyo were hanging serious back in the day. Karui is twenty years old. She never knew her father. And, we all know she has her mother's last name which is, Koizumi. The Koizumi women have blonde hair and blue-green eyes. Karui has crimson red hair and crimson red eyes like someone else I know."
Hanzo inhaled deeply, letting out a frustrating sigh.
"Kikyo wouldn't have a child by me and not tell me I'm the father." Hanzo said.
"Are you that foolish? It is obvious that you are Karui's father. Do the math, Hanzo." Natsu said.
Hanzo hesitated.
"Not now man, there's bigger fish to fry."
"Oh my god, no!" Kikyo screamed.
Hanzo and Natsu made their way back over to see that a female teacher from the academy was talking to Kikyo and Karui who had their mouths covered.
"Hey, Noriko. What's going on?" Hanzo asked.
"It's King Tskune..." Noriko said. "He's dead..."
The words silenced Hanzo quickly.
"What...no way...how do you know!?" Hanzo shouted.
"Pakun had taken his class to the safe shelter. Students, Koshinmaru Kōsei, Iwabe Kiseichū, and Sarai Kanmi, somehow escaped" Noriko explained. "The three ventured off into the Forest of Fatality alone. Ran into Ryo Lan Di, who they made it of the fight without a scratch. Pakun caught up to them, and Jin'ichi happened to stumble across them, badly injured and carrying King Tskune's lifeless body. It is said that Kang, Kuan and Kokoro are responsible. Kuan even resurrected late queen Orihime into the battle and perished her after it was all done.  Jin'ichi explained that Kang was on the brink of death, so they all fled back to China with all other members of the Sîwáng. It was stated by Jin'ichi that a girl by the name of Alisa was a secret member of the Sîwáng, she left with them. Also, Taka Asayama was aligned with them as well. Pakun sent me to retrieve Koshinmaru, Iwabe and Sarai while he ushers the children home individually with the help of Hiruko and Daisuke from the academy."
"Alisa!? My god...she's been the secret ally of China this entire time!  Tristin and Luisa were arrested by The Kill Squad for no reason! And the deception of Taka...this pisses me off!" Hanzo shouted angrily.
"I sent Jared with Alisa when Hawk attacked us. He should've been with her." Said Natsu.
"There has been no sign of Jared. However, a set up for a search squad to find anyone missing can be put together. Consult with Lady Teikuya to organize a search squad and notify her of the terrible news of her father." Noriko said.
"Yeah, problem is she's missing too." Karui said.
"This isn't good..." Noriko said.
"Me and Rashaad here were searching. We brought back Mai and Hana to be healed by Kikyo and Karui due to the hospital being destroyed. They possess incredible medicinal abilities with water, and their Power Energy is amazing, being able to continuously heal for extensive periods of time." said Hanzo.
"The next thing that needs to happen is finding The Kill Squad and notifying them that they're wrong for taking in Tristin and Luisa." Said Karui.
"That's hard to do not knowing where they are." Kikyo said.
"They're three american girls in military jackets and schoolgirl uniform. Teenagers. We'll be able to spot them easily if seen though." Hanzo said.
"I have to find Koshinmaru, Iwabe and Sarai" Noriko said. "Hanzo, Rashaad. You two should search for The Kill Squad immediately. Karui and Kikyo, stay and continue to heal Mai and Hana. I will gather some other teachers from the academy to search for Jared and Lady Teikuya."
"I can do it." Natsu said.
"And I can aid him." said Fukushima who just woke up and heard everything.
"You both are not 100% yet!" Kikyo shouted.
"Doesn't matter, our country is in peril. We need to do as King Tskune would." Fukushima said.
A waitress walked out of the ramen shop. It was the same waitress who had been temporarily paralyzed by Hawk.
"Go, Fukushima. I will stay here at the shop and keep things going. I'll call in Inami and Kankuro to help out. You go be a hero." she said.
"Thank you, Shikuya." Fukushima said.
