*Lao and Mei arrive with Kyomi and Aki in the carriage. Mei jumped off and opened the wooden doors, Lao rode the carriage into the warehouse and then stopped and tied the rope around the pole.*

Lao: Ok, last stop passengers we are here at the safehouse. Please make yourselves comfortable.

Mei: *looks at her brother and whispers to him* How long do we have to have them here?

Lao: *whispers back* As long as they like to stay, but we must keep constant watch upon them.

*Kyomi opens the carriage door and looks around. She sees the large warehouse it had weapons from china and weapons from the west stolen from Enma's shipment in Shanghai*

Kyomi: Wow! o_o

*Aki steps out and his eyes open wide.* This really is a nice safehouse. I think we'd be safe from an army here. *The number of weapons was simply amazing along with all the different types. Maybe he should carry around a few more weapons... hehe, he thought with a grin.* Mind if I look around?

Lao: Sure ya can just be very careful with the western weapons, they are very delicate.

Kyomi: *she looks at the rifles racked up in the corner next to one black & white stallion* These are beautiful *touches the rifles admiring the material* These western guys sure did spend alot of money on the material but they lack the craftsmenship.

Mei: True but they are very effective. A continuous 20 men row of these rifles would takeout an army of samurai & our own chinese imperial army.

Wouldn't someone just be able to come up from behind and kill them while they face forward? *Aki asked, looking the rifles over as well and remembering what Hayate said. They would just have several rows of people fire then load whlie the next went to fire. The only flaw he could see was that it would be easy to come up from behind or to the side while the rows faced forward.*

Mei: Well it hasn't been achived but it seems like a good idea. But then again it depends on the commander. A man like Akusai could be clever if he's the type of person I think he is.

Lao: Me personally, i'm not up for these non-honorable weapons but if this is the only way we can defeat them then we must adapt.

Kyomi: Hmm thats something my old crime partner, Mokoto said once. "To defeat the strongest in their enviroment, you must adapt to their enviroment"

*Aki nodded to that.* Honor is all well and good, but it won't do you much if you're dead. You have to fight fire with fire, it is the only way to survive at times.

*Aki picked up the riffle and aimed it at a nearby target.* So how exactly do these work? I know you aim the front at what you want to shoot.

*Mei walked up to Aki and took the rifle*

Mei: These weapons aren't for amatures, but if you must know this trigger lever here *she points at the trigger* is the what helps fire the rifle. These are single bolt firing rifles meaning they only can fire one round per shot.

Lao: ..And trust me Akisu, in the end honor is all you have left....even when you are dead. *Lao walks up the stairs in the room and slams the door*

Kyomi: What was that all about?

Mei: Our mother and father were lost in battle because of something they've worked so hard to establish. They believed that justice had to be seeked and eliminated so honor could be protected for the future. Whether you believe it or not, honor is all you have even in death. It all depends on if you are honorable to yourself in the end.

*Aki sighed. He'd had enough of conversations like this. He had different ideas on honor and such. Sure, he was more honorable than he used to be, but he didn't find it to be the end all be all of everything.*

*Deciding to drop the conversation about honor, he went back to looking at the riffle.* How do you reload it?

Mei: Well according to our advisor in the west, place a round into the barrel like so *places one in* then place a small amount of gunpower in the barrel but not to much or you my cause the gun to explode in your hands. *places a small amount in* Then stuff it with this metal stick *stuffs it* and then you fire it *she then fires it outside the window then looks back at Aki and Kyomi*

Kyomi: Hmm pretty effective but the reloading process is very slow. But I'd guess this is way they have a second and third row?

Mei: Correct, but I doubt Akusai wouldn't be ONLY using these. Their are some from America that he has which I might add from the massive amounts he's been importing over here, must have taken a favorite for. *Picks up an American shotgun* This thing has quickier reloading, observe *She then loads the gun continuously about 8 times then she cocks the handle lever and fires at the wall which makes a spread fire* The American Shotgun has a spread range of fire, knockin down multiple people. Plus there are American long range rifles what could possibly fire from great distances.

