Devin's Quest I

After Demon Keyoto returned to Demon Ninja Island, comatose from a series of severe injuries at the hands of Dark O Fu and his minions, Demon Devin has vowed to leave the clan island stronghold for a few months. She has been angry with Yellow Demon's rule of the clan since Keyoto was abducted on March 29. With Keyoto still in a deep coma, she has little desire to stay with Yellow Demon and the clan after Yellow Demon excluded her from the leadership areas and quarters. Devin plans to go to the CM nation and meet with Zamada, who is under Demon protection.

Demon Devin enters Demon Keyoto's room on Demon Ninja Island while the other Demon leaders celebrate Erisu, Demon Estrada, and Demon Nobu for their part in freeing the Demon Keyoto from Dark O Fu's mine. Devin looks over the comatose Keyoto, having not seen him in months, shocked at his withered appearance. Always willing to second guise Keyoto's decisions, she feels a sense of sadness looking at this once mighty ruler, now motionless on a large bed. The room is dark with a crack of sunlight peering through. She stands quietly for a few minutes and composes herself. She hears the cheers of the Demon army as a great celebration is heard from outside the building. She walks up to Keyoto and looks down on him, deep in thought.

Devin says quietly, "I never thought you'd ever end of like this Keyoto. This clan has gone far since you reformed it. Your father and grandfather would be proud. I don't know how proud you'd be of your Yellow Demon though. He has learned well from you, but has so much more to learn. He has ruined the confidence of some of our closest allies within our territories with his calls for open war when you were lost." Wiping away a single tear Devin continues, "I thought you had no direction when it came to ruling this clan, boy I was wrong. Yellow Demon takes that prize. Listen to them celebrate Erisu, Estrada, and Nobu out there. We are in a war for our survival and they celebrate as if they were victorious. We have a few enclaves with serious doubts about us, pirates and mercenaries that attack our supply and troop ships, two empires who would love to destroy us, a midget general who is about to take over the Union Republic who wants us dead. Nothing being done about it, or very little.  You need to wake up Keyoto and end this chaos. Our fathers would have wanted a mighty Demon nation living in harmony with it's neighbors, not having to depend on anyone, not the CM, not the Kogasuma, not anyone. We are at a crossroad and you need to lead us. I fear for the future as I see things going now. I will be leaving this place for a while Keyoto. Yellow Demon and that bitch Juki Wu have excluded me from the power structure here. I can't help the clan by sitting here doing nothing. We have a weakening alliance with Zamada and I plan to go there and try to re-establish our credibility. I wish you well Keyoto, I hope you heard me in some way."

As Devin leaves Keyoto's room, she is confronted by Yellow Demon and Juki Wu. Yellow Demon asks, "What were you doing in my master's room. Only authorized Demons can see my master. I thought you were leaving us for the summer?" Devin hisses, "I'm just leaving. I was paying my respects to Keyoto before I left. No need to get you panties in a bunch." Juki barks, "How dare you talk like that to your master. He is the clan leader while Keyoto is in coma." Devin replies, "Yellow Demon is a fraud and everyone with half a brain knows that." With that Yellow Demon grabs Devin and shouts, "You will do as I command little girl! I am the leader until Keyoto gets back onto his feet. I want you off this island by sundown. I'm sick of seeing your face." Yellow Demon throws Devin away and he and Juki enter Keyoto's room and shut the door. Devin straightens her jacket and simmers with intense rage. Her hands shaking with the fury from within her. Devin says under her breath, "You will regret laying your hands on me."

That evening, Devin boards a small supply ship heading to the CM port city of Esteama. Edosu runs to the ship as Devin boards. He says, panting from the lengthy run, "Where are you going Dev? I heard Yellow Demon ordered you off the island." Devin says while loading her belongings, "I'm off to the CM nation, probably to see Zamada and a few others. I have no plans to return until fall. I can't live here with Yellow Demon and Juki." Edosu says, "I wish I could go with you but my father has me working on the construction of a new wall on the island's east end. After that's done I will try to catch up with you if you'd like." Devin thinks and says, "Sure! Just don't tell your father or anyone else. I'll send you a cable in a few weeks. Take care of yourself. You are probably the only one here I really care about Edosu." She kisses his forehead and bids farewell. The boat is soon off into the sunset.

