The man moved like a blur. He reached out for Yi Nou. Shibi’s giant hand grabbed the man’s wrist before he could reach her. He swung him around over his head before slamming him onto the ground. Zen summoned his own blade and went for the man Shibi slammed into the ground.

“Wait!” the man said, raising his arms. “Leatherwing, stand down!” He said.

The bat landed on a tree branch, upside down. Its silver eyes watching them carefully.

“Give me one good reason why we shouldn’t kill you now!” Zen said, a killing intent rising from him and smothering everyone around him with it.

“I am part of the Red Dragon Sect.” the mans said. “We have jurisdiction in this area. So if you kill me…”

Five people came out from the foliage around.

“My patrol party will kill all of you.” The man completed as the five people surrounded.

“How do we know you will not kill us anyway?” Lao said.

Shibi squeezed his wrist a little harder at that.

“Captain, what he says about the Red Dragon Sect having jurisdiction might be true.” Zen said. “They were assigned to keep an eye on Hua Ta during this time of instability and these guys are wearing the Red Dragon Sect uniform. What rank are you?” he asked the man on the ground.

“Head-Corporal!” he said. “Head Corporal Wei!”

“See, Captain? He is even wearing the correct Red Dragon Sect uniform for Head Corporal.” Zen said.

“Then why did he attack us?” Dandan said.

Wei stuttered as he thought of an answer. “Well… I am the Red Dragon Sect. I’ll ask the questions!”

“Fine, but be warned,” Lao said, “If you attack us again, we will be the one killing all of you. Zen… I mean Shibi, please let him go.”

Shibi did as he was asked.

The man ran to his squad.

“Are you okay, Sir?” ONE OF Wei’s men said.

“Shut up!” he said, massaging his arm. “Who are you people and what are you doing here?” He snapped at Team Lao.

“We are from the Blue Swallow Sect,” Lao said. “We were tasked to accompany our charge, Yi Nou, as she delivers a package to Lan Fen.”

“Regent Lan Fen?” Wei said. “She is busy. Give us the package and we’ll give it to her.”

“No!” Yi Nou said in horror. “N-No,” she said, more quietly. “I must deliver it to her hands. That is how my sect does things.”

“Yes, we cannot give you the package.” Lao said.

“Fine, then we will accompany you into town.” Wei said. “But since you won’t give us the package, expect to wait awhile. Of course, that ape cannot come with.”

“Bull!” Chun said. “Is it because he hurt you little arm?”

“It’s because it’s a wild beast. Now wild beasts allowed in town.” Wei said.

“Shibi is a member of our group!” Zen said. “He is my companion.”

“He is still a mindless beast, if my injuries are anything to go by.” Wei said. “It is not allowed in town.”

“Or this is ridiculous. You’re just being a little…” Chun began before Zen held up his hand to silence him.

“It’s fine.” Zen said before turning to Shibi. “Shibi, hang around the outskirts of town for a while. I’ll contact you later.”

Shibi nodded and then disappeared in the bushes.

Zen looked at Wei, who was smiling smugly. “Now, shall we?”

Team Lao was led into Hua Ta town by the Red Dragon Sect members. The towns people looked dreary as they went through their business and the cloudy weather did not help lift the mood. Zen could see signs of a battle everywhere, damaged buildings, messy roads, random debris piled up.

Everywhere he could see, there were Red Dragon Sect members everywhere, some standing guard, most just loitering around.

Wei and his group suddenly stopped. “Alright, you guys can wait here. We’ll deliver the message to Regent LanFen.”

They left them there. Team Lao and Yi Nou waited and waited. Four hours passed and still Wei nor any of his patrol came back.

Chun made to drink from his sacke, he tilted it well above his head and only a few drops of wine came out. “Oh this is ridiculous!” he said getting up. “How long do these Red Dragon idiots expect us to wait here?”

The Red Dragon Sect members that were within earshot looked at the group, angry looks on their faces.

“Quiet, Chun.” Lao said. “And refrain from insulting these people while they are around.”

“Whatever, I’m going to find this Wei character and ask him what’s going on!” he said, stomping away.

“Don’t get yourself killed!” Dandan said. “We won’t be there to bail your stupid butt out!”

Zen sighed. “I better go with him. Make sure he doesn’t actually get himself killed.”

Lao scoffed. “You and Chun have a nasty habit of halving our force.”

“Uhm… Sorry, Captain.” Zen said. “I promise, I’ll try to bring him back as soon as I can.”

She nodded and Zen scampered away.

“I guess its just us girls now,” Yi Nou said.

No one answered her. Dandan looked away, a sulky look her face. On her other side, Lao stood to attention, hands clasped behind her back, her stern gaze analyzing the people around them.

“Yay?” Yi Nou said, as she sat down.