Hmm... Enough soldiers with guns could easily take over Japan and China, but Enma wants to take over the world. Which means he'd be fighting the west with their own guns. He's crazy... unfortunately he has enough to take over Japan, so we need to stop him here. Maybe we should help people get guns of their own. *Aki pondered out loud as he looked the various guns over.*

*Lao then returned from the room upstairs holding a long poster rolled up*

Lao: NO! We of the White Lotus do not involve civilians into our fight. This is something we do and we do alone. We have already realized that fighting Akusai head on is impossible. He is one step ahead of everything when he see it coming. So I thought we get him from the inside, *He placed the poster down and unrolled it revealing a warehouse at the Docks* this is the warehouse were he stores the european weapons. We don't have the ones with the American weapons in it because it keeps those locked away somewhere very secret.

*Aki sighed. No one ever wanted to do things the way he wanted. Still, this sounded pretty solid.* So we sneak into the warehouse and blow it up? Or do you want those weapons for yourselves? *Aki didn't mean to come off as snide as he did.*

Lao: Actually, we do have a thought of using some "explosive" action. But we need to be quiet getting in, because if we are spotted going in Akusai's Elite Shinobi and Government guards will surround the place in no time flat.

Mei: ...But there is only one thing we need to know. We were notified that you had another one with u but he died 2 years ago from what we heard.

*Kyomi looked shocked for a second then acted normal and stayed quiet and looked at Aki*

You mean Hiko? I thought he was dead, too, but he isn't. I fought with him against Enma before we were both captured. As far as I know, Enma still has him. I don't know if we should attempt to save him first, or go after the weapons... Probably the weapons, as we know for certain where those are. *Aki grumbled. But what would Enma do to Hiko if they succeeded?*

Lao: He's alive?

Mei: But how....We heard what that horrible man did?

Lao: Wait? You said Akusai has him? Then he should have been in one of the cells down there with u two, right?

Mei: I scouted the place from the time they sent you two in there all the way til I helped Kyomi out. No transports sent anyone else in or out. But there was a load boom near the mountains not too long before we got you Akisu.

Kyomi: Yeah thats right

Hmm... then maybe they didn't get him. I did pass out before they brought me back to Akusai's mansion. He could have gotten away. Do you think we should check the mountain? That's where he would probably go if he did get away.

Lao: Then The Mountains it is.....but what mountain would he be at? I am not too familar of these areas?

Mei: Well If I were Izayoi, then I'd go to a mountain thats the highest and most fearsome...Got any ideas Aki?

Kuro Kaji Mountains, it's where he used to train me and where he'd most likely go. *Aki thought back on the memories he had of that mountain. Of when they first met and Hiko had beat the crap out of him and he still was a little pain in the ass.*

Lao: Then thats where we'll start...gear up but not too much, we don't wanna be too heavy for the horses.

Mei: I hope your right Aki...*sheaths her sword and buckles it to the horse*

*Aki decided to grab a few little things, an extra knife and a few throwing knives. He was well armed as it was without adding more weapons, but he always liked to be prepared.* This should do. *He hopped up onto the horse.* Do you want me to lead you to where we trained?

Kyomi: I should go with you *starts to pack up a bag*

Lao: Mei and Kyomi I believe you should stay in the area who know what could be going on or if he may not be there. You two stay in the area and keep watch on the street while me and Akisu go to the mountain.

Kyomi: But..*looks at Aki* ...just don't get yourself killed thats all.

Mei: We have our duties to do Kyomi, Akisu shall be fine...beside my brother is by his side.

Lao: *Hops on his horse* Yes that would be good to lead the way. *follows Aki's lead*

*Aki smiled at Kyomi.* I'll be fine, I haven't died yet... somehow. *He then grinned and spurred the horse forward and towards the mountains.*

*They make it back to the warehouse from the mountains. Aki still holds Hiko's bag as Lao carries the injured Hiko. He dismounts and helps Lao get Hiko down and to a bed, if there is a bed in the warehouse.*

*After Aki helps Lao with Hiko to bed in an area for medical usage*

Mei: Great Buddah, what happened to him?

Kyomi: Kami help us, who did this to him?

Lao: Not sure but I need you to look after him Mei. He'll need your medical assistance.

Mei: Got it *tends to Hiko*

Kyomi: Aki do you have any idea how done this?

Some sort of explosion with ninjas involved. He was right in the middle of it from what I could tell, though he turned out better than they did. *Aki sat down on a crate of who-knows-what. Some sake would be nice right about now, some food too, but the sake was more important.*

Lao: there is some refreshments in the next room to your right. Mei needs to get a full report on his physical state.

Kyomi: Food huh? hmmm well I haven't had much to eat your right.

Alright. *Aki got up and went into the other room, then quickly came back out with a disappointed and slightly annoyed look.* There's no sake... Why is there no sake?