After a lengthy journey of a week, Devin comes to Zamada's family compound. She notices the Demon Ninja guards as she rides her horse to the gates. As she tries to enter, several of the guards refuse to let her enter saying, "Yellow Demon gave orders that you were not to enter this place." Devin shouts with anger, "What is he so fearful of? I just want to see Zamada. Let me at least plead for Zamada's permission." One of Zamada's aides brings him to the gate as Devin and the guards continue to squabble. Zamada says, "What is all this commotion. I had a report you were coming here Demon Devin. Yellow Demon has warned me about you." Devin pleads, "I'm sure he did. Look at what he's done for you over the last few months. That's right, nothing. If you let me into you compound I would like to talk to you and your family in private." One of the Demon guards says, "Demon Nobu is only sixty miles away in Sasso Village. We have no need of you here girl." Zamada replies, "I'm quite curious as to why Yellow Demon has warned me about you Demon Devin. Why would he give me such a warning? Why should you be allowed to enter?" Devin replies, "Yellow Demon is fearful of my less then glowing endorsement of his leadership. I also despise his girlfriend Juki Wu. Those two have conspired to discredit me. I want to make a better deal for your protection, one not so dependent on Yellow Demon." Zamada looks around and says, "I shall give you quarters for two nights for now. I would like to talk to you tomorrow. I will have one of my servants take you horse to our stables and they will show you to your guest room." Devin replies, "Thank you Mister Zamada. I appreciate your consideration and hospitality. I look forward to our meeting."

The next morning Devin walks the perimeter of the compound and looks over the beautiful gardens and sculptures that decorate them. Devin thinks, "I wonder what all this stuff is worth. This place would net me a fortune if he ever turned on me." She soon enters the tomb of Zamada's father, former CM Lord Zang. The grave of Zang is deep under the actual tomb and she has to walk down a steep corridor to reach the actual grave which is illuminated in a small room. Devin stands over it and thinks to herself about her life's journey. As she thinks, Zamada and his sister Princess Yi Yama enter the tomb. Zamada says, "I see you found the tomb of my father, Lord Zang. I knew very little of him. He died when I was five and my sister, three. I always wondered what life would be like if he had lived to this day." Devin thinks about her own father as Zamada talks. Zamada asks, "Please tell me what you wanted to do for me. How is Demon Keyoto anyway? I have heard little about him over the past months, since he retuned to your island."

Devin sits on the floor and looks up at Zamada and Yi Yama and says, "Keyoto is still comatose, now going on three months. Some of the Demon doctors are becoming concerned with his length in coma. Some have considered ways of waking him before serious health problems begin. He has had his feet operated on and they are well but he lies still. Twice his eyes opened but they never moved to either side. The doctor reported that he is in a persistent vegetative state . Every day he remains longer in this coma, the greater chance he will never return." Zamada asks, "I heard he had brain surgery by CM Dr. Marcos?" Devin replies, "Yes, and he saved Keyoto's life by draining the fluid from his brain. Yellow Demon and Prowler have taken care of Keyoto for these many months." Zamada says, "I offered some trusted doctors, but the reply was very late and didn't seem genuine. I wanted to help my ally." Devin says, "Yellow Demon only trust the Demon doctors. He should really consider outside medicate help. If Keyoto lays in this coma for the next few months, his brain will turn to jello, if it hasn't already. Who knows what Keyoto will be like if he awakes. His immobility will really work against him. If he awaked even today, he will have a long recover, even if everything goes good." Zamada thinks and says, "So I have to deal with Yellow Demon for the foreseeable future?" Devin says, "If Keyoto awakens, and isn't seriously impaired, he could rule, but will not be able to really lead troops or anything for many months." Zamada says, "I frankly haven't been too happy with Yellow Demon's leadership style." Devin snickers at Zamada's remarks and stands. Zamada says, "So what do you offer me that Keyoto and Yellow Demon don't?"

