THE BLOOD OF JIKOMICHI

TWEET-TWEET-TWEET (Bird's chirping outside the iron fist emergency healing room)

As she slowly opened her eyes, the dim light of the emergency room pierced through her gaze. But something was off. Her eyes, once a bright, sparkling brown, now seemed dull and lifeless, with a dark red hue that chased away the birds chirping outside the window. And her pupils... they had transformed into vertical slits, like those of a serpent.

Meanwhile, miles away in the secluded laboratory of Xaphan, another figure stirred. Lian's eyes flickered open, her gaze clouded by the haze of torment. She lay restrained in a hospital bed, chains biting into her wrists and ankles. The faint scent of disinfectant and something more sinister wafted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of machinery. Lian's face, once radiant, now appeared gaunt and pale, her eyes sunken. The same unnatural red hue tinged her irises, and vertical pupils seemed to pierce through the darkness, echoing the serpent-like transformation unfolding far to the north.

Lian slumped, paralyzed by uncertainty, her mind numb and her body frozen in inertia for weeks. A barrage of tests, conducted by the enigmatic Xaphan, had yielded no clarity on their intentions. Her eyes, once a conduit for desperate cries, now seemed drained of tears. A haunting, unreadable expression etched itself on her face.

The silence was broken by the arrival of Zirkyu, Xaphan's loyal disciple, who entered with an air of quiet purpose. Lian's vacant expression didn't change as Zirkyu entered the room. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed dull and lifeless, reflecting the despair and hopelessness that had settled within her. Weeks of uncertainty and relentless testing had taken their toll, leaving her emotionally and physically drained.

Zirkyu's presence was met with indifference, Lian's gaze fixed on some point in front of her, unfocused and unresponsive. Her body, once strong and resilient, now felt heavy, as if anchored to a chair, unable to move or escape.

Zikryu's s eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Lian's condition. "Everything seem to be going smoothly, Xaphan will be pleased," Zirkyu said, voice devoid of emotion. "The breakthrough is near. Try and prepare her for the next phase."

Lian's face remained expressionless, but a faint spark of fear flickered within her. "What did they have planned next? Would I ever escape this living nightmare?" The questions swirled in her mind, but her body remained paralyzed, unable to react.

Zirkyu turned to leave, then paused, glancing back at Lian. For an instant, a hint of curiosity crossed his face, but it vanished, replaced by his usual impassive demeanor. The door closed behind him, leaving Lian alone with her thoughts, her fears, and her unrelenting despair.

As Zirkyu departed, he pondered, "That look on her face... Her face wore the same desperation I once knew before meeting Xaphan. I wish we get this done already."

The stillness in Lian's room was deafening, punctuated only by the faint beeps of medical equipment and the muted sounds of activity outside her chamber. Lian's eyes remained fixed on nothingness, as though trapped in a suspended state of consciousness.

As Zirkyu made his way back to Xaphan's laboratory, a dark and labyrinthine space, his thoughts swirled like a maelstrom. His memory stirred, recalling the hopelessness that once plagued him, that desperation reflected in Lian's gaze.

Upon arrival, Zirkyu found Xaphan actively engaged in conducting experiments on another captive, Si-Fu Hibiki, who lay unconscious.

"What's her status?" Xaphan inquired, turning to Zirkyu.

"Lian's body seems to be adapting well, but her spirit is yet to be fully tamed," Zirkyu replied, his voice measured. "The transformation is progressing as we expected."

Xaphan's attention lingered on Si-Fu Hibiki's unconscious form. The great warrior, once a beacon of strength and wisdom, now reduced to a lab subject. Xaphan's eyes glinted with a mixture of fascination and malice.

"Tell me, Zirkyu, how close are we to unlocking the secrets of the Jikōmichi bloodline?

Zirkyu's eyes narrowed, his expression guarded. "The mysteries of the Jikōmichi clan run deep, My Lord. The manipulation of shadow and light, these are powers rarely seen in our time. But with your ingenuity, and our captive..." Zirkyu's gaze turned to the inert form of Si-Fu Hibiki, "...I believe we are on the precipice of a breakthrough."

Xaphan smiled, a predatory grin. "The dawn of a new age approaches, my dear Zirkyu. The Council of Stars will tremble at our feet."

Zirkyu's visage remained impassive, but inside, his mind was racing. The Council of Stars, the oldest and most powerful governing body in the realm, had stood for centuries, their power unchallenged. But Xaphan's ambition was insatiable, his thirst for power unquenchable.

"Indeed, they will quiver in fear of the shadows that engulf their world," Zirkyu agreed, his voice laced with quiet authority. "But tell me, Lord Xaphan, what of the key? The girl...will she play the part we have envisioned?"