Lao: Sorry i'm not a big fan of your japanese rice wine. My apologizes, maybe you can head out to the sake house in town. Just becareful since your quite the sore thumb in town you'll be a target try to keep a low profile ok?

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*After half of the day passes by and on the third floor of the warehouse, Kyomi is in the bunks sleeping and Lao Meditates while on the second floor Hiko rests and restores his strength. On the main floor Mei is cleaning and maintaining the stolen weapons Hijacked from Enma's cargo. Mei then working on something with one of the long barrel rifles she then looked around and noticed some tools were missing she went downstairs to the basement to search for the tools*

Right, sure, yeah, cool, so this ends up being the entrance of Darwin? Great place, nice time to do so. Let's hope he'll get out of this one alive and with a clean gi in the end - one he hasn't wet yet, that is. And here Darwin thought his own dad was a jerk. Now he's jumping into scenerios with evil, scary people.

So that window in the mutually unoccupied corner of the room. Ya know, the one with the broken glass behind all of the boxes. That one. The kid will be coming through it and dropping quietly to the floor, right before his sandal slips off his foot and he bangs his head hard on one of those hard, heavy boxes.

Darwin curses to himself, "Crap!" and rubs his head. Great way to get in without looking suspicious. Mighty ninja over here who couldn't get through the front door. All-knowing samurai who accidentally leaves his wood tanto up on the third floor a few days ago because he was too paranoid to choose a better place to practice than some woods or something.

He picks up his sandle and slaps it back on before turning the corner casually. Much to his surprise, someone's there. Not only There there, but also looking at stuff that wasn't there the last time Darwin was here. Stuff that makes the stranger absolutely loaded and otherwise well-equipped.

Sucking in his breath, Darwin backs around the box again and looks for an escape. That window he got in through, regretfully, was too high to get out of. What plan now, genius?

Great, good, the weirdo was going downstairs. Now all Darwin had to do was go upstairs, grab his tanto, and get out of here. Then wipe his memory clean of everything he saw and forget about ever practicing here again.

He goes upstairs slowly, pressing himself sideways up the edge of the stairway so as not to make any wood squeak. Up on his toes like the master of the night he is. On his way, he sees some guy there. But, holding his breath with his hand, he's presumably asleep and that's not something Darwin was going to change any time soon.

With silent tip-toeing, the kid crept along the foor to the other stairway, looking up it carefully to make sure noone was coming. No luck, he can hear movement up there (guy in bed/hammock/bunk/ever you want to call it). Well, that screws the 'getting tanto' plan, doesn't it.

This only left Darwin with one choice: Forget the tanto for now and get his butt back out.

So he starts creeping back over the second floor, right past the sleeping guy hopefully, and towards the stairs down. If the loaded person who's in the basement Stays in the basement, he could slip through the front door... Hopefully. At least, that's his plan.

This is going to take a damned good forever for Darwin to get over the second floor.

*Mei returned from the basement and to her workstation on the main floor. She looked around the main floor and noticed a box tipped over she then goes to the box to pick it up and she sees the window broken into.*

Mei: What the? Damn old Japanese buildings. I hate this country

Every hair would stand up on his head if they weren't curly and protectively covering that forming bruise from last post. He tried hard not to sweat in this casual stroll over the second floor on his toes, but that was hard to avoid. And with every third step his one mis-behaving sandal kept slipping off irritatingly.

He eventually gets past the big, sleepy guy and starts down the stairs, but it stopped short as the one first person is checking out his window. "Crap!" he whispered, then caught his mouth again with a hand. Holding his breath til he turned from dark brown to purple. Well, this wasn't going to work.

Darwin backed up from the stairs to avoid being seen by the awake person. And randomly bumps into some nice cloth material behind him. Nearly tripping over it, infact.

*The boy didn't noticed that Hiko was actually awake the entire time even though he was suppose to rest up his strength. The boy tripped over Hiko's pant leg and Hiko caught him before he hit the floor. He then looked at the kid and whispered* What are you doing here, kid? *He moved them to his room while Mei on the main floor goes back to her workstation*

The surprise from being magically caught by the sleepy guy would have made Darwin wet his pants. Except, and lucky for him, he did his business outside before coming in. It's always good to be prepared, specially when you're intending to throw around a wooden minisword haphazardly for fun.

Instead the kid ended up sucking his breath in more, in doing so hurting his lungs. His face turns from purple to blue, hand still clasped over mouth, when Hiko takes him off like some evil oni blood-sucking monster to a cave.

