“So shinobi is a real person…” they were walking along the hall ways while the habitants of Tomakagawa camp take their everyday warm up. Athena, Venus and Odessa were all beside Narcissa while she was mesmerizing all about the place. Athena stood still and never said a word. “yes, Narci…they are all real…all those flicks and fun in the TV. aren’t just fictions…”Venus looked at them thoughtfully.
“live fiction then,” “Yes, maybe…but Narci aren’t you interested in joining them?”
They all looked around and turned to see who was speaking. He was an old man, they could by the color of hid hair but if the body would the basis, well obviously he can’t be classified as one. Athena stepped forward and spoke for them, “I’m Athena Loathern, and we are sent here by a group of women…” she doesn’t want to continue with all the details ‘coz it will her heart plummet if she will. She’d never forget all the night mares they had in the streets of Japan. She thought of a more prosperous life that is why she went with those people, fiendish people. But she always knew it was her fault, it was an accident. Just as then, Venus stepped forward and started speaking,
“how did you know her name?”
“Yes, I was wondering too…” Narcissa interrupted. “nice guess…” was all Odessa said. The man laughed at them, not a cold one but a very warm laugh that made them like him. “child, shinobis don’t guess…they just know.” He ended. “well, anyway I guess you were all hungry by now, why don’t you take those slippers off and come with me?” Athena hesitated for a while but Venus interjected with her reactions. She followed as her sisters came to where the man is. They were all seated to a small cushion on the floor. Odessa wondered why because mostly of the houses they’ve visited people in the house sits on the floor and endures the pain. Well, maybe they are modern Japanese people. She thought not knowing they actually stumbled upon the most ancient clan of the shinobis or ninjas. Athena was still in her spying mode, whether they truly are safe here or not. After all, it’s not safe to trust anyone again…not anybody. The man noticed her in the corner of his eyes. He put his cup down and spoke to her,
“Lady, I know you are still in contempt whether to trust us or not…but you see, you have your choice…we’re not going to force you to trust us but you’re truly safe to stay here…you are very welcome.” He smiled at them and the three sisters were glad. Athena just looked down and continued eating. Venus just looked at her sister and ate up all her food too.

“I wonder what Athena has on her mind…”
“She’s pretty serious this day…” Venus and Odessa stood along the rocky place while Narcissa played with the shinobi children. They stood and agreed Narcissus would never want to leave yet and in fact, the man has offered them to stay until they find help from their relatives which was the impossible thing. The Loathern sisters knew there would be no mother nor father or brother to come look after them, they knew no one would for they were all burned to death with only four of them survived. It was a drastic tragic and maybe the reason why Athena hide all the pain she has just to convince her sisters to go on. In the first place, she was the only one there to care and watch for them. She’s responsible of everything. The universe need not shout it. But her pain was visible to Venus even she seldom lift her eyes to her, even she’d shield her inmost being. Venus knew she was hurt and collapsing but always shows she never needed anybody to put up a thing- headstrong, hard- headed Athena. She has proven that many times. Odessa marched going to Narcissa to join all the kids playing with her and that’s when Athena came.
“Narcissa shouldn’t be playing like that, especially to those kids trained inside the camp…” Venus’ eyebrows met. “why not then? I mean, I sense no harm to them.”Athena never looked at her. “and your senses might be wrong.” Athena was just fourteen but she knew everything that her father told them, all the things she knew about danger, only she hadn’t remembered it when they were actually in danger. She failed to, or did at least tried to do them but there was no chance of winning, not to those fiendish rotting creatures. She thought. Next time, she’d get even with them. Yes, next time. It was almost dark when Narcissa finally decided she was tired and sleepy. After dinner, Odessa pulled her pajama up and handed her the soap to wash her filthy body. Venus settled to a more comfortable place in the room. Well, any place wouldn’t be comfortable ’coz they were no beds and they all get used to sleeping with soft mattresses in their house way back in San Francisco. And that was San Francisco and we are in Japan. Venus thought. She had fallen asleep before Athena do. She was staring outside the door, watching the stars shine on as her thoughts wander around the corner, deep and sharp. She couldn’t exactly tell what she was thinking alone by herself but she was sure it was quite related to what happened to them days ago. But it was past, and nothing can be done to undo it. Sure, it was not her fault but still she was responsible. What if the women never saw them and helped them in the first place? What if the town was just a complete hole filled with darkness that even they screamed so loud no one would ever turn their heads back and follow the sound? What if they were slaughtered alive and kept forever unseen to where they are? What if they- oh come on, give me a break. Give yourself a break, she uttered silently. Justas then, she fell back to the floor warmed with certain Japanese blanket and forget the world outside the camp. Tomorrow is another day.

