A Shadow Fades

Act 4 Scene 11: May 23. 11:00pm. Hours later and good amount of the well-known staples of Oceanview were destroyed. A couple of deaths here and there. The Ninja, along with the surviving ninjas and the police, are giving it their all to prevent any more causalities. The Ninjas are couple of miles from The Headless Dragon Clan headquarters.

Steve: "Sasuke, I don't know how much more we can take."

Sasuke: "I don't know what else to do. If we sit around here, we'll get picked off."

Justin (to Sasuke):  "If the corrupt citizens see an opening and we don't see it coming, we'll die that way." Tohru appears.

Tohru (to The Ninjas): "We almost there, guys. What's the hold-up?"

Sasuke: "Tohru, we all distraught. We just another beating. We've been doing this for hours."

Justin: "There just seems to be no end in sight." Steve throws up near Justin. "Oh, god."

Steve: "I'm sorry. I'll just rinse my mouth out and then I'll be fine."

Tohru: "I can't stand to see you guys like this. We're almost there."

Act 4 Scene 12: The Headless Dragon Clan headquarters. Al is spying on The Ninjas.

Al: "They seem to be getting close." (to Thomas) "Thomas..."

Thomas (to Al): "Yes, Al."

Al (to Thomas): "We need to even the playing field. Prepare our back-up citizens."

Act 4 Scene 13: A couple of miles from The Headless Dragon Clan headquarters.

Sasuke (to Justin, Steve, and Tohru): "I'm done sitting around here, guys. Al wants to fight me one-on-one; that's what he's going to get."

Steve (to Sasuke): "That's suicide. You'll get eaten alive in there."

Justin: "We're going with you. Brothers to the end, remember?" The Ninjas hear a loud footsteps. It's some corrupt citizens that Thomas was ordered to unleash.

Tohru: "We're surrounded." He tries to call in some ninjas. "My communicator has no frequency." The Ninjas try their communicators as well. The same goes for their things as well.

Justin (to himself): "Must be a jammer somewhere."

Al (over loudspeaker): "Attention, Ninjas. The darkest hour is almost upon us. You all have survived a great deal of combat. However, you still haven't killed anyone. The question from me to you, "Why?" Do you fear that if you kill them, you transform into a bloodthirsty demon? I've got news for all of you. This world is a very unstable one. The gruesome deaths of your loved ones are gateway drugs to revenge and murder. Don't you want to kill me, or do you still think you stop me with your words?"

Sasuke: "You son of a..."

Al (loudspeaker): "Unleash hell on The Ninjas!!! Make them suffer!"

To be continued...

A Town's Hidden War part 3

Act 4 Scene 8: May 23. 8:12 pm. Maple St. Mall. The Ninjas are still being targeted by The Shooter from the previous chapter. Sasuke using his kunai knife as a mirror.

Sasuke: "There he is." A bullet hits his kunai knife. "Whoa! This guy is really playing hard-ball."

Justin (to Sasuke): "Should we still call the others?"

Sasuke (to Justin): "I don't think so. This guy has a knee-jerk reaction. I think when he sees or hears anything; he will point and shoot without stopping."

Steve (to Sasuke and Justin): "What are we going to do now? The Headless Dragon Clan probably destroyed 20% of the city right now. They... they... they won. They got suicide bombers, trained gunsmen and escapees from the nut house and what do we got, huh?"

Justin (to Steve): "Calm down. He'll hear us."

Steve: "Sorry, guys. I got worked up. If I die, there's no telling what my brother will do if that happens."

Sasuke (to Steve): "It's okay. I think I know a way to get rid of our current obstacle."

Act 4 Scene 9: The Headless Dragon Clan headquarters. Al Chapman Jr. has The Shooter on his phone.

Al (to The Shooter): "Keep me posted. If you kill The Ninjas, you will have the greatest honor in pressing the main kill switch. Would you like that?"

The Shooter (on the phone): "I would like that."

Al (to The Shooter): "Good, don't forget." Al hangs up the phone.

Act 4 Scene 10: Maple St. Mall. The Shooter uses his sharp ears to hear anything suspicious. He hears a whooshing sound. He assumes that it's a shuriken star or kunai knife. He dodges but it's a net. The net hits him in the stomach.

The Shooter: "Get me out of this thing!" He tries to get out of the net. His gun is a couple of feet from him. "God F-king Dammit!!!" The Ninjas appear. "So, my targets reveal themselves.

Sasuke: "Trigger-happy Masochist. (to The Shooter) "Where are The Headless Dragon Clan?"