Devin stands and says, "I am willing to train a team of fighters to protect your compound and the immediate area." Zamada says, "You are just a girl. How could you do this?" Devin briefly simmers at the sexist remark and says, "My father and Keyoto's father were trained in the same Demon style of  Ninjutsu from Keyoto's grandfather. The style my father taught me and the style Keyoto was taught varies a little but I am very familiar with the methods." Zamada says, "What do you want in return?" Devin answers, "A place of my own here in this valley. A safe place. All my life I have been fighting. Since before I was even a teenager, I had to fight for my food, my belongings, and even my life on the streets of the villages of our territory. When Yellow Demon was in Keyoto's cave, I was fighting. When Juki Wu was being raised with her Kogasuma silver spoon, I was fighting." Zamada says, "Some say I was born with a silver spoon as well." Devin thinks to herself, "Oh, shouldn't have said that..." Zamada continues, "I have been greatly disappointed with the quality of the troops Keyoto has sent. I have given him over 750 gold bars ($22 million) as payment for the guards. He has never visited and only sent Demon Nobu and Edosu, and they were moved out when Yellow Demon called for war. I has just left with this regiment you met at the gate. I also have my troops, but they too are not very skilled." Devin says, "Keyoto and Yellow Demon have sent you the Demon troops that barely were accepted into our army. Most of those fools out there are just kids off the street of the villages who couldn't get a job. If the CM attacked, they would either run or lose fighting. If I can train a small group of fighters, I could bring better security to you and this area." Zamada says, "I have to see you fight to see if you are any good. Then I shall make my decision." Devin questions, "Do you want to test me yourself?" Zamada is taken aback, he looks at the intensity of Devin's green eyes as she cracks her knuckles. Zamada says, "Oh no. You would easily beat me. You may be a girl, but you seem very tough indeed. I will choose the best troops to take you on." Devin says, "Then bring them on!"

As Zamada and Princess Yi Yama escorts Devin out of the tomb, he signals to five guards to attack Devin. She is unaware of this and is attacked from behind. Zamada and Yi Yama step away as the group grabs Devin and beings to beat her. Devin curses as  Zamada's troops punch and chock her, but they are unable to force her to the ground. Devin roars with anger as the fight worsens. A sixth trooper jumps in, but Devin remains on her feet as one trooper holds her in a headlock ands a sword wielding trooper tries to slash her. Devin is able to duck as the sword trooper swings, slashing another trooper. She is able to kick the sword from his hands as he tries to counter strike. A soldier to her left continues to punch and kick her, which electrifies her anger.

Devin roars with a sinister rage, grabbing the face of one trooper and gouging his eyes with her fingers. She soon punches, blow by blow, the other troopers and grabs them and  twist their arms until they break. Princess Yi Yama hides behind her brother as Devin's vicious and brutal behavior continues.

After several minutes, the troopers lay on the ground as Devin remains standing, panting, sweating, her face red, her cloths torn, her hair in total chaos. Zamada walks over and with Yi Yama cowering behind him. He orders the troops to be sent to the medical ward. Devin looks up as she inspects her torn jacket and bloody mouth. She gives Zamada a evil glare, Yi Yama looks at her wild hair and the muscles in her arms as she clinches her fist and whispers to her brother, "She is a monster. She is possessed by evil spirits." Zamada says to Devin, "Pardon my order, but I needed to see how well you fight. Those troops were some of my best, they guarded me day and night. I am impressed with the degree of savagery you fought. You unarmed a swords trooper and several men much larger then yourself. I am impressed indeed." Devin hisses, "I have fought so many times, against overwhelming odds, I'm quite use to it. Who else do you want to throw my way?" Zamada says, "No one. I will make a decision tonight about your offer. I must warn you, I have to notify Yellow Demon. For his honor and that of the Demon Ninjas, they have to be informed of your presence." Devin wipes her bleeding mouth and says, "He will be very angry. I'm sure he will send someone to retrieve me." Zamada says, "No one will retrieve a guest in my home. I will buy you a dozen new jackets for you and I will have a nurse tend to your wounds." Zamada walks away as Yi Yama closely follows suit, staring at Devin with amazement.