Xaphan's eyes gleamed, his gaze piercing the dimness of the laboratory. "Lian is the crucial element, Zirkyu. Her bloodline, the long-forgotten Jikōmichi clan, carries with it the secrets we need to unlock the true power of shadow and light. But the girl herself, she is an enigma. I sense...something within her, a fire that burns, untapped potential."

Zirkyu, his expression unfaltering, nodded in agreement. "We must tread carefully, My Lord."

"Zirkyu, you have nothing to concern yourself with. I'm pleased with our progress thus far," Xaphan said. "Our success is all but assured. The only remaining piece is Kai, but his inept mentor will suffice as a substitute. Acquiring Hibiki's blood Bujutsu would greatly enhance our plans. Now, keep a close eye on the two while I attend to a meeting."

"Yes, my lord," Zirkyu replied. "A legion of loyal followers has been awaiting your arrival for some time."

"They can wait a few more days for all I care," Xaphan responded. "They wouldn't dare complain, for they're on the cusp of witnessing true salvation. The coming days will bring unprecedented power."

As Xaphan turned away, the shadows seemed to follow him, cloaking his departure in darkness.

Zirkyu remained, a silent sentinel in the gloom, his mind racing with thoughts of the master plan.

The power that awaited them was intoxicating, the vision of a world ruled by darkness, by their will, irresistible. But Zirkyu knew that the path to such dominion would not be without its challenges.

The girl, Lian, and the Sifu Hibiki, they were the keys to their victory.

The silence was shattered by Hibiki's calm remark.

"So, you're targeting Kai now?"

Zirkyu's voice betrayed his astonishment. "You're awake? How long have you been conscious?"

"Awake, and well aware of your plans," Hibiki responded, his voice raspy but resolute. "I may be bound, Zirkyu, but my mind is free. Free to thwart your schemes."

Zirkyu narrowed his eyes, his expression one of cool detachment. "The mind, Hibiki, is not a reliable weapon. Not when one is alone, powerless."

Hibiki's lips curved into a wry smile. "You underestimate me, Zirkyu." Hibiki's voice dripped with subtle menace. "When my pupil, Kai, entered these lands," Hibiki began, his voice laden with quiet menace, "I made him promise me one thing. To guard the Way of Bujutsu, the principles that govern all things, with his life. And I fear, Zirkyu, that you have vastly underestimated the lengths he will go to protect them."

Zirkyu's expression twisted in skepticism. "That's rich coming from you, Hibiki. You abandoned your student to the slums for over a decade, withholding the truth about his parents and heritage. Considering you're responsible for his mother's loss, I'd say you're delusional if you think he'll protect anything after learning the truth."

"I see you've done your homework, Zirkyu," Hibiki replied, his tone still laced with that same subtle menace. "But the bonds of the student-teacher relationship run deep.

"Kai may not be aware of his past yet, but it is precisely his lack of knowledge that will be our weapon. For I have imbued within him a reverence for the Way of Bujutsu, a devotion that will not waver, even in the face of your devious machinations. When the truth reveals itself, Kai will direct his anger not at me, but at Xaphan and the darkness that plagues this world,"

Hibiki continued. "I've known that young warrior for many years; he's more like a younger brother than a student. Sharing moments with him and his mother brought me immense joy. I vowed to protect him at all costs, and I will honor that promise."

Zirkyu sneered. "You speak boldly for someone in your precarious position, Hibiki. I wish Lord Xaphan had eliminated you long ago."

"Your arrogance will be your downfall," Hibiki warned.

Zirkyu's smile grew wider. "You think Kai is unsafe? You're mistaken. We're targeting every skilled warrior in Wushu Guan, overthrowing each sector ruler, and ultimately, we'll bring down the Wushizhu himself."

"The Wushizhu?" Hibiki repeated, his eyes widening in surprise. "You're boldly ambitious, Zirkyu. How do you both plan to confront a warrior of his caliber? Moreover, how do you both intend to find him? He's remained hidden for nearly a decade."

Zirkyu's expression turned stubborn. "If you're fishing for more information, tough luck. I've revealed enough."

Hibiki's lips curled into a disdainful smile. "Tsk. You're overestimating your chances."

"Zirkyu," Hibiki began, the wisdom of a sage coloring his tone, "let me enlighten you with a history lesson, one your master might not have shared. You see, the Wushizhu is not merely a figure of legend. He is the last of the Guoshu Clan, a lineage of warriors whose abilities were said to rival the gods themselves.

Rukh Guoshu, the current Wushizhu, possesses not just raw power but a cunning beyond measure. He decimated his own clan to become the sole inheritor of their power.

You think to challenge this...this juggernaut? Even the leaders of each clan quailed in the face of the Wushizhu's might. Why, it was only through their betrayal, the sharing of dark secrets, that Rukh was able to bring his clan to its knees.

