"Who... who are you?" Cloud-Strike stammered, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he tried to resist the compulsion.
The man's laughter echoed through the room, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You are not worthy to know who I am, but I will tell you," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I have many names, and my favorite is Shadow Lightning. And I am Alexi's benefactor."
Cloud-Strike's face was filled with shock and fear, his eyes wide with a mix of terror and awe. He struggled to comprehend the extent of Shadow Lightning's power and influence, and the realization that he was completely at the man's mercy sent a chill down his spine. "Damn it, what has that foolish Prince Jamtoe gotten me mixed up with?" Cloud-Strike thought to himself.
"Lord Shadow Lightning, I ask for your forgiveness. If I had known who you were, I would not have acted out of line." Cloud-Strike's words were laced with desperation and fear, as he tried to appease the powerful Shadow Lightning. "Forgive me, My Lord."
"If you want my forgiveness, there's only one thing you should do," Shadow Lightning said. "Go home to the Scott family ninja Island. From this moment on, the Scott Ninja Alliance is no more. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Lord Shadow Lightning. I understand. The Scott Ninja Alliance will be disbanded, and I will return to the island." Cloud-Strike nodded solemnly, feeling a weight settle upon him.
"See that you do. I will be watching. Any further disobedience will not be tolerated." Shadow Lightning's gaze seemed to pierce through Cloud-Strike, as if searching for any hint of defiance or deception.
"Alexi, there is something I want you to do. Kill every single member of the Scott Ninja Alliance except Cloud-Strike." Shadow Lightning's demeanor changed to one of familiarity as he turned to Alexi.
Alexi nodded, his face expressionless, as he received the orders from Shadow Lightning. Without hesitation, he drew his sword and charged towards the members of the Scott Ninja Alliance. The sound of clashing steel and screams filled the air as Alexi carried out the brutal task, his sword slicing through the ninjas with deadly precision.
When the carnage was over, Alexi turned to Shadow Lightning, his sword still dripping with blood. "It is done, Lord Shadow Lightning," he reported.
"Good. Now, see that Cloud-Strike is returned to the Scott family ninja Island." Shadow Lightning nodded, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
Alexi nodded and turned to Cloud-Strike, his grip firm as he led him away.
As Alexi led Cloud-Strike away onto a waiting boat, the ferryman, who was smoking a cigar, eyed them suspiciously. "Where am I transporting you gentlemen?" the ferryman asked, taking a long drag of his cigar.
"We're heading to the Scott ninja Island," Alexi replied.
The ferryman started coughing. "Those be treacherous waters you're swimming in, but if that's really where you want to go, it will cost ya thirteen gold coins," he said with a smile.
Alexi then threw a sack of gold at the ferryman's feet. "Here you go. There's over fifty gold coins in there, that's for your trouble," he said with a sneer.
The ferryman hefted the sack of gold in his hand, a greedy glint in his eye. "Alright, lads!" he bellowed to his crew. "prepared the Lass for a voyage! Let's set sail for the Scott ninja Island!"
The crew scrambled to obey, their movements swift and efficient as they readied the vessel for departure. Alexi and Cloud-Strike watched in silence, their eyes fixed on the horizon as the boat began to move.
As they sailed, the sea spray misted their faces, and the wind whipped through their hair. Cloud-Strike felt a sense of anger coursing through his veins. "That fucking little bastard! Jamtoe, I should have ended his life for getting me into this mess," he muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing with resentment.
Alexi, standing beside him, shot him a sidelong glance. "Anger can be a useful tool, Cloud-Strike," he said, his voice low and measured. "But it's a double-edged sword. Use it to fuel your actions, but don't let it consume you."
Cloud-Strike's gaze snapped to Alexi, his anger still simmering just below the surface. He knew that his master was right, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of betrayal and frustration that had been building up inside him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his mind continued to replay the events that had led him to this point.
"Jamtoe's actions have consequences, and he shall be dealt with at a later time," Alexi said, his voice steady.
Cloud-Strike nodded, his anger slowly giving way to a sense of determination. He would get through this, and he would make sure that those responsible would pay for their actions. The thought sent a spark of resolve burning within him, and he stood taller, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
The Scott ninja Island loomed ahead, its lush greenery and towering trees a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside Cloud-Strike. When they arrived at the island, Alexi released Cloud-Strike from his grip. "You're home, Cloud-Strike. I suggest you stay home for a while," Alexi said, his voice firm as he turned and started to walk away.
"Thank you, Master Alexi, for giving me another chance to live," Cloud-Strike said, his voice respectful.
Alexi stopped walking and, without turning around, spoke. "Make no mistake, Cloud-Strike. If Lord Shadow Lightning had asked me to kill you, I would have done it. Now go reunite with the members of your clan and your pregnant wife," he said, his voice cold as he disappeared.
Cloud-Strike watched as Alexi vanished into the distance, his words echoing in his mind. He felt a mix of emotions: gratitude towards Alexi for saving his life, but also a sense of unease about the future. The mention of his pregnant wife brought a pang of worry - how was she faring without him?
With a deep breath, Cloud-Strike turned towards the clan's central gathering area. He knew that he would have to face his father, Hiro, the clan's elder, and discuss the future of the clan. He also knew that he would have to see his wife, Akane, and reassure her that he was safe.
As he walked, the familiar surroundings of the island brought back memories of his past. He had grown up on this island, trained on its grounds, and had considered it his home. But now, everything felt different. The island seemed quieter, the trees seemed taller, and the air seemed heavier with secrets.
Cloud-Strike's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching him. It was one of the clan's members, a young ninja named Kaiton. "Cloud-Strike, welcome back," Kaiton said, his voice respectful. "We've been worried about you. Your father has been anxiously awaiting your return."
Cloud-Strike nodded, his expression serious. "I'll go see him soon. But first, I need to see my wife. How is she?"
Kaiton's expression turned somber. "She's been worried sick about you, Cloud-Strike. But she's been strong for the both of you, thinking about the babies."
Cloud-Strike's heart swelled with pride and love for his wife. He quickened his pace, eager to see her and reassure her that he was safe. As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder what his father would say to him, and what the future held for the clan.
When he arrived at his quarters, Akane was overjoyed to see him, and Cloud-Strike held her close, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. But he knew that he couldn't stay hidden away forever. He would have to face his father, and the challenges that lay ahead.
To be continued.......