Late that evening, Devin sits near a quiet pond on the compound's south side. She looks up at the raising moon as she awaits Zamada's decision. Princess Yi Yama slowly walks toward Devin from behind, fearful to alarm her. Devin hears Yi Yama's footsteps and turns. Yi Yama jumps back with fear. Devin says, "What are you doing here princess? I never even heard you talk earlier today." Yi Yama says, "I'm sorry for my rude behavior. I am Princess Yi Yama. I am Zamada's younger sister." Devin says, "You were not rude at all, I've seen rude and you certainly are not rude, just shy." Yi Yama slowly sites near Devin and looks at her orange hair. She says, "I've never seen a woman fight like that. I've never even seen a woman warrior. I couldn't believe you defeated all those troops, single handed." Devin says, "They're a lot better female fighter out there then me. Sometime you have to fight to live, being a girl isn't a factor I'm afraid." Devin notices Yi Yama looking at her with amazement, looking at her hair and her bare arms. Yi Yama says, "I've never seen a girl with orange hair or with muscles like you have. Are you a real demon?" Devin says, "What? I am a Demon Ninja, that's our clan name. We find strength in the demons that our enemies once feared, but we do not worship any demon God. I'm hardly muscular either, I'm only about one-hundred twenty pounds soaking wet. You are kinda creeping me out with those looks?" Yi Yama says, "I'm sorry to be so rude again, you just looked so.....wild and savage when you fought those men. It was as if you were a beast when you fought them." Devin replies, "When you fight, especially being a woman, you have to fight with all the skill and strength you can muster." Devin notices Yi Yama staring and says, "Go ahead, touch my hair, feels just like yours I bet, maybe not as well kept though." Yi Yama sheepishly touches Devin's hair and looks to her arms. Devin says, "You're like a little girl, go ahead, you want to feel my arm muscles?" Devin curls her right arm, Yi Yama gently touches Devin's arm, awed at the size and firmness of her muscles. Yi Yama say, "Pardon my ignorance, I have never seen muscles on a lady like you have or even orange hair." Devin somewhat flattered with the attention questions, "You have never seen any girl fighters? Boy, you don't get out much do you?" Yi Yama says, "I have heard of the Blonde Kunoichi and the Lavender Blade. I hear they have unnatural colored hair as well?" Devin says, "Jill Matsmoti, yeah, she is a natural blond as I am a natural red-head.  JC Fox is a dear friend of mine. She dyes her hair a lilac color. Why are you so fascinated with me and women warriors?" Yi Yama says, "You are so alien to what I know woman to be. We are forced to live by a rigid code of conduct. I am curious about your life and how you chose the path you are on." Devin replies, "I didn't choose this life. It was something I have had to forge for myself. My father died when I was ten and my mom is a drunk who couldn't give two shits about me. I had no close family besides my uncle Vlad, but he wasn't much or a mentor. I had to live on the streets of the villages and steal just to survive. Besides what my father and uncle didn't teach me about fighting, I learned on the streets." Yi Yama asks, "Why do you wear a green mask?" Devin says, "All true Demon Ninjas wear a mask. It is a part of our code, our heritage. As with all ninja, we come from common surroundings, we don't want our identities known to our enemies." Yi Yama asks, "Do you have anyone you love in your life, a boyfriend?" Devin thinks about her questions and says, "Nearly everyone in my life has betrayed me in someway. I don't have many friends. I have a close friend named Edosu, he was here before. He has been loyal to me and we are good friends. Sometimes I get the feeling from him that he is more interested in my dead uncle then me....weird. Most men treat me badly, I hope to find a good man someday. The only other person I care about is my friend JC Fox. She saved me from being beaten to death when I was younger and protected me and has been a true friend, never asking nothing in return." Devin eyes water with tears, "I'm so fortunate to have that." Yi Yama asks, "Do you find my brother attractive?" Devin laughs while wiping her eyes, "He is looking for protection, not a wife. I has born on the wrong side of the tracks for him. Frankly, no offence, he's a good looking guy but not really someone who would value me. We come from different worlds. I'm not really looking for a husband at this time. Maybe when I'm older, if I live that long." Yi Yama senses Devin's sadness and asks, "I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories. I will leave you in peace. Sorry if I acted weird, I hope we can talk again." Devin replies as Yi Yama stands, "Sure, I hope your brother accepts my offer or else I'm on the trail again." Yi Yama walks off as Devin looks into the evening sky and thinks, "That girl is very sheltered."

Yellow Demon has just received a cable from Zamada, informing him that Devin has offered him a better deal, one that would cut off the money to the Demon Ninjas. Gen. Hiroto, Juki Wu, and Edosu are in the room as Yellow Demon shouts, "That little trader. She is trying to cut off our aide and alienate out clan even more. I was grateful she left for a few months, but offering Zamada trained fighters is treason." Hiroto says, "Zamada money is over half of our income. If she turns that off, we will have serious trouble, especially with Keyoto in coma." Yellow Demon says, "I know. I will have to send someone to put her in her place. She's like a little brat. I have to forge a better deal too. This base reconstruction is very costly and we need it finished by the time Keyoto awakens. This Devin business needs to be over by the time he awakens too. Zamada can't get the idea we are divided." Hiroto asks, "Maybe she is better off here, helping with the reconstruction? She is skilled and a good fighter, from Keyoto's line of skill. She also was very important in defending this island during the CLG invasion." Yellow Demon says, "She just needs to learn to respect our clan. She is so power hungry, so much like her uncle. I will think this over, but I grow tired of punishing her."

continues in Devin's Quest II....

by Jesse Nightingale ©2006

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