"Fine, there it is then. Good luck everyone!" Noriko said, running off.
"Alright you guys, you know the plan" Hanzo said sternly. "Me and Rashaad will find The Kill Squad. Natsu and Fukushima will find Jared and Lady Teikuya."
"I do not need to be found." said a soft voice.
"LADY TEIKUYA!" Fukushima shouted, running over to help her walk.
"Oh my goodness, what happened to you, princess!? Who did this!?" Kikyo screamed.
"Kushina...Taka...they both did this" said Teikuya. "I was able to kill them though. At least I hope so. My arms are broken and my skin is slightly burned from the onslaught. But I walked as far as I could...thank the heavens you all are here. We must find my father."
Everyone looked at eachother in silence.
"What's the meaning of this waiting? Find my father, this instant!" Teikuya demanded.
"Um. Lady Teikuya?" Hanzo said. "Your father was killed..he lost his battle with Kang."
Teikuya's face went blank. She looked down at the ground and back up at Hanzo with anger.
"You're lying. You're lying, I will have you beheaded!" she shouted.
"Princess, he is telling the truth..." Kikyo said.
Teikuya looked at everyone and saw the sincerity in everyone's eyes. Tears spotted the ground beneath her. Her shoulders jerked as she began to weep.
"Lady Teikuya...I am so sorry." Fukushima said as he grabbed Teikuya close to him.
"Who's responsible?" Teikuya asked.
"According to Jin'ichi, Kang, Kuan and Kokoro are responsible. Also with the help of the resurrected late queen, Orihime." Natsu said.
"My mother?...She's resurrected? How could..."
"Kuan's sorecery magic is just that great now. I don't know where she is now though." Hanzo said.
Teikuya wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Where is his body? Where is Jin'ichi?" She asked.
"Jin'ichi was last seen badly injured with Pakun, and had your father carried in his arms" Hanzo said. "According to Noriko from the academy, Pakun was taking kids home with the help of other teachers. But, Noriko was sent to find Koshinmaru, Iwabe and Sarai because they are MIA."
"Knowing Jin'ichi, he took my father back to Hakuchō. Probably back to the palace" said Teikuya. "Koshinmaru and his friends will be found, I'm sure of it. As far as any one else, what's going on?"
"Well actually, me and Rashaad here were going to find The Kill Squad. They're these three girls from a military corps out in the states" Hanzo said. "They've arrested Tristin and Luisa thinking they were secretly associated with the Sîwáng, but it turned out to be Alisa the entire time. We have to get Tristin and Luisa free, then find Jared before they do. Only problem is, we don't know where Jared is. He was last seen with Alisa, who fled back to China with the rest of them. Jared wasn't seen with them though, so I know he's still here somewhere."
"Me and Fukushima were going to come find you and Jared actually, but now that you're here we only have Jared to find." Natsu said.
"Alright. Listen up" Teikuya said. "Hanzo and Rashaad. Your task is to retrieve Jared. Try to retrieve Rei too. It's not liker her to be missing. Natsu and Fukushima, you will escort me to Hakuchō right away. Kikyo and the other girl can stay here and heal Mai and Hana."
"Wait, Lady Teikuya. You can't go to Hakuchō. Not with two broken arms and burns that are at least second degree. Let my daughter Karui heal you, the dog is just about finished." Kikyo said.
"This is your daughter? Her eyes and hair. It's red. I know Koizumi women have blonde hair and blue eyes. Who is her father, do I know him?" Teikuya asked.
"Yeah, mom, I'd like to know." Said Karui sarcastically.
"Well. Your father..." Kikyo hesitated to say.
Hanzo's heart rate increased.
"Your father is this guy" Kikyo said pointing at Hanzo. "Hanzo Akamine is your father, Karui."
Karui turned and looked at Hanzo with her eyes wide. Hanzo could feel his heart beating out of his chest.
"Hanzo. You never knew of this?" Teikuya asked.
"How can you not tell me this entire time, Kikyo?" Hanzo asked angrily.