Everything was red, foggy and the smoke was choking everybody. Athena woke up with a headache but she knew, she needed to get out, fast. She stood light -headed and searched the way to Venus and the rest of her sisters. She only found Venus and Odessa, faintly breathing. She couldn’t get them both out at a time ‘coz their weight combined together is much heavier than her. Athena took Odessa to her arms desperately. Good thing Venus was gaining her consciousness so she needs not to be dragged out. They made their way out to the house even almost of it was half burning. Smoke and fire was everywhere. What could be the reason behind this? But Athena doesn’t have time. She needs to find Narcissus. Yes, Narci where is she? She ran across the field where she left Venus and Odessa and then zigzagged her way back to the burning house. She hasn’t seen the man who invited them in. Must be him the reason of this burning? Oh, I need to find Narcissa. She’s in great danger. Inside the burning and collapsing walls of the house, Narcissa was helplessly burned left side of her body and almost breathing with no life. Her eyes flickered at the sight of the flames eating up everything inside and she knew she’ll be a roasted monkey if she doesn’t make her way out. She knew she couldn’t. Athena, Venus, Odessa… where are you three? Come, get me… I’m burned… please. She said while running out of breath. Then suddenly, all she knew was she was no longer there. Black hole engulfed her. Athena knelt down and shouted her sister’s name, knowing she was inside, burned and would never wake up again. Not ever. Venus and Odessa ran towards her and pulled her away from the burning slicks. The fire almost reached the grass and they ran helplessly, all crying for they lost their sister. For a moment, they were all stunned inside the forest where they knew it’s safe to stay. Odessa was still crying, Venus sat under the tree looking up the sky which was still dark and Athena was standing, her back against the two. They wouldn’t have stayed there and Athena was right. But the three of them insisted and they lost Narcissa, unfortunately. Athena doesn’t want to blame anybody. Not even her. It was still an accident, a suspicious one. She was sure it wasn’t the man who had invited him ‘coz she found him dead inside his room, his gaze help up the ceiling as if been struggling ‘till his last breath and his Katana was broken, not accidentally but purposefully. It’s the way of denouncing a clan or getting rid of it. She thought. So, somebody from the other clan hated the man and now, that somebody just burned up all of his place and their sister was helplessly burned alive. Athena’s jaw tightened so as her fist. Venus noticed her,
“Athena, what are you thinking?” she barely turned to face her. “nothing…can you get to sleep while I go back there and check for-“ but she never finished her statement. Venus stood.
“are you thinking of going alone by yourself? Do you think we can let another Loathern burned in that place?...” there was silence. Athena turned and faces her. “and what do you want me to do? Stay here while our sister’s been calling us for help? While she was hoping for us to save or even protect her?...tell me Ven, how many times should I let that happen?” Venus shut her eyes and she could feel Odessa was doing the same thing. She opened her eyes again and spoke,
“she’s dead…you know that, she’s dead!!!!”
