When Shadows Rise

  Chapter Eleven

  In the Land of the Pig, the Butcher is King

  Back in the shadow filled halls two heads snapped up as they heard a mental scream of agony. Minerva turned to Time with a gasp. “That was Unicorn. She is being tortured.” She started to dash down the hall, only to be stopped by a large hand on her arm.

  “You can’t reach her that way, Iriko. She was taken to Aki-sama’s special suite. It is back this way.” He pointed behind them.

  Time was busy trying to touch her powers. One minute she was locked in space and then next she could pause time and speed it up again. A relieved sigh slide from her lips as she found herself out of sync. Reaching out carefully she sent a call to Pluto, hoping her mentor could hear her. “Setsuna-san?”

  Back in Tokyo, Setsuna dropped her glass to the carpet. Luckily no one was there to see the normally regal woman lose control. “Hana-chan? Where are you?” Setsuna's voice trembled with relief when she answered.

  Hana shook her head automatically. “We are still in the shadow realm sensei.” She quickly filled in her mentor on Iriko and her own status, the fact that they had freed Samuel. Also the fact that Suteko was trapped in the Shadow General's rooms. “Samuel can lead us to her but I don’t think we can penetrate his chambers.”

  “Be patient child. Find the Star Knight and we will find a way to get you out of there.”

  She flickered back into sync and held up a hand to Earth and Minerva. “I managed to contact Pluto.” She let them know that those back on Earth were working out how to help them.

  “You have your powers back?” Iriko hugged her friend. “Does that give us a way to get to Unicorn?”

  “You need to combine your gifts.” Samuel spoke slowly, his thoughts moving like a slow mud slide. “Hana you can pop her into the room without Aki-sama noticing like you did back in the Himalayas.”

  Hana looked thoughtful. “I can take one other with me. Do you think you can convince him you are still under his control?”

  Samuel’s slow smile was answer. He led them through the back halls avoiding the shadow beasts and patrols. He stopped them as Seiya stumbled out of her room heading down to the communal rec hall. Old habits had obviously risen with her resurrection. She was either drunk or high on something. Once she had stumbled into another room the three silently moved forward.

  Aki’s private chambers were two halls from where Hana and Iriko had been kept. Standing outside was a shadow figure that looked more like the grim reaper than anything else. “That is going be an issue,” Iriko whispered.

  ***

  Back on the earthly plane Setsuna gathered a select few. Jaeoh and Gregor with Shayla, Usagi and Mamaru. “Hana has managed to contact me. She and Iriko are free and have managed to free Samuel from control. He is leading them to Suteko.”

  She carefully picked up Persephone, placed her on her lap and stroked the cat’s fur. Even though her charge had only been gone two days on this plane, the cat had changed. The sleek grey beast of a few days before was now matted and thin As if being effected by some thing outside herself. Andromeda, was also a mere ghost of herself but the wise cat rested her head on Persephone’s shoulder in shared pain. While they were very different, the Moon cat had adopted the Crystal cat in the past month. “Persephone can you feel your mistress?”

  The cat lifted her large golden eyes and shook her head slowly. If a cat could shed tears it would be less heartbreaking than that look. “She is alive and in great pain but I can’t tell more.” She put her head back down.

  Usagi’s blue eyes shimmered with her own tears, her prince held her close. “We have to get them out of there but how?”

  Jaeoh and Gregor had spent the time since the women had been kidnapped sparring fiercely and making plans. The news that Iriko and Hana had brought Samuel back to the side of light was good but the anger at Steve and Seiya burned too hotly. It was a toss up who they wanted in their hands more, the traitorous Kouhei or the shadow general. When Persephone told them how Suteko knew Aki it just added heat to the fire.

  “So they are going to free Unicorn? A spy and two Kouhei? Against the shadow army?” Gregor was holding onto his rage very carefully. His partner was taken by his former team mates and a warrior he now respected was being tortured. He was stuck on this plain with no way to reach them. He had broken a lot of masonry in the past two days.

  ***

  Sometimes Fate decides that the players in a drama need a boost. Most times it is a swift kick into trouble but this time it was a helping hand. As Samuel prepared to take on the shadow at the door the conspirators heard Aki. “Get Earth, Yasha. I need you for something else..

  The three looked at each other and shrugged. Samuel gestured for the two women to go back around the last corner and then ambled toward the Reaper. Somehow he pulled out a near vacuous expression as he strolled toward the enemy.

  The hooded shadow spoke, its voice gravely yet ghostly. “The master needs you human. You may enter.”

  Giving the Reaper a look like a patient hound dog, he turned into Aki’s outer chamber. He came to a stop a few feet from the Shadow General, his eyes unfocused, his large hands stuffed into the pickets of his long shorts.

  Aki looked up from a sheaf of papers and nodded. “Good, I need you to keep everyone out of my chambers Samuel." He paused as the harem slinked past, pouting at being sent off to join the Master’s women. “Guard the doorway and let no one in and I will show you how to make your prize follow your every command.”