"You went off to be a celebrity here in Japan after saving it from Koga" Kikyo said. "You wouldn't have had focus on a kid. And I was so....Hanzo, I was so in love with you, I wanted to be your wife. But that didn't happen because we didn't even date!"
"So you take it upon yourself to take away the chance from me!? I could've been there for Karui! You involved your personal feelings, that was wrong and selfish!" Hanzo shouted.
Karui began to tremble and shake.
"Listen, I had already disgraced my family! The Koizumi women never have a child without being married. Yet, I opened my legs to you when you weren't even my man! You were too wrapped up in Mai!" Kikyo shouted.
"Shut your mouth! Here we go with this again, twenty one years later! You have always thought this of Mai and I when it wasn't true!" Hanzo shouted.
"Bullshit, Hanzo!" Kikyo shouted back. "You had relations with this...girl! You clearly chose her over me, because you and Mai dated after you all saved Japan for Koga. What was it? Oh yeah, two years, right Hanzo? So don't talk to me about personal feelings or being selfish. Because here I am, hurt! Yet, I am healing her and putting emotional and personal feelings on the back burner when all I want to do is destroy every muscle, artery and tendon in her body right now!"
"If you do that, so help you god." Hanzo said angrily.
"Oh, defending her huh? You make me sick, Hanzo. This is why I raised Karui on my own. You turned into exactly what I knew you would. A sorry excuse of a man who is too wrapped up in himself because he's a member of The Legendary Hakuchō Three. You're pathetic." Kikyo said.
"CAN YOU BOTH STOP!?" Karui shouted. "Mom...how could you?"
"Karui, I did it for you. Hanzo wouldn't have been there for you. He gained fame, riches and success. Being a father would've hindered him." Kikyo said.
"You made up lies. You lied to me about where my father was...who he was. I can't trust you." Karui said.
"Karui, you don't understand, honey. I did this to protect you from being hurt in the future." Kikyo said, attempting to hug Karui.
"Don't touch me!" Karui shouted, snatching away. "You have looked me in my face my entire life and lied to me! My red hair, my red eyes, my sarcasm, everything I've ever wondered about myself, I got it from him! And you hid that because you were ashamed that you opened your legs to a guy that could care less about you!"
Suddenly a loud smack rung everyone's ears.
"Damn it, Karui!" Kikyo said, tears forming.
Karui, red cheeked as tears streamed down her face, stood in disbelief.
"Why would you smack her!? You have lost your mind, Kikyo!" Hanzo shouted, grabbing Karui and hugging her as she cried hard.
"I have worked TOO HARD" Kikyo said. "I have worked day in and day out. I took care of that girl. Birthed her. Fed her. Nurtured her. Raised her. Sacrificed for her. Starved for her. I love Karui with ALL of me. I will not stand here at let her disrespect me! And I won't let you think you can take her from me!"
"I don't want to take her from you! But what I would've done, was be there for you guys had I known!" Hanzo said.
Karui broke free from Hanzo and ran off crying.
"You see what you've done?" Hanzo asked. "I may not have been a father before, but I will make up for it. And that starts now."
Hanzo ran off behind Karui, calling her name.
"Hanzo! We have a mission to do man! What about finding The Kill Squad!? My wife!?" Rashaad yelled.
Teikuya held her arm out in front of Rashaad as he tried to run after Hanzo.
"No disrespect. But it can wait. You let that man be a father. You let him have his moment with her. Trust me, she'll value it." She said.

*Alleyway*
"ALISA!"
Jared sat up quickly. He looked around, noticing he was in a different alley than he was before. He woke up calling Alisa's name. Everything began to replay in his head. He balled his fists together as he stood from the ground. He thought of the dream he had a while ago of Alisa saying she was sorry while fire burned all around them.
"Alisa..." He said to himself.
Jared looked up at the dark sky. He covered his eyes, sobbing loudly.
"Alisa..." he repeated over and over, shaking his head and crying.