“she’s not!!!we haven’t seen her body yet!!!” Venus started to Athena’s way. She was trying to convince her and Odessa helped too but she was certain. Nothing can change her mind. It was final. Just as then, footsteps racing towards them came and there were black people around them. They wore black, almost not visible to Venus’ eyes. The three of them panicked to gather around each other and soon, they were like a candy surrounded by black ants. Athena was staring up and down to them. She recognized their clothes, skills and everything. Ninjas, she thought. One figure came walking and eventually stopped in front of her. She was just a kid and she doesn’t know how to fight yet even they were taught how to in San Francisco. The Loathern sisters weren’t ordinary. They were born to rule. But as of now, Athena, Venus and Odessa stood frozen in front of the black figures.
“Come with us peacefully and we will not hurt you.” He uttered. Athena could tell the sincerity in his voice but she couldn’t trust them. Another came forward and spoke knowing Athena wouldn’t tell her sisters to move. His voice was kind of mad, a hot- tempered ninja. I wonder how he would have got in here. A female one stepped out and started speaking.
“Please, come with us…we don’t have much time left. They will here soon.” At her last word, another set of people came attacking with fires and guns and Athena doesn’t have choice but grab one of the black people’s hand. Odessa and Venus followed. Again, they were running despite of the thickness of the forest. Venus stepped at the wrong place and accidentally fell and landed in a hard thump. Athena looked back and she was worried she might get caught. She let go of the female ninja’s hand and turned around to help Venus up. Odessa was clinging to another ninja safely. It was a moment of life and death and the three of them understood it clearly. No matter how many they’d run, they don’t care just to stay away from threats. There was a van waiting for them and they were hauled in it. At last, we’re safe. Odessa gave a long deep breath of relief. Athena and Odessa watched over the window as the three ninjas who talked with them a while ago fought for their escape. One ninja gestured the driver to go away and he was speeding up before they knew it. They were now miles away from them, no sound…no burning bush and everything else. They were truly safe, at last. But the three wondered where they were going. The driver seemed to notice their faces. He turned,
“Don’t worry kids…those ninjas are better than tarantulas. They can manage to go home safe.”
Those people are better than tarantulas…yes, which means we have to be more careful now. Athena sat up and looked at him. “Where are you taking us? And why should we come? Who’s expecting us?” her questions were almost desperately asked but at least she managed to get the words out. Her mind was on total disarray and chaos and she could tell her sisters suffer the same thing too.
“easy…don’t rush your questions kid…I know, there are plenty you wanted to know but I’d say I’m not obliged to say anything especially if our master’s not here…I’m not a pure ninja like those three who’ve helped you, you could see…I’m only a driver…but anyway, you’ll know when we get there…for now, relax and never think of anything.”
He went back to concentrating with driving and after some moments, Athena relaxed so as Venus and Odessa. For once, they had forgotten what had happened to Narcissa.
It was almost dawn when they approached an arch with a signage: WELCOME. There was no exact detail to where they are but they were sure, they weren’t in the same disastrous place they had once habited. Venus’ body sore and Athena felt the same thing. Odessa was on the other side of the van, lying with her hair mused a lot. Athena drew nearer to her to check for her and her heart was filled with terror when she felt Odessa was terribly giving unusual hotness of temperature. She called for Venus and she too was worried a lot. But she knew it’ll pass. The driver turned around and talked to them,
“Does she have fever?” the two nodded. The man bit his lips. Poison, he thought. He looked at the kid once again and could tell she was poisoned. He stepped on the accelerator pedal and soon they were speeding up a lot. “How long is it?”Venus shouted. “We’ll be there…hang on…” Odessa was now having convulsions and she was sweating all over. Athena was getting mad and impatience and Venus was crying. She can’t afford to lose another sister, not Odessa or even Athena. Please let her stay. The door of the van burst open as the man hurriedly carried Odessa out of the van. She was terribly shaking. As they approached the white halls of the place, many people dressed in white uniforms met the man along the way with a wheelchair for Odessa. They weren’t nurses, Athena and Venus thought. But they trust them to take good care of Odessa. Athena and Venus were held outside the room. Athena’s muscle tensed. The driver came back and he was now looking quite relieved.
“How’s Odessa?”