The Shooter: "Like I'm telling you." Steve stabs The Shooter in the hand. The Shooter screams in pain. "Okay, okay, they're in at the secret headquarters."

Justin: "Thank you for your cooperation."

Steve: "Let's get going." The Ninjas start to leave. The Shooter start to laugh sinisterly.

The Shooter (to The Ninjas): "The night is still young. Do you 3 honestly believe that you survive the night? This city and its secrets will burn and nobody involved will go to jail. Al knew about the demons that protect this luxurious hellhole. I want to see him and his right-hand men cut your heads off clean."

Justin (to Sasuke): "Sasuke..." Sasuke stares at The Shooter.

Sasuke: "You need to stop talking." He throws a rock at The Shooter's head knocking out. The Ninjas leave quickly before more corrupt citizens show up.

The End... for now.

A Town's Hidden War part 2

Act 4 Scene 5: May 23rd 7:53 pm. 2nd Street. Thomas Nelson Tyson drives his truck to 2nd Street. He parks it and takes a deep breath.

Thomas: "Well, it begins." (to the Corrupt Citizens) "Ladies and Gentlemen, you have orders. Al wants you to unleash Hell onto the city. If a ninja appears, kill them without mercy. If a bystander tries to help them, kill them as well." They open the door and walk out the truck. (to himself) "F-k this, I'm out of here." The phone rings.

Al (on the phone): "Are they out and ready to attack?"

Thomas: "Uh... yeah. Yeah."

Al: "Very good. Get back here. Run over a couple people before you get here."

Thomas (on Al): "Can do." He turns off the phone. (to himself) "No f-king way. I'm not going to do that." He starts the truck and gets out of 2nd Street. The Corrupt Citizens start shooting.

Act 4 Scene 6: A couple of miles from 2nd Street. The Ninjas hear gunfire.

Sasuke: "Shots fired. How many out there?" Steve zooms in with his binocular goggles.

Steve: "I see 8 corrupt citizens. Should we strike or let the others engage?"

Sasuke: "I'll radio Lady Mayumi and some ninjas to resolve the problem."

Justin: "Wait a minute." He points at one of the corrupt citizens. "What's that one doing?" The corrupt citizen pulled a pin of a grenade off. The grenade drops and blows up killing the corrupt citizens instantly.

Steve: "What the hell just happened?"

Sasuke: "We're obviously not dealing with stable people. Al is so hell-bent on destroying Oceanview that he is mentally lobotomizing their stable mind to do unspeakable things."

Justin: "Well, we can't let cops or the other ninjas to walk right into a suicide bomber trap." A gunshot is heard.

Steve (to Sasuke and Justin): "Guys, get down!!!" All 3 duck and the bullet hits the ground a couple of inches from them.

Sasuke: "Someone is shooting at us! Evade!" All 3 drop smoke bombs and the shooter can't find them.

The Shooter (on phone): "Mr. Chapman, my attempt failed. Should I end my life now?"

Al (to the shooter): "No, don't stop until you're out of ammo. Then, you end your life."

The Shooter: "Yes, sir. I will not fail." Al hangs up.

Act 4 Scene 7: The Headless Dragon Clan secret headquarters. Thomas gets out of the truck and runs into the dining room. Al and Dylan are waiting.

Al (to Thomas): "Took you long enough. When morning comes, the city will be a huge graveyard. We will be heroes to those who get pushed around."

Dylan: "This is going to be great. Oh, yeah. This is going to be great."

To be continued...

A Town's Hidden War

Act 4 Scene 3: May 23rd. 6:00 pm. The Headless Dragon Clan secret headquarters. Al Chapman Jr. is looking at his "father" memorial. He then puts his gun in his holster and grabs his katana blade and puts in its holster.

Al (to his "father's" statue): "Sorry, Father. I going to need this sword as well." He grabs the other katana and does the same.

Dylan (to Al): "Everything is ready. So, this is it, huh? The final showdown and the fate of Oceanview are all happening today and onward."

Al (to Dylan): "Indeed." Al calls Thomas on his phone. (to Thomas) "Thomas, is everything ready?"

Thomas (on phone): "Affirmative. I'm ready on this end. I'll be rolling out shortly."

Al (to Thomas): "Excellent. This plan must not fail. You understand?"

Thomas (to phone): "Yes, sir." The phone cuts out. Dylan prepares for a bloodbath of epic proportions.

Dylan: "I'm so happy that you can't imagine."

Al (to Dylan): "It's been a real honor having you join our ranks, Dylan."

Dylan (to Al): "You make it sound like we're lose." Al leaves the room.