  Samuel let a trickle of his own power glow in his eyes and pulled out a truly scary smile, letting it slowly grow as if he appreciated the idea of a compliant slave. Inside his mind he chained down his disgust at this man who let his darkness rule him “As you wish Master.” Aki headed out, taking the Reaper with him.

  Samuel took up a place just outside the door. Crossing his arms and doing his best bouncer impression. One thing about being wide is that people and creatures didn’t expect you to do more than take orders. After a full five minutes, he felt gentle brush of a hand on his arm. He couldn’t see Time and Minerva but he knew they were heading in. He wished them a silent luck and turned his eyes back to scan the hallway.

  Time led Minerva into the general’s rooms. Unlike the cold rooms they had awakened in, this suite had some comforts. The big bed at the back was covered in a blood red comforter and a dozen pillows. The walls were hidden behind black silk hangings. It was almost like a bordello with the rich fabrics. Gliding about the two searched for the hidden chamber. They found the hidden door to left of the massive bed. Pressing carefully on a carving, the hidden door sung open slowly.

  Minerva stepped inside, blinking to help her eyes focus in the dim dead feeling room. Once her eyes adjusted she let out a small gasp. “Hana..” her voice cracked as she took in the scene in front of her. Time took a quick look about before joining Minerva. She too let out a small gasp. Hanging from the ceiling with her arms out spread was Unicorn. A very damaged Unicorn.

  Her uniform was blackened in places, bloody in others. Unlike when she had first met Unicorn or even after the Tengu battle, there seemed to be no place unmarked. Her normally tight braid had been undone and her raven’s wing black hair was totally covering her face. “How did she hold onto her transformation?” Minerva moved forward one hand outstretched. She paused a few inches from Unicorn's face, afraid of what she might find. Taking a deep breath she brushed her fingertips through Unicorn’s hair. She jumped back as a moan rose up. “Time help me!”

  Hana moved forward, studying the chains. They disappeared into the ceiling, which was shrouded in darkness. As Time tried to find a release, Minerva gently cupped Unicorn’s chin and lifted her head. The face she saw was swollen and bloody in places. Bruises from Aki’s beating had distorted the fine features. Unicorn’s eyes were closed. “Suteko-chan wake up, please.” Minerva whispered. “Please, hear
me. It’s Iriko. Hana and I are here to help you.” When she found no change in the limp form she took a deep breath and slowly slipped into Suteko’s mind. She knew Suteko’s internal landscape thanks to all the time helping her heal.

  Today while the edges were misty and tinged with red and black, there was a spot of green and in its center sat Suteko. In her mind the Star Knight was seated cross-legged on the ground. Wearing a simple unadorned white gi, her belt was the beginners white belt. For some reason this bothered Iriko. From sparring and watching her teach, she knew that Suteko was black belt in a few disciplines. She walked to her, pushing through some type of resistance, like mud, to stand in front of the Star Knight.

  Suteko’s eyes were closed here too. Her face was peaceful, almost serene. Her hands were resting loosely on her knees. “Suteko-chan can you hear me?”

  “Yes,” she answered without moving or opening her eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  “No.”

  Iriko bit her lip. “We have to get out of here Suteko. You need to wake up.”

  Suteko sat quietly for a few long breaths. Then her face took on a pained look before she nodded. “All right.”

  A moment later Iriko was back inside her own head. As she gasped a shudder passed over the limp figure as a louder moan slipped out. Unicorn took a ragged breath and lifted her head, whispering. “You have got to stay out of my head Minerva.” The words were slurred and slow. Iriko wrapped her arms about Suteko’s hips, lifting her up to ease the pressure on the Star Knight’s arms.

  ”Hana get Samuel. We have to get her down.”

  Time nodded and ran out. She came back a few moments later with Earth and a stool she found somewhere. She eased the stool under Unicorn’s booted feet and joined her strength to Minerva’s to help her stand. Earth looked over the chains. “We’re going to have to break them. This is going hurt you Unicorn.”

  Suteko slowly lifted her head again and what he saw there made Earth nod and reach for the links right above where they wrapped about her wrists. Taking a balanced stance he started to pull the links apart. He centered himself and reached deep into the shadow realm. Below the floor, way down deeper than he ever had to reach he connected to the earth. The power flowed slowly into his muscles, just enough so that he could feel the link starting to strain. He blacked out everything. around him including the whispers of Time and Minerva and the stifled moan of Unicorn. He knew he was putting pressure on her arms as he pulled but when the first link snapped he turned to see Minerva holding her up as Time tried to put pressure on a bleeding wound. He pulled a bandana from one of his copious pockets and moved Time’s hands so he could see what happened.

  Picking up her arm he hissed The chain had pulled free of her arm taking glove and skin with it. Aki had somehow embedded the links into her skin before he strung her up. Earth carefully wrapped the large bandana in a crude bandage then checked Unicorn’s eyes. Other than the brief moan she had kept quiet. Her eyes opened and bore directly into his. “The other,” she whispered before closing her eyes and taking a centering breath. He nodded and moved to remove the second chain. This one was more difficult. As if all the shadow power was trying to hold onto its prisoner. He grit his teeth and pulled his arms apart.