“We can’t promise she’ll be fine. But the healers are doing what they could…”
“What they could? Is that the appropriate word? You must do everything to cure her!!!” she grabbed the man’s collar. Athena stood 5’4” at age fourteen so it was easy for her to do it. In fact, the man thought she was eighteen. Venus held her arms. She was two inches taller than her sister and she was twelve years old. Odessa was only ten and Narcissa was eight. The man did not struggle to get her hands off his collar; he could see her anger flowing through her veins and capillaries- an anger that no one could ease but herself alone and not until she’d gotten vengeance to the people who have caused her to grieve.
“Temoto!” the driver eventually looked back and saw another man approaching the hall. He had a cane, he held it on his right and he couldn’t walk properly. Athena and Venus watched him invade the room and soon he stopped in front of them. Temoto showed his utmost respect for the man in front of him. Unfortunately, he spoke Japanese and Athena and Venus couldn’t understand what he was telling the driver. They sat and waited helplessly for any news about Odessa’s progress. After some moments of talking with the cane-man, the driver turned to them and told them they should rest. Rest isn’t a bad thing only if Narcissa wouldn’t show up in their dreams and turn it to a nightmare. Narcissa, Athena suddenly remembered. Is she really dead? Or just waiting there? Or just waiting to be pulled out of that burned place? Oh, both of them couldn’t help from thinking. Venus held Athena’s hand letting her know she’s always there to watch her back even she was told to protect them. They were ushered by three maids in the house which was more or like a laboratory. But when they finally reached the second floor, the mood changed and both were quite relieved. Charms and Crystals. Athena and Venus thought. They supposed it was a Japanese camp but they used charms and herbs to lit the atmosphere up. They are sort of Chinese, both thought. Athena waited for the maids to get out before she finally plunges to a hot bathtub. Venus did the same thing and soon they neither were in a soapy mixture without being worried or troubled by anything. It was good. Athena thought. I know there are awful things waiting for us outside but at least this gives us strength to fight and thanks to those mystery people who have taken us with them. I know they can heal Odessa, I can sense it. They can and I trust them. Venus fell asleep and Athena too. The sun was hot above the clouds but they hadn’t noticed it, the room had thick curtains and no light can easily pass through it.

He stepped on the muddy grass of the shinobi clan and let his men searched everything around them. “Make sure you have scanned everything before leaving. We need to make sure we haven’t failed this time.” He bent down and got a piece of glass and then, he smiled. He knew that every pieces of everything inside the place was complete burned. He outsmarted them and now, he’s free to move without interference and hindrance. He raised his head and noticed a thing moving at the far end. His guard who was beside him actually reached the place first and then he pointed his rifle on it as if expecting there would be something big under the broken piece of the furniture. He slowly looked under it and soon flipped the broken piece out and under it was a body, faintly breathing.
“Leave it…”the man with the rifle hesitated. “Everyone, vacate the area.” Oregon ordered. He was the one responsible for this and now he gloriously smiled at his triumph.”Sir, it’s still alive…she’s still…”Oregon turned and was annoyed. “And what do you want to do with her? Baron, don’t try to tell me you have pity on that thing after you have twisted with your very own ninja clan?” he looked at Baron who was still looking at the body lying on the ground. “She is a kid and innocent. She doesn’t deserve to-“
“Cut the hell off Baron!!! Let’s keep moving!!!”
The others left with Oregon and they were waiting for Baron to approach the van and vanish out of the place. Baron walked slowly and soon realized there was no turning back to what he has already started. It was too late. Oregon had burned up everything in that place and he was with him. All his plans were based on his plans too. He ran ahead and realized he made a ghastly mistake. He’s a traitor a demon. He had killed an innocent child. He did and it was too late. In few minutes, they were leaving the ninja camp. Oregon looked at Baron as he lied his head on the backseat. Oregon was doubting him again but he knew he hasn’t any choice. Baron will be with him until his life runs out, until the universe gets sucked in a black hole leaving nothing but endless vastness and emptiness.

