The Lost Jinzouningen Saga
A Dragon Ball Super Z spinoff by Deaku
Story 04 ~ Rescue
Brian Phoenix, mayor of the small town of Leom, was surprised by the sudden appearance of a cloaked individual in the meeting hall. A search party was being organized because all the children had disappeared an hour prior. But the stranger had appeared just as they were about to set out.
"You need not look for the children," the cloaked one said in a quiet voice. "They are safe, for now."
"Then you are the one who took them!" Mayor Phoenix accused.
"Oh no, I'm not the one who took them. Some associates of mine have them, I'm just here to give you a message."
"You scum!" One of the townspeople screamed, running at the hooded stranger.
The stranger raised a gloved hand and the attacker was stopped in his tracks. Then was suddenly thrown by an unseen force into the far wall. Several more of the group attacked in an attempt to take down the stranger, but failed. With a wave of a hand, they were all sent flying into the walls.
"Everyone stop this!" the mayor yelled, throwing out his arms to keep anyone else from attacking. Once everyone had calmed down, he turned to face the stranger. "What is the message that you have for us?
"Well, at least one of you seems to have a brain." The cloaked figure said with a slight chuckle. "Tomorrow evening, you must bring all of your money and valuables to the old castle ten miles to the north of here."
"If we do what you say, will we get our children back unharmed?"
"I guarantee that you will be reunited with your children." The cloaked individual told them, then disappeared in a flash of light.
"Do we really do what they what?" somebody asked.
"What can we do? Let's just get our money and valuables together and pray that they don't harm the children." Mayor Phoenix replied.
~~~~~
The first thing that Lore noticed when he entered the town of Leom, was how empty the streets were. The few people that he saw had a very nervous look, and would dart indoors when he walked by. Lore entered the general store to replenish his supplies, since that's why he came to this town in the first place.
"Hello, how are you doing." Lore said cheerfully as he entered.
"H-H-Hello, what can I do for you?" the storekeeper replied nervously.
"I wanted to buy some supplies, I got a list right here." Lore handed the man the list of what he needed.
"Yeah, I got what you need. Just give me a few minutes to gather everything you want."
"No problem, but if you don't mind me asking. Why is this town so empty? I've hardly seen anybody since I arrived."
"Well, I ah, hmm." The storekeeper seemed flustered as to what he would say.
Lore was just about to say something else when a voice came from the doorway. "Everyone is inside praying for their children's safe return."
Lore turned to see who it was, and came face to face with an old man. "And you are?"
"Pardon my manners, I'm Mayor Phoenix."
"Lore Tempest, now what were you saying about the people and their children."
Mayor Phoenix and shopkeeper told Lore of how the all the children had disappeared the day before. Then told of the mysterious cloaked individual who appeared later and gave them the kidnappers demands.
"Maybe there is something I can do to help." Lore said as he put his purchases in his pack.
"No offense, but what can you do? Your only one person against who knows how many." The shopkeeper said with a laugh.
"Don't be rude," the mayor told him. "But as rude as he may be," he said, turning towards Lore. "He does have a point. We don't know how many of them there are, or what they are capable of. The one who brought the message defeated some of the strongest men in our town, with a simple wave of a hand. I think it would probably be for the best if you left town before they are able to do something to you as well."
"Hey don't worry, I know how to take care of myself." Lore gave them a thumbs-up as he walked out the door.
"Do you think he's going to try to save the children?" The shopkeeper said after Lore left. "I think he'll get himself killed."
"I don't know," Mayor Phoenix replied. "I get the feeling that he is more than he appears to be, much more."
~~~~~
Lore was kneeling behind some rocks at the edge of a large meadow. He was looking across at the castle he was told the kidnappers were using. After watching for a few minutes, he saw there was very minimal security. There was nobody patrolling the walls, or the grounds around the place. The only guards that he could see were at the main gate, and they looked like they were about to fall asleep at any moment. Well, they sure seem confident. Then again, I doubt they're expecting anybody like me to drop by.
