The Shadow Manipulator

Chapter 42: Shiro Rindou

Pale blue eyes, white and flowy hair, laced and white dress...where's the white dragon?! I asked myself while looking at the teenaged girl in front of me. Where did Shiro Rindou go?! 

Out of impulse, I immediately grabbed the girl's shoulder and stared straight into her eyes. "Where's Shiro Rindou?" I asked her.

Since I was slightly taller than the girl, she had to look up to be in my eye-level. She didn;t even  get shocked when I grabbed both of her shoulders like that. "You were the one who gave me that name, yet you don't recognize me, master?" She plainly responded.

Eh?!!!

"W...why is that girl calling you master?" Hana exclaimed while pointing a finger at her. "Don't tell me she's really your Familiar?!"

The girl nodded. 

Everyone took a step back yet again. If I had the chance, I would have taken a step back as well since I have no idea what's happening at the present. One moment my familiar was a white dragon, then after turning around it became a girl. But one thing was evident in her features that clearly matches Shiro Rindou's: her pale blue eyes. "So you're really Shiro Rindou." I began. "How come you look like a girl right now? Wait?! Don't tell me! Are you an illusion?!"

"No master, I'm a shapeshifter." She explained. "I am not exactly a summoned beast. Actually I'm the last survivor of our tribe beyond the sea. I went here since I heard that someone has been poaching summoned beasts. However, since you came to my aide, I am indebted to you and I will gladly be your Familiar."

"Wait, did you just say that you're a shapeshifter?" The Blue Fire confirmed. "By any chance, are you related to the Black Tiger? Or perhaps, the white wolf?"

"How do you know them?" Shiro Rindou asked, her pale blue eyes glaring. Suddenly she began to glow as she flung herself towards the Blue Fire. "And how do you know their irregular names?"

Before they knew it, Rindou shapeshifted into a snake, wrapping herself around the Blue Fire, tighter and tighter as if she was wringing her dry.

.....

A few months ago...

The tribe beyond the sea were a peaceful tribe, with no enemies whatsoever. They have been content living their lives in their land without disturbing any neighboring countries. The tribe was formed by an Irregular nicknamed the Black Tiger, and together with his wife they have made a safe haven for Irregulars during the time of the Underground's prosperity. For years they have been hiding in this land, always on guard if the enemy would make a move.

When they heard that the Shadow Manipulator has broken the Underground's morale and left it into hiding, they finally began to feel relieved and relaxed. As years passed by, the tribe prospered and became a larger country. At this time, the irregular nicknamed the White Wolf, Black Tiger's wife, gave birth to their daughter named Saya. 

Even though it was a time of peace, the Black Tiger trained his only daughter in combat. He knew that he's getting old and the only one who could protect his daughter when the time comes was herself. His wife was against the idea but he knew that the Underground has only been lying low while planning to strike again. 

And he was right.

When Saya turned fourteen, a huge ball of light was spotted in the sky. It kept getting nearer and nearer, making everyone feel anxious. Saya's father ordered a hasty preparation for war and has kept his wife and daughter hidden as far as possible from the assumed frontlines. 

Before they knew it, war broke out.

Powerful Irregulars, much powerful than Black Tiger himself, raided the tribe as if  they were just a group of civilians. It was all a one-sided battle and the tribe has been annihilated completely. The once peaceful village became a place for a climactic war and no one was able to stop it.  Hundreds died and only a handful were able to escape. Saya herself was only able to escape due to the fact that the White Wolf fought to buy some time for her only daughter. The enemy was ruthless and powerful. No one knew who they were or where they came from but they were probably connected to the Underground.