When in there, he can't hold it any longer and breaths in a huge gasp. Bwaaa... Huuuuuuh!

"Don't eat me!" He eeped out pathetically (and quietly. Smart kid), making quick action to get out of Hiko's arms if he can and backing away if he did. Much much smarter than any other person who'd stay in one place out of fear. No way Darwin was going to let some evil guy hug him.

*Hiko closes the door and lets the kid go*
Hiko: Hey kid I don't know what the hell your talking bout but answer me first. Why are you here? And please don't act like a helpless kid, out of all the kids I have met you no different. So, why are you here?

*crosses his arms leaning on the door*

Darwin now stares at Hiko with huge eyes. Secretly he wanted to cry; it was natural; he was ten years old. Getting into deep trouble would naturally make a kid that age want to cry and ask for his mommy. Is there some problem with this concept?

But it was also completely bright and clear that crying in this situation was the only way he could come up with for getting out of it and if this big scary guy that grabbed him, Violating his privacy! Then told him that crying wasn't going to work, he was screwed!

"Say what?" Was all he could come up with. Darwin backs into a wall and frantically looks for some other exit. Not that he wanted to break both legs from jumping out of some two-story window, but if he got out of trouble in one piece, his mom and dad wouldn't kill him for finding out. Come on, it's bad enough getting shot. It's worse getting smacked upside the head to death by his mom for getting in trouble in the first place.

What now, boy? What are you going to do?

Darwin pointed up, near tears but trying to hold them in. "My my.. sword. I wannit back."

*Hiko knew this kind of kid was just some broken home brat that didn't like his home like but made it a place of safe haven. Hiko hissed at his injuried ribs and chest from the battle with the armored shinobi. Then he regained his breathing and looked at the kid with his one crimson eye since the other one with covered over with a eye patch* A Sword? What sword? What does it look like?

Whoa, dayum, this guy was messed up bad. Darwin is finally taking notice of this when he looks at his opponent pirate/ninja/bandit guy. And he was ripping buff, so either he was beat up from some other buff guy or some tiger mauled him or.. something.

Either way, there was no point in dauddling on things like that. This guy could maybe get him his tanto back. "It's about this big." he puts out his hands to indicate 'small', "And I was playing with it on the top floor forever before you and your yakuza gang showed up - please don't hurt me." The former part was when Darwin realized he probably went to far. He covered his more injurable areas (the head, the chest).

*Hiko looks at the kid's eyes for a moment, and he saw the kid was looking at his wounds especially his torso area his eye narrowed abit. Then looked at the kid while he gave him a visual of what the sword looked like.* And by the way kid i'm not Yakuza....they are so overrated. Plus I'm sure you noticed the girl downstairs was chinese. So please just stop the act, all your doing is trying to make me feel guilty so I'll let you go but then you noticed "oh he can give me my sword back i'll use him". Am I just bout right? *holding his arms acrossed*

"Wrong man! You're way off!" he retorted, but shut up very quickly and looked at the door, gritting his teeth. Waving his hands as if Hiko is the one who started yelling. Cause, ya know, the last thing Darwin wanted was everyone else knowing he was here. So he spills his guts. "I figured out that the one woman downstairs wasn't gunna let me out. She's Loaded, man. Guns and ammo everywhere! And now that you have me all snug in this room, I know there's no way you're just gunna let me walk out free."

"But" he continued, "You also look like the type of guy who could take everyone else in here on, busted up or not. That either means you're the leader and you got into a fight outside of here with some other gang boss that's buffer than you, there's someone buffer upstairs I don't know about, or everyone else here owns one mean and nasty tiger and you're stuck."

"Now you look way too strong to get beaten up easily, so if you do have power around here, you'll see that I'm only a kid and wont cause you any problems. Crap, you could kill me by blinking at me, I see that! So it's obvious you could just give me my sword back, I could scram, and I'll promise you that I'll completely forget ever touching this place again."

*Hiko looked in an amazed glare at the kid, This kid is smart than I thought heh but still dense around the ears. But bottomline he just wants outta here, best not disappoint him.*

Hiko: If you follow the stairs to the main floor there is an extra door but it's hidden behind some big boxes. One of the boxes have nothing in it you can slip through that box and your home free. As for your sword i'll make sure you get it...personally

*Hiko opens the door quietly and whispers* Gook Luck kid...