Lore heard a noise behind him. Spinning around and dropping into a defensive stance, he saw what had made the noise. It was a man wearing a hooded cape and a fighting gi, his face hidden by a mask. The man had drawn a sword and dropped into a similar stance. This guy is good! Being able to get this close to me before I even knew he was there.
The two started circling each other, neither attacking or taking their eyes off one another. Lore found the stranger's stare to be rather unnerving, he also disliked not being able to see his opponent's face.
"Alright pal, I really wanted to wait until I got into the castle before I started dealing with you guys. But if you want to go at it right now, that's perfectly fine with me." Lore told the masked stranger.
"It appears that we were both mistaken about each other's identities." The stranger said, sheathing his sword and walking away. "Farewell."
Lore was a bit confused as to what just happened. "Hey wait up!" He called after the masked stranger, "If we're both here to save the children, why don't we team up?" Lore caught up with the stranger. "My name's Lore. What's yours?"
"Kamen."
"Interesting name. It's nice to meet you." Lore said holding out his hand, but Kamen just keep on walking without saying a word. Lore tried asking more questions, but his companion remained silent.
~~~~~
Kamen and Lore used the forest at the west side of the meadow for cover to get near the castle. They were now standing at the back wall, listening to some kind of commotion from within. Lore kneeled down next to the wall and lowered his hands.
"C'mon, I'll boost you up." he told Kamen. But the masked warrior simply jumped to the top of the wall. "O.K., if you prefer to do that way, that's your choice." Lore just shrugged his shoulders and jumped up to where Kamen was.
At the top of the wall, the pair looked over the courtyard. The commotion was coming from the central hall, it seemed they were having some sort of party. The only people visible were the guards at the main gate, everyone else seemed to be at the party. Scanning the other structures, Lore was able to locate the children in a small building on the south side of the castle.
"It's looks like the children are being held in there." Lore told Kamen as he pointed to the building.
"How would you know that?" Kamen asked rather suspiciously.
"Lucky guess?" Lore replied. Damn, I'd better not do anything the might show I'm something other than human while this guy is around. "Besides, it's the only other building besides the central hall that has any light coming out of it." He gestured towards a small window where there was a faint light flickering.
"So it is." Kamen jumped off the wall and landed in the courtyard below.
"And again, he goes off without waiting for me." Lore said to himself as he jumped down after Kamen.
The two warriors stuck to the shadows to avoid being discovered, which was difficult because it was midday and there were very few shadows to stick to. When they got to the building Lore leapt through an open window. There were no guards in sight and the children were all sitting in a large holding cell, startled at Lore's sudden appearance. Kamen entered through the open door.
"You have no sense for a dramatic entrance, do you?" Lore commented.
"Are you here to rescue us?" one of the older kids hesitantly asked.
"Yeah, that's the plan." Lore told them, as he studied the cell door. Crushing the lock, Lore pulled the door from it's hinges. It made more noise then he wanted, but it didn't seem to attract any attention.
"Wow mister, you sure are strong!" Another one of the children exclaimed.
"It's nothing kid. Now we need to get rid of those guards by the... Hey! Where did Kamen go?"
Lore looked around the room, but Kamen was no where in sight. Looking out the door, he spotted Kamen by the main gate, with the guards unconscious at his feet.
"Well, that certainly takes care of that." Lore said to himself.
After making sure that nobody else was around, Lore signaled the children to head for the gate. Kamen led the children out of the castle with Lore bringing up the rear. As they left, Lore could hear the rest of the kidnappers continuing their celebration. Oblivious to the fact that they're captives were gone.
~~~~~
Kamen led everybody to clearing near the river that ran through the forest. Lore came last, carrying a couple of the smaller children that were having a difficult time keeping up. After questioning the children to make sure they were alright and making sure that no one had been left behind, Lore pulled out the capsule that contained his truck. The kids were happy that they would get to ride home, instead of having to walk the whole way.
Suddenly a siren pierced the air. It was coming from the direction of the castle, Kamen immediately took off in that direction. Lore took off his pack, so it wouldn't be there to slow him down, and threw it into the seat of his truck.