Al (thinking): "The Ninjas have been a thorn in my side for too long. This final standoff will determine everything. The town and everyone's fate will be in my hands. I've chosen to accept my new status as a judge, jury and destroyer of this scar-hiding glamour town."

Act 4 Scene 4: Brandywine Manor. The Ninjas are with Donald and some of the students of Oceanview High.

Sasuke (to Donald): "I promise you that I will protect your brother from any threats. Do you accept my promise?"

Donald: "Yes."

Sasuke: "Good." (to Justin and Steve) "All right, boys. Let's get started." (to all non-ninja personnel) "Attention, everyone. Thank you all for coming. We would like to have a few words."

Steve (to everyone): "Tonight will going to be very dangerous. Do not leave this place. If you leave this place, it's your fault. The cops will not accept any defiance."

Justin (to everyone): "Any signs of danger occurs here, you all get into the bunker no questions asked. Is that clear?"

Everyone: "Yes."

Sasuke: "Excellent." (to everyone) "Goodbye." Sasuke throws a smoke bomb and all 3 disappear into the smoke.

Donald: "The Ninjas will save us. I'm sure of it."

Act 4 Scene 5: Outside Brandywine Manor. 6:34 pm. The Ninjas are with the ninja survivors.

Tohru: "About time. I was itching for revenge."

Lady Mayumi: "Everything is ready. Tonight, we put our lives on the line for this city."

Sasuke (to Lady Mayumi): "Right. Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Time to go."

To be continued...

The Shadows' Hard Decisions

Act 4 Scene 1: May 19th. Sasuke's safehouse. Every single ninja is preparing for all-out attack against The Headless Dragon Clan.

Justin (to Sasuke): "This is really it. The point of no return is upon us."

Sasuke (to Justin): "Yup, the following events will change everything once and for all."

Steve (to Sasuke and Justin): "There will be a lot of people who are willing to fight the opposing side. A good amount of them are going to be people we see at the mall, restaurants, school, and neighborhoods."

Sasuke and Justin: "Yup." Lady Mayumi and Tohru appear.

Lady Mayumi: "We're all ready. We await your command, Sasuke." Donald (Steve's little brother) appears.

Donald (to everyone): "You just going to leave." Donald starts to slowly cry. Steve comforts his brother.

Steve (to Donald): "The town needs our help. The Headless Dragon Clan won't rest until everyone is dead. Do you understand?"

Donald: "It was already too late to save Mom and Dad." Donald's head lowers.

Steve: "Donny..." Donald leaves the safehouse.

Justin: "Is he going to the cemetery?"

Steve: "I think so."

Act 4 Scene 2: Oceanview Cemetery. A couple of minutes later. Donald stares at his parents' gravesite. The Ninjas appear.

Steve (to Donald): "I knew you were going to be here."

Donald (to Steve): "Mom and Dad's last words to us was "Good bye". They weren't supposed to die that way. Why did that have to happen?"

Steve (to Donald): "I wish I knew." The remaining ninjas appear.

Donald (to everyone): "So I guess this is it, huh? The last time I get to see my big brother before he goes to war and dies. Go on then. Leave!!!" He then starts to get upset. Lady Mayumi gives Donald a hug.

Lady Mayumi (to Donald): "This is hard for everyone, little one. We want to protect everyone in the town. However, you need to support us in the town's time of need. It's not just the traditional soldier that fights for their values; it's also the people who fight in the soldier's shadows to help them out."

Sasuke (to Donald): "We all have to make hard decisions, Donny. Pretty soon, you need to do the same for yourself. Your parents are still with you no matter what."

All surviving ninjas (together): "We will all protect this city and its citizens!!!" Donny runs to his big brother and hugs him. Everyone smiles and applauds.

The End... for now.

The Enemy's Dark Ritual

Act 3 Scene 21: May 16. The Headless Dragon Clan Headquarters. Al Chapman Jr., Dylan Martyr and Thomas Nelson Tyson are in a meeting. Dylan is in restrains and two corrupt citizens are feeding him.

Al (to the citizens feeding Dylan): "Leave us." The corrupt citizens don't say anything and just leave.

Thomas (to Al): "It's like I don't see their pupils anymore. You sucked their souls out of their bodies. It's amazing that they stay loyal to us." Thomas looks at Dylan. "Now I know why."

Al (to Thomas): "This town, along with so many others, are filled with dark, little secrets. It just takes someone like me to use and manipulate all dark secrets against everyone."

Dylan: "I love it. It's so fun. I killed someone and they didn't even scream."

