The Quest: Book 1 Ch. 4
By Eliad Sholomovich

Chunli was sitting with the group and talking. She then had a stranage feeling. She sensed Ryu was in trouble. She excused herself and went to check on Ryu.Mariko felt the same and followed her outside.

When they left the inn she saw Ryu being beaten by six large men. they ran to his aid. But before they reached him a purple forcefield blocked their path. they tried to kick and punch the field but couldn't breach it.

Then a bright blue flash blazed from Ryu. He jumped up and knocked his attackers back. His eyes glew with blue fire.

He then proceeded to defend himself. A man tried to punch him. Ryu blocked and caught his arm. He used his free hand to slam a fist into the man's ribcage.Then he kicked his abdomen and hammered his back with his elbow.

The man groaned in pain after a loud snaping sound was heard and he fell limp. Another caught Ryu in a bear hug. Ryu kicked backwards and nailed him in the groin then he backfisted him. Then he cupped his hands and nailed him with a Shakunetsu Hadouken.The man screamed as he was lit in red flames.

The other two saw their opponent was now too threatening and both lunged.Ryu ducked punched both in the chest then he spun into a Shinkuu Tatsumakisimpuukayku. When he landed He slammed their heads together.

The other two tried to flee but Ryu nailed each with a Hadouken. They fell limp.

Ryu then closed his eyes and shook his head. He turned to normal and saw Chunli and Mariko. They was wide eyed in amazment never had they seen Ryu fight with such ferocity against any foe.

Ryu approached them and the forcefield somehow disapperared. Ryu was bleeding from many wounds. His body was bruised and aching but he ignored it.

Chunli and Mariko backed away. Ryu raised a brow "Whats wrong?" Chunli pointed at the six injured barbarians. "I..I don't know what hapened to me. One minute I was uncontious then a green flash and I was here. Why can't I remember?" Ryu then fell on one knee holding his broken ribs.

Chunli and Mariko looked at him scanning his face and tone. They knew he was telling the truth."Nevermind come on we need to take you to bed you don't look so good" Chunli said.

Ryu nodded and followed her back to the inn. Mariko sat back next to Mel and held his arm. Then she told them what she saw while Chunli helped Ryu to their room.

Shadowbane was in the shadows. He rubbed his chin "What power the dragon holds. I never dreamt controling another could be so fun. Nevermind I must give them the new instructions."

Shadowbane entered the inn from the front door. Ken saw him and pointed at him. The group save Ryu and Chunli that went to the room turned to him. They looked at them in a murderous look.

Shadowbane approached their table. "Here are the things you must find. By the way Tell Ryu I enjoyed using his true potential" He grinned and put a scroll on the table and turned to leave.

They lost their temper and lunged at him "You b*st*rd We'll kill you" they lept on Shadowbane. Shadowbane spun around and crossed his hands.Purple energy surrounded him and hit all the group. They flew off him and crashed into various furniture around the inn.

Shadowbane threw a bag to the inn keeper and smiled "Its on me" he said. His eyes glew in bright green "Never try such a foolish stunt again little mortals. The next time you assault me like that you'll pay with your worthless lives".

He left the bar. The group got up and sat back at the table and looked nervously at the scroll. Derek was shocked at what he just saw.The entire group was just hurled off him like rag dolls. Baltazar only played with his beard he was deep in thought.

Ken took the scroll "Lets wait with this for tomorrow.We need to rest" The group nodded and went to the rooms the innkeeper gave them.

MEANWHILE OUTSIDE

Shadowbane lept to the second floor balcony. He looked threw a window and heard Ryu tell Chunli what happened to him.He showed his arm injury to Chunli and she gasped. He explained he wasn't comfortable talking about it near the new group and was going to tell her in the evening.

Chunli nodded they kissed and went to sleep. Shadowbane entered the room a hour later threw the wall.He approached Ryu. Ryu opened his eyes and was about to shout when Shadowbane put his hand on his mouth

Shadowbane spoke to him telepathically. "Listen carefully dragon. I trust that from now on you speak to your friends about everything. I tested you tonight to prove that this is one battle you can't win alone. Remember this cause next time when the world sends something at you, I won't interfere and save you"

He put a hand on Ryu's forehead a faint blue aure surrounded Shadowbane's hand and Ryu felt the pain in his blood vanish.

Shadownbane then put Ryu to sleep with a spell. He wiped the memory from his mind and only kept the message. To fight alone will only bring more danger.

Shadowbane grinned and left the room. Things were going great. Ryu would understand this message Shadowbane made sure of that.