"All right guys, you stay right here. My friend and I are going to make sure those kidnappers never bother you again." Lore took off, running in the direction Kamen went. That actually took longer than I thought. I was almost positive that they would notice the kids were gone before we got to the forest. Instead we were able to get all the way to the river before they noticed.
Lore caught up with Kamen, which ended up being more difficult than he thought. "Guess it's time to bash some bad guys, right Kamen?" The masked warrior gave a slight nod as they continued back towards the castle.
~~~~~
When Kamen and Lore reached the outer wall, they could hear all sorts of yelling and screaming from the inside. It seemed that the kidnapers were blaming each other for letting the children escape. The two warriors took advantage of the confusion and jumped up onto the wall, then into the crowd in the courtyard before anyone could react. They took down several of the kidnappers before they could form any kind of defense.
But one thing that both warriors noticed as they fought, was that all of the kidnappers were wearing the same kind of crystal amulet. Lore didn't know what they were and Kamen made no signs of recognizing them either.
Finally the group was able to mount a defensive against the two intruders. They had at last gotten hold of their weapons, several had guns and other kinds of heavy firearms.
"Kill these Chikushomes!" One screamed, as several opened fire.
Lore leapt up to avoid the gunfire, he then remembered Kamen. Quickly looking over he saw that Kamen was having no problems at all. With a flash of his sword Kamen deflected the bullets coming at him, with another swing he disarmed those closest to him. Lore was amazed at Kamen's skill and speed, he had never seen someone that appeared to be completely human move like that. Regardless of how awed he was at Kamen's display, Lore continued to pound the opposition.
"Monshi!" Someone yelled, followed by a strange whooshing noise. Lore turned to see what it had been. But it was too late to dodge, the micro-rocket hit him squarely in the chest. It exploded, sending several people flying back.
Kamen saw this and rushed forward with the intent of avenging his fallen comrade. He suddenly stopped when he spotted someone within the dissipating explosion. It was now Kamen's turn to be awed, as Lore walked out of the smoke. He was slightly singed and now missing his shirt, but he seemed to be unharmed. A look of scorn was etched on his face.
Kamen, who had been regarding Lore a somewhat of an annoyance, now realized something. He's just been considering this a game, he hasn't even showed his real power yet.
"Onore!" Lore growled in anger.
The one who had the micro-rocket launcher tried to fire off another shot, but his target suddenly disappeared. He felt himself lifted up by the back of his shirt and the launcher ripped out of his hand.
"I do not appreciate getting shot with a rocket." Lore told him. "That also happened to be one of my favorite shirts." Lore proceeded to wrap the launcher around it's owner, then threw him across the courtyard.
Looking around Lore saw that all the kidnappers that were in the courtyard had been defeated. That was too easy, I didn't even see that cloaked messenger. If they're messenger was as powerful as I've been told, you think these guys would have been tougher.
"These guys have "lackey" written all over them, the boss must be inside." Lore stated.
"Agreed." replied Kamen, deciding the questions he had for Lore could wait.
As if on cue, the doors leading to the central hall opened. An ominous red light was shining from within.
"Gee, all that's missing is the creepy organ music." Lore thought aloud, as he headed for the open doors. Kamen just shook his head and followed.
~~~~~
Lore and Kamen walked down a long hallway. Lore thought it was too long, considering the size of the castle. A eerie red light filled the corridor, it did not seem to be emanating from anything, it was just there. At the end of it, was another set of doors. Kamen drew his sword and was about to kick them open, but the doors opened without being touched. Lore just shrugged and entered.
Inside was a large room, four men stood to either side. They were all dressed in finer clothing than the ones outside, but they too had a larger version of the crystal amulets. Across the room on a raised platform, was a large man with silver hair sitting on a throne. Beside him stood a cloaked individual, who Lore guessed was the messenger that he had been told about.
"Well well, you two have actually managed to impress me. I am Deimos" The one on the throne spoke, " I must compliment you two, there are not many that can defeat over two dozen people in such a short time." Deimos stood up, both Kamen and Lore dropped into a defensive stance. "You have impressed me, so now I offer you a chance to join me. If you accept, you shall see you power increased beyond your wildest dreams." He told them as he held aloft his own amulet, which was the largest of all.