Al (to Dylan): "It's only a matter of time before The Ninjas show themselves again. You and I will have the privilege to kill all 3 of them." Thomas feels uneasy.

Thomas: "I'm sorry. I need to excuse myself." Thomas leaves the room.

Dylan: "That was weird. What's his deal?"

Al: "I don't know, Dylan. I'll talk to him later. I'll get to the bottom of this situation."

Act 3 Scene 22: Thomas' room. He locks his door and sits on his chair.

Thomas (thinking): "I really don't feel safe. Al is the mastermind. Dylan is a rabid dog. The citizens on our side are pretty much lobotomized slaves. I really don't know what to do..." A knock on the door stopped Thomas' thought.

Al (on the other side of the door): "Thomas?"

Thomas (nervous): "Uh... yeah?"

Al: "I've done some thinking and I think there's something wrong with you."

Thomas: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Al: "If you let me in, I can actually talk to you eye-to-eye." Thomas starts to get more worried. Thomas quickly grabs his gun and slowly unlocks his door.

Thomas: "You can come in now, Al." Al opens the door and Thomas quickly points the gun at Al. (to Al) "I don't want to die, Al! I am scared of you and Dylan. As a matter of fact, I'm scared of you the most because you made me break a crazy animal (Dylan) out of the nuthouse!"

Al (calmly): "You're afraid that you will end up like our army, right?" Thomas can't speak; he just shocked to see Al's calm demeanor and no gun or katana in his hand. "Understand this, you are an important part of this whole thing. Do you want to leave?"

Thomas (still scared): "N... n... no..." Thomas is still hold his gun. "The Ninjas must suffer. It's their fault that they ruined so many people's lives and reputations."

Al: "So, you're staying?" Thomas nods a "yes". "Good. I'll leave you alone to your thoughts." Al closes the door. He hears Thomas lock the door. Al walks away. As Al walks away, he smiles in a scary way. (thinking) "This city will burn and The Ninjas will die."

End of Act 3.

The Shadow's Strategy

Act 3 Scene 20: May 14th. Sasuke's safehouse. The Ninjas and the surviving members of Sasuke's clan are preparing the next move against the Headless Dragon Clan.

Lady Mayumi: "The Headless Dragon Clan will surely do a head-on attack and destroy Oceanview in a matter of days."

Tohru: "The corrupt citizens will do whatever it takes to protect the main 3. They are willing to protect their dark secrets. However, if Al destroys the city, he will probably throw every single corrupt citizen under the bus."

Steve (to Tohru): "Are you saying that we should make a deal with them? That's suicide! They are loyal to their higher ups. They are completely brainwashed."

Justin: "Maybe Sasuke should think of an idea."

Sasuke: "Oh, I don't know..."

Justin (to Sasuke): "Sasuke, The Headless Dragon Clan took everything away from us. Your clan's legacy, your father, my father, Steve's parents, both our homes, Steve's brother's innocence and you don't have a plan. Why do you say that?!"

Sasuke: "Because everyone... I fear that my plan could lead to a darker path. A path that no one can walk away from. None of us have blood on our hands. I would like to keep that blood away from our hands."

Steve: "It's just the Headless Dragon Clan. They are nothing but monsters in human clothing."

Lady Mayumi: "That is true."

Sasuke (angry): "Steve and Justin! I can't believe I trained you guys to be murderers! Lady Mayumi, you have to agree with me that this f-ked up."

Lady Mayumi: "Oceanview and our surviving members will finally have closure if every Headless Dragon Clan monsters die."

Sasuke: "My father and the elders saw something in me that the others never saw. Yes, I engage in hand-to hand combat. There was one thing that made me different."

Steve: "What's that? Let me guess... Tohru knows."

Tohru: "I was a violent troublemaker. Sasuke would see a wounded or dead animal and would start to cry. I called him a p-y, but he would cry louder. Ninjas never show emotions to their enemies, but he would."

Justin: "Sometimes, I forget these things."

Steve: "After almost dying at the hands of Dylan, I realize that you didn't want to kill him. You wanted to reason with him."

Sasuke: "I know it's messed up. Reasoning will never work especially when there are lives on the line. I still think that there is a non-fatal strategy; I know there is one in my head."

Lady Mayumi: "Instead of one mind, we get help from everyone here." All the ninjas appear. Sasuke, Justin, Steve and Tohru prepare to write down every ninja's idea on pen and paper.

Sasuke: "Boys, this is not going to be easy."

Justin and Steve: "We can handle it." Tohru nods a "yes" gesture. Sasuke smiles.

The End... for now.