  The link snapped and Unicorn collapsed before Time and Minerva could catch her. Quickly pulling out a second bandana, he repeated the bandaging. It was crude and not at all sanitary but it would have to do.

  The shock had sent Unicorn back to a semi-conscious state. Earth quickly scooped her up, gently cradling the wounded Knight. “Hana now would be a good time for a lift out of here.”

  Time nodded and reached. “Setsuna?”

  ***

  Pluto paused, raising a hand. The argument between Rage and Mars stopped. “Hana? Have you got Unicorn?”

  Hana filled Pluto in on the state of the Star Knight, anger coloring her mind voice as she detailed the injuries and how they found her. Pluto was surprised at the anger in her normally patient and quiet apprentice. While she hid it better than most, Hana was Kouhei and she held much anger at injustice inside her. Once she had conquered the fear that made her Kouhei, she was still filled with anger. “We have done what we can sensei but once we move her from this room we will all be in danger.”

  Minerva held up a hand, keeping the others from leaving the room. “There is some type of magical shield on this room.” She stepped out, reaching with her powers. “Out here that room is not here.” She narrowed her eyes. “Like a dampening field. It is a wonder that we heard the scream Hana-chan.”

  Time shook her head. “No wonder. We created a link to Unicorn back when this began. We are the only ones other than her old team mates who could. It was necessary.”

  Both Earth and Minerva looked puzzled. “Necessary?” asked Minerva as the big man asked. “Who is this woman?”

  “Later, Samuel. We don’t have time now.” Hana told him softly. Again little Hana didn’t sound right. She was more confident, not shrinking into the shadows like she used to. She added a bit more at his troubled look. “Just believe me that she is important to the future.”

  “All right but this woman and the pretty one need to be explained soon Hana-chan.” Hana shook her hair back before her eyes in an unconscious habit, hiding her eyes like usual.

  Minerva hid a blush as best she could by running across the room to the hall door. Reaching out with her mind she was relieved that outside the room her powers were strong. That torture chamber muffled all but shadow powers it seemed. Here in the open she could reach further but not past the hall. She turned back and narrowed her eyes. There had to be a way to shield Unicorn from the dark powers. She had managed a brief shield before she was captured, maybe that would work.

  Samuel was reaching with his senses yet again. Since he woke up back in Tokyo tower he found he could touch Mother Earth no matter where he was. Here it took longer but he cold pull up strength and peace. The older confusion was washed away when he touched the Earth power. He could tell that they were near an exit, a door to the outside. “We need to leave," he started to step into the bedroom when Hana dashed past him.

  She grabbed up the spare blanket on a nearby chair and draped it over Unicorn’s body, tucking in the edges to hide any glimmer of white in the dimness. “That should hide her better.”

  Minerva concentrated and then whispered something. Hana smiled as she felt something move past her and settle about Unicorn. “Step out slow, so I can see if it worked.”

  Samuel stepped out of the room and paused. There was suddenly a sense of eyes on them. The pressure slowly built as they stood there but there was no outcry, no rush of shadows to capture. He moved carefully across the room, all the while following the tug of freedom. “Door is this way.” The girls followed him to the hall and beyond.

  ***

  The Kouhei gathered at Draco’s dojo. The outer senshi were in another room, giving them the illusion of privacy. “This shadow general, Aki. He is the key to getting our family back. He has been in charge of each attack since the first. From Time’s intelligence he has been keeping Unicorn away from Kaneda’s reach in a pocket realm.” He paced, arms crossed before him as he thought out loud. “Now that Unicorn has been taken out of the pocket realm…”

  “We know all this Draco, what we need is a way to reach them.” Rage, while better at planning than the old days, was running hot. His partner, who knew how to keep him calm, was in danger. "With us here,” he stabbed a finger at the floor. “And them over there we can’t plan an assault till we have a way to get there.”

  “Rage, cool. The senshi are working on getting us to the battle. Once we are there, then the Kouhei will teach the shadows a lesson. No one lays hands on Kouhei.”

  If the Kouhei had been paying attention they would have noticed something was going on. The figures had all rearranged themselves. The Shadow Master figur
e was standing above the general figurine with a growing blackness spreading toward it. The green ivy leaf, crystal hourglass and the blue globe seemed to have moved away from them. The unicorn statue was slowly pulsing, a very dim glow as it too moved. On the table unnoticed, the red jade warrior was glowing under the clear glass cover, the Green dragon writhed as the carved oak and blue jade wave rested together. Across the board a group of western astrological figures were grouped in a loose circle.

  Uhanzee blocked out the building argument between his fellow Kouhei and turned his eyes to the table. Oak saw the figures differently than his friends. The teaching of his shaman great grandfather had gave him a different view of the world than others. More so even than his time as Kouhei. Stoic, strong and silent, he had once been arrogant and dismissive of those not of his race and tribe. Meeting the Kouhei had changed him but not as much as Shayla had. The gentle healer who fought to protect those she loved no matter how often she was hurt by them. She tried to help and that raised protective urges in him. They had become one before his first death. He had not been able to tell her that he had come back changed once again. The darkness of his old soul was controlled now. His mind was no longer focused on perceived injustices but on the truth.