Kamen readied his sword. Lore on the other hand, gave an answer. "Hmm, let me think about it," he put a hand to his chin. "How about.... No Way!"
"Very well, if that is your decision." Deimos sat back on his throne. "Kill them!"
The other men that were at the sides of the room clutched their amulets, speaking strange words under their breath. The amulets flashed red and they started to change, bodies expanding and features distorting until they more resembled demons than humans. The amulets were now were embedded in their chests, glowing with an ominous light. Lore tried to scan them as they transformed. But, Unknown Energy Type Detected, was all his computer would tell him.
Roaring, all eight charged at Kamen and Lore. The pair dodged and lashed out with their own attacks. The demon things were slow, but neither Lore's or Kamen's attacks seemed to phase them in the least. All the while, Deimos sat upon his throne and laughed.
Lore let loose another flurry of attacks against one that resembled a minotaur. Striking it's upper body in several places, one blow struck the crystal. The creature reared back and howled in pain. Lore made the connection and swung a second time, striking the crystal hard enough to crack it. Again the creature howled, then it fell to the ground and changed back to human form.
"Kamen! Hit the crystals, it's their weak spot!" Lore called out, striking another one of the things.
Kamen lashed out with his sword, cutting two crystals at once. Causing their owners to howl in pain. The two fighters worked quickly to dispatch the remaining creatures. Soon all eight had reverted back to their true forms.
"Most impressive indeed," Deimos commented as he stood up. "It appears that I must defeat you gakis myself." Deimos's amulet began to glow, then filled the room with blinding light. Neither warrior could see what was happening.
When the light died down, they got a good look at what Deimos had become. He still had a human face, but his body was now covered in golden armored plates with several spikes protruding from his shoulders and other joints. But still, Lore wondered why the one in the cloak hadn't done anything yet.
"Now you two shall die by my hand!" Deimos yelled as he attacked.
He was incredibly quick, Kamen managed to dodge, but Lore was not so lucky. Deimos grabbed him by the foot as he jumped and threw him into the wall. Kamen struck with his sword, but Deimos blocked with his arm then backhanded the masked warrior. Lore kicked back up, ready to fight. His punches rained down onto Deimos's chest, But Lore found that the amulet was not visible. Deimos slammed Lore into the ground, then stomped a foot down onto Lore's chest nearly crushing his rib cage.
Kamen attacked from the right, slashing several times, causing Deimos to back up a few steps. Kamen pressed the attack, managing to put a couple of nicks in his opponent's armor. Kamen then brought his sword down in an overhead slash, sinking his sword into Deimos's shoulder. Deimos roared in anger, punching Kamen in the stomach hard enough to make him loose his grip on his sword. He ripped the sword out of his shoulder and dropped it to the ground, then wrapped his hands around Kamen's neck and lifted him into the air.
Lore saw Kamen being choked so he shoulder rammed Deimos in the back, causing him to drop Kamen. Deimos turned around and swung at Lore, but Lore ducked then preformed an uppercut.
While Deimos's back was to him, Kamen saw a space between the armored plates on his back. Retrieving his sword, Kamen struck the vulnerable spot while Lore kept Deimos off balance. Deimos screamed in pain as the sword sunk into his back and shattered his crystal.
Withdrawing his sword, Kamen kicked Deimos sending him flying across the room. Deimos landed hard on his throne, causing it to shatter under his great bulk. With his crystal destroyed, Deimos quickly reverted back to human form.
"Thorn, I must have more power." Deimos said weakly, reaching for the cloaked individual. "I implore you, give me the power that I desire."
"Iie Deimos," Thorn told him. "You have failed. The children are gone and your followers have all been defeated. Even you lie here, your body battered and broken. All because you got greedy and wanted monetary gain from that town. The master will not be pleased if he does not get the life forces you promised."
"I will get them, I'll take the whole town this time. Just give me the power to destroy these interlopers."
"It is too late for that, the master needs the life forces now. Since the children are no longer available, I'll claim the energy from you and your followers." Thorn raised up a glove hand, Deimos and the rest who were wearing the amulets began to glow.