Xaphan may possess powers beyond mortal reckoning, but he is no god, no ancient warrior. And against Rukh Guoshu, no power is enough. So convince you and your stupid master to back out now before you put not only yourselves but others who wanna try and live peacefully in a huge mess."

Zirkyu scoffed, his eyes glinting with defiance.

Zirkyu's anger boiled over, and he grasped Hibiki's neck, his fingers tightening in a furious chokehold.

"Shut up!" Zirkyu snarled. "Think twice before speaking such treason in front of Lord Si-Fu. No one defies us or our army. If you believe you and this village can live in peace, you're sorely mistaken. My goal is to ensure everyone, especially those royal elitists, tastes the suffering I've endured."

Hibiki's eyes widened in alarm, his face turning a deep shade of crimson as Zirkyu's grip tightened around his throat. He tried to speak, but only a strangled gasp escaped his lips.

Zirkyu leaned in closer, his breath hot against Hibiki's ear.

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear, old man. Your village, your precious Wushu Guan, will be reduced to ashes at the hands of my master. And when the smoke clears, we will stand atop the ruins, unchallenged and victorious."

Zirkyu's voice dripped with malice. "With our new army, we'll forge a world tailored to our desires, one where we can do whatever we want.

I was once broken, forced to scrape by in the shadows of Wushu Guan," Zirkyu's voice dripped with venom. "But Xaphan showed me a different path. Now, I'll ensure everyone has a chance to fight back, to survive.

No more elitism, no more oppression. The strong will protect the weak, and the weak will rise to challenge the strong."

Zirkyu's fingers dug deeper into Hibiki's neck, a mix of rage and elation coursing through him.

"This is what you fail to understand," Zirkyu spat. "Xaphan's vision isn't about destruction, it's about equality . A new order where the oppressed and the downtrodden have a place. Under his rule, every being in Wushu Guan will know what it's like to be free."

Hibiki struggled, his eyes rolling back, his lips turning blue. But his voice still found its way through the constricting grip.

"I know how you truly feel, Zirkyu," Hibiki strained to say, "but Xaphan's methods are morally reprehensible and if you don't back out now, you'll both face dire consequences for your actions!"

Hibiki's warning was cut short as Zirkyu's anger boiled over. "Shut up!" Zirkyu bellowed, his face contorted in rage.

With a swift motion, Zirkyu snatched one of Hibiki's twin sais and lunged, attempting to plunge the blade into Hibiki's chest.

Zirkyu's murderous intentions were mere inches from being realized when an unseen force halted his movement, rooting his feet to the ground. An ominous darkness seemed to engulf him, his shadow reaching out, binding his limbs.

"What...what is this?" Zirkyu gasped, his gaze shifting to the source of the energy.

He found Lian, her eyes aglow with a dark, ethereal light. Zirkyu's fury was quickly replaced by confusion.

"How...how are you doing this?" he demanded.

Lian remained silent, her facial expression inscrutable. Lian's footsteps echoed through the chamber as she advanced on Zirkyu, her eyes focused, unblinking. The air around her seemed to vibrate with unseen power, the shadows dancing at her command.

Hibiki's eyes widened in astonishment. "Lian?" he thought, bewildered. "How is she using that power ? Is it possible Xaphan was right and she's from the Jikōmichi clan."

The chamber's temperature seemed to drop precipitously as Lian closed in on Zirkyu, her footsteps echoing through the silence like the ominous toll of a funeral bell.

"I am Lian," she declared, her voice low and unearthly, sending shivers through the air. "And you have committed a grave error."

As she spoke, the shadows behind her appeared to coalesce, revealing two sleek, ghostly blades suspended in mid-air. Their black edges glinted with an otherworldly sharpness.

Just as tension peaked, a voice interrupted the standoff. "That's enough, Lian."

All eyes shifted as Xaphan emerged from the shadows, commanding attention.

"He's not our adversary," Xaphan stated, his gaze encompassing both Lian and Zirkyu. "Instead, you'll be collaborating closely from now on."

"Lord Xaphan?" Zirkyu inquired, surprise etched on his face.

"What's troubling you, Zirkyu?" Xaphan asked, his tone measured.

"Nothing, my Lord," Zirkyu replied. "I merely thought you were meeting with our allies outside. And Lian... how did you gain control over her?"

Xaphan's smile hinted at sinister intentions. "You needn't concern yourself with Lian, Zirkyu. My progress with the Jikomichi bloodline has brought us closer to our objective."

Hibiki's anger boiled over. "What have you done to her, Xaphan?!"

Xaphan's gaze turned icy. "As you see, Hibiki, the Jikomichi bloodline's power is now on my side and soon it'll courses through me as well. Wushu Guan's people will soon face an even darker reality."