It took Baron forty minutes to drop out of Oregon’s sight. He has been watching him since they have arrived. Now, he was alone in the woods sneaking for an escape. He ran across the woods and soon reached the road. He was more a ninja in doing the escapade by himself. He couldn’t be labeled as one of Oregon’s men. He can’t. Baron has changed his mind. He’s going to save that kid on the ground almost breathless. I just hope she’s still breathing, he thought. But he knew and he could tell that the kid could still breathe and was still alive. He knew. Baron immediately got his car and carefully exited the place of Oregon. He drove as fast as he could as if he has any relation to the kid on the ground. Well, actually he has if he hadn’t quit and left his clan. But even if he wasn’t related to her, he’ll help her out there and soon abandon the kid somewhere else. Yes. That’s the right plan and the right thing to do. He muttered to himself. Besides, you can’t bring her there and let her dwell with you. It’s too dangerous especially Oregon was always watching his back. He sped up and finally reached the ground. He raced up to it and immediately removed the broken pieces of furniture off her. She was still breathing. Thanks. He finally admitted to himself. Hang on kid. You’ll be safe. He carried her on his car and sped off as soon as he reached the pedal by his foot. What’s the nearest help? Oh… that’s some blocks away. Good. Now speed fast, she needs help immediately. Baron was as desperate as he could be. He doesn’t know why he had suddenly changed his mind but pity was the right answer and nothing else. As soon as he reached the place, he immediately called help and was glad there was an immediate answer. He looked at his watch and noticed he was thirty minutes out of Oregon’s place and they would suspect him. He tidied himself up and made sure first the kid was taken care of before he left. He took shortcuts and finally reached Oregon’s place.

It was around seven when Athena opened her eyes. She wasn’t in the bathtub anymore and Venus wasn’t beside her. She almost panicked but the crystals hung over the doorposts prevented her. It was soothing and relaxing. She opened the window and caught gaze of the wonderful sight outside. Wow. Athena thought. She was five when she last set eyes on this kind of spot. She stayed like that for a while and then came a knocked.
“Come in” she uttered. A maid went in and brought her something to put on. It was much better than the night gown she was wearing, she realized. Athena thanked and she smiled. “Ah, excuse me…do you know where the other girl is?” she asked politely. The maid nodded and smiled once again. Athena realized that she understood what she said but couldn’t speak English. She’s pure Japanese. The driver approached the room.
“Ah, I’m sorry to disturb you but Mr. Rinkata was expecting you downstairs.” Athena looked at him with a sudden fury. She remembered what he had said about Odessa and it wasn’t acceptable for Athena’s ears. “Where is Venus? And how was Odessa? Answer me!!!” she suddenly yelled that to him. The crystals hadn’t worked enough. The driver stepped forward despite of the yell.
“Before anything else, I’m Temoto…or better call me Don. I’m the driver here but I’m not the only one. But usually they-“
“Shut the hell up! Answer my questions!!!” at situations like this, Athena was worst. She always wants her questions answered and most of all, she doesn’t want short answers. There must always be an explanation. Don gave a long breath and bowed his head.”Venus is in her room…she’s safe and sleeping but she’s waking up ‘coz the herb just works four hours…and as of Odessa, I’m afraid she hasn’t still wakened up. I guess she was totally poisoned that her body needs a lot of rest.” Athena wanted to yell at him, slap him and take time to slaughter him but it wasn’t his fault, she reminded herself. And she wanted to ask him, “what herb?” but the words were never born. She was too occupied with the thought of losing Narcissa in the ninja’s camp and now Odessa, lying in one of the place’s bed, unconscious. She sat helplessly almost ready to collapse and forget about living. Don held her tight on her shoulders, supporting her. “Kid, don’t worry…you’ll get over this. But right now, I think you’d better get some more sleep. You’re so adamant in dealing with things right now.” Don whispered some words in her ears but she couldn’t understand them. It’s either Japanese or Chinese. She doesn’t care. There was something hauling her, telling her to sleep and when she wakes up everything would be okay.