Lore and Kamen shielded their eyes as a bright flash filled the room. When it subsided they found themselves alone in the room with Thorn.
"Well, that takes care of that. The fool was far too arrogant anyway." Thorn said with a laugh. "As for you two, I must say that I am very impressed with you. I won't bother asking you to join me, since I already know what your answer will be. So I guess I will take my leave. Farewell, we'll meet again my dear warriors." Then Thorn disappeared in a flash of light.
Lore saw something fall to the ground where Thorn was standing. He walked over and picked it up. "A rose? Appropriate for someone named Thorn I guess."
"Let's go, there is nothing more for us to do here." Kamen told him, sheathing his sword.
"Right, let's get out of this creepy place." Lore replied, following Kamen out, still carrying the rose.
As they left the castle, Kamen and Lore wondered about what Thorn had said. Who was the master that Thorn spoke of? What happened to Deimos and his followers? Were there any more groups like the one they had just fought? Would their paths again cross with Thorn's? The two warriors did not know the answers.
~~~~~
The children cheered when they saw Kamen and Lore emerge form the forest. Lore made sure they were all doing okay before getting a new shirt out of his pack to replace the one that had been destroyed.
"I have a question for you Lore. How did you become so powerful?" Kamen asked.
"Now that, is a secret," Lore answered. "But maybe I'll tell you when we next meet." Lore hopped into his truck's drivers seat. "Besides I better get these kids home ASAP, so their parents don't worry themselves to death. Do you need a ride anywhere?"
"No thanks," replied Kamen. "I'd rather walk."
The two shook hands, and Lore started his truck and began the drive back to town. He took one last look back, but Kamen was already gone.
~~~~~
By the time Lore had reached Leom with the children, it was near sunset. The townspeople were preparing to take their money and valuables to the castle, as per the instructions of the kidnappers. But they nearly dropped everything when the truck full of children pulled into town.
The children all jumped from the truck, some jumped even before it stopped, and ran to their parents. There were people laughing and cheering, some were even crying. Taking advantage of all the commotion, Lore recapsulized his truck. He then quietly left town, deciding it would be best if he remained anonymous. His departure was unnoticed, save by one.
"Goodbye, I hope we'll see you again my friend." Mayor Phoenix said as he watched Lore leave.
"Hey, where'd that guy go?" The shopkeeper asked.
"To save more people of course," one of the children told him. "He's a super hero!"
~~~~~
"So that's why I sensed your presence near the crater that day." Gohan said as he sat down on a large rock. "But are you sure it was okay to just let that guy go? He was a Jinzouningen after all."
"I didn't sense any malevolence in him." Piccolo told him. "I doubt he's out to hurt people."
"If you say so Piccolo-san." Gohan replied, he then sensed someone approaching. "Here come Trunks and Juu-chan." He said looking up into the air, smiling.
"Hey Gohan, Piccolo!" Trunks called out as he landed. "Our mystery man appeared again. We're going to see if we can catch him this time."
"You guys want to come with us?" Juuhachi-gou asked.
"No thanks, we'll stay here." Gohan answered.
"Alright, suit yourselves. Let's go Juu-chan." Trunks launched himself back up into the air with Juuhachi-gou and flew off.
"Do you think they'll find him this time?" Gohan asked
"Not a chance. Camper boy will be miles away by the time they get to where he was."
The End
"Hey everybody, Lore here! This time I'll be the one telling you about the next story. In the next chapter, I'll be caught in a really bad storm and take refuge in a small town. There I'll meet someone I thought I'd never see again. Hmm, I wonder who? Or maybe it won't be a person at all, maybe it will be a ghost of someone I once knew."
Lore, will you stop wondering and finish the preview
"I just want to know who it is. Can't you give me a clue?"
No, you'll have to wait just like everybody else. Now will you please finish.
"Oh alright. Please stay tuned for the next chapter of the Lost Jizouningen Saga: Remembrance. Now if you people will excuse me, I must convince Deaku to tell me who I'm going to meet." *cracks knuckles and walks off to find where Deaku went*
