Dark Waters

Chapter Thirty: Truce

Chapter Thirty: Truce

"What in the name of clan do you think you're doing?!"

Silence.

"How could you possibly think I wouldn't notice this?"

No response.

"Leopard?!"

Leopard flinched at Kara's angry voice. "What do you want me to do?" He began. "This goddamned gang war is killing our own ninjas!"

Kara narrowed her eyes. "So, you are actually working with the Mizu Clan?" She demanded. "Have you actually forgotten that they are our sworn enemy? Have you forgotten that they and their damned allies are the reason why the Grandmaster is hurt?!"

Leopard paled at the accusation. "What? I... no!"

"Are you betraying our father again?" Kara knew it was a low blow but still she had to say it.

Leopard blinked. "No! I'd never do that! Sister!" He protested.

Kara raised up a hand and Leopard fell silent. "Then explain it to me why you are hanging around with our clan enemies."

"I don't know." Leopard admitted. "I just don't think them as much of a threat. But you must understand, Kara, I will not betray our clan, nor our Master. I won't."

Kara's expression softened. "Do you... trust them?"

Leopard blinked for a few seconds. "Yes." He whispered. "Yes, I do, Sister."

***

Rainier raised his head, as the female ninja stepped into view, followed by a pensive-looking Leo.    

"Elites, untie them."

Rainier, his brothers, Kenny and the two Elites all started in surprise upon hearing the female ninja.

"But Mistress?" One of the Elites began but was immediately cut off by Leopard's cold voice.

"My sister gave you an order, ninja."

The two Elites gave each other a worried look before quickly untying the prisoners.

Kara Kuraihi remained silent and waited for Rainier Mizu and his brothers to get up before speaking up. "I am Kara Kuraihi. I am also known as the Black Mistress of the Dark Flame Ninja Clan and I represent the Japanese faction of our clan. Clan Protocol had intended for the clan to just wait and let those warring group in the city to destroy each other but it seems that my little brother has a problem complying with that." She glanced at Leopard, who looked away. "It seems that the fighting itself is causing too much collateral damage to the City and is claiming too much of our ninjas' lives in the process and so Leopard called for my help in cleaning up this mess." She paused and eyed Rainier and the others. "Now I am not entirely sure about the likes of you but my brother has assured me that you are all honorable and trustworthy. As Black Mistress of the Dark Flame Clan, I am presenting you an offer, Rainier Mizu of the Mizu Clan. Help us restore order in the city, and I will make sure that there will be no retaliations against you and your brothers for attacking the Grandmaster."

The two Elites seemed surprised by this. "But Mistress, they had..." One of the Elite guards stepped forward.

Kara cut him off, with a wave of her hand. "Silence! The Black Mistress has spoken. Do you dare question me, ninja?" She faced the Elites, her cold voice warning the two with the consequences of the action otherwise.

The Elites shuddered at the thought. The one who stepped forward immediately shook his head and stepped back. "No Mistress, we obey your command." He whispered fearfully.